’WPCj “ÓJėØļ śYęķ‡¾Õ„ŹŠļĒå#³(*8`Éūźˆ’Oe™”œ ė“įęŪ¦Ė¹57Mį"®)rl„äµ8^K:ÓŲŗęsł&°(ć_™¾ķ1:®ĖÅUł% ‚E®Ļ÷ć5ĀQø>Į ˜kź"te¢ņĀ=]äßęEīīśĘŠ¢ZCūfæ{L²4®Üė0\l Ü' µÉŗ=¾€)ccœkäĶŪJE’lÄ%ü!M»7=¾łiÉŚ±ē8‹qMė’rßł…šģs«Cq%Ćčy,¬¢eĶŠSĢ'}ØcEōÆÄŸD…ĀFÕ«źö<Ü^5\̱óō7w&Eųŗå¹S£!zćRõ^Æus4ƒRÉõcLˆ}•‡\1ūœXµ;=`ÜɲƒfRQįŖ‡ėć)ĄAÅŽ‰EŌ,'ƒķō“ ua [¼¼8,ń­eHČā.ŁÕș«čDCĶ`j”ĪĮīq†/kżī45āė¼żæiC×ÓźyŸČ|ÓsŪ ķ8 4Ębt•¶®Oļd?į®o…-xŻˆĖŖ± n"#ņ‹Zbl÷Ŗńķłi,|†C"éI3õŸĄ%So^×H¶5yFäD³ ż-ŸØ}kģ[ĮžŅ‡[ßöב>5äQßqpUN€ %Ī 0:Ōw@4Nb#|xF(  Z ‹6Times New Roman RegularX(ö\$””ŌCEUS.,Ō =D>?@UADBUCEDEEFŹ„%%Ż ƒö\!ŻŌCEUS.,ŌŻ  ŻRanma€šš:€Stranger€in€a€stranger€land.Ģby€Trevor€LaughlinĢĢĢBased€on€the€works€and€characters€of€Rumiko€TakahashiĢĢAn€attempt€in€'not-so€creative'€writing.Ģń'ńForeword€and€forewarned....ĢĢHello€dear€reader,Ģ€€€€€You're€probably€wondering€why€on€earth€someone€has€produced€€yet-another'ĢRanma€fanfic.€Well€just€be€thankful€that€it's€not€a€Sailor€Moon€one€OK!€*grin*€SeriouslyĢfolks,€the€motivation€is€simply€this.€I€heard€about€the€actual€ending€of€the€Ranma€comicĢseries€in€Japan€and€,€well,€was€a€bit€dissatisfied€do€to€an€excessive€lack€of€closure€in€it.ĢOther€€fics€have€gone€on€to€portray€what€€could'€happen€if€Ranma€et€al€went€to€college€orĢjust€in€the€general€future€in€Lessons€in€Love.€Both€are€well€written€series.€Pick€€em€off€theĢweb€if€you€can€find€them.€Ģ€€€€€Let's€face€it€Rumiko€has€created€a€set€of€quite€endearing€characters€that€interact€wellĢtogether,€producing€a€wonderful€chemistry.€However€with€the€possible€exception€of€Kasumi,€Ģthere€are€very€few€(if€not€no)€characters€that€deal€well€with€emotions.€Without€someone€toĢhelp€grant€the€characters€insight€upon€themselves,€there€will€never€be€resolution.€ErgoĢtherefore,€I€create€Ken€Urdley€*wince*.€He's€a€tribute€to€schleppy€North€American€RanmaĢfans€everywhere€and€embodies€many€of€the€characteristics€that€the€available€charactersĢlack.€He's€artistic,€sensitive€to€others€and€has€no€martial€arts€prowess€whatsoever!€The€ficsĢ,€of€which€this€is€the€first€in€a€series,€will€first€intro€Ken€in€to€the€Ranma€world€of€japan€andĢthen€Ken€will€fade€into€the€background€as€a€secondary€character€as€the€main€charactersĢrise€to€the€fore.€Obviously,€at€the€pace€I'll€take€this€will€take€time.€I€do€not€believe€in€shortĢquick€answers.€Heck€this€fic€itself€is€approaching€20€pages.€But,€I'd€like€to€get€someĢfeedback€if€you€please€so,€mail€me€at€laughlin@accessv.com€so€I€can€find€out€if€I'm€actuallyĢdoing€a€good€job€at€this.€Ģń'ńń(ń€€€€€ń(ńĢĢAnd€so€it€beginsĢOpening€Scene:€ĢĢĢThursday,€during€the€school€year,€late€spring.ĢA€cab€pulls€up€to€the€Japanese€boarding€house.€A€young€western€man€in€his€mid€teensĢwearing€jeans€and€a€white€dress€shirt€exits€the€cab.€Assorted€duffle€bags€and€suitcasesĢaccompany€him€to€the€doorway.€A€large,€overly€friendly€white€dog€greets€him€with€a€flyingĢtackle.€-Woof!-ĢĢKen:€Whoa€there€big€fellah!ĢDropping€a€duffle€bag€and€bracing€for€the€slobbering€impact€of€the€white€mogul.ĢĢKen:€(pinned€on€the€ground€and€currently€being€licked€into€the€concrete)€My.€You€are€theĢfriendly€sort€aren't€you.ĢĢFemale€voice€from€above:€Actually€he€only€does€that€to€people€he€likes€usually.€ConsiderĢthat€a€stamp€of€approval,€licked€and€all€(the€voice€giggles).€Come€here€Suichiro.ĢĢSuichiro€gets€off€the€boy€and€walks€to€his€mistress'€side;€a€young€widow€by€the€name€of€KyoukoĻChigusa.Ģ€€€€€The€lick-wified›€youth€gets€up€and€we€finally€get€our€first€good€look€at€him.€He€sportsĢlight€brown€hair€with€a€parting€through€the€middle€and€brown€eyes€behind€square,€blackĢrimmed€glasses.€He€is€clean€shaven€and€he€stands€about€5'10.ĢĢKen:€Auntie€Karinin-san€I€presume?€(said€in€conveniently€good€Japanese€to).Ģą  ąAfter€a€nod€from€Kyouko,€Ken€manages€a€somewhat€formal€bow.€But,€seeing€the€smirkĻon€Kyoukoššs€face,€he€breaks„off€the€formalities€and€hugs€her€warmly.ĢĢ[Kyouko€had€known€Kenššs€mother€since€high€school.€They€had€grown€as€close€to€each€other€asĻsisters.€Even€after€graduation€and€Kenššs€birth,€his€mom€and€Kyouko€had€always€remained€close.ĻThe€term€ššauntiešš€seemed€apropos€here.€Auntie€Karinin€was/is€Kenššs€pet€name€for€Kyouko.]ĢĢą  ąKyouko€returns€the€hug€with€equal€fervour.€ššHow€long€has€it€been?šš,€she€wonders.€ššKenĻwas€barely€12€when€I€last€saw€him.'€€when€Inspecting€Ken€at€armššs€length€she€sees€he€has€turnedĻinto€a€fine€young€man.Š l-¼(, ЇKarinin:€Welcome€to€Maison€œIkoku›€Urdley-san.€I....ĢĢKen:€€Please,€NOT€Urdley€san.€Ken.€Just€'Ken'€if€you€don't€mind€Auntie€Kyouko.Ģ(under€his€breath)€I€can't€STAND€that€last€name.€Gee€I€hope€this€isn't€€a€cultural€thing.ĢĢKyouko:€Ok,€Ken.€Welcome€to€Japan.€Is€this€your€first€visit€here?€You€Japanese€is€veryĢgood.€(escorting€him€inside€and€carrying€some€of€the€lighter€bags€herself€leaving€him€theĢtrunk€to€pull€on€his€own)ĢĢ€€€€€Ken€tries€his€hand€at€the€task€of€moving€the€trunk€and€talking€at€the€same€time.ĢPushing,€-grunt-€"Well,€yes.€*groan*€Sort€of.€*urp*.€I€mean."€giving€up€with€no€success.ĢPulling:€"You€see€*Hurg!*.€I€had€some€*grunt*€practice€*pant-pant*€speaking€in€Little€TokyoĢback€home,€(resting€against€the€trunks€side€sweating)€but€that's€not€the€same,€is€it?"€HisĢfutile€struggles€do€not€budge€the€trunk€on€inch.ĢKyouko€smiling€at€his€struggle€puts€down€the€bags€and€comes€to€the€young€man's€aid.€SheĢgives€him€a€warm€motherly€smile€and€offers€him€a€hand€up.€€€ĢĢKyouko€gives€the€trunk€a€quick€heave-to€and€carries€it€inside€with€no€effort€at€all.€Ken€stares,Ģeyes€bugged€out,€mouth€agape,€blushing€in€astonishment.€His€head€quickly€falls€to€his€chestĢand€into€his€hand€in€shame.€A€little€anime€octopus€pops€onto€his€head€carrying€a€"HowĢembarrassing€sign."€In€his€embarrassment,€he€fails€to€notice€the€dog,€Suichiro,€pointing€andĢlaughing€at€him.€ĢĢKyouko€(from€inside€the€boarding€house)€"No,€nothing's€ever€easy€the€first€time€round.€That'sĢwhat€your€mother€told€me€in€high€school€and€it's€still€true€today."€ĢĢAs€Ken€goes€to€pick€up€his€bags,€Suichiro€resumes€normal€'dog-like'€behaviour€beforeĢanyone€can€notice.€Still,€Ken€gives€the€dog€an€accusing€stare€just€to€make€sure€and€chargesĢinside€with€his€bags.ĢĢScene:€backing€away€from€the€house,€we€hear€Ken€and€Kyouko-san€talking.€ĢĢKyouko:€"Your€room€is€upstairs.€Iššll€make€some€tea€for€the€both€of€us€and€you€can€tell€me€howĻyour€mother€and€father€are€doing.€After€that,€we€can€get€you€packed€in€and€ready€for€schoolĻtomorrow."ĢĢKen:€"SCHOOL?!€Already!€But€I€just€got€here."ĢĢKyouko:€€"Oh,€come€on.€It's€a€nice€school€just€down€the€road.€Furenken€High.€You'll€like€itĢthere.€I've€heard€it's€a€nice€quiet€school.ššĢĢKen€(fading):€My€pen€pall€said€there€would€be€days€like€this.ĢĢScene:€€€€Fade€to€black-€cut€to€tomorrow,€Friday,€morning€after€hearing€the€nowĢinfamous€words€of€Kuno:€"€I€love€you€both,€I€would€date€with€thee!"€(enter€comical€chaseŠ l-¼(, Šmusic€as€Tatewaki€Kuno€chases€the€elusive€pig€tailed€girl€and€Akane€Tendo€for€theĢumpteenth€time).€ĢĢ€€€€€Ken€is€peacefully€cycling€down€from€Maison€Ikoku€to€school.€Today,€he€wears€a€zip-upĢyellow€sweatshirt,€a€white€T-shirt,€jeans€and€a€blue€baseball€hat.€His€route€todayĢhappens€to€be€part€of€the€typical€route€from€the€Tendo€dojo€to€Furenken.€As€he€near€theĢstreet€near€the€waterway€two€coloured€streaks,€one€red€(Ran-chan)€and€one€light€blueĢ(Akane)€zip€across€his€path€kicking€up€clouds€of€dust€in€their€wake.€Ģ€€€€€Ken€screeches€to€a€halt.€A€figure€lands€in€front€of€him€and€poses€dramatically€(Kuno,Ģof€course)€followed€by€a€flash€of€blue€light€and€the€sound€of€rolling€thunder.€His€woodenĢsword€is€drawn€and€he€is€garbed€in€his€traditional€blue€outfit.ĢĢKen:€*Blink-blink*ĢĢKuno:€I,€Tatewaki€Kuno,€the€Blue€Thunder€of€Furenken€High€will€have€of€what€I€would€claimĢas€mine€own.€(charges€off€in€pursuit€after€the€two€dust€trails).ĢĢSasuke€(following€moments€later€with€the€lighting€equipment€and€the€thunderĢmachine),speaking€to€Ken€:€Um,...€I'm€with€him€(to€Kuno).€Master€Kuno,€wait€for€me,€thisĢequipment€is€heavy,€*THUD*.€(as€a€250€watt€speaker€falls€over€and€crushes€Sasuke.ĢĢKen:€*Blink-blink*€Ooooh€Kaaaay.€Right.€Off€to€school.€Ģ€€€€€Ģ€€€€€He€continues€cycling€towards€school€with€an€overtly€stiff€posture€and€a€waryĢexpression€on€his€face.€ĢĢKen€(thoughts):€Well,€I€guess€even€Japan€has€to€have€it's€share€of€weirdness.€ĢĢ€€€€€This€thought€barely€said,€a€bicycle€bell€rings€out.€Birds€take€to€the€air€and€squawk€outĢin€protest€as€Shampoo€rides€along€an€overhead€power€line€to€fulfil€an€early€morning€delivery.€ĢĢKen:€*Blink*€(Silence.€His€head€turns€to€follow€the€phenomenon).€ĢĢ€€€€€€Ken€finds€himself€face€first€into€a€concrete€pole.€His€front€tire€is€ruinedĢand€his€face€is€in€much€the€same€state.€His€body€is€contorted€into€€a€state€that€would€makeĢa€yoga€master€flinch.ĢĢScene:€fade€out€from€a€groaning€Ken€to€the€front€of€Furenken€High.€In€the€bicycle€stand,Ģyou€see€the€beat-up€contraption€that€used€to€be€Ken's€bike.€The€bell€rings,€it€is€9€o'clock.ĢWe€go€to€Ranma€(now€male)€&€Akane's€classroom.€Ken€stand€at€the€front€to€be€introducedĢby€the€teacherĢĢRanma€to€Akane:€Hey?€Where's€Nabiki€today?€I€didnššt€see€her€at€breakfast.ĢĢAkane€to€Ranma:€Didn't€you€hear€at€home?€Š l-¼(, ЇRanma€to€Akane:€No?€(with€indignation)€Pop€had€me€chasing€down€the€old€lech€last€nightĢin€the€public€baths.ĢĢAkane€to€Ranma:€Kasumi€said€she€came€down€with€the€flu€last€night€(looking€concerned).ĢShe's€ok.€But€she's€gonna€miss€school€today.ĢĢRanma€to€Akane:€Hey€who's€that?€(indicating€to€Ken)ĢĢAkane€to€Ranma:€I€don't€know?€(smiling)€He's€kinda€cute.ĢĢ€€€€€Akane's€opinion€seems€to€be€shared€by€most€of€the€girls€in€the€class€as€they€stareĢat€the€strange€young€foreigner€with€wrapped€attention€and€dreamy€eyes.€This€unnerves€KenĢto€a€small€degree.ĢĢRanma:€(frowning€at€Akane's€reaction€to€Ken)ĢĢ€€€€€Many€of€the€boys€of€the€class€are€of€a€similar€frame€of€mind,€particularly€Kuno€(who'sĢused€to€being€the€centre€of€attention).€This€unnerves€Ken€to€a€greater€degree.ĢĢRanma:€(thinking)€What€the€heck€is€Kuno€doing€here?!€Heššs€not€in€our€grade.€I€bet€heššs€up€toĻsomething.€ĢĢAkane:€(smiles€at€Ranma's€reaction€to€her€reaction)ĢĢFaceless€teacher€(gather€the€classes€attention€with€an€'Er-hem'):€Class,€we're€veryĢhonoured€to€have€a€special€guest€today€and€for€the€rest€of€the€school€year.€Mr.€KennethĢUrdley€(at€the€'Urdley'€a€collective€wince€and€assorted€snickering€comes€from€the€class€and€aĻsigh€from€Ken).€He's€here€from€Canada€after€winning€the€International€Arts€and€PoetryĻCompetition€(this€time€snickering€comes€from€the€boys€at€class€and€a€sigh€from€girls€smatteredĻwith€comments€of€'How€romantic'€and€'He's€so€dreamy').Ģ€€€€€Ģ€€€€€At€this€Ken€virtually€goes€red€in€the€face.€Putting€his€hand€behind€his€head€heĢmanages€a€half€ńńheartedńńńń„„heartedńń€laugh€"Ah,€well,€you€see€I've€never€really€thought€I€was€all€thatĢgood."€To€this€point€the€class€is€in€a€dichotomy€of€statements€ranging€to€either€"Ah,€he's€noĢgood."€(boys€again)€or€"Oh,€he's€just€being€modest."ĢĢA€voice€from€the€class:€"Prove€it!"€Ģ€€€€€The€idea€is€seconded€and€gains€support€rather€quickly.€ĢĢFaceless€Teacher€:€Yes.€I€think€that€would€be€an€excellent€idea.€Ken€would€you€favour€usĢwith€a€sample€of€handiwork?ĢĢKen:€Well€I€didn't€bring€any€of€my€works€with€me€today,€but€ĢĢAnother€voice:€"See!"€Š l-¼(, ŠRanma's€expression€get's€more€smug.ĢĢKen:€But€I€could€do€something€live€if€you€wanted?€How€about€a€sketch€of€one€ofĢclassmates?ĢĢThe€class€mumbles€its€approvalĢĢKen:€Alright.€Who?ĢĢThe€class€is€in€an€uproar€of€female€voices€and€hands€begging€to€have€their€turn.€Akane'sĢvoice€is€not€one€of€them,€given€her€modesty;€a€fact€for€Ranma€is€secretly€thankful.ĢĢRanma€(thoughts):€Sure€glad€Akane's€not€into€that€'art€stuff'ĢĢIt€is€Kuno's€voice€that€is€heard€above€the€rabble.ĢĢKuno:€There€is€not€one€beauty€that€can€only€be€found€in€the€beholders€eyes.€For€there€areĢonly€two€things€of€such€pure€beauty€worthy€of€such€preservation;€Akane€Tendo€and€the€pigĢtailed€girl.€Alas€it€is€but€to€my€sorrow€that€the€latter€is€not€here€for€her€wild€spirit€would€surelyĢadorn€the€canvas€like€a€raging€fire.€Yet€as€fortune€would€see€to€show€me€grace€AkaneĢTendo€IS€among€us€and€WILL€be€the€soul€of€your€art.ĢĢThe€reaction€on€Ken's€face€is€pure€fear€€"Oh€great,€the€psycho€with€the€swordĢfrom€this€morning.€Great€choice€in€schools€Aunt€Kyouko."ĢĢAkane€caught€somewhere€between€aggravated,€as€to€how€Kuno€managed€to€clip€into€her€classĻagain,€and€embarrassed;€being€forced€into€the€spotlight.ĢĢFaceless€Teacher€(who€is€now€counting€a€wad€of€bills€handed€to€him€by€Sasuke):€Yes.€IĢthink€that€would€be€an€excellent€idea€Master€Kuno.€And€as€the€subject€of€the€drawing€weĢwill€have€(receiving€instructions€from€Sasuke),€Ms.€Tendo.€ĢĢKen:€(confusion€apparent)€What€the€...?€Who?€Pig€tailed€what?€What€gives€you€the€rightĢto..?€Where's€the€logic€behind..?€Oh,€never€mind.ĢĢ€€€€€Resigned€to€the€decision€of€the€mob€and€their€leader.€Ken€pulls€out€his€sketchbookĢand€begins€to€set€up.€Oddly€enough,€the€class,€save€Ranma€and€Akane,€root€the€decisionĢonward.€Akane€is€caught€somewhere€between€scared€and€embarrassed.€Ranma€is€justĢpissed€at€Kuno.€Ken,€sensing€the€tension,€tries€to€sooth€the€situation€by€talking€with€Akane.ĢHe€walks€over€to€Akane's€desk€with€14€X€17€sketchpad€and€pencil€in€hand.€Sitting€onĢRanma's€desk€he€turns€to€Akane€and€starts€talking.€The€class€slowly€silences€and€someĢbegin€to€gravitate€towards€Akane's€seat.€ĢĢKen:€Urm...€miss?€The€class€seems€to€support€Mr.€Kuno's€decision€here.€Now€let€me€justĢtake€a€stab€in€the€dark€here,€but€you've€never€posed€before€have€you?Š l-¼(, ЇHis€pencil€already€stars€to€move€on€the€paper.ĢĢAkane:€(flushing)€Er,€no.€I€haven't.ĢĢKen:€And€you're€worried€that€about€begin€the€centre€of€attention,€right?ĢĢAkane€looks€away€and€blushes€a€bit€more.ĢĢKen:€Well€that's€to€be€expected.€Everyone€gets€a€bit€nervous€sometimes,€right?ĢĢAkane€return€her€gaze€to€Ken.€he€returns€the€growing€smile.€ĢĢKen:€Keep€talking€to€her.€ĢĢKen€(to€Akane€and€the€class):€Well,€you€all€know€I'm€not€from€around€here.€I'm€fromĢCanada.€Let's€see,€what€can€I€say€about€Canadians?€We€only€have€two€seasons€inĢCanada,€winter€and€construction.€ĢĢThe€class€moans€at€the€joke,€but€the€tension€level€goes€down€a€bitĢĢKen:€Right,€keep€off€the€bad€Canadian€humour.€I€come€from€a€place€called€Vancouver.€It'sĢabout€30€minutes€from€another€city€called€Toronto.€Toronto€is€the€capital€of€Canada;€ohĢsure€the€maps€say€it's€Ottawa,€but€we're€trying€to€change€that.ĢĢThe€classes€attention€is€now€divided,€half€(incl.€Akane)€listen€to€the€story,€the€other€halfĢ(incl.€Ranma)€watch€Ken€draw€with€rapt€attention.ĢĢKen:€Our€national€food€is€maple€syrup€and€bacon,€and€our€national€sport€is€hockey.€WeĢhave€this€other€place€in€Canada€called€Quebec;€its€a€city€and€a€state.€We€want€it€to€leaveĢCanada€so€it'll€be€a€shorter€drive€to€Newfoundland.€But€the€real€kicker€is€the€polar€bears€inĢwinter.€It's€just€so€hard€trying€to€go€from€one€igloo€to€your€neighbours€without€running€intoĢone€of€them.€€ĢĢRanma€:€He's€got€to€be€bluffing.ĢĢAkane:€You're€just€making€all€that€stuff€up.€(putting€on€a€relaxed€smile€of€disbelief)ĢĢKen€(putting€down€the€pencil€and€putting€both€hands€up€in€the€air):€Oh,€darn.€Caught€red-handed.ĢBut€do€you€know€what€the€best€part€about€spinning€tall€tales€is€Akane-san?ĢĢAkane:€What's€that€Ken?ĢĢKen:€It€keeps€subjects€from€suspecting€that€they're€being€drawn.Ģ€€€€€Ģ€€€€€And€with€a€small€flourish,€he€produces€for€her€and€the€class€a€sketch€so€like€Akane,Š l-¼(, Šthat€if€it€were€not€pencil,€you€would€mistake€it€for€a€photograph.€She€is€posed,€seated€withĢa€shy€half€smile€on€her€lips;€charming,€yet€innocent.ĢĢRanma:€€Wow,€he€is€good!€But€that€can't€be€Akane€he€drew,€she's€looks€to€....Ģcute.€(He€mentally€winces€at€the€expected€pain€of€verbalizing€that€thought.ĢĢ€€€€€To€the€applause€of€the€class€he€hands€the€sketch€to€Akane,ĢĢAkane:€*speechless*ĢĢKen:€For€you,€for€being€such€a€good€sport.ĢĢAkane:€(surprised)€Why€thank€you.€Ģ€€€€€Ģ€€€€€A€flash€of€black€crosses€the€screen€and€the€picture€disappears€from€Akane's€hand.ĢMaterializing€on€top€of€the€desk,€Sasuke€stands€holding€the€sketch€rolled€in€his€hands.€"IĢclaim€this€piece€of€art€in€the€name€of€the€House€of€Kuno."ĢĢAkane:€The€drawing!ĢĢRanma;€Hey,€give€that€back€you€little€creep!ĢĢKuno:€Sasuke€you€idiot!€What€are€you€doing?ĢĢSasuke:€What?€You€do€not€want€it€Master€Kuno?€Ok.€I'll€keep€it€then.€(and€he€darts€offĢthrough€the€door€muttering€something€of€the€fair€and€sweet€look€of€Akane.)ĢĢRanma€(in€pursuit):€Come€back€here€with€that€you€little€thief!ĢĢKuno€(angry,€in€chase):€Sasuke!€(boken€raised€and€out€the€door).ĢĢThe€scene€turns€back€to€the€classroom€as€the€students€move€towards€the€door€to€follow€theĢchase.€Ken€turns€to€Akane€as€they€follow€the€crowd:€"So,€I€guess€this€is€like,€'unusual'€forĢyour€school€right?€Your€putting€on€some€special€shown€for€the€gai€gin?"€he€says€only€halfĢbelieving€his€own€words.ĢĢAkane€(blushing€at€the€truth€of€the€matter):€"Actually€no.€This€is€a€pretty€typical€day.€QuietĢby€most€standards.."ĢĢA€huge€sweat€drop€emerges€on€both€his€and€Akane's€head.ĢĢ€€€€€Sasuke€takes€Ranma€and€Kuno€down€a€merry€chase€through€the€halls€of€the€schoolĢdarting€in€and€out€of€classrooms€past€the€gym.€All€the€time€Sasuke€is€throwing€shuriken€atĢRanma€forcing€him€to€dodge€left€and€right€off€the€walls€and€the€ceiling.€These€shottsĢinterfere€with€Kuno€more€than€anything€else€and€he€ends€up€the€victim€of€Sasuke's€ninjaŠ l-¼(, Šwebbing,€yet€again.€'Round€the€corner€and€past€the€pool€the€merry€chases€proceeds€(yes,ĢRanma€chan€appears€about€here)€which€is€fortunate,€because€out€of€the€girls€change€roomĢcomes€a€small€masked€figure€and€a€sack€of€female€underwear.€This€second€figureĢ(Haposai)€is€trailed€by€a€score€of€unhappy€young€women.Ģ€€€€€Accordingly,€the€two€'ninjas'€collide€and,€subsequently€the€drawing€goes€flying.ĢRanma,€agile€and€quick€on€the€uptake€as€ever,€sails€over€the€two€prone€forms€and€catchesĢthe€artwork€in€mid-flight.€By€now€the€girls€have€caught€up€with€the€'two'€panty€thieves€andĢare€proceeding€stomp€them€into€the€pavement.ĢĢ€€€€€As€the€trailing€crowd€catches€up€we€find€Ranma-ńńkuneńńńńkunńń€walking€round€the€building€withĢa€bit€of€steam€coming€off€his€head€courtesy€of€a€well€placed€Panda€and€a€kettle€of€hot€waterĢ(which€no€one€else€notices,€of€course).€Also,€Ukyo€,€dressed€as€a€guy€today,€has€joined€theĢgroup€by€now€and€is€muttering€her€greetings€to€Akane.€Ken€is€un-burying€himself€from€theĢcrowd€in€the€back€somewhere€as€his€hat€tries€to€edge€its€way€towards€the€crowd.€ĢĢRanma€(tossing€the€scrolled€drawing€to€Akane):€Here€you€go€Akane.€Got€it€back€in€oneĢpiece.€(seeing€Ukyo)€Hey€Uk-chan.€(smiles)ĢĢUkyo:€Hey€there€Ranma-honey€(smiles).ĢĢSchool€bell€rings€signalling€lunch€time,€Ken€has€almost€fought€his€way€to€the€front€of€theĢcrowd.€ĢĢRanma:€All-right€lunchtime!€(turning€to€the€bell€and€ignoring€the€two€girls,€eliciting€twinĢfrowns)€Nothing€like€a€good€meal€after€a€morning€workout.€(walks€towards€cafeteria€in€aĢgood€mood).ĢĢKen€(finally€managing€to€get€to€the€front€of€the€crowd€and€Akane):€*pant-pant*€...the€drawingĢ....?€....is€it?ĢĢAkane€and€Ukyo€turn€their€attention€to€Ken.€The€latter€stares€at€the€newcomer€for€a€bit,€KenĢdoesn't€notice€(play€a€bit€of€dreamy€music).€Ukyo€then€realizes€she's€blushing€and€turnsĢaway.ĢĢAkane:€Oh!€Ranma€got€it€back.€See?€(proffering€the€drawing)ĢĢRanma:€Hey€are€you€two€coming€or€not?ĢĢAkane,€Ukyo€and€Ken€(simultaneously):€Ok!ĢĢ€€€€€They€all€stop,€turn,€look€at€each€other,€blink€and€burst€out€laughing.€ĢĢKen:€You€two€go€on€(Akane€and€Ranma),€I'll€take€my€lunch€out€here.Ģ€ĢAkane€grabs€him€by€the€arm.€She€shakes€her€head€and€speaks:€No€deal.€You're€havingŠ l-¼(, Šlunch€with€me€Ranma€and€Ukyo.€Isn't€that€right€Ranma?ĢĢRanma:€Nanda?!ĢĢUkyo's€face€slips€a€little.€Clearly€Ranma€was€hoping€for€the€two€to€come€along€to€be€UkyoĢand€Akane,€not€Ken.€ĢĢAkane:€Gimme€a€hand€with€him€Ukyo?€(grabbing€Ken's€left€arm)ĢĢUkyo:€Sure€thing€Akane.€(grabbing€his€right)ĢĢWe€see€the€two€girls€dragging€Ken€€between€them€to€the€cafeteria.€Slow€fading€to€nextĢscene,€we€can€hear€Ken€comment€to€Ukyo:€Excuse€me€sir,€have€we€been€formallyĢintroduced?ĢĢUkyo:€Er,...€My€friends€call€me€Uk-chan.€:)ĢĢScene:€5€minutes€later€in€the€cafeteriaĢFade€in€to€Akane's€voice€asking€the€question€to€Ken:€So€how€do€you€like€Japan€so€far?ĢĢKen€is€currently€struggling€with€the€concept€of€chopsticks€and€noodles.€Grab,€slip,€fall€intoĢplate.€Grab,€slip,€fall€into€plate.€Grab,€almost€make€it€to€the€mouth,€then€slip€and€fall€intoĢplate.€The€trio€watch€the€struggle€with€amusement:€Well€I€can't€say€for€sure.€I've€heard€thatĢthe€food€is€great.€I'd€love€to€try€it€one€of€these€days;€should€I€not€starve€before€that€(theĢsarcasm€drips€of€the€statement€like€so€many€noodles€of€his€chopsticks.€He's€probing€for€aĢlaugh)Ģ€€€€€He's€finds€what€he's€searching€for€as€all€three€laugh;€Ranma's€being€the€smuggestĢlaugh€of€the€three.ĢĢKen:€(muttering)...€my€kingdom€for€a€fork.€*Blink-blink*ĢĢUk-chan€hands€him€a€spatula€(smiling,€with€a€bit€of€slyness).:€Keep€it.€I€got€plenty.€Don'tĢworry,€you'll€get€used€to€chop€sticks.ĢĢKen:€Where€did€you....?ĢĢAkane,€trying€to€cover:€Ken?ĢĢKen€(distracted€from€Ukyo€to€Akane):€Yes?ĢĢAkane:€Japan?ĢĢKen€(regaining€his€train€of€thought):€Oh€yes,€Japan.€Well€I've€seen€a€couple€of€films€of€it€inĢschool€(though€bubble€of€Godzilla€stomping€through€city).€I€spent€some€time€in€Little€TokyoĢback€home€in€Vancouver€to€get€a€knack€for€the€language.€And€of€course€my€mom€was€bornŠ l-¼(, Šand€raised€in€Hong€Kong,€so€I€know€some€Cantonese€and€Mandarin€as€well.€But€nothingĢreally€prepared€me€for€my€first€night.€Ken€sips€a€cola€as€the€scene€fades€out.....ĢĢKen€(orating):€It€was€my€first€night€at€the€public€baths.€€€ĢĢ....€fade€in€to€a€scene€of€a€typical€Tokyo€public€bath.€Men€sit€in€the€various€pools.€€A€youngĢteen€pleads€with€a€small€boy€with€blue€hair,€horns€and€a€tiger€stripped€bathing€suit.€MutteredĢconversations€go€on€in€the€background€"...€Come€on€Tenchi,€the€girls€would€be€disappointedĢif€we€didn't€try."Ģ€€€€€Scene€pans€left.€ĢĢKen€(orating):€I€was€just€relaxing,€trying€to€unwind€after€the€flight€in.€When€all€of€a€sudden.ĢĢ(Haposai€chase€music)€Screams€from€the€girl's€side€of€the€shower€dominated€by€the€yell€ofĢRanma-chan€"Hold€still€you€old€lech!".€The€wall€separating€the€two€sides€explodes€andĢHaposai€is€being€chased€by€a€topless€Ran-chan,€her€lower€half€barely€covered€by€a€towel.ĢHaposai€bounds€along€happily€as€a€pervert€with€a€bra€(as€he€has€one€in€hand).ĢĢKen€(orating):€When€this€really€small€old€man€breaks€through€the€wall€and€runs€along€withĢthis€redhead's€bra.ĢĢRanma€(standing,€slamming€his€fists€onto€the€table€and€yelling):€IT€WASN'T€MY€BRA!ĢĢThe€cafeteria€is€silent,€save€for€others€mumbling€about€Ranma€and€issue's€of€his€pastĢcross€dressing.ĢĢKen€stares€at€Ranma,€speechless.€Akane€and€Ukyo€are€having€a€great€deal€of€difficultyĢtrying€to€contain€themselves€from€not€breaking€down€and€crying€out€in€laughter.ĢĢRanma€(sitting,€trying€to€recover):€I€mean,€it€might€not€have€been€her's€you€know...ĢĢThe€cafeteria€resumes€its€background€hum.ĢĢKen:€....€(bewildered€at€Ranma's€outburst€as€much€as€Uk-chan€and€Akane's€giggling)Ģ...€Yes.€Well,€anyways.€Come€to€think€of€it,€you€could€be€right€Ranma,€her€bust€did€lookĢpretty€small.€ĢĢRanma€glowers€at€those€at€the€table€as€Akane€and€Ukyo€are€just€inches€off€of€going€intoĢhysterics.€Ken,€is€still€in€the€dark.€Ranma€forehead€rests€on€the€table€and€a€groan€escapesĢhis€lips.ĢĢKen€(as€an€afterthought,€to€no€one€in€particular):€You€know,€she€was€kinda€cute.€MaybeĢshe'd€want€to€go€out€on€a€date€or€something.€ĢĢThat€did€it.€Ranma's€head€hits€the€floor€eyes€unfocussed€as€Ukyo€and€Akane€lose€it€all€andŠ l-¼(, Šjust€bellow€out€in€laughter,€tears€et€all.ĢĢKen€just€stares€in€wonderment.€€"I'll€never€understand€Japanese€culture."€IgnoringĢthat€dilemma€for€the€time€being,€he€tackles€his€next€dilemma,€a€sphere€of€rice.€HeĢcontemplates€trying€to€eat€rice€the€proper€way€with€chop€sticks.€His€stomach€grumbles.€Ģ€€€€€He€subsequently€skewers€the€ball€on€one€stick€and€devours€it€shishkabob€styleĢ(Scene:€backing€away€to€the€laughter€of€the€girls).€ĢĢĢĢĢĢĢĢĢĢĢĢScene€story€2:€.....That€night....ĢĢOpen€scene,€end€of€school€day,€treetop€perspective€of€kids€leaving€from€class.€A€still€fumingĢRanma,€Ken€and€Akane€(in€conversation)€walk€out.€Ukyo€waves€good-bye€to€them€in€theĢdistance€and€head€of€in€the€opposite€direction.ĢĢKen€(waving€back):€That€Uk-chan€seems€to€be€a€pretty€ok€guy.ĢĢRanma€comes€out€of€his€fuming€for€a€moment€and€looks€at€Akane.€She€matches€his€lookĢand€smiles:€(Akane€said€to€Ken)€Yah.€Uk-chan€is€a€childhood€friend€of€Ranma's.ĢĢKen:€Cool.ĢĢA€group€of€school€girls€walk€by€giggling€and€wave€to€Ken€with€a€united,€"Hi€Ken.Ģ*tee-hee-hee*".€Ken€responds€with€a€gentlemanly€bow€and€doffs€his€baseball€hat€grinning.Ģ"Ladies."ĢTheir€giggling€redoubles€and€they€race€away.€Ken€kneels€to€unlock€what's€left€of€his€bikeĢwhile€continuing€the€conversation€with€Ranma€and€Akane.ĢĢAkane:€Gee€Ken,€what€happened€to€your€bike?ĢĢKen:€Well,€you€see.€Er,..€you€wouldn't€believe€me€if€I€told€you.€ĢĢRanma:€Try€us.ĢĢKen.:€(struggling€to€lift€the€bike€out€of€the€rack)€€Ok.€I€drove€*hurmp!*€it€into€a€concrete€pollĢ*urg*€after€something€*yerrrargh*€distracted€me.€*pant-pant*€(no€success€again).Š l-¼(, ЇAkane€(gives€a€swift€tug€and€yanks€the€bike€out€with€one€hand):€So.€What€distracted€you?ĢĢKen€(a€'how€embarrassing'€look€on€his€face):€Unh,€a€girl€with€purple€hair€in€pink€silk€pyjamasĢriding€a€bicycle€on€a€telephone€wire.ĢĢRanma:€Hah-hah!ĢĢTHWAK!€Akane€hits€Ranma€on€the€side€of€the€head€ĢĢRanma:€Hey!€What'd€you€do€that€for?ĢĢAkane:€Don't€make€fun€of€him.€He's€new€here.€How€could€he€know€about€Shampoo.ĢĢ€€€€€Ken€now€begins€to€blush€and€smile.ĢĢKen€(jokingly):€You€do€know,€you€two€fight€like€you're€a€married€couple.ĢĢRanma€and€Akane:€....ĢĢKen:€What?€What'd€I€say?ĢĢRanma:€Well,€you€see,€(with€great€difficulty)€we're€kinda.....€well€our€parents....ĢĢKen:€Ranma,€you€talk€like€a€man€condemned...ĢĢRanma€(lightly):€Gee,€when€you€put€it€that€way...ĢĢSMACK!€Akane€returns€a€small€hammer€to€her€school€bag€which€she€has€hit€Ranma€overĢthe€head€with€(darn€she€pulls€those€things€out€quick).ĢĢAkane€(sulking):€Our€parents€made€an€arranged€marriage.€We're€engaged.ĢĢKen:€Well€then.€Congratulations€are€in€order.ĢĢRanma€(sulking€and€nursing€the€previous€wound):€That's€YOUR€opinion!ĢĢSMACK!€(doesn't€he€ever€learn?):€Akane€returns€the€same€small€hammer€to€her€school€bag,Ģyet€again.€A€second€lump€is€now€beside€the€first.€ĢĢRanma€(sulking€and€nursing€a€second€wound):...€OW!ĢĢAkane€(insulted):€Shut€up€Ranma.€It's€not€as€if€I'm€the€only€one€causing€you€misery.ĢĢKen:€'not€the€only€one'€?€You€mean€there's€another€ńńfianceńńńńfiancńń?€Who?ĢŠ l-¼(, ŠAs€if€waiting€for€a€cue,€"Nihao!"€CRUSH!€Ranma€is€now€face€down€on€the€ground,€caughtĢunder€Shampoo's€delivery€bicycle.€In€the€surprise,€Ken€jumps€into€Akane's€arms€like€aĢscared€toddler€"Yow!€Timing.".€ĢĢAkane€(a€bit€sore€at€Ken€him€jumping€into€her€arms):€Ken€Urdley€(wince),€meet€Shampoo.ĢRanma's€other€ńńfianceńńńńfiancńń.€ĢĢKen€in€Akane's€arms,€raises€his€hat€off€his€head€in€greeting.€Speaking€in€fluent€CantoneseĢto€Shampoo:€It€is€a€pleasure€to€make€your€acquaintance,€dear€lady.Ģ€€€€€Shampoo,€pleasantly€surprised€to€meet€someone€who€can€speak€to€her€in€her€ownĢlanguage€begins€to€talk€up€a€storm€with€Ken,€who€is,€incidentally€still€in€Akane's€arms.ĢRanma€can€still€be€heard€groaning€over€the€weight€of€the€bike€on€top€of€him.€ĢĢAkane€(annoyed):€Er,€HEM!ĢĢKen€(recognition€dawning):€Oh€yes,€*blush*.€Sorry.ĢĢAkane€drops€Ken€on€his€butt€and,€as€Ranma's€moans€become€louder,€Shampoo€moves€offĢhis€body.€Both€boys€get€up€and€dust€themselves€off.€Shampoo€attempt€to€coddle€Ranma'sĢwounds€and€Akane€looks€upon€him€with€ire.€Ken,€wisely€stays€out€of€the€way.€It€is€ShampooĢwho€breaks€the€silence.ĢĢShampoo:€Here.€All€you€take€one€(she€hands€out€some€fliers,€one€to€each€of€the€threeĢthere).€We€have€special€at€Nekohanten€this€week.€Take€out€and€delivery€get€you€free€bowlĢof€Ramen.€(smiling€a€smile€that€would€melt€ice€in€winter).ĢĢKen€(in€Japanese€now):€Why€thank€you€miss.ĢĢShampoo€gives€Ken€a€polite€smile€and€turns€her€attention€back€to€her€betrothed.€"Ranma,Ģwhen€you€come€date€with€Shampoo?"ĢĢAkane's€getting€pissed€again.ĢĢRanma:€The€day€hell€freezes....€€THWAK!€(you€think€he'd€have€learned).Ģ€€€€€This€time€it's€Shampoo€that's€landed€the€blown.€Akane€seems€much€more€satisfiedĢnow€that€Ranma's€unconscious.€Grabbing€him€by€the€collar,€she€turns€her€head€towards€Dr.ĢTofu's€place.ĢĢAkane€(to€the€unconscious€form):€Come€on€Ranma,€time€to€get€you€fixed€up€again.ĢĢRanma:€-assorted€sounds€of€pain€issue€from€his€body-ĢĢAkane€(to€Ken):€Well€I've€got€to€go€home€now€Ken.€Thanks€again€for€the€great€drawing.€SeeĢyou€Monday.€Bye.ĢŠ l-¼(, ŠKen:€Goodbye€Tendo-san.€Give€Ranma€my€regards€when€he€wakes€up.ĢĢShampoo€continues€looking€towards€the€walking€away€figures€of€Ranma€and€Akane.€KenĢinterrupts€her€thoughts€with€an€extended€hand.€ĢĢKen:€It€was€a€pleasure€meeting€you€Shampoo.€ĢĢShampoo€gives€a€quick€smiley€nod€and€a€grunt€of€agreement,€when€suddenly,€a€sharpĢelectronic€beeping€goes€off€near€her€waist.€"Hi-ya!€(worried)€Shampoo€almost€forgetĢdelivery."€Her€bike€turns€a€sharp€180€degrees€and€rockets€off€in€a€northerly€direction,Ģeventually€taking€to€the€rooftops€and€fences.ĢĢKen:€*Blink-blink*,€*Blink-blink*.€Wow.€So€it€wasn't€ńńjetlagńńńńjet€lagńń€hallucinations.€Well€that's€one€wayĢto€beat€traffic.€(He€stuffs€the€voucher€into€his€bag€and€wheels€his€bike€homeward).ĢĢĢScene:€We€back€away€from€Ken€and€begin€to€hear€the€conspiracy€theme€music.€You€know,Ģthe€one€where€the€villains€plot€their€dastardly€plans.€The€camera€pans€to€the€back€of€theĢschool.€There,€Sasuke,€kneeling€in€front€of€a€seated€Kuno,€plot€in€private.ĢĢKuno:€Who€knows€what€lurks€in€the€eye€of€the€beauty's€beholder€as€the€image€of€AkaneĢTendo€and€the€Pig€tailed€girl.€(becoming€angered)€I€too€would€know€that€beauty€if€you€didn'tĢfoul€the€theft€of€the€portrait€Sasuke.€ĢĢSasuke:€I'm€sorry€Master€Kuno.€ĢĢKuno:€€Sorry€does€not€get€me€what€I€want!€(Face€coming€to€mad€tears,€mouth€agape,€handsĢflexing€involuntarily)€Oh,€if€it€were€only€I€that€had€returned€the€stolen€portrait€to€Akane.€ThenĢher€gratitude€would€shower€upon€me€like€rain€upon€the€humble€grass.€Do€you€know€whatĢthat€would€MEAN?!ĢĢSasuke:€No,€Master€Kuno.€Master?€Master€Kuno?ĢĢ€€€€€Sasuke's€voice€goes€unheard€as€Kuno's€mind€enters€a€pastel€fantasy€of€him€andĢAkane.€The€background€is€a€light€pink€with€soft€music€permeating€the€air.ĢĢKuno:€Here,€fair€Akane€Tendo,€is€the€lost€portrait€of€thyselfĢĢAkane:€Oh€Kuno.€You€are€so€wise€and€handsome€(yep,€this€is€a€fantasy€all€right)€how€canĢI€ever€repay€you€for€this€act€of€kindness.ĢĢKuno€looks€down€to€see€Akane€with€her€head€pressed€against€his€chest,€eyes€averted.€HisĢhand€strays€down€and€touches€her€cheek.€She€looks€up,€their€eyes€meet€and€slowly€theirĢlips€close€upon€each€other.ĢŠ l-¼(, ŠAkane€(in€Sasuke's€voice):€Oh€Master.€How€could€I€have€known€that€you€felt€this€way.ĢĢ€€€€€The€fantasy€bubble€bursts€(stop€fantasy€and€play€'blunder'€music)€and€we€see€KunoĢwith€Sasuke€blushing€in€his€lap.€The€scene€cuts€to€the€sun€setting€and€Kuno's€penetratingĢscream€of€agony€ripping€across€the€skyline€as€it€grows€dark€with€storm€clouds.€Thunder€canĢbe€heard€in€the€distance.€ĢĢScene:€Slow€zooming€in€towards€Maison€Ikoku.€The€sky€is€darkened€but€no€rain€has€yetĢbegun€to€fall.€All€of€the€room€lights€are€out€save€one.€Closing€in€on€that,€we€enter€into€Ken'sĢroom€where€we€see€him€packing€away€clothes.€It€is€a€relatively€spacious€room,€equivalentĢto€Akane's€in€proportion.€School€books€are€piled€on€his€work€desk€and€a€small€stereoĢsystem€is€on€the€chest€of€drawers€beside€it.€It's€clock€register's€8:30€pm.€Against€the€farĢwall,€we€see€an€artist's€angular€drawing€table€and€an€overhead€lamp.€On€the€wall€is€a€"PrissĢand€the€Replicants"€poster.€Leaning€against€it€are€a€artist's€easel,€a€synthesizer€and€a€trunkĢlabelled€'stuff'.€Ģ€€€€€Ken€can€be€heard€rummaging€along€in€the€background€humming€along€with€a€PhilĢCollins€tune€"...and€I€can€feel€it€comin'€in€the€other€night,...€woah-oh....".€Contrary€to€popularĢbelief,€white€men€do€have€some€ńńrythmnńńńńrhythmńń€and€Ken€keeps€with€the€tune€rather€well.€WeĢeventually€pan€around€to€Ken€opening€the€mini€fridge€in€the€room,€to€find€it€completelyĢempty,€save€one€bottle€of€Helman's€mayonnaise€and€half€a€bottle€of€milk.€(€'duh!'€soundĢgoes€off€).ĢĢKen:€Aw€great.€I€knew€I€forgot€to€do€something;€groceries.€(Looking€to€his€wristwatch)ĢThere's€no€way€any€store's€going€to€be€open€this€late.€(lightning€crashes€across€theĢwindowsill)€Not€that€I'd€want€to€go€out€in€weather€like€this.€Man,€that's€gonna€be€someĢdownpour.€Ģ€€€€€Springing€upon€an€idea€Ken€digs€deep€into€his€knapsack.€He€quickly€fishes€out€theĢflyer€handed€to€him€by€Shampoo€that€afternoon.ĢKen:€All€right!€Hot€food€tonight.€(seizes€the€phone€while€squatting€on€the€floor)€ĢĢ€€€€€He€dials€up€the€number€on€the€brochure.€€ĢĢ€€€€€It€is€a€busy€night€at€the€Nekohanten.€Customers€are€starting€to€flock€in€to€take€coverĢfrom€the€rain€that€is€beginning.€The€phone€rings.€Moose€who€is€washing€the€dishes€withĢrubber€gloves€answers€the€phone.€Well,€he€tries€to€answer€the€phone.€He€actually€answersĢa€ladle.ĢĢMoose:€Hello?€€€Hello?!€€Geez€this€stupid€thing€never€works.€(shaking€ladle)ĢHELLO?€ĢĢ€€€€€€Cologne's€cane€come€down€on€Moose€square€in€the€head.€€WhileĢstunned,€the€cane€(under€Cologne's€dexterous€control)€exchanges€the€ladle€with€theĢreceiver€of€the€phone.ĢĢMoose€(a€bit€woozy):€Hello€Nekohanten.Š l-¼(, ЇKen:€Hello€I'd€like€to€have€an€order€of€Peking€duck€for€takeout.ĢĢMoose€(snapping€to€furious€attention):€What€are€you€some€kind€of€psychotic€cannibal?!Ģ(hangs€up€phone).ĢĢCologne:€Who€was€that€Moose?€ĢĢMoose:€Eh?€Wrong€number...ĢĢCut€back€to€Ken's€apartment.€"Gee,€I€guess€he€must€be€a€vegetarian.€I'll€try€again.€MaybeĢthis€time€I'll€get€someone€normal."ĢĢ€€€€€Dialling€again:€€Ģ€€€€€Ģ€€€€€Moose€tries€to€answer€the€phone€again,€this€time€acquiring€a€gravy€boat;€filled€withĢwater.€ĢĢMoose€(on€floor€as€œń ńMu€Muń ńń!ńń ńMuń ń€ń!ńń!ńMu€ń!ńń"ńMu€ń"ńChan):›€Quack?€€Quack!ĢĢCologne€can€only€sigh€and€answer€the€phone€herself.€She€po-go's€over€on€her€stick.ĢĢCologne:€"Hello,€Nekohanten?€...€€Yes€we€do€serve€Chinese€cuisine.€.....€No,€we're€notĢstrictly€vegetarian€(a€bit€surprised)."€ĢĢ€€€€€Moose€can€be€seen€in€the€background€wringing€the€gravy€boat€trying€to€improve€theĢreception.€Eventually€it€slips€out€of€his€hand/wing€and€lands€on€his€head.€Now€he€wandersĢaround€the€kitchen€floor€aimlessly,€bumping€into€stuff€and€eventually€knocking€himselfĢunconscious.€ĢĢCologne:€Um-hm.€Yes...€(writing€down€order)€Yes.€That€comes€to€1600€Yen.€Your€order€willĢbe€there€as€soon€as€possible.€Thank€you,€have€a€nice€day.€ĢĢCologne€(to€Shampoo):€Shampoo€dear?€ĢĢ€€€€€Shampoo€approaches€after€serving€a€table.€She€has€changed€outfits€since€we€sawĢher€last.€"Yes€great€grandmother?"ĢĢCologne:€Granddaughter,€I€need€you€to€take€this€order€of€Peking€duck€and€shrimp€friedĢramen€out€(pulls€out€a€bag€and€hands€it€to€her)€to€a€house€called€Maison€Ikoku€(insertĢaddress€here).€ĢĢShampoo€looks€out€at€the€weather€and€cringes€a€little.€She€doesn't€like€getting€wet.ĢCologne,€in€the€meantime€is€pouring€a€kettle€of€hot€water€onto€Moose.€€ĢĢMoose€(screaming):€€You€€don't€have€to€make€it€boiling€hot€you€know.Š l-¼(, Š€ĢCologne€responds€with€another€club€to€the€head.€"Show€respect€to€your€elders€and€get€backĢto€work.€You€should€be€thankful€I€didn't€use€you€n€the€last€order."ĢĢShampoo€(with€some€regret):€Hiya€grandmother€ĢĢCologne€(sensing€her€Granddaughter's€dismay):€If€you€hurry€Granddaughter,€I€will€give€youĢthe€rest€of€the€night€off€to€spend€chasing€my€future€son€in€law.€(Gently€lifting€her€chin€upĢwith€the€cane).€Now€what€do€you€say€to€that?ĢĢShampoo€(smiling€greatly):€Hiya!€Shampoo€do€order€right€away€and€go€see€Ranma!€ThankĢyou€great€grandmother!Ģ€€€€€Ģ€€€€€With€that,€in€an€oddly€bouncy€fashion,€she€grabs€a€full€length€raincoat€and€anĢumbrella€and€bikes€off€to€Maison€Ikoku.ĢĢĢScene:€Shampoo€arrives€at€the€Maison.€She€gets€in€the€front€door€past€Suichiro€with€littleĢdifficulty.€Apparently€Suichiro€can€sense€a€bit€of€the€cat€within€her.€She€removes€theĢraincoat€and€galoshes€and€leaves€the€umbrella€at€the€main€entrance.€"Delivery!",€she€yellsĢup."ĢĢKen€(from€his€room):€I'll€be€right€down.ĢĢ€€€€€She€walks€up€the€stairs€holding€the€duck€in€one€hand€and€the€ramen€in€the€other,Ģsmiling€happy€thoughts€of€Ranma.€A€crash€of€thunder€and€a€burst€of€lightning€is€heard.€ĢĢCut€to€scene,€Nekohanten;€lights€fail€while€Moose€serves€food€and€Cologne€cooksĢCut€to€scene,€Tendo€Dojo;€lights€fail€while€the€Saotomes€and€Tendos€dine.€ĢCut€to€scene,€Maison€Ikoku;€Ken€turns€his€head.€Lights€failĢCut€to€scene,€Maison€Ikoku;€Shampoo€has€her€eyes€closed€while€walking€up€the€stairs.ĢĢUnfortunately€while€daydreaming€she€fails€to€notice€the€bucket€catching€the€rain€water€(howĢodd)€and€trips€over€it,€ending€up€headfirst,€facedown,€wet€(catlike),€dazed€and€buried€underĢher€own€clothing€on€the€first€floor€landing.ĢĢKen€(heard€running€from€his€room€with€a€flashlight):€Hey€are€you€okay,€I€heard...€(arrivingĢand€looking€round€for€the€delivery€girl/Shampoo).€Hey?€Where'd€she€go?€I€(startled€atĢfinding€the€takeout€on€the€floor€with€wet€women's€clothing.)€ĢĢKen:€Gee!€I€guess€this€stuff€must've€belonged€to€that€woman€Auntie€Kyouko€talked€about.ĢI€though€she€was€joking€when€she€said€she€walked€around€in€her€underwear€but€I've€neverĢthough€she€just€leaves€her€clothes€in€the€middle€of€the€house.€It€must've€scared€the€poorĢgirl€off.€ĢŠ l-¼(, Š€€€€€Noticing€movement€under€the€dress.€"Hey,€what's€this?"€he€opens€the€zip€off€theĢdress€and€sees€the€cat€stumbling€around€inside.€"Hey€there€fella,€what're€you€doing€there?"ĢĢWe€switch€to€Shampoo's€view€of€Ken€poking€his€face€into€the€dress€and€of€her€blacking€outĢfrom€as€much€as€the€blow€of€the€floor€as€the€thought€of€a€stranger€seeing€her€transform€intoĢa€cat.€Fade€to€black.ĢĢ€€€€€Fade€back€in€(begin€soft€'Shampoo€the€cat'€music).€.The€storm€rages€on€outside.ĢShampoo€(her€cat€state€obvious€from€the€perspective),€lies€on€her€side.€Ken€enters€into€herĢfield€of€vision.€"Ah,€your€awake€I€see."Ģ€€€€€Ken's€room€is€lit€by€candlelight.€The€power€is€out€everywhere.€A€plate€of€food€is€inĢfront€of€Shampoo:€some€pieces€of€duck€and€shrimp€from€the€ramen.€She€rights€her€bodyĢand€finds€that€she€has€been€lying€in€a€white€towel.€ĢĢKen:€I€wasn't€sure€if€you€were€a€duck€or€a€fish€person€so€I€thought€I'd€leave€the€choice€upĢto€you.Ģ€€€€€He€indicates€to€the€plate€as€if€to€say€'help€yourself'.€Shampoo€takes€a€tentative€sniffĢat€some€of€the€food€but€opts€not€to€eat.€Ken,€dining€on€the€lightly€steaming€noodles,€whoĢhas€raised€a€Spock€like€eyebrow€to€the€reluctance€to€dine.€Then€he€gets€the€'A-ha'Ģexpression€on€his€face.€He€opens€the€fridge€and€removes€the€container€of€milk,€emptyingĢit€into€a€clean€bowl€and€placing€it€in€front€of€her€with€a€flourish.€"But€of€course,€you€cannotĢdine€without€a€beverage."Ģ€€€€€Sniffing€it,€she€finds€it€edible€and€laps€some€of€it€up.€ĢKen:€Much€better.€I€was€wondering€what€you€were€doing€under€all€that€wet€clothing.€Geez,Ģyou€were€a€mess€when€I€found€you.€Had€to€dry€you€up€and€everything.ĢĢ€€€€€Shampoo€looks€up€to€find€her€clothing€hanging€in€a€clothes€line€in€a€corner€of€theĢroom.€Her€attention€focuses€on€her€underpants.€Ken€see€this€and€blushes€in€a€bit€of€guilt.Ģ€ĢKen:€Well€what€was€I€supposed€to€do?€Leave€them€in€the€middle€of€the€hall?ĢĢ€€€€€Shampoo€does€NOT€let€him€off€that€easy€and€'harumphs'€(as€much€as€a€cat€can)€andĢcontinues€to€feed.€Ken€comes€over€to€the€cat€to€pet€her€Ģ€ĢKen:€Aw€come€on.€Don't€go€accusing€ME€of€perversion.€That's€the€guy€across€the€hallĢ€€€€€Ģ€€€€€He€laughs€a€bit.€Shampoo€doesn't.€She€just€stares€at€him.€ĢĢKen:€Ok.€Ok.€Enough€with€the€bad€humour.€Say€I€wonder,€(picking€up€Shampoo€by€theĢscruff€of€her€neck)€I€wonder€if€you're€a€guy€or€a€girl.ĢĢ€€€€€"Re-yow!"€Shampoo€takes€a€swipe€at€Ken€that€almost€adds€a€third€nasal€passage€toĢhis€face.ĢĢKen€(putting€a€hissing€Shampoo€down€as€gently€and€as€far€away€as€possible):€€€€€Right.Š l-¼(, ŠYou're€a€girl.€No€way€a€guy€could€have€a€temper€that€bad.ĢĢShampoo€begins€to€stalk€threateningly€towards€him.ĢĢKen€(in€submission):€Okay!€Okay!€I€give€up!ĢĢ€€€€€She€backs€off€and€looks€indignant.ĢĢKen:€I€wonder€what€your€name€is?€(Shampoo€pays€attention€again)€You€don't€have€a€collar,Ģbut€those€bells€on€you€tell€me€that€someone€owns€you.ĢĢA€loud€and€frantic€barking€is€heard€after€Ken€finishes€his€statement.ĢĢKen€(to€himself):€Oh,€no.€Suichiro!€He'll€be€soaking€out€in€that€weather,€and€Auntie€Kyouko'sĢnot€here€to€bring€him€in!€(turning€to€the€cat)€Er,€stay€right€here.€(realizing€only€then€theĢfoolish€statement€of€asking€a€cat€to€do€anything).Ģ€€€€€Still,€he€heads€out€to€bring€Suichiro€indoors.€Shampoo€seizes€upon€the€opportunityĢto€try€to€change€back.€She€heads€straight€to€the€hot€water€tap€in€the€room's€small€sink.ĢPlacing€herself€between€the€wall€and€the€tap€she€pushes€the€water€tap€open€and€promptlyĢfalls€into€what€she€thinks€is€hot€water.€Unfortunately€you€must€remember€that€this€is€aĢstudent's€room.€Therefore€you€do€not€have€hot€water.€Rather€you€have€two€temperaturesĢof€cold;€chilly€and€below€absolute€zero.€A€shivering€and€very€wet€cat€drags€herself€out€of€theĢsink,€teeth€chattering.€€Ģ€€€€€ĢScene:€cut€to€Ken.€dragging€in€a€wet€Shuichiro.€"Come€on€Sui.€That€a€boy."Ģ€€€€€The€dog€is€dripping€from€head€to€tail.€Ken,€however€is€relatively€dry.€"All€right.€GoodĢdog.€Now€all€we€have€to€do€is€dry€you€off€and...€(reaching€for€a€towel€on€the€front€table)"ĢShuichiro€give€him€a€look€that€registers€as,€'Oh€I€can€dry€myself€off'.€And€off€course€he€doesĢthe€dog-shake€thing.€And€off€course€Ken,€who€was€once€dry,€is€now€soaked,€holding€theĢtowel€in€hand.€Looking€at€the€dog's€towel€and€talking€to€himself,€"Apparently€this€was€left€forĢme.".€He€begins€to€towel€himself€off€and€Suichiro€happily€plods€on€down€to€Kyouko's€room.ĢĢScene;€cut€back€to€Shampoo,€looking€around€the€room€for€anything€to€restore€her€to€humanĢform.€She€spies€Ken's€ramen€on€the€other€table's€edge.€€Yes,€wasn't€that€warm€just€aĢmoment€ago?€It's€far,€but€she€could€just€reach€it€with€a€running€start.€The€ice€cold€cat€takesĢa€couple€of€steps€back€and€tries€a€flying€leap€for€the€bowl.€The€jump€falls€short,€but€sheĢmanages€to€snag€the€edge€of€the€cup€so€it's€contents€empty€out€on€her€as€she€falls.€Ģ€€€€€The€water€is€warm,€at€least€in€comparison€to€the€tap€water.€But€apparently€the€waterĢis€not€warm€enough€as€she€remains€a€cat,€now€comically€covered€in€shrimp€and€ramenĢnoodles.€Of€course€Ken€chooses€this€moment€to€walk€in.€"So€kitty€cat,€you€still..."€(seeingĢthe€mess,€the€running€water,€and€the,€shame€faced,€ramen€covered€cat).Ģ€€€€€Shampoo€expects€he'll€be€angry,€but€instead€he€bursts€out€laughing€at€the€sight.ĢĢKen:€Well€I€guess€we€do€have€a€name€for€you.€I'll€call€you€Noodles.ĢŠ l-¼(, ŠShampoo,€'Rayeow!'€"I€think€not!"€tries€to€pounce€on€him€for€the€suggestion€butĢinstead€tangles€and€trips€herself€in€the€strands€of€noodlesĢĢKen€(still€laughing):€Then€it's€settled.€Noodles€it€is.ĢĢShampoo,€€"I€kill€him,€*grunt*€if€ever€get€out€of€mess."€trying€to€bat€herself€out€ofĢthe€entanglement.€She€continues€her€struggle€in€fits€and€starts,€beginning€tangled€andĢending€up€worse€off€for€each€successive€effort.€Ken€allows€her€to€wear€herself€down€beforeĢcoming€to€her€aid.€ĢĢKen:€Are€you€quiet€finished€there?€(towelling€his€hair€and€face€with€a€new€towel)€BecauseĢif€you€are€I'm€perfectly€willing€to€help€you€out€and€dry€you€off,€provided€you€don't€take€a€stabĢat€me.€Do€we€have€a€deal?ĢĢShampoo:€Meow.€(resigned)ĢĢKen:€Okay€then.€Here€I€come.€Ģ€€€€€Ģ€€€€€Ken€walks€over€and€places€the€defeated€Shampoo€on€his€lap€throwing€Suichiro'sĢtowel€on€the€damp€floor.€He€untangles€the€noodles€from€her€hair,€placing€them€in€the€spilledĢnow€empty€cup.€Soft,€gentle€music€can€be€heard€in€the€background€of€the€character'sĢminds.€Shampoo's€eyes€take€on€a€somewhat€dreamy€quality€as€she€relaxes€in€Ken's€handsĢas€he€gently€towels€her€dry.€He€ignores€his€own€wet€clothes.€ĢĢKen€(removing€a€final€shrimp€from€behind€her€ear€and€then€giving€it€a€playful€scratch):€ThereĢwe€go,€all€done.€Now€it's€my€turn.ĢĢ€€€€€He€pulls€his€yellow€sweatshirt€off,€whipping€it€into€the€corner€laundry€basket.ĢShampoo's€eyes€become€wide€with€embarrassment€and€she€blushes€(as€much€as€a€cat€€canĢblush).€His€t€shirt€is€close€on€the€heels€of€his€sweater€and€is€followed€soon€thereafter€by€hisĢpants.€Walking€over€to€the€closet€we€see€Ken's€body€save€what€his€boxers€will€leave€to€theĢimagination.€Though€not€'muscled'€by€any€means,€it€is€certainly€toned€however€and€notĢunattractive€in€the€least.€Shampoo€has€by€now€turned€to€face€the€corner,€but€manages€a€slyĢpeek€once€and€awhile.€€ĢĢScene:€cut€to€the€Nekohanten.€Cologne€and€Moose€are€serving€the€guests€who€are€diningĢby€candlelight€since€the€power€went€out.€Lightning€breaks€and€thunder€crashes€outside€asĢthe€rain€continues€to€pour€down.€ĢĢMoose€(muttering€to€himself€after€some€thunder€has€struck):€I€wonder€if€Shampoo€is€alrightĢin€this€weather?€She€should€have€called.€Maybe€I€should€go€out€and€look€for?ĢĢ€€€€€As€he€turns€to€walk€outside,€he€comes€face€to€face€with€the€Old€Ghoul's€cane€barringĢhis€path.€ĢŠ l-¼(, ŠCologne:€Don't€concern€yourself€Moose.€My€great€granddaughter€is€an€excellent€martialĢartist.€She€can't€call€us€because€the€phones€are€out€with€the€power.€She's€probably€goneĢover€to€my€Son-in-Law's€to€spend€the€night.€(cackles€to€herself€at€the€possibilities€ń#ńœń#ńthat€thatń#ń›ń#ńĢcould€entail)ĢĢMoose€(alarmed€at€the€possibilities€ń#ńœń#ńthat€thatń#ń›ń#ń€could€entail):€I've€got€to€find€Shampoo!ĢĢ€€€€€He€pulls€a€180€and€runs€straight...€into€the€broom€closet,€knocking€himself€out.ĢĢCologne:€*sigh*,€...€Looks€like€I'm€serving€tables€myself€tonight.ĢĢ€€€€€Fade€from€NekohantenĢĢScene:€Back€in€Ken's€apartment.ĢĢKen:€Ah,€much€better.Ģ€€€€€€€€€€Ģ€€€€€Now€Ken€sports€a€collared€denim€shirt€and€a€pair€of€grey€track€pants.€Well€NO€theyĢdon't€match€but€do€you€think€Ken€cares?ĢĢKen:€Now€I€can€properly€welcome€you€to€my€humble€home€NoodlesĢĢShampoo:€*flinch*ĢĢKen:€I€wish€it€were€under€better€circumstances,€what€with€the€storm€and€the€blackout€andĢall.€But,€be€that€as€it€may,€you€are€my€first€guest€and€I€welcome€you.€(he€bows)ĢĢShampoo:€Meow!€(jumps€into€his€arms,€much€to€Ken's€surprise)ĢĢ€€€€€Ken€provides€her€with€a€'grand€tour'€of€the€place,€spending€some€time€showing€ofĢsome€of€the€sketches€he'd€done€after€he'd€arrived€at€home.€We€see€him€talk€€throughĢsketches€(seen€by€candlelight)€of€Ranma€and€Akane,€Shampoo€riding€her€bike€in€theĢmorning,€the€Tokyo€skyline€and€one€VERY€out€of€place€picture€of€ń#ńgodzillań#ńń#ńGodzillań#ń€stomping€throughĢthe€city€battling€a€large€mecha€of€some€sort€with€words€like€"POW!"€and€"BAM!"Ģinterspersed€in€the€drawing.ĢĢShampoo:€Meow?ĢĢKen€(a€bit€embarrassed):€We'll€just€try€to€ignore€that€one€shall€we?€ĢĢ€€€€€€He€sheepishly€slides€it€under€some€of€the€other€sketches.€One€sketch€not€show€fallsĢout€of€the€pile.€Ken€tries€to€hide€it,€but€Shampoo€gets€to€it€first,€holding€it€in€place€with€oneĢpaw,€pacing€around€it,€studying€it.€It€is€of€3€people;€Ken€and€two€others,€one€a€EuropeanĢmale€and€the€other€an€oriental€female.ĢŠ l-¼(, ŠShampoo:€Meow?€(inquisitive)ĢĢKen€(with€a€bit€of€regret€in€his€eyes):€That's€my€parents.€(strokes€Shampoo€along€the€back).ĢThey're€in€Canada€right€now,€a€thousand€miles€away€(the€homesickness€is€apparent€in€hisĢspeech)€and€across€an€ocean.ĢĢShampoo:€Meow.€(sadly,€nuzzling€against€his€chest€trying€to€comfort€him)€ĢĢKen€(snapping€out€of€his€melancholy):€...but€I'm€being€a€poor€host.€Here.€(lifts€and€placesĢShampoo€on€the€ledge€near€the€window€above€his€desk€by€a€candle)€What's€a€evening€atĢhome€without€entertainment.ĢĢ€€€€€Shampoo€looks€at€him€half€cocked€as€he€reaches€over€and€pulls€a€battery€ń#ńopperatedń#ńń#ńoperatedń#ń€keyboardĻonto€the€desk.€Flicking€on€the€power€switch€and€dropping€the€damper€pedal€to€his€feet,€variousĢlights€of€the€keyboard€flicker€on€and€off.€His€hands€start€to€play€a€light€jazz€prelude€with€theĢkeys€even€as€he€talks€to€Shampoo.ĢĢKen:€I€usually€don't€play€for€strangers.€Heck,€I€usually€don't€talk€to€cats€either.€But,€(lookingĢdeep€into€her€eyes)€somehow€I€think€you€know€what€its€like€to€be€far€from€home.€(he€beginsĢthe€piece).ĢĢ€€€€€The€intro€plucks€at€the€playful€emotional€heartstrings€or€frolic€and€joy€in€G€Minor.€ItĢbreaks€in€a€bit€of€sorrow,€because€all€life€must€have€a€bit€of€tragedy.€The€pace€is€of€theĢbitter-sweet€tears€of€not€to€long€ago€memories€that€diminish€to€a€strong,€but€light€ending.€Ģ€€€€€The€body€of€the€ń#ńpeiceń#ńń#ńpieceń#ń€strikes€back€with€a€strong€left€hand€support,€altering€betweenĢa€fierce€heart€beat€pounding€and€a€silken€whisper€of€sadness.€There's€a€great€strength€ofĢheart€to€the€work,€granting€it€a€life€of€it's€own.€His€right€hand€leads€you€over€the€highĢń#ńmoutainń#ńń#ńmountainń#ń€peaks.€His€left,€the€valleys€and€green€hills€of€the€land.€You€feel€your€soul€soaringĢacross€San€ń#ńFransiscoń#ńń#ńFranciscoń#ń€Bay,€past€the€ń#ńgodenń#ńń#ńGoldenń#ń€œń$ńgń$ńń%ńGń%ńate›€to€the€land€beyond.€It€speaks€of€theĢMonterey,€of€the€lost€California€fantasies,€the€beautiful€west€coast€soft€and€strong.Ģ€€€€€He€bridges€into€heartwarming€lapse€steadying€the€pace€and€fading€gracefully€intoĢmajesty€of€a€ń&ńœń&ńritardando'edń&ń›ń&ń€ending.€Ken€fingers€rest€from€their€dancing€on€the€electronicĢivory.€His€left€slides€up€and€flicks€the€'off'€key.€All€Shampoo€can€do€is€stare€in€wonder.€It'sĢprobably€her€taste€of€jazz€and€she€certainly€got€an€earful.€She€purrs€and€nuzzles€againstĢKen's€chest€in€approval€breaking€his€silent€trance€of€introspection.€ĢĢKen:€Why€thank€you.€I've€never€had€a€higher€complement€in€my€life.€(smiling€and€thenĢstroking€the€back€of€her€head€absently€while€staring€off€into€the€rain)€I€wish€I€could€takeĢcredit€for€the€work.€But€that€would€have€to€go€to€Vince€Guaraldi,€one€of€the€greatest€jazzĢcomposers€to€ever€walk€the€planet.Ģ€€€€€ĢĢ€€€€€Ken€is€caught€off€guard€by€a€yawn.€"Excuse€me.€(turning€to€his€watch:€11:27pm)€MyĢoh€my€where€does€the€time€go.€(to€the€cat€in€his€lap)€It's€time€for€me€to€go€to€bed€NoodlesĢ(the€cat€flinches).€I've€got€a€busy€day€ahead€of€me€and€I€daresay€you've€had€an€interestingŠ l-¼(, Šday€yourself.€Well,€I€guess€it's€off€to€bed€for€the€both€of€us€then.€Ģ€€€€€Shampoo€blushes€at€the€insinuation€that€could€be€made,€but€trots€along€at€Ken'sĢheel.€Ģ€€€€€Ken€folds€the€blanket€that€Shampoo€was€first€in€and€makes€it€a€bit€thicker€for€her.€HeĢthen€goes,€pulls€back€the€covers,€and€lies€on€his€own€pallet,€turning€to€watch€the€cat€try€toĢget€comfortable.€He€notices,€as€she€lies€down,€her€shivering€a€bit.€With€quick€unbuttoning,Ģhe€removes€his€shirt€and€tucks€it€in€around€the€cat.Ģ€€€€€Shampoo€turns€to€look€at€him€a€thankful€but€questioning€look€in€her€eyes.ĢĢKen€(answering€her€look):€...€and€thanks€for€the€company,€Noodles.€ĢShampoo€flinches,€but€accepts€the€complement€with€a€meow€and€a€smile.ĢĢ̜Fin.ń)ńĢń)ń›œń)ńĢń)ń›œń*ńForeword€and€forewarned....ń*ńń+ńwell,€itń+ńń,ńń+ń;sń+ńń,ńń-ńššs€not€a€foreward€since€itššs€after€the€pń-ńń.ńń-ńeń-ńń.ńń-ńiń-ńń/ńeń/ńń-ńceń-ńń*ńń*ńń0ń€so,€techniń0ńń1ńń0ńxń0ńń1ńń2ńcally,€thisĻshould€be€titled€ššń2ńń3ńcreń3ńń4ńń3ńtń3ńń4ńń5ńative€intentń5ńń2ńššń2ńń6ń€or€something.€Or€we€could€be€honest€and€call€it€ššń6ńń7ńmy€rant!ń7ńń6ńššń6ńń8ń€:)ń8ńĢĢHello€dear€reader,Ģ€€€€€You're€probably€wondering€why€on€earth€someone€has€produced€€yet-another'ĢRanma€fanfic.€Well€just€be€thankful€that€it's€not€a€Sailor€Moon€one€OK!€*grin*€SeriouslyĢfolks,€the€motivation€is€simply€this.€I€heard€about€the€actual€ending€of€the€Ranma€comicĢseries€in€Japan€and€,€well,€was€a€bit€dissatisfied€do€to€an€excessive€lack€of€closure€in€it.ĢOther€€fics€have€gone€on€to€portray€what€€could'€happen€if€Ranma€et€al€went€to€college€orĢjust€in€the€general€future€in€Lessons€in€Love.€Both€are€well€written€series.€Pick€€em€off€theĢweb€if€you€can€find€them.€Ģ€€€€€Let's€face€it€Rumiko€has€created€a€set€of€quite€endearing€characters€that€interact€wellĢtogether,€producing€a€wonderful€chemistry.€However€with€the€possible€exception€of€Kasumi,€Ģthere€are€very€few€(if€not€no)€characters€that€deal€well€with€emotions.€Without€someone€toĢhelp€grant€the€characters€insight€upon€themselves,€there€will€never€be€resolution.€ErgoĢtherefore,€I€create€Ken€Urdley€*wince*.€He's€a€tribute€to€schleppy€North€American€RanmaĢfans€everywhere€and€embodies€many€of€the€characteristics€that€the€available€ń9ńRanmań9ńń:ńń9ńnń9ńń:ńń;ń€ń;ńcharactersĢlack.€He's€artistic,€sensitive€to€others€and€has€no€martial€arts€prowess€whatsoever!€The€ficsĢ,€of€which€this€is€the€first€in€a€series,€will€first€intro€Ken€in€to€the€Ranma€world€of€japan€andĢthen€Ken€will€fade€into€the€background€as€a€secondary€character€as€the€main€charactersĢrise€to€the€fore.€Obviously,€at€the€pace€I'll€take€this€will€take€time.€I€do€not€believe€in€shortĢquick€answers.€Heck€this€ń<ńintń<ńń>ńrń>ńń<ńoń<ńń?ń€ficń?ńń=ńficń=ń€itself€is€approaching€20€pages.€But,€I'd€like€to€get€someń@ńĢń@ńńAńĢńAńfeedback€if€you€please€so,€mail€me€at€laughlin@accessv.com€so€I€can€find€out€if€I'm€actuallyĢdoing€a€good€job€at€this.€ńBńĢą  ąIššm€suspecting€the€sequńBńńCńńBńlńBńńCńńDńel,€CH€1ńDńńEńńDń€ńDńńEńńFń,€will€be€out€in€mid€october.ńFńĢ›