As I sat and watched the setting sun Must I always be reminded I noticed you were looking away Wary of the future Caught in a daydream Here's your chance - Tonight I put my arm in yours 'Cause I'm opening my heart - Tonight My head on your shoulder I want to live my life - Tonight You were still so far away I want to break free - Tonight -=- Leave the memories behind +-----------------------------------------------------------+ | Daigakusei no Ranma | | | | Created by David Tai and Paul Gallegos | | | | Based on the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi | +-----------------------------------------------------------+ =============================================================================== -= Episode 13: "Coincidence? or... The Prince of Ill Luck!" =- =============================================================================== Hitomi: Hey Akane, how's it going? [Akane stops and turns to look around. She sees Hitomi walking up the stairs behind her, her blond ponytail bobbing as she steps. Akane smiles and opens the front door to Maison Sabaku.] Akane: Konnichiwa, Hitomi-chan. Did you just get off work? Hitomi: [nods] Hai. I had to do some shopping, but the blouse I wanted wasn't on sale anymore... [sighs] I _really_ need a new blouse for my date with Oono-san tonight. [Hitomi walks inside, followed by Akane.] Hitomi: Is Ranma-kun home yet? I need to ask him to help me move some furniture around in my apartment. [stops at landing, looking down at herself] I don't want to impose, but I can't really do it all by myself... Akane: [smiling] I'll ask him when he gets home. Hitomi: [grins] Arigato, Akane-san! [Akane starts to climb the stairs to Room 4.] Hitomi: [surprised] AAA!! My key! Akane: [leaning over railing] Nani? Hitomi: [frustrated] My key broke off in the lock! [sighs] I hope Kanrinin-san is home... Akane: Oh... I'm sure she is. [Hitomi walks down the hall toward Room 1, while Akane continues her climb upstairs.] Akane: [thinking] Why does she keep flirting with Ranma? Can't she just confine herself to that boyfriend of hers? [grips stair rail] She should be asking him for help anyway... [She arrives at the top of the stairs and walks over to her door. As she reaches inside her purse for her keys, a golden bracelet slips down her arm to her wrist. She smiles at it and inserts her key in the lock, opening the door.] Akane: [thinking] I guess I should try that new recipe sis showed me yesterday. Ranma will definitely flip when he sees how good it is. [Akane enters the apartment and closes the door. After a few moments, she opens the door again and removes her keys from the lock, shaking her head as she closes the door behind herself.] * * * [Ranma jogs home as the street lights begin to automatically turn on. The sun had just finished setting, but it is still light out.] Ranma: [thinking] Perfect time to jog, I swear... [sighs] I just wish this research project didn't take so long. [Ranma rounds the corner quickly and jogs up the path to the entrance of Maison Sabaku, stopping in front of the door to catch his breath. As he reaches for the doorknob, the door swings open, and a very surprised Hitomi stands in front of him.] Hitomi: Oh, hi! Just the man I wanted to see! Ranma: Oh? How's that? Hitomi: I need to move my couch and bookshelf away from the wall so I can paint. Can you help me, please? [bats eyelashes, smiling] Ranma: [stuttering] S- sure [Ranma follows Hitomi inside.] Ranma: Maybe I ought to go check-in with Akane first, ne? Just so she won't be worried or anything... Hitomi: Oh, this'll only take a sec. Trust me. [Hitomi opens the door to Room 2 and walks inside, followed again by Ranma. The apartment's walls are bare and most of the furniture is covered with newspaper and moved away from the walls. Hitomi smiles and walks over to one side of the couch, indicating that Ranma should go to the other side. The two move the couch a couple of feet away from the wall. Then, they move several other pieces of furniture away from the walls. After a while, Ranma saunters over to the bookshelf. With ease, he lifts it off the ground and moves it away from the wall while Hitomi applauds.] Hitomi: Bravo! All by yourself, even! Ranma: It was nothing. Now, I gotta get back upstairs before Akane gets worried... * * * Akane: [yelling, turning reddish-pink] And just where were you all this time? Ranma: [calmly] Helping Hitomi-chan move her furniture. [thinking] And if I had known you'd act like this, I wouldn't have hurried... Akane: [crosses arms over chest] And I had cooked a nice meal for you too. Now it's getting cold. Ranma: [blanches] That's ok. I'm really not that hungry right now... [notices bracelet on Akane's arm] Hey, where'd you get that? You didn't pay a lot for it, I hope... Akane: [holding up bracelet] This? No, I found it on my way home. It looks like real gold, ne? It was so pretty, I decided to hold on to it. [sighs] But tomorrow I should put an ad in the paper, I guess. Ranma: Yeah, well, it does look nice on you. [Ranma walks over to the couch and sits down, turning on the TV.] Akane: What are you doing? Ranma: Watching TV. Akane: Your dinner's on the table though! Ranma: Akane, I don't want to be sick all night, ok? Akane: Are you saying that my cooking's bad? [turning slightly red] Ranma: [cooly] I don't have to eat it to know it's toxic... Akane: ... [Moments later, Ranma flies through the window, hitting the tree behind the apartment building face-first with a resounding thump. He slowly slides down the bark as Akane watches from the windowsill.] Akane: [to herself] Baka! [closes window] * * * [Ranma exits his classroom, following the rest of his classmates to the building entrance. A soft tap on his right shoulder causes him to look to his right, only to find no one there. A giggle on his left told him he'd been had, but he turns to look anyway. Ukyou stood there grinning madly, wearing a sundress] Ranma: [thinking] Unusual choice of clothing for Ucchan. [pauses] Then again, lately she's been wearing more dresses and less jeans and t-shirts. I really have to remind myself to ask her about that sometime. Ukyou: Did you just finish class? Ranma: Yeah. Boring as hell, yet again. Where are you going right now? [The two resume their path toward the exit.] Ukyou: Actually, I was just about to go home, but I wanted to stop by and see if you and Akane were up for dinner at my place tonight? Makiko is cooking, and I know how much you love her stir-fry... Ranma: [opening door] Sorry, but I've still got to finish some research for this stupid paper. I'm sure Akane would like to go, though. You should ask her. Ukyou: [giggles] I already did. She said yes. [Ranma blinks... and then walks into a light pole. Ukyou stops and looks at Ranma's prone body on the ground.] Ranma: [mumbles] Then why'd you ask me if Akane would be interested? Ukyou: [smiles] Oh, no particular reason, really. [puts on sunglasses] Ranma: Well, when you see her tonight, tell her I'll be at the library for most of the evening, ok? Ukyou: Hai! I guess I'll see you tomorrow, right? Math study session at my place at around seven. Mata ne! [waves] [Ranma gets up and walks toward the library, watching Ukyou's retreating form.] Ranma: [thinking] Sometimes I wonder why I didn't just pick Ucchan instead of okonomiyaki... [looks at the ground] But Akane's got her points too... [looks back at Ukyou, sighing] I just can't think of any at the moment. [Ranma walks into another light pole.] * * * [Akane walks up the steps to Ukyou and Makiko's apartment. She stops in front of the door to apartment 105 and raises her hand to knock...] Ukyou: Konbanwa, Akane! [grins] Whatcha doing? [Ukyou stands in the doorway of apartment 106 with a huge smile on her face. Akane blushes and smiles awkwardly.] Akane: Konbanwa, Ukyou... I sort of forgot which apartment was yours, I guess. [Makiko appears in the doorway behind Ukyou and waves.] Ukyou: Oh, that's ok. I'm kind of used to it actually. [sighs] Everyone seems to forget at one point or another. Makiko: _My_ friends don... *oof!* [Ukyou elbows Makiko in the stomach, resulting in a glare from Makiko, who ducks back inside the apartment.] Ukyou: [smiling at Akane] Well, come on in! Dinner should be ready in a bit. I was just playing with Makiko's computer while waiting for you. [Ukyou steps aside to let Akane enter the apartment, following her in and closing the door behind her.] Akane: Have you done something to your place? It looks different somehow... [Ukyou pauses in front of a massive painting of Mount Fuji and sighs.] Ukyou: Makiko and I bought this last week. Nice, ne? She found it on sale, dirt cheap. It reminds me of the time Ranma and I hiked there... [smiles, then walks into bedroom] Check out this game I was playing! [Akane hesitates in front of the painting a moment longer, then follows Ukyou into the other room. As she walks past the kitchen, Makiko pokes her head out the door.] Makiko: Dinner's almost ready. Give me about ten minutes or so. Akane: Ok! [smiles] Makiko: Cool. [ducks back into kitchen] [As Akane enters the room, she sees why Ukyou was so interested in this computer game. The computer screen is full of flying objects zooming about the screen, and the sound effects are on full blast, echoing around the room in stereo. Akane pulls up a chair and watches Ukyou dodge several missiles and assorted colorful lasers, only to be blown off a ledge by one particularly nasty explosion.] Ukyou: [turns to Akane] Neat, eh? Did you see how far I was blown backward? [grins] Wanna try it? Akane: [shakes head slowly] No, that's ok. It's not really my style. [smiles] [Akane fidgets absentmindedly with the bracelet on her arm.] Ukyou: Hey, where'd you get that bracelet? It looks really nice. Did Ranchan get that for you? Akane: Ranma? [snorts] No way he'd ever do something like that. I found this on the way home last night... [pauses to admire bracelet] But you're right, it is nice. Ukyou: [sighs] I need to go shopping this weekend. I want a bracelet like that! [giggles] Of course, I'll need a matching necklace or earrings, too... [Ukyou turns back around to play the computer again. After a while, Akane notices a distinct odor in the air and wrinkles her nose.] Akane: [sniffs] Hey, do you think Makiko's watching what she's cooking? It smells like something's burning. Ukyou: [pausing to sniff] Hey, you're right... [yelling] Maki-chan! Is dinner burning? Makiko: [from kitchen] No! In fact, it's ready right now if you are! Akane: Hmm... I wonder what's... [glancing at computer] Ohmygod! [Akane trails off in mid-sentence as she notices the smoke emanating from the back of the computer.] Ukyou: [panicked] Oh no! Maki-chan! The computer's burning! What do I do? Makiko: [running in] No way!! [Makiko stops in front of her computer and tries to determine the source of the smoke just as the computer gives one final groan, then explodes in a shower of sparks. Ukyou retreats to the safety of her bed and cowers behind a large pillow.] Makiko: [screams] AAAA! My computer!! What happened? [glares at Ukyou] Ukyou: [holding up hands defensively] Honestly, I didn't do anything! I was just playing the game you showed me earlier! Ask Akane! Akane: That's right. We were just talking about my new bracelet when the computer decided to blow up! [motions] It just started smoking, then BOOM! [Makiko stares at the smoking remains of her computer with disbelief, then slumps into the chair in front of the monitor. The computer gives one final wheeze, spits out some sparks - causing everyone in the room to jump back several feet - and finally dies.] Ukyou: Well... maybe the warranty expired? [receives a DARK look from Makiko] Hey, I don't know anything about computers! Don't look at me! [Everyone in the room sits silently, watching the smoldering remains of Makiko's computer. Then, Akane sniffs the air again.] Akane: Uh, I don't mean to be mean, but I smell something else burning, and it isn't the computer... [looks out the door] Makiko: [jumps up] Oh no! Dinner! [Makiko runs out of the room.] Ukyou: I think I've had enough of computers to last a lifetime, ne? Akane: Yeah, a lifetime... [Akane slowly follows Ukyou out the door, unconsciously adjusting the bracelet on her arm.] * * * [The door to Room 4 opens with a squeak, and Ranma enters, closing the door behind him. He takes two steps before reopening the door and removing his keys from the lock. Ranma: [thinking] I need to oil the door's hinges when I have more time. [Setting his backpack down on the desk, he walks into the kitchen to get something to drink; then, he sits down at the desk and begins to write his paper. A short while later, he stops writing and starts hunting through first his notebook, then his backpack for his notes. Cursing silently, he starts opening all the drawers in the desk, searching for his notes. Ranma then notices the entire apartment is free of stray papers, magazines, plates, etc. In a blind panic, he yanks open all the closets, drawers, cupboards, even checking the refrigerator. Then he looks at the garbage can and sees it is empty.] Ranma: [thinking] Oh, no... she didn't! [Rapidly he checks the rest of the apartment's garbage cans, all of which are empty. He drops the last trash can on the ground and hangs his head for a moment, then grabs his jacket and runs outside to the back of the building where the trash bin stood. He looks inside through the front of it, combing through all the trash and food tossed around inside. Then he runs around to the side of the bin and looks in. Recognizing a few boxes that were in the living room, he lets out a small groan as he sees that, unfortunately, they are all the way in the back of the bin. Ranma reaches up and pulls himself up on the window of the bin as the wind starts to pick up. He jumps in and begins to plow through the garbage, tossing several things aside in the quest for the boxes. He tears open the first box he reaches and looks inside. Ranma: [mutters] Ripped lingerie? [pauses] And barbells? [out loud] Who the heck would throw away barbells? Voice: I don't know. Who in Maison Sabaku would own barbells? [Ranma jumps at the sound, hitting his head on the roof of the bin.] Ranma: [rubbing head] Ite! [loudly] Who's out there? [Hitomi pokes her head in the bin.] Hitomi: Ranma? What are you doing in the garbage? Akane toss you out or something? [giggles] Ranma: [grumbles] No, but she did toss out my notes. Hitomi: Well, need any help? Ranma: Sure, do you have a flashlight? Hitomi: Un! I've got one in my purse! Just a sec... [Hitomi searches quickly through her purse, finally producing a small penlight. She shines it inside the bin, first at Ranma, who only glares back, eliciting another loud giggle from her, then at the boxes in the back. Ranma starts to grab boxes and open them one by one. Newspapers fall out of the third box he opens, followed by a lot of white paper.] Ranma: [excited] My notes! [Hitomi helps Ranma get out of the bin, turning her head away as she does so.] Hitomi: Go take a shower when you get upstairs, please! [holds nose] Ranma: [sticking tongue out] You're a big help, you know that? Hitomi: [smiles] Well, it's not every day I come home from work and find someone rummaging through the garbage, you know. [Ranma only sighed and trudged upstairs.] * * * Akane: Does this place stink! [holds nose] Did you try to cook another one of your dad's crazy concoctions again? [Akane closes the door and hangs up her jacket. She looks around the apartment and sees papers strewn everywhere, drawers pulled open, and all of the books piled in heaps on the floor. In the midst of it all, Ranma sits scribbling away on a pad of paper.] Akane: What'd you do to the place? This apartment was spotless when I left this afternoon for classes! [sniffs] And there's a strange smell in here... what do you have to say for yourself? Ranma: [mumbles] I'm writing my paper. Leave me alone. Akane: Not until you tell me why you tore the place apart! [Ranma turns and glares at Akane, causing her to take a step back.] Ranma: Do you remember that there was a pile of papers on the floor here next to the desk? Akane: Yes, I tossed them with the rest of the junk. Ranma: That 'junk' was my notes! You tossed two weeks of research into the garbage! I had to go wading through the trash to find it! Akane: But it was on the floor... Ranma: You knocked them on the floor last night, remember? Akane: [tiny voice] Oh... [fidgets with bracelet] Ranma: Just leave me alone for right now. This paper's due tomorrow, and I still need to type it up. I'll clean tomorrow afternoon. [Ranma turns his attention back to his paper.] Akane: [whispers] Sorry... I'll be downstairs if you need me. Ranma: [thinking] Like I need any more distractions from you right now... [Ranma hears the door shut behind Akane, then looks up just in time to see a particularly high stack of books fall on top of him with a crash.] * * * [Akane and Kazuyo are seated at the kitchen table in Room 1. Kazuyo pours Akane some tea and then leans back in her chair.] Kazuyo: [smiles] I don't think you really have much to fret about, dear. Let Saotome-... er, Ranma work undisturbed for a while. I think he'll be more... conversant when he's finished with his paper. Akane: [sighs, sipping tea] I just don't understand him sometimes. Kazuyo: Well, that's to be expected when you're newlyweds. You are still finding out his nuances and quirks, and he yours. Akane: [frowns] He could be a little more polite about it... Kazuyo: [gently] A relationship is a two-way street. I've noticed lately that the two of you are getting along more smoothly than when you first moved in, and there have been times when you aren't. [sips her own cup of tea] It's just a matter of learning to trust each other and not let jealousy get in the way. [pauses] Do you think he would intentionally hurt you? Akane: [pauses] No, I guess not. [fidgets with bracelet] No, he wouldn't intentionally hurt me, I guess. [Akane leans back and remembers the incident in the park with the Phoenix and the gang, then Ranma helping her against Kodachi, and finally his help with the sets in her play.] Kazuyo: [smiles broadly] Of course not, dear. The problem just lies in communication. That's something that you need to work on... [lifts teapot] More tea? Akane: [shakes head] Thank you, but I've had enough. [Kazuyo sets the teapot down awkwardly, and it tips over, falling on the floor and smashing into tiny pieces.] Kazuyo: Oh dear! Akane: Oh no! That was a nice teapot too! Kazuyo: [sighs] Well, things like this will happen. [smiles] Excuse me while I get something to clean this up with. Akane: Oh, let me help! Kazuyo: Nonsense. Just finish your tea and relax. I'll be right back with a dustpan and broom to sweep this up. [pats Akane's arm] [Kazuyo exits the kitchen, leaving Akane to contemplate her words. Akane sips what remains of her tea and fidgets absentmindedly with the bracelet on her arm.] * * * [The next day, Ranma walks down the street, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his hands deep in his pockets. Earlier in the morning, he had been jogging to school to turn in his paper and meet Ukyou. However, upon arriving on campus, he had tripped over two curbs and, while headed for another class, ran into yet another light pole. He had given up in disgust and decided to just walk home at that point.] Ranma: [thinking] I should talk to someone about the things going on lately. I can't be THAT clumsy, like that tomboy wife of mine... [He walks past Maison Sabaku and rounds the corner, heading for Chez Funsui. He enters the kissaten and is immediately greeted by one of the waitresses.] Waitress: Irrashai mas... Saotome-san! Konnichiwa! Ranma: Konnichiwa. [small grin] Is Hitomi-chan working right now? Waitress: Hai! [smiles bubbly] Let me seat you at one of her tables... do you have a preference? Ranma: How about the table by the window? [motions] Waitress: Hai. I'll let her know you're here. [bows slightly] [The waitress turns and walks quickly into the kitchen. Ranma walks over to the booth and sits down, staring out the window.] Ranma: [thinking] Ucchan would know what to do right now.... 'cept that she's in class. [sighs inwardly] Maybe this bad luck is some kind of sign? Hitomi: [bounces over to booth] Hi there! Ranma: On a break right now? Hitomi: Well, not exactly, but it's not that busy, so I can afford a couple of minutes. What's up? [smiles] You only come in here at this time of day if something's bothering you. [pauses, then giggles] Did Akane-san throw away something else of yours you needed? [Ranma tries to look upset at this, but fails and smiles.] Ranma: Not this time. I seem to be having a streak of bad luck recently. [pauses] What's worse, every single occurrence is connected to Akane in some way. Also, I ran into Ucchan this morning, and she told me that last night her roommate's computer blew up while Akane was in the room. [sighs] If that wasn't enough, this morning I tripped over a couple of curbs and walked into a light pole while talking to Ucchan about Akane. [Ranma pretends to bang his head on the table. Hitomi pats him on top of the head in a mock soothing gesture.] Hitomi: Oh, come on... It's not all that bad, is it? I mean, it's possible that everything has just been mere coincidence, ne? Ranma: Maybe, but I find it hard to believe myself. [Ranma raises his head and looks thoughtfully at Hitomi.] Ranma: Say, you haven't had any bad luck recently, have you? Hitomi: Now that you mention it, the one day that I ran into Akane-san at the entrance of Maison Sabaku, my key snapped off in the lock on my door. I had to have Kanrinin-san come help me get into my own apartment. Ranma: This was the day I helped move the furniture, ne? Hitomi: [nods] Un. Also, that same night, Oono-san and I were returning home from our date... Ranma: [interrupting] Oh? Who's Oono-san? Tell, tell! Hitomi: [blushes] Chotto! He's just a friend... [pauses] Anyway, he was walking me home, and this poor man rode by on a horse yelling and screaming at it to slow down... Ranma: [raises eyebrow] Hontou? Hitomi: Hai. The poor man couldn't control his horse. They turned the corner, and we heard this loud crash, so we ran towards it and saw him out cold in front of a tree. [giggles] The horse was just sitting there eating grass. It was sooo sad... Ranma: I wonder if he ran into Akane too... Hitomi: I don't know, but the guy WAS coming from the direction of Mizunoikan. Ranma: Hmm. This is starting to make some sense. [slowly] And it all started when Akane found that bracelet... [looks out window] But how could a little bracelet bring bad luck on other people, but not the wearer? Doesn't it usually happen the other way 'round? Hitomi: [slowly] I would think so, but then again, the only kind of thing that would give off such bad vibes would be something cursed. Maybe Akane picked up a bad-luck charm instead of a good-luck charm? Ranma: That's a thought... Maybe I should take it in to some kind of fortune teller or something to make sure. Obviously a jeweler wouldn't know... [The two are interrupted at this point by Ranma's stomach growling loudly.] Ranma: I think I'll have something to eat now. [grins] Hitomi: Good idea. I'll get you something to eat. Be right back! [Hitomi hops out of the seat and bounces into the kitchen. Ranma watches her retreating form thoughtfully.] Ranma: [thinking] Yep, just like Ucchan. * * * [Ranma grins and leans back in his seat, looking across the table at Hitomi.] Ranma: Ah, that chicken and rice hit the spot! Did you cook it this time or do I have to direct my compliments to the chef? Hitomi: Iie! This time I cooked it. Did you really like it? Ranma: It was very tasty! [smacks lips and smiles] Unfortunately, now I have to go deal with Akane and her little trinket... Hitomi: Any ideas on what you're going to do? Ranma: Not right off. I guess I'll have to wing it... as usual. [reaches in pocket] How much do I owe you? Hitomi: Nothing. It's on the house. [smiles and blushes slightly] Ranma: Are you sure? I've got enough this time. Hitomi: It's ok, really... [pats Ranma's arm] Ranma: All right, but remind me that I owe you dinner later, ok? [The two stand up, with Hitomi clearing away the plate and silverware. Ranma swats her ponytail playfully as she turns toward the kitchen, causing Hitomi to try to avoid Ranma's second attempt.] Hitomi: Ganbatte ne! [enters kitchen] Ranma: Arigato! [turns toward exit] [As Ranma opens the front door to the kissaten, he almost knocks Akane over as she enters.] Akane: So this is where you've been for the last hour! I've been looking for you! I was going to make you lunch... Ranma: [quickly] That's ok, really. I already ate... [thinking] And not a moment too soon, either! [Akane crosses her arms over her chest, blocking the doorway.] Akane: What are you saying? Ranma: [blinks] That I just ate? [shakes head] Come on, you're blocking the door for other people. [pauses] Besides, I need to talk to you about your bracelet. [Ranma squeezes past Akane outside. Akane turns and follows Ranma.] Akane: My bracelet? What about it? Ranma: [calmly] It might be the cause of a lot of bad luck around here lately. Everything from Makiko's computer to my notes, to the light poles... [Akane stops short.] Akane: What about the light poles? Ranma: [quickly] It's not important! Look... we have to get rid of the bracelet before something really awful hap... [Ranma stops in mid-sentence and looks around.] Akane: [looking around] What? What is it? Ranma: Don't you hear it? It sounds like... a horse. [At that moment, a white horse dressed in decorative saddle and bridle turns the corner and heads for a tree only a couple of feet from where Ranma and Akane stand. Both leap to the side as the horse comes charging past. As both turn to get a good look at the animal, the unfortunate passenger on the horse is knocked off the saddle by an overhanging branch. The two cringe, then run over to the man's side. The horse also stops and decides to snack on the bushes around Chez Funsui.] Akane: [concerned] Are you all right? Man: Yeah. Stupid horse. Can't resist trying to knock me off the saddle, though. Ranma: Oh come on, it's not as if it knows that the tree branches are low enough to knock you off... [The horse turns to look at Ranma and whinnies, causing Ranma's eyes to widen several inches.] Man: Sure it does. We have this argument all the time. The faster I want to go, the more he wants to knock me off. [The stranger gets to his feet and dusts himself off.] Akane: Well, he seems like a nice horse, anyway. [Akane walks over to where the horse stands and pats its nose, her bracelet shining in the sunlight.] Man: [surprised] You... you have the bracelet! [opens and closes mouth several times] Akane: [takes step backward] Nani? Man: [takes step forward] You have my bracelet! It's a miracle! I have found my bride! Akane & Ranma: [blink] NANI?! Man: Let me introduce myself. [sweeping bow] I am the Prince of Ill Luck. The bracelet you wear is mine, an enchanted gift given to me at my birth by my father's court wizard. At sixteen, the bracelet was taken from me and sent around the world so when I turned eighteen, the spell was to take effect: the people around the wearer were to suffer ill effects of bad luck, denoting that the wearer was to be my bride. My search is over at last! [The Prince hugs Akane tightly... and receives a fist in the nose for it.] Akane: Just what do you think you're doing? I'm not getting married to you! Prince: [recovering quickly] There is no need to fight me, we shall rule together! [The Prince attempts another hug... and this time, Ranma sidekicks the Prince neatly towards the horse, who simply sidesteps to allow the Prince to hit the building head-on.] Ranma: [low voice] Do you have a hearing problem, buddy? She said 'no'. Besides, I'm her husband anyway. Prince: [getting up] Ah, but such bonds are but fragile wisps in the wind. Ranma: [thinking] How did I know that bracelet was going to cause trouble? [to Prince] You're going to have to do better than that, buddy. Prince: [unhesitatingly] Without a second thought. [Ranma stands in a fighting stance, ready for the Prince's first attack. However, the Prince simply smiles and stands his ground. Ranma hesitates, then leaps to attack. He doesn't make it, however, as he slips on his first step and lands on the ground, face-first. Akane rolls her eyes as the Prince takes the opportunity to jump in and kick Ranma in the stomach before leaping away. Ranma grunts in pain, then scrambles to his feet. He runs toward the Prince, only to be hit squarely on the top of the head by a dead tree branch that had chosen that particular moment to fall. The Prince again leaps in, lands a punch, and leaps away just as quickly.] Ranma: [frustrated] Stand your ground!! Prince: [taunts] What's the matter, lose some coordination? Ranma: [furious] That's it! I've had it! [Ranma attacks the Prince again. As he gets in range, the Prince pulls out a small bag and empties its contents on the ground in front of Ranma. Ranma can not stop his forward momentum in time, and steps on the small objects, slipping and landing on his back. Akane groans.] Prince: [chuckles] It seems as if you've.. er.. lost some of your marbles, my boy. Care to give up now? Ranma: No way in hell! You have to beat me first. Prince: Don't you understand yet? You cannot win! Everything you do is unlucky! You cannot defeat me! [laughs] I'd give up on your precious girl if you could find some way to defeat me! Ranma: You're on! [Ranma quickly jumps to his feet and promptly slips on the marbles again. By this time, the customers and staff of Chez Funsui have gathered at the windows and doors to watch the fight. Hitomi runs outside and stands next to Akane.] Hitomi: What's going on? Akane: I'll have to tell you later. Now's not a good time. Hitomi: Does this have to do with your bracelet? It's bad luck, y'know... Akane: [blinks] How did you know about the bracelet? Hitomi: Ranma told me right before this happened. You need to take it off, quickly! [Akane tries several times to remove the bracelet, unsuccessfully. The color drains from her face slowly as the realization hits.] Akane: The bracelet won't come off! Prince: [interrupting] Of course not. It will only come off if I am defeated, and you both know that is impossible. Ranma: Shut up, already! [Ranma finally lands another sidekick in the Prince's ribs. The Prince doubles over in pain, glaring at Ranma.] Prince: No one has ever struck me before! You shall pay for this! [The Prince produces a small bag from the folds of his clothing and tosses its contents at Ranma. Ranma sneezes, sending him flying backwards into a tree.] Prince: [menacingly] Now the real fun begins! [The Prince starts to slowly walk toward Ranma's prone body.] Ranma: [thinking] Bad luck... everything I do is unlucky. Is he causing the bad luck, or... [Ranma quickly gets to his feet and runs over to where Akane stands.] Ranma: Here ya go Princey, all wrapped up for ya! [pushes Akane toward Prince] [whispers] Trust me, Akane. Akane: [shrieks] RANMA!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?? [The Prince grabs Akane's wrist and smiles.] Prince: So you've admitted defeat? Ranma: I didn't say that at all! [Ranma leaps once more toward the Prince, who calmly stands there waiting for another unlucky incident to happen to his attacker. This time, however, nothing happens. Ranma connects on a flying kick to the face, sending the Prince backwards several feet. The Prince gets up quickly, and just as quickly falls down, slipping on his own marbles. Another branch chooses that moment to fall, landing on the Prince's head. The Prince gets up slowly, but the horse has other ideas and kicks him into the tree, face-first. The crowd cheers, and Akane runs over to Ranma, catching him in a tight embrace. As she does so, the bracelet loosens and falls off her arm.] Prince: Enough, enough! I give up already! You win! [Hitomi bends down and picks up the bracelet, then walks over to the Prince and deposits it on the ground next to him.] Hitomi: [smugly] I believe this is yours... [Akane and Ranma broke out of their embrace, both blushing furiously. Hitomi walks back over and touches Ranma's arm.] Hitomi: How'd you know? Ranma: Simple. I realized that he [jerks a thumb at the Prince] wasn't the cause of my bad luck; it was from protecting Akane. I figured the spell only worked on those who Akane was in contact with, so if I 'gave' her to the Prince, the bad luck would turn on him. [grins] I guess you could say that I had to give her up to get her back. Akane: Ranma... [softly] Arigato. Ranma: [smiles] No problem. [A groan from the Prince catches both everyone's attention. He slowly gets to his feet and walks over to his horse.] Prince: So, you have defeated me. I shall leave honorably. [pauses] May I ask one favor of you before I go? [climbs onto saddle] Akane: Sure, I guess... What is it? Prince: Be on the lookout for my twin sister's bracelet. Ranma: Who's your sister? Prince: The Princess of Lies. [The entire crowd face-faults as the horse takes off with its rider hanging sideways on the saddle.] Prince: [yelling] Hey, slow down!! I don't want to go that fast! Cut it out! Hey, slow down!... =============================================================================== finis. =============================================================================== Credits : Writers..............: David Tai Paul Gallegos John Walter Biles Story Artists........: Anastasia Moreno Kimberly Cambridge Story Advisors.......: Jason C. Bustard Jon Hayashi Jong Man Hwang Jim Miller Special Thanks to....: Robert DeLoura Tanya Mundy J. The Tucson Animation Screening Society (TASS) Denver Anime International And of course Rumiko Takahashi =============================================================================== On a warm summer's eve Looking at the sky There was you and me Could this be love Watching clouds roll by When we're together it seems like forever Could this be love I wonder if you knew I need to know 'cus it's now or never What I'm thinking of Could this be love And if you thought too Could this be love +---------------------------------------------------------------+ | Copyright (c) 1995 Digital Knight Communications | +---------------------------------------------------------------+ | "Ranma 1/2" and its characters Copyright (c) 1995 | | Viz Communications, Inc., Shogakukan, Kitty Animation | | and Rumiko Takahashi | +---------------------------------------------------------------+ ===============================================================================