It took Nabiki a few seconds to figure out that she hadn't made a written contract with Happosai and it was open to debate on whether she had to play Nurse Joy. She should have taken this into consideration much earlier on than she had now, it was almost too much of an amateur's move.
"Calm down, big boy," Nabiki said, crossing her arms and taking a business-like look.
The impatient look on Happosai only increased, was she trying to weasel herself out of their agreement? This surely wouldn't stand! He had gotten her the costume and everything, her backing out couldn't be accepted. "Looky here, missy!" Happosai exclaimed, pointing his finger at the middle Tendo sister.
"A deal's a deal!"
"Of course..." Nabiki smirked. "but I have to ask... when did I ever say that I would be the model?"
Happosai response was going to be swift, that was until it dawned on him... she hadn't ever said that she was going to be his model. It came out as implied all the time and with how the girl had been acting, he thought she was going to be the model too. He stared at the floor for a moment before softening his gaze and making his eyes tear up. Now that he thought about it, she had also never mentioned a time for his model to appear, for all he knew Happosai could be stuck staring at an unattractive woman for his model.
"Wha!" Happosai cried, falling on his belly and crying like a child. "You're so mean to me! And I actually helped you out!" the master continued to cry while beating the floor with his hands.
Nabiki chuckled to herself as she leaned down and patted the head of the grand master, "There, there... I'm going to keep my promise, I am a business woman after all."
Happosai's tear stained eyes stared at Nabiki for a moment before responding. "S-she's not gonna' be ugly?" he whined, hope returning in his eyes.
"No... in fact she'll be a real looker, like the perfect eye candy for an old pervert like you," Nabiki said, taking her hand off of his head, "and do you know what's the best part of all this?"
Happosai shook his head, wiping away his tears.
"She's lives here... in this very house," Nabiki stated.
The mountain of ideas that flew through Happosai's mind were far too graphic for narration. And those thoughts involved all three of the women in the house, not excluding Ranma's female side of course. "I-I always said you were the brightest of your sisters..."
"And you'd be right about that..." Nabiki said, closing her eyes and crossing her arms. She was honestly surprised that this idea had taken such a large amount of time to come her. Perhaps it's all the drama that was happening that caused this, 'Now it's time to use that drama to my advantage...'
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Ranma & Ryoga
Warm... and soft was the best way to describe what Ryoga felt, and perhaps maybe... cushiony? An almost tender feeling going throughout his body as he slept. It was at this point that Ryoga was entering the realm of conscious thought. His dreams had been nothing but the usual dark abysmal ones he constantly had when he was feeling down.
Although this sensation he was feeling now was more than enough to counter that dream.
Ryoga inhaled deeply through his nose and exhaled through his mouth. The scent that went through his nostrils were a mixture of sweat, octopus puffs, ramen, okonomiyaki and was there a hint of... swimming pool, chlorine? This faint aroma was somewhat pleasant. It reminded him of someone... but who could be a combination of all these things? And as his thoughts kept coming through, he realized that he was holding someone.
"Ah!" Ryoga screamed, moving away from the pigtailed girl he had been previously holding.
Ranma squinted her eyes shut before yawning and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She stretched her body right after sitting up "What's up with you?"
"What's up with me?" Ryoga demanded, glaring. "Why the hell were you in my arms, you sicko!"
Ranma slowly locked eyes with Ryoga, glaring as well. "For your information... you're the one who grabbed me," Ranma stated.
Ryoga took a second to consider what Ranma said and remembered that he had been the one to be holding Ranma, it would just be awkward for someone to make a person hold you at night. "Why didn't you stop me?" Ryoga asked, raising a brow.
"Because we had a deal... you stay and I'm your stupid fake girlfriend, dat's why..." Ranma replied, standing on her own two feet before going to her closet and getting herself a towel.
Ryoga narrowed his eyes, that just didn't seem credible enough to allow someone to hold another person like that. "You can't be okay with that, can you?" Ryoga demanded.
"Of course, I'm not!' Ranma shouted, slamming the door to the closest. "but I did give you my word! And if you wanna' be some pervert who spoons me, then whatever!" Ranma fired back.
To say that Ryoga was surprised would have been the understatement of a century. 'And here I thought Saotome didn't have an honor bound bone in his body,' Ryoga thought as he timidly stared down at the floor in front of him.
"I'm outta' here..." Ranma huffed, opening the door and leaving to get herself cleaned. 'Stupid bacon breath, reminding me of what I gotta' do for em', he's got some nerve!' Ranma thought as she exited the room.
Ryoga noticed the towel draped on Ranma's shoulder and decided that asking where she was going was obvious to ask. The fang-toothed boy went over to his backpack and retrieved a new yellow training shirt and proceeded by changing into his old wardrobe.
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Ranma
A warm moist of steam surrounded the tube Ranma sat in. After everything that occurred he just needed some time to be his actual self; his actual male self. His nerves were severely tense from the past few days and he just needed some time to himself.
Ranma closed his eyes, letting his muscles relax into the steamy healing powers of hot water. 'Man... I can see why all dose people fall asleep in these things... it's great...' Ranma thought. His breathing became calm while bathing in the moisture-filled air.
From there his thoughts drifted back to the past few days that everything between him and Ryoga happened. From Ranma running away from Kuno and then formulating his plan to use Ryoga as a fake boyfriend, right down to the promise they made. Ranma clenched his eyes shut when thinking of this, he noticed that his breath didn't get caught his throat. He wondered why... if he had thought about it before he was sure he'd feel extremely uneasy. 'Maybe it has to do with the differences in my girl side and junk... cause' I coulda sworn this would bother me,' Ranma figured that thinking about all these things had been too frequent of a thing now.
All that he could really analyze was that he wanted a friend, even if that was worth becoming someone's fake girlfriend, he then opened his eyes and critically thought about that. Even in his own mind that didn't make too much sense to him, why was he going this far? And why wasn't he treating all those kissing moments with Ryoga like the black plague? Just a little while ago he would have tried to tear Ryoga into a thousand pieces if he tried kissing him; whether in girl form or not. One time should have been enough to call his false relationship enough, in fact, why didn't he just heavily insist on his false feelings for Ryoga to Kuno?
The pigtailed martial artist reached his hand over to his head and began scratching it lightly, truly perplexed as to how he felt about Ryoga. 'Okay, Ranma... ya' hafta' figure out what pig-brain means ta' ya'...' Ranma thought with a low groan. 'I took his bread when we were in middle school and dat was it... but what he really wants to fight me for is Kane', right? That's what he always blabbers on bout'... but he ain't doin' that much anymore... wait... this is supposed be about what I think of him! Okay, focus Saotome...I always kinda' didn't like him cause' he wanted to show off to Akane, but he's also helped me get stronger from time to time and we kinda' admitted to being rivals. That was kinda' alright...' Ranma paused from his thoughts when something came back to him. The events of the koi rod incident.
All his attempts at making Ryoga love him and proclaiming him as HIS property. 'Damn it! I thought I suppressed those!' he shouted in his head, running both of his hands through his head and trying to ease his troubled mind.
"I'm done!" Ranma exclaimed, reaching for a nearby towel and getting himself ready for the day. "I ain't goin' back to dose memories, no way..." Ranma stated, going over to the small pile of clothing he left for himself to change into.
Ranma emerged from the bathroom; now dressed in his boxer shorts and muscle shirt.
"Ranma... its really nice to see you," Nabiki greeted, with a coy smile; that was her usual business face.
And from behind Nabiki's leg, the grandmaster Happosai poked his head out, "Or should I say... Misty..." Happosai chuckled, placing his hands on his cheeks and laughing manically.
"Saotome... we're doomed..." Ryoga declared, making his presence known as well. The fang-toothed boy crossed his arms and tried to conceal his face with the hat on his face. He was adorned in the traditional clothing of Ash Ketchum from the original series.
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Kuno
Extravagant was the word Kuno would refer to himself as and even then he felt that the word was rather lacking in his opinion. Thus was the world he lived in lacking, even the simple cement paved roads of Nerima were not humble enough to have him tread on them, they too were lacking in the grace and elegance that Kuno oozed out.
And that simple women Shampoo would learn not to underestimate him. She too would learn the might of the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High. The deranged Shakespearean noblemen dramatically held the side of his face, snickering with a snide air to him. "This Shampoo character will truly know pain to the very depths of her being... nay... she'll become the very meaning of the word. To believe it has come to the point of me relinquishing my chivalrous ways, tis the life of one so grand to make such sacrifices."
There wasn't much distance between him and the Nekohaten and yet, a ping of worry came from the almost bottomless sea of confidence Kuno had. Shampoo wasn't all that bad when she wasn't defending something. 'N-no... that kind woman doesn't exist, she was merely a facade, in order for me to wed that unworthy woman and I SHALL not fall for such manners of trickery! Not again!' Kuno thought to him, shaking his head once as he saw that he was but twenty feet away from the Nekohaten.
"You are quite predictable... if somewhat daring," Cologne stated, sitting on a cement fence across from the Nekohaten. "I suppose that shows some amount of potential."
Kuno drew his blade, ready for any sneak attack. "I have not come to challenge thee-"
"I'm not your opponent, boy, she is..." Cologne replied, pointing her cane to the top of the Nekohaten. From atop the roof stood Shampoo, standing at the very edge of the building.
Tatewaki Kuno's eyes widened when he saw that she was at the edge of the building's roof. It brought some worry into him, "You needn't end your life!"
Cologne raised a brow and stared Kuno for a second, "What are you on about?" Cologne asked.
He was about to reply and talk some sense into Cologne but then noticed that Shampoo jumped from the roof. Her action alone set Kuno's heart a flare with panic. At least that was until she landed, completely unharmed.
Shampoo narrowed her eyes, dangerous intent driving her actions. Her focus was now more keen than ever, this time because she was aware of her goal and driven by anger. There was no Ranma to distract her or cause her to fumble, this would be simple.
Stolen novel; please report.
Cologne cackled and shook her head, "My, my... it seems that you have grown quite fond of my great granddaughter and here I thought she meant nothing to you," Cologne added.
"S-silence!" Kuno glared, then returned his attention to the purple haired amazon girl.
"You are aware of the conditions of this fight, correct?" Cologne asked.
"Of course... am I to lose, I shall try to become the husband of this barbaric woman," Kuno replied.
Shampoo bared her teeth, annoyed that he would refer to her as "Barbaric", she only did what she thought was best. Even of that meant looking like a brute, she would perform her task. Also, she thought he meant the way she spoke too, it wasn't her fault she wasn't learning Japanese as quickly as she wanted, she was from another country after all.
"Shampoo show you barbaric." Shampoo stated, taking a mantis pose; while her eyes said that she had a firm determination.
"Hm..." Cologne groaned, unsure about this fight. She was, of course, sure that Shampoo could win this fight fairly easy. Though would Shampoo go too far with this fight? Her emotions could possibly prove to be troublesome for her honor.
"Begin the fight!" Cologne shouted, jolting her cane out in front of her, signaling the start of the battle.
The blue thunder used his traditional kendo stance and held his blade out in front o him. "Have at thee!" Kuno shouted, raising his sword over his head and bringing it down for a slice.
Shampoo evaded to the side and pulled her leg back, hitting the side of Kuno's waist and making him fumble until he got his bearings. Shampoo held her leg in the kicked position before bringing her leg back down to the ground, her face displaying how serious she was about this situation.
Kuno found ignoring the numb pain in his waist to be a rather difficult task, kneeling, he tightened his fists on his bokken handle. "Argh..."
"Get up, Shampoo no is finished with you..."
"Neither am I!"
The blundering bokken user attempted a different method of getting his target, he'd use rapid stab motions to try back her into a corner; that had worked once before on Ranma, it should easily take Shampoo down. He was sadly greeted with her evading every one of his strikes, almost as if she was toying with him.
Shampoo's eyes went wide when she saw an opening. She grabbed the stab that she dodged and used her other hand to send Kuno flying back and straight into a cement wall. She squeezed the piece of the bokken she broke off and stared at Kuno.
Such pain could only be endured by those who have had the proper training. Thanks to Akane and Ranma's constant beatings Kuno was able to survive being sent through a cement wall.
Shampoo strolled over to the hole in the fence, her fierce expression not once fading from view. She wanted answers and she wanted them now, she had done what she wanted but now was the time to hear his reason for making her feel so bad. Even after he had promised to control himself, "Shampoo say..." the purple haired girl dropped the piece of Kuno's bokken and reached down into the hole, grabbing Kuno by his kendo uniform's collar. "I no is done with you!"
He felt as if every bone in his body had taken ten hits by Akane's mallet technique; even then that might have felt better than what Kuno was experiencing right now. It was as far worse now that Shampoo was holding him up by his collar and elevating him above her. It took everything inside Kuno to look at the face of the powerful woman warrior that defeated him. 'Have I really been underestimating her? Or has she merely been hiding this strength?' Kuno thought.
"W-what?" Kuno retorted.
"Why you laugh at Shampoo?" she demanded, shaking him; erupting a groan of pain from the kendo leader. The nerve of this man to have laughed at her and at the point where she was showing signs of actually considering him someone she could talk to.
"I did no such thing!" Kuno shot back, gritting his teeth and squinting one eye shut. "I-I was laughing for a different purpose!"
Shampoo raised a brow but decided to actually hear him out this time, instead of thrashing him to death. "Explain to Shampoo!" she said, shaking him again.
"Ah! I was laughing at the idea of Saotome being chased by your feline curse!"
It was then that Kuno felt gravity take hold of him, as Shampoo had dropped him to the floor. The stunning resolution that came to her was shocking, all because she misunderstood his reason for laughing.
"Ah!" Kuno screamed, his nerves sending painful signals to his body.
Shampoo's eyes widened before she closed her eyes, kneeling down and taking Kuno into a warm embrace, cradling his head in her chest. "Shampoo is too, too sorry!" she stated, leaning her head on his.
Somewhere within Kuno pushed past his disillusioned mind and awoke the half of him which had tried to get to know Shampoo. He blushed ever so slightly as it seemed that the girl he had briefly gotten to know was actually showing him concern. The feeling was unfamiliar to him; since Akane, nor Ranma have ever treated him in such a way.
Cologne smiled ever so softly, "Perhaps we can shatter fantasy of yours, boy..."
Shampoo realized that maybe she was coming off as too caring but those thoughts faded when she pulled back and saw the tender look on Kuno's face. Shampoo, although she wouldn't say it out loud, she found him extremely attractive at this moment.
"S-Shampoo treat wounds..." she said, a timid expression crossing her face as she averted her eyes from him. "Is okay?"
The only response she received was a nod of Kuno's head.
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Tendo Living room
Genma and Soun were the at the apathy of Poke'mon fans. They played the card game, the handheld game that came out on Gameboy and even bought the VHS cassettes and went as far as pre-ordering tickets to 'Poke'mon The First Movie'. And then they heard that they were going to be treated to something special, from what they understood it was probably Poke'mon related since Happosai had recently become a fan of the insanely popular series(for this time period).
Now Genma and Soun were seated on their cushions and waiting for their master. Soun dressed as Brock and Genma dressed as a giant Pikachu, this time with a finely made Pikachu tail.
The doors to the room flew open and out came Happosai, carrying a tray of various snacks he had Kasumi prepare. "Your daughter is such a nice girl, Soun m'boy..." Happosai said, placing the tray in front of the two other men.
"I'm aware... but why have you called us here, master?" Soun asked.
"Yeah, what gives?" Genma's sign asked.
"Boys... for showing me the wonder of Poke'mon, I'm treating ya' to somethin' special."
"Poke'mon cards?" Genma's sign asked, his panda face showing interest.
Happosai looked at Genma before slapping his hand on his knee and laughing, "N-no! Even better!" that was when Kasumi entered the room and held out her hand, dressed as the infamous Nurse Joy. Although she didn't seem bothered in the least to wear what she was wearing; since her outfit wasn't revealing, more adorable really.
"Welcome to the Poke'mon center, today we're treating you with entertainment!" Kasumi said, moving to the side.
Happosai's cheeks began to flare as he saw that perhaps Kasumi did give off that image of a perfect Nurse Joy; considering the fact that she even got her hair done like Nurse Joy was a bonus; in Happosai's book.
Genma and Soun were just stunned at how convincing she looked, this was certainly going to be a treat.
It was then that Ranma and Ryoga entered the room, Ryoga still dressed as the main character of the original Poke'mon series, Ash Ketchum. Ranma entered the room in her girl form, dressed in blue jean short shorts and connected to those were red suspenders connected to a small yellow tank top.
"This is so damn humiliating..."
"Not to mention that weird hairstyle she made you get..." Ryoga commented.
Genma was shocked to see how much Ranma's girl form could look when compared to Misty, but there was still some differences between the two, that was for sure.
Soun was amazed at how well Ryoga gave off the image of Ash Ketchum, although Ryoga's hair remained the same, he was still shocked to see that Ryoga was even close to mimicking Ash.
Happosai wanted to stare at Ranma some more but remembered that there was a scene that was supposed to unfold. "Get on with it!" Happosai commanded.
"Hell no!" Ryoga shouted, throwing out his arm and clenching his fist.
"You'd better..." Nabiki said, standing behind the two martial artists. "I have evidence here of you two willingly kissing and I'm not afraid to use it, so... make with the acting or make with getting new identities, your choice."
Ranma and Ryoga both gritted their teeth in frustration; their faces becoming as red as cherries.
"I'm guessing you did read those scripts I gave you," Nabiki giggled with closed eyes. "So I take it this won't be all too hard, now will it?"
Ryoga was the first to shift his direction, only he wasn't shifting away from everyone; he was shifting to face Ranma. Still as red as a tomato, the lost boy clenched his fists and lowered his head down to the floor, suddenly finding it interesting.
Ranma followed his actions, her face accompanied by a scowl. "Oh, Ash..." Ranma said, furrowing her brow as she pretended to scratch the side of her arm in an adorable fashion since the script commanded her to do so. "There's something I have to tell you..." Ranma said, not really placing her acting skills to the test.
Nabiki noticed that Happosai wasn't all too pleased, he, in fact, looked infuriated with how little passion these two were giving. "Hey! Actually, try to act this out or I'll start shouting that I have these photos and find a way to make a clip show outta' it!"
That brought the acting skills of Ranma and Ryoga to the light, making them shine brighter than they ever thought they could. Thanks to the Nerima's fundamental tool of persuasive threatening.
Ranma's back straightened as chills went down her spine, slapping herself quickly she shook her head and closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath she placed her hand on her other arm's elbow before looking down the ground and gently opening her eyes. "Ash, there's something I gotta' tell you..."
Ryoga's spine sent chills down his as well, but he also attempted to actually play this scene out right. "Uh... what's up, Misty?" Ryoga asked, seeming completely clueless when it comes to matters of affection; much like the real Ash.
Ranma blushed and gazed into Ryoga's eyes, "Ya' know how we've been everywhere together, right?"
Ash or rather Ryoga dressed as Ash blushed but ultimately decided that he had to remain clueless for cannon reasons, "Uh yeah... it's cause you still want me to get you a new bike, right?"
"Well, did you ever think we could be more than, y'know... just friends?" Misty/Ranma asked.
Ryoga blushed deeply but had to remain in character, but was he honestly at fault? A beautiful red headed girl wearing skimpy clothing was asking him to be more than just friends. "You mean like, best friends?" Ryoga asked, feeling a bit stupid. Though that's what the script said and so he would follow, or else.
"We're already best friends, just like Brock is!" Ryoga grinned as best as he could.
"No! Don't you get it! I like you more than just a friend or a best friend you little twerp!" Ranma exclaimed, stomping her foot. "I wanna' be your girlfriend, Ash!"
Ryoga refused the urge to grab Ranma in an embrace 'Ran-Ranma's done this before, hasn't he?' Ryoga thought. "Misty..."
"Look ASH KETCHUM! I know you just think I'm some stupid girl following you around because you owe me something! But that's not all I am, I'm your friend and someone who really cares about you!" Ranma exclaimed, going as far as adding fake tears in her declaration.
Ryoga gulped before he saw that Ranma lowered her head; as the script commanded. He squinted his eyes shut before moving over to the red headed Poke'mon trainer/a martial artist and brought her into a warm embrace; leaning his head down on her as she placed her hands on his chest and leaned herself into his chest.
Ryoga exhaled his held in breath and sighed contently, a feeling he never thought he'd feel with Ranma.
Genma and Happosai were frantically trying to keep themselves from crying but as the feelings in their hearts swelled, Happosai hugged Genma and cried. "Whatta' beautiful performance!"
Genma felt tears as well; in panda form. Whereas Soun crossed his arms with a skeptical look on his face. "I don't believe this to be accurate, everyone knows that Misty is attracted to Brock, this makes absolutely no sense!"
Happosai's the strangest thing ever done by him, did a complete one hundred and eighty degree turn before landing square on Soun. "What!" Happosai shouted, "Of course Misty loves Ash!"
"That's nonsense and you know it, master!" Soun shouted.
Nabiki tilted her head, why hadn't Ranma and Ryoga moved away from each other now? Happosai and co clearly weren't paying attention anymore. Her eyes widened before she realized that maybe this event had triggered something between Ranma and Ryoga, 'And here I thought this would only make things more difficult' she chuckled 'who knows, maybe I oughtta' be a matchmaker too.' Nabiki thought.
"Hey Romeo and Juliet, you can stop holding each other now," Nabiki advised.
A took an entire three seconds for Ranma's and Ryoga defense mechanisms to kick in and protect them from humiliation, both jumped away from one another, avoiding eye contact.
"I'm outta' here..." Ranma stated, speed walking out of the room.
"Me too..." Ryoga stated, "I'm getting outta' these clothes..."
"I'm there wit ya' on that," Ranma said.
"Try not to have too much fun, you two," Nabiki added.
Ranma and Ryoga both shot nasty glares at Nabiki. "Shut it!" they shouted in unison, going up the stairs.
Kasumi was at the corner of the room and even she had to admit, the scene was lovely. Of course, she wouldn't expect any less from Ranma and Ryoga. "Bravo! I enjoyed that very much!"
Nabiki entered the room and placed her hand on her chin, maybe this could be another way for her to make some money. All she had to do was get Dr. Tofu to wanna' play a part; he, of course, would have to pay for it.
"Say... Kasumi, do you wanna' be in one of these little plays, would you?" Nabiki asked, already scheming.
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Ranma & Ryoga
There was an awkward feeling in the air, tension so high up you could drown in it. The silence was the worst since neither wanted to talk, since their recent performance went well, perhaps too well.
Ranma's stare was intense the entire time, even when removing her suspenders and yellow tank top. Even though Ryoga's back was turned to hers. She became paranoid and wondered if he would peep at her. Although there was no reason for him to do so, due to the fact that Ranma wore her male boxers and could quickly put on a white muscle shirt with use her chestnut fist.
"That was weird..." Ryoga commented, staring down at the floor as he adorned his white beater.
Ranma was thankfully able to get her beater on as well. Though she had used her chestnut fist to speed through the process. "Yeah, ya' didn't have to hold like that either..." Ranma added.
The lost boy blinked from Ranma's response, "Y-you didn't have to look like you were crying, either..." Ryoga replied, some venom in his tone.
"It's called acting... something you wouldn't know any about," Ranma shot back if she couldn't fight him her. She'd beat him with her words.
"Your right, I ain't too good at being a fake, like you," Ryoga countered. Now looking over his shoulder and baring his fangs.
"Look who's talkin', P-chan!" Ranma shouted, completely turned around and staring Ryoga down. The two stepped forth until they were standing in front of one another, scowls on their faces.
"Why don't you stop this..." Ryoga said.
"Stop what, bacon breath?" Ranma asked.
"Stop messing around with me, if you're keeping me around just so you think being my friend will keep me from being with Akane, then you've got another thing coming, because here's a news flash Saotome..." Ryoga glared.
"What are you on about?" Ranma asked, confused as to how they got onto the subject of making Ryoga stick around and the whole concept of Akane for that fact.
"I don't want Akane anymore!" Ryoga declared.
It was then that Akane opened the door to the, having come in at the wrong moment. "Ryoga?"
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