Part 3/4
Altered Destinies:  Most Unlikely of Friends OVA 1
Troubles a' brewing

http://www.mala.bc.ca/~tritscwa

Please direct C&C directly to me.

Felix_Tritschler@bc.sympatico.ca
tritscwa@mala.bc.ca
tritschl@malun1.mala.bc.ca
tritscwa@malun1.mala.bc.ca

%Part 3

(Bu-kun sits poised to act on top of roof, his sunglasses concealing 
his eyes.  He looks down at the street below and watches as Ranma-
kun, his hands wrapped in bandages, and Shampoo start to walk 
under him.  With a quick spring he jumps down into the street to 
block their path.  Ranma-kun immediately takes up a position 
between Bu-kun and Shampoo while Shampoo looks on in barely 
controlled anger.)

Ranma:  What do you want?

Bu:  To get my revenge, that's what!

Shampoo:  Revenge for what?!  What Shampoo ever do to you?!

Bu:  You... you... it's not important.  You caused all my suffering 
and I'm going to make you pay.

Ranma:  What about our deal? 

(Bu-kun shakes angrily.)

Bu:  I released her unharmed.  I didn't say I was through with her.

Ranma:  Now look, I don't like hurting girls-

Bu:  {angrily}SHUT UP!  I'M NOT A GIRL!

Ranma:  Why do you keep saying that?  You are a girl!

(Bu-kun angrily rushes at Ranma-kun but gets tripped up by Ranma-
kun and tumbles to the ground.  He gets to his knees and stares 
angrily at the ground, not facing his opponents.)

Ranma:  What is your problem anyway?

(Bu remains angrily silent for a moment then gets up and faces 
Ranma-kun and Shampoo.)

Bu:  {as he points at Ranma-kun}Fine, fine, have it your stinking 
way but someone's going to pay for what's happened to me.  I'll get 
my revenge, I swear.

(Bu-kun jumps up to the roof tops and runs off.)

Ranma:  That's one confused girl.

(Shampoo nods in agreement.)

=================================================
=====

(Bu-kun (his sunglasses resting on his forehead) walks down a 
lightly crowded street, angrily shaking his head.)

Bu:  [Damn it!  She ruins my whole damned life and I can't even 
strike back at her.  {pause}Blast!  How did he beat me?!  My sleep 
drug never fails.  He should have been snoozing like a baby.  
{pause}And that other damned girl, how'd she see through my trick.  
There's no way she should of be able to see those bombs were 
fakes.  If she hadn't been snooping around I would have had him.  
{pause}She knew my style too.]

(Bu-kun stops and looks to the side at the Kuno mansion.)

Bu:  [Kuno?  Kodachi Kuno, that's right, she's the nut that chases 
after that jerk Ranma.  This is her place.  {pause}I bet she's 
responsible for this whole mess.  Well, she's going to pay for 
getting in my way!]

(Bu-kun lowers his sunglasses over his eyes, turns and jumps up 
onto the fence then drops down into mansion grounds.  He looks 
around the trees and brushes and smiles.)

Bu:  [What a bunch of pitiful traps!  Just you wait Kodachi.  Just you 
wait.]

(Bu-kun shakes his head and begins to make his way carefully 
through the brush to the main building.)

=================================================
=====

(Kodachi stands over a potted black rose bush, pruning the plant 
with care.  She stops and listens attentively then returns to her work.  
Bu-kun comes out from behind a taller plant and quietly creeps up 
on his prey.  Kodachi smiles, her back to Bu-kun, and secretly pulls 
out a gymnastic ribbon.  With a flick of his wrist Bu-kun produces 
his pole and closes the gap to be just behind Kodachi.  He readies 
his weapon to thrust it into Kodachi's back but Kodachi suddenly 
spins, leaps into the air, and whips out at him with her ribbon.  Bu-
kun is startled but blocks each strike with his pole then flips 
backward as Kodachi lands.)

Kodachi:  *maniacal laughter*Welcome, brigand, to my little 
garden.  It's so unfortunate that your visit will be so short.

Bu:  Yeah, cause you'll be trashed before long.

Kodachi: *maniacal laughter*I, the Black Rose, defeated by the 
likes of you, it is to laugh.

Bu:  {as he throws several green spheres at Kodachi}Laugh at this!

(Kodachi stands her ground and lets the balls explode around her 
into green gas.  A moment later she walks calmly out of the smoke, 
spinning her ribbon.)

Kodachi:  Nice mix, for an amateur.  Here, try this.

(Kodachi pulls out a gymnastic ball and throws it at Bu-kun.  He 
flips into the air and finds another two gymnastic balls flying his 
way.  He manages to shield his face as the balls explode into purple 
gas.  Bu-kun lands, shakes his head and smiles back at Kodachi.)

Bu:  Amateur!  Hah, who's the amateur?!  I made that blend 5 years 
ago.

Kodachi:  Yes, it's a classic but effective, usually.

(Bu-kun spins his pole, releasing the chains and strikes out at 
Kodachi.  Kodachi counters with her ribbon blocking the strikes 
then striking back.  Bu-kun also counters then flips over a table as 
Kodachi jumps up on a table.  Suddenly Sasuke opens the door.)

Sasuke:  Mistress Kodachi, oh my!

(Sasuke catches a green ball and looks down at it in shock a second 
before it explodes into green gas.  Kodachi gives the sleeping 
Sasuke an absent look then returns her attention to Bu-kun.)

Kodachi:  Must you attack the help?

Bu:  {angrily}You shut up!

Kodachi:  So, why exactly do you strike at me?

Bu:  Why?  Hmmh, do you think I'm stupid?  You're the one that 
gave Ranma the antitoxin.  You're the one that messed up my chance 
at revenge.

Kodachi:  Oh, that.  Don't you have better things to do with your 
time?

Bu:  Frankly, no!

(Bu-kun presses a button on his pole causing the chains to retract.  
He then presses another button and the pole extends into a 
quarterstaff.  He leaps at Kodachi and takes a sweeping strike at 
her.  Kodachi dodges the blow, pulls out a pair of gymnastic clubs 
and strikes back at Bu-kun as he lands.  The two begin an exchange 
of strikes with their weapons.)

Kodachi:  So, upset that your little plan failed?

Bu:  {angrily}Shut up!

(Kodachi flips over Bu-kun head and lands on another table.  Bu-
kun turns and continues the attack.)

Kodachi:  Perhaps if you had actually tried to win-

Bu:  What are you talking about?!

Kodachi:  After all, if you really wished to cause the lady harm you 
could have-

(Bu suddenly flips backwards a safe distance and stops his attack.)

Bu:  I didn't want to do that.

Kodachi:  Well then, you could have demanded that my darling 
Ranma take the potion.

Bu:  I...

Kodachi:  Or simply changed your formulation, or coated your 
armor's needles with the potion or-

Bu:  {angrily}Shut up!

(Bu-kun leaps in on Kodachi, claws springing out on each arm, 
ready to strike.  Kodachi flips backwards to the wall to avoid the 
first attack but Bu-kun leaps at her again and imbeds the claws in the 
wall to either side of her face.)

Kodachi:  Even now you could have killed me.

(Bu-kun leans away, in shock.  Kodachi calmly ducks under Bu-
kun's arms and starts to head over to the cabinet where her 
chemistry supplies are.  Bu-kun tries to free his claws but finds them 
trapped in the wall.)

Kodachi:  But you have squandered every opportunity for your 
revenge.  I'm beginning to even wonder if you had this potion of lost 
love.

(Kodachi looks back at Bu-kun questioningly.  He responds by 
looking away and continuing to try and free himself.  She opens the 
cabinet and begins searching through it.)

Kodachi:  Hmmh.  {pause}Ah, {as she pulls out a flask}here it is.

(Kodachi calmly takes the flask over to Bu-kun and opens it.)

Kodachi:  I would so much love to continue to this little quarrel but 
I have things to do.  {as she puts the flask into Bu-kun's face}Here, 
give me your professional opinion.

(Bu-kun looks dizzy then slumps over, his claws still caught in the 
wall.  Kodachi closes the flask and moves back over to the cabinet.)

Kodachi:  Amateur indeed.  Hmph.  {pause}Perhaps you can be 
some use to me though.

(Kodachi smiles deviously and turns to leave.)

=================================================
=====

(Bu-chan awakens many hours later to find herself on a bed.  She 
sits up, holding her head and suddenly notices herself to be wearing 
a black lace nightgown.  Outside the room Sasuke is walking by.)

Bu (from the room):  AHHHH!!!  WHAT THE HELL AM I 
WEARING?!!

(Sasuke hits the roof in surprise then just as he lands Bu-chan 
throws open the door and grabs him by the collar.)

Bu:  {angrily}Where the hell are my clothes?!

Sasuke:  {nervously}Ahh, mistress Kodachi had me send them out to 
be mended and cleaned.

Bu:  WHAT?!!  Why?

Sasuke:  {nervously}She didn't say.

(Bu-chan drops Sasuke and looks down at the nightgown in 
despair.)

Bu:  I can't go around dressed like this!

Sasuke:  Of course, I can fetch you a dress-

Bu:  A DRESS?!!!  I'm not a girl you jerk!

Sasuke:  Ahh, you certainly look female to me Madame.

(Bu-chan shakes then grabs her head in frustration while bearing her 
teeth.  Sasuke backs off in fear but Bu-chan finally relaxes in 
despair and nods.)

Bu:  Fine, get me a dress.  Anything is better than this.

Sasuke:  {with a bow}Yes Madame.

(Sasuke rushes off as Bu-chan walks back into the room.  She drops 
down onto the bed, hanging her head.)

Bu:  {depressed}Why me?  {Pause}[{normal voice}What am I 
doing here anyway?  Why didn't she throw me out, or kill me for 
that matter?]

Kodachi:  *giggle*

(Bu-chan looks up angrily to see Kodachi standing in the doorway.)

Kodachi:  {amused}You look quite fitting in that.

Bu:  {sarcastically}Very funny.  What am I doing here anyway?

Kodachi:  I need some questions answered.  I also have a proposal.

Bu:  And why should I answer your questions or even consider your 
proposal?

Kodachi:  Cause if you do not I shall call the police and have you 
arrested for attempted murder.

Bu:  (nervously)*swallow*You wouldn't.

Kodachi:  Oh yes, I would.  Oh, and those clothes are mine, I would 
have to ask for them back.

Bu:  All right, fine.

Kodachi:  Good.  This curse, the one you bear and my darling 
Ranma bears, how does it work, exactly?

(Bu-chan looks at Kodachi and considers then looks down at the 
floor.)

Bu:  They're Juzenkyo curses, that's a training ground in China with 
hundreds of cursed springs.  Whatever falls in a spring takes the 
form of what drown in that spring.  {pause}Hot water changes you 
back to normal.

Kodachi:  Hmm, so he told the truth, he is a man in reality, and you 
are a woman.

Bu:  {looking at Kodachi}No!

Kodachi:  Are we a little confused?  Did you not just say hot water 
changes you back to your true form?

Bu:  But I'm different.

Kodachi:  How so?

Bu:  Ah, well, I was raised as a man, not a woman.

Kodachi:  Go on.

Bu:  You see, I was born a girl but my mother, well, it seems she 
wanted a boy so she took me to Juzenkyo and bathed me in the 
spring of drowned man.  She raised me as a boy until she died in a 
rock slide when I was 6.  Everyone in my village knew about the 
curse but she had told them it worked the opposite way, that my girl 
form was my cursed form.  When she died everyone assumed she 
told the truth.  I was raised from then on by my uncle, I never knew 
my father.

(Kodachi listens to Bu-chan, a neutral expression on her face.)

Bu:  Things were normal enough, I mean I was considered a little 
weird but that wasn't so bad.  Then she came.  {pause}I wasn't 
there when her family and her came but I didn't need to be.  I don't 
know what exactly happened but everyone found out about her curse 
and how the curses really worked.  My life turned into a living hell 
from then on.  No one knew how to treat me, as a girl, as a boy.  My 
already fragile social life turned nonexistent, well sort of.  I had a 
few sick wacko guys asking me for dates but that's about it.  
{pause}I even went to Juzenkyo to try and prove it was a lie but I 
only found out it was the truth.  Ever since then I've been searching 
her out, hoping to pay her back for what she did.

(Kodachi nods then thinks for a moment.)

Kodachi:  Hmh, a girl who thinks she's a boy.

Bu:  It's worse than you think.  What do I do?  I fall between the 
cracks.  I mean, I like women, but as a guy not as a girl.

Kodachi:  But your belief is purely due to upbringing, not the curse?

Bu:  The curse has nothing to due with it.  Some springs change your 
personality but not that one, or any of the ones people have around 
here either.

Kodachi:  Good, then I have not been deceived.

(Kodachi turns to the doorway, but stops and smiles deviously..)

Kodachi:  You should just accept the truth.

Bu: The truth?!  The truth is that I'm a guy!  I don't care what anyone 
says, the villagers, you, the Juzenkyo guide, anyone.  I'm a guy!

Kodachi:  You are a woman.

Bu:  Doesn't what I think count?

Kodachi:  No, not really.

(Kodachi starts to head into the hall but Bu-chan gets up and rushes 
after her.)

Bu:  That's not fair!

Kodachi:  Life seldom is.

Bu:  Would you just give up on what you think to be the truth?  
Would you give up on your so called darling Ranma knowing that 
he's in love with that girl?

(Kodachi stops and turns back to face Bu-chan, a look of annoyance 
on her face.)

Kodachi:  He just needs a little prodding to see-

Bu:  No, you need the prodding.  He doesn't love you, but I think 
you know that.  He doesn't even really like you.  He just tolerates 
you from what I've observed.

(Kodachi turns away and continues to walk, an angry look beginning 
to form on her face.  Bu-chan continues to follow her.)

Bu:  You do know it, don't you?  You just refuse to give up because 
of some nearly impossible hope that he'll come to you.  Well let me 
tell you something, he isn't.  He'll never come to you.  He loves that 
girl and she loves him.  The only thing that will separate them is 
something drastic and all you'll ever get is damaged goods.  
Besides, why do you bother?

(Kodachi stops forcing Bu-chan to stop as well.)

Bu:  Are you so socially inept that you can't seek out some other 
man who can return you affections?

Kodachi:  {fuming}Socially inept?!

Bu:  Yeah, I'd say trying to drug potential boyfriends counts as 
something a socially inept person would do.  Even I don't go that far 
cause I know it won't get me anything.

(Kodachi calms just slightly and continues walking.)

Kodachi:  Perhaps you are right, yet like you say, should I give up?  
{pause}But perhaps you have already.

Bu:  What?

Kodachi:  There is the matter of weather you actually wanted to 
win-

Bu:  I did.  You don't know my situation.  How was I supposed to 
expect your interference?  And that potion, I do have it.  It's just not 
quite as powerful as you might think.  Really strong feelings will 
break it's power.  That's why I didn't use it during fight or force 
him to take it.  It wouldn't even have a chance of working then.  
{pause}Guess it wouldn't have worked anyway.  I should have 
realized that.  He's feelings are just too damned strong.  But I would 
have done it.  I would have if you hadn't of interfered.

Kodachi:  So, you do wish to strike at her.

Bu:  Damned rights I do.  She ruined my life and she's going to pay 
for that.

Kodachi:  Hmmm.  We should be on the same side, not fighting each 
other.  That is merely a waste of both our times.  It would be 
infinitely more productive to ally ourselves against little Ms. Tendo.

Bu:  Hmmph.  Teaming up with you against Shampoo.  
{pause}Hmm, maybe, I need to think about it.

Kodachi:  Then think, but be quick.  The room is yours for the time 
being.

(Bu-chan watches Kodachi walk away then starts back to her room.  
She walks in to find Sasuke laying out a very feminine black dress 
on the bed.  Bu-chan looks at the dress in disgust.)

Bu:  You got to be kidding?

Sasuke:  Mistress Kodachi picked this one out just for you.

Bu:  Oh, she did, did she?  {fuming, to herself}Why that little...

Sasuke:  Are you finished with your test now?

Bu:  {confused}Test?

Sasuke:  {nervously}Oh, I wasn't supposed to talk about that was I.  
Ahhh, you won't mention this will you?

Bu:  Of course not.

Sasuke:  Thank you greatly Madame.  If there isn't anything else...

(Bu-chan shakes her head.  Sasuke quickly bows and leaves as Bu-
chan examines the dress, a puzzled look on her face.)

Bu:  [Test?  What test?  {pause}Hmmm.]

=================================================
=====

(Sometime later Bu-chan (now in the dress and looking quite 
displeased) walks into a dining hall where Kodachi and Kuno 
[strange that no one ever calls him Tatewaki, hmm] are sitting.  
Kodachi looks at Bu-chan in slight amusement as Kuno goes wide 
eyed.)

Kuno:  I was not told we had a guest.

Kodachi:  Oh yes, brother dear, this is Bu Xien.

(Kuno gets up and walks up to Bu-chan then bows.)

Kuno:  A pleasure Madame.

(Bu-chan slugs Kuno.)

Bu:  Don't call me that if you like your life.

Kuno:  {confused, as he rubs his jaw}Have I somehow offended you 
good lady?

(Bu-chan lets off another punch into Kuno's face causing him to 
stumble back slightly.)

Bu:  {angrily}Shut up!  You call me lady, or girl, or Madame, or 
anything else feminine again and I'll tear your lungs out!  Got it?!

Kodachi:  She has this thing against female titles.

Bu:  {angrily}I'm not a girl.

Kodachi:  Yes, yes, that argument is getting rather tired.  Now are 
you going to be civil or shall I have to call certain parties?

(Bu-chan looks at Kodachi angrily but then relents and reluctantly 
sits down at the table.  Kuno sits down and eyes Bu-chan in 
confusion.)

Kuno:  {as he sits down}Are you some acquaintance of my sister 
Ma...

(Bu-chan glares at Kuno causing him to shut his mouth.)

Bu:  You could say that.

(Sasuke comes in carrying a tray with a covered dish on it which he 
places before Bu-chan then leaves the way he came.)

Kodachi:  It's the most interesting tale bother dear, you see this...

(Bu-chan glares at Kodachi.  She responds by giving him a calm, 
amused smile.)

Kodachi:  Man has a curse.

Kuno:  A curse?

Kodachi:  Yes, why don't you tell my brother all about it.

(Bu-chan glares in annoyance at Kodachi then relents under her calm 
amused smile.  Sasuke returns with another tray.)

Bu:  I change into a man when hit with cold water.

Kuno:  Ah yes, I'm familiar with this curse.

(Kodachi looks at her bother in amusement as Sasuke leaves the tray 
in front of her and leaves.)

Kodachi:  {amused}You are?

Kuno:  I promised I would never tell.

Kodachi:  You wouldn't be referring to your pigtailed goddess 
would you?

Kuno:  Why yes.

Bu:  We aren't exactly the greatest of secret keepers are we?

Kuno:  I advise you to hold your tongue sir.

Bu:  {mock fear}Ooo, are you trying to scare me?

(Sasuke returns with another tray which he places before Kuno.)

Sasuke:  Diner is served.

Kuno:  Yes, yes Sasuke, leave us.

Sasuke:  Yes master.

(Sasuke rushes out as Kuno and Bu-chan exchange challenging 
looks.  Kodachi watches the confrontation, still smiling in 
amusement.)

Kuno:  A true man would know fear in the presence of his better.

(Kuno looks down at Bu-chan's dress then back at her face in 
challenge.)

Bu:  Hey!  This was your sister's idea, not mine.

Kuno:  Hmph.  If it were not for you hiding in the body of a female-

Bu:  {angrily}Shut up you!  I could take you as a girl or a boy.

(Kuno stands up angrily.)

Kuno:  That's it sir.  {calling out}Sasuke, cold water!

(Bu-chan jumps angrily to her feet as Sasuke rushes in with a glass 
of water.  Kodachi's expression changes to a bored frown.  Bu-chan 
grabs the glass and splashes herself changing to her male form.)

Bu:  All right you arrogant jerk, I'm a guy now, let's go!

(Kuno draws his bokken and Bu-kun gets into a fighting posture.  
Sasuke backs off fearfully as Kodachi uncovers her plate and begins 
eating.  Bu-kun and Kuno leap at each other.  Kodachi continues 
eating, looking up occasionally as Kuno and Bu-kun proceed to 
destroy most the dining hall in their fight.  One particular crash 
causes her to look up and nod.  Sasuke looks on in concern.)

Sasuke:  Master Kuno, oh my.

(Bu-kun returns to the table, now dressed in Kuno's clothes.  Sasuke 
rushes off to tend to Kuno (now in the dress).)

Bu:  Much better.  No offense but your brother's a real twit!

Kodachi:  He can be at times but I can deal with him.  Have you 
considered my proposal?

(Bu-kun uncovers his plate, looks at the food suspiciously then starts 
eating himself.)

Bu:  Yes, I've considered it.  {pause}My answer is... yes.

Kodachi:  Wonderful, she won't last a week.

Bu:  Maybe, but we're doing this my way.  I want her to pay but not 
by physically hurting her.  I have another plan.

(Kodachi leans over the table with interest.)

Kodachi:  Do tell.

Bu:  You want Ranma.  I just want her to pay.  What we are going to 
do is get you a proper fighting chance with your man.

Kodachi:  I thought you said he'd never come to me.

Bu:  The way you act now, no way, but when I'm through with you...

=================================================
=====

(Some days later Shampoo is walking through the school halls with 
Ranma-kun on their way to class.)

Ranma:  She wasn't kidding when she said that technique takes a 
long time to learn.

(Shampoo nods in agreement as they enter the classroom.  Suddenly 
Ranma-kun is pulled off to the side surprising both him and 
Shampoo.  They then notice Kodachi, dressed in a Furiken uniform, 
with her arms wrapped around Ranma-kun's neck and face to face 
with him.)

Kodachi:  Hello darling.  Glad to see me.

Ranma:  {nervously}Ahh... ahh, Kodachi!

Shampoo:  {angrily}What you do here?!

(Just then Akane comes in with Ryoga in tow and Ukyo soon 
follows.  They look at Kodachi in confusion.)

Kodachi:  The strangest thing, I was transferred.  Imagine my 
surprise when I found myself assigned to your school.

(Shampoo attempts to grab Kodachi but she releases Ranma-kun and 
hops back out of reach.)

Shampoo:  {angrily}Phony story.  You think us stupid!

Kodachi:  It is the honest truth, I give you my word.

Akane:  {sarcastically}Yeah, like your word is worth much.

(Kodachi briefly eyes Akane then smiles seductively at Ranma-kun.)

Kodachi:  It matters not, I am here.  I guess we'll be seeing a great 
deal of each other from now on.

Ranma:  {depressed, to himself}Just great.

=================================================
=====

(A short time later during the lunch period Kuno sits with Ranma-
kun and Shampoo by the soccer field.)

Kuno:  I am afraid it is true.  My sister received the papers just last 
night.  She is a proficient actor but I do believe she was actually 
surprised.

Shampoo:  {depressed}I no believe this.

Ranma:  Don't believe this.

Shampoo:  {annoyed}Whatever.

Ranma:  Well anyway, it just seems awfully strange to me.

Kuno:  Yes, but my sister seems to be doing a number of strange 
things lately.  She has even invited a rather annoying man to stay at 
the Kuno estate.

Ranma:  Man?  Who?

Kuno:  His name is... Bu I believe.  Yes, Bu Xien if I recall 
correctly.

Ranma:  {surprised}Bu!  Oh man!  Not her again.

Kuno:  You are mistake, he is a man.  He only has a curse like your 
own.

(Ranma-kun looks at Kuno in annoyance than shakes his head.)

Ranma:  Whatever, but I bet he's the cause of this mess.

Kuno:  {as he stands up}Indeed.  Well, I must be off.  No doubt the 
foul Hibiki is once more trying to work his magics upon the fair 
Akane Tendo.

(Shampoo and Ranma-kun watch as Kuno walks off then look at 
each other.)

Shampoo:  What you... do you think she..'s up to?

Ranma:  I don't really know.  Come on.

(Ranma-kun stands up and Shampoo starts to follow him.  Far off 
Bu-kun (back in his armor, sunglasses over his eyes) jumps up on 
top of the fence.  Bu-kun spots them, smiles, then leaps into some 
nearby brush.  Ranma-kun and Shampoo start making their way back 
towards the school when Kodachi suddenly jumps down in front of 
Ranma-kun.  He immediately pulls back in shock as Kodachi walks 
up to them.  Shampoo gives Kodachi an angry glare.)

Ranma:  {nervously}Ahh, hi Kodachi.

Kodachi:  I do believe you're avoiding me Ranma darling.

Ranma:  {nervously}Ahh, I have?

Shampoo:  {fuming}You go or get hurt.

Kodachi:  Is violence your only method of dealing with people Ms. 
Tendo?

Shampoo:  {fuming}People like you deserve no better!

(Kodachi grabs Ranma-kun by the arm and begins dragging him off 
to the school.  Shampoo is surprised but then begins giving chase.)

Kodachi:  Come lover, we should get to know one and other since 
we're now at the same school.

Shampoo:  {angrily}You let him go!

Kodachi:  Oh, scamper off Ms. Tendo.  You think you had no faith in 
your man.

(Kodachi pulls Ranma-kun inside the school door just as Shampoo 
is about to catch up.  A splash is heard.  Ranma-kun looks nervously 
behind him as Kodachi begin taking him up the hallway.)

Ranma:  {nervously}Ahh, where'd Shampoo go?

Kodachi:  Poor thing must have had a little accident with some 
water.  She'll be fine I'm sure.  Now about you and me...

(Back outside Shampoo-cat angrily climbs out of her wet clothes, 
shakes herself off and looks up at an open window.  She looks 
around desperately then starts to drag her clothes with her as she 
moves off towards some nearby washrooms.  A soccerball comes 
flying in.)

Male voice:  Heads up!

(Shampoo-cat notices the ball and abandons her clothes to dodge it.  
She watches as a male student comes running up, picks up the ball 
then looks down at the clothes in confusion.  He shrugs, throws the 
ball back to the other players and picks up the clothes.  Shampoo-cat 
hangs her head in despair then watches as the boy heads into the 
school.  Just inside the hallway, and out of sight of Shampoo-cat, 
Bu-kun stops the boy.)

Bu:  Hey, thanks.  My sister was looking for those?

Boy:  Oh, okay, here.

(The boy hands over the clothes then heads back outside.  Bu-kun 
smiles then walks off with the clothing.)

Bu:  [No changing back today kitty.]

=================================================
=====

(Later that day Kodachi arrives at home to find Bu-kun sitting in the 
common room, several bundles of Furiken uniforms and several 
other sets of Chinese clothes around him.)

Kodachi:  I'm quite pleased.  I never saw her again.

Bu:  Good, that means I got all her little stashes.

Kodachi:  {as she walks off down a hall}Your plan is coming to 
fruition.

Bu:  I don't know, not yet.

(Bu-kun waits for a few minutes and Kodachi returns in a black and 
white dress, a red ribbon tied to the center of her blouse.)

Bu:  The problem is keeping them apart at school isn't good enough.  
I need to think of a way to keep them apart at home too.

Kodachi:  Perhaps I could mix something up.

Bu:  Would you cut it out with the...  Wait, hmm, they have to run 
that restaurant don't they?

Kodachi:  Yes.

Bu:  Then we'll just increase the lady's work load a little.

Kodachi:  Wonderful idea, but you'll have to deal with both that 
other Chinese girl and her sisters.

Bu:  No problem.  I got some ideas.  

(Bu-kun looks absently at Kodachi then pushes his sunglasses up on 
to his head while looking her over.)

Bu:  What's with the blacks?

Kodachi:  I'm the Black Rose.

Bu:  You look... bland, like there's no life there.  Don't you have 
anything a little more cheery, like red or yellow?

(Kodachi looks down at herself then points to the ribbon.)

Bu:  Oh gee, one little dab of color.  Kodachi, you need a serious 
change in style.

Kodachi:  Are you implying that the way I dress in inadequate?

Bu:  Implying, no.  Saying, yes.  Come on, let's get you some decent 
clothes, something with a little more color.

(Bu-kun gets up and grabs Kodachi by the hand and begins taking 
her to the door.  She looks briefly at his hand then looks at him in 
annoyance.)

Kodachi:  You lecture me on fashion.

(Kodachi grabs Bu-kun's sunglasses and dangles them in front of his 
face.  Bu-kun snatches them back in annoyance then puts them on.)

Bu:  You can get some real advantage in combat if an opponent can't 
see your eyes.

Kodachi:  {unconvinced}I'm sure.

(Bu-kun stops at the door and turns to look at her, pushing his 
sunglasses back onto his forehead.)

Bu:  Look, do you want to impress your man or not?

(Kodachi nods.)

Bu:  Well trust me, looking so... dark all the damned time can be a 
bit of a downer.

Kodachi:  Very well.

(Bu-kun lowers his sunglasses again then opens the door and walks 
out with Kodachi in tow.)

=================================================
=====

(A while later Bu-kun is waiting inside a woman clothing shop, 
looking at the clothes, clearly uncomfortable.  A saleswoman walks 
up to him.)

Saleswoman:  Can I help you sir?

Bu:  {nervously}Ah, me, nonono, just waiting for a... friend.

Saleswoman:  {as she turns and leaves}Very well.

(Bu-kun nervously reaches out and touches one of the dresses on a 
rack and quickly withdraws his hand and backs away.  Finally 
Kodachi comes out from a hallway in the back wearing a dressed 
covered in red, yellow, and orange flowers and looks quite radiate.  
Bu-kun looks at her, puts up his sunglasses, gives her a slow look 
over, and blinks a few times with his mouth slightly open.  Kodachi 
looks at him curiously then folds her arms in annoyance.)

Kodachi:  Well?

Bu:  Hmh?  {shaking himself back to reality}Ah, umm, great.  Much 
better.

Kodachi:  I'm glad you approve.  {as she looks at herself}Actually, 
I like it.  It's sort of... warm and... cheerful.

Bu:  Like I said, bright cheery colors.  Now let's pay for that and-

Kodachi:  {as she goes to another rack}Just a moment Bu.  I'm not 
finished.  You don't expect a woman of style to wear one measly 
dress do you.

Bu:  No, I guess not.  Just be quick.

Kodachi:  {as she looks through the dresses}Why don't you try 
some?

Bu:  HEY!  That's not funny!

Kodachi: {with a smile, as she looks through the dresses}You 
complain about my style, what about yours?  Do you always wear 
that armor?

Bu:  {nervously}Well, ahh-

Kodachi: {with a smile, as she looks through the dresses}Exactly.

Bu:  There's no way I'm wearing another dress, you hear me?!

(Kodachi considers briefly, looking at another colorful dress.)

Kodachi:  Very well, maybe something else then.

=================================================
=====

(A short time later Bu-kun is standing in front of mirror dressed in a 
suit (his sunglasses in the coat pocket).  Kodachi looks at him from 
behind and nods in approval.)

Kodachi:  There, infinitely better.

Bu:  I guess so.  I'm just not much into fashion, it's a girl thing.

(Kodachi scowls.)

Kodachi:  That's quite the chauvinistic attitude.  You'd think being a 
woman you'd-

Bu:  Would you be quiet about that already!

(Kodachi frowns then turns and begins to walk off.  Bu-kun looks 
briefly at the mirror then grabs up a few boxes to the side and 
quickly chases after her.  They stop at a cash register to pay the 
clerk.  After paying they walk out to the market street, both quiet.)

Bu:  Okay, okay, so I'm uncomfortable with my girl half, but that's 
understandable, isn't it?

Kodachi:  Perhaps.

Bu:  I mean... {pause}I tried being a girl once.

(Kodachi looks at Bu-kun curiously.)

Bu:  Well, I thought I might have to live that way, but I didn't like
it, 
not one bit.

Kodachi:  I see.

Bu:  All that cooking, cleaning, dressing up, making yourself up, 
styling the hair, trying to look {mockingly}pretty... Bah!

Kodachi:  *Laugh*

Bu:  What?

Kodachi:  Is that all you think we do?

Bu:  Well, it is, isn't it?

Kodachi:  No wonder women avoid you.

Bu:  Hey!  That's cause of this damned curse!

Kodachi:  Perhaps.

(Bu-kun is about to retort but closes his mouth and thinks.  Kodachi 
stops in front of a small cafe.)

Bu:  You really think-

Kodachi:  Just a thought.

(Bu-kun looks at the ground, uncertain.  Kodachi walks into the cafe 
and Bu-kun quickly races after her.  They sit down at a table and 
Kodachi begins examining the menu.)

Kodachi:  What have you planned?

Bu:  Huh?  Oh, well I got a little nausea gas, lasts about a day.  That 
should take care of Akane.  Of course I'll have to use it every night, 
but that shouldn't be too much of a problem.  I think her other sisters 
have other chores so they shouldn't be a problem.  As for that 
Chinese girl, well I know she's got a little problem with pain.  One 
minor little injury should put her out of action for a while.

Kodachi:  Wonderful.  {pause}I'm still curious about how you had 
me transferred without me knowing.

Bu:  I have my methods, trade secrets I'm afraid.  {as he gets up}Be 
right back.

(Kodachi nods and continues to examine the menu as Bu-kun walks 
off to the back.  A short time passes and group of four rather rough 
looking boys walk in.  Kodachi absently looks up at them then 
returns her attention to the menu.  The boys sit at a table, talking 
loudly amongst themselves.  One notices Kodachi and points her out 
to the others.  One nods, smoothes out his hair and walks over and 
sits down across from her, an arrogant smile on his face.  Kodachi 
eyes him in mild annoyance.)

Boy:  Hi there cutee.

Kodachi:  {with a calm smile}I believe you've taken my 
companion's seat.

Boy:  Too bad for him.  {leaning over to her}Let's say me and you 
go out.

Kodachi:  {with a calm smile}I'm afraid I have other plans.

Boy:  They just changed.

(Bu-kun returns and stops when he notices the boy.  His eyes narrow 
and he grabs his sunglasses, flips them open and puts them on.  He 
walks up behind the boy and taps him on the shoulder.  The boy 
turns arrogantly while his buddies watch in anticipation.  Kodachi 
watches in mixed confusion and interest.)

Bu:  You're bothering the lady.

Boy:  {sarcastically}Oh, really.  I'm sorry about that.

(Bu-kun slowly nods then suddenly grabs the boy by the throat and 
hauls him to his feet.)

Bu:  Maybe I didn't make myself perfectly clear, I want you gone, 
now!

(The boy shoves Bu-kun back, causing Bu to let him go, then draws 
a knife.  Meanwhile the staff and other customers take cover.  The 
other boys get to their feet.  Kodachi seems to be in slight shock.)

Boy:  You're going to pay for that.

(Bu-kun merely smiles.  The boy lunges with his knife but Bu-kun 
easily dodges to the side, grabs the boy's outstretched arm, twists it 
(causing him to drop the knife in pain), then send him tumbling to the 
floor with a simple one arm throw.  The other boys approach Bu-
kun from behind as he turns to the boy on the floor.  The boys from 
behind start to rush Bu-kun but he jumps, spinning, into the air and 
kicks them all in the head, throwing them to the floor.  The first boy 
attempts to tackle Bu-kun as he lands but Bu-kun merely steps to the 
side, grabs the boy's arms, crosses them across his back, then 
proceeds to throw him through the door.  Another boy gets up and 
attempt to punch Bu-kun but instead finds himself flying through the 
window from another of Bu-kun's throws.  The other two boys 
attempt a combined attack of punches yet Bu-kun flips over them and 
kicks both in the back, sending them also through the window into 
the street.)

Bu:  {as he walks out the door}Excuse me.  I'll be right back.

(Outside several screams and crashes are heard and several of the 
boys are seen flying through the air.  Finally after a minute Bu-kun 
returns inside, dusting himself off, totally unhurt.  The customers and 
staff come out, surprised and shocked.  Kodachi seems stunned, and 
can only look at Bu-kun as he sits down.)

Bu:  {to a waiter}Sorry about the mess.

Waiter:  {nervously}No problem man.  No problem at all.

Bu:  {to Kodachi}You okay?

(Kodachi can only nod.)

Bu:  Good.

(Bu-kun picks up a menu and starts examining it.  After a moment of 
looking at him Kodachi returns her attention back to her own menu.)

=================================================
=====

(The next morning Shampoo awakens next to Ranma-kun in the dojo.  
She smiles briefly then looks across at the pin in the wall and 
scowls.  Soon Li walk up to the dojo entrance and watches as 
Shampoo examines the pin at close range.)

Soon Li:  See anything yet?

Shampoo:  I see every-

Soon Li:  Can see.

Shampoo:  *sigh*Can see every little scratch, shade and scuff on 
this stupid pin.

Soon Li:  That's good but you're not yet done.

Shampoo:  What are we supposed to see?

Soon Li:  That would be revealing.  Sorry, you'll just have to find 
out yourself.

Shampoo:  *sigh*

Soon Li:  Unfortunately I got more bad news.

(Shampoo looks at Soon Li questioningly.)

Soon Li:  Akane's not feeling well so you'll have to take her place 
in the Nekohanten.

Shampoo:  Awhh, why can't Perfume do it by herself?

Soon Li:  I'm afraid she had a little accident yesterday and twisted 
her ankle.  She won't be able to help out for at least a week.

Shampoo:  But Soon Li, couldn't maybe Nabiki or-

Soon Li:  You know the deal Shampoo.  Kasumi helps out with the 
house work and Nabiki handles the books.

Shampoo:  Mmm, oh, all right, but I was hoping to learn this 
technique.

Soon Li:  {as she leaves}It will wait.

Ranma:  *yawn*

(Shampoo looks over at Ranma-kun who is now sitting up.)

Ranma:  Stuck working huh?

(Shampoo nods in response then gets up and follows after Soon Li.)

=================================================
=====

(Later that day at Furiken Bu-kun sits on the school roof looking 
down at the students in the field.  Among them Shampoo and 
Kodachi (a bright red and yellow ribbon in her hair) are playing a 
game of softball with their fellow female students while the boys 
are playing a game of soccer.  Kodachi looks up briefly at Bu-kun 
who waves and pulls out a small blue ball.  Bu-kun waits till the 
teams start to switch sides then throws his projectile right on target, 
directly at Shampoo.  As Shampoo's team gathers for batting Sayuri 
looks around.  Kodachi walks up behind her.)

Sayuri:  Hey, where'd Shampoo go?

Kodachi:  Oh, I believe she had to run off.

(A short distance away Shampoo-cat shakes angrily while watching 
this.  She shakes her head then heads off towards the locker room.  
Kodachi sees her go, then smiles as she absently drops Shampoo's 
gym clothes in a nearby trash can.  Bu-kun also watches this and 
smiles as Shampoo slips inside the locker room.  He pulls out a 
strip of white cloth.)

Bu:  Too late cat.  Your clothes had a little accident.

(Bu-kun smiles then lets the piece of cloth drop down to the ground 
below.  He looks back down at the field where Kodachi is readying 
to bat and looks at her a long while.  His eyes avert to the roof and 
he gets up to leave.  Just as he does so Kodachi looks up to watch 
him leave.  She's so distracted that the first pitch goes by without 
her noticing.)

Umpire:  Strike one!

Sayuri:  Hey, Kodachi, get with the program.

(Kodachi blinks then turns her attention to the game.)

=================================================
=====

(Several days later Kodachi walks up behind Ranma-kun as he 
walks home, a perplexed look on his face.)

Kodachi:  Hello lover.

(Ranma-kun jerks around with a start and looks at Kodachi with a 
mixed expression of fear and shock.)

Ranma:  {nervously}Ahh, Kodachi, what you doing here?

Kodachi:  I thought I'd accompany you home since Ms. Tendo seems 
to have abandoned you yet again.

Ranma:  {nervously}That's not really necessary.

Kodachi:  Oh, it's no trouble at all lover.

(Kodachi smiles seductively at Ranma-kun who responds with a 
nervous swallow.)

Ranma:  *sigh*Oh, all right.

(Ranma-kun continues on walking with Kodachi now beside him.)

Ranma:  Look, Kodachi, I want you to stop this.

Kodachi:  Whatever do you mean?

Ranma:  Forcing Shampoo to go everyday.

Kodachi:  I have done nothing to the cat girl.

Ranma:  Kodachi-

Kodachi:  I give you my word, I have done nothing to her.

Ranma:  And what about Bu?

Kodachi:  I have no control over his actions.  You do not hold me 
responsible for him do you?

Ranma:  Well, no but he is staying at your place.

Kodachi:  He is working off his stay.  Would you have me throw 
him out because of your allegations?

Ranma:  Ahhh, no, I guess not.

(Ranma-kun looks up to find himself outside the entrance to the 
Tendo residence.  He opens the gate then turns back to Kodachi and 
finds her gone.  In her place he finds a bouquet of black roses.  He 
looks up and down the street cautiously, nudges the flowers with his 
foot and when nothing happens picks them up.  He looks at the 
flowers in confusion then shakes his head and walks inside.  Across 
the street, on the roof top Bu-kun sits, a frown on his face.  He sits 
there thinking for a moment then finally gets up and leaps off.  He 
begins walking down an adjacent street.)

Bu:  [What's with me?  Am I losing my nerve or something?  This is 
to get back at the cat, so why am I starting to dislike this?  
{pause}Damn, that jerk treats her like dirt.  I mean, can't he see she 
loves him.  He toys with something I'd die to have.  {pause}Hmh, 
yeah, what would a girl see in me, another girl?  {pause}What am I 
anyway?  Some sort of weird Lesbian.]

(Bu-kun tenses up.)

Bu:  [Man, why couldn't my life just be normal?  Why couldn't I 
have just been told the truth?  Then at least I could live as a girl.  
Grrr, but I'm not a girl, I'm a guy, a guy.  This is all that damned 
cat's fault!  I'm even beginning to doubt myself cause of her.]

(Bu-kun walks by a street crossing where Kodachi is leaning against 
the wall, out of his sight.  She walks up behind him, smiling 
deviously.)

Kodachi:  Are you spying on me?

(Bu-kun spins around in surprise.)

Bu:  {startled}Kodachi?!  Ah, no... I mean, yes... I mean sort of.

(Kodachi eyes him curiously.)

Bu:  Well, I just wanted to see how you were doing with him.

Kodachi:  I'm doing quite well.  Have you no trust in my abilities?

Bu:  Nono, I trust your abilities.  It's just that he's being stubborn.

Kodachi:  {with a nod}Hmh.

(Kodachi walks by Bu-kun and continues on up the street.  Bu-kun 
follows after her, pushing his sunglasses onto his forehead.  They 
walk in silence for several moments, Bu-kun thinking.  Kodachi 
occasionally gives Bu-kun a side glance, then scowls to herself.)

Bu:  So, ah, what exactly made you... interested in this Ranma guy?

Kodachi:  He saved my life.

Bu:  Huh?

Kodachi:  Well I was paying a visit to Ms. Tendo before our match 
but was most rudely clubbed on the head upon leaving.  My darling 
Ranma saved me from a most nasty fall.

Bu:  {fuming}That stupid cat attacked you when you were leaving?!

Kodachi:  {with a devious smile}Why yes, most dishonorable.

Bu:  You're telling me.  {pause}So he's the heroic type huh?

Kodachi:  Yes.

Bu:  Hmm, what else did he do?

(Kodachi considers for a second then turns her attention to the road 
ahead.)

Bu:  [Hey, maybe...  Wait a sec, what am I thinking?  She's my best 
chance at getting back at that damned cat.  I can't mess that up.  Got 
to straighten my head out here.  {pause}Besides, all am to her is 
some crazy girl.]

(Bu-kun looks at Kodachi for a moment without her noticing then 
shakes his head and looks down at the ground.  Kodachi takes a 
quick glance at him then looks away.  Her expression changes to a 
frown of concentration.)

=================================================
=====

(Shampoo arrives at home late that night and heads through the 
darkened house to the dojo.)

Shampoo:  *yawn*

(She looks in and sees Ranma-kun passed out on the floor, still 
facing the pin.  She watches him sleep for a moment sadly then 
walks over, looks briefly at the pin and grabs up a blanket and puts 
it over him.  She then drops down onto her own bedding and lays 
down.)

Shampoo:  [I sick of this.  Every damned day.  I swear when get 
chance at her...]

(Shampoo closes her eyes and shakes her head in exasperation.)

Shampoo:  [Can't let her get to me.]  *sigh*

=================================================
=====

(The next day Kodachi, dressed in flowery bright work clothes, is 
tending to a black rose bush in her greenhouse, when Bu-kun walks 
in and leans against a table behind her, pushing his sunglasses onto 
his forehead and folding his arms in front of him.)

Kodachi:  Is there something I can do for you Bu?

Bu:  Look, this is getting increasingly difficult to keep them apart.  
Sooner or later someone's going to catch me at the Tendos' and 
Perfume's nearly back on her feet.

Kodachi:  This was your plan.  Work out the problems.

Bu:  Even if I do I can't keep this up.  You're going to have to get 
more serious here.

Kodachi:  Unfortunately I gave my word to leave Ranma to that girl 
and this is as much as I can do without breaking it.

Bu:  Well, can't you beat her or something?

Kodachi:  I thought you didn't want her physically hurt?

(Bu-kun falls silent as he thinks.  Kodachi finishes with the bush she 
was working on and begins walking slowly down the aisle, pruning 
a stray branch every so often.)

Bu:  Yeah, and I don't think it would be wise to attack her anyway.  
Girly-man is kind of attached to her.  {long pause}Wait, if she 
attacked you...

Kodachi:  Shouldn't be too hard to trigger that.  She's quite upset as 
is.  Give her one day with me and I should be able to trigger an 
attack.  Then what?

Bu:  One good gas bomb should do it.

Kodachi:  You underestimate her.  Even I must admit she's good 
enough to deal with that.  She'd expect it.

Bu:  Hmmm.  {pause}Another delivery technique, need another 
delivery technique.

Kodachi:  Yes.

(Kodachi stops in front of a yellow rose bush and frowns.)

Kodachi:  Perhaps I could modify one of my tools, a club perhaps.

Bu:  Yeah, maybe.  Should work.  If she's mad enough she probably 
won't expect it.

(Kodachi cuts off a yellow rose, smells it then turns and walks back 
to Bu-kun.)

Bu:  Just be sure to play defensive.  You don't want Ranma to have 
an excuse to get mad at you.

Kodachi:  Of course.

(Kodachi considers for a moment as Bu-kun thinks.  She seems 
unsure for a second then shrugs, turns and taps Bu-kun on the 
forehead with the stem of the rose.)

Kodachi:  Just be sure to leave her be tomorrow.  Can't provoke 
someone who isn't there.

Bu:  Do I look like an idiot?  Of course.

(Kodachi smiles in amusement then turns and walks off, exiting the 
greenhouse.  Bu-kun watches her go with a slight scowl.  He moves 
to put his sunglasses back on but finds the yellow rose in his hair.  
He pulls it out, looks at it in confusion then looks back at the door.)

Bu:  [Could she...  Ahh, just wishful thinking.  {pause}Man, I'm 
going to be glad when this is all over.]

(Bu-kun looks down at the rose again a look of longing in his eyes.  
He shakes his head, puts on his sunglasses and follows Kodachi, 
putting the rose in his shirt.)

=================================================
=====

(The next day Shampoo nervously walks beside Ranma-kun as they 
enter the school.)

Shampoo:  I no like this.

Ranma:  Don't-

Shampoo:  {annoyed}You know what I mean!

Ranma:  Well then say it.

Shampoo:  {annoyed}Mmm.

Ranma:  Look, Shampoo, relax already.

Shampoo:  {angrily}How can... {pause}*deep breath*{normal 
voice}Okay, but this is getting ridiculous.

Ranma:  We'll catch him sooner or later.

Shampoo:  Hope it is sooner.  I running... I'm running out of clothes.

(Ranma-kun and Shampoo turn and enter their classroom.  Kodachi 
sits by the window.  She turns to briefly smile at them.  Ranma-kun 
gets nervous while Shampoo fumes.  Ranma-kun and Shampoo take 
their seats as the class begins to settle in.  Kodachi turns her 
attention back to her book.  She draws a line across the paper, then 
two circles along the line.  She fills in the circles then looks at the 
doodle with a confused scowl.  Finally she scratches out the 
drawing but then begins thinking.)

=================================================
=====

(Later that day Ranma-kun pulls Shampoo out from the school as she 
nervous looks about.)

Ranma:  Relax already.  He can't try anything while you're with me.

(Shampoo seems unsure then allows Ranma-kun to lead her out into 
the school yard.  A short distance away Kodachi watches then 
begins to approach the couple.)

Kodachi:  Why hello Ranma, {pause}Shampoo.

Shampoo:  {grudgingly}Hello.  What you want?

Kodachi:  I just came to visit with my darling Ranma.

Ranma:  Kodachi, I don't want any trouble today.

Kodachi:  Trouble?  Have I caused trouble since I arrived here?

Ranma:  Ahh, no.

Kodachi:  Well then, there should be no trouble if I join you.

(Shampoo gives Ranma an angry look but he just shrugs.)

Ranma:  Come on Shampoo, she's telling the truth.

Shampoo:  Half truth.  {pause then grudgingly}Fine.

(Shampoo angrily shakes her head then goes and sits down by a tree.  
Ranma gestures for Kodachi to sit down then sits next to Shampoo.  
Kodachi complies.)

Kodachi:  So, {to Shampoo}where have you been going off to 
lately?

(Shampoo glares angrily at Kodachi then closes her eyes, clenching 
her fists together in her lap.)

Ranma:  She's been having lousy luck with water.  You wouldn't 
happen to know anything about that would you?

Kodachi:  Me?

Ranma:  Never mind.

(The three go into a tense silence.  After a moment Kodachi smiles 
deviously.)

Kodachi:  So, Ranma, we never did get to finish our conversation 
yesterday.

Ranma:  {nervously}Ahhh, conversation?

(Shampoo looks at Ranma-kun with a scowl.)

Kodachi:  Why yes, you remember, we were discussing the 
inadequacies of the gymnastics program here.

Ranma:  {nervously}Ah, oh yeah, I seem to remember that.

Shampoo:  {fuming}When this happen?

Ranma:  {nervously}Well-

Kodachi:  I believe we were discussing it our way home together.

Shampoo:  {angrily}WHAT?!!  What she mean home together?

Ranma:  {extremely nervous}Shampoo, it's not what it seems like.

(Shampoo angrily turns on Kodachi who remain calm, but amused.)

Shampoo:  {angrily}Ranma is my fiancee, no yours!  You stay 
away!

Kodachi:  I think that it is Ranma's decision who he spends time 
with.

(Shampoo, boiling over with rage, gets up and takes a threatening 
step towards Kodachi.  Kodachi responds by flipping backwards to 
her feet.  Ranma-kun also jumps up and steps between them.)

Ranma:  Shampoo, calm down.

Shampoo:  {irate}Out of way, Shampoo can take no more from her!

Kodachi:  Can't even have a civil conversation.

(Kodachi shakes her head in mock disappointment.  Shampoo shakes 
angrily then rushes her, pushing Ranma-kun aside.  Kodachi drops 
back into a defensive posture as Shampoo begins letting off a hail of 
kicks and punches.  Kodachi blocks and dodges a few, taking a few 
hits then flips into the air, drawing two gymnastic clubs.  She lands 
to face Shampoo as she rushes at her.)

Kodachi:  Attack of a thousand clubs!

(Shampoo crashes into the assault and begins blocking the blows 
and sending in ones of her own.  Ranma-kun rushes over but stands 
aside, not knowing what to do.)

Shampoo:  {irate}[Shampoo make her pay!!!]

(The exchange continues for another few seconds but suddenly 
Shampoo blinks.  Time seems to slow as Shampoo blocks one club 
off to the side and watches as Kodachi pulls back another to strike.  
Shampoo goes wide eyed as she notices Kodachi's fingers change 
position just slightly, barely noticeably, on the club.  Shampoo then 
starts to jump backwards.  Just then a spray of purple mist shots out 
of the club, just barely hitting Shampoo.  She drops to the ground, 
coughing and holding her head.  Ranma-kun rushes over to her.  
Kodachi winches in pain as she rubs her shoulder but holds her 
position.)

Ranma:  {concerned}Shampoo, are you okay?

(Shampoo weakly nods.)

Ranma:  {sternly}What did you think you were doing?

(Shampoo looks down at the ground and shakes her head in a 
confused mix of anger and guilt.)

Shampoo:  Shampoo... Shampoo... {pause}I sorry Ranma, could no 
control myself.

(Shampoo looks up at Ranma, a pleading look on her face.  Ranma-
kun looks back at Kodachi who is still nursing her wounds.)

Ranma:  *sigh*This has got to stop.  {pause then to Shampoo}Can 
you walk?

(Shampoo nods as she stands up.)

Ranma:  I want you to go home.

Shampoo:  But Ranma-

Ranma:  Go home Shampoo.  You need to calm down.

(Shampoo looks off to the side in guilt then reluctantly nods and 
begins to slowly walk off.  Ranma-kun turns and walks over to 
Kodachi.)

Kodachi:  Sent her off did you, it's for the best.

Ranma:  Kodachi, that's it.  I want this to stop right now.

Kodachi:  Whatever cou-

Ranma:  {sternly}You know exactly what I mean!  You and Bu are 
trying to break up me and Shampoo.  I can tell you right now it isn't 
going to work.

(Kodachi's expression changes to a neutral, passive look.)

Ranma:  You provoked her and you know it.  {pause}Look, I won't 
let this continue.  If I have to fight you, or Bu, or both of you I
will.

(Kodachi thinks for a second, then nods one time.  Ranma-kun then 
turns and walks off after Shampoo.  Kodachi watches him go then 
looks off to the side, lost in thought.  After a brief moment she turns 
and heads back to the school.)

=================================================
=====

(Shampoo walks down the street, her head hung.  She rubs her eyes 
with the back of her hand, stifles a sob then stops and looks absently 
at the street wall.)

Shampoo:  [Stupid.  She played me like a... a... fiddle or whatever.  
{pause}Damn!  What's Ranma think of me?  If I can let someone get 
to me that much...]

(Shampoo shakes her head but looks behind her as she hears Ranma-
kun's footsteps.)

Shampoo:  Ranma?

Ranma:  You feeling better now?

Shampoo:  *sigh*I... I'm sorry Ranma.  I lost my head.  I shouldn't 
have attacked her.

Ranma:  She was provoking you, I'm actually surprised you lasted 
as long as you did.

(Shampoo looks away.)

Shampoo:  It still was stupid.

(Ranma-kun wraps his arm over her shoulder.)

Ranma:  Yeah, well, who hasn't done stupid things around here?  
Come on, if they want to keep us apart at school, then we just won't 
stay.

(Shampoo looks at Ranma then smiles as they continue on their way.  
In the shadows of a shop down the street Bu-kun watches this then 
loses himself in thought.)

Bu:  [Damn.  This isn't working.]  {pause}*sigh*

(Bu-kun shakes his head then suddenly looks perplexed.)

Bu:  [Why doesn't that really upset me?]

(Bu-kun thinks for a moment then begins to walk off, a new look of 
confusion on his face.)

=================================================
=====

(Later that night Kodachi walks down a hall in the Kuno mansion to 
Bu's room.  She turns and looks through the open door to see Bu-kun 
sitting on the end of the bed, brooding, his sunglasses covering his 
eyes.)

Kodachi:  Your little plan backfired.

Bu:  I know.

Kodachi:  Well then, what now?

Bu:  Nothing.

Kodachi:  What?  Are you giving up?

Bu:  Yes, I am.

Kodachi:  But-

Bu:  Kodachi, it isn't working.  I was right in the first place.  Those 
two won't be broken apart without something drastic and this isn't 
it.

Kodachi:  Then a different-

Bu:  No, the only thing that I think would work is putting her out of 
the way permanently and I won't do that.

Kodachi:  {as she turns to leave}Then perhaps I no longer need you.

(Bu-kun jumps to his feet and grabs Kodachi by the arm and pulls 
her around to face him.)

Kodachi:  {annoyed}Unhand me.

Bu:  So that's it huh?  All you care about is getting your stupid 
Ranma?

(Kodachi remains silent, staring in annoyance at Bu-kun.  He pushes 
up his sunglasses and looks at her.)

Bu:  What's it going to take to get you to wise up?  Maybe you'll 
realize when he comes after you for killing her.

(Kodachi diverts her eyes to the side.)

Bu:  The way you're going that's how it's going to end up.

(Kodachi wrenches her arm from Bu-kun's grip and starts to walk 
up the hall, slight anger showing on her face.  Bu-kun comes into the 
hallway after her.)

Bu:  You don't need him Kodachi.

(Kodachi stops, her back turned to Bu-kun.)

Bu:  What's he ever done for you anyway?  Anything at all?  Has he 
ever even treated you with anything more that common courtesy, if 
even that?

(Bu-kun looks at Kodachi stand silently in the hall.  He looks unsure 
for a second then pulls out the yellow rose from his armor.)

Bu:  And what about this?  Why'd you give this to me?

(Kodachi looks over her shoulder at Bu-kun holding the rose.  She 
thinks for a moment then looks away again.)

Kodachi:  {quietly}I don't really know.

Bu:  Give up on him Kodachi.

Kodachi:  I can't.

Bu:  Why?

(Kodachi remains silent.  Bu-kun waits a moment then continues.)

Bu:  You have to.  You'll end up with nothing if you continue on this 
path.  {pause}I... If you want someone, what about me?

Kodachi:  You?

Bu:  What's wrong with me?

Kodachi:  You are a woman.

(Bu-kun clenches his fist and bows his head in disappointment.  He 
starts to turn then stops.)

Bu:  [Come on Bu!  Are you a man or a girl?]

(Bu-kun turns back to Kodachi, determined.)

Bu:  I have the body of a man.  I have the mind of a man.  The only 
thing that says I'm a woman is the temperature of the damned water!

(Kodachi remains silent.  Bu-kun's determination melts away.  After 
a moment he sadly shakes his head but then continues.)

Bu:  Fine, chase after him.  I'm not going to force someone into 
anything.

(Bu-kun turns back to go into his room.)

Bu:  I guess I'll be leaving.

(Bu-kun walks into his room.  Kodachi remains in the hall, looking 
confused and tense.  She clenches her eyes closed then rubs away a 
tear that starts to form.)

Kodachi:  Wait!

(Kodachi turns and rushes back to the door of Bu's room.  He looks 
at her questioningly, and hopefully.)

Kodachi:  You don't realizing what you're asking of me.

Bu:  I know perfectly well what I'm asking you to do, to give up on 
someone you love.  It's not an easy thing, I know.

Kodachi:  And how do you know I will treat you better than him?

Bu:  I don't.  I can just tell you that you don't need to bother with
the 
tricks.  Besides, I know my chemistry too you know.

(Kodachi looks down at the floor, considers then looks up with an 
semi-amused smile.)

Kodachi:  Then I guess Ms. Tendo wins after all.

(Bu-kun seems almost shocked for moment then smiles and takes a 
hold of Kodachi's shoulder.)

Bu:  You really mean that?

(Kodachi reluctantly nods.)

Bu:  You got some potential.  {pause}We'll tell them tomorrow.

(Kodachi nods again, reluctantly, then turns and leaves.  Bu-kun 
turns away from the door then clenches his fist in triumph.)

Bu:  {overjoyed}YES!!  Finally.

Kuno:  I'm glad to see you are happy.

(Bu-kun spins quickly around in surprise to face Kuno who is 
standing in the doorway.)

Bu:  What do you want Tatewaki?

(Kuno's eyes narrow in annoyance.)

Kuno:  Just let it be known that if you violate my sister, or mistreat 
her in any way there is no place on this planet you can hide.

(Bu-kun blinks in shock.)

Bu:  Wouldn't dream of it.

(Kuno nods then turns and leaves.  Bu-kun shakes his head in 
confusion.)

=================================================
=====

(The next morning Shampoo, Ranma-kun, Ryoga, and Akane are on 
their way to school.  They approach the school and Shampoo begins 
to slow, nervous.  The others see this and stop.)

Ranma:  Come on Shampoo.  Akane's fine today.  Maybe they gave 
up.

Shampoo:  More likely they have new plan.

Akane:  {angrily}If they try anything they're toast.  I didn't exactly 
enjoy not being able to stomach food for a week.  I'll be all too glad 
to pay them back.

(Ryoga nods in agreement.  Shampoo nods then continues on and the 
others continue as well.  They make it inside then stop instantly upon 
seeing Bu-kun and Kodachi (who stares off at the wall) by the 
school door.  Ranma-kun and the others tense up for a fight.)

Ranma:  Just great.

Ryoga:  All right, if they want a fight-

Bu:  Calm down you morons, we're here to talk, not fight.

(Ranma-kun and the others wait, uncertain.)

Bu:  {pointing at Akane}This doesn't concern you or the pig.  Just 
the girly-man and the cat.

Akane:  {angrily}You are a total asshole you-

Shampoo:  Akane, we'll be fine, just go before get too angry.

(Akane looks at Shampoo then calms and, taking a hold of Ryoga's 
arm, heads past Kodachi and Bu-kun into the school.)

Bu:  All right, we're here to call a truce.

Ranma:  Truce huh?  We still don't know what Shampoo supposedly 
did to you.

Bu:  It's not important anymore.  I'm still not pleased but I've 
decided to stop wasting my time on revenge.

Shampoo:  Hmmph.

Bu:  {angrily}Be glad I don't kill or you'd have been six feet under 
right now.

(Shampoo glares at Bu-kun in challenge but he just looks aside 
angrily.)

Ranma:  And Kodachi?

(Kodachi finally turns her attention to Ranma.)

Kodachi:  What is there to say Ranma?  It is over, {with an amused 
smile}you missed your chance.

(Kodachi walks into the school.  Bu-kun turns briefly to watch her 
leave then turns back to Shampoo and Ranma-kun.)

Bu:  You got nothing to worry about from us anymore, I give you my 
word.

(Bu-kun starts to walk past them but then stops and looks back at 
Shampoo.)

Bu:  Enjoy your life cat.  You don't realize that you've been given 
that which so many search their whole lives for.

(Bu-kun continues on his way.  Shampoo and Ranma-kun watch him 
go in confusion.  Bu-kun continues on his way till he leaves their 
sight.)

%End Part 3