Fan Fiction / Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Herbie's Drive Through Nerma ❯ Kuno Strikes! Its the Little Things That Count ( Chapter 16 )

“Ok, open your doors Herbie.” Neko said as Herbie open the doors and she measured how far the little car's doors opened. It's been two weeks since Neko split from Ranma and nether had the gender change problems or the fear of cats. However, Neko did get something from Ranma. She was now able to walk right and she knew the style of Anything Goes. Right now, she's at Furikan, due to being high school age and all, helping set up for Daisuke set up for the auto club's drive in move festival to raise money. She is measuring Herbie to see how big the parking spaces for compact cars have to be.

 

(Got it?) Herbie beeped.

 

“Got it.” She said. “Thanks for helping us out with this Herbie.”

 

(Oh, it's no problem.) Herbie asked. (So, how come you're volunteering to help Daisuke?)

 

“Oh no, I know where you're going with this. I maybe me, but don't forget I came from my bro and I have his memories.”

 

(`Oh no' what?)

 

“Get me to say that I love Dai… there's no way out for me, is there?”

 

If he could smile right now, he would. (Nope.)

 

“Just what are you exactly, the Mobile Matchmaker?” She jokingly asked.

 

(Nope. One of my friends wrote an article calling me The Love Bug.)

 

“Catchy. I trust you not to beep one word of this?”

 

(Me? I'm…)

 

“Herbie…” Neko said.

 

(Right, your pops. Ok, I won't beep one word of this.)

 

“Right now, I don't know what he thinks about me. Sure, we're friends, but we didn't want to try anything more because I was still half of Ranma at the time.”

 

(What's stopping you two from doing something now?)

 

“What if it ruins the friendship?”

 

(Never happens.)

 

“What if he hates me?”

 

(Worst he can do is say “No.”)

 

“You're gonna keep going until one of us asks the other out, aren't you?”

 

(Yep.) Herbie beeped with a mental smile. Just then, Daisuke showed up.

 

“Hey, how goes the measuring?” Daisuke asked. Neko then looked like she was about to blush.

 

“Uh… um… it's going good.” She replied.

 

(I think I should see of Nodoka or Genma need a ride.) Herbie beeped as he drove off.

 

“Herbie, wait!” Neko said as she realized what the little car was up to.

 

“Thanks for your help Herbie!” Daisuke yelled before Herbie was completely gone.

 

(Not a problem!) Herbie beeped back before he was gone.

 

`Grrrrrrrr… if he wasn't a friend, I'd…' But before Neko could finish, she was interrupted by Daisuke.

 

“So, how's your second week of being your own person?” Daisuke asked.

 

“Oh, um… it's great.” She replied with her head down.

 

“Hmmm? What's with the look? Anything the matter?” He asked, to which she quickly shook her head.

 

“Huh? Oh, it's nothing, nothing.” She was even more nervous now than when she thought she might vanish when she was trying to cure Ranma, and amazed that that is even possible.

 

“Well, uh… I was wondering if after we're done with the drive in, maybe you and I can take in our own movie?” Daisuke asked enviously.

 

“REALLY?!” Neko said, not hiding her excitement. “Uh… I mean, I'd love to.”

 

“Great. How about tomorrow at 8?”

 

“Not a problem.”

 

`Thanks for the advice Herbie.' Daisuke thought. `'Just ask her out.' He was right.'

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

`Boy, it feels good just to drive by myself once in awhile.' Herbie thought. `Man, I got my work cut out for me. I love helping my friends out and jeez, did I land in a place that needed it.' Herbie then noticed Dr. Tofu. `Speaking of helping…'

 

(Hey Doc!) Herbie beeped, startling the doctor a bit.

 

“Oh, Herbie. How are you?” The Doctor asked.

 

(I'm doing good, but what are you doing here?)

 

“Oh, I'm heading to the train station to visit my mom. I don't have a car seeing that I spend most of my time here.”

 

(Where does she live?)

 

“Just outside of Shinjuku.” The doctor said as Herbie opened his driver door.

 

(Hop in; I'll give you a ride.)

 

“Thanks Herbie.” The doc said as he got in the door. “Thanks.” The doctor replied and Herbie only got a couple of blocks when Tofu saw Kasumi. “Ka-Ka-KASUMI!”

 

*SKREECH*

 

“Hmmm?” Kasumi said as she looked where…

 

*THUD*

 

…the sound of a four eyed love sick doc hitting a windshield came from. “Oh, Herbie, and Dr. Tofu, how are you?”

 

“Fine we're are how you?” The doc said going nuts.

 

`Boy, I'm defiantly glad I'm my own driver.' Herbie thought.

 

“Oh, I'm heading to the train station to go to Shinjuku to pick up a book for Nabiki.”

 

“Oh, heading myself th…”

 

*WHAM*

 

Herbie then pulled the same trick with the steering wheel and Ranma's face when he said the wrong thing.

 

“Uh… I mean I'm heading there myself. Hehehehe.” The doc said recovering.

 

(Want a lift?)

 

“Oh, I don't want to impose.”

 

“O-oh n-no, it wouldn't be an imposition.” The doc said as Herbie opened his passenger door.

 

“Oh, alright.” Kasumi got in as Herbie buckled her and Dr. Tofu in.

 

“Oh, what's…”

 

*SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH*

 

“OH MY!”

 

And with that, Herbie was off with his friends to Shinjuku.

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

A shot while later, at Kasumi's instance, Herbie stopped at Dr. Tofu mom's to say hi. Needless to say, when she saw Kasumi…

 

“Oh, is this you're fiancée! Oh, I expect lots and lots of grandkids…”

 

…she jumped to conclusions.

 

`If she says her kid's manly, I'd swear the doc and Ranma are related.' Herbie thought.

 

“WHAT?! Uh… uh, no, this is Kasumi; she's uh… a good friend of mine.” Dr. Tofu said as he introduced her, but failed to notice a look of disappointment in her eyes, despite the smile, this however…

 

(That he's taking to the drive in tonight.)

 

…didn't go unnoticed by Herbie.

 

“WHAT?!” Dr. Tofu said shocked.

 

“Oh really?” Kasumi asked. “I love to go!”

 

“GREAT!” Tofu said not hiding his excitement. Ms. Tofu however, was amazed that the car is beeping without a driver.

 

“What the…?! Did this car just beep with nobody there?” Ms. Tofu said.

 

“Oh, that's just our friend, Herbie.” Kasumi said.

 

(Pleased to meet you ma'am.) Herbie beeped.

 

“Huh? But, this is a car?”

 

(Yep.) Herbie happily beeped.

 

“Oh, is it rigged to respond to voices?”

 

“No mom.” Dr. Tofu said. “He has something called `Inner life.'”

 

“You mean it's real?!”

 

(Yep. I'm living proof.) Herbie happily beeped. Ms. Tofu, having a typical response of a person who had a car answer a question, fainted.

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

“Your mom is a very nice person Dr. Tofu.” Kasumi said with her typical smile.

 

“I'm glad you think so Kasumi.” Tofu replied. “So, what movie's playing at the drive in?”

 

“Gee, I don't know. I didn't plan on going originally, so I didn't ask Ranma, Akane, or Neko.”

 

(I think it's the original Shall We Dance?) Herbie beeped.

 

“Oh, I just love that movie!” Kasumi said.

 

“I wonder how Ranma got talked into seeing the movie.” Tofu asked.

 

“Oh, well, you know he, Neko, and Akane along with Daisuke and his auto club are helping out to raise money for the club, right?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Well, Akane picked the movie and Ranma protested until she promised a post wedding `Training trip.'”

 

“Oh.” Then, it dawned on the doc. “OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!”

 

“Yes, I'm sure Akane will learn some new moves.” Kasumi said, causing Tofu to sweat drop.

 

`She's kidding, right?' Herbie thought as they pulled up to the Tendo Dojo.

 

“I had a great time Dr. Tofu, thank you.”

 

“Call me Ono.” The doctor replied. “And you're welcome. See you for the movie?”

 

“Yes, I'll be ready… Ono.” Kasumi said, still feeling a bit uneasy addressing him in such a formal manner.

 

(I'll come back after the Doc's back home.) Herbie beeped.

 

“Ok Herbie, hurry back.” Kasumi said smiling. After a couple of feet away, Herbie was sure he was out of Kasumi's hearing. (You didn't see that hurt look she had earlier?)

 

“Unfortunately, I did.” Tofu said crest fallen. “I get so nervous around her, I don't notice anything or I goof everything up.”

 

(You sounded pretty calm this time.)

 

“A friend hitting your head on a steering wheel will do that.”

 

(Heh, heh, heh.) Herbie nervously beeped.

 

“Anyway, thanks for getting me out of that mess Herbie.”

 

(Not a problem Doc.) Herbie happily beeped. But then...

 

*SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH*

 

…He came to a grinding halt, surprising Tofu.

 

(OH CRUD! I can't believe I forgot!)

 

“What?” Tofu said trying to pull his face from the window.

 

(Uh… you don't mind double dating with Ranma and Akane, do you? I kinda offered to be their driver for the night.)

 

“Oh. Well, I'm sure that'll be no problem. Besides, I'm going to need all the help I can get to control my emotions.”

 

(That's good. Hope that goes well with Ranma and Akane.)

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

“Double date?!” Ranma and Akane said in unison.

 

(I forgot about driving you guys while I was helping Dr. Tofu ask Kasumi out.)

 

“I still can't believe he did it without falling apart.” Ranma said.

 

(Uh…) Herbie beeped.

 

“Let us guess…” Akane said.

 

(If there's a bump on his head, no comets, ok? Besides, it's just for one night and from what you guys told me, it's been awhile since Kasumi went out.)

 

“That's true…” Ranma thought. “I'm ok with it if you are.”

 

“It's fine by me Ranma.” Akane said.

 

(GREAT!) Herbie happily beeped.

 

“I'm still a little surprised that Nabiki and Mousse or your parents don't want to go.” Akane said.

 

“I think Mousse and Nabiki already made plans to have a date in Tokyo tonight and mom and pops are going to a fancy restaurant and just trying to work things out.” Ranma replied.

 

(Hope that goes well.) Herbie beeped.

 

“Thanks Herbie.” Ranma said. “And I know that Kanna and Kotaro want to explore Nermia some more. Maybe we can show them the movies some other time.” Akane nodded in response. “Well, we better get ready.”

 

“Right. See you in a bit Herbie.” Akane said.

 

(Ok, but don't take too long. The movie starts in a bit.)

 

“We won't.” The couple said in unison. But just as they left, Herbie thought he heard something.

 

`Huh? Was that… I guess I'm hearing things… still, I just got a bad feeling about this.' The little car thought.

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

“So the sorcerer is taking Akane to the drive-in tonight.” Kuno said.

 

“Yes master. And the pig tail girl, whose name is Neko, is staying to help Daisuke with the movie.” Sasuke said.

 

“Very well. I shall go to the drive in and that is where I shall smite the fowl sorcerer. But, I wonder… Sasuke, was my sister working on some powders before she was indisposed?”

 

“As always Master.”

 

“Bring them to me.” Kuno said, just as a woman stepped out from the shadows.

 

“That's not enough.” She said.

 

“And what do you suggest?”

 

“Something that will guarantee that they'll want nothing to do with each other. Let's see if your sister's powder mixes with my medicine.”

 

“Ah, brilliant.” Kuno said. “That foul sorcerer shall be yours, and Akane and the pig tail girl will be mine.”

 

“At last, arien will come home to me.” Said the purple haired former Amazon warrior.

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

(C'mon doc!) Herbie loudly beeped. (I don't mean to be rude, but I told Ranma and the others I'd be back with you by the time they were ready!)

 

“I'm coming, hold on.” Tofu said. He then came out dressed in a black button shirt, matching pants, black socks and dress shoes.

(Nice threads Doc.) Herbie beeped.

 

“Thanks.” Dr. Tofu said as Herbie opened his driver door. Tofu got his hands on the wheel…

 

*BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP*

 

…which caused Herbie to beep and Tofu to jump.

 

(Sorry Doc, due to special circumstances, *Ahem,* my name is Herbie and I'll be your, your date's, and your friends' driver tonight.) Herbie happily beeped. (You just keep your hands off the wheel and relax. Leave the driving to me.)

 

Tofu couldn't help but chuckle at this. “Oh, thanks Herbie.”

 

(Hey, it's not a problem. Just have a good time tonight.) Herbie beeped as he drove off. A couple of minutes later, they were outside of the Tendo Dojo.

 

(To all parties wanting to see a movie, your driver awaits!) Herbie beeped.

 

“We're comin', we're comin'.” Ranma said. Ranma came out in his normal attire while Akane came out in her blue outfit, that is a blue top, dark blue skirt, matching stockings, and blue shoes, while Kasumi was out in her purple outfit, a medium purple top, dark purple pants, and purple pumps. Dr. Tofu got out of Herbie and was star struck.

 

“Uh… um… uh…” Tofu said, as that's all that could come out of his mouth. Herbie did his best wolf whistle that a car could. Kasumi couldn't help but giggle at this.

 

“I think you're a hit sis.” Akane said with a smile.

 

“You look great Kasumi!” Tofu said trying to fight his nervousness.

 

“Thank you Ono.” Kasumi said smiling. Herbie opened his doors and put his front passenger seat forward so Ranma and Akane could get in the back.

 

(Your chariot waits ladies and gentlemen.) Herbie happily beeped. Everybody smiled at this, as it looked like for once, nothing would go wrong.

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

“Look, there they are!” Nabiki said as she and Mousse spotted Kanna and Kotaro.

 

“Hmmm?” Kanna said as she heard Nabiki. “Look, its Nabiki and Mousse, what are they doing here?”

 

“I'm glad we found you guys.” Mousse said. “Listen, one of Ranma's old fiancée's, Shampoo, has left our village without permission.”

 

“What for?” Kotaro asked.

 

“Apparently, she got so far demoted in Amazon status that it would take her 16 more years to get back to at least where she was before Ranma showed up. Ether she's crazy enough to think getting him to the village would get her back, or she's out for revenge.” Nabiki said.

 

“We have to find the Saotomaes and we all have to find her before she gets to Ranma.” Mousse said. “No telling what might happen.”

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

The movie was going great for everybody there. Neko and Daisuke were actually sitting by the projector incase the DVD stops or anything, sitting right next to each other, not necessarily paying attention to the movie. The same can be said for the four that are inside Herbie. However, Tofu and Kasumi noticed that Ranma and Akane wrapped around her arms

 

“It seems we're running out of popcorn.” Kasumi said.

 

“Yeah, why don't we go into the school and get some?” Tofu said as Herbie opened his doors.

 

“Wait, we can get…” Ranma said, but Herbie…

 

*SLAM*

 

…slammed his door just as Ranma peaked his head out from his seat.

 

“I guess they want us to be alone for a bit.” Akane said as Herbie opened his roof to reveal a blanket of stars and the moon.

 

“And I guess Herbie got the message.” Akane said. But just as they were to get back to where they were…

 

“WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!” They heard Neko yelled.

 

“STOP YOU BAKAS!” They heard Daisuke yell as…

 

*CRASH*

 

…Kuno smashed the projector.

 

“Why you…” Neko started to say when…

 

*WHAM*

 

…Shampoo hit her from behind and then hit Daisuke.

 

“Sorry my love, but it's for your own good.” Kuno said then turned to Ranma and Akane, who jumped out of Herbie's open top.

 

“What are you doing here Kuno?!” Akane said angry.

 

“And Shampoo, you're the last person I'd expect to hit somebody in the back.” Ranma said ready to fight.

 

“It's your own damn fault.” Shampoo said in perfect Japanese, amazing everybody. “Surprised? I learned a bit when I got sent back home… and DEMOTED TO A STATUS LOWER THAN THAT OF MOUSSE JUST BECAUSE YOU WOULDN'T BE A GOOD HUSBAND AND COME TO CHINA WITH ME!” She replied with the last part with anger. “However, all will be forgiven if you just dump Akane and come home with me.”

 

“And at last, the spell over Neko and Akane will be broken!” Kuno said.

 

“Keep dreamin' you two.” Ranma said not backing down.

 

“Same here.” Akane said ready to get out her mallet.

 

“NOW!” Kuno said when from out of no where, a powder landed right in front of the couple. Taking advantage of the smoke, a masked Kuno and Shampoo struck them hard.

 

“Thank you Sasuke.” Shampoo said.

 

“It's an honor.” The ninja servant replied. When the smoke cleared, Ranma had his back on top of Akane's, who was face down on the ground.

 

“GET OFF OF ME PERVERT!” Akane said with anger.

 

“OH RIGHT, LIKE THIS IS MY FAULT YOU UGLY TOMEBOY!” Ranma said as he got up with the same anger, which didn't go unnoticed by Herbie.

 

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?!” Akane said as she got out her mallet.

 

“OH, YOU'RE STOOPING TO THAT?! I'M NOT TAKING IT ANYMORE, IT'S GO TIME!” Ranma said as the two started to attack.

 

(What on Earth did you do to them?!) Herbie beeped ready to defend his friends.

 

“Kodachi's gas mixed with a special potion from my tribe.” Shampoo smirked.

 

“Now to take care of you, you four wheeled…” Kuno couldn't say…

 

*WHAM*

 

…due to a kick from Kotaro.

 

“What the…?!” Shampoo said. “Two Ranmas?!” Then she got a good look at Kotaro and got really mad. “NO! You're not my airen! You're an imposter! WHY ARE YOU WEARING HIS FACE?!” Shampoo then went for her attack, but was stopped by Nodoka slicing her bonbois and Mousse using his chains. Wondering what the commotions is about, Tofu and Kasumi left the school and saw the chaos and knew that somehow, the waking Kuno was behind it, so Tofu used his nerve pinching techniques to paralyze him, as Genma, borrowing one of Mousse's chains, to bind the kendo artist. Mousse then hung both of them in front of the screen. Nodoka and Kanna tried to stop Ranma and Akane from killing each other, but got a response with a hard hit to the face from both participants.

 

“HA! Like that will stop them. They won't stop fighting until their dead.” Shampoo said with a smirk. “Of course, if Ranma comes back with me, I can stop this.” Everybody, including the just woken up Neko and Daisuke gasped at this.

 

(HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!)

 

Well, almost every body.

 

“What are you laughing at you demonic car?!” Kuno said angry.

 

(You two don't get it do you?) Herbie beeped. (You guys think that Ranma and Akane will fall for your charms and such because you think you're so big and important and can do things nobody else can? Guess what? I've been around long enough to know that it's not the big things that make people fall in love…)

 

`FOUND IT!' Herbie thought as he opened his door after adjusting his radio dial.

 

(…IT'S THE SMALL THINGS!) He finished turning his sound all the way up so that everybody can hear the song.

 

Don't go breaking my heart
I couldn't if I tried
Ah, Honey, if I get restless
Baby, you're not that kind

Just then, Ranma and Akane stopped and listened to the song.

 

`What on earth is he up to?' They both thought.

Don't go breaking my heart
You take the weight off of me

 

Then, they thought back to one time where Akane was crying when she thought that Ranma and Kodatchi were having an affair and he hated her cookies, but he showed up not only with proof that Kodatchi was lying, but eating Akane's cooking.

Ah, Honey, when you knock on my door
Ooh, I gave you my key

Then Akane thinks back to when Ranma gave her a picture frame of when they were all on the floating island, and he accepted her badly made scarf and said it was nice.

 

Unbeknownst to them, the others at the school were thinking about the romantic times with their dates and some even started to dance. As for those just starting…

 

“Madam, would you care to dance?” Daisuke said trying to be charming.

 

“Oh, I'd be delighted.” Neko replied, smiling and showing her fangs.

Ooh-hoo, and nobody knows it

(Nobody knows it)
When I was down
I was your clown

 

Ranma remembers when Akane took a fall from the balcony from looking at the stars, claming that two of them were missing, but they were there. When she couldn't walk, he offered to carry her.

Ooh-hoo, and nobody knows it
(Nobody knows it)

Right from the start
I gave you my heart
Ooh-hoo.. I gave you my heart

Nabiki and Mousse think back to when they went to the movie thanks to Herbie and all the time they spent together thanks to that little car.

So don't go breaking my heart
I won't go breaking your heart
Don't go breaking my heart

Ranma then thought back to when he was on the floating island with Prince Towa and rescuing Akane and evaporating the pool because he loved her for who she is.

And nobody told us
`Cause nobody showed us
And now it's up to us, Babe
Ooh I think we can make it

Akane thinks back to all those times she was kidnapped by those trying to kill or marry Ranma and all those times he went to rescue her.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Tofu noticed Sasuke was heading to Shampoo and Kuno to set them free, so he went up to the ninja and hit him in a pressure point that knocked him out. Tofu then turned and bowed to Kasumi.

 

“Would you care to dance?” Tofu asked.

 

“I'd be honored.” Kasumi said. Soon, Genma and Nodoka joined in.

So don't misunderstand me
You put the light in my life
Oh, you put the sparks to the flame
I've got your heart in my sights

 

Akane dropped her hammer, Ranma dropped his guard, and they both ran to each other as quick as they could and embraced and kissed in their collision.

 

“I'm… sorry… Ranma…” Akane said in between kisses.

 

“No… it… was… my… fault.” Ranma said. “And… that… powder.”

 

“NO! RANMA'S MINE! STOP!” Shampoo shouted.

 

“LET AKANE GO YOU SORCERER!” Kuno yelled, but nobody listened as they all danced.

Ooh-hoo, and nobody knows it
When I was down
I was your clown
Ooh-hoo, and nobody knows it
Right from the start
I gave you my heart
Ooh-hoo.. I gave you my heart

Both Ranma and Akane flashed back to the night they met. It took a while to realize it, but that's when they were meant to be with each other.

Don't go breaking my heart
I won't go breaking your heart
Don't go breaking my heart

Kasumi and Tofu were dancing the night away with everybody else, but then they looked at each other and pulled each other in for a long loving kiss. Which Nabiki noticed.

 

“WAY TO GO SIS!” Nabiki shouted. Ranma, Akane, and the others looked and were cheering them on. Almost everybody, Neko and Daisuke got the same idea and to them, there's only the person in front of them at that very moment.

Ooh-hoo, and nobody knows it
When I was down
I was your clown
Right from the start
I gave you my heart
Ooh-hoo.. I gave you my heart

Kotaro and Kanna looked at each other while dancing and were happy to have one another. What they remember the most now is when Mr. Panda, who Genma was known at the time, had them hold hands and for them, that was a moment frozen in time.

 

Herbie, getting into the beat, moved up and down, left and right, and did the best dancing a car could do.

 

“LET US DOWN!” Shampoo said.

 

“YOU CAN'T KEEP THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE OF KUNO UP LIKE THIS!” Kuno yelled.

 

“Oh, we'll get you down.” A voice said in perfect Chinese. Shampoo froze and saw a smirking, and new warrior status, Lung Lung and Lang Lang and the rest of the tribe ready take her away. Not that anybody noticed, because they were too busy dancing the night away.

Don't go breaking my heart
I won't go breaking your heart
(Don't go breakin' my, don't go breakin' my)
Don't go breaking my heart

For Kuno, seeing his loves kissing others was pure agony, but for everybody else, this was one night they wouldn't ever forget.

(Don't go breakin' my, don't go breakin' my)
I won't go breaking your heart
Don't go breaking my heart
(Don't go breakin' my)
I won't go breaking your heart
Don't go breaking my heart
(Don't go breakin' my)
I won't go breaking your heart

 

Namely, two martial artists, their sisters, a doctor, and the guy who set up the drive-in in the first place. And one special car.

 

Don't go breaking my heart
(Don't go breakin' my)
I won't go breaking your heart
Don't go breaking my heart
(Don't go breakin' my)
I won't go breaking your heart