Goodbye Forever Ranma Hello

by A. Amishi

Ranma washes up on an island with no memory of who SHE is. As time passes, Akane becomes the only one holding out hope that Ranma is still alive, and sets out on her own to prove she is right.

10. Chapter 10: I would know

Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 is the property of Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Publishing. I am not profiting financially in any way with this story. It is written simply for the reading pleasure of Ranma fans everywhere.

Acknowledgments: A thank you must go out to King Bob III and P-chan for turning me onto the Ranma manga. I've read the entire series from beginning to end at least 3 times, and it is some of the funniest stuff I've read anywhere. My thanks to my beta-reader, Kim, who not only does an excellent job, but a fast one too.

AN: Sorry for the long delay in getting this chapter out. After reviewing it before posting a few weeks ago, I decided it needed a re-write. That took some time go get right. But I'm pretty happy with it now. Hopefully you will enjoy it.

YAAN: Okay, I feel I must apologize for both to my beta-reader, Kim and to you, my readers. See, the truth is, the version of this chapter I originally posted was not reviewed by my beta-reader. I had just sent it to her moments before posting it. In the first (and only review I've received so far), a number of errors were pointed out to me. I corrected them and re-posted the chapter. I finally got my beta's notes yesterday, and she had quite a few. So I'm re-posting again with her corrections. I sincerely apologize for how sloppy the first posting of this story was, and I'm sorry if it detracted from your ability to enjoy it in any way. Thank you for continuing to follow my story and please let me know what you think of this chapter.

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Goodbye Forever Ranma … Hello

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Chapter 10: I Would Know?

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Akane placed the last of the provisions Kasumi prepared for her in her backpack. "Thanks for your help, Onee-chan. Saotome-obasama is still too distraught over Ranma to have helped and Nabiki … well; Nabiki just thinks I'm wasting my time."

"Akane-chan, are you sure this is the right thing to do? Ryoga may still return with-"

Akane shook her head. "I can't wait any longer. I have to know. One way or the other, I have to know." She hoisted the pack on her back, gave her sister a hug, and headed out the door.

"Good luck, Akane-chan." Kasumi watched her as she headed down the street turning in the direction of the train station.

Akane was determined. She was going to finally find out. She was sick and tired of everyone accepting the photos of the mutilated body as Ranma. Why was she the only one who still held out hope? Why was she the only one who believed in Ranma? It did not matter anymore. She would find him, and she would start and finish in Akajimo Island. She was certain this was Ranma. Ryoga had reached Okinawa over a month ago but he had not returned, and she was tired of waiting. She would find out for herself. That was all there was to it. She would learn the girl's true identity and if it was Ranma, she would bring him home. And if it was not? She had no answer for that. She would never allow herself to believe the photos of the dead man were Ranma. However, she had to admit that with nearly the entire western end of Japan alerted to Ranma's disappearance; it seemed highly unlikely that if he were alive, he would not have been found by now. But she could not allow herself to think such things. Not now, not when she was just getting started.

She looked up and saw she was passing the park. Glancing over towards the water fountain, which was near the tennis courts she spotted someone standing there looking down into the water. Though he was a good distance away, there was no mistaking who it was.

"Ryoga-kun!" She cried out and ran towards him.

The boy looked up and turned from side to side then took off running in the opposite direction.

"No." She gritted her teeth and picked up her pace. "Ryoga-kun! Stop! Just stop and I'll catch up to you!" Reaching the water fountain she shrugged off her backpack and ran as fast as she could. "Ryoga-kun!"

Without her pack to slow her down, Akane closed the distance quickly. Certain he could hear her now, she cried out once more. "Stop, Ryoga-kun!" This time he listened; a little too well. She crashed into him and they both fell to the ground.

Ryoga sprang back to his feet. "Akane-san, I'm so sorry." He extended his hand and helped her up.

"No, it's my fault." She dusted herself off.

"Akane-san," he bowed, "I'm glad I found you … or rather … you found me. I've been-"

"Did you find him?" Akane cut him off. "Did you find, Ranma? Why isn't he with you?"

Ryoga's shoulders drooped just a bit but it was enough for Akane to notice. "What happened?" She lost all expression; only fear shown through her eyes.

Ryoga lowered his gaze. "It was not him. That girl …" He pulled the picture from his pocket and handed it to Akane. "She is not Ranma."

Akane took the picture and looked at it. "Are you sure?"

He nodded, "Quite sure. Not only did she not recognize me, but when I poured hot water on her, she did not change into a boy. I'm sorry, Akane-san. But know this; I, Ryoga Hibiki, have not given up. I will continue to search for Ranma until I find him for you. This I promise."

Akane hung her head. She stared down at the picture. It can't be. I was so sure. I know this is Ranma. This has to be him. She looked up at him. "Are you certain the water was hot enough? Maybe it was just lukewarm. Maybe the girl you met wasn't the girl in this picture. It could have been another girl, someone who just looked like her ..."

"Akane-san." Ryoga shook his head. "I showed the picture to the girl. She acknowledged the picture was of her. And I assure you, the water was plenty hot. I am sorry, Akane-san."

So this is it. She stared at the picture. You were my last hope. She closed her eyes and fought back the tears. No, I won't give up hope … but I can't make Ryoga-kun continue to search for Ranma either. It simply would not be fair to Ryoga-kun. "Thank you, Ryoga-kun." She reached out and took his hand. "Come with me."

Having his hand held by Akane was almost more than Ryoga could handle. His face turned red and he began feeling warm all over. Where could she be taking me? Is she intending to show me her gratitude someplace quiet and intimate? He began to overheat. No, it can't be. Akane-san is far too innocent and pure to do something like that. But to pledge to search for that unworthy Ranma until the task is complete… perhaps she has finally realized my true feelings for her.

Ryoga allowed himself to be led, first back to the fountain then through the streets of Nerima when they came to a sudden stop. His mind still in a haze of euphoria, Ryoga took a moment to get his bearings. "We're in front of your house."

Akane drew in a deep breath. "Yes, we are." She released his hand and opened the front gate. "Come in."

Ryoga hesitated but a moment before following her in.

Akane made no announcement of her arrival home but rather walked quietly through the house. She paused when she came to the kitchen and looked in. Nodoka was absentmindedly preparing lunch.

"Saotome-obasama." Akane waited until she was sure she had the woman's attention. "Ryoga-kun is back, without Ranma."

Nodoka saw Ryoga come up beside Akane. He had a solemn look on his face. "I see. I'll make some tea."

Akane continued down the hall, pausing only a moment to deposit her backpack at the foot of the stairs, then continued to a small room. Sliding the door open she gestured for Ryoga to enter. "Ranma's mother will be by shortly." Then she turned and headed up to her room.

Ryoga was thoroughly confused. Why had Akane brought him here only to leave him alone in this room? He looked around and noticed that the room was almost completely empty except for two small shrines. He walked up to them. One had a picture of a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Akane and her sisters.

"This must be Akane-san's mother." He put his hands together and bowed taking a moment to offer up a prayer,

Ryoga moved over to the other shrine. In it was a picture of Ranma next to an urn. "Why is there a shrine for Ranma next to the shrine for Akane-san's mother?"

"To serve as a memorial to my son."

Ryoga jumped, startled by Nodoka's sudden appearance.

She knelt and set the tray down. "Please, sit and I will tell you about my son, Ranma."

Ryoga did as she asked, and she explained about the day the police chief came and showed them the pictures of the young man whose body had washed up on shore. She told him about the steady flow of well-wishers who came to pay their respects. Finally, she told him how Akane refused to give up and had clung to the small sliver of hope that he would return with Ranma.

"You have always been very kind to Akane-chan. Perhaps, if it is not too much trouble, you can stay for a time; a few days perhaps to help her deal with her loss."

Ryoga set his tea down and bowed low. "I will do all I can to help in this difficult time."

Akane lay on her bed staring at the tattered picture, silent tears falling from her eyes. "It can't be. I would know if Ranma were gone. I would feel it. I'm sure of it. I-I'm … I-I'm …"

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Soun Tendo set his chopsticks down and let out a satisfied moan. "My, that was quite delicious. Nodoka-san, you truly outdid yourself. Don't you think so, Nabiki, Ryoga-kun?"

"Oh, yes, Tendo-sama." Ryoga quickly agreed. "This was truly a wonderful meal, Nodoka-sama"

"Yeah, great." Nabiki replied while flipping through the channels on the TV.

Nodoka gave a knowing grin to Soun. "You should thank Akane-chan. She was a big help in the kitchen today."

Soun gave an animated smile. "Really! Well, Akane, you are becoming quite the cook I see."

"Yes, thank you, Akane-san." Ryoga added a little too enthusiastically.

Akane glared at the two of them. "I boiled water, that's all."

"Oh, don't be modest, Akane-chan. You were a big help." Nodoka patted the girl's hand.

Akane rolled her eyes and stood up. "I'm going for a walk."

Soun nudged Ryoga.

"Oh… ah, Akane-san." He stood up. "May I join you?"

"If you want." She didn't bother to look back on her way to the door.

She walked with no particular destination in mind, turning here and there until her aimless wanderings lead them to the park. Once there she walked over to the water fountain. Searching in her pocket she pulled out a coin and tossed it in. They stood there for several minutes looking down at the water.

This is so wonderful. Thought Ryoga. With Ranma out of the picture, it is just a matter of time before Akane-san begins seeing me in a new light.

"Thank you, Ryoga-kun." Akane finally whispered.

Ryoga offered her a big stupid grin. "No problem." He laughed. A moment later, he asked, "Hmm, for what?"

"For not questioning me about Ranma." Akane continued to stare down at the water. "Everyone believes Ranma is dead. They think I'm in denial because I didn't say goodbye to him before he left, or because I never told him how I truly felt about him. But that's not true. I really believe that I would know if Ranma was gone. You see … I really do care about him."

Ryoga felt his heart crack.

"I know it seems crazy. He's so arrogant and selfish and stupid and cheap and he was always too big a coward to reject Shampoo and Ukyo; and when it comes to martial arts he is so single-minded. He has to win no matter what."

Ryoga felt his heart slowly mend with each insulting word Akane threw towards his rival.

"But Ranma had his sweet side too. He could be kind and caring when he wanted to be; and to tell you the truth, it's his stubborn determination to win at all costs that attracted me to him in the first place." Akane admitted.

Ryoga's heart split in two. Never being a man of many words, Ryoga just stood there not knowing how to respond.

She looked over and smiled. "Thanks for listening, Ryoga. It must be hard on you too, having your friend go missing like this."

He gave her a weak smile. "You have no idea." Just kill me now. Even in death, you still manage to stand in the way of my happiness, Ranma.

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Master Sushi led the way deep into the interior of the island. While most of the island was lush and green covered with a healthy coat of tropical foliage, this part of the island was especially dense, making passage even through its well worn path difficult. More than once, Sakura snagged her training outfit on branches and thorns. Finally, they emerged in a clearing. The open area was covered in sparse grass and moss covered rocks. Sakura slowly turned round and round. In this clearing that was about 20 meters in diameter, not a single bush or tree grew while a thick wall of tropical foliage made it nearly impossible to see beyond it.

"Where are we?" she asked.

Master Sushi made his way to the middle of the clearing and sat on the ground. When Sakura finally stopped looking around and took notice of where Master Sushi was, she hurried over to him and sat facing him.

"During the war, this island was heavily bombed. In time the plants grew back and the animals returned. Everywhere, except here. No one knows why. Maybe, it is because of the large stones the bombs turned up here." He gestured all around them. "In any case, it makes this spot an ideal place to practice the manipulation of earth."

Sakura nodded.

"Just as manipulating water and air required specific martial arts skills, so it is with the earth. Water was the easiest because it used Tai Chi, a martial art you were most familiar with. Air took a little more work because it meant mastering the fundamentals of Baguazhang. Though different from Tai Chi, there were enough similarities so as not to make it too difficult. Now, with earth, you will need to learn Hung Ga Kung Fu. A very different form of martial arts.

"The core of Hung Ga is the four empty hand routines: Taming the Tiger Fist, Tiger Crane Paired Form Fist, Five Animal Five Element Fist, and Iron Wire Fist. Each routine in itself can take years to master, let alone all five. And you need to master all five in order to even think of beginning to manipulate earth."

Sakura's expression betrayed her mild disappointment.

"However, seeing how very quickly you have mastered everything else I have tried teaching you, I have no doubt you will have these master within a few months as well, if you work hard." Master Sushi smiled.

Sakura smiled back, her feelings of disappointment evaporated and were replaced by overwhelming confidence. She tipped her head to the side, and looked around the open field again. "So, if I must master these routines first, why did we come here? Couldn't we train just as easily at the dojo?"

"Actually, I won't be teaching you Hung Ga."

"You won't?"

Master Sushi shook his head. "My Hung Ga master, Kuen-sama will be your master. It is your good fortune that Kuen-sama chose to retire to this island a little over a year ago."

Sakura smiled, but it quickly faded. "But if he is retired, will he be willing to teach me?"

Master Sushi grinned. "Once he meets you, I'm sure he will agree to teach you. And as for why we are here now, I simply wanted to show you where you would be practicing your earth manipulation." He grabbed his canes and stood up. "And to give you a small, and I do mean small, demonstration."

Excitement flooded Sakura's heart and she sprang to her feet.

Master Sushi turned to her and asked. "Sakura-chan, can you create a whirlwind around me to hold me up? It is hard enough trying to manipulate earth without having to manipulate the air around me as well."

"Of course, Sushi-sama." She took her stance and performed the necessary form, creating a short, tight whirlwind around Master Sushi up to his waist.

Feeling stable, he tossed his canes aside and began performing a form unlike any Sakura had ever seen from him. The routine was strong and forceful, unlike the fluid and graceful routines she was accustom to doing when she manipulated the air and water. A few meters in front of Master Sushi, a large rock began to shake. It wobbled from side to side and slowly began to rise. It only rose a few centimeters but it was enough to leave Sakura awestruck. Then Master Sushi did something really impressive. He drove the stone back down with enough force to cause more than half of it to be buried under the ground.

Sakura stared mesmerized at the rock until Master Sushi called out to her. "Sakura-chan." In an instant, she picked up his canes and brought them to him, then performed the appropriate form to cause the whirlwind to dissipate. "That was incredible," she said to him.

It took Master Sushi a few minutes to catch his breath, then he looked up and replied. "That was nothing compared to what I know you will be able to do once you are ready."

Sakura stared up at her teacher. He had often said such words to her and it always filled her with joy and gratitude, but these were not simple words of praise that cost him nothing to say. This felt different. This time he was expecting her to do something, something to a degree far greater than even he was capable of doing. Yes, this was more than praise; this was expectation. She straightened up, standing as tall as her petite frame would allow. "I will. I promise."

He stared intently into her eyes. Sakura was always a confident martial artist, but so were many of his students. What he saw in her was more than confidence. It was a determination to accomplish the task she was about to undertake. This was not going to be easy and he was certain she knew this, but he was equally certain she was prepared to do whatever it took to master earth. For the first time since he had found her washed up on the beach, he saw not a girl, but a woman, ready and capable of meeting life's challenges.

He looked down for a moment and drew in a deep breath. "Well, that's enough for today. Let's head home." He looked up at the sky. "It's starting to get late."

Making their way back through the bushes, Sakura asked. "What would you like for lunch, Sushi-sama?"

"Miso and rice would be good."

She giggled. "You are so easy to please, Sushi-sama."

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Mousse rushed into the Cat Café. "Shampoo! Shampoo! Have you heard?" He stopped cold at what he saw. All of the tables and chairs were stacked up against the wall. He walked into the kitchen only to find it empty and the stoves cold. "But it's the dinner hour." Mousse scratched his head.

Slowly, he made his way to the back of the shop. There he found Shampoo, her father and great-grandmother loading the last of their belongings onto a truck. "What's going on?"

Shampoo busied herself loading the truck and didn't take the time to answer Mousse's query. She only paused every now and then to wipe her eyes dry.

Cologne jumped upon her staff. "Isn't it obvious? We are heading home. There is no longer any reason to stay."

"So you've heard?"

"That Ryoga encountered the girl that Akane was convinced was Muko-dono? Yes, we heard. That is why we are going home."

Shampoo placed the last box on the truck and closed it. "Is all done."

Her father gave the driver instructions on which pier to take their belongings and paid him. "Well, that everything." He checked his watch. "We have three hour before ship leave."

"Shampoo need go some place. Be back very soon." She started walking through the shop to head out the front door.

"Shampoo, wait!" Mousse ran after her. "Where are you going? C-Can I go with you?"

Shampoo gave him a gentle smile and shook her head. "Mousse will see all he want of Shampoo when we back in China. Give me little time for self, okay?"

"I understand." He took a step back. "Say goodbye to Ranma for me, will you?"

She nodded and walked out the door.

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Ukyo and Konatsu had already packed and unpacked the okonomiyaki cart three times. Ukyo always seemed to forget something that just had to be packed first so everything else had to come out. Now she was blaming Konatsu for forgetting the spare signs and banners. Of course they were important but not essential for daily use.

"There's no point in waiting to do it later. Unpack it all and we'll store them under the spare griddle." Ukyo started pulling things out.

Konatsu took the sack of rice flour from her and turned to set it aside but thought better of it. "Ukyo-sama, we do not have to go if you do not really want to."

Ukyo stared at him for a moment shaking her head. "No, it's time I moved on. Here, give me back the flour. We can place the signs in the spatula drawer until we reach our first destination. Then we'll store them properly."

Konatsu leaned in with some hesitation. "Are you sure, Ukyo-sama?"

Ukyo smiled, "Yes, I'm sure. We need to get going before it gets any later."

The last thing Ranma's other fiancée did was hang a 'SOLD' sign on the shop door.

"So what is our destination, Ukyo-sama?"

"I think we'll start in Osaka. I hear a vendor can do very well there if you're aggressive enough, and I'm no wallflower, that's for sure."

Konatsu smiled. He knew it was going to take time for his mistress to get over the loss of her fiancé but at least she was making the effort.

"There is one place I want to stop at before we leave town."

"Of course, Ukyo-sama. Lead the way."

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Everyone was in the washitsu. Nabiki and Ryoga were watching TV, Soun was reading the paper and Nodoka was quietly knitting. Akane sat next to her sister and Ryoga. While she stared off in the direction of the television, her mind was on anything but the show they had on.

Am I being unrealistic? Would I really feel it if Ranma were truly gone? It's not like he ever told me he loved me; for that matter, I never told him how I felt about him either. Am I just pretending, like everyone says because I'm feeling guilty?

"Nihao! Is home anyone?"

"Shampoo?" Akane spring up and hurried to the door. "Shampoo, it is you."

The Chinese Amazon bowed. "Nihao, Akane. May Shampoo come in?"

Akane was taken aback by the girl's formality. "Ah, s-sure, Shampoo. Come on in."

She took off her shoes and walked in.

Nabiki and the others came up to see what was going on. "Shampoo? What brings you here?"

"And without breaking down any walls?"

The girl bowed. "Shampoo wish to pay last respects to Ranma before leaving."

"Leaving?"

She nodded. "Shampoo and family go back to China. No have reason to stay in Japan. Shampoo say last goodbye then go."

Everyone became very solemn. Finally, Akane stepped forward, "Of course, follow me." She led Shampoo to the room where Ranma's shrine was.

Shampoo knelt down before it and prayed. Feeling a little uncomfortable, Akane shuffled from foot to foot before finally offering to get her some tea.

"Is not necessary, Shampoo not stay long." Then she clapped her hands and bowed low before standing. "You still believe, Ranma alive?"

Akane stared into Shampoo's eyes. Did she truly believe it still? Was she still so certain that the ashes in the urn next to Ranma's picture were not the remains of her fiancé? Stating with a conviction she did not truly feel, she answer, "Yes."

Shampoo looked at the shrine once again before turning back at Akane. "Shampoo pray you are right." She extended her hand. "Akane always good rival to Shampoo. Maybe we meet again someday."

Akane took Shampoo's hand into hers. "Maybe, someday. Have a safe trip home, Shampoo."

The Chinese girl bowed and then left.

Akane stood by the doorway long after Shampoo had gone. She knew that the young Amazonian would not be heading home if she held out any hope that Ranma was still alive. Was she truly alone in her conviction?

"Akane, is something wrong?"

Akane turned and stared up at her sister. "Am I wrong, Nabiki? Am I crazy for believing that Ranma is still out there somewhere and not in that urn?" She wanted to believe, she needed to believe, but more than that, she needed to know the truth. Was she just deluding herself into believing? Was she really being honest with herself? She needed to know, but was Nabiki really the one to give her that answer? If Kasumi were here, Akane would have asked her. Though generally optimistic, Kasumi was also honest and straightforward. Akane was expecting some flippant, sarcastic response from her middle sister. But right now, any response would do to help chase away the nagging doubts hanging over her head.

"I can't answer that for you, Akane. I know what I believe, but I would not presume to tell you what you should believe. If you have doubts than you need to search your heart to find out what is true to you." Nabiki started to turn away but stopped. "I'm sorry I can't give you a better answer." Then she walked away.

Akane was stunned. Never had she expected her sister to give her such a profound and well thought out answer. Nabiki …

The door slid open. "Akane-chan?"

The girl turned. "Ukyo?"

Ukyo blushed faintly. Obviously, she expected to see Akane, this being her home and all, but she was not expecting her to be standing at the door. "Ah … was that Shampoo I just saw leaving here?"

"Yes. She stopped to … to say one last goodbye … to … to Ranma. Are you leaving too, Ukyo?"

Ranma's "cute" fiancée, as Ranma would say from time to time, shook herself out of her stupor. "Ah, yes. Yes, I'm heading for Osaka first and then up north before it gets too cold, but how did you know?"

Akane stepped up into the hallway to let Ukyo in. "Shampoo is heading back to China. So you've come to say goodbye to Ranma one last time too?"

"Yes." Ukyo bowed. "I want to say goodbye to my … to our fiancé."

Akane nodded and led the way. In the room, Ukyo did much the same thing Shampoo had done. Akane stood quietly off to the side respecting Ukyo's time with Ranma's memory.

A few minutes later, Ukyo got up. "I still can't believe he's really gone." She wiped away the tears from her eyes. "Of course, you still don't believe it, do you Akane-chan?"

"No, I don't," Akane answered defensively. How could she admit to having doubts when she had been so certain for so long.

"Well," Ukyo looked back at the shrine. "I wish I could believe that. I hope you are right." She turned to Akane. "I wish we had met under different circumstances. I think we would have been good friends, you and I."

Akane softened. "Ukyo."

Ukyo extended her hand. "Goodbye, Akane-chan."

Akane stepped forward and hugged her. "We'll see each other again. I'm sure of it."

Ukyo hugged her back. "Another one of your premonitions?"

Akane chuckled and wiped her eyes dry. "Yeah, I guess. Want to stay and have some tea?"

Ukyo smiled and shook her head. "No, Konatsu is waiting outside with my okonomiyaki cart. We need to get going if we're going to make it to Osaka by nightfall. But thank you, Akane-chan." She bowed then left.

Akane walked out to the garden and crouched down by the pond. Looking down into the water she remembered the last conversation, or rather the last fight she and Ranma had the night before he left on his training journey. It came to her so vividly.

"So this is where you ran off to." Ranma stepped out into the garden.

"Mmm, just getting some fresh air." Akane dusted off some non-existent lint from her dress.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I never realized Kasumi-chan had so many friends."

…

"That was really nice of you." Ranma ran his hand over the back of his head.

"Huh?" Akane turned.

"Telling your sister about Tofu-sensei and all. That was really nice of you."

…

"Is that why you've been looking at me funny all this time?" Akane shook her head. "Because you thought I did something nice, something saintly." She chuckled. "You're such a dummy, Ranma."

She regretted those words now, more than ever.

The young martial artist blushed and a deep frown crossed his face.

"Ranma, I didn't mean that. Really." She stepped closer to him. "I appreciate that you think what I did was so nice."

…

She looked away. "I guess I'm just being a little selfish."

Ranma stuffed his hands in his pockets and raised a questioning eyebrow. "Selfish? About what?"

"About love." She turned back towards him and asked, "Do you ever thing about love, Ranma? About whom you want to spend the rest of your life with? About …" She blushed and looked away. "us?"

"'Us'… What 'us'?" He laughed and looked away. He turned back ... "Akane!" He stepped towards her but she shoved him aside and ran to the house. She remembered hearing the sound of Ranma hitting the water.

Did Ranma regret those words as much as Akane had regretted saying those hurtfully things just moments earlier? Did she overreact, as usual? Was he about to apologize, like she had? Only, she didn't give him the opportunity. She reacted instantly, like she always did.

Akane tried desperately to fight back the tears.

…

Akane could make out Ranma splashed her way up to the surface of the water and heard her pulled herself out of the water. She heard her scream out, "You stupid thick-waist, macho chick!"

Akane ran up to her room and locked the door. She took off the new dress she bought especially for the wedding. She lay down on her bed and curled up tightly. What is wrong with me? Why does he hate me so? Why do I keep putting up with him? She closed her eyes and let the tears flow. "I hate you, Ranma. I really, really do hate you."

But that was not true at all. She did not hate Ranma. Far from it. Staring into the water, she knew those words were not the last ones she spoke to Ranma but did it really make a difference. She said them to herself and that was the sentiment she felt the next morning. The feeling that kept her from saying goodbye to Ranma, before he left. For the last time. She stood stock straight. "No! Not for the last time! Ranma is not dead! I don't know where he is, but he is not dead! I would know it! I would know, if he were dead." Tears rolled down her cheeks. "I would."

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Master Sushi held his fingers to his lips and then quietly slid open the door to his old master's home. He and Sakura stepped inside and slipped off their shoes, careful not to make any sound at all. Sakura found it strange that they should be entering a house without announcing their presence but she followed her master's lead nonetheless. For his part, Master Sushi placed both his canes in one hand and by sheer force of will, managed to walk down the hall to the inner courtyard without losing his balance or making a sound. Sakura tip-toed her way behind him, trying to be just as quiet. However, once in a while she could feel, more than hear, the floor boards under her feet creek ever so slightly.

With the courtyard in view, she was able to see the back of an old man sitting in meditation. She smiled to herself realizing that this must be some sort of test the old master employed to determine a student's worthiness. With this in mind, she walked even more carefully than before.

However, as they drew near to the courtyard, the old man spoke in a heavy Chinese accent. "You are out of practice, Ueda. Obviously, relying on those sticks of yours has dulled your skills."

Master Sushi stopped and bowed low, then returned his canes to his hands, ready to walk with them as he normally did. "My apologies, Kuen-sama. I will strive to train harder in the skills you have taught me."

"No, you won't. You take too much pleasure in those other movements that laughingly pass for martial arts. However, it is your loss, not mine." The old master drew in several deep, cleansing breaths before continuing. "And who is your clumsy friend. She walks like a herd of charging rhinos. I could hear and feel every step she made. Truly a graceless child."

Sakura was both amazed and offended. She may be many things, but never had she ever considered herself to be the least bit clumsy or graceless. Still, it amazed her that not only had the old man known it was Master Sushi who had entered his home and that he was not alone, but he knew she was a young girl.

"This is Sakura, my student, and I hope yours as well." Master Sushi bowed even lower.

Sakura stood there wondering why he was being so formal when the old man hadn't even taken the time to turn around to look at them.

"Well, she is not one for manners, is she?" Master Kuen said, taking another deep cleansing breath.

She felt as if someone had just slapped her in the face. Not a hard slap but the kind of slap that shocks the body to attention. She immediately bowed even lower than her master. "I apologize, Kuen-sama. I meant no disrespect."

"Hmm, yes. Well, stop wasting my time and come here already. It's not like I can continue my meditations now, anyway."

Master Sushi and Sakura walked out onto the courtyard and circled around to face the old master. Sakura tried to stand as tall and straight as she possibly could while Master Kuen studied her as if she were a fish and he was trying to decide whether to keep her or throw her back in the ocean.

"Hmm, she has much water. I'm sure she is a fine Tai Chi martial artist. But not much earth. No, not much at all."

"More than me, I am sure," injected Master Sushi.

"Yes … well. You were the exception." Master Kuen held out his hand. "Come here Xiǎo Xi. Give me your hand."

Sakura hesitate a moment but then stepped forward and held out her hand.

The old man took it roughly, studying it and turning it over in his hand. "Hmm, not much earth, but enough to work with." He let her hand go and gave a dismissive gesture, letting Sakura know she was given permission to return next to her master. She scowled slightly but stepped back nonetheless. "Ueda, I came to this island to enjoy my retirement in peace. Why do you want me to take on a student now?" the old man grumbled

Master Sushi bowed again, "My humblest apologies, Master. I would not think of interrupting your meditations. However, Sakura-chan has proven to be an exceptional martial artist. Truly a prodigy of the likes I have never encountered. It is my sincerest wish that she learn from you. I am certain she will not disappoint you."

Master Kuen rubbed his chin pensively. "You have always been quick to praise, but that is truly high praise even coming from you." He rubbed his chin some more, then slapped his knee and stood up. "Very well, Ueda you may go." He turned and walked out of the courtyard.

Master Sushi bowed one last time and started to leave. Sakura followed beside him, but he suddenly stopped and said, "Follow Kuen-sama, your training begins now."

Sakura saw that the old master had gone down a different hallway. She nodded and went after him.

Seeing a door that had been left open and no sign of the master, she walked to it and looked inside. It was the dojo, smaller than Master Sushi's but unmistakable. Master Kuen stood in the middle of the room with his eyes closed, deep in breathing meditation.

"Are you going to keep me wait all day, Xiǎo Xi?" he said firmly.

"Ah!" Sakura stepped inside and slid the door closed, then went and stood in front of him. "Sorry, Kuen-sama."

The old man groaned. "You Japanese and your honorifics. It is so annoying. Drop the 'sama' will you? It gets on my nerves."

Sakura's eyes went wide. "Ah … v-very well, K-Kuen?" it felt so awkward to address a master in such an informal way.

The old man sighed and opened his eyes. "Very well, if you feel you must, call me Sifu Kuen."

Sakura bowed, "Yes, Sifu Kuen. Aaa – Sifu Kuen?"

"What is it?" he asked impatiently.

"What does Sifu mean? And for that matter, what does Xiǎo Xi mean as well?"

"Sifu is master, and Xiǎo Xi is tiny rhinoceros. I will call you that until you deserve to be called otherwise. Now, Ueda seems to think you are something special. A prodigy of some sort. We shall see. Assume a horse stance! Wider! ..."

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To Be Continued …