A Normal Life... [Ranma Fanfic]

[Mike]

"A Normal Life..."
A Fanfic by
Michael Noakes.
(Feb.23, 1996)

Brief Note:
This is only my second Fanfic, and more importantly, my first
attempt at writing anything in script format. I prefer normal
prose, but I'll give it a whirl. It's a nice break from my (way
past due, way too long) Halloween story.
Oh, and I think this may have been partialy inspired by a
recent Fanfic called 'Normal'.

***

LEGAL BABBLE:

Ranma and co. owned by Rumiko Takahashi.
Damax owned by me.
Story mine.
Anything else is someone else's stuff.

***

A Normal Life
Chapter One
Request

"INSERT NIFTY QUOTE HERE."

(The scene opens up over an idyllic Nerima, with calm citizens
blissfully going about their daily business. An odd sound, like a
subdued rumbling, begins to grow in strength.)
(The rumbling grows, reaching a thunderous crescendo. The
ground begins to shake. Pedestrians pause and draw back off the
streets with resigned looks. A chaotic procession runs around a
corner, led by a terrified, red-pig-tailed girl.)

Ranma :Gaaaahhhhh!

(She's running all-out. Behind her, Akane, Ryoga, Kuno,
Shampoo, Mousse, Kodachi, Ukyou, Cologne, Happosai, and a horde of
angry housewives are following.)

Ranma :(pleading) Leave me alone! Leave me alone!
Akane :(angrily) Get back here, you pervert!
Ryoga :(vengefully) You won't escape that easily, Ranma!
Shampoo :(confused) Why you run, Ranma?
Mousse :(menacing) Prepare to die, enemy of women!
Ukyou :(sweetly) Ranma honey! Come back!
Kuno :(enraptured) Come to me, my pig-tailed goddess!
Kodachi :(insanely) HAhahAHaHAhahAha!
Happosai :(deadly) You'll pay for your interference, Ranma!

Ranma :Aaarrrggghhhh!

(They tear down the street, destroying everything that gets in
their way. Ranma manages to produce a burst of speed and put a
little distance between herself and her pursuers.)
(She zips around a corner.)

Ranma :Ah man, I don't need this. Not today. I gotta hide,
somewhere, anywhere!

(She looks around, desperately, still running. Rounding
another corner, she spies a narrow alcove, almost obscured in
shadows, with an open door.)

Ranma :Great!

(She screeches to a stop, then leaps through the threshold,
slamming the door shut behind her. Spinning, she peeks through the
windows. A few seconds later, the horde goes storming past. Ranma
slumps to the ground and sighs.)

Ranma :Whoa. Man, I _hate_ it when that happens.

Voice :(from behind) And who do we have here?

(Ranma spins around, surprised, with a yelp. An old man,
wearing a robe and sporting a long beard, shot through with streaks
of white, is looking at her curiously with sparkling, intense blue
eyes.)

Ranma :Ahhh... sorry. I didn't hear you. (She bows once in
respect.) I didn't mean to intrude. I was hiding from some...
friends.

Old Man :No offence taken, young lady. (notices the sudden scowl
Ranma makes). But perhaps given. You object to being called
young. I apologise. You must realise that, to an old man like
myself, most people appear young.

Ranma :It's not that. I don't think you'd... understand. It's
really quite complicated.

Old Man :Now, perhaps, you offend _me_. I am not senile yet!
Perhaps you'd like to explain to me this complex situation you find
yourself in?

Ranma :(shaking her head) I'm sorry, but I really have to be
going.

Old Man :(Grinning) Are you sure?

(Ranma peeks out the windows again. Akane and Ryoga are
stalking back and forth across the street, glaring into alcoves,
beneath display tables, and into stores. She gulps.)

Ranma :Ahhh... maybe I could stay for a couple more minutes.

Old Man :Excellent! I'll go fetch us some tea, and perhaps a
little food!

(The old man passes through a beaded curtain hanging in a
threshold. The sound of jingling cutlery is heard. Ranma backs
away from the door, removes her shoes, and kneels down before a
short table.)
(The man returns momentarily, carrying a platter with a kettle
of steaming tea and some cups. He sets them down, then gracefully
sits across from Ranma.)

Old Man :And so, my unexpected guest... what is your name?

Ranma :Ranma Saotome, of the Saotome school of Anything-Goes
Martial Arts.

Old Man :(eyes glinting with amusement.) Really? Well, Ranma
Saotome of the Saotome school of Anything-Goes Martial Arts, I am
called Damax Cheineux, of nothing special, really.

Ranma :Damax, uh, Chi... uh, Shin, ummm...

Damax :I know, the pronunciation is difficult, and the name is
strange. It is not japanese. Then again, neither am I. But let
us not talk about me. I wish to hear more about Ranma Saotome, of
the Saotome school of Anything-Goes Martial Arts. What forces such
a pretty young girl to flee into my humble shop and hide? (He
suddenly notices the return of the scowl). I am sorry. I have
offended you again. I apologise.

Ranma :(Taking a deep breath, then sighing despondently). No,
don't apologise. It's not your problem. It's mine. (She sighs
again, then continues in a near whisper.) And Akane's...

Damax :(Leaning forward slightly, eyes glinting over the edge
of his tea-cup) Akane?

Ranma :(Starting slightly) Akane. She's a... friend of mine,
I suppose.

Damax :She must be a very good friend, if whatever troubles you
so is of so great a concern to her as well.

Ranma :Good friend! Ha! What kind of 'good friend' would hit
me with a wooden mallet, HARD, just for trying to be nice?

Damax :(eyes wide) That does seem somewhat harsh... why did
she hit you?

Ranma :(getting excited.) How should I know why that crazy
kawaikunai tomboy does anything? If I insult her, she hits me!

Damax :That does not seem too strange...

Ranma :And if I complement her, she hits me! If Shampoo shows
up, she hits me! If Ukyou show up, she hits me! If Kodachi shows
up, she hits me! (He glares at Damax.) Guess what she does when
P-Chan shows up?

Damax :(hesitantly) She... hits you?

Ranma :(dripping sarcasm). How'd you guess?

Damax :She must be a very jealous friend, if she hits you every
time another girl comes over! She must value your friendship
greatly.

(Ranma pauses for a moment, a look of surprise crossing her
face. Damax just looks at him impassively, his eyes still
gleaming. Various thoughts pass through Ranma's head before he
lets out another deep sigh.)

Ranma :Yeah, right. Maybe if she didn't hit me so often, I
wouldn't be tempted to hang around with those other... friends of
mine. At least _they_ don't try and kill me! Well, most of the
time, anyways. (Ranma pauses.) Like this morning. All I did was
head over to Ukyou's for breakfast. I mean, what's wrong with
that?

Damax :Nothing, I suppose.

Ranma :(throwing his hand up.) Of course not! I mean, Akane
couldn't actually expect me to _eat_ her cooking, could she? I
mean, that stuff's barely fit for a pig... well, except for Ryoga,
of course, but he's worse then a pig...

Damax :I see...

Ranma :And then what happens? Akane gets mad. She whips out
that damn mallet of her, and things go to hell from there. She
starts to chase me around the house, so I head for the outside.
She chases me. Ryoga comes too, raving like a lunatic like he
always does. We pass by the Neko Hanten, so of course, Shampoo
joins up... and wherever there's Shampoo, Mousse is bound to
follow, with that damn ghoul pogo-ing along. Of course, I get
splashed by cold water, and whenever _that_ happens, Kuno just
_has_ to show up! Just my luck he brought Kodachi along. I have
no clue where the old letch came from, and I don't _want_ to know,
but sure enough, he brought along that damn bag of his, and his
horde of angry women! Then Ukyou, wondering why I hadn't show up
for breakfast, shows up too, and, as usual, the group's complete.
Man!

Damax :Sounds fairly complicated!

Ranma :Ah, man, you don't know the half of it. They all accuse
me of playing favourites, or of being 'the enemy of women', or for
being the cause of all their problems! It's crazy!

Damax :You do seem to lead an interesting life!

Ranma :Interesting? It's insane! (She takes a deep breath and
forcefully calms herself down. Without realising it, her voice has
been steadily rising.) Sometimes... sometimes I just wish my life
could just be... more normal...

Damax :(He leans forward with keen interest, putting his cup
down. His eyes twinkle fiercely.) Really?

Ranma :(Lacing her hands behind her back, staring off into
space a bit, seemingly unaware of the old man.) Yeah, normal. I
mean, martial arts are my life, and I'd never give them up for
anything, but somewhere along the path, my life got _way_ too
complicated. No sixteen year old should have to go through what I
do!

Damax :Go on...

Ranma :I mean, three fiancees? At my age? Hell, one's too
many! (Her voice lowers to a murmur again and she stares into her
lap.) Sometimes, I wonder how Akane and I would get along if our
relationship hadn't been forced upon us by our parents... (She
raises her head, shaking it slightly, and her voice regains its
edge.) I look at some of my friends at school, like Hiroshi... he
leads a normal life! He has girlfriends! He goes out on dates!
At night, he does homework, hangs out with friends, watches
TV. On the weekend, he goes to see a movie, or just hangs out with
his friends some more. Me? I'm usually fighting for my life, or
trying to save one of my fiancees from some crazed martial artist.
If I'm _lucky_, I get to go on a training trip!
Heh. At least then it's quiet, and away from the craziness at
home, even if I'm stuck with pop.

Damax :Sounds difficult...

Ranma :You think that's it? I havn't even mentioned my damn
curse! (Her face begins to darken). That damned curse! _It's_
the cause for so much of my trouble! My fiancees, my enemies,
hell, even my MOM! (She saddens a bit.) Although I guess my dad's
to blame too... Man, do I ever miss my mom!
Yeah, I can't help but think that a normal life would be
sooooo much easier. Mom and Dad and me at home; no enemies, no
fiancees, no curse.

Damax :Would life truly be that much better?

Ranma :(Looking directly at the old man for the first time in
a while.) Of course! A normal life! That's all I could wish for!

Damax :(Gives a slight grin, almost hidden beneath his beard,
eyes still glittering. He responds in a smooth, low voice.) You
should really be careful what you wish for, Ranma Saotome, of the
Saotome school of Anything Goes Martial Arts.

(Ranma suddenly shakes her head and stands up, heading towards
the door, slipping her shoes on.)

Ranma :Wow, I sure talked a lot more then I meant to! Sorry to
have bothered you, uh, Damax. Gotta go! (She peeks out the
window. Everything seems clear.) Thanks for everything! Maybe
I'll see you around sometime!

Damax :Maybe indeed, Ranma Saotome. (He stands up, still
grinning slightly, and gives a short bow, before heading back
through the veil of beads.)

Ranma :(thinking) What a strange old man!

(Ranma turns away and grabs the door handle, but stops before
opening it. A shiver of trepidation passes through her. The path
is clear, sure, but her problems remains the same, lurking,
crouching at the Tendo Dojo, or anywhere, really, in Nerima.)

Ranma :(She opens the door and steps forward, thinking) Heh,
a normal life! Yeah, like that's ever going to happen!

(But as she steps through the threshold, a sudden flare of
light blinds her; a strange tingling passes through her, making her
hair stand up on end, while a disorienting wrenching makes her
stomach twist and almost heave. She stumbles, catching herself on
the doorframe, and rubs her eyes, trying to clear them.)
(The spots start to fade, and she immediately notices that
something's not right; actually, that several things aren't right:)
(First, she's male again. That wasn't odd in itself, except
for the fact that he couldn't remember being hit by hot water.)
(Second, he wasn't outside. He was standing in the entrance
to a house... one he didn't recognise. Behind him was a door,
sure, but it led outside, to a neighbourhood he didn't immediately
recognise. Where was the store? The street? How did he get
here?)
(He quickly glanced around, noting the steps that led
upstairs, the hallway that passed through the house, the kitchen
that opened up onto the entrance, his mom cooking over the
stove...)
(HIS MOM!)
(Nodoka, perhaps hearing the strangled yelp, turns towards a
panicked Ranma.)

Ranma :Ack! No! Gotta Run!

(His brain and body suddenly connecting, he hurtles up the
stairs. Below, a voice rings out.)

Nodoka :Ranma? Was that you? Son?

Ranma :(Franticly, thinking) Bathroom. Gotta find a bathroom.
Water. Don't wanna die. Bad, very bad. Seppuku bad. Need water!
(He hears steps coming up the stairs behind him.) Where's a
bathroom? (He spots one, dashes into it, cranks the water on.)
Dammit, that HOT! (He hears the steps approaching, spins the hot
water off, cranks the cold water on, fills a glass with it. Just
before Nodoka comes into view, he upends the glass over his head,
breathing a sigh of relief.)

Nodoka :So it _is_ you! You had me worried there for a moment!

Ranma :Of course it's me, Auntie Nodoka. Heh. Haha. Ummm...
(Ranma tries to laugh, but suddenly realises something is terribly
wrong. His mom is staring at him strangely, and he suddenly
realises that he's still a guy.)

Nodoka :(Sounding a bit confused.) Auntie? Sometimes, Ranma,
I just don't understand you... (She turns away and heads back
downstairs.) And dumping water on yourself! Really!

(Ranma pats himself down once, verifying that he is, indeed,
still male. He gazes into the mirror, dumbfounded. His face,
male, stares back at him. He checks again, to make sure his mom
hasn't killed him. She hasn't.)

Ranma :(Confused, trying to hold down the surging hope within.)
Can it be? (He starts splashing himself madly with cold water,
turns and starts the shower, the water icy-cold.) Nothing's
happening! (Splashes some more.) Nothing! (He leaps into the
shower, drenching himself.) Nothing! (He laughs out-loud with
glee.) I'm cured! I'm cured! I'm never gonna be a girl again!
Never gonna be a girl again!

(He leaps out of the shower, leaving the water running, and
starts running around like a madman, drenched in cold water,
laughing in glee. He charges down the stairs.)

Ranma :I'm cured! I'm cured! Yippee! (He charges into the
kitchen, grabs hold of his stunned mom, dancing around.) I'm
cured! I'm a guy! A guy!

Nodoka :(With a grave look, speaking ominously.) I most
certainly hope so... (Her hand reaches slightly, unconsciously,
towards a katana hanging on the wall. Ranma pales considerably.)
After all, your father swore an oath to raise you to be a man among
men! (Her face suddenly clears, and she gives a big grin.) And of
course, here you are, truly a man among men, a manly man! You do
me proud! (She envelops him in a tight embrace, hugging him
fiercly.) Oh, it is so good to have you back, Ranma!

Ranma :(Gulping slightly.) Uhhh, yeah, of course, uh, mom...
(He recovers from his fear, and then realises he's hugging his mom.
His _mom_. It feels... good. All the pent up emotions - the fear
of seppuku, the anger at his oath, the anguish of being so near,
yet so far, from his mother - begin to break free. He's wanted
this for so long.) M... mom?

Nodoka :(Pulling back slightly, looking up at him.) Yes? (Her
eyes are brimming with tears.)

Ranma :It's... it's good to be back. It's... nice... to see
you. I... missed you, a lot. More then you know. (He feels
something that feels suspiciously like tears forming in his own
eyes, but fights them back, thinking.) I'm a guy now, not a girl!
Guy's don't cry! (He blinks once, to clear his eyes, but it
doesn't help. His throat feels thick with emotion.) But... it
sure is nice to finally get to be with my mom! She won't care if
she see's me cry... Ranko would cry... But... I'm not... Ranko
anymore. (He sighs, regretfully?, then pulls away from his mother,
clearing his throat.)

Nodoka :(Breaking away too, wiping out her eyes.) And I missed
you too, my son. (She then suddenly notices that Ranma is soaking
wet and slightly shivering, and that, thanks to their hug, she's
wet too.) What the... Ranma, why are you soaking wet? Come to
think of it, why were you dumping water on you head?

Ranma :Oh, it's 'cus of... (He pauses for a second, and
suddenly the strangeness of the whole situation slams into him.
Where was he? Why was his mom here? And, as great as it was to
lose his curse, where did it go? Did that old guy, what's his
name, Damax, have something to do with it?) ... of, ah, a special
Martial Arts technique I was trying out. Ah... gotta go!

(Ranma spins and runs out of the kitchen, but stops the moment
he turns the corner. He glimpses back in at his mom, watching her
as she turns away, savoring the feeling of having talked to her,
touched her, been recognised as her son, without fear of dying.)

Nodoka :(Returning to her cooking.) Martial Arts techniques? Sometimes,
I wonder what's gotten into that boy...

Ranma :(Turning away, and heading back up the stairs, softly.)
So do I... mom.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

(Ranma laid back on his bed, staring up at the strange,
unfamiliar ceiling, ignoring the strange, unfamiliar bedroom that
was supposed to be his. A small pile of unpacked boxes was stacked
in one corner.)
(He could hear his parents below, unpacking, joking, talking,
laughing. Strange. Whenever he heard his mom's voice, he kept
expecting to hear the 'growf' of a Panda Bear in response. And, of
course, the high-pitched voice of Ranko. His own voice, but
female. He smiled. Not anymore.)
(He glanced down at the book lying open on his chest. A
diary. A rather suspicious one, actually, especially since he had
never kept one in his life. A quick glance through it had revealed
meticulously recorded details of all the major turning points in
his life. The training trip to China. The detour around Jusenkyo.
The year long stay at Joketsuzoku, where he had been taught the
Kachu Tenshin Amaguri-Ken and the Hiryu Shoten-Ha, where he had met
Mousse, Shampoo, and Cologne, and become friends with them.
Friends, nothing more, not enemies, not fiancees. After the
training, his father and himself had continued on.)
(Further back, he found records of his time in Junior High, of
his friendly rivalry with Ryoga, until he left, a final duel
between them unfinished. That seemed familiar...)
(Even earlier, there were records of Ukyou, though they were
written in a somewhat more childish scrawl. No mention of choices,
though, or of carts. Just a budding friendship that was remembered
with fondness... in the diary, at least. He had completely
different memories concerning Ukyou, and Shampoo, and everyone,
really. The only thing that seemed truly familiar was the part
concerning the Neko-ken training; it seemed that, wherever he now
was, his father had _still_ been stupid enough to toss him into a
pit of starved cats.)
(Ranma sighed. Everything was the same, yet different. All
his skills were the same. He had found a reference to the Shishi
Hoko-Dan: it seemed a wandering construction worker had taught it
to him, after a rockslide had blocked the path of the training
trip. From there, he had developed the Moko Takabisha himself.)
(And of course, near the end, were mentions of the "big move",
as the Saotome family, together once again after the long training
trip, moved back into a larger house, now in Nerima. Tomorrow, he
was supposed to start attending his new school, Furinkan High.)
(Ranma smirks. New indeed. He glanced at the final entry.)

Diary :Today, while exploring this new town, I stumbled across
this strange little shop. An old man called Damax Cheineux talked
with me for quite some time; I told him how I wish my life was
somewhat more exciting. We chatted a bit before I left. What a
strange old man...

(Ranma shut the book. It would be handy as a reference guide,
but he had read enough so far. Nothing much had changed, really,
just the one or two major things. No Jusenkyo. No curse. He
giggled. No fiancees!)
(The laugh died. No Akane?)
(He quickly flipped through the diary, looking for any
reference to Akane, to the Tendos, to the training hall. He found
it about halfway through, while he was still on his decade long
training voyage.)

Diary :Tonight, around the fire, pop told me about the Tendos.
An old friend of his, Soun, had trained under the same master that
he had (although he kinda glosed over that part... I wonder why?).
One night, both drunk, they had been about to promise me, and one
of Soun's daughters, to each other. An engagement! Trust the old
man to think of such a thing! Fortunately, mother stepped in and
put an end to _that_ idea! Still, I can't help but wonder what she
would have been like, this future fiancee of mine...

Ranma :(thinking) Violent, very, very violent. (He then gives
a little smile.) But, kinda cute, I guess. (He suddenly glances
around. No one's around.) When she smiles, I mean. (He looks
back down at the diary.)

Diary :...this future fiancee of mine...
Anyways, without that connection, it seemed the two have drifted
apart over the last decade. I can tell pop's looking forward to
visiting his old friend when we get back, but he's a bit nervous,
too. They've been out of touch for so long...

(Ranma slammed the book shut and tossed it off the bed. He
laced his hands behind his head and gave a contented sigh.)

Ranma :This is... great! I can still go and visit her, and
maybe things will go right this time, without anything weird
happening, and no pressure from our parents! (He stretches, and
muscles that seemed like they had been tensed up with stress for
_way_ too long began to unknot.) I can go to school, and maybe
actually learn something, without someone attacking me! (He throws
his legs over the side of his bed and sits up.) I can go
downstairs, see my mom, and not have to worry about jumping into a
pond! (He stands up, feeling energised, happier then he'd been in
months.) Hell, I can even go swimming, as a guy, for the first
time in... since I swam to China!
Oh man, life's gonna be great!

(With a joyous yelp, he leapt down the stairs, greeted his
dad, kissed his mom, and bolted outside.

Nodoka :(Yelling as he rushes out the door.) Don't be too late,
Ranma! Supper will be read soon!

Genma :(Just loud enough to be heard.) Where's that foolish
boy of mine off to now?

(He ignores them and takes off, running through the streets
for the sheer thrill of running, buoyed by the seeming perfection
of his new life, of everything.)
(He runs, and runs, and runs some more, skipping and leaping
up and down from walls, fences, and roofs.)
(He runs, without purpose, till he realises that he's standing
before the Tendo Dojo.)
(A strong wind pulls at his shirt and loose pants.)
(It starts to grow dark.)

*** To be continued... ***
AUTHOR'S BABBLE:

Alrighty...
Well, I'm cruisin' on caffeine at 5 o'clock in the morning, so
I guess that's where most of this came from. I should be doing
homework. I should be reading Henry V. I should be typing a
Bioethics assignment. I should be studying 'Turn of the Screw'.
Instead, I'm writing a Ranma Fanfic. Anything to avoid school
work. Ah hell, it's the Spring Break anyways.
Well, as always, comments are not only appreciated, but
actively desired. Even the insults; at least it lets me know that
someone read this thing. And, believe it or not, I _do_ know where
I'm going with this. I've got an outline. Really, I do. And I
should have it done in one more sitting. Two, tops. Maybe three.
Not long, I promise. Just gimme till the end of exams.
Oh, BTW, the funky name, Damax Cheineux (I assume the last
name is pronounced in french... works for me!) is a, wazzit,
anagram thingy. If you're really, really bored, try and figure it
out. First one who gets it receives, uh, well, nothing, really,
but my undying respect (yippee!).
Finally, the practise was good. Nice thing 'bout a script-
format story is that it is, by necessity, dialogue driven. I have
another story I'm working on, a serious one, and this'll help me
get ready for it. Of course, I think I started to switch back into
pseudo-prose 'bout half-way through, but oh well.
Is all. End caffeine-fuelled drivel NOW.
Bye.

- Mike
- Comment at: s66...@aix2.uottawa.ca

"A Normal Life..."
A Fanfic by
Michael Noakes.
(March 4, 1996)

Well, here's the continuation of my first script-format
Fanfic. Hope ya like it!

***

LEGAL BABBLE:

Ranma and co. owned by Rumiko Takahashi.
Story mine.
Anything else is someone else's stuff.

***
A Normal Life
Chapter Two
Reality

"INSERT NIFTY QUOTE HERE."

(Ranma is standing out front of the Tendo Dojo. A strong wind
is lashing his red shirt and pulling at his pants.)
(Night is falling and the heavy clouds overhead portend rain.
An electric feeling permeates the air, as the occasional grumble of
thunder rolls ominously in the distance.)
(Ranma is standing, unmoving, inconspicuously. He's been here
for a while, as dusk slowly settles over Nerima, watching the
slight signs of activity in the house.)

Ranma :(thinking) Why'd I come here? Why the dojo? (A light
blinks on in Akane's room. Ranma perks up.) Could that be it?
Did I come for... Akane? (He frowns.) Nahhh... Why'd I want to
see that tomboy for? (He gives a small smile.) Still, she'd
probably be happy to hear my curse is gone...

(He takes a hesitant step forward, then stops.)

Ranma :(thinking) Oh yeah, she doesn't know anything 'bout my
curse... she doesn't even know who I am! We've never met. (He
grins.) Well, we can meet now! Without pop and Mr.Tendo shoving
us at each other! Maybe we'll actually have a chance to get to
know each other all over again!

(He takes another step, but stops again.)

Ranma :(thinking) But... we never really _did_ get to know
each other. It's not like I introduced myself to her, or asked her
out on a date... Come to think of it, I've never had to, with
_any_ girl. Not Akane, not Ukyou, especially not Shampoo! I've...
I've never done this before!
Maybe having pop and Mr.Tendo force us on each other actually
helped! (He grimaces.) Of course, they could've backed off after
that. (He looks up, and can see Akane's silhouette. Another
figure joins her, sits down on the bed, and begins doing leg
raises. Nabiki, he assumes.) I wonder what they're talking about?
At one time, I'd say it was me, but now...

(He takes a deep breath, tucking in his shirt, smoothing out
his pants. His face takes on a look of grim determination, and he
begins to take long strides towards the Dojo.)

Ranma :(under his breath.) Heck, at this rate, I'll never even
meet her! I'm just saying 'hello', after all; what do I have to
worry about? I've lived with her for almost a year now... why
should I be nervous? (He's passes through the front gate of the
household, and approaches the front door. He's still talking to
himself.) Hello? I'm Ranma Saotome! Is Akane home? Hmmm...
Hiya! Ranma here! Nahhh... Yo! Akane! Nice ta see ya! Nope.
(He's at the front door, and unconsciously starts to open it. He
freezes, and silently closes it.) Whoa... I don't live here any
longer... (He knocks.)

(He fidgets nervously, waiting for an answer. It's mere
moments before the door is opened. It's Kasumi.)

Kasumi :(smiling) Hello? Can I help you?

Ranma :(smiling awkwardly) Hi Kasumi! It's me, Ranma.

Kasumi :(looking slightly confused) Ranma? I'm sorry, I don't
recognise you. Have we met?

Ranma :(thinking) Argh! Of course she doesn't know me...
(Outloud.) Ahhh, sorry... I was talking to... a doctor who works
nearby. He mentioned you... (Thinking.) Heh. Even if she asks
him, I doubt Dr.Tofu will be in any shape to tell her we havn't met
yet! (Worry suddenly creases his face.) Of course, that's
assuming the doctor is still in love with Kasumi... gee, I hope I
didn't screw that up!

Kasumi :(flashing a brief, knowing smile) Oh! So you've met
Dr.Tofu!

Ranma :(letting out a sigh of relief) Errr, yes. Nice man.

Kasumi :He is... and he's such a good doctor, too. (She focuses
back on Ranma.) So then, how can I help you?

Ranma :(thinking) Gah! Why _am_ I here? I don't know! Is it
to see Akane? I can't just say that! They'll think I'm some kind
of weirdo! (Outloud.) Well, I'm new to town, and I was just
wandering around, and I saw the dojo, and, uh, I...

Kasumi :(happily) Oh! You're into martial arts, aren't you?
Were you looking for a place to train?

Ranma :Ahhh... yes! Yes, that's it exactly! I saw the dojo,
and thought I'd see if the sensei was still taking on students.

Kasumi :(opening the door fully. A gust of wind tugs at her
dress and flaps her apron.) Oh my, it _is_ getting nasty out
there, isn't it? Why don't you come it, and I'll get father.

(Kasumi steps back, calling for Mr.Tendo. Ranma steps into
the house, not exhibiting any of the discomfort associated with
entering a stranger's home. Everything seems... normal. Very
little has changed.)
(He follows Kasumi into the main room, and stands there
nervously, constantly glancing towards Akane's room. The sliding
doors are shut, but he knows that the pond his father and he fought
over every morning is out there. He smiles. Sparring with his
father would be different, now; the curse always added that extra
incentive to win. His smile grew. But that was a trade off he was
more then willing to make. No curse!)
(He hears steps approaching and suppresses the grin that comes
every time he thought of his curse. Gone! Mr. Tendo was
approaching, looking pretty much the same as always. Maybe a
little older, maybe a little more relaxed then he remembered.)

Soun :So, Ranma, is it? (Kasumi nods an affirmative, and
disappears into the kitchen. He mumbles under his breath.) Why
does that name sound familiar? (Speaking up.) I'm told you're new
to Nerima.

Ranma :That's right, Mr.Te... ah, sir.

Soun :And you're interested in studying the martial arts?

Ranma :Yes.

Soun :Well, I'm sorry to say I don't take any students any
more. I only teach my daughter.

Ranma :(He grins at the thought of Akane training.) Well, I
was looking more for a place where I could just practise. Maybe
even find a sparring partner.

Soun :(looking thoughtful) Hmmm... my daughter doesn't get to
practise that much anymore... her usual training partner isn't
around often enough... a regular opponent could do her some good...
(He turns back to Ranma.) Are you any good?

Ranma :(giving a slight smile.) I'm... ok. I study Kempo.

Soun :Really? (He turns towards the stairs and calls out.)
Akane! Akane, come here! (He turns back.) Akane is my daughter.
I've trained her in Kempo as well. Why don't we head out to the
dojo and see how well you do?

Ranma :(his smile increasing.) I'd like that.

(They hear a door slam shut on the second floor, and steps
pounding down the stairs. It's Akane.)

Akane :(loudly, looking hopeful.) Father? Is he here? Is...
(She catches sight of Ranma and her face becomes one of
disappointment, quickly replaced with annoyance.)

Ranma :(thinking.) I wonder who she was expecting?

Akane :Father, who is this?

Soun :Akane, this is Ranma. He's new to Nerima, and was
looking for a place to practise Kempo, and maybe someone to
practise with. I thought you might like to test his skills.

Akane :But dad... I've already got a sparring partner!

Soun :Yes, and he's almost never here. A more regular
opponent might do you good.

Akane :Hmph. Like I need another guy to beat up!

Soun :Akane!

(During this, Ranma's been standing to the side. He sees that
stubborn look entering Akane's eyes. Mr.Tendo might be able to
force her to practise with him, but then she'd be upset. Maybe he
could get her to fight him willingly.)

Ranma :(half turning away.) That's ok, sir. I don't think
she'd be much of a challenge, anyways... (His back is turned to
them, hiding his grin.)

Soun :What?

Akane (angrily.) Excuse me? What did you say? Would you care
to repeat that?

(Ranma, who was silently mouthing the words as she spoke them,
turns around.)

Ranma :I said...

Soun :I've heard enough. I won't have you insulting my
daughter, or my teaching, like that, young man. Now, if you don't
mind...

Akane :(Her eyes narrowing.) No, that's ok, father. I want to
see how good this..., this... _boy_, really is!

(Ranma gives a small nod. Soun leads the way to the dojo.
The winds are still picking up, lashing them with leaves and small
droplets of water. Akane enters, then Ranma. Soun enters last,
closing the door behind them.)
(Akane heads off to one end of the dojo, and begins stretching
and loosening up. Ranma stands by Mr.Tendo, gazing about the
dojo.)

Ranma :(beneath his breath) Same old dojo... well, minus the
patches from my fights... never realised how rough I was on the
place...

(Soun stands next to him, but keeps his eyes on his daughter.
He speaks so only Ranma can hear him.)

Soun :I don't know if you meant what you said back there, but
you really made Akane angry. I hope you're not just boasting, or
you might get hurt. (Raising his voice.) You almost ready yet,
Akane?

Akane :(calling out, frowning at Ranma) Almost...

Ranma :(answering Soun) I didn't mean to insult you, sir. I
didn't mean what I said. I just thought if I angered her, she
might be willing to fight me...

Soun :(giving a slight smile) Well, you pushed the right
button... or the wrong one, maybe.

(Akane stands up and walks to the middle of the dojo floor,
taking up an aggressive stance. Ranma looks up at Soun, who nods,
and goes to stand opposite her. Ranma just looks relaxed.)

Soun :Go!

(Akane lunges forward. Ranma sidesteps. She continues to
attack, and Ranma dodges each one, easily, scarcely paying
attention.)

Ranma :Hmmm... she's better then I remember her being when we
first met... same aggressive style, but less sloppy... of course,
she thought she was fighting a girl, then... (He smiles at the
memory.)

Akane :(turning red as he sees him smile.)(Thinking.) How is
he... is he reading my moves? Why doesn't he attack back?
(Outloud, growling.) Fine then! This time for real!

(Akane charges. Ranma, hearing her words, is struck by a
sudden feeling of deja-vu. He senses the attack at the last moment
and tries to hop over her, like the first time they fought. His
finger's already extended for the poke to the back of the head.)

Ranma :(thinking) Of course it feels like deja-vu, stupid!
I've done this before! (He suddenly feels Akane's hand grab hold
of his ankle, and his eyes widen in surprise.)(Outloud.) What?

Akane :(triumphant) Gotcha!

(She swings him down. He slams into the ground, hard. The
blow doesn't really hurt or daze him; instead, the fact that Akane
actually touched him in a fight stuns him.)

Ranma :(thinking.) She hit me! She... she beat me! I must of
been really distracted! Or... her other teacher's damn good!

(Akane backs off a few steps, relaxed, grinning. Soun walks
over to the stunned Ranma, who hasn't moved from the floor.)

Soun :(concerned) Are you ok?

Ranma :(snapping out of it) Huh? Oh, yeah... (He flips up
easily. Akane's smile slips a little when she sees that he isn't
hurt at all. He faces Akane.) That was a good one.

Akane :(grudgingly) You... you were ok yourself. Good
dodging. But why didn't you strike back?

Ranma :Hmmm? Oh, because I don't hit girls.

Akane :(getting annoyed.) What?

Ranma :(cringes slightly, expecting her to splash him with
water, then remembers she can't. He grins at the thought.) It's
just a rule of mine. I don't hit girls.

(Akane looks like she going to say something else, but Soun
cuts her off.)

Soun :(with an appraising look to his eye) Ranma? What did
you say your family name was?

Ranma :(still watching Akane.) Hmmm? Oh, Saotome.

Soun :(eyes widening) What? Saotome? You're father wouldn't
be... Genma, would it?

Ranma :(suddenly realising that maybe he shouldn't have given
his name just yet, but knowing he can't lie.) Errr, yes. Genma
Saotome is my father; Nodoka Saotome is my mother.

Soun :I thought I recognised some of the Anything-Goes style
in your fighting! Well, so you've finally returned! How is Genma?
How's you're mother? How was the trip? Oh, this is such a happy
day! (He looks like he's on the verge of tears.)

Akane :(walking up to her dad.) What is it, dad? What are you
talking about?

Soun :(Grabbing Akane by the shoulders.) Akane! Remember the
stories I told you about my old training partner, my old friend
Genma? Well, this is Ranma, his son! What a happy coincidence,
that he'd come here, of all places!

Akane :You mean, this is the boy you almost...

Soun :Yes! Yes! You two were almost engaged! Well, one of
my daughters was almost engaged to him, that is!

Ranma :(Turning to Akane, smiling.) My father told me the
story too... to think, we were almost engaged! What a crazy idea,
huh?

(Akane isn't too sure how to take this, so she frowns and
turns to her dad. He's almost incoherent, though, babbling about
how great it will be to see his old friend again, and of the luck
of Genma's son and Akane meeting like this, and how it's too bad
that his wife isn't there, and...)
(They ignore him.)

Akane :Hmph. Well, it's getting late, and I've got school
tomorrow.

Ranma :Yeah, at Furinkan High, right? That's where I'm
starting, tomorrow.

Akane :Well, I guess I'll see you there, then. But I think you
should leave now; it's dark out, and you might have trouble finding
your way home.

(They leave the dojo - and Mr.Tendo - behind, and walk towards
the house. The storm is picking up. Rain is imminent.)

Ranma :(entering the house) Ah, no worry about that. I'll
find my way, easily. After all, I'm not Ryo... (he stops,
realising she won't know who he's talking about.)

Akane :(looking at him curiously) Who?

Ranma :Huh? Oh, nobody, just an old... friend of mine.

Akane :Oh.

(They head towards the entrance.)

Ranma :(thinking) Well, that really went better then I
expected! At least... it could've gone a lot worse! Heck, it went
better then the first time we met! (Outloud, to Akane.) So, would
you like to practise again? Tomorrow, maybe?

Akane :I don't know. Maybe.

Ranma :Well, ok. I train everyday, so I'm always available.
(He suddenly grins.) Of course, I don't expect you to keep up with
me...

Akane :Excuse me? (She reaches threateningly towards him.)

Ranma :(throwing up his hands) Just joking! Just...

(Kasumi rounds the corner and interrupts him.)

Kasumi :Akane! You have a visitor!

Akane :(Her face lights up. She answers with a hopeful voice.)
Is it...?

Kasumi :(grinning) Yes!

(Akane, suddenly forgetting all about Ranma, runs ahead and
zips around the corner. Ranma glances quizzically at Kasumi, but
only gets a smile in return. He shrugs.)

Ranma :(thinking) Well, I'll find out who it is anyways. Must
be her sparring partner. This should be interesting. His
training's done her some good.

(Ranma waits patiently. He can hear voices by the entrance,
but can't make out what they're saying. He's tempted to go steal
a peak, but realises that spying in a household where he's barely
known would be rude. Akane and the visitor round the corner.)

Ranma :Ah, hello. I'm...

(Ranma suddenly clues in to who he's seeing.)
(It's Ryoga.)

Ryoga :(loudly) Ranma!

Ranma :Ah, uh, aha...

Ryoga :How I've waited for this day...

Ranma :(backing off, thinking) Ah no, not again... (To
Ryoga.) Hey man... how's it, ah, waitasec...

Ryoga :(dropping his umbrella and backpack, lunging forward,
fist extended.) NOW YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE!

(Ranma staggers back, sidestepping to avoid the blow, caught
off guard. The fist comes in, swings down... and grabs his hand in
a fierce handshake. Ryoga pumps his hand hard and pulls him into
a strong embrace.)

Ryoga :(happily, slapping him on the back) Ranma! How's I've
waited to thank you!

Ranma :(totally confused.) Uh. Yeah. Heh. No prob.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

(Ranma, Ryoga, Akane, and Nabiki are sitting in Akane's room.
Introductions have been made, and they're all listening as Ryoga
tells the story of how he and Ranma met.)
(Except for Ranma. Instead of listening, he's watching Akane.
A bad feeling is growing in the pit of his stomach. She's watching
Ryoga with those large eyes of hers, hanging on his every word.)

Ryoga :... so, since I got lost, I wasn't able to make it to
our fight. By then, Ranma and his father had moved on, supposedly
heading to China to continue their training trip. Well, I blamed
him for not showing up...

Akane :(surprised) You what? But your were the one...

Ryoga :(smiling wryly) Well, I had trouble admitting I had a
bad sense of direction back then. Anyways, thinking that he'd
skipped out on a man-to-man fight, I started to follow him...

Nabiki :And let me guess... you got lost, right?

Ryoga :(blushing slightly) Yup. I made it to China, mind you.
(He looks at Ranma, a glimmer of the old anger appearing.) You
have no idea how _big_ China can be... when you're lost... and on
foot!

Ranma :Ah, sorry.

Ryoga :(The anger fades, and he smiles.) No need. In fact, I
owe you one.

Ranma :What do ya mean, you owe me one? What for? (Thinking)
Why's he so nice to me? The old Ryoga wanted to kill me... well,
maybe not kill, not _really_, but he _was_ my rival. Now, he likes
me?

Ryoga :I'm getting to that. Well, I eventually gave up. I
mean, the whole thing was over bread, after all! So I returned to
Japan.

Nabiki :And let me guess... you got lost, right?

Ryoga :(Baring his fangs at her.) Yes. I got lost, alright?
(Turns back to Akane, and smiles.) Well, I wandered a bunch, from
one end of Japan to the other, and eventually ended up here.

Ranma :Here? In Nerima?

Ryoga :(His smile widening.) No. Here. As in the Tendo
Residence. I collapsed on their front doorstep.

Akane :(Smiling as well.) And we pulled him in. And nursed
him back to health. And then...

Ranma :(The bad feeling in his stomach has grown. He knows
what's coming next, knows what all the smiles, and glances, and
little signs mean, but can't accept it, doesn't want to accept it,
doesn't want to hear it... but needs to know.) And then...

Ryoga :We... we fell in love! (He throws his arm around Akane,
and she snuggles into his embrace. Nabiki snorts.) So you see,
Ranma, I owe you in a big way! If you hadn't run from our fight,
I'd never have... hey, Ranma! You ok?

Ranma :I... I didn't run... from our fight... (He suddenly
feels sick, his head woozy. Cold. He staggers to his feet,
towards the door, his thought in turmoil.) She... loves Ryoga!
Ryoga, not me! Not ME!

(Akane's looking at him with concern. Nabiki is watching
through half-lidded eyes. Ryoga stands and grabs him by the
shoulder, as Ranma starts to open the door.)

Ryoga :Hey man, you don't look so hot...

Ranma :(Shrugging off Ryoga's hand.) I... I gotta go...
s'late...

(Ryoga begins to say something, but Ranma doesn't hear. He
basically flees down the stairs, passing a shocked Kasumi and
Mr.Tendo, ignoring their questions. He throws open the door and
steps outside.)

(He begins to run again, like during the afternoon, this time
not with joy, but in pain, in disbelief, in confusion. The winds
tear at him, buffet him, but he doesn't notice. He feels empty.
Something is missing. Akane. A few heavy drops of water slap his
face. He ignores them. He just runs.)

Ranma :(Screaming into the winds.) NO! AKANE! YOU'RE MY
FIANCEE! MINE! (He stumbles to a stop in a park, collapses to his
knees, breathing heavily.) You're mine... mine... my fiancee...
not... not Ryoga's... mine...

(A final crack of thunder roars above him. The heavens open
wide, and the rain pours down, torrential, hard and cold. Sheets
of rain pound on Ranma. He doesn't notice.)

Ranma :(whispering, agonized) You're mine...mine... (yelling
at the sky, pounding the ground.) MINE! (His head drops, his
whole body convulses, and he lets out a deep, shuddering sob.)

(The tears drop, mingle with the rain and mud, stream away in
dirty little rivulets. No one sees him, no one hears him. The
rain continues to fall.)

*** To be continued... ***

AUTHOR'S BABBLE (Take Two...)

Alright...
Go figure, it's 2:00 AM, I'm _still_ cruisin' on caffeine, and
I _still_ have an overdue Shakespeare assignment to write on Henry
V. Am I doing it? Nope. Instead, I'm writing a Ranma Fanfic.
Again. Gee, I'm stupid.
Ah well. Hope you liked it. Maybe a bit melodramatic near
the end, but I figure he'd be pretty torn up if he ever lost her.
So then, as always, comments are wanted, appreciated, etc... The
next part'll be out soon... right after I finish my assignments...
Righto, then. See ya!

- Mike
- Kindly (or meanly, if you prefer) comment at:
s66...@aix2.uottawa.ca

"A Normal Life..."
A Fanfic by
Michael Noakes.
(March 11th, 1996)

Well, my first script-format Fanfic continues. Hope it's
still ok!

***

LEGAL BABBLE:

Ranma and co. owned by Rumiko Takahashi.
Story mine.
Anything else is someone else's stuff.

***

A Normal Life
Chapter Three
Revenge

"Now could I drink hot blood,
And do such bitter business as the day
Would quake to look on."
- Hamlet, III.ii.390

(Ranma is walking aimlessly through the mostly-empty streets
of Nerima. The rain still falls, though it's lost most of the
power of the initial torrent. The rain is cold, the wind biting,
but he doesn't seem to notice.)
(He eventually stops beneath a bridge and leans against the
concrete wall, fingers digging into the stone, head hanging between
his arms.)

Ranma :(muttering) What the hell is wrong with me? I gotta
pull myself together. So what if Akane's seeing someone else! So
what if it's Ryoga! So what if they've been in... in... in love
for awhile! (His voice drops to a whisper.) It... doesn't...
matter.... (His fingers clutch convulsively, tearing gouges in the
wall.)
(His voice starts to rise in volume.) Yes... it... DOES!
Akane's _my_ fiancee! Not Ryoga's! (He punches the wall.
Concrete splinters. His fist sinks into the concrete up to the
wrist. When he pulls it out, blood is dripping from his knuckles.
He winces.) Ouch.

(He flips around and leans against the wall with his back. He
sighs and sinks to the ground. Little puddles of run-off water
gather at his feet.)

Ranma :Ah hell... moping like this ain't gonna help. Heh.
This is the first rainstorm I've been in as a guy for months...
guess I should be happy... somehow, I don't feel it... (He stands
up. Lamp posts flare into life, casting little pools of wavering
light through the rain.) Looks like it's getting late... Pop's
probably getting worried...
And... Mom too, I guess. (He gives a little smile at that.)
I guess... this new life ain't that bad, after all... Akane's still
here, after all... I've got my mom back, no curse, no enemies...

(He starts walking home at a brisk pace. He begins to notice
how cold he is and wraps his arms around his torso as he picks up
the pace.)

Ranma :I mean, just 'cus Ryoga _say's_ they fell in love,
doesn't make it so! She might just be tryin' to spare his
feelings! She was always doing stuff like that!
Yeah, I'll just talk to her at school tomorrow, find out how
she feels. I mean, things here are great... once I get this little
problem straightened out, life'll be perfect!

(He comes running up to the house when he suddenly stops
short. He's standing in front of the Tendo Dojo again.)

Ranma :What? Dammit... I must've come here by instinct. I
definitely _don't_ want to be _here_, of all places... not now,
anyways.

(He turns to leave, but a sudden movement catches his eye.
Two silhouettes are moving in Akane's room. He sighs, turns away,
takes a few steps... then stops, spins again, and bounds up onto
the Tendo Residence wall.)
(Keeping low, moving quickly and stealthily, he runs along the
wall, then with practised ease, jumps from roof to roof, till he's
clinging next to Akane's room.)

Ranma :(thinking) Just like when I used to try and catch
good 'ole P-chan!

(He sidles over next to the windows, gripping the slippery,
wet wall with his hands and feet. Fortunately, the window's open
a crack, presumably for air.)
(Voices can be heard from within.)

Nabiki :You still worried, sis?

Akane :(sounding worried) Of course not! What do I have to be
worried about?

Nabiki :Oh, very convincing, Akane.

Akane :(She sighs.) Ok, fine. I'm worried. I just didn't
need this tonight. First that Ranma guy comes over...

Nabiki :He's kinda cute if you ask me.

Akane :I didn't... And then he starts acting all weird-like
and charges off like a lunatic!

Nabiki :I'm sure he had his reasons.

Akane :Whatever. And then Ryoga just _had_ to go looking for
him!

(Ranma's eyes open wide at that.)

Ranma :(thinking) Ryoga came looking for me? Ryoga was
worried... about _me_?

(The girls continue talking on the other side of the window.)

Nabiki :Well, that boy _is_ navigationaly impaired. I'm
surprised you get to see him as often as you do.

Akane :(sounding annoyed) A couple of times a week isn't all
that often, especially since this is practically his home-away-
from-home. He lives here, Nabiki! But he's never here!

Nabiki :Yeah, well...

(Ranma isn't listening any longer. He just looks thoroughly
depressed, his eyes squeezed shut, breathing heavily.)

Ranma :(under his breath) I can't believe it. Well, Ryoga, it
looks like you've won. You live here now, not me. She loves you
now, not me...
...if she ever did love me.

(He goes to turn away, but, lacking concentration, starts to
slip on the slick support he's clinging to. His feet slide out
from beneath him and he plummets.)

Ranma :YEEEAAAAAHHHHHHRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!

(He slams into the ground, and lies there dazed for a second.
He hears the window above him slide open.)

Nabiki :What was that? It sounded like it was right outside
your window!

Akane :I dunno! A prowler... a... wait! There! I see
someone!

Ranma :(thinking) Oh, great!

(Ranma dives for the wall, pressing himself flat against it.
He's directly beneath the window.)

Akane :Dammit! I can't see him any more!

Ranma :(thinking) Damn. Alright, I've gotta get out of here
before she sees me... wouldn't want her to think I'm some kinda
pervert or nothin'. Although... it might be kinda neat to hear her
call me that again...

(Ranma starts sidling along the wall, towards the nearest
corner. Just as he's nearing it, he catches a movement out of the
corner of his eye.)
(Another figure hopes over the wall, landing easily on the
other side. The rain obscures most details, but it's obvious the
individual is hauling a big back-pack... and holding an umbrella.)

Ranma :(thinking) So, looks like pig-boy made it home after
all...

Nabiki :(calling out from above) Ryoga! Yo, Ryoga! Be
careful! We think there's a prowler wandering about!

Ranma :(muttering) Oh, great...

(Ranma freezes, and the Ryoga-figure stops as well. It seems
to slowly look around the yard. Ryoga stares right in Ranma's
direction, then begins trotting directly towards him.)

Ryoga :Hey, you! Don't move, or you'll regret it!

(Ryoga obviously pulls back with his umbrella. The rain
splashes on him, but there's no P-chan this time. Ryoga continues
to draw closer to Ranma.)

Ranma :(thinking) Damn! He's gonna see me any moment. Sure
could use my curse right about now... or better yet, have him turn
into a pig...
I could run... (He shakes his head.) Run? From Ryoga? Not
likely! (His fists clench at his side.) In fact, giving him a
pounding would probably feel good about now...

(Ryoga draws close. He's fairly distinguishable through the
rain at this distance. Before he can catch a clear look of Ranma,
though, Ranma leaps backwards, skimming over Ryoga's head.)

Ryoga :Hey!

(Ryoga spins, but Ranma's already moving, dropping and
sweeping Ryoga's legs out from beneath him. Ryoga recovers easily,
rolling backwards and beginning to stand, but Ranma's already
moving it.)

Ranma :KACHU TENSHIN AMAGURI-KEN!

(Ranma's fists smash into Ryoga's skull at blinding speed. It
only takes a moment for Ryoga to start slumping to the ground, but
Ranma continues pounding away. First one second, then another,
then another... He begins to yell as he punches, louder and
louder...
(He suddenly stops, a look of horror on his face. Blood drips
from his torn knuckles... fortunately, it's mostly his; Ryoga's
head seems as hard as ever.)
(Ryoga's lying face down in the mud. He twitches slightly,
one hand scrabbling feebly, trying to rise up.)

Ryoga :I... I... I'm not... done... yet...

Ranma :You've never been able to beat me, Ryoga...

Ryoga :You... won't... won't... touch... Akane...

(Ranma's hand snaps down and grabs Ryoga by the bandanna and
hauls his head up, though he's still facing the ground.)

Ranma :(yelling) Damn you, you pig! She... was... MINE!
(whispering) She was mine.

Ryoga :Never...

(Ranma's other hand pulls back. He goes to smash it down...
but doesn't. His arm remains cocked, muscles clenched, arm
trembling. He holds the position for several moments, while Ryoga
remains motionless.)

Ranma :What have I done? What am I doing? This isn't like
me... I'm not a bully... I'm not a... killer!

(His arm relaxes, and he releases Ryoga. Ryoga's head sags
back into the mud with a wet thud. Ranma begins to stand, when a
voice ring out above him.)
(Ranma spins, gazing up at the open window above. A figure is
silhouetted by the light within. Akane.)

Akane :(screaming) Get away from him, you bastard!

(A dumbbell comes hurtling towards him. For some reason he's
unable to dodge, and it smashes into Ranma's skull. He staggers
back, reeling.)

Ranma :Argh! You kawaikunai tomboy! That hurt!

Akane :I've got more where that came from!

(Akane tosses another dumbbell, and another, and soon follows
with a whole slew of assorted items: chairs, bokkens, textbooks,
kettles, etc...)
(Ranma, this time, dodges. He hops and leaps around, till he
bounds up onto the wall. The barrage has stopped. He stops and
turns, facing the window one last time.)

Ranma :(whispering) Goodbye, Akane.

(He hops down off the wall, and runs off into the darkness,
heading for his new home. Behind him, a door is thrown open, and
figures run out to check on the fallen Ryoga. One of them slumps
to her knees, cradling the bruised head in her lap, crying.)
(The rain continues unabated.)

*** To be continued... ***

AUTHOR'S BABBLE (Again!)

Alrighty then...
Well, there's part three. Considerably shorter then the first
two. I was going to continue, but it seemed like an excellent spot
to end this chapter.
At least this time, it ain't past midnight... I'm not doped up
on caffeine... and I DON'T HAVE ANY OVERDUE ASSIGNMENTS! Wow.
What a concept. I was able to write this with a clear conscience.
Still a bit more serious then I ever intended this Fanfic to
be, but what the hell, I'll let it go wherever it goes. I write
each chapter in a single sitting, so much of it isn't all that
thought out. As long as somebody, anybody, out there likes it, it
was worth it.
Final comment: I noticed that, on the first two chapters, I
left a big "Insert Nifty Quote Here" at the top. Obviously, that's
where I wanted to pop in a quote... I stole the idea from Asprin's
Myth-series. If I can't think of one at the time, I just pop in
the reminder, and get back to it when I'm done. Like this time...
I went back, dubbed the chapter 'Revenge', whipped out Hamlet (the
ultimate Revenge play), and found a nifty quote. I guess I forgot
to do the same with the first two chapters. Oops.
Yokeedokee, then. See ya soon with Chapter Four...

- Mike
- Send nifty comments/flames to s66...@aix2.uottawa.ca