%Part 9 (Perfume yawns and stretches her arms as she walks down the stairs to the main kitchen area in the Nekohanten. She pours herself a glass of water, and heads into the dining area while she sips at her drink. She walks into the dining area which is empty except for Mousse who is sitting at a table, looking glum.) Perfume: Mousse? That you? Mousse: Yeah. Perfume: {as she sits down across from him and puts her drink on the table}When you get here? Mousse: Last night. You were asleep. Perfume: Oh. {Pause then suspiciously}What you do here? Mousse: It's not important. Perfume: You no try to interfere with Shampoo marriage to Ranma do you? Mousse: What would you care? Perfume: I care because if Shampoo no marry Ranma, Perfume must. Mousse: So he beat you did he. You were actually stupid enough to get into a fight with a guy?! Perfume: You be quiet. I now better warrior than before. Mousse: Oh really?! So you don't- (Perfume produces her ax and puts it to Mousse's throat.) Perfume: You no say a word about that! If people find out- Mousse: They don't know! Perfume: No, and you no tell them or I- (Mousse suddenly wraps Perfume's ax in a chain from his sleeve and takes it from her grasp.) Mousse: Or you'll what? I haven't been idol all these years you know. (Perfume calms then looks at Mousse and goes into a pleading posture.) Perfume: Please Mousse, no tell them. I like it here. (Mousse throws Perfume's ax back to her.) Mousse: Oh, all right. I won't say a thing, but you won't be able to keep it a secret long. (The door to the Nekohanten opens and Soon Li comes in.) Soon Li: Hello. Hope you two are getting along. (Perfume collapses her ax while Mousse retracts his chain.) Soon Li: That's good. Perfume, do you mind giving me a hand in the kitchen. Perfume: Okay. (Perfume follows Soon Li into the kitchen and Mousse continues looking glum. After a few minutes Soon Li comes out into the dining area and begins cleaning tables.) Soon Li: So, Mousse, what are your plans? Mousse: Haven't really given that much thought. Maybe I'll go back to the village. Perfume: {from the kitchen}No think you want do that. Mousse: And why not? Perfume: {from the kitchen}Trust me, village has turned to living hell! Mousse: Well, then maybe I won't go back. Soon Li: You can stay here as long as you want Mousse. Mousse: I don't think so. Sticking around here isn't something I want to do. Perfume: {from the kitchen}Why no find nice woman to marry Mousse? Mousse: Like maybe you? (Perfume suddenly comes out of the kitchen and looks at Mousse angrily.) Perfume: {angrily}NO WAY!! I no want be married to half blind twit like you! (Suddenly a dagger sticks into the door just next to Perfume's head, startling her.) Mousse: {angrily}Half blind am I! Be glad I wasn't aiming to hit! Soon Li: {sternly}Perfume, Mousse, that's enough! (Perfume quickly retreats into the kitchen and Mousse calms himself.) Soon Li: I was actually meaning to ask you about that. Mousse: Corrective eye surgery. I got it in the US Soon Li: Ah. Perfume: {from the kitchen}You mean you see normal now. Mousse: Perfectly. (Perfume comes back out into the dining area.) Perfume: Well then, should have no trouble beat new wife. Mousse: I thought you said I shouldn't go back to the village. Perfume: Well, ahh, yes, but... Mousse: What?! Are you worried I'm going to challenge you or something? Perfume: No! I no afraid of you! And I warn you now, if you do I will no let you live to challenge again! Mousse: *laughter*{sarcastically, through laughter}Oh yeah, I'm shaking now. *Laughter* (Perfume growls then starts to leave the restaurant.) Soon Li: Where are you going Perfume? Perfume: I no listen to this jerk! Besides, I have things to do. (Perfume walks out.) Soon Li: Mousse, you shouldn't tease her like that. Mousse: Oh please, as if I'd ever want to be married to that little... Soon Li: Little? Mousse: Never mind. If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go take a walk myself. (Mousse gets up and walks out. Soon Li sighs and continues with her work.) ==================================================== ========== (Perfume walks through the market, mumbling to herself angrily.) Perfume: (Perfume searches through her shirt and pulls out the folded piece of paper Nabiki gave her. She looks at it and smiles.) Perfume: It been couple of days. Hmmmm. (Perfume turns and walks down a side street with a wicked smile.) ==================================================== ========== (In another part of Tokyo, sometime later, a teenage boy with long brown hair wearing a purple and blue outfit and carrying an enormous spatula on his back plus a bandoleer of small spatulas walks down a deserted street. Suddenly a mailbox at the street side leaps out in front of him.) Mailbox: Ukyo! (The boy jumps back a couple feet and readies the giant spatula.) Ukyo: Tsubasa! Get lost! (A girl's head with long brown hair pops out of the mailbox.) Tsubasa: Oh, dear dear Ukyo, why have you been avoiding me? Ukyo: Tsubasa, I am not going to go out with you, got it?! Tsubasa: But Ukyo, if you'd just- (Suddenly Mikado crashes on top of Tsubasa, crushing her to the ground. Ukyo steps back, startled. Mikado looks behind him fearfully then starts to run down the street. Just as suddenly as Mikado appeared, Perfume crashes down on top of Ukyo.) Perfume: MIKADO, YOU DIE!!! (Perfume starts chasing after Mikado and Ukyo struggles to get to his feet.) Ukyo: {fuming}Why you little... (Perfume swings her ax at Mikado forcing him to duck. The ax imbeds itself into the street wall, just above Mikado's head. As Perfume struggles to free the ax Mikado retreats.) Perfume: YOU... AHHH... COME BACK HERE!!!! AHHHH... FACE DEATH LIKE WOMAN!!! (Perfume finally frees her ax and starts to charge on Mikado. Ukyo takes a small spatula from his bandoleer and throws it at Perfume. The spatula hits Perfume's hand just as she is about to chop Mikado in two. She yelps out in pain, drops her ax and collapses to the ground, holding her hand. Mikado takes the opportunity to make a run for it and within a few seconds he is out of sight. Ukyo gets to his feet, retrieves his giant spatula but then notices that Perfume is crying. Ukyo looks concerned and walks over to Perfume.) Ukyo: You all right? Perfume: {whining}What you do that for?! It hurt! Ukyo: Here, let me see. (Ukyo takes Perfume's hand and sees only a small scratch.) Ukyo: Oh, it's just a scratch. Perfume: {whining}It hurt! Ukyo: *sigh*All right, come on. (Ukyo helps Perfume to her feet and leads her off. Tsubasa groans then completely passes out.) ==================================================== ========== (A short time later Ukyo is wrapping a bandage around Perfume's hand in a small apartment room. Perfume sniffles, her eyes red from crying.) Ukyo: A little sensitive to pain are you? Perfume: Mmm. Ukyo: Well if you hadn't of stepped on me- Perfume: I no mean to. I chase Mikado, no notice you. Ukyo: What he do to make you so mad at him? Perfume: He have 998 other girl friends! Ukyo: Ahhh, I see. (Ukyo finishes with the bandage.) Ukyo: How's that? Perfume: Thank you. Much better. (Ukyo smiles, gets up and heads into the kitchen.) Ukyo: Hey, do you want something to eat. Perfume: Ahhh, okay. (Perfume smiles a little. After a minute Ukyo returns with two plates of okonomiyaki, one of which he hands to Perfume.) Ukyo: Here you go. (Perfume takes the plate with a gracious smile and starts to eat. Ukyo sits down and starts eating his.) Perfume: Is very good. Ukyo: I hope so, okonomiyaki is my specialty. I'm planning on opening a restaurant soon. I got the money. All I need is a location. Perfume: I know many good place for sale near where live. Ukyo: Maybe. You're not from Japan are you. Perfume: No, I from Amazon village in China but do live in Tokyo now. Ukyo: China huh. {Pause}Amazon village! Oh man, must be hell being so sensitive to hits. (Perfume self-consciously looks down at the floor.) Perfume: I usually able no get hit with special technique but is still very... embarrassing. Ukyo: Yeah, well, everybody has their soft spots. Some are just more noticeable than others. (Perfume looks up again, looking a little happier.) Ukyo: So, what brings you to Japan? This Mikado guy? Perfume: No, I chase girl here, chase Mikado later. Ukyo: A girl? Perfume: Well, Ranma not really girl. Actually boy with curse. Long story. Ukyo: Oh. {Pause}Did you say Ranma? Perfume: Yes. Ukyo: Ranma Saotome by chance? Perfume: Mmm, yes, Ranma Saotome. Ukyo: {anxiously}Do you know where I can find him? Perfume: Yes. Ukyo: Can you take me there? Perfume: Yes. (Ukyo gets up, grabs Perfume by the arm, both only half way through their meals, and starts to drag her to the door.) Ukyo: Come on then, let's go! ==================================================== ========== (Inside the Tendo dojo Shampoo faces off with Ranma-kun. They examine each other for a long time, neither acting.) Ranma: It's been an hour already. Shampoo: Soon Li say if fight never begin is best victory. Ranma: Well I'm not about to give up. Shampoo: Shampoo still have lots of patience. Ranma: Hmmm. (They continue their stand off for another minute until Ranma-kun finally rushes Shampoo. She steps nimbly off to the side and lets a kick fly into Ranma-kun's abdomen. Ranma-kun flips over the kick and bounces off the wall. Shampoo leaps over him as he attempts a flying kick then pushes off the roof and comes down on him with a kick of her own. Ranma-kun twists in mid-air and avoids the blow and grabs a hold of Shampoo's legs. He rolls to the ground, taking Shampoo down with him and quickly moves to pin her down. Before he reaches her hands she stabs her fingers into his shoulder and an arc of electricity flows into him. To Shampoo's surprised Ranma-kun is unaffected and pins her arms to the ground. Ranma-kun smiles at her as she lays below him.) Ranma: Got you. Gonna give up? Shampoo: {with a smile}Hmmh. You no win yet. (With a sudden motion Shampoo brings her legs up beneath Ranma-kun then knocks him off with a lightning quick series of kicks. Shampoo flips back to her feet as Ranma-kun struggles for breath on the floor.) Shampoo: You learn to harness electricity. Ranma: Yeah. *Cough*Nearly had you. Shampoo: Yes but need be more careful. Ranma: {with a smile}Yeah. But I do have one trick left. Saotome school of Anything Goes Martial Arts final attack! (Ranma-kun suddenly leaps at Shampoo and tackles her by the legs. She is startled and falls backwards. Ranma-kun pulls out a feather and removes Shampoo's shoe.) Ranma: Feather Foot Tickle Torture!!! (Ranma-kun begins rubbing the feather over the base of Shampoo's bare foot. She struggles to free her legs as a she attempts to hold back a laugh.) Shampoo: That... no... fair! *Laughter* Ranma: Surrender and I'll stop. Shampoo: *laughter*No way! *Laughter* (Shampoo starts to get teary eyed, and is forced to hold her chest from the strain of laughing so hard.) Ranma: Come on Shampoo, give up. (Shampoo just continues laughing.) Ranma: You're very stubborn you know that. (Shampoo suddenly goes limb and her head slumps to the side. Ranma-kun stops his tickling for a second, surprised, but then continues. After a minute where she doesn't respond, Ranma-kun stops and cautiously moves up to look at her face. He shakes her gently in concern.) Ranma: Hey, Shampoo, stop fooling. I'm not buying it. {Pause then concerned}Shampoo? (Shampoo suddenly wraps her arms around Ranma-kun and pulls him into a kiss. After the initial surprise Ranma-kun wraps his arms around her and gives into the kiss. Finally after about a minute Ranma-kun and Shampoo pull slowly away from each other.) Shampoo: Shampoo could have knocked out, {pause}but Shampoo let you win, this time. {Pause}You know, we do have house to selves... Ranma: And what exactly were you planning? Shampoo: Well- Perfume: {calling from the front door of the house}Nihao! Anyone here? Shampoo: {disappointed}*sigh*This conspiracy! Ranma: Soon enough, I promise. (Ranma-kun rolls to the side and flips to his feet while Shampoo rolls backwards to her feet.) Ranma: {calling out}We're in here Perfume. (Shampoo puts her shoe back on and Perfume arrives at the entrance to the dojo.) Perfume: Ranma, Perfume have someone who want speak to you. Ranma: Really, who? (Ukyo steps into view and looks at Ranma-kun angrily.) Ukyo: Hello, Ranma. (Ranma-kun examines Ukyo closely for a second.) Ranma: Ukyo? Ukyo: Well, at least you remember me. (Ranma-kun smiles and quickly runs over to Ukyo.) Ranma: {joyfully}Hey Ucchan, I haven't seen you in years! This is great! How you doing? (Ukyo suddenly draws his giant spatula and threatens Ranma with it.) Ukyo: {angrily}How am I doing? How am I doing?! You bastard!! I'm going to make you pay for what you did to me!!! (Ukyo takes a swing at Ranma-kun, who is quite shocked. Ranma-kun manages to jump over the attack but Ukyo presses on and sweeps Ranma- kun off his feet. Shampoo suddenly jumps in between the two combatants and faces off with Ukyo.) Ukyo: Out of the way or you're going to get hurt! Shampoo: If want hurt Ranma will have to fight Shampoo first! Ranma: {as he gets to his feet}No, Shampoo, stay out of this. Shampoo: But- Ranma: No, I don't want you hurt. I'll handle this. (Shampoo reluctantly moves over to be beside Perfume who watches the fight with concern. Ukyo and Ranma-kun face off again.) Ranma: I really don't want to fight you Ukyo. Ukyo: {angrily}Shut up! I going to get my revenge for what you did!! (Ukyo charges at Ranma-kun with a downward slash from his spatula. Ranma-kun easily dodges to the side and readies himself for another attack.) Ranma: What did I ever do to you? Ukyo: {angrily}Don't act so naive!!! (Ukyo pulls out a couple of his small spatulas and sends them flying at Ranma-kun. Ranma-kun plucks the spatulas out of the air with a flash of movement then throws them to the ground. Ukyo looks at Ranma-kun in surprise but then returns to his angry look.) Ranma: Look, I really don't know what you're talking about. Why won't you talk to me? Ukyo: {angrily}My life has been destroyed because of you! Ranma: How'd I do that? Ukyo: {angrily}Oh, shut up and fight!! (Ukyo rushes at Ranma-kun again and takes a series of swipes at him with the giant spatula. Ranma-kun easily dodges each then flips over and behind Ukyo.) Ranma: All right, I didn't want to do this but you forced me. (Ukyo turns and attempts another series of attacks on Ranma-kun. He responds in a flash of motion and Ukyo suddenly finds himself completely disarmed. Ranma-kun, using Ukyo's giant spatula, sweeps Ukyo's legs then thrusts the spatula over Ukyo's throat.) Ranma: Look, I don't know what you think I did to you but if you keep this up you're going to get hurt. Ukyo: Well go ahead and finish me then because I'm not going to rest until you've paid for what you did! Genma: {as he walks up behind Shampoo and Perfume}Hey, what's all the commotion? Ranma: Pop, do you know anything about this? Ukyo won't talk to- Genma: {nervously}Ukyo? Uh, I got to go. (Genma suddenly turns and bolts. Ranma-kun looks at him as he leaves with a angry scowl.) Ranma: {fuming}Why that... {as he races after Genma}POP! GET BACK HERE!!! (Ranma-kun drops the giant spatula to the ground as he leaves. Perfume comes over to Ukyo in concern and helps him to his feet while Shampoo watches Ukyo angrily. Ukyo seems somewhat startled.) Perfume: Is you okay? Ukyo: Uh, yeah. Perfume: You no fight Ranma no more, okay? He too strong for Ukyo to beat. (Ukyo walks after Ranma-kun without responding, picking up his spatula on his way. Shampoo watches him go then turns to Perfume angrily.) Shampoo: {angrily} Perfume: (Shampoo calms.) Shampoo: Perfume: (Shampoo starts after Ukyo while Perfume starts gathering Ukyo's other spatulas.) ==================================================== ========= (Ukyo walks down the hall to Ranma's room.) Ranma-kun: {from his room, angrily}YOU DID WHAT?!!!!! (Genma suddenly flies through the door and crashes into the wall. Ranma- kun leaps out and grabs Genma by the collar.) Genma: Ah, come now son, it was a different time. Ranma: {angrily}Don't hand me that! How could you steal the cart?! What kind of a father are you?!!!! Genma: I didn't steal it. Ranma: And how do you figure that? Genma: It was my compensation for taking Ukyo off his hands. Ranma: Huh? What are you talking about? Ukyo: {angrily, to Genma}You never even told him?!! Genma: Well- Ranma: Told me what? Genma: *sigh* (Shampoo comes up behind Ukyo.) Genma: Ranma, met your... betroved. Ranma: WHAT?!!! Pop, this better be some kind of sick fantasy!!! How could you engage me off to another guy?!!! Ukyo: I'm not a man. Ranma: {surprised}What? Ukyo: I said I'm not a man. (Ranma-kun and Shampoo look at Ukyo it complete shock.) Ranma: You're... you're joking right? (Ukyo takes off his, or rather now her, shirt to reveal several straps around her body holding her breasts in. Shampoo and Ranma-kun continue looking at her in surprise.) Ukyo: Does this look like I'm joking to you? Ranma: You... you were always a girl? Ukyo: Well, what do you think, you jackass? (Ukyo puts her shirt back on. Ranma-kun looks back at Genma angrily.) Ranma: {angrily}You engaged me off to her then left her by the side of the street?!!! Genma: It was your choice to leave her. Ranma: What?! Ukyo: Oh yeah, I can just imagine that choice. "Hey Ranma, would you like to marry this Ukyo guy or run off with his cart?" What kind of choice is that?! He didn't even know I was a girl!! Genma: Now Ukyo- (Ukyo grabs Genma and lifts him upto the ceiling (Ranma-kun releases him as she does so).) Ukyo: {angrily}Don't now Ukyo me you... you... jerk!! (Ukyo throws Genma down the hall and readies her spatula. Ranma-kun jumps in her way.) Ranma: Ucchan don't! Ukyo: Out of the way Ranchan, I'm going to ring his neck!! Ranma: No, he's my dad, I'll clobber him. (Ukyo hesitates then relents and turns to leave. Ranma-kun races after her.) Ranma: Ucchan wait! (Ukyo stops and looks back at Ranma-kun.) Ukyo: What? Ranma: Is this... this guy thing because- Ukyo: Do you realize how humiliating it is to have your fiancee run off with your father's cart? I was turned into the laughing stock of the whole neighborhood! This was the only way for me to escape that humiliation. Ranma: I'm really sorry Ucchan. Ukyo: Sorry?! I've been ruined for marriage because of that! Who'd ever want to marry a girl who's lived most her life as a guy?! (Ukyo continues on her way with Ranma-kun following. Shampoo checks on Genma. Ukyo walks downstairs and heads for the front door.) Ranma: Aren't you overreacting? I mean, I'm sure there's a lot of guys that would find you cute. (Ukyo stops and turns to Ranma-kun in surprise.) Ukyo: I'm not cute. Ranma: Of course you are. Ukyo: No I'm not. Ranma: Ukyo, I'm a guy and I say you're cute. Ukyo: Really? Ranma: Yeah. (Ukyo blinks then blushes and turns from Ranma-kun.) Ukyo: I should be going. I've caused enough trouble for today. Ranma: You're not mad at me are you? Ukyo: No Ranchan, you're off the hook. (Ukyo opens the door and finds Perfume waiting with Ukyo's other spatulas. Perfume smiles at Ukyo and hands her the spatulas.) Ukyo: Thanks Perfume. Perfume: Is no problem. Ukyo: Maybe I'll see you around Ranchan. (Ukyo walks off with Perfume following. Shampoo comes up next to Ranma-kun.) Shampoo: She is no angry now? Ranma: I don't think so. {Pause}I've come to the conclusion that my father is out to ruin me. Shampoo: Need any help. Ranma: No, I can kill him myself. (Ranma-kun turns and heads back upstairs. Shampoo looks briefly at Ukyo leaving then closes the door and heads after Ranma-kun. Outside, Ukyo turns down the street with Perfume walking beside her.) Perfume: Is good that you no fight Ranma. Ukyo: Yeah. You said you knew some good locations right? Perfume: Yes. Ukyo: Near here? Perfume: {a little excited}Oh yes, very near. Ukyo: Great, why don't you show me a few. Perfume: {excited}Would love to! ==================================================== ========== (A few days later Ranma-kun, Shampoo, and Akane are on their way to school.) Akane: You two going to visit Mr. Saotome after school. Ranma: No, that creep can rot in the hospital for what he did. Akane: Was it really necessary to turn him into a human pretzel? Ranma: Yes. Akane: Okay. (The school comes into view.) Akane: Who's turn is it to distract Kuno? Shampoo: Shampoo's. Akane: Well, good luck. (Shampoo runs off into the school yard and out of sight. Akane and Ranma-kun continue on their way. They reach the front door but Ranma- kun stops and waits.) Akane: {as she continues on}See you in class. Ranma: Yeah. (Akane walks off into the school as Ranma-kun turns and looks off to the school yard. After a few minutes someone suddenly covers over Ranma- kun's eyes from behind with their hands.) Ukyo: Guess who? (Ranma-kun spins around to find Ukyo, dressed in a male school uniform, behind him.) Ranma: {surprised}Ukyo?! Ukyo: Yes sir. Ranma: What are you doing here? Ukyo: I transferred. Have to be close to my fiancee after all. Ranma: Fiancee?! Ukyo: Well of course Ranchan. I even managed to swing getting us in the same class. Ranma: Same class? Ukyo: Yeah. Speaking of which I guess I better be off. You coming Ranchan? Ranma: Ahh, I got to met someone. Ukyo: All right, seeya. (Ukyo smiles and waves as she leaves for class. Ranma-kun watches her go in shock. Shampoo comes from around the corner and looks at Ranma- kun curiously.) Shampoo: Something wrong Ranma? (Ranma-kun turns to Shampoo, startled.) Ranma: {nervously}Ahh, no, nothing's wrong. Better get to class. (Ranma-kun turns and rushes off into the school. Shampoo, after a second of confusion, follows.) ==================================================== ========== (Sometime later, in class, Ranma-kun nervously glances at Ukyo who smiles back every few minutes while the teacher lectures. In the seats just in front of him, Shampoo and Akane notice this. Shampoo scowls then looks back towards the teacher, fuming. Akane gives Shampoo, Ranma- kun, and Ukyo each a nervous looks then returns her attention to the teacher. The class breaks for lunch and Ranma-kun quickly leaves. Ukyo follows after him while Shampoo watches this, looking extremely irritated. Akane comes up next to Shampoo.) Akane: You don't actually think he'd cheat on you, do you? Shampoo: Mmmmmm, no, but... Akane: I'm sure it just some sort of misunderstanding. Go talk to him, see what's up. (Shampoo nods and walks off.) ==================================================== ========== (Out in the school yard Ranma-kun sits by a tree near the soccer field, thinking.) Ranma: [Oh, just great! What am I going to tell Ukyo? {Pause}What am I going to tell Shampoo? I never meant to get Ukyo interest in me. Why does this always happen to me?!] Ukyo: {as she rushes up to Ranma-kun}Ranchan, I've been looking all over for you. Ranma: Ah, Ukyo, we need to talk. Ukyo: Isn't this great Ranchan?! Ranma: Uh, Ukyo- Ukyo: Oooh shoot! I forgot my lunch! I guess I'll have to get something here. Hey, why don't you come over to my restaurant later. We can talk there. Ranma: Restaurant?! Ukyo: {as she starts to leave}Yeah, I opened one near here. It's a couple blocks down from the Nekohanten. If you can't find it just ask Perfume. Seeya. (Ranma-kun sadly watches Ukyo rush back off to the school. A second later Shampoo suddenly sits down in front of Ranma-kun, a scowl on her face.) Ranma: {startled}Shampoo!! Shampoo: You better have good explanation. Ranma: Shampoo, it's not what you think. She was depressed. I mean, she was a an old friend and all and I was just trying to cheer her up. She just got the wrong impression. (Shampoo softens.) Shampoo: Well, you should no lead her on. Why no tell her now? Ranma: I was planning to, but she took off. (Shampoo scowls again.) Ranma: Don't worry, I'll tell her. She invited me over to her restaurant later. I'll tell her then. Shampoo: Okay, you want Shampoo come? Ranma: No, I think it would be better if I told her alone. She might not take it well and you being their might just make it worse. (Shampoo reluctantly nods then gets up.) Shampoo: You be careful, no want kill Ukyo cause husband get hurt. Ranma: I'll keep that in mind. ==================================================== ========== (Ranma-kun walks up to a restaurant with shop curtain reading Ucchan's Okonomiyaki. He sighs then walks in. Ukyo stands behind a grill cleaning it. She smiles at Ranma-kun.) Ukyo: Ranchan, hope you didn't get lost. Ranma: No. Ukyo: {as she turns on the grill}Here, let me make you something. Take a seat. Ranma: Uh, sure. (Ranma-kun walks over to some seats by the grill and sits down as Ukyo begins cooking some okonomiyaki. She finishes and flips it over to Ranma-kun then relaxes and looks at him lovingly. Ranma-kun looks at the okonomiyaki for a minute then reluctantly eats it.) Ranma: Not bad Ukyo. Ukyo: I've devoted my whole life to okonomiyaki. I'm going to be the best in the world. Ranma: I'm sure you will. Ahh, Ukyo, there's something I got to tell you. Ukyo: What is it Ranchan? Ranma: Maybe you better sit down. (Ukyo looks at Ranma-kun, worried.) Ukyo: What's wrong? Ranma: Ukyo, I'm... I'm engaged. (Ukyo stares at Ranma-kun for minute in silence. Finally she turns, grabs up a cloth and starts polishing the bench, looking only at her work.) Ukyo: Oh. Ranma: Ukyo, I'm sorry if you got the wrong idea. Ukyo: Wrong idea? Hmmh. So, who is she? Ranma: Shampoo. Ukyo: Shampoo huh. Guess I should have realized. Do you... Ranma: Love her? Yes. (Ukyo stops but keeps her eyes locked on the bench.) Ranma: {concerned}Ukyo? Ukyo: I'm fine. (Ukyo shakes her head then stands up straight with her eyes closed and head bowed.) Ukyo: Tha... Thanks for telling me this Ran...ma. At least I didn't make too much of a fool out of myself. Ranma: You never did that Ukyo. Ukyo: Hmmmh, I think I'd like to be alone. Ranma: {reluctantly}Uh, Ukyo- Ukyo: Please Ranma, just go. Ranma: {reluctantly}Okay. If you need anything... (Ukyo nods then turns away. Ranma-kun reluctantly gets up and after giving Ukyo a sad look leaves the restaurant. Ukyo walks over to a seat by a table, sits then rubs her eyes. She pulls her hand away and looks down at it, noticing it to be moist with tears.) Ukyo: Stupid... How could I be so stupid?! (Ukyo lets her head crash down into her arms on the table and starts to cry. Several minutes pass until the door to the restaurant opens and Perfume comes in carrying a bag, a worried look on her face.) Perfume: {concerned}Ukyo? (Ukyo quickly sits up and rubs away her tears with her sleeve.) Ukyo: Oh, hi Perfume. (Perfume walks over and sits beside Ukyo.) Perfume: You sad? Ukyo: No, no I'm fine. Perfume: No be embarrassed. It okay cry, Perfume cry all time. Ukyo: Hmm. Perfume: Ukyo need cheer up. (Perfume puts the bag on the table and removes a round container. She removes the top and inside are several steaming buns. Perfume pushes the container over to Ukyo.) Perfume: Here, I make these for you. You like. Ukyo: Ahh, thanks. Perfume: I have go. No cry no more, okay. (Perfume gets up, starts to leave but stops, turns to Ukyo and kisses her quickly on the cheek.) Perfume: {Whispering in Ukyo's ear}Wo ai ni. (Ukyo looks at Perfume, startled. Perfume smiles back at her then quickly leaves.) Ukyo: Uhoh. ==================================================== ========== (The next day Ranma-kun, Akane and Shampoo are on again on their way to school. Ukyo sits on the wall waiting nervously.) Shampoo: What she want? Ranma: I don't know. (Ukyo jumps down from the wall and walks quickly over to them.) Ukyo: Ranma, I need to speak to you. I need your help. Ranma: What's the problem Ukyo? (Ukyo looks nervously at Akane and Shampoo then thinks for a second.) Ukyo: I might need their help too. All right, Ranma, I have a problem with Perfume. Akane: Perfume? What did she do now? Ukyo: Well, you know how Perfume has been helping me, well... Ranma: Well? Ukyo: I... I think she... I think she... likes me. Akane: Yeah, we all know that- Ukyo: No! I mean she REALLY likes me! (Ranma-kun, Shampoo and Akane look at Ukyo in shock.) Ranma: Doesn't she know- Ukyo: No, I didn't get around to telling her. I never thought I'd need to. {Pause}At least I hope she doesn't! Shampoo: Why, that happen before? Ukyo: {angrily}No! What, do you think I'm sort of pervert?! I'm not that type of girl!! Shampoo: No, then why wear boys' clothes? Ukyo: *growl* Ranma: Shampoo, please... Shampoo: *sigh*All right, Shampoo is sorry. Ukyo: Look, I need your help. What am I going to do? Ranma: How'd this happen? Ukyo: I don't know. I was so distracted with you that I didn't even notice until yesterday. Ranma: Hmmm, well, you'll just have to tell her. Shampoo: Wait, did you beat Perfume in fight? Ukyo: No. Wait, maybe... I sort of did, wasn't a real fight though. Shampoo: No matter. Akane: That must be why she got interested. Well that complicates things. You can't tell Perfume now. By Amazon law she'd have to kill you. Ukyo: What do you mean? Akane: By amazon law if an outsider male beats an Amazon, she must marry him. If an outsider female beats her, she must kill her. Ukyo: {in despair}Oh no! What am I going to do? (Ranma-kun, Akane and Shampoo think for a minute. Finally Shampoo looks thoughtful then speaks.) Shampoo: Shampoo have idea. Must get Perfume interested in other man. Akane: Who? Shampoo: Hmmm, maybe Mousse. Ukyo: Do you think Perfume would like this Mousse guy? Shampoo: No see why not. Mousse is strong man, can be much loving too. Best yet, he already live with Perfume at Nekohanten. Akane: Not for long, Soon Li said he planned to leave soon. Ranma: Where's he going? Akane: Soon Li didn't say. Ranma: Hmmm, hey Ukyo, do you think you could use a worker for that restaurant of yours? Ukyo: Hmmm? ==================================================== ========== (At the Nekohanten later that day Perfume serves the various customers merrily. Mousse sadly watches from one of the tables where he sits alone. Soon Li cooks in the kitchen. Akane comes in, looks briefly at Perfume then walks over to Mousse and sits down across from him. Mousse eyes Akane suspiciously.) Mousse: What do you want Akane Tendo? Akane: Oh, nothing really. I heard you were leaving soon. Mousse: Yes, I can't stay here. It's just too... painful. Akane: Mousse, you shouldn't let this eat away at you. I had to get over Ranma. It was hard, yes, but I had to do it. You have to get over Shampoo. Mousse: My mind may agree with you but my heart does not. Akane: Maybe you should try someone else. Mousse: I've already heard that suggestion. Who would you see me with? (Akane looks over at Perfume, still merrily serving customers.) Mousse: You're joking! Perfume just isn't me. Akane: And why not? Mousse: Me and her just don't get along. We never did. Akane: You could give it a chance. (Mousse considers briefly, looking at Perfume, then shakes his head.) Mousse: I don't think so. Akane: Look, Mousse, just give it some thought. Mousse: Akane, I can't stay here. Akane: Okay, not here, but how about nearby. I know a friend who looking for some help with their restaurant. He can offer you a room and some pay. (Mousse considers.) Akane: You wouldn't see Shampoo much there. Mousse: I could use the money, I exhausted most my funds searching for her. Hmm, all right, but I highly doubt that me and Perfume will get anywhere. Akane: You never know. ==================================================== ========== (Mousse walks into the crowded Ucchan's the next day. Ukyo works behind the grill serving the various customers. Mousse moves over to a seat by the grill.) Ukyo: What can I get you sugar? Mousse: Ah, whatever. Actually I was sent by Akane. Ukyo: Oh, you must be Mousse. So, you're interested in the job? (Mousse nods.) Ukyo: Great! Might as well start now. {As she points to some cluttered tables}Would you mind cleaning those tables there? Mousse: Sure. (Ukyo hands Mousse a cloth and he proceeds to his work. Hours pass busily in the restaurant, Mousse concentrating on his work. Gradually the customers thin out until at last the restaurant is empty except for Ukyo and Mousse.) Mousse: This place gets real busy. Ukyo: People know good food. (Mousse nods in agreement. Just then the door opens and Perfume comes in, smiling.) Perfume: Nihao. Ukyo: Hello Perfume. (Perfume looks at Ukyo happily then spots Mousse and frowns.) Perfume: {to Mousse}What you do here? Mousse: I work here now. What are you doing here? Perfume: {nervously}I... {angrily}None your business! Mousse: Hmmph. (Ukyo nervously watches the confrontation and shakes her head.) Ukyo: [This isn't going to work.] Perfume: Must you always interfere with me? Mousse: Go about your business. I don't care. (Perfume glares at Mousse a moment longer then turns her nose up at him and heads over to Ukyo. Perfume sits at the grill and looks at Ukyo dreamily.) Ukyo: {nervously}So, ah, Perfume, what can I do for you? Perfume: I just come visit Ukyo. Ukyo better today? Ukyo: Uh, yeah. Tsubasa: Ukyo! (Suddenly a vending machine crashes throw the door. Mousse pulls out a spiked ball and chain. Perfume draws her battle ax. Ukyo draws her giant spatula. All three smash the vending machine into the floor.) Perfume: What this?! Ukyo: {angrily}TSUBASA!!!! (Tsubasa slowly comes out of her disguise and rises to her feet unsteadily.) Tsubasa: Ow, that hurt! Ukyo: {angrily}What are you doing here?! Tsubasa: Oh dear, dear Ukyo, will you go out with me? Ukyo: How many times do I have to tell you- (Suddenly Perfume puts her ax to Tsubasa's throat.) Perfume: Who you? You no date Ukyo!! (Ukyo uses her giant spatula to pull back Perfume's ax.) Ukyo: There's no need for that. (Tsubasa moves upto Perfume until they are face to face. Perfume starts looking nervous under Tsubasa's gaze.) Tsubasa: You seem awfully interested in my Ukyo, why is that? Perfume: {nervously}Ah... {pause then determined}He be my husband. (Ukyo shakes in head in despair.) Tsubasa: What?! You?! Do you really think a butt ugly girl like you can make Ukyo happy? Perfume: {angrily}I no butt ugly!!! Tsubasa: Are too. (Perfume fumes then manages to overpower Ukyo and swing her ax at Tsubasa. Tsubasa manages to duck, just barely.) Perfume: {angrily}You pay!! (Perfume continues her attack forcing Tsubasa to retreat to the street. Ukyo starts to give chase but gets stopped by Mousse at the door.) Mousse: Don't bother. Ukyo: But she might- Mousse: No, Perfume will do a lot but she won't kill unless she's compelled to by honor. She's just trying to scare him. Ukyo: You sure. Mousse: Trust me. Ukyo: {reluctantly}All right. Mousse: I see she's taken a liking to you. Ukyo: Ahh, yeah. Mousse: You do know she's going to freak when she finds out you're a girl. Ukyo: {surprised}What?! You know! But how? Mousse: Hey, I've been living in the US, and that place is full of weirdos. I've learned to look for the little things that give away a person for what they really are. Actually, it was pretty easy spotting you. That Tsubasa guy was a little tougher but still... Ukyo: {irritated}Are you calling me a weirdo? Mousse: Well, you have to admit dressing as a boy is a bit odd. Don't get me wrong, I've seen a lot more bizarre things in my time. I didn't mean to insult you. Ukyo: Ah, well, all right. Mousse: May I ask why you do it? Ukyo: Well, it has to do with Ranma. {pause}About ten years ago we were engaged but he and his father ran off without me. I was so humiliated that I decided to live the rest of my life as a man. Mousse: The more I hear of this Ranma the less I like him. Ukyo: Nono, that's not it. He didn't know I was a girl. He thought I was a boy. He never understood about the engagement. {Pause}I blamed him too for a long time but I know now that it wasn't his fault. His father is the one that allowed the engagement. Mousse: Hmmh. What is it that women see in him? You're the fourth woman I've heard that... took a liking to him. Ukyo: Fourth? Mousse: Well, let's see. Akane, Kodachi, you and... Shampoo, that's four. Ukyo: {sadly}I don't really know. Mousse: You still like him? Ukyo: {sadly}Yes. Mousse: But how could you after all those years of hating him? Ukyo: I... I don't know. I guess I never really, really stopped. I just buried the feeling under my hatred for him. When I found out he wasn't responsible and he was so nice to me despite what I did I just... (Ukyo suddenly covers her eyes, turns and heads back to the grill. She probes around, grabs a seat and sits down. Mousse follows her and sits down beside her.) Mousse: I'm sorry. I didn't realize... (Ukyo uncovers her eyes which are slightly wet with tears.) Ukyo: No, no, it's just so... hard to accept that he... he... Mousse: Loves someone else? (Ukyo nods sadly.) Mousse: I get the same felling when I think about Shampoo. Ukyo: Shampoo? Mousse: I've been in love with her since the first time I saw her, I guess that's over 13 years now. Ukyo: Unlucky 13 huh. Mousse: Hmmh, never thought about it but I guess so. I should have realized that she wasn't just waiting for me all the those years we were apart. Just a friend, I guess that was all I ever was to her. Hmmh, a very annoying friend in retrospect. (Ukyo nods, thinking to herself. They sit in silence for a minute.) Mousse: I take it I am being fixed up with Perfume in an attempt to get her off your back. Ukyo: Ah, yeah. Sorry. Mousse: Nah, it's a thought, but I'm afraid it's just not too likely. {pause}Tell you what, I'll give some help with her anyway. I'd hate to see her end up feeling like us. Ukyo: Thanks. Mousse: Yeah, sure. There's no guarantees. Maybe something will happen, maybe not. Ukyo: Hmmh, well I guess that all I can ask. Come on, let's get this door fixed. %End Part 9