Jeffrey "OneShot" Wong Ranma 1/2: Fate (Ancient Japan: Nighttime. We see Ranma standing in front of a pretty young girl who is wearing a blouse and dress. They are both out in the middle of nowhere) Ranma: Why are you out here all alone, when it's dark. It's dangerous out at night, y'know. Shori: Yes...I know. But I can't do anything about it. Ranma: How come? Shori: Because my carriage has been attacked and my escorts were killed. Ranma: Escorts? Carriage? Who attacked your carriage? Brigands? Shori: Yes. How did you know? Ranma: So you're Akane's ancestor. Shori: Excuse me? Ranma: Nevermind. It's nothing. I was just thinking out loud. Shori: .................. Ranma: Where are you headed? Shori: That is of no concern to you. Ranma: Yes it is. It is a big concern. I have to protect you. Shori: You have to protect me? Did my father send you? Ranma: No. You father isn't aware that you've been stranded out in the middle of this country. Shori: Do you know my father? Ranma: No. I don't. Shori: Then why do you have to protect me? Ranma: Because I need that reward money you'll give me when I return you home safely. I assume you will reward me when I get you home safely. Shori: Who are you? Ranma: I can't tell you. Shori: Can't you at least give me your fist name? Ranma: Ranma. My name's Ranma. Shori: Um...I'm Shori. Ranma: You're the princess. Shori: Well...yes. Ranma: Good. (Thinking)If she's the princess, then she's definitely Akane's ancestor. Shori: What do you mean by that? Ranma: Nothing. It'd best that you not know. Shori: ................ Ranma: You wouldn't happen to have any money on you, do you? Shori: No. Ranma: It figures. (Thinking)The man never arrived at my ancestor's house with the money until six days later. (Begins to talk)Are you ready to head back home? We've got a long trek a head of us? Shori: Um...yes. I am. (Shori meekly follows behind Ranma) Ranma: (Softly)Shori, why are you way back there? It'd be better if you walk besides me. Shori: I-I'm not used to this. Ranma: You mean walking? Oh, that's right, you're probably used to traveling by horse or carriage... Shori: ................... Ranma: If I could, I would, but there's no other form of transportation back unless we walk. Shori: I know. Ranma: We'll let's get going. (Present: Nighttime. We see Akane and her family in the livingroom) Akane: Why did Ranma go back in time? Why? Why couldn't he stay here? Soun: Now now, Akane. Ranma'll be back. Genma: Don't worry about him. I raised him well. He can take care of himself. Akane: (Looking at ancient scroll)So what if this picture in the scroll looks like Ranma. Why did he have to go back in time just to find out if that person really looked like him? Nabiki: How old is that scroll anyway? Akane: I don't know. Mr. Saotome? Genma: It's been in our family for about fifteen generations. I plan on passing this down onto Ranma. He already knows the meaning of this scroll. Akane: Exactly what is the significance of it? Genma: This scroll represents the survival of our clan. Akane: What do you mean? Genma: Well, you see that crude painting of that man? He happens to be the reason why our clan survived. Akane: Who is he? What does that mean? Genma: None of my ancestors really knew. They never found out his name. He just showed up out of nowhere and saved my ancestors from starving. Akane: How did he save them? Genma: Well, from what I remember my mother having told me, fifteen or so generations, my ancestors were on the brink of starvation. Just when it seemed hopeless, a young man showed up and gave them more money they had ever seen. Akane: Do you have any idea who or what this man was? Genma: (Thinks for a moment)If I'm not mistaken, my ancestors mentioned that he used to be a royal guard. I think that's one of those people who protect the royal monarch or something. Soun: ................ (Ancient Japan: Nighttime. We see Ranma and Shori huddled around a campfire) Ranma: Are you cold? Shori: A little. Ranma: I'm sorry I can't do much more than make a campfire to keep you warm. I wish I have a jacket...I mean a heavy vest so I can lend it to you. But I don't. (Pulls out nanban mirror from inside shirt) All I have with me is this mirror. Shori: I-it's all right. (Looks at mirror) That's a pretty mirror. Ranma: This thing? It's more trouble than you think.(Puts mirror away) I suggest you get some sleep. We have a long way to go tomorrow. Shori :Ranma? Ranma: Yeah? Shori: Good night. Ranma: Yeah...G'night. (Present: Nighttime. We are in the Tendo's livingroom) Genma: Soun, why do you have that strange look on your face? Soun: Me? Oh, it was nothing. Nabiki: What is it, Daddy? I noticed that look also. Akane: Well, what is it, dad? Soun: It's just that as I was listening to this, something seemed to fall into place. Akane: What do you mean? Soun: Well, if this scroll is fifteen or so generations ago, and that man was a royal guard, he could have been the royal guard of one of our ancestors. Nabiki: Ancestors? You mean our ancestors was royalty back then? Soun: It's funny that I bring this up. Nabiki: Do tell. This is getting interesting. Soun: Well, a few weeks ago, Ranma was upstairs in the attic when he came across a small journal, a journal that had been written by the last royal ancestor we had, and it that had been passed down for generations. When I saw him, he was reading through some of it and he had asked me about the journal, I told him about our ancestors. It's just strange that I would mention something about our past twice over the course of a month. That's all. Akane: ................ (Ancient Japan: Morning. We see Ranma and Shori getting up from their sleep) Ranma: (Stretching)Did you sleep all right? Shori: (Yawns)Not really. I didn't like the thought of using a rock for a pillow. It doesn't suit me, that's all. Ranma: Well, there's a river not too far away from here. I'm going to go down there and see if I can catch us some fish. I'll be back in a little while. Shori: What about me? What should I do? Ranma: You can wait here. Don't worry. It won't take long. I'll be right back. Shori: W-what should I do if there's trouble. Ranma: Don't worry. You won't get bothered. I promise. (Present: Morning. We are in the diningroom where everyone is eating breakfast.) Akane: (Sighs)I wish I don't have school. I'd like to know more about our ancestors. Nabiki: Same here. I never knew we are of royal descent. Kasumi: Even if so, you shouldn't let that go to your head, Nabiki. Nabiki: I know. It's just that I like the thought of it. That's all. Akane: Oh no, we're going to be late, Nabiki. Let's get going. (Akane and Nabiki quickly leave) (At school, we see Akane in her classroom. Akane constantly takes glances at Ranma's empty seat) Akane: (Thinking)I wonder when Ranma'll be back. When I get home, I want to read that journal dad mentioned. I'd like to know more about my ancestors anyway. (Ancient Japan: Morning. Shori is by herself) Shori: (Writing in journal)It's been a peaceful morning so far. Nothing much has happened. But as I sit here, leaning against a tree, I never realized how beautiful nature could be. I find it very relaxing to close my eyes and listen to the birds sing their songs. But even so, I'm scared as I sit here writing. A young man by the name of Ranma, his family name unknown, has walked into my life. Exactly who is this Ranma? Why does he hide so many secrets? Where did he come from? Why is he helping me? Ranma: (Stepping out of the bushes carrying a large fish) Hey, Shori, look what I caught. (Notices the journal)You writing something in that journal? Shori: Um...yes. Ranma: Would you mind if I take a look? Shori: No. It's pretty private. Ranma: It doesn't matter anyway. (Softly)I'll be reading it several hundred years from now anyway. Shori: What are you going to do with that fish? Ranma: What else, cook it. Shori: I-I can't eat that. Ranma: Why not? Shori: Well...because...because...I just can't. Ranma: Have you eaten yet? Shori: Not since yesterday afternoon, before my carriage was attacked. Ranma: Well, I'm pretty sure there isn't a town around her for ten or so miles. If you like, we could go to town to eat, but that means you're going to have to walk for quite a while before you could eat, and I doubt you'll be up to it. Shori: .............. Ranma: Well, what would you like? We could eat now or eat later. I suggest eating now. Shori: .............. (Present: Afternoon. School is over. Akane and Nabiki are now back home) Akane: Dad? Soun: What is it? Akane: Can I see that journal Ranma was looking at a few weeks ago? I'd like to know more about our ancestors... Soun: It's up in the attic. Akane: Okay. (Akane goes up to the attic) (Ancient Japan: Evening. Ranma and Shori arrive at a small town.) Shori: God, I'm dead tired. I need a rest. Ranma: We can't rest now. We still have a long way to go. Shori: I'm too tired to go on. Ranma: We can't. I have to get you back to your home in four more days. I have to. Akane: Why do you have to get me back in four days? What's so important about having me back home in four days? Ranma: I need the reward money. Shori: Fine, you'll get your reward money, but what do you need it for? Ranma: I can't tell you. Shori: You can't seem to tell me anything. Ranma: .................. Shori: Why are you being so secretive? Ranma: I just can't tell you. I can't. That's all. Shori: .................. Ranma: Well, we better continue. Shori: I'm not moving. I'm going to stay where I am until you tell me the reason why you need that money. Ranma: No. Shori: Then I'm not moving. Ranma: Then I'll carry you if I have to. Shori: People'll think I'm being kidnapped. Ranma: It doesn't really matter what people think of me. (Thinking)I can't remember what she wrote in her journal. What persuaded her to continue on? Shori: I'm still not moving. Ranma: (Thinking)Oh yeah. Now I remember (Begins to talk)If you don't then I'll tell everyone you're my sister and that you like to touch yourself. Shori: (Blushing)W-what? Y-you wouldn't!!! Ranma: (Thinking)No I wouldn't because I know you're going to agree to my terms.(Begins to speak)Yes, I'll do it. Just try me. Shori: Fine....I'll go. Ranma: (Smile)That's more like it. Shori: Well, I still don't like it. And I'm still tired. Ranma: I know you're tired. I'm tired also. If you get too tired then I'll carry you as far as I can go before I get too tired. Shori: (Blushing)..................... Ranma: Don't you dare fall in love with me. Shori: What? Ranma: You heard me. Don't you dare fall in love with me. Shori: What make you think I'm falling in love with someone like you?! How arrogant of you to say such a thing?! Ranma: Whatever you say, but just don't fall in love with me. You're going to get hurt badly in the near future if you do. Shori: ................... (Ranma and Shori walk for several hours. Ranma has been carrying Shori in a piggy-back for the past few miles. Shori is sleeping soundly) Ranma: (Gently placing Shori up against a tree)Well, we're getting close. (Sighs)I have three more days left. Shori: (Sleepily)W-what? What did you say? Ranma: (Softly)Shh....go back to sleep. (Shori closes her eyes and goes back to sleep) Ranma: (Chuckles)For a princess, she sure takes commands obediently. (Sighs)Three days left..... (Present: Nighttime. We see Akane in her room) Akane: (Gently placing book on desk)God, it took long enough to find this journal. I can't believe how many boxes I had to look through to find it.(Yawns)Boy, I'm tired. Perhaps I'll read this tomorrow. (Ancient Japan: Morning. Shori wakes. Ranma is no where around) Shori: Ranma? Ranma? Where are you? (Shori looks around) Shori: Ranma? Ranma: (Head popping our of bushes)I'm right here. Chill out. Shori: Chill out? Ranma: Oops. I mean don't worry. Shori: Um, what are you doing? Ranma: I was just picking some berries off this bush...for later, when you get hungry. Shori: For me? Ranma: Who else? Shori: What about you? Ranma: Don't worry about me. It's you that I'm concerned about. Shori: (Blushing)How come? Ranma: .............. (Present: Morning. Akane's room) Nabiki: (Head popping in)Hey, Akane, I suggest you wake up. Breakfast is getting cold. Akane: (Sleepily)W-what? Nabiki: What's wrong? Akane: Huh? Nothing... Nabiki: You're worried. Akane: About what? Nabiki: About Ranma. He hasn't come back yet. Akane: ............... Nabiki: I wonder when he'll be back. Akane: I don't' know. Nabiki: (Notices journal)Is that yours? Akane: This? No. Nabiki: I figured not. It's looks like it's a few hundred years old. Akane: Dad said one of our ancestors wrote this. I was about to read it. Nabiki: What? You can't do that? Akane: Why not? Nabiki: Because...look how old that journal is. If you open it, the pages will break. Akane: Dad said he saw Ranma reading it. And the pages didn't break for him. Soun: (Entering the room)That's because he was using his ki to keep the pages from breaking. Akane: What do you mean? Sound: He never actually touched the pages. He used his ki to turn the pages and keep them from falling apart. Akane: I don't think I can do that...I mean move the pages without touching it. Nabiki: (Shrugs shoulder)Perhaps Shampoo's great grandmother could help you out. Akane: ..................... (Ancient Japan: Afternoon. Ranma and Shori are making good progress down a road through a forest. Ranma stops suddenly) Ranma: Be careful. Shori: Why? Ranma: I sense someone following us. Shori: (Heart racing)............W-here? I-I don't see anyone. Ranma: (Looks up at trees)Enough with the hiding. I know you're there. Show yourself. Shori: ............. Thug: (Popping up from behind a tree)That's very impressive of you to know I was hid- (Ranma takes the initiative and attacks the brigand before the brigand could finish his sentence. He knocks him unconscious) Ranma: (Relieved)Good, he's the only one. You okay, Shori? Shori: Y-yeah...I'm fine. I-I'm just a bit shaken up.... Ranma: (Thinking)So that's what she meant in her journal when she says she was only shaken up. I thought she had been actually assaulted. (Begins to talk)We better get going now. Shori: O-okay. Ranma: Wait a minute... Shori: (Panicking)What? What's wrong? Ranma: (Embarrassed)Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just realized that that thug probably has money. (Ranma runs back to the unconscious thug and starts checking out his pockets) Shori: Ranma!!! (Ranma turns around and realizes that there's another thug. He has a knife to Shori's throat) Thug: How dare you do that to my friend?! Ranma: (Fuming)................... Thug: (Regards Shori)My, aren't you a pretty little thing. Ranma: Don't you dare touch her!!! Thug: And what are you going to do about it?! I'm the one with the knife!!! (Ranma starts glowing blue) Thug: What the..... (At lighting speeds, Ranma darts forward and plants his hand on the thugs face. He pushes the thug backwards, slamming the back of the thugs head into a tree. The thug falls to the ground unconscious) Ranma: .................... Shori: ................. Ranma: You okay, Shori? Shori: I'm fine. Ranma: (Relieved)Let's get going. Shori: Um...how did you do that? Ranma: Do what? Shori: I saw you glow. How did you do that? Ranma: Really? I don't know. I think I was born that way.... Shori: .................. (Present: Afternoon. It's after school. Akane is in front of the Nekohanten with Nabiki) Akane: I don't' really want to do this. Nabiki: Well, I can't think of another way to do this. Let's just go through with it. I'd really like to know more about my ancestry. Akane: Fine. Let's go in. (Akane and Nabiki enter the Nekohanten) Shampoo: Welcome to (Notices Akane)What you want? Nabiki: Is your great grandmother in? Shampoo: What you want to know? Akane: C'mon, let's go. Let's just forget about it. Nabiki: (Ignoring Akane)We'd like to see if she can help us with something. Is she in? Cologne: (Emerging from kitchen)What brings you two here? Akane: (Produces journal from backpack)We'd like you to take a look at this. It's been in our family for man generations and we're scared the pages would break if we actually touch them. Perhaps you could help. Cologne: (Looks at journal)Interesting. (Takes journal)Come with me. Akane: Ranma was reading this, and dad said he was using his ki to turn the pages. Shampoo: Speaking of Ranma. Where Ranma? Shampoo no see Ranma for couple of days? Nabiki: Ranma's disappeared. Shampoo: What? Aiya! Cologne: Does this journal have anything to do with his disappearance? Akane: We're not too sure. Nabiki: Did you bring the scroll, Akane? Akane: What scroll? Nabiki: The one that had a portrait that looked very much like Ranma... Akane: No. (Realizes something)Oh, I get it. I'll go home and get it. Nabiki: I'll go and get it. (Nabiki exits the Nekohanten) Cologne: (Looks at journal)This is a very old book. This must be at least several hundred years old. How many generations has it been passed down? Ten? Eleven? Akane: My dad said it was fifteen or so. Cologne: Impressive. It's in very good condition considering how old this is. Akane: Do you think you can read it without the pages falling apart? Cologne: Of course. (Ancient Japan: Nighttime. Ranma and Shori have stopped to rest. Ranma has set up a campfire and is making some soup. Shori is leaning against a tree writing in her journal) Shori: (Writing)I was pretty shaken up about the ordeal. But aside from that, the day went relatively smooth. Ranma has been very kind and nice to me, yet it still bothers me why he would not tell me why he is helping me out. I'm aware that he needs the reward money, but for what? Family? Pay off old debts? He's still as secretive as ever. But even so, I wonder...am I falling in love with him? Ranma: Your soup's almost ready. Shori: (Finished writing)Thank you. Ranma: I'm pretty glad I took that guy's money. Even though it's wrong to take it from him, I'm positive we need it a whole lot more than him. Besides, he probably took it from someone else. Anyway, at least we'll be eating well tonight. Well...I'll be eating well tonight. You probably have meals a thousand times better than this. Shori : ............... Ranma: What's wrong? Shori: Um...nothing. Ranma: It's that comment I made, right? Shori: Well, kind of. Ranma: Sorry. I was being thoughtless. I'm pretty sure the past few days have been hard on you. Shori: Well, it won't be for much longer. We're only one and a half days away. It would be two but we made some pretty good progress today. Ranma: Yeah. We sure did (Thinking)The sooner I have that money, the sooner I can feed my ancestors.(Begins to talk)Here's your soup. I hope you like it. Shori: Thank you. Ranma: ..................(Thinking)I have two days left.... Shori: Is there something wrong? Ranma: Not really. Shori: ............... Present: Nighttime. We are in the kitchen of the Nekohanten.) Cologne: Do you know the significance of this page being blank? Akane: No? Why? Cologne: It's just strange. This entire book is filled with writing except for this one page. Akane: ................... Cologne: Well, nevermind. It's probably not important. (Cologne reads the journal. After a long while, she begins to speak) Cologne: This isn't good. Akane: ............... Cologne: Lettme see that scroll again. (Nabiki hands Cologne the scroll) Cologne: (More to herself)So fate can't be altered. Akane: What? Cologne: Nevermind. I suggest you sit down. (Nabiki and Akane head into the dining area. They both sit down. Shampoo sits down also. Mousse is nearby) Cologne: (Indicates to scroll)This scroll has been passed down for generation for the Saotome line, right? (Akane and Nabiki nod) Cologne: And the journal has been passed down for generation for the Tendo line, right? Akane: I don't' understand what you're getting at... Cologne: Well, from what's written, Ranma died. Akane: W-what? Cologne: Ranma, the one that disappeared, has died several hundred years ago. Akane: H-how can that be? Cologne: This scroll, this portrait of a man....is Ranma. This isn't a Ranma look-a-like. He's the real Ranma. The scroll here indicates that Ranma died one the same day he saved his ancestors....while protecting your own ancestors. Akane: I don't get it. Cologne: To put it simply. Ranma went back in time to save his ancestors, but he died in the process. Akane: H-he did? H-he died? Cologne: Yes, he died saving both yours and his ancestors. It all makes sense. You notice how the scroll mentioned that Ranma's ancestors thought he was a royal guard with a kind heart. Well, in this journal, Ranma is mentioned to protecting your ancestors...which is akin to being a royal guard. Shampoo and Akane: .................... Nabiki: What about that last message in the end? Cologne: That's Ranma's writing. He knew he was going to die. This message, which was written several hundred years ago, was his way of saying goodbye to the Akane that would be born many generations after his death. Akane: No...that can't be true. Cologne: It seems he went back knowing that he wasn't coming back. Nabiki: I think I understand why... Cologne: Oh? Nabiki: Daddy mentioned that he saw Ranma reading the journal... Cologne: Well, if he's read the journal entirely, then he would have read his own final farewell in the back of the book. This seems to show that fate can't be altered. It turns out that the Saotome line no longer exists in the past. Akane: Eh? Cologne: The Saotome line exists in the past...but the future Saotome line...Ranma...he dies in the past meaning the past is where the Saotome line stops. Nabiki: You don't think he's the reason the Saotome line was begun, do you? Cologne: You mean Ranma settling down there and starting a family? No. If he did, then, in a sense, he would become his own ancestor. If he were to settle down, he would have most likely settled down with that young princess that seemed to have fallen in love with him. But, he didn't because if he did, then you and Ranma would be related by blood and name. And since you aren't, we know he didn't settle down in the past. Akane: T-this is too much. Cologne: There's more, but if you wish to stop, I'll stop. This is pretty shocking to myself also, and I've been around quite a while. (Realizes something)Ranma used the nanban mirror, right? Akane: Yes. Cologne: Then that is how my own ancestors get that mirror. If I recall correctly, at around the same time as the one Ranma's in, my ancestor comes across a man that gives..... Akane: Ranma. Cologne: Yes. That man is Ranma. Ranma gives my ancestor the mirror... Akane: Do you know exactly how you ancestor got the mirror. Cologne: I don't remember. My ancestors used to migrate a lot before they settled in China. They must had been in Japan at the time Ranma was there. That's the only logical explanation I can think of. Nabiki: Wait a minute. If Ranma gives your ancestor the mirror, then why isn't it here? Cologne: It's very hard to explain but the mirror I'm supposed to have will be taken by the Ranma that hasn't been born yet. He will take the mirror that belongs to my ancestors and give it to my ancestors...and when he is born, he will take it and go back in time to give it to my ancestors....and it will happen over and over again. Ranma dies before he's born...and there's no way around it. Akane: (Starts to cry)No! Cologne: There's much much more. You know how I taught Ranma the Kashuu TenshinAmaguriken the Mokou Takabisha, and the Hiyru ShotenHa? Well, it turns out that he taught my ancestors. Akane: What does that mean? Cologne: That he teaches a technique that he will learn in the future. Nabiki: This is getting very weird. Shampoo: Aiya. Shampoo have headache from thinking so much. This horrible. Akane: There's got to be something we could do. Cologne: There is nothing we could do. We can't bring Ranma back. He's been dead for several hundred years. Akane: What about me going back to save him? Cologne: That won't help. First, we don't have the mirror anymore. And second, no matter what you do, Ranma will die in the past. If he didn't then you wouldn't be here. The Tendo line exists because Ranma died. I feel sorry for Ranma and I have a great respect for him now. Akane: How's that? Why would you feel sorry for and respect him? Cologne: Imagine, he went back in time, knowing that he was going to die. After having read the journal a few weeks ago, he would know exactly how he dies, and he did nothing to prevent it because he knew if he did, you're entire Tendo line would have been wiped out. (Ranma enters the Nekohanten, smiling) Ranma: Hello, I'm back. (Ancient Japan: Morning. Ranma wakes up. Shori is leaning against a tree, writing something in her journal) Ranma: (Yawns)You're awake early. Shori: I woke up a few minutes ago. I was just writing in my journal, that's all. Ranma: Well, go right ahead. I'm not going to stop you. (Thinking)If I remember correctly, before I came back, the passage I read is on how she is enjoying a morning for the first time in her life. Shori: Why are you looking at me like that? Ranma: I was just wondering what you were writing in that journal of yours. That's all. (Thinking)As if I don't know. Shori: It's personal. But I guess I might as well tell you. I was just writing in how nice it is to enjoy a peaceful morning. I've never experienced a morning that was so relaxing and invigorating at the same time. That's all. Ranma: (Smiles)You could have fooled me. (Gets up)We better get going. Shori: Can we just stay here for a little longer? It's so peaceful. Ranma: Um, I guess so.... (A short time passes) Shori: I guess I'm ready to go now. Ranma: Fine. Shori: Um, aren't we going to eat first? Ranma: Yeah, we'll eat on the way. I still have those berries I picked from earlier. (Present. Morning. Akane wakes up. Ranma isn't in bed) Akane: Ranma? Where are you? (Akane spots a note. She gets out of bed and reads it. After a moment, she begins to cry) (Ancient Japan: Nighttime. Ranma and Shori are standing in front of two golden double doors of a palace) Ranma: I can't believe we've finally made it. Shori: I can't either. Ranma: I wasn't expecting to get you back home so quickly. We made some really good progress today. I wasn't expecting to get you home until tomorrow afternoon. But this is much better. It gives me plenty of time to get the money...... Shori: ................... Ranma: I'm sorry. I was being inconsiderate. I didn't mean to say that. Shori: But it's true, right? Ranma: Unfortunately, it is...... Shori: (Sighs)Well, I guess we better go in now. (Shori knocks one of the doors. A servant answers) Servant: Y-your m-majesty. W-what are you doing here so e-early? I-I thought you weren't going to arrive till the day after tomorrow. Shori: It's a long story. I don't intend to tell this, only to have to repeat it again to my father. Servant: As you wish. (Opens door for Shori to enter) Shori: Thank you. (Ranma and Shori enter.) (The scene changes onto Ranma and Shori inside of the palace. They are sitting at a table) King: So let me get this straight, your carriage was attacked and this...Ranma, escorted you all the way back here? Shori: Yes. And we're going to reward him for his service, right? King: Um, of course, honey. Of course we will. Ranma: Thank you, your majesty. I'm deeply honored. Shori: Hey, why are you acting all humble all of a sudden? You didn't act that way with me... Ranma: Hey, I have my reasons. King: Watch your tone. If it weren't for the fact that you helped my daughter make it back here safely, I would have your head cut. Ranma: I'm sorry. (Stands up)Your majesty, I am very pressed for time at the moment, I must be going now. Shori: Going? Already? Please, stay. King: ................... Ranma: I'm sorry, Shori, but I can't. King: You will address my daughter properly. I will not have it. Ranma: (Swallowing pride)I'm sorry again. It won't happen again. (Looks at Shori)Um, your majesty, I'm sorry, but I can't stay. I must leave as soon as possible. Shori: C'mon, Ranma. Please....stay. I didn't even get the chance to show you around the palace. Ranma: ................. Shori: It will only take a short while. Ranma: (Sighs)Okay. But I must get going afterwards. I can't really stay. (Ranma is given a tour of the palace) Shori: (Gestures)And last but not least, this is my bed chambers. Ranma: ..................... Shori: What's wrong? Ranma: You didn't need to show me your bedroom. There was no need. Shori: Um...I was showing you the palace and my bedroom happens to be a part of it. (Thinking)I can't hold back now. It's now or never. (Begins to speak)Ranma? Ranma: Yes? (Without saying a word, Shori stands on her toes and brings her lips onto Ranma's) Ranma: (Gently pushes Shori away)Please, don't do that. I know exactly what you want to say. Shori: Y-you do? Ranma: I'm sorry. But I can't return those feelings. I can't. Shori: Y-you can't? Why not? Ranma: Because...I have someone else. Shori: ................... Ranma: Her name is Akane. And I love her with all my heart, and I intend to stay faithful to her. Shori: (Tears forming)W-why? D-don't you love me? Y-you've treated me so kindly... Ranma: (Crestfallen)I'm sorry. (Shori starts crying. She lunges forward and buries her head in Ranma's chest) Shori: (Crying)Why? Why do you have to go? Ranma: Don't worry. I'll be back...I have to. Shori: Y-you will? Ranma: Yes. I promise. I have to protect you (Thinking)And that will be when I die... Shori: You promise? Ranma: I promise. I will be back. (Ranma turns around and runs out of Shori's bedroom) (The scene changes. It is now morning. Ranma is standing in front of a tiny shed-like house, exhausted from running through the entire night. There is a bag slung over his shoulder) Ranma: (Gasping for breath)God, I can't believe I ran all that way. And damn, this bag's heavy. (Ranma takes a moment to catch his breath. After a short while, Ranma gently knocks on the door. A young woman answers. She looks like she's slightly older than Ranma) Mia: M-may I help you? Ranma: Um....not really. I-I'm here to help you and your husband out. Mia: Do I know you? Ranma: No. You don't. Um...I'm a royal guard to the monarch. Mia: ..................... Ranma: May I enter? Mia: Um...sure. (Ranma enters. Inside, there is a young man lying very still on the bed.) Mia: He's very sick. He's extremely malnourished. Ranma: (Thinking)This is horrible. I can't believe how close the Saotome line has come to being wiped out...all because of the lack of nourishment. (Begins to talk)Sir, I'm here to help you. (The young man opens his eyes. Ranma reaches into his bag and produces a loaf of bread) Ranma: (Offering bread)Here, take this. It will help replenish some of your strength. (The man takes the bread and weakly, but eagerly, starts eating) Mia: Who are you? Ranma: I can't really tell you. All I will say is that I'm here to help.(Hands bag to Mia)Inside, there is more than enough money for you and your husband to live on. It is yours. Mia: (Looks in bag)Oh my god, that's more money that I have ever seen in my life. W-why are you helping us? Ranma: Please, take it. It is yours. Just take it. Mia: T-this will help up out a great deal. Ranma: (Thinking)More than you know it, ancestor. More than you know it. And fifteen generations down the line, if it weren't for this money, I wouldn't have been born.(Begins to talk)I must get going now. Mia: Wait. Ranma: Yes? Mia: What is your name? Ranma: I can't tell you. I just can't. Mia: Fine, then may I paint a picture of you? My husband is still disoriented from the malnutrition. When he gets better, he will ask me where the money came from. Since I can't give him your name, I can show him your portrait. Ranma: Um...I guess so. How are you going to do this? Mia: I know how to paint. I'll paint a portrait of you. (Mia opens a shelf and pulls out several brushes and a small canister of paint) Ranma: What would you like me to do? Mia: Do nothing. I'll have your portrait painted in no time. (Continues to paint)You have the same eyes as my husband. Ranma: ......................Um, it's just a coincidence. Mia: There. I'm finished. (Shows portrait to Ranma)How do you like it? Ranma: (Thinking)So this is where that portrait comes from. The picture is indeed of me...not someone that looked like me.(Begins to talk)What do you plan on doing with it? Mia: It will most likely become a family heirloom if my husband gets well and we have children....all because of you. Ranma: (Thinking)So this is the scroll I'll read fifteen generations down the line.(Begins to talk)I hope you treasure it always. I wish I can stay, but I am expected back in the palace. She will need my help. Mia: Is she in trouble? Ranma: Um....yes. Mia: Will we ever see you again? Ranma: No. I'll die saving the princess. Mia: Goodbye. Ranma: (Thinking)Damn, I shouldn't have said that.(Begins to talk)Please disregard that last statement. I must get going now. Um, perhaps we'll meet again (Thinking)Goodbye, forever.... (Ranma turns and leaves) (Present day: Morning. We are in Akane's room. Akane is still crying) Nabiki: (Head popping in through door)Hey, Akane, Ranma, you better wake up or you'll be late for school....what's wrong, Akane? Why are you crying? Akane: (Sobbing)R-Ranma's gone. He left. Fate won't be altered....h-he' really did die. Nabiki: What? But didn't he survive? I thought he avoided dying when save our ancestors. Akane: That's just it....he'll die saving her again. It's all making sense. Nabiki: What? What's all making sense? Akane: Ranma was never in danger when he was saving our ancestor's life....the first time around. It's the second time around that kills him. Nabiki: What? Akane: (Hands Nabiki the letter)Read the letter. (Nabiki reads the letter) Nabiki: Oh my god! Akane: Yes. Don't you get it? Now we know why there was a page blank in the journal. That blank page was supposed to signify our ancestor having traveled to our time, looking for Ranma. And you see that last page, the one where we thought Ranma wrote it? Well, he did write it... Nabiki: But Ranma denied it. He said he never wrote it... Akane: I know. But that's because he doesn't write it until he goes back to ancient Japan the second time... Nabiki: Oh no....that means that he never did escape fate.... Akane: (Starts crying)Ranma!!! (Ancient Japan: Evening: Ranma arrives at the palace) Ranma: (Exhausted) Oh god, my heart feels like it's going to burst. I can't believe I ran though the entire night...and then ran again through the entire morning and afternoon. All this running is going to kill me. (Ranma takes a moment to catch his breath) Ranma: Well, it's now or never. Tonight is the night..... (Knocks on the double doors. Shori answers) Shori: Ranma!!! You're back!!! Ranma: (Smiles a bit)See, I kept my promise. (Eyes narrow)That's strange, how come you're answering the door? Shori: (Embarrassed)Well.....I was kind of waiting for you. Ranma: .................. Shori: Please, come in. (Ranma follows Shori into the palace) Shori: You happen to have perfect timing. It is now dinnertime. Would you like to join me? Ranma: Um...I guess so. Shori: My father would also like to talk to you. Ranma: Oh? For what? Shori: (Smiles)You'll see. (Ranma attends dinner with Shori. It is only him and Shori and her father. Shori is sitting next to Ranma while Ranma sits across from the king) Ranma: Is there something you wanted to talk to me about....you majesty? King: Yes...I would like you to become Shori's personal guard. She's always in need of protection, and I would like you to be the one to protect her. Shori: Well, what do you say, Ranma? How about it? Ranma: ...............(Thinking)What should I do? The journal never mentioned if I accepted or not. Oh well, either way I chose, the outcome's going to be the same. King: Well, what is your answer? Ranma: I guess so. (Thinking)It's not like it matters anyway whether or not I'm a royal guard...either way, I will die protecting Shori. Shori: That's great!!!(Hugs Ranma) King: That's enough, Shori. Shori: Sorry. Ranma: ................... (After dinner. Ranma is in the courtyard by himself. It is late) Ranma: I don't get it. The journal says there's going to be a huge explosion in this courtyard and I get consumed in it. But there's no way it could be a bomb because it won't be invented for quite some time. Exactly how does this happen? Who makes the explosion? Shori: (Appearing out of nowhere)Hello, Ranma. Ranma: Shori, w-what are you doing here?(Thinking)Oh god...it's going to happen. Shori will with me when I die. It's going to happen. Shori: Um...well, I just wanted to see what you were doing. How come you're not asleep? How come you look so disturbed...is it me? Ranma: N-no. It isn't you. (Out of nowhere, a shuriken darts through the air, missing Shori by inches. Unfortunately, it hits Ranma's leg.) Ranma: Arghhh!!! Shori: Ranma, w-what happened? Are you all right? Ranma: (Gritting teeth)I-I'm fine. Shori: (Points)Ranma!!! It's an assassin!!! (Ranma sees a ninja emerge from the shadows. He is running straight toward them, intent to kill) Ranma: Shori, get back!!! Get away from here!!! (Ranma swats several shurikens away before they could hit Shori. Shori is doesn't move. She's too scared) Ranma: Shori, what are you doing? Get away from here! (Ranma is forced to swat several more shurikens away. The ninja is coming at them, and fast. Ranma limps painfully out into the courtyard to meet the ninja in combat) Ranma: I-I won't let you pass. I may be hurt, but you're not going to pass me. Ninja: ................. Ranma: (Thinking)There is no turning back. This is it. This is the final moment.(Begins to talk)I am prepared to die...to protect the princess, and you will die with me. Ninja: .................. Ranma: Mokou Takabisha!!!! (Ranma shoots a ki-blast forward. The ninja leaps up over it. The force of his ki-blast sends him sprawling backwards) Ranma: (Thinking)Damn, the kickback of my ki-blast is too strong for me to keep standing with one bad leg. If I try it again Shori'll be vulnerable. Ninja: (Thinking)My god!!! What the hell was that?! What did he just throw at me?! Ranma: (Slowly getting to feet)I'm not even going to ask you to surrender. I already know you will die. Ninja: (Throws shuriken)Die! (Ranma catches the shuriken and throws it back at the ninja, missing him) Ranma: ...............(Thinking)God, he's fast. I can't get him with my ki-blast. It's not quick enough slow. And I'm too far away to use my Kashuu TenshinAmaguriken. Ninja: (Thinking)What kind of man is he? How can he catch my shurikens? Ranma: (Thinking)I have to stop the ninja before he gets to Shori. I have to stop him, but how? I know!!! I'm going to have to gather all my strength for one final blast, and hopefully, the blast will get him(Realizing something)So that's how I'm going to die...the explosion was caused by me, not someone else... (Ranma starts glowing blue. Shori and the ninja stare in awe) Ninja: What the? Ranma: (Thinking)I'm sorry, Akane. I'm sorry, Shori. (Shouts)Mokou Takabisha!!!!! (Ranma fires a ki-blast at the ground. The entire courtyard goes up in a massive mushroom-shaped explosion. Ranma and the ninja get consumed in the explosion. Shori watches everything in horror) Shori: Ranma!!!! (Everything goes quiet) (Ancient Japan. Time has passed. It is evening. We see a badly injured Ranma lying on a bed somewhere in the palace. Shori is by his side. Ranma is finally waking up from his coma) Ranma: (Stirs)Ugh. Shori: R-Ranma? Ranma: (Slowly opening eyes)W-what happened?(Winces in pain) Shori: Please, don't talk. You were badly hurt and have been unconscious for quite some time now. But you're all right now. Ranma: (Slowly sits upright)W-where am I? Shori: Y-you're in the palace. You've been in bed for almost a week. Ranma: (Looks at Shori)S-Shori? I-is that you? Shori: Yes. It's me. Ranma: What's going on? I thought I died... Shori: Y-you didn't. You survived whatever that blast was. You're going to be all right. Ranma: I-I'm alive? I-I survived? Shori: Yes. You've been banged up a bit, but you'll be fine, given some rest. Ranma: (Leaps out of bed)I'm alive!!! I'm alive!!! I survived!!!(Winces in pain) Shori: .................. Ranma: Shori, don't you get it, I thought I was going to d-die in that blast. That means I'll be going back home. Shori: H-home? Y-you're not staying? Ranma: ............... Shori: Y-you're leaving? Ranma: (Sad)I'm sorry. I have to. I-I don't belong here. Shori: What do you mean you don't belong here? Ranma: I-I can't tell you. I-I must leave. (Thinking)Akane, will be waiting for me... Shori: Where are you going? Wait....you can't tell me. (Ranma nods) Shori: Why can't you tell me anything? Ranma: I want to tell you, but I can't...especially not now. (Ranma heads for the door) Shori: Please, don't go. Ranma: (Softly)I'm sorry. I can't stay. I must leave. (Thinking)My....my job is done. Shori is safe. I managed to save her life... Shori: .................. Ranma: Shori, this is goodbye. Shori: Don't go, Ranma (Shori runs forward and embraces Ranma from behind. Ranma remains still) Shori: I don't want you to go. I command you to stay. Ranma: (Gently pushes Shori away and look toward Shori)You know that's not going to get me to stay. I don't belong here. I have to go back to my own time....I mean my own hometown. Shori: What hometown? I'll come with you. I'll come live with you. Ranma: No! You're staying here! I must not come with me! (Ranma, ignoring the pain, leaves. Shori starts crying.) Shori: Ranma... (Present: Late evening. We are in front of the Tendo home. Everything is quiet. All of a sudden a huge flash of light appears and disappears, leaving behind two figures, Ranma and a young girl) Ranma: Well, I'm home. Girl: W-where are we? Ranma: Don't worry about it. (Looks at girl)Go back. I already showed you how to use the mirror. Go on back. Girl: ................. Ranma: The mirror is yours. Keep it safe. (Thinking)The Ranma born many generation after your time will need it. Besides, the mirror will become a family heirloom of your family where Happousei will steal many generations down the line. It's strange that your Cologne's ancestor. Who would have thought that many years from your time, Cologne will be born. And the scary part is that Cologne will only be your grand daughter... Girl: T-thank you. Ranma: You remember how to use it, right? Just like how I taught you. And don't you forget all those special techniques I taught you. (Thinking)It only seems right that I teach the techniques the ancestor of the woman that will teach me those same techniques... Girl: I won't forget. I plan on teaching it to my daughter. Thank you. (The girl somehow makes herself cries. The tear falls on the mirror and she disappears) Ranma: Well, I guess I'll never have to worry about that mirror anymore. (Ranma smiles as he looks at the front gate. He enters) Kasumi: Welcome back, Ranma. How was your trip? We were all worried about you? Ranma: Hello, Kasumi. The trip....was interesting. I'm glad I'm back. (Looks around)Where is everybody? Kasumi: Our fathers are upstairs in the attic looking for more information on our ancestors. It seems Akane and Nabiki realized that that ancient journal that you were reading about a month ago in the attic was a journal based on you. Akane read it and was quite upset by the death part near the end of the book. Ranma: Where is she? I want to let her know that I'm all right. Kasumi: She and Nabiki went to the Nekohanten. The two of them wanted Cologne to read that journal. Nabiki was just here a few minutes ago to pick up the scroll. Ranma: Scroll? You mean the scroll with the portrait that looks like me? Kasumi: Yes. Ranma: Thanks. I'm going to head on over to the Nekohanten. Kasumi: Akane will be thrilled that you're back. Ranma: I hope so....I-I missed her. (The scene changes to the Nekohanten. Cologne is talking to Nabiki and Akane) Cologne: That won't help. First, we don't have the mirror anymore. And second, no matter what you do, Ranma will die in the past. If he didn't then you wouldn't be here. The Tendo line exists because Ranma died. I feel sorry for Ranma and I have a great respect for him now. Akane: How's that? Why would you feel sorry for and respect him? Cologne: Imagine, he went back in time, knowing that he was going to die. After having read the journal a few weeks ago, he would know exactly how he dies, and he did nothing to prevent it because he knew if he did, you're entire Tendo line would have been wiped out. (Ranma enters the Nekohanten, smiling) Ranma: Hello, I'm back. Akane: R-Ranma?! Ranma: Yep. I'm back. Akane: B-but how? Ranma: (Smirks)Aren't you going to at least say hi or a simple 'I missed you'? Shampoo: (Glomps onto Ranma)Aiya. Shampoo so scared Ranma no come back. Shampoo so happy Ranma alive. Ranma: Arghh. T-that hurts. (Shampoo lets go as Ranma falls to the ground in pain) Akane: Ranma, are you okay? Ranma: Yeah, I-I'm fine. I was banged up a bit back there. I just need some rest. Nabiki: Welcome back Ranma. You had us worried. We really thought you weren't coming back. Cologne: Well I'll be. You're back. And here I thought you died saving the Tendo's ancestor's life. Ranma: Well, I guess I survived. I don't know how, but I'm glad I'm still alive and back. Akane: (A bit angry)You've got a lot of explaining to do, Ranma. Why did you go back in time in the first place? Ranma: It's pretty simple. I went back in time to meet the person who saved my ancestor. And, well, while I was there, I started wondering why the guy in the picture looked so much like me. And then I realized that that picture was of me. I started putting everything together, the scroll, the journal I read, and realized that I was the person who was being portrayed in the scroll and journal. Cologne: This is very interesting. Nabiki: Indeed. Ranma: There's much more. I assume you and Akane know you're from royalty. Akane: Um...we just found out not too long ago. Ranma: Your ancestor is a very nice person. You would have liked to have met her. Akane: Can you explain what had happened? I mean about the part where our ancestor was almost killed if it weren't for...you. Ranma: That's hard to explain. I could have sworn I was going to die, but I didn't. But I would prefer not to talk about it. I'm just glad to be alive. Nabiki: Ranma, (Gestures to journal)We came across a tiny excerpt in the back of the journal. Ranma: Oh? Nabiki: Yes. This excerpt is signed by you. Ranma: I never wrote anything in the journal when I was back in time. Let me see it. Akane: (Hands Ranma journal)It's in the back of the book. Ranma: (Reads)Akane, I'm sorry. I finally realized everything. I realize that I am destined to die in the past on the second time, not the first. I will no longer try and avoid my fate. Even though I will deny writing this, I, myself, have realized by the time I write this. Ranma Saotome. (Leaves out: PS- I love you. I will always love you) Akane: C-can you explain that? Ranma: Um, no, I can't. I never wrote this. Akane: But the excerpt is in your handwriting and it mentions how you will deny this. What gives? Ranma: I never wrote this. I swear. I never touched the journal once when I was in Ancient Japan. Akane: Then why is this in there? I don't understand what the meaning of it is. Nabiki: You know what I think? Because Ranma's here, the timeline has changed, meaning him writing this never happened. Ranma: That's kinda weird. I mean me writing something I never wrote. Akane: ...................... Ranma: It's strange though. Cologne: Oh? Ranma: Well, everything written in that journal over those five days I was there, it all came true. I was able to anticipate what was going to happen and managed to prevent it. It's just too bad Shori isn't very specific in what she writes. Most of her... Akane: Shori? Ranma: Your ancestor's name was Shori. Anyway, in the journal, she's very general in her description. Like in the last part, the part where I was supposed to die, she wrote how I was consumed in a ball of light and flames. It doesn't tell me much about what had happened. Nabiki: Can you explain why two of the pages are blank? Ranma: Nope. She probably skipped a couple of pages by accident when she wanted turned to a blank page. That's all I can think of. Akane: Did you meet your ancestors? Ranma: Of course I did. That picture in the scroll is of me. It wasn't a look-alike of myself. It was actually myself. I guess over time, the picture got distorted and all. (Looks at scroll)The funny thing is is that I saw this scroll, all new and all, just a day ago...and now I'm looking at a fifteen or so generation old version of the same scroll. Cologne: Did you happen to have met my ancestor also? I assumed you did... Ranma: Oh? And what makes you say that?(Thinking)How does she know? Cologne: Because my ancestor learned the techniques you showed her before she passed it down to future generations. Ranma: Yes. I did. It's kinda strange, what with me teaching a technique I have yet to learn. Heck, I even taught your ancestor the ShiShi Hokodan and the BakusaiTenketsu. Cologne: I figured so. Ranma: (Yawns)Man, I'm tired. I had a long long day...and I'd like to get some sleep. I just came back here to let all of you know that I'm all right, that I'm alive and well...although a bit bruised. I'm going on home. I'll come back tomorrow to explain more, when I have the time. But right now, I'm beat. (Ranma heads for the door. He turns around) Ranma: Hey, Akane, Nabiki, aren't you two coming along? (They both follow Ranma back home. Ranma is welcomed) Ranma: God, it's nice to be back. The thought of not coming back definitely put your life in perspective. Soun: Oh, Ranma, I'm so happy you came back. (Starts crying) Genma: Welcome back, son. I, too, was worried about you. I was scared you weren't coming back. Ranma: Well, I'm back. Nabiki: You wouldn't have happened to have brought anything back from Ancient Japan, did you? Akane: Nabiki. Ranma: Sorry, Nabiki, I didn't. Besides, when I found out I survived, I left there as soon as possible. Akane: How come? Ranma: I prefer not to talk about it. Anyway, I'm tired, and I want to go to sleep.(Heads upstairs) (Akane follows him.) Akane: Ranma. Ranma: Yes? Akane: Is it all right if I ask you something? Ranma: Sure. Akane: But not here. I don't want our parents to hear. (Ranma follows Akane to her room. He sits down on Akane's bed) Ranma: What's up? Akane: (Sits on bed)Um...it's about the journal. Ranma: What about it? Akane: It's about that excerpt you...um...didn't write. Ranma: Yeah? Akane: You never wrote it, right? Ranma: No. I didn't. Akane: (A bit sad)Oh.... Ranma: Lettme guess, you've read it. Akane: Yes...I did. Ranma: That means you also read that 'PS- I love you. I will always love you' part, right? Akane: Yes. Ranma: (Lies down)If it makes you feel any better, if I did write that, then I meant every word of it. Akane: Y-you would? Ranma: Yeah...... Akane: Ranma. Ranma: Let's just say the thought that I was never coming back really got me thinking. Akane: Thinking? About what? (Thinking)Please...say it. Please. Ranma: What do you think? The thought of never being able to see you made me realize.... Akane: Realize what? Ranma: I-it made me realize just how much I love you. There, I said it. Akane: Oh, Ranma... (Akane places lies down, placing her head on Ranma's chest) Akane: I love you also. (Ranma closes his eyes to rest. Akane soon falls asleep next to him) (Ancient Japan: Nighttime. Shori is in the palace with a young girl, the same girl Ranma was with earlier. Shori is holding the nanban mirror) Girl: Why am I here? Shori: I wanted that mirror you have. I saw you and Ranma hold this mirror and disappear, only to have just you reappeared with the mirror. I know this mirror has to do something with it and I'm determined to use it to find him. I want to be with Ranma. Girl: (Sighs)............... Shori: Well, tell me how to use this... Girl: I can't. Shori: Show me! Girl: Fine. He told me you must had one of your tears fall on it and must be thinking of where you want to be when it happens. When the tear touches the mirror, you will be...what was the word Ranma used....transported to where you were thinking of. Shori: And how do I make myself cry? Girl: I don't really know. I just think of a sad thought. (Shori follows the instructions. She easily makes herself cry while simultaneous wishing to see Ranma. She disappears in a flash of light.) Girl: Your majesty..... (She won't reappear for another year) (Present: Nighttime. We are in front of the Tendo's home. Shori reappears in a flash of light.) Shori: (Looking around)Where am I? What is this place? (Looks at houses)What are all these structures? Well, it doesn't matter. Where ever this place is, I don't care. Not as long as I'm with Ranma.(Calls out) Ranma! Ranma! Where are you? (In Ranma's bedroom. Ranma wakes up. Akane is sound asleep next to him. Ranma gets up and looks out the window.) Ranma: (See Shori in street)S-Shori?! W-what are you doing here?! Shori: (Sees Ranma by a window)Ranma? Is that you? (Ranma quickly gets dressed and goes outside) Ranma: What are you doing here? H-how did you get here? Shori: I found the girl I saw you disappear with. I used the mirror she was holding to get here...where ever here is... Ranma: .................(Thinking)Oh man, this is bad. This is really bad.(Begins to talk)I must take you back. Shori: Take me back? No. I want to stay here with you. Ranma: No! I can't let you do that! You must go back! I'm taking you back right now! Shori: No. I'm staying. And you're not making me go back. Ranma: I don't care what you say, Shori, I HAVE to take you back. If you don't go back, something bad is definitely going to happen. Shori: .................. Ranma: You wait right here. I have to do something first. (Ranma goes into the house. He walks into Akane's room and picks up a piece of paper and writes something in it.) Ranma: (Writing)Akane, something has come up. It turns out that your ancestor has somehow found a way to come to this time. I will bring her back. I'm sorry I won't be here when you wake. I love you. Ranma. (Ranma kisses Akane on the forehead before heading downstairs for an onion and leaving) (Outside) Shori: Why must you take me back? Ranma: I have to. (Takes mirror out of Shori's hands) (Ranma rubs and onion in his eye. A tear falls on the mirror. Ranma and Shori disappear) (Ancient Japan: Afternoon Ranma and Shori appear in Shori's room) Ranma: (Puts mirror in pocket)Look, Shori. You can't come with me. You just can't. Shori: Why not? Can't you at least tell me that? Can't you see that I love you? Ranma: God, didn't I tell you not to? I told you not to fall in love with me. I even told you if you did, you would be hurt. Why didn't you listen? Shori: I can't choose who I fall in love with! Ranma: .................. (Shori's door flies open and the king enters) King: S-Shori?! I-Is that you?!? Shori: (Looks at father)Yes. What is it? What's wrong? (The king runs forward and hugs Shori) King: Oh, Shori, I was so worried. Where have you been all this time? Shori: What are you talking about, Daddy? King: Where have you been for the past year? (The king finally notices Ranma) King: You!!!! Guards!!!! Seize him!!!! Ranma: What the? (Three guards rush into the room and bumrush Ranma. Ranma is pinned down) Ranma: Hey, let go of me! What are you doing?! King: How dare you kidnap my daughter?! And here I thought you would protect her. That was why I made you a royal guard. I don't know where you took my daughter for the past year, but you will pay for all the what had happened because of her disappearance. Ranma: What are you talking about?! Shori: Daddy, what do you mean a year? King: What has he done with you? You've been gone for the past year. No one has seen you for over a year and the providence is in ruins because of your disappearance. Ranma: (Thinking)Oh no. I brought her back one year off from when she left. Shori: A year? I was gone for a year? (Looks at Ranma)What's going on here, Ranma? Ranma: ..................... Shori: (Looks at her father)What do you mean the providence is in ruins? King: Do you remember that assassination attempt over a year ago? Well, a neighboring providence wanted you killed because your death would severely lower our soldiers' morale. But they failed. But when you disappeared, it had the same impact as if you have been assassinated. That was when the neighboring providence decided it was best to invade us. Shori: W-we're at war? King: Yes...all because of him. (Points at Ranma)I'll have your head for this, boy. Ranma: God, what have I done?! What have I done?! King: What are you babbling about, boy? Shori: Leave him alone. He has nothing to do with it. King: What? Shori: Ranma has nothing to do...with my disappearance. I-I chose to d- disappear. He was the one who brought me back. King: Is that true, boy? Ranma: Yes. I never kidnapped her. (An arrow shoots through the window, hitting one of the guards holding Ranma. The guard falls to the ground) King: Damn, they already made it past the front gate. (Looks at Shori)Shori, you stay here. I don't want you getting hurt. Our bloodline depends on your survival. (Looks at Ranma)Ranma, I'm sorry I misjudged you. Guard her with your life.(Rushes out of the room) (The other guard follows, leaving Ranma and Shori alone) Shori: What's going on here, Ranma? Ranma: (Looking grim)This is why I didn't want you to come with me. Don't you get it...I'm not from around here. Shori: I noticed that. That place I went to looked very much different from this. Ranma: (Thinking)I might as well tell her now that history has been seriously screwed up because of my blunder. (Begins to talk)Shori, I'm not from this time. I'm from a different time. I came here to save your life. When I did, I was supposed to go back...alone. Shori: What? Ranma: You know that journal you keep? That book was supposed to become a cherished heirloom to my fiancee's family. Shori: Fiancee? Heirloom? I don't understand. Ranma: Shori, you're my fiancee's ancestor. Shori: Ancestor? I don't have any children. Ranma: No...not yet. But many many generations down the line, a girl name Akane Tendo will be born. She will become my fiancee, the fiancee of the Ranma Saotome that will be born. You are related to my fiancee. Shori: ................. Ranma: You know that reward money? That money was used to feed my own ancestor's. I couldn't allow my ancestors to die because my bloodline will no long exist But now...it doesn't really matter. I should have died in that blast. If I had, none of this will be happening. Shori: This is too much. Ranma: (Realizing something)Waitaminute. Let me have your journal. Shori: (Hands him her journal)Here. Why? (Ranma reads the journal) Ranma: Where's that excerpt of your assassination attempt. Shori: I never wrote it in. When you got hurt, I didn't care about writing petty things like that in my journal. I stayed by your side every night. Ranma: Now I get it. Shori: Get what? Ranma: Now I understand everything. Shori: Understand what? Ranma: I finally realized it. All this...this blunder I made...it's still a part of my fate. Shori: Fate? What fate? Ranma: Nevermind. I'm not going to explain. Shori, I need to write something in the journal. Shori: G-go right ahead. (Ranma writes in the journal) Ranma: (Writing)Akane, I'm sorry. I finally realized everything. I realize that I am destined to die in the past on the second time, not the first. I will no longer try and avoid my fate. Even though I will deny writing this, I, myself, have realized by the time I write this. Ranma Saotome. PS- I love you. I will always love you.(Thinking)So I really did write this... (Ranma looks out the window. He sees brigands pouring into the courtyard, battling it out with the king's soldiers) Ranma: (Thinking)So....it wasn't the assassination attempt that gets me killed. It's this battle. I will die in battle. I already know how I'm going to die. I'll use my Mokou Takabisha to finish myself and everyone off. Many will die.....including myself. Shori: What are you thinking about? Ranma: Nothing. I must go out to fight alongside everyone else. Shori: Please don't. Ranma: Shori, don't forget to write what happens in your journal. Shori. W-what should I write? Ranma: Don't worry about it. You'll think of something. Oh yeah, you know that one year you missed, I suggest you leave a few pages blank to indicate the one year difference between entries... Shori: I-I will. T-thanks. All that you've told me, I won't mention it in my journal. Ranma: (Smiles weakly)Somehow, I'm pretty sure you won't. Well, I'm sorry....but this is where we say goodbye....forever. Shori: What? Ranma: You'll never see me again after today. This is the last time we'll ever see each other. Goodbye. (Ranma leaps out the window) Shori: Ranma!!! (Ranma lunges into the center of the courtyard where he lets loose the most massive ki-blast he has ever called forth.) Ranma: (Smiles)Seppukku Mokou Takabisha!!!!! (Everything and everyone in the entire courtyard is consumed in massive blast. The entire invading army is destroyed in one fell swoop. Unfortunately, a majority of the defending army is also destroyed. Half the palace and the entire courtyard is destroy. Shori watches all of this.) Shori: (Tears flowing)Ranma... (Shori rushes out to the courtyard to look for Ranma. By now, it has begun to rain. She sees a familiar looking red shirt, singed from the heat. Shori picks it up and crumples down to the ground and starts sobbing, placing her face against Ranma's shirt. The king emerges from what remains of the palace) King: S-Shori. I-I saw what happened.(Hugs Shori) Shori: Oh, Daddy, he's dead. He's dead. I'll never see him again. King: I'm sorry, Shori. I truly am. I regret having accused him of what he did. He was a good man. (Shori continues to cry) Shori: Ranma.... How did you like that story? Pretty hard to follow, right? I wanted an interesting and intriguing plot, but I guess I overdid it and made it confusing. If you managed to follow the story, despite the jumping back and forth in timelines, then I must applaud you. I had trouble keeping track of what was going on. I know it was a bit confusing, but I hope later on in the story, when everything started to click and fall into place, you started to realize what I was attempting to write. Basically, this story is meant to be read twice. Anyway, I'd like to thank Rumiko Takahashi for creating the Ranma 1/2 universe. It was because of her that this story was made possible. Anyway, I hope the storyline was interesting enough that you managed to read it all the way through. If you're reading this, then I guess you did :) Jeffrey "OneShot" Wong Here's an ending I'm pretty sure most people would prefer rather than my original one: Akane: Yes. Don't you get it? Now we know why there was a page blank in the journal. That blank page was supposed to signify our ancestor having traveled to our time, looking for Ranma. And you see that last page, the one where we thought Ranma wrote it? Well, he did write it... Nabiki: But Ranma denied it. He said he never wrote it... Akane: I know. But that's because he doesn't write it until he goes back to ancient Japan the second time... Nabiki: Oh no....that means that he never did escape fate.... Akane: (Starts crying)Ranma!!! (A flash of light appears in Akane's room. Akane and Nabiki are forced to shield their eyes. Ranma, in his female form, appears. He is dressed in unusual battle attire) Ranma-chan: (Weakly)I'm back. I'm finally back. (Falls to the floor unconscious) Akane: R-Ranma!!! (Time passes. Ranma is sitting in the livingroom, now healed. He is with Akane) Ranma: I survived the second time around also. It turns out that it started to rain and I was reverted to my cursed form. I saw Shori step out into the courtyard looking for me. I took off my shirt and quickly put on some battle attire a defending guard was wearing. I allowed Shori to believe I died. She thought that shirt was all that remained of me. Shori believes I died in that blast, along with everyone else. That's why it was written that I died, when indeed, I didn't.(Smiles) Akane: Oh Ranma...welcome back...again. (Akane hugs Ranma and starts to cry tears of joy)