Ukyo Kuonji (Bonbori and Spatulas)

==Biography==
===History===
Back when Ukyo was still pretending to be a girl after enrolling in one school she was almost immediately swarmed by the female students. In order to keep them from obsessing on her, Ukyo figured that to find one that she liked and date her on and off. She met Megumii after getting a cut on her forehead during a game of soccer in gym class. She went off to the sidelines to clean it up. Ukyo had just finished washing it off with some water from the fountain when Megumi gave her a handkerchief. Megumi was quiet, shy... not many folks noticed her but Ukyo did. She was about to thank her, only for Megumi to run off. Ukyo figured dating a girl like that was better than one who was more aggressive.
 
Ukyo never expected to end up liking her. Ranma was Ukyo’s first real friend and after his father took off with her okonomiyaki cart, she got teased mercilessly and it made her pretty defensive around people, so she didn't really have any friends. Didn't trust people anymore. Who's to say they wouldn't take off on her like Ranma did or end up making fun of her once they found out the truth? However it was different with Megumi somehow. Ukyo found herself trusting Megumi, telling her stuff she hadn't told anyone. Even about Ranma, but leaving out certain details, of course.
 
For a while Ukyo thought that she was in love with Megumi. Which is why she decided to tell her the truth, figuring that if it was really love, if Megumi really cared about her, it wouldn't matter that she was a girl dressing up like a boy. Ukyo didn’t realize how much the truth would hurt her until she saw Megumi crying as she slapped her in the face. This is why Ukyo decided to enroll into an all male school where she met Tsubasa.
===Plot===
Ukyo was surprised when she received an invitation to Ranma and Akane’s wedding a year after their first attempt at getting married. She later found out that it was at Ranma’s insistence. The realization that Ranma always saw her as just a friend left Ukyo devastated. She declined the invitation and went to go get drunk instead. Konatsu had wanted to comfort her, but she told him that she needed to be alone. She was just finishing her second beer when noticed that Shampoo was in the bar as well. She had had the same idea as Ukyo, but the bartender had finally decided to cut her off. Ukyo managed to de-escalate things, and though she managed to convince the fearful bartender to give Shampoo another beer, upon seeing her gulp down the huge glass of sake Ukyo agreed that she should slow down. Though understanding why Shampoo was so upset, Ukyo became suspicious about how cryptic she was being and demanded to know what was wrong, when Shampoo tried brushing her off. Now that Ranma was marrying Akane the two had developed a sense of comradery since there was nothing left to fight for. So Shampoo agreed to tell her as long as she promised to keep it quiet.
 
Shampoo explained to Ukyo the penalty for her failure to marry Ranma, and she was horrified to learn that she had a little over a month before she had to return to the tribe to face the Elders for punishment. At best Shampoo would be exiled, but since Shampoo refused to bring dishonor to her family it was just as much of a death sentence. In response Ukyo grabbed Shampoo by the shoulders and began shaking her calling her crazy for even thinking such a thing. Shampoo tried to explain that this was the only way that she could regain her honor. Ukyo hugged Shampoo and told her that she would help her find a way out of this. While Ukyo knew Shampoo was far gone she didn't realize just how gone she was until she suddenly passed out in her arms. This unnerved Ukyo at first but she simply gave another sigh and adjusted her stance until she could lift Shampoo’s unconscious frame in her arms. The bartender scurries over and nervously collects their tabs then holds open the door for Ukyo as she makes her way into the cool night air.
 
By the time Shampoo finally stirs, Ukyo had made her way back home and was attempting to open the front door to the restaurant without waking her. Shampoo didn't reply after being told that she was in no condition to face Cologne, so Ukyo was allowing her to crash at her place. Instead she borrowed her face against Ukyo’s chest as she fell asleep again. As Ukyo looked at her features she was stunned by the beauty she saw there. She slowly made her way upstairs when suddenly the door to the guest room opened to reveal Konatsu's sleepy figure. He could only blink when Ukyo told him that Shampoo would be staying there for the night, and then he snapped out of this state to revert back to his usual helpful self. Since she was nearly there Ukyo declined and told him that she would explain 
 
Ukyo was roused from sleep by an angry Shampoo accusing her of taking advantage of her. Ignoring her, Ukyo decided to head into the bathroom to wash up before reminding Shampoo of what happened. However while Shampoo remembered going to the bar she didn’t remember how she ended up in Ukyo’s bed and demanded to know what happened. She fumed inwardly when Ukyo didn’t know what she was talking about. Lifting her gaze to meet Ukyo’s Shampoo heard herself release a gasp of air and winced at showing weakness to her. Shampoo’s mind wanders to happier times. More peaceful times. Less confusing times. Times where she was in love and been loved in return. Ukyo sees this and waves a hand in front of Shampoo’s face to gain her attention. Shampoo was surprised when Ukyo showed concern for her. Assuring her that she was fine, Shampoo again asked what happened. 
 
Shampoo agreed with Ukyo that she wouldn’t have wanted to face Cologne in the state she was in. she became flustered when she tried to thank Ukyo for her help, she became even more so upon realizing that she was fully dressed. As Shampoo was musing all this Ukyo opened the curtains and told Shampoo that she could use the shower if she wanted. Ukyo wasn’t planning on opening the restaurant that day so told Shampoo to come downstairs when she was done and she’d make her something.
 
Ukyo was cleaning the grill when she heard soft and familiar footsteps. Not looking up, she greeted Konatsu who greeted her as he always does. Ukyo could hear the hurt in his voice when he asked her how she and Shampoo ended up drinking together as he sidles next to her to help clean the grill. She explained what happened and smiled when Konatsu asked when he asked if she felt better. Ukyo wondered if she should talk to Konatsu about what Shampoo told her last night, but as she was contemplating it Shampoo arrived. Seeing her guarded look and knowing that she wanted to talk, Ukyo asked Konatsu to clean the storage room for her.
 
Shampoo gave Ukyo a recipe for a hangover cure and the two discussed what she was going to do next. Ukyo suggested that she ask Cologne for help, but Shampoo refused not feeling like she deserved it. Annoyed with how stubborn Shampoo was being walked around the counter and pushed Shampoo off the stool, before propelling her out the door. Stating that Cologne was her grandmother so was sure to help. Shampoo sighed and then a second later all resistance was gone and she was walking at an easy pace. Ukyo paused to say goodbye to Konatsu then proceeded on her way to the Nekohaten with Shampoo walking at her side.
 
When they entered the restaurant unlike what Shampoo expected Cologne did not glare at her nor did she scold her. She simply clung to her staff and moved her analytical gaze from Shampoo to Ukyo then back again as she asked a silent question. Her cheeks flush Shampoo admitted that she told Ukyo about their laws. She looked up and saw her Great Grandmother had turned her attention fully to Ukyo and a wave of relief passed over Shampoo only to be wiped away by shame at having felt such a thing. Ukyo's jaw clenches and stares down Cologne demanding to know if Cologne was aware that Shampoo was planning on killing herself so that Cologne could retain her honor. Shampoo flinched when Cologne subtly tightens her hold on her staff. Slowly, her pinprick gaze turns Shampoo’s way and she meets it reluctantly. Her voice was calm but laced with steel when she asked Shampoo to confirm what Ukyo said.
 
Shampoo answered timidly and lowered my eyes as a wave of chi flowed freely from Cologne. She is very angry now. Ukyo brought everyone's attention back to her. This caused Cologne to raise her eyebrow wondering why she felt she could speak of Shampoo’s feelings and rights. Ukyo didn’t understand the underlying meaning of Cologne’s question so just gave Cologne a blank stare. Shampoo explained that the two made peace, since Ranma married Akane there was no longer any reason for them to remain enemies. Seeing the supporting look Ukyo gave her, Shampoo was able to build up the courage to ask Cologne for help. Cologne paused to consider this with her usual methodical process. She then looks at Shampoo with an expression of relief then sighs annoyed that Shampoo thought the answer would ever be in question. There was another pause as she fixes her gaze onto Ukyo who cringes under it. Cologne thanked her for saving Shampoo’s life.
 
Shampoo couldn’t help but form an amused smirk at the color of red Ukyo turns at this statement. Only for her stomach to turn queasy when Cologne inquired if Ukyo still wanted to help. However, she swiftly moves her attention back to Shampoo telling her that they would leave immediately on a training expedition. She explained that if Shampoo is able to defeat Ranma in battle then she would successfully annul her engagement to him by proving herself the superior warrior in battle. Shampoo’s victory and Ranma’s defeat would thereby make him unworthy of her and the engagement, causing it to be annulled. Ukyo was shocked that it would be so simple. Unfortunately it wasn’t. Shampoo and Cologne have spent nearly two years in Japan in pursuit of Ranma. To explain Shampoo's sudden switch to the tribe will be a mammoth task. In fact the reason Cologne never suggested this tactic before was because she knew Shampoo would never want to use it. With cold affirmation Shampoo agreed, all she had left was her honor and she wouldn’t allow Ranma to take that away from her. Cologne met her gaze then nods in a slow approval of my words. She then turns on her staff and hops into the kitchen as she invites Ukyo to join them.
 
After packing her things Ukyo was ready to head out until she saw Konatsu, sitting in front of the counter, a sad expression on his beautiful features. Sighing at this, Ukyo walked over to him and sat next to him, matching his gaze and looking forward, at the wall of okonomiyaki ingredients. She told him that she wanted this, she wanted to help Shampoo. She also felt that it would be good to get away from things. She almost said Ranma, but caught herself. Seeing the small tick in Konatsu’s jaw, the only thing telling her he was upset. Ukyo truly wished she loved him as much as he appears to love her. He finally looks at Ukyo and hesitates a moment before taking her hand in his own and squeezing it lightly. Telling her that she didn’t need to explain anything and that he would take good care of everything while she was gone. Wanting to give him something, to let him know that he really does matter to her, Ukyo told him that she wouldn’t trust just anyone with her restaurant.
 
Ukyo was just feet away from the Nekohaten when there's a loud sound of a crash and Mousse comes flying out the open door, slamming into the back wall on the street and collapsing to the ground, unconscious. Ukyo blinked at his fallen form then looked back at the door in time to see Shampoo dusting off her hands. She notices me standing there and immediately forms a bright smile. After greeting her Shampoo smoothly, walked past her and pulled a pair handcuffs from out of nowhere and kneeling down in front of Mousse. She explained that Mousse had wanted to come with them hoping to challenge Shampoo after she defeated Ranma. After getting over she shock Ukyo pointed out that Mousse would be able to get out of his chains, luckily Cologne had a potion to keep him knocked out.
 
Ukyo noticed Cologne observing them quietly from the door to the Nekohaten kitchen. Her steely eyes are hard, looking at Ukyo with an intense scrutiny that causes her to shift in her seat. Luckily Cologne just greeted her dryly before turning her attention to Mousse. Shampoo tried to comfort Ukyo by telling her that they had many things to teach her, but that just made her more nervous. She directed my gaze back over to Cologne and instantly regretted this decision when she saw her looking at her more closely, her gaze a sort of cold fire as it burned into Ukyo.Jumped to her feet, gave a very nervous laugh and backed quickly out of the Nekohaten.
 
Their route into the mountains was filled with quiet silence. This caused Shampoo to once again start contemplating how things ended up this way. Seeing this Ukyo finally broke the silence by asking if she was okay. Shampoo shrugged her concerns off while trying to block out the face of disappointment and slight hurt Ukyo wears. It does get to her, causing her to elaborate. Ukyo empathized and told Shampoo about her own feelings of guilt with Konatsu. Moving closer to her, Shampoo told Ukyo that she was a good friend and that she was glad Ukyo was hers. Shampoo had to back the urge to laugh at Ukyo's expression when she said this. Though she couldn’t help herself from teasing Ukyo.
 
Shampoo became concerned when it looked like she had upset Ukyo. Much to her surprise when she asked Ukyo if she was okay, she told her that she had a girlfriend once. Shampoo, making an effort to speak proper Japanese, told Ukyo about Lotion the Younger. Sadly remembering how she failed to save Lotion once again brought to mind. After calming Shampoo down Ukyo told her about Megumi. This once again brought the conversation back to Ranma. Shampoo gazed at her for a long moment and then, without really knowing why, took her face in her hands as Ukyo gazed back at her, her eyes full of unshed tears. Shampoo told her that she thought she was cute. The two began inching towards each other only for Cologne to start shouting at them. They blinked together then stared at each other. Ukyo turned red like a tomato again and jumped away from Shampoo, looking like she'd been scalded. While Shampoo didn't react quite so obviously, her reaction internally was much the same. They both decided to put the question of what they were about to do aside and focus on their training.
By the time they set up camp the sun had set and they were all wiped out from the trip. Well at least Ukyo was. Since it was late Cologne decided that they would wait to start training until the next day. Instead she sat them down around the campfire to tell them the technique that she was going to teach them, the Blink of Light. Seeing Cologne’s gaze draw over her Ukyo wondered why she had it out for her as she got up and hopped away. Left me alone with Shampoo Ukyo brought her out of her shock so that she could explain what the technique was and why she was so shocked that Cologne would teach it to her. Ukyo assured Shampoo that she was worthy of Cologne’s trust in her. Shampoo looks away from Ukyo, only to look back, a smile tugging on her lips as she regards her fondly. When Ukyo became suspicious, Shampoo told her that she was so innocent sometimes which was both charming and frustrating.
 
Ukyo became offended at this which caused Shampoo to arch an eyebrow. Ukyo wanted to huff and puff and blow her smug attitude down but before she could Shampoo pressed her hand against her cheek. Shampoo told a stunned Ukyo that she liked her that way as to many people her life were false. As Shampoo brought her in closer, Ukyo asked her if she wanted to go back to her village because it didn’t sound like she was happy there. Shampoo never really thought about it, but while she admitted that while Joketsuzoku wasn’t perfect it was where her family was, who she could at least trust and their love for me. This caused Ukyo to blurt out that Shampoo could trust her. In response, Shampoo kissed Ukyo on the forehead and then went into her tent where she mused to herself about her past until Ukyo came in to tell them that dinner was ready.
 
Neither Shampoo or Ukyo could sleep so they ended up talking. Shampoo expressed to Ukyo her fears that she wouldn’t be able to defeat Ranma. Grasping her hands Ukyo told Shampoo that she would, and that she believed in her. A slow smile spread on Shampoo’s features before her eyes filled with torment, and self doubt. Turning away from Ukyo, she told her that she shouldn’t. Before she could reply, Shampoo pulls the sleeping bag closer to her, covering her body. Taking this to be the end of the conversation, Ukyo slides back into her own sleeping bag.
 
Just as she said Cologne woke the two up at daybreak. As Cologne outlined her plans for the training she explained that she and training alone, while there would be other days for Ukyo to learn from her, she wouldn’t be taught Blink of Light technique. Ukyo wished Shampoo good luck as they left. Ukyo watched Shampoo and Cologne walk off into the forest for a good while before the urge to yawn took hold of her and she gave herself a good stretch. As she cleaned up and got dressed Ukyo was left alone to contemplate on things before going back to sleep.
 
Shampoo hungrily gobbled down the stew that Ukyo had cooked for lunch as she asked her how her training went. Cologne assured Ukyo that Shampoo did very well stating that if she did then she wouldn't be her heir and the future Matriarch of Joketsuzoku. Ukyo gave Cologne an insufferably charming smile meant to annoy her before asking about her training. Cologne told her that they would start with the basics, the Chestnuts Roasting Over An Open Fire technique at first, then move on from there. Ukyo’s eyes flashed dangerously when Cologne commented about how even ten year olds in the tribe are able to grasp it as their most simple technique. She takes Shampoo’s bowl, causing her to notice that it's once again empty, and refills it. As she hands it back, stating that she wasn’t Ranma.
 
Later Shampoo came across Ukyo training and as she complimented her she accidentally revealed that she knew that Ukyo was a ninja. An embarrassed Shampoo admitted that they had done research on Ukyo back when they were still rivals. Luckily Ukyo quickly calmed down, waving off Shampoo’s apology as unnecessary. Ukyo decided to tell Shampoo a little more about herself, causing Shampoo to wonder if Ukyo’s father is so wealthy than why did he engage her to Ranma. After thinking about it for a while Ukyo came to the conclusion that he must have done it for her. Realizing that Shampoo was staring at her, Ukyo explained that her father, seeing how hard it was for her to make friends, engaged her to Ranma because they were friends. Though being reminded that Ranma only treated her differently from others because he thought she was a boy caused Ukyo to throw her spatula a little harder.
 
After comforting Ukyo, Shampoo told her what Cologne said about trusting her. Shampoo didn’t care though she felt that she could trust Ukyo, and wanted to trust Ukyo. Shuddering as she released a deep and gasping breath,Shampoo murmurs that it had been a long time since she trusted someone and it felt good. In response Ukyo honestly told Shampoo that she didn’t want to hurt her, but she couldn’t promise that she wouldn’t since friends sometimes hurt each other. Placing her hands on Shampoo’s shoulders Ukyo promised that she would do everything in her power not to hurt her and if she does it wouldn’t be on purpose. It was here that the two noticed that they were being watched by Cologne. Shampoo freezes when Cologne focuses her hard gaze at her. Luckily she just told Shampoo to go to bed since they would be waking up earlier so that she could train Ukyo.
 
The next day as soon as Cologne told Ukyo it was time to learn the Chestnut First, the sleep flew from her eyes and she was concentrating totally on everything being said. Her eyes didn’t avert from Cologne once remaining focused, staring at Cologne's hands, analyzing the technique as she saw it. When Cologne told her to try, Ukyo scowled at the hint of humor in her voice. She pushed up the sleeves to her shirt before narrowing her eyes and darting both of her hands into the fire to snatch the chestnuts out of it. Seconds later, she had one chestnut in her hold and two slightly burnt arms and hands. Cologne stressed that was the speed that Ranma possessed. She then stated that once Shampoo masters Wanting Shampoo to beat the pants off of Ranma Ukyo told Cologne that she could handle things herself so she could continue Shampoo’s training. The two talked some more, Shampoo telling Ukyo to take it easy and Ukyo telling Shampoo that she was serious about her beating Ranma before Cologne yelled at Shampoo to hurry up.
 
By the time it's time for her to start cooking dinner, Ukyo had managed to snag four out of six chestnuts out of the fire without getting burned. Ignoring the fact that before she started making dinner she had to get out the medical kit and wrap up her hands to ease the pain of the burns. Ukyo took that as a win. When her thoughts started moving towards Ranma she forcibly moved them to wondering how Konatsu was doing, then to wondering what she would do after everything was over. She no longer wanted to stay in Nerima with Ranma and Akane still there, but other than that nothing really came to her.
 
When they returned for dinner, Cologne was surprised at Ukyo’s progress. She quickly schools herself before saying that Ukyo could probably move on to master the breaking point by the end of the week. Cologne decided that she would eat the rest of her food in her tent. The two flirted a little before going back to eat. Ukyo noticed that Shampoo’s Japanese had gotten better, making her wonder why it was so bad before. On a whim Ukyo asked Shampoo if she could teach her how to speak Mandarin. Shampoo agreed but only if Ukyo told her why, forcing her to admit that she wanted to be able to talk to Shampoo in her native language. The both of them returned to eating after that. Their meal was quiet but happy as they patiently waited for it to be over and for Ukyo’s first lesson to begin.
 
Shampoo taught Ukyo, or attempted to anyway, the basics of Mandarin while she continued to practice the technique. While Ukyo proved to be a fast learner when it came to training techniques that wasn’t the case in regard to languages. By the time they went to bed, she could introduce herself in Mandarin and she had the Chestnut Fist mastered. When Cologne woke them up and asked Ukyo to show her skill, Shampoo couldn't stop herself from smirking when a half asleep Ukyo walked over to the fire, casually tossed in some chestnuts and even more casually retrieved them before wandering off to the nearest stream to wash her face in order to wake herself up. Ukyo soon found herself tied by a rope, hanging from a tree with boulders being flung at her for most of the morning.
 
Despite Ukyo’s protest, Shampoo forced her to stop cooking so that she could properly bandage her. Ukyo admitted that she had passed out before she could finish. This caused both Shampoo and Cologne to call her out for pushing herself so hard. She protested that she wanted to help as she hobbled and leaned against Shampoo as she led her into the tent. Shampoo wanted to sigh at this, doubting that Ukyo would believe her if she told her that she helped by simply being there. Cologne told Ukyo to get some rest or she wouldn’t continue her training. This caused Ukyo to stiffen against Shampoo and mutter a complaint, and Shampoo couldn't help but smile. She was almost in the tent when Cologne told her that she would prepare dinner.
 
Shampoo led Ukyo into their tent and tenderly helped her to her sleeping bag, sitting her on it. When Ukyo wouldn’t meet her gaze Shampoo reached out to touch her cheek only for her to jerk away. Shampoo saw this as confirmation Ukyo rejected her after seeing the real her. However it turned out that Ukyo was just ashamed at being unable to master the breaking point. Ukyo didn’t move when Shampoo attempted to cup her face again. She explained that not only was it impossible to learn the breaking point in one day, since the point of the technique was to toughen up the body it would be pointless. A more hopeful Ukyo allowed Shampoo to bandage her up. As she drifted off to sleep she told Shampoo that she would master the breaking point and any other technique that Cologne showed her so that she could help Shampoo.
Category:Bonbori and Spatulas
Category:Ukyo Kuonji