Bubblegum Splash! 5 Pounded Pavement written by Mike Koos -------------------- MegaTokyo at night. Tourists sometimes thought of it as another grand version of Las Vegas. At other times they described it as overwhelming, like reminding yourself of your exact standing in the universe by looking up into the endless night sky - only on a smaller scale, of course. Those who lived there wondered why the travel agencies were spending so much time and effort hyping it in the first place. Ayumi tried not to think of it as she tooled along on her ten-speed. Bicycles were a rare sight these days; most people considered them a few steps above walking, and nobody wanted to linger in any one place long enough for the criminal element to catch up with them. An interesting theory, considering MegaTokyo's darker half took the express route. They figured anyone courageous enough to ride out on a bicycle was someone they really didn't want to mess with. Ayumi had no idea who was more stubborn: Ranma, Genma, or better yet, *her*. After all this time they still hadn't made any progress. Genma, Ranma's manager, wanted to pair Ranma and Ayumi together to form an idol group, which loner-at-heart Ranma refused to accept. Time and time again Ayumi came to the studio as if hoping for a change - anything. Tonight was just the latest incident. Hell, Ayumi realized she wasn't even being paid. She pedaled even faster with anger, but she didn't care. She was out a good deal of money because both Ranma *and* Genma had stuck her with the bill for the expensive meal the three of them had at the MegaTokyo Gardens. Again. She was beginning to see why they'd lost a few record contracts. Dad had warned her about Genma and Ranma, but at the time she'd had a head full of dreams, naive optimism, hopefulness... Now all she had to show for it was a well-worn bicycle and a dwindling bank account. Ayumi pedaled on. She was exhausted from the workout, though she wasn't about to stop. Either she was going to be Ranma's partner - or she was going to have well-developed leg muscles. She never heard the motorcycle gang coming. * * * * The next morning finds AD Police officer David Wills staring intently at the monitor of Shampoo's terminal. Wills: Heh... Linlin: What're you doing? David defensively moves to obscure the monitor from Linlin's view. Wills: Uh... I needed to look over some criminal profiles. Shampoo let me use her computer. Linlin: (suspicious) She did? You know, I've wondered why they don't just give you your own... Shampoo: (yells) WILLS!! Everyone in the room clears out of Shampoo's path as she storms over to the pair. Linlin: (to David) Boy, are you in for it, now. Wills: ...... Shampoo: (looking down at Wills) Are you using my terminal to FTP 'H' images from Internet again? Wills: (innocently) Who, me? Shampoo takes a passing glance at the screen. Shampoo: FTP this. (hits the power switch) David watches the screen flicker out. Wills: (looks up at Shampoo) You could've at least waited until I'd saved- Shampoo: (impatiently) Get out of my chair! Wills: (still looking up at Shampoo) In a minute. Shampoo follows his gaze back up to her and understands why. Shampoo: That's it, you pervert! All bets are off! She place-kicks him over a few rows of workstations and startled operators. Shampoo: Linlin: Nice range. Even if we're indoors. Shampoo: (shrugs) Nobody's perfect. Kunou enters. A young woman, dressed in a crisp, new AD Police uniform, her light brown hair done up in a bun, stands at his side - looking for all the world as if she'd rather be latched onto him instead. Shampoo: (lopsided grin) Maybe Kunou's found someone who actually likes him. Linlin giggles. Kunou calls the room to attention. Kunou: Everyone? Kunou: Now as you all know, Hikaru has volunteered to take part in the Officer Exchange Program. He is spending a week working at the 35th Precinct in Kyoto, and that means... Shampoo: ...That you're going to have me do *his* work, too. Everyone breaks into laughter. Kunou: No. He brings the young woman forward. Kunou: This is Lieutenant Mariko Konjou, from the 35th Precinct. She will be serving as my temporary partner for the week. In her spare time, she also works as a cheerleader for the Kyoto Dragons. Mariko: (gushes) I'm *so* glad to be here! I just *know* we'll enjoy working together! I'm looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you! Shampoo: Kunou: I expect you to accord the same respect to Lt. Konjou as you would me. Linlin: (aside, to Shampoo) He doesn't *really* expect us to do that, does he? Shampoo: Kunou: (to Mariko) I must go to Supply for a minute and pick something up. This would be the perfect time for you to become acquainted with everyone. Mariko: (brightly) Okay! Mariko happily wanders through the room greeting people one by one. She makes a point to talk to Shampoo last - much to Shampoo's disgust, since she had been trying to get away. Mariko: Let's drop the act, okay? Shampoo: ...? Mariko: We both know you've got a thing for Kunou. Shampoo: (narrows eyes) I've what? Mariko: And I want you to know that you'd better forget it, or I'll make life miserable for you. Kunou is mine. Shampoo purses her lower lip momentarily, trying to keep from exploding... though she wasn't quite sure if it would be with anger, or laughter. Shampoo: You can have him, for all I care. I've *never* had a 'thing' for Kunou. Not now, not ever. Shampoo: Oh, by the way, let me make one thing clear... She produces a pair of large maces from out of nowhere. Shampoo: (deadly serious tone) Don't you EVER threaten me. Or you'll see whose life is made miserable. She realizes the desk that had been between them has collapsed from the weight of her maces. Mariko starts to laugh, until Shampoo raises the maces to the lieutenant's face. Mariko: ...... Mariko watches Shampoo leave. Mariko: Meanwhile, David approaches the remains of the desk. Wills: (shocked) My desk! Wills: * * * * The news of Ayumi's condition finally reached Ranma early in the afternoon. Upon hearing it she rushed straight to Ayumi's room at MegaTokyo General. She finds Genma waiting for her in the hall. Ranma: (catching her breath) I came as soon as I heard. What happened? Genma: Your partner- Ranma: She's *not* my partner! Genma: -was run down last night on her way home by a motorcycle gang. Ranma: So how is she? Genma: Showing concern for your partner? Ranma: Baka! She isn't my partner! Ranma takes a look into the room. Ayumi lies unmoving in the bed, attached to several machines. A man hovers beside her bed, watching her every non-movement. Genma: The doctor will be here any minute. Ranma turns back to her manager. Ranma: (gesturing) Who's that guy? Genma: I don't know. He says he's Ayumi's boyfriend. Randy: (looking up) Who's there? Genma: (pushes Ranma into the room) Just us. Randy: Who are you? Genma: I'm Ayumi's manager, and this is her partner, Ranma. Ranma considers thoughts of inflicting murder and high-impact pain for a second as she sends a glare Genma's way. Randy: Oh, the insensitive one. Ranma: What? Randy: Ayumi's told me all about you. Why she wants to be your partner, I don't know. She'd be far better off coming on tour with me. Ranma takes a closer look at Randy's features. Ranma: (flash of recognition) Now I remember who you are! You're that rock vocalist... Randy Kerrey, right? Randy: In person. Ranma: You're Ayumi's boyfriend? She never even mentioned she had one. Randy: Well... A voice at the door clears its throat. Doctor: Are the three of you friends of Miss Fujimura? Randy: Yes... He stops himself short of shaking the Doctor. Randy: Is she going to be all right? Doctor: I'll tell you the same thing I told her father over the phone. She's comatose right now. She seems to be stable and will probably pull out of it, but there's a good chance she may suffer some permanent nerve damage. Ranma: You don't mean... Doctor: It's possible she may never walk again. Randy: (anguish) No!! Isn't there any way you can know for sure? Doctor: Not until she comes out of her coma. The Doctor's pager sounds off. Doctor: (examines pager) Hmm... If you'll excuse me, there's an urgent matter I must take care of. He leaves the room, passing a pair of nurses in the hall. At the end of the corridor is a well-worn blue police box. The Doctor enters, and the police box slowly vanishes to the sound of piano wire being scraped. All this goes unnoticed by the nurses, who continue arguing. Yuri: Room 122? Kei, you were supposed to take the medication up to 212! Kei: No, I wasn't! Yuri: How do you expect a patient who's had his throat damaged in a Boomer incident to swallow pills? Kei: (grins) I could find a way. Yuri: (sternly) Kei...! Kei: (grumbles) All right. But it isn't my fault! Meanwhile... as Genma and Ranma stand by Ayumi's side, Randy slips out the door. Randy: This can't be happening! Randy: (clenches fist) Somebody ought to do something about this! (He leaves.) Ranma: Too bad we can't even ID the guys who did this to her. Genma: How terrible. It's a shame this had to happen. Ranma: Yeah. You'll have to pay for your own lunches for a while. Genma: So will you. Or have you forgotten you've been shafting your partner as well? Ranma: That's because I don't have anything left after all those dinners you've 'treated' *me* to! Ranma: (slugs Genma's shoulder) And she ISN'T my partner! The patient in the other bed sits up. Noriko: Can't a girl get some peace and quiet around here? She lies down, pulling a pillow over her head. Ranma checks the young woman's chart. Ranma: <'N. Takaya.' Suffered minor injuries in mech accident.> Ranma: * * * * Randy turned on the light in his garage. The lighting and surroundings just didn't do the Griffon - his prized car - any justice, or so he thought. It was a thing of beauty to be shown off publicly, not locked away in some small garage. He'd done so before. Fortunately, a patrol car had been able to keep the vandals from getting further than breaking the windows. But that was the past, when his car was just a luxury. Now it was to be a tool for revenge... In the next three days, the Griffon took on any and all motorcyclists on the road - never mind if they were innocent riders or not. One of those riders just happened to be Ranma, on her way home from the studio. The Griffon moved to sideswipe Ranma. In desperation, she sped up and turned in ahead of the car, so that it was in a position to try and take off her tailpipes. She knew it was a bad idea from the start, but she wanted the car where she could see it... nearly run her over. Ranma: The Griffon refused to let up. It was willing to go through other cars to get to her; Ranma found that out the hard way when it ran a convertible off the road to keep her from getting away. She resolved to lead the Griffon away from anything else on the road. Ranma: She revved the cycle's engine and turned wide onto an off-ramp at the last possible second. Ranma figured the car would have to go through the barrier walls to follow, but it came through the exit unscathed as she had, although seconds later. Ranma: Ranma led the Griffon back onto the main highway at breakneck speed. Had she not been pursued, she might have enjoyed this... if not for her helmet, the feel of the wind whipping her hair back... Ranma: She tore off her helmet, flung it at her pursuer. It clattered off the car's hood and into the windshield where it shattered the entire right side. The Griffon's driver lost control for an instant - a brief instant - long enough for him to see exactly who it was he'd been chasing. He let Ranma speed away, too stunned to follow. * * * * The next day, at Raven's Garage, Ryouga is working on a motorcycle as Ranma pulls up. Ranma: Ryouga! Ryouga notices the condition of Ranma's motorcycle. Ryouga: Oh, hi. What happened? Ranma: I got in a bit of a scrape with that strange black car last night. Ryouga: The one that's been running down motorcycle riders? Ranma: I guess so. What do I know? I don't keep up on current events. Ryouga: What did it look like? I might recognize it. She describes the car for him. Ryouga: (thoughtful expression) Sounds like it might be a Griffon. Ranma: A Griffon? They're not making those anymore, are they? Ryouga turns back to his work. Ryouga: Nope. It's a pretty fast car, but only a few people bought one. Ryouga: You're lucky you've got a fast bike. The Griffon can eat regular bikes for lunch. Ranma shudders as she recalls how close last night's chase had been. Ranma: (studying Ryouga's motorcycle) Like this tricycle you're working on? Ryouga: What? This is gonna be the fastest bike on the road! Ranma: I'll be happy to test it for you... Ryouga: Not a chance! I put this bike together from scratch, and I'm NOT about to let you take it apart! Ranma: C'mon, you can trust me. Ryouga: (turns away) I'll believe it when I see it. He figured Ranma would try to get on the motorcycle and start it while his back was turned, but she didn't. Whatever was on her mind was taking priority. Ranma: So, where's the old man? (pauses) Never mind, I'll find him. The garage was almost completely dark. Ranma frowned; she knew the old man was a stickler for power conservation, but this was ridiculous! Worse yet, Ryouga didn't seem to mind it. What, did he have radar or something? On the other hand, with Ryouga's sense of direction, that didn't make any sense. Ranma: (calling out) Hey, old man! Are you back here? Cherry: (appearing in front of her) Here I am. Ranma: (startled) Don't do that! Cherry: (ominously) I sense a black aura around you, Ranma. Ranma: (frowns) That's because you never turn on the lights in here, old man! Cherry: I told you never to call me that! Ranma: (nonchalantly) Whatever you say, old man. Cherry frowns. Cherry: So, what have you broken this time? Ranma: I'm hurt. Are you saying that the only time I come here is when I need something fixed? Cherry: 99.98 percent of the time, yes. Ranma: (smirks) Fine. Next time I need a birthday party catered, I'll think of you. * * * * Randy's Griffon becomes more of a symbol of his desire for vengeance as the days pass, Ayumi's image always present in his mind. Never satisfied with the performance of the car, he starts to add components - a weapon here, a computer panel there. For Ayumi was still in a coma... and someone had to pay. * * * * At AD Police headquarters... Shampoo: You're taking a big risk coming here to check records on the ADP computers. Why don't you use Akane's system? Ranma: I need a hacker. A person who's good with a computer. Shampoo: Is that a compliment? Ranma: Okay, yeah. Shampoo: All right, I'll do it. But only if you stop trying to flatter me. (She sighs.) If someone catches us... especially that weirdo lieutenant Kunou's hooked up with... Ranma: Oh, geez, I completely forgot - if Kunou sees me here... Shampoo cringes as a voice calls out to them. Mariko: Why, hello! This is such a lovely day, isn't it? Ranma, Shampoo: ............ Shampoo: Sure. Mariko: (to Ranma) We haven't met... I'm Lt. Mariko Konjou, from Kyoto. And you are...? Ranma: ......Ranma. Mariko: (surprised interest) The singer? (to Shampoo) My, you have such interesting friends. Mariko: (to Ranma) Pleased to meet you. Maybe we can do lunch someday. Ranma: Mariko heads for the double-door exit. Shampoo: (under her breath, to Ranma) I told you she was nuts. Mariko: (calling back) Socializing time is over, Shampoo. You're not on break. Angrily, Shampoo watches as Mariko leaves the building. Ranma looks both ways to make sure no one else is coming - especially Kunou, the bane of her existence. Ranma: *That's* Kunou's new partner? Shampoo: Only for the week. And get this - she's got a crush on him. Ranma: They deserve each other. * * * * As evening sets over MegaTokyo Ranma and her motorbike are on the highways once again, the incident at AD Police headquarters still replaying itself in her thoughts. (fade to flashback) Shampoo: (keying up the list) Here's the list of Griffon owners. Unless it's been stolen, the driver of that car's probably listed here. Ranma studies each name, picture and short profile in turn. Ranma: Nope, not that guy... no... wow, I didn't know she could afford one... Shampoo: Ranma: ...Wait! Go back to that last person! Shampoo: (reading aloud) 'Kerrey, Randy.' That Western rock vocalist? You think he's got something to do with this? Ranma: If he does, I'll find out. That was the very moment Kunou had chosen to make his appearance and notice Ranma. She'd spent the better part of an hour being chased through the ADP building and wondering how the hell Kunou could come up with large bouquets of red roses while on the run. (fade to present) Now that she thought about it, Randy certainly had the means and a motive: getting back at whoever had hurt Ayumi. He had no way of knowing exactly who it was, however, so the next logical choice was to go after *all* motorcycle riders. The Griffon watched from the shadows. It let Ranma pass without moving after her; she wasn't its prey tonight. * * * * Another day passed. Randy pulled into the Raven's Garage front lot. He wished he'd taken the Griffon; a group of bikers had made fun of his motorcycle in passing. Still, he knew he shouldn't give himself away by being seen with the car. He passed Ryouga, who was working on his pet project, on his way in. Cherry: Oh, it's you. What do you want this time? Randy: Can you help me install an AI processor into my Griffon's systems? Cherry: An AI processor? Of course not! You've already modified that car far past normal operating standards. I'm surprised it hasn't blown up in your face! Randy: Will you help me or not? Cherry: Why are you doing this? Randy: I have my reasons. Cherry: All bad, I'm sure. No, I can't help you. Randy: Fine! Then I'll do it myself, old man! (He leaves.) Cherry: (calling after Randy) Don't call me 'old man!' Ryouga joins Cherry, watching the man ride off. Ryouga: Who was that? Cherry: ...... They hear the familiar sound of Ranma's motorcycle engine. Ranma: (calling) Ryouga? Old man? Cherry: Don't call me that! Ranma: Was that who I think it was? Cherry: Who do you think it was? Ranma: Randy Kerrey. Cherry: It was. Ryouga: Who? Ranma: We've got a problem. I think he may be the one behind those motorcycle 'accidents.' Cherry: Hmm... I have had my suspicions. If you're right, then he may be becoming too obsessed. He's already made a lot of modifications on his Griffon. He wanted me to help him install an AI system. Ranma, Ryouga: An AI system? Ranma: I don't know why he'd want to do that. She starts her bike. Ryouga: What are you going to do? Ranma: I'm going to see if I can catch up with him. Tell Akane what's happened. Ryouga: Are you crazy!? What am I going to tell her? 'Oh, hi, Akane, Ranma's dead again...'? Ranma: Huh? Why would you say anything like that? Just use your good judgement. (She leaves.) Cherry: There she goes, off on another foolish venture. Ryouga: ......... Ryouga: Stupid fool. Ranma rolls back up, punts Ryouga, and leaves. * * * * As it turned out, the police were after Kerrey as well. He arrived to find the police trying to clear everyone out of the area so they could set up shop around his apartment. Randy easily managed to sneak past. In the meantime, the police stop Ranma at the roadblock. Ranma: What's going on? Policeman: Official police business. If you need to go through here, you'll have to take the detour- The Griffon chose this exact moment to plow through the door of the garage that had protected it for so long. It launches over the roadblock - and Ranma's head. The car bounced to the ground... a tremendous jolt to the underside of the Griffon, though Randy didn't seem to care what he did to the car or himself any longer. As soon as the car touched down and roared off the police were packing up for pursuit. Lieutenant: All right, everyone! Let's move it! Policeman: Do you REALLY need to say that? Ranma watches the chase as it leaves her behind. Ranma: Ranma: (looks in all directions) * * * * The phone in Shampoo's workstation rings. Linlin: (answering Shampoo's phone) Hello? Linlin: No, she's not at her desk right now. She's on a break... (laughs) I'll go find her. No - wait, here she comes. Linlin: (hands phone to Shampoo) Shampoo? It's for you. Shampoo nods and takes the call. Shampoo: Mmbff? She realizes she still has the last few bites of a chocolate-glazed donut in her mouth and gulps it down with a coffee chaser, wiping her mouth. Shampoo: Hello? Sorry 'bout that. Ranma: (over phone) Eating again, huh? Shampoo: Hey, this is tiring work. Ranma: (sarcastic) I'll bet. Ranma: I haven't got time to talk. The Griffon's on the move. He'll probably be hiding out for a day or two so he can work on his car, but we've got to get him now before he does any more damage. Ranma: Have Akane and Ukyou mobilize and try to intercept. We can't waste any more time! Shampoo: Where will you be? Ranma: I'll catch up later. I've got something to do, first... * * * * Ranma fed three more coins into the phone and dialed the number for MegaTokyo General's front desk. (...ring...) (...ring...) (...ring...) Ranma: (...ring...) (click!) Voice: (over phone) Hello, this is MegaTokyo General, Front Desk. How may I help you? Ranma: Uh, yeah, I'd like to check on a patient... Ayumi Fujimura, room one-fourteen. (pause, sounds of typing on a computer keyboard) Voice: Hello? Ranma: Yes? Voice: Miss Fujimura is currently stable and recovering from a comatose state. Ranma: She's come out of her coma? Voice: (rudely) I said that, didn't I? Voice: Is there anything else you would like to know? Ranma: No. (click!) Ranma: (hangs the receiver on its hook) Che... Across town, the orderly manning the front desk at MegaTokyo General looks over a to-do list. Orderly: Lessee now... phone in anonymous malpractice accusations - done that, tell loved ones their relatives are dead - done that too, be rude to callers - done... no, I'd better give that a little more time. * * * * Later, in room 114... Ranma pours Ayumi a cup of warm tea. Ayumi: (sighs) ...Thanks. I guess I gave everyone a scare, huh? Ranma: (reclining in her chair) You're lucky you didn't come out of it with any serious injuries. Ayumi: Yeah. I've been wondering about that. It's like we're in one of those stories where the bad guys always lose, the good guys always win and never get hurt. Ranma: If it upsets you, I heard there's someone you can complain to, but I don't remember his name. Ayumi: Our manager? Ranma: More important than him. I think the guy's supposed to be a writer of some sort. Ayumi: What? You don't actually believe those rumors? Ranma: (grins) Heh - I was just kidding. She takes a deep breath, then makes her pitch. Ranma: I think Randy was pretty upset over your condition, too. Ayumi: (snapping to attention) Randy!? You know him? Ranma: He was here when I came to see you after you were admitted. (shrugs) He told me he was your boyfriend. Ayumi: Hmph. He *thinks* he's my boyfriend. Ranma: (raised eyebrow) He isn't? Ayumi: Not by a long shot. He attached himself to me one day and wouldn't let go. Ranma: (scowls) I know the feeling. Have you heard about the vigilante who's out gunning for motorcycle riders? Ayumi: A little... why? Ranma: It's Randy. Ayumi: (shocked) It is? Why would he do that? What reason could he possibly have for endangering- Ranma: You. Ayumi: (pauses) ............... Ranma: He might have been upset over your being hurt, so he decided to do something about it. Ayumi: That sounds like him, all right. But are you really sure it's him? I mean, sure, he does own a Griffon, but... Making a grab for the television remote, Ranma switches to the news. Announcer: ...And that's the weather for this week. How are things in MegaTokyo today, Asuka? Asuka maintains a professional air, despite the fact that she's trying not to show her dislike for the transition dialogue - or the weatherman who spoke it. Asuka: Today, police reported that they have positively identified the infamous Griffon vigilante as Randy Kerrey, the popular Western rock vocalist. A motive has not yet been established for Kerrey, who is currently at large, on the run and hiding somewhere in MegaTokyo. Kerrey himself was unavailable for comment. Asuka: We ask that you assume Kerrey is armed and dangerous. If you have any information that may lead to the arrest of this fugitive, please contact the local authorities at- Ranma turns off the television. Ranma: (to Ayumi) Well? How's that for timing? Ayumi: (burying her face in her hands) I can't believe this is happening. Ranma: Do you have any idea where Randy might be hiding? Ayumi: Well, there are a few places... why do you ask? Ranma: (lopsided grin) I know a group that just might be able to help. * * * * At the same time, a small contingent of AD Police is deployed to search for the Griffon, Kunou and Mariko in charge. Behind the steering wheel of his patrol car, Kunou is uncharacteristically quiet. Kunou: The AD Police, reduced to playing lowly backup for the regular police... What is this world coming to? Mariko: Don't tell me you don't find this exhilarating. Kunou: On the contrary. The AD Police are destined for far greater things than combating an ordinary rogue vigilante. Assignments like this are an embarrassment. Mariko: I love it when you talk that way. Kunou: (barely paying attention) Hmmm... A call comes in over Kunou's communications channel. Shampoo: (over the radio) Kunou? Are you there? We've got a possible lead for you. Mariko reaches over and turns the volume knob all the way down. Kunou: Why did you do that? Mariko: (flatly) We don't need any information that tramp has to offer. Kunou: That 'tramp,' as you put it, happens to be one of my best sources of information. He turns the volume back up. Kunou: (answering the call) Tatewaki Kunou here. What do you have for me? Mariko: (impatiently) For *us*. Kunou: (to Mariko) If you wish. At the ADP building... Shampoo: Shampoo: (fingering her communication line) Okay, proceed to 5th and Minako. We've got a tip that that's where Kerrey is holed up. Mariko: (to Kunou) A *tip*? That's all your precious fountain of information can come up with? Kunou: Show some faith. Shampoo has never given me any reason to doubt her information. Mariko pouts in the shotgun seat as Kunou shifts the car into gear. * * * * The modifications were complete. Now, in addition to being one of the most fearsome cars on the road, his Griffon was also capable of thinking - of *reacting* - on its own. The Griffon had absorbed his plans of revenge as though it were a child eager to learn. And, to keep its parent from being hurt... Randy tried to open the door, but it wouldn't budge, even after a swift kick. Randy: What are you doing? To his surprise the car answered. Griffon: (monotone) After reviewing your plan, I have concluded that it will likely prove to be unsafe for you in the long run. I cannot allow you to come to any harm. Griffon: I will carry out the plan myself. Randy: You can't! This is my mission. What gives you the right to- Griffon: You are my creator. I will not allow you to come to harm. Randy: ...... There was a loud crash, and all of a sudden the Knight Sabers were in the garage with him. Ukyou: Surprise! Ranma, Akane: (looking at Ukyou from either side) ...... Ukyou: (over private channel) Someone's gotta do it since Shampoo's not here. Randy: The Knight Sabers! Ranma: We've come to stop you. Randy: (stands) Never! Ukyou: (drawing her large spatula) Come on, don't make this any harder than it has to be. The Griffon starts itself. Sirens can be heard in the distance. Ranma: I don't know how you did that, but we're not gonna let you hurt anyone else! Griffon: You may be able to stop my creator - but you will not stop me! (The engine roars.) Ranma: Who said that!? Akane: The car!! Everyone stared dumbfounded at the car while it came to life, tires squealing, proceeding to head out on its mission of no mercy. Ranma was the first to snap out of her reverie, grabbing for the car. She caught hold of the rear fender. The Griffon sped unconcerned down the road dragging her like a tin can on a string - her hardsuit kicking up sparks every time it bounced off the pavement. Ukyou pulls Randy up by his shirt. Ukyou: What was that about? Randy: The car... it has a mind of its own now. It's decided to take over... Ukyou: (dropping Randy onto the concrete) Then it isn't going to stop for anything. The two Knight Sabers look at each other with only one thought on their minds... Akane, Ukyou: (private) Ranma! AD Police cars start to surround the building. Kunou is the last to pull up; he wastes no time in handing out orders. Akane: (looking down upon Randy) The ADP are here. We'll let you deal with them. * * * * The Griffon continued to pick up speed despite its stowaway. Ranma could almost feel the rough pavement beneath her grinding away the exterior of her hardsuit as she struggled to hold on. Ranma: (gritting teeth) Ranma: Ranma: Gathering her strength, she locks tightly onto the bumper with both hands and swings her legs underneath the car. Ranma: (snorts) It was a necessary but useless position to be in, so it was all the more difficult for Ranma to start pulling herself up. Luckily, the Griffon wasn't overly armor-plated - less so in the rear - so Ranma found she could punch hand- and foot-holds in the car's body as she went along. Her wind resistance was becoming unbearable. Ranma: (yelling) Stop! At least, pull over! Griffon: I cannot stop until my mission is complete. Ranma: I can't let you do that! Griffon: Then I cannot let you stop me. Ranma steeled herself. The Griffon began to swerve like a drunken driver, trying to shake Ranma off its back. She was grateful for the enhanced abilities her hardsuit provided; they helped her hold on even at this dangerous speed. Ranma: You'll have to do better than that! Griffon: I intend to. For its next trick, the Griffon rammed its armored front end into the rear of a cargo truck driving at a considerably slower speed and pushed it until the truck's cargo of boxes began spilling out over the Griffon's back toward Ranma. To counter, she lay as flat as she could against the car and let the debris wash over her. Ranma: That does it! I'm tired of hanging on! Ranma claws her way to the top of the car, fighting the wind and the Griffon all the way. Akane: (over the communicator channel) Ranma, Ukyou and I are on our way. How are you doing? Ranma: Oh, just fine. Tell Shampoo to get the AD Police to set up a blockade - we need something to crash through. Akane: (laughs) Okay. Hang tight until we get there. Ranma: Ranma: (to the Griffon) So, how'd you like a sunroof? (The car doesn't respond.) No answer, huh? Fine. She rams a steel-plated fist straight down into the car's roof, followed by both feet. Dropping down into the driver's seat she encounters one of the car's internal defenses: an electric burst. The last thing Ranma saw before blacking out was the electricity cascading across her hardsuit. * * * * Kunou eagerly looked through his image-intensifier binoculars one more time. Shampoo had led them right to the path of the renegade car, and Kunou was confident that his barrier would stop anything. If necessary, the gunners would see to that. Mariko, too, was doing her part to keep up morale, sickeningly sweet as it were. But the men and women manning the barrier knew better than anyone else that these barriers never held for long against the actual threats the AD Police were usually sent out after, no matter how much they wished it would. ADP Officer: It's coming!! Kunou: Everyone into position! Then, they opened fire. A shot managed to pierce the Griffon's windshield and bounce off Ranma's hardsuit, waking her. Ranma: (groans) What happened? Griffon: I see that you are still here. No problem; there is nothing you can do. I will not stop. Ranma: Think so, eh? More shots break through the windshield. Ranma magnifies the view in her visor to get a good look at the ADP barrier. The AD Police continue firing. Mariko lapses into cheerleader mode. Mariko: (bouncing) Yeah! You can do it! Go, A-D-P!! The gunners merely shrug and keep shooting. Ranma: You've got to stop! You'll kill all those people! Griffon: No one must interfere with my mission. Ranma: I'll give you interference...! Ranma: <...Did I just say that?> Not about to be subtle, Ranma begins punching holes in anything that looked like it wasn't necessary for the car to run. All of Randy's work shorts out, self-destructs, or simply stops working. Griffon: No... I have not completed my mission... (muffled electronic static) Ranma: (laughs) I did it! Serves you right! But the car still speeds out of control. She takes the wheel and looks for the brakes. Meanwhile, the gunners, painfully aware that their rounds aren't going to stop the car bearing down on them, start scrambling away from the barrier. Kunou: Stand your ground! If we stand together, we can bring down anything! When no one joins him, he makes a last-ditch stand in front of the barrier - right in the Griffon's path. Kunou: I order you to stop! The car, of course, doesn't. Mariko leaps and pulls Kunou out of the way at the last possible second. Mariko: (scolding) You shouldn't risk your life like that! The Griffon smashes through the barrier. Kunou: ............ Ranma: She notices that the car is almost upon a solid wall. Ranma: <...Oh, no! No time to stop...> Ranma climbs through the hole she made on her way in. Ranma: One, two, three... NOW!! (She leaps from the car.) All watch as the Griffon crashes into the wall and explodes. Akane and Ukyou join Ranma, who's busy picking herself up. Ukyou: We missed all the action! Ranma: (muttering) You *would* have to come after I've done all the work. Akane: Well, it looks like our work's done. Ranma: Yeah. The AD Police can handle clean-up. Akane: (watching the fireball burn itself out) Another man's dreams go up in... Ukyou and Ranma glare at her. Akane: You two have no class. * * * * The next day, Hikaru and Shampoo walk through the front door of the AD Police building. Hikaru: Thanks for picking me up at the airport, Shampoo. I knew Kunou wouldn't be able to take time out of his busy schedule. Shampoo: You mean MY busy schedule. Hikaru: (laughs) Working at the 35th Precinct was interesting, but it's great to be home. Shampoo: (sarcastic) Yeah. Too bad your 'replacement' had to leave. A voice from behind startles them. Mariko: Not necessarily! Shampoo: (wheeling about) You? What are you doing here? Hikaru: Weren't you supposed to go back to work in Kyoto today? Mariko: Not any more. I've been transferred here permanently. Shampoo: Permanently!? Mariko: (to Shampoo) Yes. Which means you and I will be seeing a lot more of each other. Shampoo: Mariko: Here comes my new partner now. I'm sure both of you remember him... Wills: Hi, guys! Hikaru: (to Wills) You're her new partner? Wills: Yep. I've just been promoted to lieutenant. We've been assigned to investigate special Boomer cases. Shampoo: (to Wills) I don't believe you got a promotion... Hey, maybe it'll keep you out of my hair for a while. Wills: (aside, to Shampoo) Is that an offer to get lost in it? Shampoo: (coolly) I hope you have loads of fun together. * * * * At Raven's Garage, Ranma and Ryouga work on their motorcycles under Cherry's watchful eye. Ranma: (looking up at Cherry, who's sitting on the hood of a car) Y'know, I've always wanted to know why this place is called 'Raven's Garage' when your name isn't 'Raven.' Ryouga: I've always wondered that, too. Cherry: It's a matter of good business practices. Ryouga, Ranma: Huh? Cherry: You wouldn't go to a garage that's named 'Cherry's Garage,' would you? Ranma, Ryouga: ............ They throw every tool within reach at Cherry. ------------------------------- CREDITS: Guest Appearance by David Wills (Fidonet's Own Raving Hentai Lunatic) - who has the fastest promotion record I've ever seen... With apologies to Rumiko Takahashi, Kenichi Sonoda and anyone else whose characters were used here. Pre-readers: David Wills Nessie Rilveria Guest Pre-reader: Ed "P-chan" Little Disclaimer: The usual. Special thanks to The Home Crew - without whose help I probably would've finished this a lot sooner... ^_^ and Drew Hurlstone. No Boomers were harmed in the production of this episode. (trailer for next Bubblegum Splash! OAV edited out to save space) Other 'episodes' of Bubblegum Splash! are available for FTP from the rec.arts.anime.creative archive site, ftp.cs.ubc.ca, or from my WWW pages (address below). * Mike ('Kino Makoto') Koos: makoto@cal.net * http://www.fanfic.net/~makoto * * "I can do nothing to stop you. Your background music is too strong * for me." - Sam Johnson, Whose Line is it Anyway?