the flour and some other things. She has taken the opportunity to look around, while she's at the shop. She stops before a display of sweets.
Akane: [thinks] Oh, yes. I could take some of those, too. Ranko loves them. [smiles] Better take more, then, or there won't be any for me.
She overhears two boys talking in the next aisle.
Boy: Hey, didja see that total babe?
Akane: [frowns, thinks] Men!
Boy2: That Chinese one? Sure, hard to overlook, is she? I saw her this morning in the park, y'know? She was jumping in and out of a tree. Strange girl.
Boy: She was probably practisin' to hide there and jump out to surprise her lover.
Boy2: You sure she has one?
Boy: No way she wouldn't, with that figure.
Boy2: Aw, yer dashing my dreams, y'know?
Akane, who froze when she recognized the object of the boy's dialogue, has heard enough. She runs off.
Boy: Just think of those balloons she has.
Boy2: Bonbori.
Boy: Huh?
Boy2: They're called bonbori. Large metal spheres, affixed to wooden handles. Difficult to wield, but pretty dangerous if you can master them.
Boy: [suspicously] You been reading books again?
Akane arrives at the Dojo, out of breath. She storms into the house and shouts for Ranko. Kasumi comes out of the kitchen.
Kasumi: Ranma is already out. He went to the park for his match with Shampoo, remember? Did you get the flour?
Akane: Oh no! I'm too late. I think that match is a trap - I've got to warn Ranko!
She runs off again, but calls back over her shoulder.
Akane: The flour's in the basket, Kasumi.
Kasumi: Thanks, Akane. [smiles to herself] They're always running to or from somewhere. No wonder they're always hungry.
With gritted teeth and clenched fists, Akane runs through the Nerima streets at top speed. Before her mental eye flashes pictures of Shampoo jumping out of a tree, behind Ranma, ambushing him. The pictures change to ones of an unconscious Ranma being dragged off to China to marry Shampoo. Akane redoubles her speed.
When she turns into the park and runs along the path, she soon spies a prone form lying on the grass before a tree.
Akane: Ranko! [thinks] Oh god, let her be OK.
She plops down on her knees beside Ranma, relieved that there are no outward signs of injury. She reaches out and touches Ranma's shoulder, shaking him slightly. Ranma moans.
Ranma: Ummmm... [opens his eyes] Oh. What...?
Akane: [embraces him] Oh Ranko! You're okay!
Ranma seems happy about Akane's sympathy, but looks a little confused. When she releases Ranma, he asks her
Ranma: Akane, what are you talking about? You know my name's Ranma. Who's Ranko?
Akane steps back, her eyes wide, her fingers splayed in shock.
Arguing voices approach the Tendou Dojo.
Ranma's voice: Honestly, Akane, I have no idea what you're talking about. I remember everything fine. People with amnesia know they've forgotten something. You're pulling my leg. I bet there never was any person called Ranko.
Akane: I just found you, lying unconscious in the park, and you question my sanity. It's your brain that's scrambled, baka!
Ranma: Don't call me baka, kawaikunee! Just because you're my fiancée doesn't mean you can treat me like this.
Akane falls silent at this. Her fists clench and unclench at her side.
Akane: [thinks] He's not himself. He's not well. I won't hit him. He's not himself...
Souun: He completely forgot?
Kasumi: Oh my!
The Tendous and Genma are sitting in the living room, discussing recent developments.
Akane: And he's behaving differently, too. [thinks] Called me his fiancée...
Genma: We could hit him over the head again. [swings his fist] Perhaps that will restore his memory. I saw that happen once on the television.
Souun: Ha ha ha, I saw that too. Let's do it!
Nabiki: I don't think that show was meant to be taken as medical advice. Perhaps... we could splash him with hot water. That would make it pretty impossible to ignore Ranko.
Genma seems a little reluctant to let go of his idea, but finally nods agreement. Soon, four shadowy figures creep into Ranma's room. One of them is carrying a kettle. They approach the sleeping boy.
Genma: [whispers] Is the water ready?
Akane: [whispers] Got it!
Nabiki: On my sign. One... two...
Suddenly a loud voice rings out.
Voice: Stop! Don't do it!
- End of Part 19.