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Note: This is the first fanfic that I've ever written and I've only read a few
so hopefully this will turn out well ;) Not only that but I don't consider
myself a very good writer. But anyways this fanfic is NOT a combination of two
animes or stories. I've tried to follow the basic Ranma 1/2 plot and this
episode could easily fit in around OAV 5 or 6. Consider it like an OAV or a
movie ;) Anyways sit back and enjoy this fanfic. Your opinions are always
welcome.
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Based on the characters from Ranma 1/2 created by Rumiko Takahashi.
Episode 1: "Back to the Ice"
Written by Jeff Yoshizawa
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[It's summer time in Nerima. Ranma, Genma, and the whole Tendo family are
sitting around the table eating lunch in the mid afternoon at the Tendo dojo.
Soun is busy reading his newspaper while Akane is peacefully watching the
television. Ranma puts down his rice bowl and chopsticks and takes up a
reclining position.]
Ranma: Geez I'm bored. Nothing ever to do around here now that school is out.
[Genma puts down his rice bowl and slaps Ranma on the back of the head. He
then picks up his rice bowl and resumes eating.]
Ranma: [rubs his head] Oww pop, what did you do that for?!
Genma: [takes a break in his eating and turns toward Ranma] Foolish boy!
You've been ignoring your training. If you had been training this summer
instead of whining about the heat and there being nothing to do then you
would've seen that one coming.
[Ranma stands up and splashes Genma with a bucket of cold water from behind.]
Ranma: Guess you haven't been training much either old man.
[Genma-Panda holds up a sign] "I have too."
Ranma: Yeah, with that beach ball of yours.
[Akane reaches over and turns off the television.]
Akane: Well I don't know about you but I'm going to go with some friends
ice-skating. Want to come Ranma?
Ranma: Why would I want to go ice-skating again. Ice-skating is for girls and
besides, do you remember what happened last time?
Akane: Sure do! [makes a small gesture of blowing a kiss]
Ranma: [look of disgust] Ugh, don't remind me. Just thinking of Mikado makes
me want to throw up.
Akane: Well, I'm going to go cool off for a while. I'll be back in an hour or
so.
[Akane stands up and goes to her room to get her mittens and scarf before
leaving the Tendo dojo.]
* * * * * *
[The Nerima Ice-Skating rink is mildly packed on a summer day like today. A
couple dozen or so people are ice-skating around the rink as Akane and two of
her friends arrive.]
Girl 1: Ah, this was a great idea Akane. You don't even have to be on the ice
to cool off from this heat.
Akane: Thanks.
Girl 2: Lets go rent some skates over there. It's been quite a while since I
last skated.
Akane: [thinks back to when she competed with Ranma in the Martial Arts Figure
Skating Competition] Yeah, me too.
[The three girls casually walk over to the skate rental counter.]
Girl 1: So what have you been doing this summer so far Akane?
Akane: Um.. [flashes of Akane whacking Ranma over the head with a mallet] not
much really.
[The girls get their skates and start putting them on. As they're walking to
the lockers to put their shoes away Akane glimpses a flyer on the billboard.]
Akane: [pausing to examine the flyer] Annual Nerima Summer Hockey Tournament...
[eyes widen] Winning team of 10 and their coach will get an all expense paid
trip to China!
Akane: [thinking to herself] Now this is something that Ranma would be just
dying to win.
[Akane's friends step onto the ice.]
Girl 1: Come on Akane!
Akane: Okay!
[Akane removes one of the flyers and sticks it in her pocket before putting her
shoes away. She then skates out onto the ice.]
* * * * * *
[Back at the Tendo Dojo it's late in the afternoon but somehow Genma and Ranma
are sparring out in the backyard near the water. Akane has arrived from
ice-skating and is now carrying around p-chan when she sees the two of them
practicing.]
Genma: [blocking a kick] Give up boy, you haven't practiced enough.
Ranma: [throwing another punch] If it weren't for this heat then it would be a
lot easier!
Genma: [dodging the punch] Won't be hot for much longer once I knock you into
the water!
Akane: Hey Ranma, I have some great news...
Ranma: Not now Akane! [tries but fails to place another kick] Can't you see I'm
practicing!
[Akane grumbles for a bit then turns to p-chan.]
Akane: [to p-chan in a cutesy voice] They just don't care about a little trip
to China now do they p-chan?
[P-chan nods in agreement; mesmerized by Akane's smiling face. By this time
Ranma and Genma have both engaged in air combat above the pond. The both of
them pause.]
Ranma and Genma: [with confused looks on their faces] China?
[P-chan's eyes grow wide as he snaps out of his daze.]
P-chan: buii?
[Ranma and Genma both fall into the pond. Seconds later a young girl and a
panda jump out of the pond and start running towards Akane.]
Ranma-chan: China? Where? How? How are we going to get there?
[Akane calmly puts down p-chan and pull out a flyer from her pocket. She
unfolds it and hands it to the dripping Ranma-chan.]
Ranma-chan: Annual Nerima Summer Hockey Tournament.. [eyes widen] Winning team
of 10 and their coach will get an all expense paid trip to China!?! All
right!! This is it! Now all I have to do is find that spring and I'll never
have to be a girl again!
[P-chan quickly scurries out of the room and heads toward the bathroom.]
Akane: [smiling] You forget, first you have to win.. [Ranma-chan scoffs] and I
don't think you've even played hockey before.
Ranma-chan: Hah! Hockey is easy. You just use a stick and hit the black thing
into the net.
Akane: It requires much skill.
Ranma-chan: I got skill.
Akane: It requires stamina.
Ranma-chan: I got stamina.
Akane: It requires skating on ice.
Ranma-chan: I can skaa... [pauses]
Akane: [smiling] Sure you can! You can come with me tomorrow to practice.
Ranma-chan: [lowers her head and grumbles] What's this about a team of 10?
Akane: Hockey matches involve having 6 people from each team on the ice. It's
very tedious to skate for long periods of time so the extra people are so you
can switch off.
Ranma-chan: Great, where am I going to find 9 more hockey players and a coach?
[Genma-Panda looks around for a magic marker while Ryoga walks in.]
Ryoga: More like 8 more hockey players. You're not the only one who has to go
to China.
Akane: [turning to Ryoga] Ryoga? Why do you have to go to China?
Ryoga: [realizes his mistake and blushes] I uh.. have to um...
Ranma-chan: [cuts in] Drop off the bacon.
Akane: What?
[Ryoga punches Ranma-chan's head down.]
Ryoga: [nervously] He means.. that I uh.. have to deliver a present to an old
friend of mine.
Akane: Ah, how thoughtful! We'll all go visit him!
Ranma-chan & Ryoga: WE?!
Akane: Of course! After all I skate better than the both of you combined
[giggles] and I could use the vacation.
Ranma-chan: Huh, I guess a tomboy like you could pass for a guy in a hockey
match.
[Akane pulls out a mallet and slams it down on Ranma-chan's head.]
Akane: And do you think YOU could pass for a guy? And besides, even girls play
hockey too!
Ryoga: [looks at the injured Ranma-chan] Serves you right, no one should treat
Akane that way.
Akane: [to Ryoga] So what's your friend like?
Ryoga: [quickly turning to Akane] He uh.. he's kind of shy to strangers. I'll
have to visit him myself.
Akane: [slightly disappointed] Oh, oh well, guess not.
[Ryoga breathes a sigh of relief. Meanwhile Genma-Panda finally finds a marker
and starts scribbling on a sign.] "I have to go to China too!"
Akane: Oh Mr. Saotome, I don't think they allow adults to participate. That
is, unless you coach.
Ranma-chan: [gets up while rubbing her head] My pop coach? You got to be
kidding!
[Genma-Panda hits Ranma on the head with the sign and writes on it again.] "Be
quiet son. I have to go to China too!"
Ranma-chan: [still rubbing her head] Oww, I guess he could be coach. Then he
could stop swinging around those annoying signs.
Ryoga: Okay, it's settled then, now we just have to find 7 more hockey players.
Akane: You guys would hardly count as a hockey player since you can't even
skate without falling down.
[Ranma-chan and Ryoga groan.]
Ranma-chan: Hey, how about Shampoo and Mousse? I don't know how well they can
skate but they'd sure be willing to lend a hand.
Ryoga: Yeah, we need all the help we can get.
Akane: Okay then that leaves 5 left.
Ranma-chan: How about Ucchan?
[Akane smirks as she thinks about Shampoo and Ukyo but it goes unnoticed by the
other guys.]
Ryoga: Yeah we could use her help too. That leaves 4 more left.. can you think
of anyone else?
Akane: Hmm.. [thinks for a bit] Oh! How about I ask Shinnosuke? [Ranma-chan
and Ryoga face-fault] He's very good with a stick, well a broom as you all
know.
Ranma-chan: [whispers to Ryoga] Hey can you think of anyone else?
Ryoga: [whispers to Ranma-chan] None, guess we're stuck.
Ryoga: Okay we'll try to get him too.
Ranma-chan: That's enough for now, we'll find three more as we go along.
When's the tournament?
Akane: In about a month.
* * * * * *
[The three of them start walking towards the Neko Hanten while Genma-Panda
stays home and plays with his beach ball at the Tendo dojo. It's pretty late
in the afternoon and the heat has died down some.]
Ranma: At least it's a lot cooler now than it was before.
Ryoga: I wonder what type of hockey teams we are going to play against?
Akane: Hmph, that's not all you guys have to worry about. You both don't even
know how to play hockey.
Ranma: And I guess an uncute tomboy like you would?
Akane: RANMA!!
[Akane pulls out a mallet while Ranma tries to break into a sprint. He gets
about a foot away before Ryoga grabs his shirt from behind and holds him back.
Ranma sees the hammer come down and then everything goes dark.]
* * * * * *
[Ryoga is carrying an unconscious Ranma on his back with Akane leading the way
to the Neko Hanten. They arrive and Ryoga lets go of Ranma who hits the ground
with a thud.]
Ranma: Uunnnhhh....
Akane: Ranma you jerk...
[Akane leaves into the Neko Hanten leaving Ryoga outside with Ranma.]
Ryoga: [chuckling] It's a good thing you're used to getting hit with mallets
Ranma.
Shampoo's voice from inside: Ranma here?
Akane's voice from inside: He's outside, can you get me a glass of water?
[Akane comes outside with a glass of water which she splashes on the
unconscious Ranma. Ranma-chan wakes up and looks dazed right when Shampoo
comes outside.]
Shampoo: Nihao Ranma!
Ranma-chan: Oww...
Shampoo: [glomps onto Ranma-chan] It okay Ranma, Shampoo here. What Akane do
to you?
Akane: [annoyed] Great! Now he's flirting with Shampoo!
[Akane pulls out another mallet and proceeds to hit Ranma again but Shampoo
blocks the swing with one of her bonbori's.]
Shampoo: Akane want to fight Shampoo?
Akane: Guess there's no need to take it outside then.
[Mousse runs out and grabs onto Shampoo to try to hold her back. Ryoga does
the same to Akane. Ranma-chan breaks out of her daze and looks up from between
the two fierce women.]
Ranma-chan: Woah, guess I woke up at a bad time. Now that you're all here
we've got to discuss something.
[Ryoga and Mousse let go of Akane and Shampoo only to be shrugged off. They
stare angrily at each other before looking down at Ranma-chan who is still
sitting on the ground.]
Ranma-chan: In about a month there's a hockey tournament down at the
ice-skating rink. The winning team gets a free trip to China and I know how
the both of you really want to get rid of your curses.
Mousse: All very interesting but I don't even know how to skate.
Shampoo: Shampoo know how to skate! Me join hockey team with Ranma!
[Akane grumbles.]
Ryoga: Great, we're all going to meet to practice at the rink tomorrow. [Akane
coughs] Oh.. I mean next week. We still got to pick up a few more people.
Shampoo: Okay, me see you all then. Bye Ranma!
[Shampoo runs back into the Neko Hanten with Mousse trailing after her.
Ranma-chan slowly gets up and tries to stand.]
Ranma-chan: Well that worked, let me see if Ucchan is willing to help us out.
* * * * * *
[It is early evening now in Nerima. Ukyo is doing a little cooking at her
okonomiyaki restaurant for a few of the customers present when Ranma-chan,
Akane, and Ryoga arrive. Ukyo flips an okonomiyaki onto a plate with one of
her spatulas and hands it to one of her customers.]
Ukyo: There you go sugar. [Turns to Ranma-chan] Ranma honey! Akane, Ryoga,
hello!
Ranma-chan: Hi Ucchan, got a minute?
Ukyo: Sure!
[Ukyo comes from behind the counter and offers the group some seats at a nearby
table.]
Ukyo: What can I do for you?
Ranma-chan: Well there's this hockey tournament coming up and we were wondering
if you could help us out. See the prize is a trip to China and I really want
to try to find that spring to get rid of this curse.
Ukyo: Ah, well you're in luck since I've skated some in the past. I'd be glad
to help you out.
Ranma-chan: That's great! See you at the rink next week?
Ukyo: That sounds good.
Ranma-chan: Oh, by the way, do you have any hot water I could have?
Ukyo: [looking at Ranma's female form] Sure thing, come on back.
[Ranma-chan slowly gets up from her seat and walks with Ukyo to the back of her
shop.]
Ryoga: [realizing that he's now alone with Akane] Uh.. Akane..?
Akane: [looks over at Ryoga] Hmm?
Ryoga: Uh.. I've been meaning to ask you something.. [blushes slightly]
Akane: Oh! The rules to the hockey game right?
Ryoga: Uh.. yeah, sure. [sighs]
Akane: [smiling] Okay, I'm not familiar with all of the many penalties but this
is basically how hockey works...
* * * * * *
[At the back of Ucchan's Okonomiyaki restaurant Ukyo is seen preparing some hot
water in a tea kettle on a burner. Ranma-chan has taken a seat and sits there
slightly dazed.]
Ukyo: [looks over at Ranma-chan] Geez, you look really out of it. If I didn't
know better I'd think Akane had some mallet practice today.
Ranma-chan: Yeah, she did. She is so uncute.
Ukyo: Maybe, but can you imagine what a wicked slap shot she could make with a
hockey stick?
Ranma-chan: Slap what?
Ukyo: Oh dear.. haven't played hockey before have you?
Ranma-chan: [looks down] I can't even skate.
[Ukyo takes the tea kettle off the burner and pours some on her hands. She
then passes the kettle to Ranma-chan who pours it over her head.]
Ranma: Thanks for not making it too hot.
Ukyo: No problem Ranchan, after all I am a cook. [smiles]
[Ranma gets up from the chair having rested a while.]
Ranma: I'm really glad that you're going to help us win that trip to China.
Think you can help me skate next week?
Ukyo: Sure thing! We'd better go out front now.
[Ranma nods and proceeds to walk out front of the okonomiyaki restaurant. Ukyo
follows with a small smile on her face.]
* * * * * *
[Out front it doesn't seem like any more customers have arrived so Ukyo joins
Ranma and the gang at the table. Akane has just finished up explaining the
rules to Ryoga who is intently listening.]
Ranma: So I take it I'm now the only one here who doesn't know how to play
hockey now?
Akane: Well at least some idea on it. [smiles] I'm going to visit the library
later to get some better info on the more in-depth rules and procedures of
hockey.
Ranma: Later? Why not now? [grabs Akane's arm and tries to pull her off the
chair.]
Akane: We still have to visit Shinnosuke.
Ranma: Oh, I forgot. We better head back and get some supplies then.
Ukyo: Who's Shinnosuke?
Akane: He saved me from some huge animals when I was very young. Ranma and
Ryoga both helped me to save him later on. He's pretty handy with a stick or
broom so he might help us out.
Ryoga: We better head back since it's getting dark.
[Ryoga stands up from his seat and starts heading towards the door. Ranma and
Akane follow and the three of them wave goodbye and leave.]
Ukyo: Thanks for dropping by. I'll see you next week! [waves]
* * * * * *
[The next morning the three of them with packed gear board a train to head out
to see Shinnosuke. They stop by the Ryugenzawa forest where he lives and then
proceed to look for his residence.]
Ranma: This place always gives me the creeps. Last thing I want is some king
sized platypus looking at me like I was lunch. You sure you know the way there
Akane?
Akane: Pretty sure, a lot of this looks familiar. It wasn't that long since
last time we came here.
Ryoga: Not long enough. I still remember falling into all those stupid monster
traps. You'd better watch out. Whoa! [falls into a small pit and has small
rocks crash down on his head.] *crash* *bonk* *bonk* *bonk*
Ranma: [looks at the near-buried Ryoga] Good thing we have Ryoga around to set
them all off.
Akane: Ranma, don't just stand there, help him out!
[Ranma removes the rocks and helps Ryoga out of the small pit. Ryoga is
slightly injured but not that much; he's probably used to mild beatings such as
this.]
Ranma: I don't see what's the purpose of these things anyway. None of the
animals in this forest are small enough to even get their feet stuck in one of
these things.
[Akane hears a small rustling in the nearby brush and turns to see a gigantic
lizard coming towards them while Ranma is helping Ryoga to his feet.]
Akane: Ranma look out!
Ranma: [looks around] Huh? Uh, oh no!
[Ranma starts running towards Akane while helping Ryoga walk.]
Ryoga: Can't you help me walk any faster?!
Ranma: Would you rather hop on one foot?!
[A huge *bonk* is heard followed by the sound of something heavy hitting the
forest floor. Shinnosuke appears and walks away from the unconscious lizard
towards the group.]
Shinnosuke: You'd better stay away from here, it...
Akane: Shinnosuke!
Shinnosuke: Uh, you are..
Akane: Akane! Don't you remember me?
Shinnosuke: Oh yes, Akane! How nice it is to see you. Did you come to cook
for us some more?
[Ranma and Ryoga both face-fault.]
Akane: Sorry, not this time since we are in a bit of a hurry. Would you like
to help us win a hockey tournament?
Shinnosuke: Hockey? What's that?
Ranma: You take a stick and hit a black plastic..
Akane: It's rubber!
Ranma: Fine, a black rubber thing into a net. See, we really want to win since
you get a free trip to China and all. You don't have to go if you don't want
to now...
Akane: But we really would appreciate your help! [elbows Ranma in the stomach
and whispers into his ear] Wouldn't we?
Ranma: Yeah, whatever.
Shinnosuke: I can't leave my grandfather alone in the forest all by himself..
but I would join you if I could.
Ryoga: Heh, well that's okay. Nice of you to offer though. [turns and starts
to walk away]
Akane: Maybe.. maybe you could bring him too? I'll cook for all of us!
[Ranma and Ryoga gulp.]
Shinnosuke: Will you? I'm sure he'll come if you do that!
Ranma: [whispering to Ryoga] I'm sure he'll die too.
[Akane gives a quick punch to Ranma's face.]
Akane: I heard that!
Ranma: Why, why did you do that for!?
Akane: Couldn't find my mallet.
Shinnosuke: I'll go run and ask him to come. Wait here a minute.
[Shinnosuke starts running off into the forest with his broom in hand.]
Ryoga: Think we better go follow him?
Ranma: Was thinking the same thing.
Akane: Why? He's going to be back in a minute.
[Ranma and Ryoga look at each other.]
Ranma: [looks over at Akane] It might take a bit longer.
[Ranma goes jogging after Shinnosuke with Akane and Ryoga following. You
wouldn't want them following Ryoga now would you?]
* * * * * *
[Shinnosuke is seen running through the forest to his house. He reaches the
front door and then pauses. He then casually opens the door and walks in. His
grandfather is sleeping on a nearby bed. Shinnosuke takes a seat on the floor
and sits for a while.]
Shinnosuke: [looking up] I'd better go out to make sure the animals aren't
bothering anyone.
[Shinnosuke stands and walks to the door. He opens it to reveal Akane with
Ranma and Ryoga behind her.]
Shinnosuke: Hello, and you are?
Akane: Silly Shinnosuke! It's me, Akane. Remember?
Shinnosuke: Oh yes, are you going to cook lunch for my grandfather and I? And
who are these people behind you?
[By this time his grandfather has awakened and has walked up to the door.]
Grandfather: Why hello Akane. I see you brought your friends again. What can
I do for you?
Shinnosuke: [to his grandfather] And who are you?
Grandfather: [pulls his arm back and delivers a huge punch to Shinnosuke]
MEGATON PUNCH!
[Shinnosuke is knocked down and injured but still conscious.]
Grandfather: Hmm, even after all these years you'd think he would be able to
remember his own grandfather.
Akane: We were wondering if you and your grandson could join us in returning to
Nerima. There's a hockey tournament in a few weeks and we would appreciate it
if your son would help us win it.
Grandfather: Why don't you ask the boy yourself?
Akane: I just..
Ranma: [cutting in] We already asked him but it wouldn't be right to just leave
you alone in the forest.
Grandfather: Oh I see. Well I guess it wouldn't hurt to go on a little
vacation. [chuckles] Get up Shinboy.
Shinnosuke: [getting up] I'll be glad to help you Akane. But what exactly is
hockey?
Akane: Oh Shinnosuke...
* * * * * *
[The five of them arrive back in Nerima around late afternoon. They all walk
over to the Tendo dojo where Akane introduces Shinnosuke and his grandfather to
the rest of the family.]
Kasumi: Oh my, so you fight large animals?
Grandfather: Yes, my grandson and I sometimes have to keep the animals from
hurting the people nearby.
Akane: I'm going to take a trip to the library to do some research.
Shinnosuke: You're not going to cook dinner?
Akane: [smiles] Kasumi's going to make dinner this time. I'll be busy at the
library.
Shinnosuke: [slightly downcast] Oh...
[Genma and Soun give each other a high-five while Ranma breathes a sign of
relief. Akane stands up and gets ready to visit the library. After she leaves
Ryoga quickly runs out.]
* * * * * *
[Akane is walking by the road peacefully while looking up at the birds in the
sky. Ryoga runs up beside her.]
Akane: Oh hello Ryoga! Come to join me?
Ryoga: Uh, sure.
[They both walk along the road silently. Ryoga tries to think of something to
say to her but has trouble doing so.]
Ryoga: Um, it was really nice of you to help us out in preparing for this
hockey match.
Akane: Thanks! At least I get some type of thanks from you unlike Ranma.
Ryoga: [blushes slightly] Uh, he he he. [silence for a bit] Do you think we
stand a chance at winning this tournament?
Akane: I don't know; hopefully. If only it was martial arts hockey then we'd
pretty much have a sure victory now wouldn't we? [giggles]
Ryoga: Yeah I guess, but like you said we're allowed to check the other
players.
Akane: [nods] That's right. I guess now the only problem other than training
would be to find 3 more hockey players.
Ryoga: Maybe your sisters know anyone?
Akane: [frowns] You can bet Nabiki is going to be taking some side bets on this
tournament. She probably wouldn't bother helping us out. As for Kasumi I
don't think she knows anyone who can help.
[The two of them continue walking to the library in silence as the sun slowly
sets in the distance. Nearby from the bushes a small figure leaps over the
wall and off into the shadows unseen.]
Unknown Figure: He he he, my master would be most pleased at this news.
* * * * * *
[A few days go by until the day comes when everyone would be heading out to the
ice-skating rink to practice. It's late in the morning by the time Akane has
finished getting ready and is ready to drag them all down to the rink.]
Kasumi: Oh, by the way Akane, when I was passing through the market yesterday I
met a few ice-skaters.
Akane: Oh really?
Ranma: Are they any good?
Kasumi: I think so, the young man was more than willing to help out when I
mentioned how you were trying to win the tournament.
Akane: Wow! That's great!
Kasumi: [smiles] I told them to meet you all down at the ice-skating rink
today.
Ranma: That's great but how are we going to spot them?
Kasumi: Well the two of them work as a pair. The tall young man was I think
Mikado and the short young woman I think Azusa. They're supposed to be some
famous ice-skating pair.
[Ranma, Ryoga, and Akane all face-fault.]
* * * * * *
[Down at the Nerima ice-skating rink Ukyo has already arrived along with
Shampoo and Mousse. The two girls give each other ugly looks before sitting
down to try on their ice-skates.]
Shampoo: Shampoo going to show Ranma who best for hockey team.
Ukyo: Oh yeah? We'll see about that. I had a lot of practice in my school
days.
[Ranma, Akane, Ryoga, Shinnosuke, and Genma arrive at the ice-skating rink.
Ukyo and Shampoo both see Ranma and start running towards him.. with ice-skates
already on.]
Ukyo: Ranma honey!
Shampoo: Nihao Ranma!
[The both of them trip and end up knocking Ranma down with their arms around
him. Akane goes over to Ranma and hits him on the head with a mallet.]
Akane: Hmph! I'm going to go get some skates.
[Ranma gets up after Shampoo and Ukyo get off of him. Meanwhile Akane is over
at the rental counter getting her ice-skates. As she is getting her skates,
someone runs up from behind her.]
Tatewaki: Akane Tendo! Won't thou skate with me upon the frozen... ugnh! [is
hit in the face by a pair of ice-skates thrown by Akane]
[Author's Note: From this point on Tatewaki will be referred to as just 'Kuno'.
It's shorter to spell anyways.]
Ukyo: [to Ranma] Is he skating with us too?
Ranma: I sure hope not.
Ukyo: Do we have anyone else?
Ranma: [clenches his fist] Argh!! Gosh things just can't get worst than this.
Ryoga: Don't look now but...
Azusa: Silvia! oh Silvia!
[Azusa skates out onto the ice while trying to steal away someone's
multi-colored scarf.]
Mikado: If it isn't my dear Akane. It's been so long that I've been waiting to
steal away my 1000th kiss.
Ukyo: [to Ranma] Are they also skating wi...
Ranma: [still clenching his fist] ARGH!! No no no! I can't win with this
team!
* * * * * *
[All 11 of them gather around two of the tables and proceed to discuss the
upcoming event.]
Genma: Well after looking at the team sign up sheet it looks like there are 3
other teams including last years champions.
Ukyo: So we'll play single elimination?
Genma: Yes. Just two games each consisting of 3 quarters 10 minutes long.
Akane: Since it's a little early to actually practice hockey I think we should
all skate around a bit.
[Everyone nods and either goes off to the ice or to the skate rental counter.
Ranma and Akane hang around the table.]
Ranma: Do I really have to?
Akane: Well if you're embarrassed you can turn into a girl but I'd watch out
for Kuno and Mikado. [giggles]
Ranma: Oh great, guess I don't have a choice.
Akane: Get your skates and lets go. Come on! It'll be fun. [smiles]
[Akane goes over to the ice and starts to skate onto it. Mikado and Azusa are
already practicing one of their routines while Shampoo and Ukyo are busy racing
each other around the rink. Mousse, Kuno, Ranma, Ryoga, and Shinnosuke all
struggle with putting their skates on before hobbling over to the ice.]
Mousse: Wait for me Shampoo!
Ryoga: Akane wait for me! I'll skate with you!
Kuno: Silence wretch! I'll be the one to skate with Akane Tendo!
Shinnosuke: Why did we put on these skates?
Ranma: This will never work.
[Shampoo and Ukyo pause in the middle of the ice-skating rink and look over at
Ranma.]
Shampoo and Ukyo: Come on Ranma!
Akane: [glares at Shampoo and Ukyo] Come on Ryoga and Shinnosuke!
[All five of the guys run onto the ice. Ranma stumbles and falls forward;
sliding towards the middle of the rink. Ryoga and Kuno knock over each other
and fall into a pile. Mousse slips and hits the ice while scattering a few
knives, blades, and other miscellaneous items. Shinnosuke seems to be the only
one standing; using his broom for support. He takes a step and trips over one
of Mousse's weapons and hits the ice with a thud.]
Akane: [burying her face in the palm of her hand] This is going to take a
while...
* * * * * *
[After many failed attempts to stand up, Akane, Ukyo, and Shampoo skate over to
the pile of men on the edge of the ice and try to help them up. Ukyo and
Shampoo rush over to help Ranma while Akane starts with Shinnosuke.]
Shampoo: Ranma, you no can ice-skate?
Ukyo: Geez Ranma, guess we have a lot to work on don't we? [helps Ranma up]
Akane: Here Shinnosuke, let me help you up.
Shinnosuke: Why am I sitting on this ice? [slowly stands up with the help of
Akane]
Mousse: Come help me Shampoo!
Shampoo: Stupid Mousse. You no can skate either. [Shampoo goes over and tries
to give Mousse a hand at standing.]
Kuno: It appears that the fair Akane Tendo has come to help me.
Ryoga: Huh, that's what you think. [uses Kuno's head to help himself stand up]
Kuno: Argh! Just wait till I have stood [tries to stand with the help of his
bokken] then we shall continue the battle upon the frozen seas!
[Genma walks over from his table to the edge of the rink where everyone is
standing.]
Genma: It appears that half of our team can't even skate. I fear the worse for
the upcoming tournament. [to Ranma] Ranma my boy, YOU BETTER LEARN HOW TO SKATE
AND WIN THAT TRIP TO CHINA!!
Akane: Calm down Mr. Saotome!
Genma: Yes, I think that it will be best if you all pair up and practice
skating. It's time to start with the basics.
Ranma: Pa.. pair up?
[Soun appears out of nowhere and stands next to Genma.]
Soun: Yes yes, go on son. [pulls Akane and Ranma close together] You two should
pair up and skate together. Nothing more romantic than ice-skating with your
fiancee!
Genma: Come on boy, be a man!
Ranma: [looking at Akane] I.. I uh.. do I have to?
Akane: Hmph! Fine by me if he doesn't want to skate with me. [grabs
Shinnosuke's hand] Come on Shinnosuke! [starts to skate off]
Shinnosuke: [almost trips from being pulled] Hey, what are we doing?
Ukyo: [reaches over and grabs Ranma's hand] Come on Ranma honey. Lets work on
your skating.
Ranma: [stumbles trying to keep up with Ukyo] Okay Ucchan.. Hey! Slow down a
bit.
Shampoo: [looking at Ranma and Ukyo skating away] Me not going to let girl
steal Ranma away. [starts to skate towards them but is held back.]
Mousse: [holding onto Shampoo's arm] Oh Shampoo! Please skate with me!
Shampoo: [sighs] Okay Mousse but you better keep up. [skates away rather
quickly while holding onto Mousse's hand]
Mousse: [falls down and gets dragged along the ice by Shampoo] Shampoo! Slow
down a bit!
Ryoga: [looks over at Ranma and Ukyo] Look at that two-timer; skating with
another girl instead of Akane.
Kuno: Me thinks we should join forces to annihilate the cretin along with that
other wretch.
Ryoga: Finally something I can agree on. [takes Kuno's hand] Lets go!
[Ryoga and Kuno manage to skate a few feet before falling onto the ice.]
Genma: You know Tendo, it doesn't seem like we'll be going to China any time
soon.
Tendo: Saotome, you miss the important point. Can't you see that your own son
isn't skating with my daughter!
Genma: You're right, we will have to do something about that.
Tendo: Agreed.
* * * * * *
[Genma and Soun sit by one of the tables near the rink and bring out a board
for another game of Go. Meanwhile Mikado and Azusa are practicing different
pairs figure skating moves but don't seem to be creating a problem for the
other people. Akane is busy helping Shinnosuke skate.]
Akane: Come on Shinnosuke, it's not that hard. Just bend your knees and take
it easy. Why don't you put your broom away for now?
Shinnosuke: Okay Akane. [skates over to the side of the rink with some help
from Akane] Why are we doing this anyways?
Akane: It's practice for the hockey match. Might as well learn how to skate
since it's how you move around in hockey.
Shinnosuke: Oh, I see, and why are we going to play hockey?
Akane: You don't remember? If we win then we'll all be able to go to China.
Shinnosuke: Oh..
* * * * * *
[Close by Shampoo is tugging around Mousse who is trying to keep his balance.]
Mousse: Isn't this great Shampoo. Just the two of us skating around the rink
together!
Shampoo: Shampoo only skate with you since she not want skate with stupid boys
over there. [motions to Ryoga and Kuno behind them]
[Shampoo skates for a while and sighs.]
Shampoo: Come on Mousse, learn to skate! If you no can skate then we not be
able to go win trip back to China!
Mousse: I'm trying Shampoo, just slow down a bit...
* * * * * *
[Behind Shampoo and Mousse, Ryoga and Kuno are struggling to keep themselves
balanced while moving slowly over the ice.]
Ryoga: It sure is hard getting used to skating again. I never was any good at
it.
Kuno: Cursed blades of steel, If it weren't for these things then I would be
able to go up to Akane Tendo and embrace her.
Ryoga: Huh, not while I'm around. We have to learn how to skate so we can beat
up Ranma and Shinnosuke during the hockey match. Occasional body slams do
happen. [grins evilly]
Kuno: Indeed they do, and with my trusty hockey stick I'll be able to smite
both of the cretins. [chuckles]
* * * * * *
[On the other side of the rink Ukyo is busy helping Ranma skate. She's on his
side holding his arm and shoulder with the both of her hands.]
Ukyo: There you go, keep at it Ranchan. You're getting the hang of it. Hey,
you've skated before haven't you?
Ranma: Yeah, a few times, not like I wanted to though.
Ukyo: Oh, did Akane drag you along?
Ranma: Well no, not really. I was in a martial arts pairs figure skating
competition with that Mikado guy over there.
Ukyo: [giggles] Did you win?
Ranma: Yeah, but it was really messed up.
Ukyo: [moves in front of Ranma and starts to skate backwards] Okay Ranchan,
lets see you skate without me holding onto you.
Ranma: W-wait! [starts to stumble]
Ukyo: [holds his two hands] Come on, you can do it. Nice and easy. [lets go of
his hands] See? You can do it!
Ranma: Yeah, I guess.. oops [trips on the ice and goes crashing into Ukyo.]
[Ranma and Ukyo lay motionless on the ice with Ranma on top of her. They lie
there with their faces a few inches apart from each other.]
Ukyo: Uh.. Ranchan.. [blushes]
Ranma: Uh, sorry Ucchan, I tripped and...
Ukyo: [closes her eyes] Oh Ranchan.. I.. [opens her eyes at the sounds of
voices]
Akane's voice: RANMA!!!
Kuno's voice: That sounds like Akane Tendo!
Ryoga's voice: RANMA YOU TWO-TIMER!!!
Shampoo's voice: Ugh! That girl stealing Ranma all to herself!
Mousse's voice: Shampoo, come back!
Shinnosuke's voice: Where is everyone going?
[Ranma and Ukyo turn their heads from each other and look towards the center of
the ice. Akane and Shampoo are skating towards them at full speed. Ryoga is
trying to skate towards them but is having a few problems keeping his balance.
Kuno seems to be skating after Akane and Mousse seems to be skating after
Shampoo. Shinnosuke is just standing in the distance watching everyone skate
towards Ranma and Ukyo.]
Ukyo: Uh.. Ranchan, I think we'd better get moving!
Ranma: [looks at the rushing people] Uh, oh no!!
Ukyo: Come on! Get off me you jerk!
Ranma: [looks over at Ukyo] Huh? Oh sorry... [moves off of Ukyo]
[Ukyo quickly stands up and pulls Ranma to his feet.]
Ukyo: Lets get moving Ranchan! Try to stay ahead of them!
Ranma: [still looking at the oncoming crowd] Oh man am I in trouble.
Ukyo: [grabs Ranma's arm and starts skating along the edge of the rink] Come on
Ranchan! Keep up!
Ranma: Okay, don't let go now!
[Ranma and Ukyo skate rapidly around the edge of the rink while Akane and
Shampoo divert their paths so that they too are chasing them around the edge of
the rink. Ryoga, Kuno, and Mousse have already started traveling at a rather
fast speed and fail to slow down before crashing into the wall at the edge of
the rink. They quickly recover and start following Akane, Ranma, and Shampoo
along the edge of the rink.]
Akane: [pulls out a mallet and starts carrying it around as she skates after
Ranma] RANMA!!! Come back here you jerk!
Shampoo: [pulls out a bonbori and also carries it around as she skates after
Ukyo] Come back here, you no steal Ranma away from me!
Ryoga: [cracks his knuckles as he skates after Ranma] Ranma you two-timer! How
dare you treat Akane that way!
Kuno: [opens his arms as he skates after Akane] Come hither Akane Tendo! It is
I Tatewaki Kuno!
Mousse: [skates after Ryoga while mistaking him for Shampoo] Shampoo, wait for
me! Shampoo!!!
Shinnosuke: [standing in the middle of the rink] I wonder what's going on, hey
Akane! [starts to skate after Akane] What's happening?
* * * * * *
[On one of the nearby tables Genma and Soun are finishing up their game of Go.
Genma lays down his final piece.]
Genma: Well, that about does it Tendo. Looks like you lose this time.
Soun: I must say Saotome, it sure was a close game.
Genma and Soun: [looking towards the ice-skating rink] Hmm?
[Ukyo and Ranma skate by with her still holding onto his arm.]
Ukyo: Come on Ranchan! Keep it up!
Ranma: I'm going as fast as I can!
[Akane with her mallet and Shampoo with her bonbori skate by.]
Akane: Ranma! Come back here!
Shampoo: You no steal Ranma away from me!
[Ryoga and Kuno skate by.]
Ryoga: Ranma! Quit running and take your punishment like a man!
Kuno: Ah my dear Akane Tendo, she skates with such swiftness as the wind.
[Mousse and Shinnosuke skate by.]
Mousse: Don't leave me Shampoo! Your fiancee is right here!
Shinnosuke: Slow down Akane! Is this part of practicing for the hockey match?
Genma: Hmm, looks like they all learned how to ice-skate after all.
Soun: Hah, indeed they did. Good work Saotome. I'll be looking forward to the
hockey tournament.
Genma: As will I. At this rate who knows how well we're going to do.
[The sounds of people fighting can be heard in the background.]
Genma: [looks over at the fighting] Well, I think they skated enough for today.
We'll start practicing again tomorrow.
[A huge *SLAM* is heard in the background.]
Genma: Then again, maybe not.
* * * * * *
[A few hours later it's evening in Nerima. Ranma is resting and unconscious in
his room with an ice pack on his head. Ukyo is nearby along with Akane. Akane
is pretty much okay but Ukyo has a few bruises.]
Akane: [sniffles] You dummy, Ranma...
Ukyo: Hey, it's not like it was his fault. There wasn't any need for you to
slam him with your mallet again.
Akane: How can you say that! I.. I saw him...
Ukyo: He tripped, okay? He tripped and crashed into me. That's how it
happened.
Akane: I.. I thought...
Ukyo: Akane, you never gave him a chance to explain himself. Likewise Shampoo
didn't give me much of a chance either. [rubs her cheek] It was all a big
misunderstanding.
Akane: It's just that with all his fiancee's and everything.. I didn't want
to... [starts to tear and runs out of the room]
Ukyo: [watches her leave] Oh Akane.. [looks over at Ranma] Oh Ranchan...
* * * * * *
[Ukyo spends the night sleeping by Ranma's bed. The next morning comes and
Ranma is still lying unconscious. Ukyo wakes up.]
Ukyo: [yawns] Uhh, where am I? [looks over at Ranma] Huh? Ranchan! [silence]
Poor guy, Akane must've really hit you hard this time.
Ranma: [eyes closed] That uncute tomboy...
Ukyo: [eyes widen] Ranchan! Are you awake?
Ranma: [eyes still closed] Yes.. lets continue where we left off Ucchan...
Ukyo: Left.. left off?
Ranma: [eyes still closed] On the ice...
Ukyo: [blushes] Uh.. Ranchan.. I...
[Ukyo leans over Ranma and closes her eyes. She then slowly lowers her face.]
Akane: [sliding open the door] NOOOO!!!!!
[Ukyo quickly looks up and sees that the door is closed and that no one is
there. The room is still dark with a little moonlight shining through. Ukyo
is sweating and panting with her heart beating rapidly.]
Ukyo: It.. it must've been a dream... [looks down to see Ranma's face] Huh! Oh
no! [quickly moves away from the unconscious Ranma] At least I think it was..
was it? [looks over at Ranma] Ranchan! Are you awake? [silence]
* * * * * *
[The sun rises and shines through the windows. Ranma rubs his head and groans
as he can still feel the pain. He sits up and opens his eyes.]
Ranma: Oww, man, I never asked for no fiancee and I sure didn't ask for no
mallet swinging uncute tomboy like her.
Ukyo: [still asleep] Mmmm....
Ranma: [looks over at Ukyo] Ucchan.. [sees the bruise on her cheek] what
happened?
[Ranma leans over Ukyo to take a better look at her bruise. Ukyo awakens and
opens her eyes. She sees Ranma's face a few inches from hers.]
Ukyo: [gasps] Ranchan! [slaps Ranma's face aside]
Ranma: [rubs his cheek] Oww, what did you do that for!
Ukyo: [sits up and looks around] Oh Ranchan, I'm sorry...
Ranma: Well at least I get an apology from you unlike that other uncute fiancee
of mine. How did you get that bruise?
Ukyo: I was.. [scene of Ukyo holding back Akane] holding back Akane but..
[scene of Shampoo hitting Ukyo in the face with a bonbori] Shampoo sort of hit
me with that thing of hers. Akane then nailed you hard with her mallet.
Ranma: Yeah.. [rubs his head] it hurts just thinking about it. [stands up]
Ukyo: [stands up] Think you can skate some more today?
Ranma: Huh, if it helps to win that trip to China I'm there. Just hope I don't
get beat up again like I did yesterday.
Ukyo: [rubs her cheek] Yeah...
Ranma: [noticing Ukyo rub her cheek] Ucchan...
Ukyo: Huh?
Ranma: [walks over to Ukyo and gives her a hug] Thanks for being there for me
when I really needed it.
Ukyo: Uh.. Ranchan...
[Ukyo returns the hug and blushes slightly. Ranma can't see her blushing
because they are embraced.]
Ranma: I'm really glad that I have a friend like you.
[Ukyo remains silent as they hold their embrace. She then silently wipes a
tear from her eyes.]
Ukyo: Hey, that's what friends are for right?
* * * * * *
[It's early afternoon in Nerima and the whole gang is over at the ice-skating
rink. They're seated around two of the tables and are getting ready to discuss
the plans for the day.]
Genma: Okay, from after yesterday it seems like you all now have some
experience at ice-skating. We will now move on to basic hockey elements but
first, let us discuss the equipment.
Nabiki: But of course. I've pulled some strings and have picked up some basic
equipment for practice and for your upcoming match.
Ranma: And what's in it for you?
Nabiki: Am I really that predictable? [smiles] All the money that I plan on
making from taking side bets on this tournament would be more than sufficient.
And besides, you're borrowing the equipment so it's not costing me anything.
Ranma: Huh, and I hope that you'll be betting for us instead of against us.
Nabiki: That of course depends on the competition. But for now your equipment
is over there. I'll be doing a little research on your opponents. Ta-ta!
[walks out of the ice-skating rink]
Akane: Well at least there's some benefit in her help. [looks at the hockey
sticks]
Kuno: [picks up a hockey stick] Ah, this trusty weapon shall serve me well in
the turmoils of combat. [places his bokken on the table]
Shinnosuke: [picks up a hockey stick] So I guess we'll be using this from now
on to play hockey. [places his broom on the table]
Ryoga: [thinks to himself] Ranma Saotome, you'll live today but soon I'll get
you back for everything that you did to Akane. [picks up a hockey stick and
places his umbrella on the table]
Ukyo: [picks up a hockey stick] Ah, this reminds me of the times when I played
hockey for my old school. [places her huge spatula on the table]
Mikado: [picks up a hockey stick] Being a figure skater myself this should be
nothing but child's play.
Azusa: [grabbing one of the hockey sticks] Randolph! Oh Randolph!
Ranma: [picks up a hockey stick] So we'll have to hit that black rubber thing
with this? How come it's curved?
Shampoo: [picks up a hockey stick] This not Amazon weapon, but if Ranma use one
to play hockey then Shampoo will too. [places her bonbori on the table]
Mousse: [picks up a hockey stick] Such a strange tool this is. Hmm.. [reaches
into his robe and pulls out a few dozen knives, swords, axes, blades, and other
miscellaneous items and places them on the table]
Akane: Well, I guess here goes nothing. [picks up a hockey stick]
Ranma: [coughs] Ahem...
Akane: Huh? [looks over at Ranma] What?
[Ranma motions to the pile of weapons sitting on the table.]
Akane: Oh all right. [pulls out a huge mallet and places it on the table]
Ranma: Okay then, now lets play some hockey!
[Everyone raises their hockey sticks into the air.]
Everyone: Yeah!
* * * * * *
[Everyone is on the ice while skating around with their hockey sticks. A few
hockey pucks are lying around to be used in the practice.]
Genma's voice: First things first we should work on puck handling. That
basically consists of skating down the ice while keeping control of the puck
with the stick.
[Across the ice-skating rink the group lines up into two rows of five. As
groups of 5 they get ready to skate down across the ice while keeping control
of the puck. Ranma, Ryoga, Akane, Ukyo, and Shampoo line up in the first row.]
Ranma: Man, I don't know if I can handle this.
Ukyo: It's easy Ranchan, just watch me. [starts to skate down the ice while
handling the puck like a pro]
Akane: Lets go!
[Shampoo and Akane skate across the ice while handling their puck.]
Ryoga: [looks at his hockey stick] They make it seem so easy.
Ranma: Yeah, whatever. Lets go Ryoga.
[Ranma and Ryoga give their hockey pucks a little push before quickly trying to
chase after them. Ranma tries to hit his puck while keeping himself balanced
as he skates. Ryoga also does the same but has a little bit harder time
controlling his puck and keeping his balance at the same time.]
Mikado: Heh, rookies. [starts to skate across the ice while handling his puck
pretty well]
Azusa: [holds the puck and looks at it] Hmm, what should Azusa name you...
Mikado: [looking back at Azusa] Just give it a stupid name and start hitting
the puck down the ice you little wench!
Azusa: Hmph! [skates down the ice while handling her puck very carefully] Don't
worry Natalia, Azusa take good care of you.
Kuno: [looks over at Akane] Ah, her handling is as smooth as the ice upon which
she stands.
Mousse: Well, I guess we better go now. [thinks to himself] Do it just like
Shampoo did it...
Shinnosuke: [looks down at his stick] Just push it across the ice huh? I think
I can handle that. [starts to skate across the ice while giving his puck a few
pushes every now and then.] Wow, guess I really can play hockey.
[Mousse and Kuno start moving down the ice while having a little trouble
keeping their puck under control.]
Shampoo's voice from across the ice: Stay in your own line Mousse! Don't
follow behind broom boy.
Mousse: Huh? [looks over at the figure in front of him] What did you say
Shampoo?
Ryoga's voice from across the ice: Put on your glasses duckboy!
Mousse: [puts on his glasses] Oh.. [shifts over to his own lane and starts to
skate straight again]
[The group skates across the ice a few times while trying to get used to
skating and controlling the puck with a hockey stick. Ukyo, Akane, Mikado, and
Azusa seem to be doing the best at it. Shampoo does a pretty good job handling
the puck as does Shinnosuke having used a broom a lot. Kuno quickly catches on
as does Ranma. Mousse and Ryoga seem to be having the hardest time keeping the
puck under control while balancing themselves enough to skate.]
* * * * * *
[A few hours pass by since the group had started practicing puck handling. Now
they get ready for the next phase of their training.]
Genma's voice: After learning to skate effectively with the puck the next thing
you should know is how to pass to each other. Accuracy here is crucial as you
should be able to pass to a moving teammate.
[Everyone pairs up into groups of 2 so that they can practice passing the puck
to each other while standing still and while moving. They stand about 15 feet
from each other.]
Ukyo: Okay Ranchan, lets see you pass it to me.
Ranma: Here you go Ucchan. [gives the puck a push and misses Ukyo by about a
foot.]
Ukyo: Nice try Ranma honey. Try it again. [makes a perfect pass to Ranma's
stick]
* * * * * *
Ryoga: I can't believe that we were teamed up together again.
Kuno: Indeed, I would've much preferred the company of the dear Akane Tendo.
Ryoga: [smirk] Why don't you prefer the company of this! [gives the hockey puck
a hard whack]
[Kuno sees the puck fly at him and quickly raises his stick with two hands to
block it. The puck hits the stick and bounces into the air before hitting the
ice by Kuno's feet. Ryoga is amazed at the block.]
Kuno: [chuckles] It takes more than a fast moving hockey puck to get by the
defenses of the great Tatewaki Kuno. [passes the puck rather accurately to
Ryoga] Perhaps thou would like to try again some other time. [grins]
Ryoga: Hmph, you just got lucky this time. [passes the puck back to Kuno but
misses by about a foot]
* * * * * *
Mikado: [passes the puck to Azusa] Okay, now pass it back.
Azusa: [picks up the puck and tries to think of another name] Hmm.. How
about...
Mikado: Would you just hit it back to me! You already have half a dozen of
them at home. [thinks for a minute] I joined up with this band of misfits so
that I could get close to Akane and so far you've just been causing me trouble!
[swallows his pride] If you cooperate with me I'll take you shopping at the
cute little toy shop.
[Azusa bids the puck farewell and hits it back to Mikado.]
* * * * * *
Akane: Here you go Shinnosuke. [passes the puck to him] Okay, now pass it back.
Shinnosuke: [passes the puck accurately back to Akane] How's that?
Akane: Wow, that's pretty good! [smiles] I'm not too surprised since you've had
a lot of practice using the broom.
Shinnosuke: Yeah, sometimes I wonder why I'm over here instead of back in the
forest.
Akane: [passes the puck to Shinnosuke] Maybe you should live out here. Do you
like it out here?
Shinnosuke: Well, it's where you live. I could go anywhere you go Akane...
Akane: Oh Shinnosuke.. don't you know I'm already engaged?
Shinnosuke: Really? [passes the puck to Akane but is a little off] To whom?
Akane: You don't remember?
* * * * * *
[Shampoo sighs and passes the puck rather inaccurately to Mousse.]
Mousse: You know Shampoo, if you paid attention a bit more then you'll be able
to pass a little more accurately. [passes the puck back to Shampoo]
Shampoo: Shampoo rather practice with Ranma. All Shampoo want is Ranma and
trip to China. [makes a hard pass back to Mousse]
Mousse: Oh Shampoo, don't you know that I.. love you? [passes the puck
accurately to Shampoo]
[Shampoo fails to hear Mousse's words as she looks over at Ranma trying to pass
the puck back to Ukyo. Mousse notices this and just lowers his head slightly.]
* * * * * *
[After a quick break everyone gets back on the ice for one last practice. The
whole group except for Ukyo, Mikado, Azusa, and Ryoga seem to be tired out.]
Genma's voice: Okay kids, last up is your shooting. Since you all can pass
now, the last part is hitting the puck hard and accurately. We'll finish up
today with simple slap shots so you won't have to skate around anymore.
[The whole group lines up around 1/3 of the way up the ice-skating rink. They
each get ready to take a few shots at the goal. Ukyo offers to go first. She
takes her position in the center of the ice and prepares to shoot.]
Ukyo: Well, here it goes. [winds up and delivers a hard slap shot into the
goal] Yeah, still got it in me. [turns to Ryoga] Your turn sugar.
Ryoga: [skates up and gets ready to shoot] This shouldn't be too hard.
[Ryoga winds up and hits the puck. It goes sailing through the air and hits
one of the goalposts. The puck bounces high into the air before landing on the
other side of the ice-skating rink.]
Ukyo: Not bad, guess we just better work a bit on accuracy. [smiles]
[Mikado skates over to take a shot. He winds up and hits a perfect straight
shot into the goal.]
Mikado: Child's play. [goes over to Akane] How about a kiss? One from the
perfect lady to the perfect shooter?
[Akane uses her stick and trips Mikado from behind.]
Akane: In your dreams!
[Azusa skates over to the center of the ice. She pulls back a little and gives
the puck a small whack towards the goal. It slowly slides across the ice and
in-between the goal posts.]
Ranma: Some shot...
Azusa: Azusa not want to hurt Matilda!
Shampoo: Stupid girl bad addition to team. [skates over and gives the puck a
hard whack into the net] Need better players like Shampoo and Ranma!
[Akane grumbles a bit at the sound of this comment. Mousse then skates over
and adjusts his glasses before taking a shot at the goal. He winds up and
gives the puck a whack. It slides along the ice and barely makes it into the
net.]
Mousse: How's that Shampoo?!
Shampoo: Hmph, me bet Ranma shoot better than you!
[Mousse skates away a little downcast while Shinnosuke skates up to take his
shot.]
Shinnosuke: So we win by hitting hockey pucks into that net?
[Akane nods. Shinnosuke winds up and gives the puck a whack. It glides
smoothly through the air and bounces a few times before landing in the net.]
Akane: Not bad Shinnosuke, try to hit it a bit harder next time.
[Kuno skates up towards the center of the ice to take his shot.]
Kuno: Tis a small challenge for someone so skilled as myself. [delivers a hard
whack and sends the puck flying through the air and into the net.] Ha hah! Let
my feeble opponents feel the true power of my wrath!
[Ranma skates over to Kuno and shoves him out of the way. He then takes
careful aim and gives the puck a hard hit. It flies through the air yet goes
too far to the right and misses the goal.]
Ranma: Damn...
Ryoga: Heh, heh, not much of a shot are you Ranma?
Akane: [chuckles] Come on Ranma, can't you shoot better than that?
Ranma: I'd like to see an uncute tomboy like you do better!
[Akane stops laughing and glares at Ranma. She looks around for her mallet but
remembers that she left it on the table.]
Akane: RANMA!!
[Akane winds back her stick and hits the puck with all her might. It goes
darting through the air, into the goal, and through the net before making a
dent in the wall behind it. Everyone stands silent with wide eyes focused on
the dent in the wall.]
Akane: [towards Ranma] Hmph! [notices everyone is still looking towards the
goal] Okay, lets try that again.
* * * * * *
[For the next week or so the group practices and trains almost every day for a
few hours before going home exhausted. The end of the week comes along and
with two weeks left before the tournament, a day of no practice is called so
that everyone can relax.]
Akane: Good morning!
Kasumi: Oh, good morning Akane! Did you sleep well?
Akane: Sure did, it feels good to know that we're going to take today off from
practicing.
Kasumi: Oh my, what do you have planned for today then?
Akane: Hmm, I don't know. I'll think of something but I plan on taking it
easy.
Genma: Akane, why don't you wake up your fiancee.
Akane: [grumbles] That lazy jerk, how can he sleep on a sunny day like this?
Soun: [gives Genma a wink] Yes, why don't you wake up Ranma so the two of you
can go get some ice cream together.
Genma: Or maybe take a walk in the park.
Soun: And maybe this evening the two of you could go out and have dinner.
[Akane ignores the ideas that Genma and Soun are suggesting and leaves to wake
Ranma. She enters his room with a pale of water.]
Akane: Wake up Ranma!
Ranma: [eyes closed] Hmm? Go away Akane, let me sleep... [snores]
[Akane splashes Ranma with the pale of cold water. Ranma-chan wakes up with a
start.]
Ranma-chan: I'm up! I'm up! [looks around] Hey! What did you do that for!
Akane: [in a cutesy voice] Good morning Ranma!
Ranma-chan: [thinks to herself] Is she in a good mood for some reason?
Akane: It's a wonderful day today, how about we get some ice cream later today?
Ranma-chan: Sure, you going to pay? [smiles]
[Akane's smile is removed from her face and she narrows her eyes.]
Ranma-chan: [thinking] Yup, it was too good to be true. [to Akane] I'm just
kidding Akane!
* * * * * *
[Ranma-chan runs into the dining room and quickly grabs a bowl of food. She
then starts eating it quickly. Akane is off in her room getting ready.]
Soun: So son, since today is your day off from practice what do you plan on
doing today?
Ranma-chan: [stops eating for a sec] Well I don't know, probably going out for
some ice cream. Nothing else really planned. [continues eating]
[Genma and Soun appear behind Ranma-chan and grab onto her shoulders.]
Soun: Son, you have my consent.
Ranma-chan: Huh?
Genma: Take Akane wherever you want today and enjoy yourselves.
Soun: Yes, a trip to the park...
Genma: Maybe spend a little time on the lake...
Soun: And tonight you can take her out for some dinner.
Ranma-chan: Wait, wait a minute! We're just going out from some ice cream
later and that's it!
Genma: Come on Ranma, be a man! [pours some hot water on Ranma-chan]
Ranma: Yeow!! Hot!!
Soun: [shoves his face into Ranma's] Listen son, just because Akane is your
fiancee doesn't mean that she's going to be waiting there on the side for you
forever. GOT IT?!
Ranma: [nods while trying to back away] Uh.. yeah...
Soun: Good, I'll remind Kasumi to prepare dinner for two less people tonight.
Ranma: [looking down] Oh man...
Genma: Ranma my boy, I've been saving this for years just for a time like this.
[pulls out 5000 yen worth of bills and hands it to Ranma] That's so you can
treat Akane today. Treat the money like it was your own but spend most of it
on Akane, got it?
[Ranma nods and puts the money in his pocket. A few seconds later Akane walks
into the dining room. She looks at Ranma.]
Akane: Oh, you're a boy again.
Ranma: [nods] Uh, yeah...
Akane: Well anyways come on! Lets go! [leaves the room]
Soun: Go on son.
Genma: We'll see you back tonight. Take your time.
Soun: Any time after 10 is okay with me.
[Ranma stands up slowly and walks out of the room with his head down. After he
leaves Genma and Soun give each other a high-five.]
Soun: Excellent work Saotome!
Genma: Right on Tendo!
Soun: Ah, now is the time to celebrate!
Genma: Not yet Tendo, lets wait till after the knot is tied.
Soun: Oh, but of course!
* * * * * *
[Akane is hanging around the outside of the Tendo dojo when Ranma comes out.
It's early in the afternoon and they've got a whole day ahead of them.]
Akane: There you are slow poke. How about we get some ice cream?
Ranma: Actually, I just ate breakfast.
Akane: Oh.. [looks a little disappointed having nothing else planned for the
day]
Ranma: How about we.. would you like to walk around the park for a while?
Akane: Uh.. sure...
[The two of them walk along the sidewalk for a bit while heading towards the
park. They walk silently for a while before Ranma speaks up.]
Ranma: So, how do you think the teams doing at playing hockey?
Akane: Huh? [looks over at Ranma] Oh, overall we're doing pretty well. We're
getting a lot better at passing and shooting. Since we are all martial artists
it sure helps us with the speed, agility, and power.
Ranma: [nods] How do you.. how do you think I play? [looks over at Akane]
Akane: I.. [looks over at Ranma then quickly faces forward again] I think you
play pretty well. [looks over at Ranma] Yeah, you do play pretty well.
Ranma: [takes the compliment] Yeah, you play pretty well too. Ucchan was right
when she said how you'd have a pretty powerful slap shot.
Akane: Oh yeah? When was this?
Ranma: It was back when we went over to her okonomiyaki restaurant to see if
she would help us.
Akane: [recalls what Ukyo said to her after she knocked Ranma unconscious with
her mallet] I.. I'm sorry Ranma...
Ranma: [turns to look at Akane] Huh? Sorry for what?
Akane: For when I hit you on the head with my mallet when you tripped and
crashed into Ukyo. I thought that you...
[The two of them walk in silence for a bit.]
Ranma: That I what?
Akane: I'm sorry that I didn't listen to you explain yourself.
Ranma: Oh Akane, there's no need to apologize. [pauses for a while] Listen,
you're not an uncute tomboy.
Akane: I'm.. not..? Do you really mean it Ranma?
Ranma: Course I do, you're kinda cute when you smile you know that?
Akane: [stops walking] I.. really..?
[Ranma goes over and pokes Akane in the forehead with his index finger. She
falls over and hits the ground.]
Ranma: Ha ha! Got you!
[Akane snaps out of her daze and sees Ranma walking towards the park. She then
gets up and starts to run after him.]
* * * * * *
[With this being the first break during the constant ice hockey practice, Ryoga
walked around the Tendo residence with nothing to do.]
Ryoga: [thinking to himself] I wonder where Akane is. I could try going to the
ice-skating rink for practice but then I might get lost for a few days trying
to find it and miss out on practice. Hmm...
[Ryoga enters one of the rooms and sees Shinnosuke with his grandfather.]
Shinnosuke: [looking at Ryoga] Hello, may I help you?
Ryoga: It's me, Ryoga!
Grandfather: Oh, hello Ryoga. You have to mind him since he's always a little
forgetful.
Shinnosuke: Finally we get a day of rest, what are you planning on doing today
Ryoga?
Ryoga: Well I was planning on going back to the ice-skating rink for some more
practice. You wouldn't by any chance know how to get there and be willing to
practice today?
Shinnosuke: Uh, sorry. Not this time. Practice really tired me out and I'm
planning on taking it easy today.
Ryoga: That's fine with me, cya.
[Ryoga walks out of the room and back into the dining room.]
Ryoga: [thinks to himself] A day of nothing. I can't even go anywhere or I
might not even make it back on time for the tournament. What am I going to do?
Ukyo's voice: Hello? Anyone home?
[Ryoga walks over to the front of the Tendo dojo and greets Ukyo.]
Ukyo: Hi there sugar. Have you seen Ranchan anywhere? Was wondering if he was
free today.
Ryoga: No, haven't seen Akane around here anywhere either.
Ukyo: Hmm.. guess the two of us lucked out this time. [chuckles]
Ryoga: Hey, if you're not busy today then would you..
Ukyo: [cutting in] No, I don't think I want to go on a date with...
Ryoga: [cutting in] Not a date! I was wondering if you were going to the
ice-skating rink for some more practice!
Ukyo: Oh.. [looks up at the sky] It's such a nice day outside yet you want to
spend the one day that you get off practicing some more?
Ryoga: Well sure!
Ukyo: And what do you need me for?.. Oh yeah.. You can't go anywhere or you
might not make it back here in time for the tournament! [smiles]
Ryoga: Shut up! How would you know that!
Ukyo: [giggles] Well since I'm set on taking the day off and won't be cooking
today, I'll take you over to the ice-skating rink. We can play a little one on
one. [grins]
Ryoga: Hah, you don't scare me.
Ukyo: Just wait till I show you how to play like a pro. I wasn't the best on
my school's hockey team for nothing.
* * * * * *
[It's a little after noon in Nerima as Ranma and Akane are walking next to each
other in the park. The heat has just started picking up.]
Akane: Woah, it sure is getting hot. How about some ice cream?
Ranma: Sure. Lets hurry, it is getting pretty hot.
[Ranma and Akane hurry over to the ice cream shop a little distance from the
park. They walk in and take a seat in one of the booths by the window. The
place is about half full with people all eating ice cream. Ranma reaches into
his pocket and feels the 5000 yen in bills that his father had given to him.]
Ranma: [looks at the plastic card that displays a picture of the different ice
cream dishes] Hmm.. what are you going to get Akane?
Akane: [pulling some change from her pocket and examining it] I think I'll just
take something simple.
Ranma: [remembering what his father and Mr. Tendo had told him] Uh.. Akane...
Akane: [turning her eyes from the plastic card to Ranma] Hmm?
Ranma: How about you order whatever you want. It's on me.
Akane: [thinking] He's not usually this nice.. better make sure... [looks at
the list of ice cream dishes and picks one out] How about this one?
Ranma: [leans over and looks at the choice that Akane has picked] Super fudge
sundae for two...
Akane: [smiles] Well, how about it?
Ranma: [thinking] Aw man, she just had to pick that one...
[A waitress walks by and gets ready to take Ranma's and Akane's order.]
Waitress: What can I get for you two?
Ranma: Uh.. I'll.. We'll get the super fudge sundae for two...
Waitress: Okay, we'll have it made in a jiff. [scribbles something then walks
away]
Akane: [still smiling] It's really nice of you to treat me to ice cream like
this.
Ranma: Yeah, but did you have to order that couple's dish?
Akane: [giggles] Didn't think you'd actually go and order it.
Ranma: Do we really have to eat from the same bowl?
Akane: [still giggling] No you don't, you can get a second bowl and scoop the
ice cream into it. Don't worry; no one will know about this.
[The waitress walks over to Ranma's and Akane's booth and drops off the super
fudge sundae for two. She then pulls out a microphone.]
Waitress: [talking into the microphone] Ladies and gentleman! This couple
ordered the 1000th super fudge sundae for two! Lets give them a round of
applause!
[Everyone in the ice cream parlor looks toward their booth and starts clapping
their hands. Ranma and Akane look at each other and blush.]
Waitress: [still talking into the microphone] Come on kids, lets see you finish
that sundae! For ordering the 1000th super fudge sundae for two you get it on
the house!
[Ranma and Akane each start taking scoops of ice cream from the farthest
possible ends of the sundae while constantly blushing. A few minutes later
they've almost reached the dead center of the sundae with a thin wall of ice
cream separating each other's spoons.]
Ranma: I.. I guess we have to...
Akane: [looks at the thin wall of ice cream that doesn't seem to melt] Yeah...
[They each start scooping up the ends of the wall while slowly moving towards
the center again. As the both of them are about to reach for the last piece of
ice cream a flash appears out of the corner of their eyes. Ranma and Akane
look towards the counter to see the waitress with a camera.]
Waitress: Ah, this will make an excellent addition to our wall.
[The waitress takes out the photo and prepares to place it on one of the
bulletin boards so that everyone can see. "Our Thousandth Couple to Order the
Super Fudge Sundae for Two"]
Waitress: [looking towards Ranma and Akane] By the way, what did you say your
names were?
[Ranma and Akane both face-fault.]
* * * * * *
[A few minutes later after much embarrassment, Ranma and Akane walk outside of
the ice cream parlor. The heat hasn't cooled down that much and it's still
pretty hot.]
Ranma: I don't think I'll be going back to that place again.
Akane: Me neither.. Ranma?
Ranma: [looking at Akane] Hmm?
Akane: Although it's our day off from practice, would you like to ice-skate a
little?
Ranma: Just, just the two of us?
Akane: [smiles] Uh huh! It'll help us get out of this heat.
Ranma: [looks up at the sun and realizes what a long day he has left] Uh, sure
Akane.
* * * * * *
[Over at the Nerima ice-skating rink Ukyo and Ryoga are playing a little one on
one hockey.]
Ukyo: Come on sugar, you can do better than that!
[Ryoga and Ukyo are ice-skating while trying to steal the puck away from each
other. Ukyo quickly skates towards Ryoga and steals the puck away from him
again.]
Ryoga: Argh! Damn you! [skates after Ukyo]
Ukyo: Have to move faster than that! [skates to the goal and fires a shot in]
Well, that makes it 10 to 0. Want to try again? [smiles]
Ryoga: Huh, how about at a competition that I'm much more better at. [hits the
puck off to the side and raises his stick with both his hands]
Ukyo: Fine with me. [raises her stick with both hands] I'll beat your little
fanny in your own game.
Ryoga: We'll see about that, you forget that I'm a lot stronger than you are.
[takes a hard swing at Ukyo]
Ukyo: [blocks the swing with some trouble] You forget, we're on ice! [swings
low at Ryoga's skates.]
Ryoga: [gets knocked over by Ukyo's swing and hits the ice] Argh.. just wait
till I.. [looks over at the entrance]
[Ranma and Akane both enter the ice-skating rink and walk over to the rental
counter. They don't seem to notice Ukyo and Ryoga on the ice. Ukyo notices
Ryoga's hesitation and looks off towards the entrance to see Ranma and Akane.]
Ukyo: Well, so the both of us did luck out this time...
Ryoga: [standing up with the help of his stick] Ranma.. just wait till I..
[starts to skate over to the rental counter]
[Ukyo swings her hockey stick again and causes Ryoga to fall back onto the
ice.]
Ryoga: What did you do that for..?
Ukyo: Come on, lets see what they're up to!
Ryoga: [standing up again] Oh, yeah...
[Ukyo and Ryoga quickly skate off the ice and hide off to the side behind a few
of the vending machines.]
Ryoga: Maybe they're here to practice also.
Ukyo: Maybe they're here on a date!
Ryoga: A DATE?!
Ukyo: [quickly slams Ryoga in the head with her spatula] Be quiet you jerk!
[By now Akane and Ranma have finished putting on their skates and have stepped
onto the ice. Ranma skates a little ahead but is caught up by Akane. Akane
then takes his arm and continues skating at Ranma's speed. Ranma looks a
little bit nervous while looking around the ice-skating rink to make sure that
he doesn't see anyone that he knows. Ryoga and Ukyo watch from their secluded
spot as Ranma and Akane skate off into the distance.]
Ryoga: Shoot! Can't see what they're doing now.
Ukyo: Lets skate behind them.
Ryoga: Good idea.
[Ryoga and Ukyo step onto the ice and quickly skate up to within a few yards
behind Ranma and Akane.]
Ryoga: They don't seem to be saying anything.
Ukyo: Shhh!!
Ryoga: Oh.. [whispers] They don't seem to be saying anything.
Ukyo: [whispers] I can see that!
[Ranma and Akane skate around silently for a bit with Ryoga and Ukyo following
behind silently. One of the DJ's grabs his microphone and starts talking on
the loud speaker.]
DJ: Okay kids, now time for some special songs just for the two of you.
[Ryoga and Ukyo both gulp when they look up at the sign that says "couples
only". As some romantic music plays on the loud speakers Ukyo goes over and
grabs Ryoga's hand.]
Ryoga: [whispers] Hey!
Ukyo: [whispers] Don't you want to see what they're up to?
Ryoga: [whispers] Uh, yeah.. but I don't want them...
Ukyo: [whispers] We're doing the following right?
[Ryoga and Ukyo skate a little bit closer behind Ranma and Akane.]
Ranma: Uh, Akane..
Akane: Hmm?
Ranma: How about later tonight I.. we.. we go out for something to eat?
[Ryoga and Ukyo both gasp.]
Ranma and Akane: [turning their heads to look behind them] Huh?
Akane: Ryoga?
Ranma: Ucchan?
[Ryoga and Ukyo are frozen with horrified expressions on their faces. Ranma
and Akane both look down and see Ryoga and Ukyo holding hands. They then look
back up at the horrified looks on each of their faces. Ranma and Akane both
smile.]
Akane: [to Ranma] I think we're embarrassing them.
Ranma: [to Akane] Yes, I think so to. Lets leave them alone together. [to
Ukyo] Bye Ucchan!
Akane: [to Ryoga] Bye Ryoga!
[Ranma and Akane both skate off into the distance leaving Ryoga and Ukyo where
they were standing on the ice. They look down and remember that they were
holding hands. They quickly let go of each other and skate off the ice as
quickly as they can.]
* * * * * *
[After ice-skating for a while, Ranma and Akane leave the rink to go look for a
small shop to snack. After they're done they start walking along the road with
no particular destination.]
Ranma: So what do you want to do now?
Akane: I don't know, since it cooled off a little, how about we do a little
training at home?
[Ranma agrees as he can't think of anything else to pass the time. The two of
them walk along the river as they're heading home. Ranma walks along the fence
while thinking what to do next while Akane walks by herself on the sidewalk.]
Akane: Before we interrupted Ryoga and Ukyo, what was that that you were going
to ask me?
Ranma: Huh? [looks over at Akane] Oh.. well I was wondering if you, you know,
wanted to go out and eat something after practice.
Akane: Sounds good, your treat right? [smiles]
Ranma: [looks down] Uh.. yeah...
Akane: Don't worry, I'm not going to order some dinner for two. Wouldn't want
that to happen again!
* * * * * *
Ukyo: Oh my gosh that was SO embarrassing!!
Ryoga: You're telling me, I can still remember the look on Akane's face when
she saw the two of us holding hands. This is all your fault!
Ukyo: My fault?! You were the one who wanted to follow them!
Ryoga: Well if you hadn't had brought us to the ice-skating rink in the first
place then this wouldn't have ever happened!
Ukyo: Hey, you're the jerk who wanted to come here!
[Ryoga and Ukyo fume for a bit while glaring at each other.]
Ryoga: Hmph! It's lucky that you're a girl.
Ukyo: [slams her spatula into Ryoga's face] You're lucky that I am.
* * * * * *
[Ranma and Akane are busy training with each other at the Tendo dojo. Akane is
wearing her usual gi while Ranma is in his same clothes. Most of the fighting
seems to be done by Akane while Ranma is just dodging her hits.]
Akane: [throwing a few punches but missing] Come on Ranma, fight back!
Ranma: You know how I can't hit girls. [dodges another punch]
Akane: [chuckles] It's no fun unless you're fighting back. [throws another
punch] While you've been relaxing your whole summer I've been practicing a
little.
Ranma: [dodges a kick] I'm sorry Akane but I can't see much of an improvement.
[Ranma dodges another punch by Akane and moves forward to trip her. He manages
to trip her backwards but she grabs onto his shirt. The two of them fall down
and hit the ground with a thud. Akane lies there on her back with Ranma on top
of her.]
Akane: Oww!
Ranma: Unh.. Akane you.. [lifts his head up and finds that his face is only
inches away from hers]
Ranma: [looking into Akane's eyes] Idiot...
Akane: [looking into Ranma's eyes] Ranma you.. jerk...
[Ranma and Akane both close their eyes and move their faces closer together.]
Soun's voice: Here it comes Saotome!
[Ranma and Akane quickly turn their heads towards the sound of the voice but
see nobody in the room.]
Soun's voice: Checkmate!
Genma's voice: Well Tendo, looks like you've won this time.
[Ranma and Akane look back at each other for a second. Ranma then gets up and
helps Akane to her feet.]
Ranma: I guess we better go eat something.
[Akane nods and follows Ranma out of the room.]
* * * * * *
[Ukyo is walking down the road with Ryoga a few feet behind her. They both
still have angry looks on their faces. Ukyo looks over and sees a restaurant
nearby. She starts to walk over to it.]
Ryoga: Hey, where are you going?
Ukyo: Like I said I'm not going to cook today so I might as well eat out.
Ryoga: Well how am I supposed to get home?
Ukyo: Why don't you just walk on over there if you're so anxious?
Ryoga: [looks around at the nearby buildings and has no idea where he is] I
uh...
Ukyo: Come on in and eat something. I'll take you over there after dinner.
Ryoga: Fine!
Ukyo: You'll have to pay though.
Ryoga: What?!
Ukyo: Hey, you want to get back in time to see your precious Akane now don't
you?
Ryoga: ...
Ukyo: Least you could do is pay for dinner seeing how I'm dragging you around
all day.
[Ukyo walks into the restaurant. Ryoga lingers outside for a moment before
going in after her. They take a seat at a nearby table and open their menus.]
* * * * * *
[Nearby Ranma is walking with Akane. Ranma is still wearing his usual attire
while Akane has already showered and is now wearing a dress. They walk along
the sidewalk together looking for a place to eat.]
Akane: How about that place? [points to a nearby restaurant]
Ranma: Okay, lets see what they serve.
[The two of them walk over to the restaurant and take a seat at a table. They
fail to notice Ryoga and Ukyo who are sitting some distance away.]
Akane: Ah, this is a nice place.
Ranma: [looks around] Yeah it is.
Akane: [looking off into the distance] Is that..?
Ranma: [turning around in his seat] That's Ucchan and Ryoga!
* * * * * *
Ryoga: [putting down his menu] So what are you going to get?
Ukyo: [looks across the table at Ryoga] Don't worry sugar, I'm not going to eat
much. [looks down at her menu] What about you?
Ryoga: [looks at his menu] Probably some teriyaki salmon.
Ukyo: [considers] Yeah, that sounds good. I'll take that too.
[A waitress walks by Ukyo's and Ryoga's table to take their order.]
Ryoga: Hi, we'll uh, take two of these. [points to the menu]
[The waitress looks over at Ryoga's selection.]
Waitress: Oh, if the two of you are going to get that you might as well order
the larger portion and split it; it saves money.
Ryoga: Oh really? Okay, we'll get that.
[Ryoga and Ukyo hand the menus to the waitress who then walks away after
scribbling down the order. Meanwhile, Ranma and Akane are watching Ryoga and
Ukyo intently.]
Ranma: Are they on a date?
Akane: I think so, I wonder what they ordered...
Ranma: Hmm, anyways though, what would you like?
Akane: [looks at her menu] Hmm.. I'll take this...
* * * * * *
[Ryoga and Ukyo sit at their table looking around with not much to say to each
other as they wait for their dinner to come.]
Ryoga: So, how did you get so good at playing hockey?
Ukyo: Hmm? [looks over at Ryoga] Oh, it was one of my favorite sports while I
attended school.
Ryoga: Oh, that could explain how you beat me so easily.
Ukyo: Don't worry about it. You're not so bad yourself and I think we'll do
pretty well in the actual tournament. We still got two weeks left to train.
Ryoga: Yeah, I'm hoping we win...
[The waitress walks by carrying a large plate of teriyaki salmon which she
places down at their table. She then gives each of them a smaller plate before
going back into the kitchen.]
Ukyo: Well, dig in!
[Ryoga and Ukyo start scooping up pieces of salmon from the main plate while
transferring it to their own. Ranma and Akane look over at them as they're
eating.]
Ranma: See? Just as I thought!
Akane: They're sharing a dish! [giggles] Guess they really are dating!
[The waitress arrives at Ranma's and Akane's table and drops off their dinner.
Each of them quickly eats while periodically looking off towards Ryoga's and
Ukyo's table.]
* * * * * *
[Ukyo slowly eats her dinner while Ryoga does the same.]
Ukyo: This is pretty good, [smiles] I should show Ranchan this place some time.
Ryoga: Yeah, I'm sure Akane would really like this too. I never do eat out
that much anymore.
Ukyo: Been trying to keep yourself from getting lost? [giggles]
Ryoga: Yeah, most of the time I just eat over at Akane's house. I never get
much time to spend with her.
Ukyo: I know what you mean, I wish I could spend more time with Ranchan.
[sighs]
[The two of them finish up their dinner and then ask for the check. Ryoga
pulls out a few thousand yen in bills and pays for their dinner. By now Ranma
and Akane have already finished and paid for their dinner.]
Akane: Ryoga just paid for their meal!
Ranma: Yup, should've known it all along.
Akane: Lets go over and say goodbye to them.
[Ranma and Akane walk across the room to the table where Ryoga and Ukyo are
seated. Ranma walks towards Ryoga while Akane walks over to Ukyo. Ukyo and
Ryoga turn at the last minute to see Ranma and Akane walking towards them but
it is a bit too late to react.]
Ranma: [giving Ryoga a nudge] Ryoga you lucky dog!
Akane: [to Ukyo] I'm so happy for you!
Ranma: We'll see you all tomorrow at the ice-skating rink. Take care Ucchan!
Akane: You too Ryoga!
[Ranma and Akane walk out of the restaurant leaving the speechless Ryoga and
Ukyo behind. The both of them have a horrified look on their face as they
stare out the open door.]
* * * * * *
[The next morning everyone is on the ice warming up for the day's practice.
After a few minutes, Genma motions everyone off the ice and to a few of the
tables.]
Genma: Okay, hopefully you're all rested since it's time to get back to work.
After analyzing your abilities I've divided you up into some temporary
positions.
[Everyone waits with anticipation.]
Genma: First off since we only are allowed 10 players a few of you will have to
double up on some slots; the most important of which is the goalie. Since all
of you can skate and shoot rather well, I've decided that Ryoga will take up
the position of goalie.
Ryoga: What?
Akane: Congratulations Ryoga! We'll be counting on you to win this tournament.
Ryoga: [blushes] Uh, sure thing.. Akane...
Genma: For the first set of players we'll have them playing as follows.. Ukyo
will be playing center, Shampoo will be the right wing, Kuno will be the left
wing, Akane will be the right defender, and Mikado will be the left defender.
Ukyo: Same old position as usual.
Genma: And on backup we'll have Shinnosuke playing center, Ranma playing left
wing, Mousse playing right defender, and Azusa playing left defender. These
positions are all subject to change if necessary.
Ranma: Hey old man, are you sure these teams will work?
Genma: Positive my boy, all of your abilities will be utilized to their
fullest.
Akane: So what do we do now? We don't have enough people for a game.
Ukyo: Actually we can play five on five for now with no goalies.
Genma: That's probably best for now. Afterwards we can test Ryoga's skill at
playing goalie.
Ranma: So, who's going to be on which team?
Ryoga: I'll be on Akane's team!
Shinnosuke: I'll join Akane.
Kuno: Wither the dear Akane Tendo goes.
Mikado: I'll skate with the lovely Akane.
Shampoo: Me skate with Ranma!
Ukyo: I'll join up with Ranchan.
Mousse: Wherever Shampoo goes.
Azusa: [holding a puck] Oh Ferdinand! Azusa skate on whichever team has
Ferdinand!
Ranma: I don't care.
Akane: So how are we going to do this?
[Ryoga, Mikado, Shinnosuke, and Kuno all stand around Akane while Shampoo,
Ukyo, and Mousse stand around Ranma.]
Genma: Okay Azusa, guess you're on Ranma's team.
Ukyo: Time to play some real hockey!
[Everyone gets on the ice and prepares for a little five on five. Genma sits
off to the side while watching both teams play against each other. Soun walks
over to the table and has a seat.]
Soun: [watching the players] Saotome, do you think it was wise for them to
choose their own teams?
Genma: Probably not.
[A few seconds later Kuno is knocked down by Akane and slides across the ice.
Ryoga charges at Ranma but gets knocked across the ice. A minute later Akane
sends Mikado sliding across the ice. Ukyo also sends Shampoo sliding with
Mousse skating after her.]
Ranma: Well that accomplished absolutely nothing!
Ukyo: How about it Akane? You and Shinnosuke against Ranma honey and I.
Akane: [hits her stick on the ice] You're on. [grins]
[Ukyo and Akane square off with Ranma and Shinnosuke playing defense in the
background. The puck is dropped and Ukyo immediately starts skating towards
the opposite side with the puck.]
Akane: Hey!
Ukyo: Come on Ranchan! Skate down here!
Shinnosuke: Are we playing a game now?
[Akane skates after Ukyo and gets ready to steal the puck away but she passes
it back to Ranma. Ranma then skates towards the goal and shoots it in. Akane
throws down her stick in frustration.]
Akane: One more time!
[Off to the side of the ice-skating rink a hockey player chuckles to himself
before leaving the building.]
* * * * * *
Akane: You mean that we're the only team left?
Genma: Us and the returning champions from last year.
[A week has already passed and with one week before the tournament, news gets
around that they're the only team left playing.]
Akane: How is that possible?
Nabiki: Sabotage.
[Everyone looks at Nabiki.]
Nabiki: The winning team from last year although good, relies on injuring their
opponents ahead of time before the actual match.
Akane: So like in the same way Kodachi tried to injure me before the Martial
Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics competition?
Nabiki: Exactly. I've been doing a little research on this team and it turns
out that they have a habit of knocking out the best teams while moderately
injuring the weakest one so that there would be at least someone to play
against.
Ukyo: That can't be right, how can we be the weakest team?
Genma: Maybe they took a good look at our practice the first day. Half of you
couldn't even skate then.
Nabiki: Possibly, anyways the odds against you winning are rather slim.
Although I wouldn't bet on your team, I would bet that you'll be meeting some
of them pretty soon.
Ryoga: Well let them try it, we can take them on!
Akane: Exactly which team other than us is left?
Genma: They call themselves the Ice Hawks.
* * * * * *
[With about a week or so left before the tournament, everyone decides to take
it easy and practice is cut to only a few hours each day. Ranma, Akane, Ryoga,
and Ukyo are walking home after practice.]
Ranma: How can we be the weakest team, are we really that bad?
Akane: Maybe their team is really good.
Ukyo: I don't think so, we're pretty good ourselves so there must have been
some kind of mistake.
Ryoga: Well, I'm not going to lower my guard for the next week.
Akane: [looks down the road and sees four people] What's that?
[Four people dressed in hockey jerseys and with masks on come skating down the
road towards Ranma, Akane, Ryoga, and Ukyo. Each of them is carrying a hockey
stick.]
Masked Hockey Player 1: It's that guy and girl!
Masked Hockey Player 2: Get them!
[Ranma and Akane quickly take up fighting positions while Ryoga pulls out his
umbrella and Ukyo her huge spatula. The four of them charge the masked hockey
players as they skate towards them. Ryoga blocks a swing by one of the hockey
players and hits him from behind with his umbrella. Ukyo sidesteps and swings
her huge spatula into the face of one of the hockey players. Akane ducks under
the swing of one of the hockey players and delivers a huge punch to his
stomach. Ranma kicks the hockey stick out of the way and grabs the hockey
player by the jersey.]
Ranma: [holding the hockey player by the jersey] So, you thought we were the
weak ones huh?
[The hockey player shakes his head. Ranma rips off his mask and talks to the
frightened hockey player.]
Ranma: Listen up and listen good, we're all going to win that trip to China and
you're not going to stand a chance against us.
[Ranma lets go of the hockey player and starts to continue his walk home.]
Ranma: Come on Akane, Ryoga, Ucchan. Lets go...
[The four of them walk home and prepare for the upcoming match.]
* * * * * *
[With no more attacks made against their team and with a few days left of
practice, everyone works hard to perfect their skills before the big match.
Eventually the day comes when they'll play against the Ice Hawks in a 3
quarter, 10 minutes a quarter match. The whole group is seated at their bench
while waiting patiently.]
Ryoga: [cracks his knuckles a few times before putting on his gloves] Just keep
the pucks away from me and I'll do fine.
Shinnosuke: All the training in the past few weeks comes down to this. Does it
matter much if we win or lose?
Ranma: Very much Shinnosuke, very much.
Mikado: [thinks to himself] In front of this whole crowd I'll finally be able
to place my 1000th kiss on the beautiful Akane...
Shampoo: Shampoo all ready to win game of hockey!
Mousse: As am I Shampoo.. [reaches into his pocket and makes sure his spare
pair of glasses is safe]
Azusa: I wonder where Azusa's little Charlotte is?
Kuno: Today is a good day for battle. I shall smite my opponents and emerge
victorious in the name of Akane Tendo!
Ranma: [giving Kuno a punch] Just score the points you jerk.
Akane: I sure hope we can win this one...
Ukyo: Don't worry Akane, we'll do just fine...
Genma: Okay kids, remember. 10 minutes is a short period of time but I'll be
pulling you out every now and then so that you can rest. Keep your eye on the
puck and score those goals. This is one match that we've worked too hard on to
lose.
[Genma looks over at the time keeper and gets the signal that it's time to
start.]
Genma: Okay, Ryoga on goalie, Ukyo center, Shampoo right wing, Kuno left wing,
Akane right defender, and Mikado left defender.
[The six of them skate out onto the ice to do some last minute warming up while
the other team gets organized. When both teams are ready they meet at the
center of the rink for the face-off.]
Ranma: Somehow I have a bad feeling about this...
[The puck is dropped and Ukyo immediately gains control of it. She skates down
the ice towards the goal and passes it to Shampoo. Shampoo collides with an
opponent and loses control of the puck. Ukyo starts to skate down back towards
her goal.]
Ukyo: Hey! Get on defense!
Kuno: [skates over to Akane] Akane Tendo it is I.. Umf! [gets checked and
knocked onto the ice.]
Mikado: [thinks to himself] The fool, I'll be the one to kiss Akane.
[Akane skates up slowly towards the center of the ice as the other team charges
her way. Mikado skates up right behind her. The other team passes the puck
down to their right wing. As Akane turns to chase after the puck she crashes
into Mikado's arms.]
Mikado: There you are my dear Akane, now it's time for me to place my 1000th
kiss. [leans over to kiss Akane]
Akane: You jerk! Let go of me and get on defense!
[The right wing comes around Ryoga's left side to score a point. Ryoga
positions himself to block a shot but as the right wing gets close he quickly
whips the puck to the left wing who snaps it into the open goal.]
Ryoga: Damn you Mikado!
Ukyo: [slams Mikado with her hockey stick just as he's about to kiss Akane] You
jackass! You let him go right by you!
Ranma: [looks over at the clock] 30 seconds into the first quarter and we're
already behind. I knew that this wouldn't work.
Genma: Drag Mikado off the ice! Shinnosuke, you play left wing. Ranma my boy,
take left defender. Get off the ice Kuno!
[Akane and Ukyo help Mikado off the ice. Kuno takes his seat on the bench as
Ranma and Shinnosuke take their positions. Ukyo again takes the center and
gets ready for the face-off. The puck is dropped and she quickly takes
possession of it.]
Ukyo: [skating down the ice] Shinnosuke! [passes the puck to him]
[Shinnosuke looks over at Ukyo and receives the pass, he then quickly passes it
back to Ukyo who takes a shot at the goal. The goalie catches the puck with
his glove and passes it to one of his defenders.]
Ukyo: Get ready Ranchan! Here he comes!
[Ranma skates down and collides with the defender. The puck goes sliding away
but is picked up by Akane who starts to skate across to the other side. She
passes it to Ukyo who again goes in for another shot. The goalie blocks it and
passes it out to his left defender. This goes on for a few minutes.]
Mousse: I think Ukyo is looking a little tired.
Genma: Hmm, indeed she is. Mousse, you go play left wing. I'm going to have
Shinnosuke play center.
Mousse: Okay.
Genma: Time to take a break Ukyo! Shinnosuke, you take center!
[Ukyo quickly skates off the ice so that Mousse can get on. He sees Shampoo
with the puck heading down the ice and skates over to help her.]
Mousse: You can do it Shampoo!
Shampoo: Catch Mousse! [passes the puck to him]
Mousse: [receives the puck] Huh? [gets knocked over by someone and loses his
glasses]
Shampoo: Stupid Mousse! Need to pay attention!
Ranma: Argh! Here we go again.
[Ranma body checks the oncoming defender and sends the puck sliding away to be
picked up by Akane. She passes it down to Shinnosuke who then passes it to
Shampoo. Shampoo shoots the puck but it bounces off the goalie and towards
Mousse.]
Shampoo: Mousse!
Mousse: [without his glasses] Shampoo? [gets bumped by someone on the other
team and gives him a hug] Oh Shampoo!
Ice Hawk Player: Let go of me you freak! [tries to push Mousse away from him]
[The referee blows his whistle and calls a 2 minute penalty on Mousse for
holding. He skates over to the penalty box and takes a seat.]
Shampoo: Stupid Mousse!
[Shinnosuke skates over to take the face-off and loses the puck to the other
team. The center takes the puck up the middle with the support of his
defenders skating behind him.]
Ukyo from the bench: Watch out Ranchan! They're doing a power play!
[Ranma and Shampoo skate up to try to check the center but he passes the puck
down to his wing who takes a shot at the goal. It bounces off of Ryoga's
padding bug gets hit in by the other wing.]
Soun: Not doing so well are we Saotome?
Genma: No, I'm afraid not. Azusa take right defender, Kuno take right wing,
Mikado take center.
[Mousse leaves the penalty box to return to his position as left wing.
Shinnosuke, Akane, and Shampoo return to the bench to rest.]
Mikado: Time to show you players how professionals skate.
[The puck is dropped and Mikado quickly takes control of it. He skates down
the ice solo and around the defenders without getting touched. He skates down
towards the goal and quickly fires the puck into an empty corner of the net.]
Mikado: Hah! Now that should gain the attention of Aka.. Oww! [gets slammed
into the wall by someone on the other team]
Genma: Okay, drag Mikado off the ice again! Ukyo, time to take center again.
[The puck is dropped and again Ukyo manages to gain control of it. She skates
straight towards the goal and then cuts to the left before passing the puck to
Kuno.]
Kuno: [slap shots the puck into the open net] Ha ha ha ha! Thou hast now felt
the wrath of the great Tatewaki Kuno.
[Someone skates towards Kuno in an attempt to check him. Kuno sees this and
quickly side steps before grabbing his stick with both hands.]
Kuno: An opening! [swings his stick overhead to hit his opponent] You dare try
to attack the great Ta...
[The referee blows his whistle and sends Kuno to the penalty box for 2 minutes
for slashing. Kuno resists and is dragged over to the box.]
Kuno: How dare ye drag the warrior from his battle on the barren ice! Unhand
me I say! [gets thrown into the penalty box]
[The puck is dropped in the center and Ukyo quickly gains control of the puck
and takes it up towards the goal again. With no one else she passes it to
Mousse who tries to skate towards the goal. He gets checked and loses the puck
to one of the defenders.]
Ukyo: Everyone get ready! Here they come!
[Ranma takes a defensive stance in front of the goal while Azusa skates up
towards the middle.]
Azusa: Oh Monica! Come to Azusa Monica!
[The defender passes the puck to one of the wings who quickly has the puck
stolen by Azusa. Azusa slows down and gets ready to pick up the puck when
someone slams into her from the side. By now Ukyo and Mousse have moved down
to play defense against the five charging players.]
Akane: Mr. Saotome, hasn't Ranma been in for quite a while?
Genma: The boy can handle it, and besides the quarter is almost over.
[One of the wings fires a puck into the air but is caught by Ryoga. Before
Ryoga can throw the puck out again he gets hit on the head with a hockey stick
by Azusa.]
Azusa: Give back Azusa's Monica!
[Ryoga falls over and drops the puck which rolls into the goal.]
Akane: [buries her head in the palm of her hand] Argh..! [looks up] So who's
going to play goalie now?
[Time is called and the first quarter ends. The score is 3 to 2 in favor of
the Ice Hawks. A 5 minute break is given so that the players have a chance to
recover.]
Genma: Well, other than that the first quarter wasn't too bad. Lets stick with
it and try to get a lead this next quarter.
Akane: So who's going to play goalie now?
Ryoga: Not me, let me try playing defender or wing.
Genma: It's already figured out. I planned a substitute goalie just in case
this happened. Ranma my boy, suit up your gear.
Ranma: Wh-what?!
Genma: Come on son, be a man! You're probably the fastest with the glove so
get ready.
Ukyo: Don't worry Ranma honey, I'll try not to let them get any shots at you.
Shampoo: Shampoo going to play real hard now!
Akane: [grumbles] Oh brother...
* * * * * *
[The break ends and the second quarter is about ready to start.]
Genma: Ranma will be goalie and Ukyo will be center again. Shampoo will take
the right wing; Akane the left. On defense I want Kuno playing right defender
with Ryoga playing left defender.
[The players skate onto the ice and get ready to start the second quarter.
Ukyo takes the face-off and quickly gains control of the puck. She charges
forward while knocking down the center.]
Ukyo: Akane! [passes the puck to her]
[Akane takes the puck and winds up to take a slap shot but before she can
manage it one of the defenders bumps into her and steals the puck. Ryoga
quickly skates down towards the defender.]
Ryoga: No one treats Akane that way!
[Ryoga collides with the defender and sends him flying across the ice.]
Ryoga: That ought to teach you!
[A referee blows his whistle again and sends Ryoga to the penalty box for 2
minutes for charging.]
Ranma: Ryoga you jerk, you can't just send the other team flying!
Ryoga: Hey, shut up!
[The puck is dropped and Ukyo quickly passes it over to Shampoo. Shampoo
shoots the puck at the goal but it's blocked. Akane then tries her luck with a
slap shot but it is easily blocked by the glove.]
Ranma: Come on girls! Lets try to win this!
Kuno: Silence wretch! Do not ruin the concentration of the dear Akane Tendo.
Ranma: Yeah, whatever. Get over there and help them!
Kuno: You will address me as upper class.. [gets knocked over by a wing who
quickly shoots the puck into the air at the goal]
Ranma: Woah! [catches the puck with his glove]
Ukyo: Good job Ranchan! Hit it out here!
[Ranma passes the puck up the center of the ice where it is met by all three of
the girls. They all try to take the puck at once and end up bumping into each
other.]
Ukyo: I'll score the point for Ranma honey.
Shampoo: Shampoo going to score point. Prove who best hockey player.
Akane: Give me the puck!
[The three girls get knocked down while the other team passes the puck up
towards Ranma. Kuno is his only defense against the three charging opponents.]
Ranma: Oh man!
[The center charges forward but then quickly passes the puck to one of his
wings who hits it into the goal. Ranma throws down his stick.]
Ranma: Damn.. Akane you idiot! How could you lose the puck like that!
Akane: How could I lose the puck? How could you let that shot go right pass
you!
Mousse: [noticing the quarrel] Perhaps it would be best if you took them both
out?
Genma: Hah, that'd just bring the noise closer to here. Shinnosuke, go play
right defender.
[Shinnosuke skates onto the ice as Kuno skates off. The period drags on with
nobody managing to score a point. Halfway through Mikado, Mousse, Azusa, and
Kuno replace Akane, Shampoo, Ukyo, and Ryoga but fail to score a point.]
Nabiki: [walking over] I do hope that you've been holding back on winning for
the first two quarters. This one bet I made had such steep odds that I
couldn't possibly refuse.
[The second quarter ends and everyone skates off the ice exhausted.]
* * * * * *
Genma: Well, we're two points behind and we've got 10 full minutes left to
play. We can win if we all hold together.
* * * * * *
[A whistle is blown and a time-out is called with 5 minutes left to play.]
Genma: Well, we're still two points behind and we've only got 5 little minutes
left to play. I'm afraid that I feel the worse for our team.
[Ranma, Ryoga, Shampoo, and Mousse all look downcast. Ranma then lifts his
head up.]
Ranma: That does it old man! You're no longer coaching this team!
Genma: What?! I'm the coach of this team and as long as I'm coach I'm going to
be giving the.. [gets splashed by a bucket of cold water]
[Genma-panda holds up a sign.] "orders"
Ukyo: What do you plan on doing Ranchan?
Ranma: I don't know exactly but I'm going to try some stuff. [takes off his
gear and hands it to Kuno] I'll play left wing for now; Akane you play right
wing. I want Ucchan to play center. On defense I want Ryoga playing right
defender with Shinnosuke playing left defender. Kuno's going to take goalie
this time.
Shampoo: Shampoo no play with Ranma?
Ranma: Not this time Shampoo; I want to try something.
Ukyo: So what's the plan Ranchan?
Ranma: I want you to gain control of the puck and then bring it up to where
I'll be. Try to knock down the center if you can. I'll take it from there.
[The six of them skate onto the ice with Kuno now acting as goalie. The puck
is dropped and Ukyo quickly gains control of it while knocking down the center.
She then passes the puck up to Ranma.]
Ranma: [passes the puck to Akane] Hit the puck you uncute tomboy!
Akane: [raises her hockey stick with both her hands] RANMA!!
[Akane gives the puck a huge slap shot and sends it flying straight for Ranma.
Ranma ducks just in time to have the puck fly over his head, into the net,
through the net, and leaving a huge dent in the wall. Ranma stands up and gets
hit on the head by Akane with her hockey stick. Ukyo and Shampoo skate over to
Ranma and quickly carry him off the ice.]
Ukyo: Any more bright ideas Ranma honey?
Shampoo: Ranma rest now, Shampoo go score point for you.
[Ukyo and Shampoo lie Ranma down on the bench and place an ice pack on his
head.]
Ukyo: Shinnosuke, you play center. Mousse, play left defender. Shampoo you
take the left wing. I'll watch after Ranchan.
[Mousse and Shampoo step onto the ice and skate into position. Ukyo sits over
by Ranma and puts her hand on his forehead.]
Ukyo: It's okay Ranchan, rest now...
* * * * * *
Kuno: [swings his stick and blocks the flying puck] Ha ha! Dost thou thinkest
on penetrating the great Tatewaki Kuno's iron defenses? [blocks another slap
shot] Thou thinkest wrongly!
[Ryoga quickly gains control of the puck and starts skating towards the
opposite goal. He passes it down to Akane who quickly passes it back to him.]
Akane: Shoot it Ryoga!
[Ryoga pulls his stick back and gives the puck a slap shot. It goes flying
through the air but hits one of the goal posts and bounces off. Shampoo
quickly recovers the puck and tries for another shot but misses.]
[Genma-panda holds up a sign.] "JUST TWO MINUTES LEFT!"
Ukyo: [looks towards the ice] Akane! Ryoga! Come on out here! Golden pair,
you're up!
[Akane and Ryoga quickly skate off in time for Mikado and Azusa to skate into
position. Mikado steals the puck from the center and skates down the ice
towards the opponents goal. He dodges the defenders and fires a shot at the
goal but it gets blocked by the goalie.]
Ukyo: [looks up at the clock] Only about a minute left now.. if we could make
it into overtime then maybe...
[Mousse takes control of the puck and passes it down the ice to Shampoo.
Shampoo skates up to the goal then quickly flips the puck into a corner but
shoots a little wide. A defender on the other team takes the puck and starts
skating towards the other side. With only a few seconds left, Mousse bumps
into the defender and sends the puck sliding towards Kuno.]
Kuno: [swinging his stick back] Alas time is short, travel fast disk of night.
[delivers the puck a hard slap shot]
[The puck flies through the air and towards the other goal. It slides along
the ice but right before it reaches the goal the referee blows his whistle.]
* * * * * *
Nabiki: Of all possible things that could've gone wrong...
[Everyone is seated around the table at the Tendo dojo eating dinner.]
Nabiki: Not only did I lose money on that game but I lost a lot! I knew that
you people could've handled that team but then I realized how you'd have to
team up and work together.
[Everyone ignores Nabiki's comments and continues eating.]
Ranma: I can't believe that we were so close to winning.
Ryoga: Yeah, with all the hard work that we put into training we deserved to
win that trip to China.
Akane: But you have to admit that it did keep us all busy this summer.
Mousse: And we do all know how to skate and play hockey pretty well now.
Genma: Face it kids, we just wasted a whole summer.
Kasumi: Oh my, couldn't you have all just gotten jobs to pay for a trip to
China?
[Everyone nearly chokes from eating.]
Ranma: You mean, we wasted a whole summer when we could've...
Kasumi: Don't worry, you could always get a job next summer!
Soun: Or participate in next years annual hockey tournament!
[Everyone face-faults.]
*** THE END ***
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For comments, suggestions, and info..
E-mail: NetGamerJ@aol.com
WebPage: www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Palace/9496
Thanks to all my test readers!
Written: 9/3/98 to 9/8/98
Finalized: 9/13/98
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