//------------------------------//
// Stakes with Skates  
// Story: Ponies One Half 
// by Emma Iveli 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 18: Stakes with Skates 

Ranma glared at Mikado. While it wasn’t his first kiss (that honor belonged to Shampoo), he was still pissed.  

Akane, Ryoga and Momo all stood silently. They could see Ranma was madder than they’d ever seen him. 

"Mikado is so dead...." muttered Akane. 

Ranma glared at his opponent and jumped into the air, attempting a jump kick. Mikado simply skated away, and Ranma fell on to the ice hard… so hard, in fact that he fell right through it. 

“There’s no cold water under there, is there?” asked Momo. 

Ranma came up (still a man as there wasn’t any water under the ice, luckily enough) going in for a punch, but Mikado dodge causing Ranma to slip, fall and be sent skidding to the wall. Ranma did manage to get up though.

However Mikado noticed that Ranma’s punch did cut the sweater he was wearing, and he knew at that moment, despite Ranma’s ineptness when it came to ice skating, he was still a dangerous opponent. 

“I don’t like using this technique against amateurs, but…” said Mikado.

As Ranma skated over to him, he began to spin so fast he looked like an Asura statue.

“No way! He knows that move! But he doesn’t even use swords!” Said Momo.

“What are you even talking about?” asked Azusa with a sweat drop while at the same time glaring at Momo. 

“It’s the Dance of Death.” Said one of the men in hockey gear.

“His undefeatable move.” Said another. 

They watched as Ranma was caught in it, constantly getting hit, punched and kicked… all extremely fast.

“Sanzenin completely has him in his mercy.” Said one of the men in Hockey gear.

“He’s being danced into unconsciousness.” Said another of the men in hockey gear.

“Seriously?” responded one, “”Danced into unconsciousness?””

“What? It’s true.” Said the one who’d used that term.

The spinning stopped and Ranma fell to the ice while Mikado stood on the ice frozen. Ranma tried to get up but fell.

“He’s still conscious.” Said one of the men in hockey gear, checking to see if Ranma was knocked out.

Momo and Akane help him stand on the ice. Ranma was OK, but he was a bit out of it.

“So it’s a draw?” asked Azusa.

“Ranma won.” said Akane. 

Azusa skated over to Mikado and saw he was unconscious, so she started doodling on his face.

“Hey! I want to join in!” said one of the men in hockey gear.

“So do I!” said yet another. 

As they left, all of the men in hockey gear drew on his face.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Sometime later at the Tendo residence, Fluttershy was treating Ranma’s wounds while they talked about what happened.

Rainbow Dash was practically rolling on the floor with laughter, “I can’t believe I missed it.” She said. 

Ranma tried to punch her, but she dodged.

“Do you know how embarrassed I was?” said Ranma.

“You were a girl at the time.” said Rainbow Dash.

“I know!” yelled Ranma. 

“What I can’t believe is that you punched him 516 times.” Said Twilight. 

“Isn’t that a little excessive?” asked Applejack.

“Not for him. He deserved what he got; one punch was too good for him.” Said Ranma, “Besides you miscounted, I punched him 518 times.” 

“Okay… that is excessive.” mumbled Applejack. 

“At least it wasn’t your first kiss.” said Nabiki.

Ranma sighed, “I guess you’re right about that.” said Ranma.

“Stupid question, but… why didn’t you lie and say it was your twin sister?” asked Rainbow Dash. 

There was an awkward silence in the room as he processed the information. When it kicked in, Ranma face palmed.

“Why didn’t anyone of us come up with that idea sooner?” asked Ranma.

There was another awkward silence in the room. 

“You know, after today I have to make Ranma my partner!” Said Pinkie.

“Why?” asked Ryoga.

“Did you suddenly attack him?” asked Akane.

“No…” said Ryoga.

“Then Ranma has to be Pinkie’s partner.” Said Akane.

“You can be my partner if Ranma gets so injured he can’t go on…” said Pinkie.

“And it doesn’t have to be due to an actual blow…” said Ranma, “Like if I twist my ankle or get smashed into a wall.” 

Ryoga glared at Ranma, not saying anything. He had a feeling Ranma had just tempted fate.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

And so Ranma continued his lessons from Akane and Pinkie until it was the day of the match. Ranma, Momo and their cheering section arrived at the school. Well all but one…

“Ryoga went on his own?” asked Chiyo, “Is that a good idea?”

“Oh come on, what’s the worst that can happen?” asked Ranma.

“Last time he went to one of these on his own, not only did he make it on time… he arrived as a pig.” Said Belle. 

“Oh come on, what are the chances of that happening?” Said Ranma, “I mean again.” 

That was when there was squealing, they turned to see Piggy Ryoga being chased down by Azusa.

Ranma looked at Hikaru.

“I’m not telling you the chances.” Mumbled Hikaru.

Azusa picked up Piggy Ryoga, removed his bandana and put a collar on him. A collar with a golden heart that said “Charlotte”. 

“Hey, you didn’t win yet!” Said Momo.

Piggy Ryoga managed to get out of the crazy girl’s arms and run to Chiyo. Chiyo tried to get it off but it didn’t work.

“Sorry, but it won’t come off.” Said Azusa holding up a key.

That was when Chiyo handed him to Hikaru who used magic to get the collar off. 

“Hey! What did you do?” asked Azusa.

“Just a little magic trick.” Said Hikaru. 

“Oh…” said Azusa, “Can you do it again?” 

“Maybe another time…” said Hikaru with a sweat drop.

“Oh, okay…” said Azusa, who began to pout, she glared at Momo and said “Azusa is still going to defeat you.”

“This is going to be the weirdest fight of them all, isn’t it?” asked Alex.

“Oh no!” cried Momo, “I can’t be the announcer if I’m going to be in the match.”

“You only just now realized it?” Said Hikaru with a sweat drop while face palming.

“Don’t worry, is it okay if I take the job of announcer?” asked Ran.

“Okay.” Said Momo.

“Maybe we should get ready.” Said Ranma. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Sometime later in the men’s dressing room, Ranma had just arrived.

“So you’ve arrived, Ranma Saotome.” Said Mikado. 

“Yo, Sex Obsessed Neurotic.” Said Ranma.

“That’s Mikado Sanzenin to you.” Said Mikado, “Besides, I was ill prepared last time.”

“Well you get it for doing that to my sister.” Said Ranma.

Mikado froze, “Your sister…” Said Mikado. 

“You kissed my sister. She’s so traumatized she refuses to come to the match.” Said Ranma. 

“The girl who looks like you… is your sister.” He muttered, “Then what about that pink haired girl from the restaurant?” 

“Chiyo, she’s timid and can’t stand up for herself. Trust me; I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t going to kick your ass.” Said Ranma.

“Then what is your relationship with your partner?” he asked.

“While she isn’t my sister, Momo is like a sister to me.” Said Ranma.

“What would you do if I give her my formal greeting?” asked Mikado.

“What do you mean formal?” asked Ranma.

“I mean a kiss to her lips.” He said. 

There was an awkward silence in the room.

Nothing needed to be said, he knew he was going to be in a world of hurt that day. Even if he did managed to win.

But Ranma knew that Momo could handle herself… so he didn’t need to “Big brother” her too much.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

And so the match was beginning… 

“I’m Mamoru Hoshina.” Said the announcer, “For Kolkhoz High.”

“And I’m Ran Issanni for Furinkan High.” Said Ran.

“Isn’t the new unofficial Furinkan High Announcer supposed to be Momo, isn’t it?” asked Mamoru.

“Yeah, she is.” Said Ran.

“I see.” Said Mamoru, “Now the Winner will be the Charlotte Cup… what that is I don’t know.”

“It’s a pig.” Said Ran.

“Did she kidnap it?” asked Mamoru.

“Yeah.” Said Ran.

“And I would like to make yet another plea to the teachers. Get her help. She is a kleptomaniac and she needs treatment.” Said Mamoru, “So let’s lower the lights.” 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mikado and Azusa made their entrance, which got a cheer.

Ranma and Momo watched them, both were wearing sequence covered clothing, both resembled Chinese clothing but in different colors, Ranma was wearing a simple outfit that was mostly red with hints of green. Momo on the other hand wore a short pink dress that had hints of blue; she also wore her hair in pigtails.

Rarity tried to come up with a better theme, but the two were so different that they couldn’t have a solid theme. 

“That was all flash.” Said Ranma, “Well, I’m going to wow their socks off.” 

Ranma picked up Momo.

“Ranma, I don’t think this is a good idea, you’re not good enough to pull this off.” Said Momo.

Ranma tried to come up with a snappy come back, but couldn’t. Because if he said “What are you, my teacher?”, the answer would be yes. 

“I’m still going to do this.” Said Ranma.

He skated onto the ice, however he already lost his balance, fell backwards and started spinning.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
“What a spectacular entrance by Ranma Saotome and Momo Mochi.” said Mamoru.

“Yes… spectacular.” Mumbled Ran with her voice dripping with sarcasm. 

Azusa giggled, “We’ve already won.” Said Azusa. 

“I don’t think so! Because I taught Ranma everything he knows about Ice Skating.” Said Momo.

“Oh really?” asked Azusa. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

“And so we begin our match… over a pet piglet…” said Mamoru, “Seriously… someone go get her help.” 

“The match will only end with a total knockout of a partner.” Said Ran.

Ranma and Momo skated towards the two hand in hand… Ranma jumped into the air and tried to deliver a kick to the two, but Azusa dodged and Mikado grabbed Momo.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

“Looks like Mikado is going straight into his kiss attack!” yelled Mamoru. 

“Kiss attack?” asked Ran, “Isn’t it just him kissing a female opponent?”

“Yeah…” sighed Mamoru, “Sometimes I hate my job announcing this thing… at least the soccer games are worth it.” 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mikado was about to kiss her, however he blinked. When he opened his eyes Momo was gone and skating away.

“What?” he asked, “What just happened?” 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

“How… how did she just do that?” asked Mamoru.

“She’s just being Pinkie Pie…” sighed Ran.

“Nickname?” asked Mamoru.

Ran nodded.

“I see…” said Mamoru. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mikado smirked when he saw that, “She’s just being shy.” He said.

He managed to suppress the sane part of his brain that was freaking out over the fact, “Ranma is going to kill me if I kiss her.”

“Azusa wants to know how she did that.” Mumbled Azusa.

“That was amazing.” Said Ranma.

“Thank you.” Said Momo. 

“You know, he’s going to try to do that to you again.” Said Ranma.

“I’ll focus on Azusa then.” Said Momo. 

“And I’ll focus on the pervert.” Said Ranma. 

The two began to skate in different directions.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

“Oh, it looks like Ranma and Momo are doing a divide and conquer plan.” Said Mamoru.

“That hasn’t been done, has it?” asked Ran.

“No, it hasn’t.” said Mamoru, “But then again, those two are as different as… I can’t think of a good metaphor…”

“Which is why they don’t have a theme when it comes to their outfits.” Said Ran.

“How did Mikado get involved again?” asked Mamoru.

“He tried to kiss our friend.” Said Ran, “Ranma just happened to be the one that got to him first.” 

“I see…” said Mamoru. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Azusa and Momo faced off.

Momo tried to kick Azusa while shouting “Pudding Kick!”

“You are still new to this.” Said Azusa, “There is no way you can beat Azusa.”

Momo began to spin very fast on the ice, surprising Azusa.

“Cake Surprise Spinning Kick!” called out Momo.

Azusa managed to get hit a few times.

“She’s too good.” Thought Azusa holding the arm the blow hit. 

“Cupcake Flying Kick!” called out Momo.

The kick hit Azusa in the gut and she was sent flying. Thankfully the hit wasn’t too bad and she was able to land on her feet.

“We have to regroup.” She mumbled.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

In the announcers booth.

“Amazing! Momo is beating Azusa so hard it’s unbelievable!” yelled Mamoru, “It must have taken a lot of practice to get those right.”

“Or knowing Pinkie Pie, she probably came up with the moves and names on the spot.” Said Ran.

“Oh… never mind then…” said Mamoru.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

With Ranma’s side of the fight the sane part of Mikado’s brain kicked into over drive and began yelling out, “YOU KISSED HIS SISTER! RUN AWAY!” 

But he ignored it mostly.

“Is it okay if I apologize to your sister?” Said Mikado.

Ranma jumped into the air and performed a flying kick, which not only hit but cut the fabric on his suit. 

“What part of ‘you traumatized her’ don’t you understand?” asked Ranma.

Mikado stared at Ranma and began to sweat.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Back with the announcers…

“Unbelievable, it looks like Mikado is scared.” Said Mamoru.

“Well he did kiss Ranma’s sister.” Said Ran, “She refused to come here because of that.” 

“It’s about freakin’ time an older brother shows up for vengeance.” Said Mamoru. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

In the stands…

“I can’t believe Ranma is the first “Older Brother” to do that.” Said Alex.

“Shampoo agree.” Said Shampoo. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Back on the ice, Azusa skated over to Mikado and helped him up.

“It’s time to show them our other nickname.” Said Mikado, “The Anti- Matchmakers.”

“But they don’t seem to be romantically involved.” Said Azusa.

“No… I guess the line doesn’t make any sense…” mumbled Mikado.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Back in the Announcers booth. 

“Uh-oh, it looks like they’re going to do their best move, the Couple Cleaver.” Said Mamoru.

“The Couple Cleaver?” asked Ran.

“Yes… no couple is able to survive it.” Said Mamoru, “Say, what is the relationship between Ranma and Momo?”

“They’re like brother and sister.” Said Ran.

“I see…” said Mamoru, “Then no matter what the outcome of that move is, today is the day that Mikado Sanzenin dies.” 

That one sentence made many of the boys in the audience cheer.

“He’s not very popular with the guys in this school.” Said Mamoru.

“No surprises here…” said Ran. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

With Azusa and Mikado having gotten back together, Momo and Ranma regrouped. 

“What are they planning?” asked Ranma.

“I hope it’s something fun.” Said Momo. 

“No…” said Ranma with a small sweat drop. 

That was when Azusa made her move. She jumped on Ranma and grabbed his legs.

“What is she doing?” asked Momo.

“I don’t know, but can you help me up?” asked Ranma.

Momo reached down and grabbed Ranma’s arms, but it turned out to be a trap. Because when she grabbed Ranma’s hands Mikado grabbed Azusa’s legs. Both Mikado and Azusa stood as Mikado began to spin. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

“Here is the dreaded Couple Cleaver! The Good Bye Whirl!” shouted Mamoru. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

As Momo and Ranma spun Momo nodded at Ranma.

“Okay… do it!” said Ranma.

As they spun Momo completely vanished and appeared right in front of the spinning Mikado.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

“HOW DOES SHE DO THAT?!” yelled Mamoru in shock.

“We try not to think about it.” Said Ran. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

“Pound Cake Pound!” called out Momo punching Azusa.

This caused Azusa to let go of Ranma. However due to the momentum caused by the spin Ranma went flying into the wall. A huge dent was created because of the impact. 

“Ranma?” asked Momo.

Momo skated over to Ranma. Ranma wasn’t moving. Momo’s hair went flat as she looked at her friend in shock.

She never intended for this to happen…