AKANE: Ranma. Ranma, wake up. It's the last day of classes and I don't want to be late. Ranma. [angrily] DAMMIT RANMA BAKA! WAKE UP! [Akane kicks Ranma's stomach harder which causes the sleeping boy to wake up]
RANMA: OOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!! [shouts] DAMMIT AKANE! WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR! IT HURTS!
AKANE: For starters, it's the last day of classes. I have to be there.
RANMA: So? Why don't you go without me?
AKANE: Gee, you think I don't want that? Dad has been forcing me to be with you no matter what! You know him, Uncle Genma and Aunt Nodoka. They'll do anything just for us to be together. Besides, it's been a month since-
RANMA: I know, I know. [gets up from his futon] Uh, can you give me time to take a bath?
AKANE: [sighs] Fine, just hurry up. Don't take your sweet time. I'll wait for you at the table.
Ranma immediately got his clothes and headed to the bathroom. It's been a month since the failed wedding, which was disrupted by their suitors. However, things change for the worse and in Ranma's case, the gods were not on his side. Shampoo, Ukyo and Kodachi continued to pursue him while Ryoga, Mousse and Kuno continued to attack him. After the Saffron incident, he thought that everyone would move on. He couldn't figure it out why all of them wouldn't accept the fact that he and Akane loved each other and were willing to get married. After the incident, Ranma decided not to be friends with Ukyo anymore. When she learned about this, she was beyond furious and no matter how much he told her that it was over, she couldn't accept it. Same thing goes for Shampoo and Kodachi. Ranma initially couldn't blame Shampoo since she was, and still is, following her tribe's old laws. But now, he couldn't care less about her if she gets punished for her failure. What even irritates him the most is that even up to now, she couldn't speak straight Japanese. Kodachi, meanwhile, redefines the term "crazy psycho stalker nutcase". Just last week, she tried to poison Akane. Why she wasn't arrested for attempted murder is unknown. A week before that, while he was in his girl form, Kodachi fired missiles at him and demanded to know where is her "darling Ranma-sama".
If that wasn't bad, his fight with Ryoga has gotten worse. At one point, he nearly killed him by fighting like a psycho. Kuno, like Kodachi, still hasn't grasp the fact that he IS the pig-tailed girl. Mousse is still the slobbering faithful suitor of Shampoo. Happosai, unfortunately, is still the same old perveted maniac. His parents are another story. Genma and Nodoka keeps reminding him everyday about honor, his engagement to Akane and the future. The truth is, he didn't give a damn about it anymore, although one time he nearly blurted it out in front of them. Genma was stunned and Nodoka was crying for that remark. And then, there was Akane. They are still together on the outside, but on the inside, both wanted to give up this engagement. Their fights have gotten worse, just like everyone else's. In short, Ranma Saotome just wanted to disappear. Free from the pain and the problems he has.
And then, there is this dream. It first happened the night after the failed wedding. Initially, Ranma thought that it was one of those dreams that didn't make sense and would probably go away. However, he still dreams of the three children, the shadows and the Keyblade. Even though this went on, he couldn't figure it out. He consulted Dr. Tofu and told him about the dream. Dr. Tofu concluded that either the dream is prophetic or it was trying to tell him something. Overall, he told Ranma it was up to him to figure it out since he was very vague about it. Ranma deep down also wanted to consult Cologne, but after what happened, he was on his own now.
KASUMI: Ranma, breakfast is ready!
RANMA: Just a minute, Kasumi.
Ranma immediately took a bath and then dressed into his usual red Chinese shirt and blue pants. He got his stuff and went to the dining table. Everyone was there eating their breakfast. On one side, Genma and Nodoka are sitting together. As usual, Genma still eats like a pig but Nodoka seems quiet today. Soun is reading the newspaper while Kasumi is serving food at the table. Ranma sat beside Akane, who as finishing her food. He looked around only to realize something else.
RANMA: Where's Nabiki?
KASUMI: She went to school early. She told me she had some "business" to take care of.
RANMA: [hmph, what kind of business?] Say Akane, can you pass the fish to me?
AKANE: [mutters] Why don't you get it yourself?
RANMA: What was that?
AKANE: [grabs the fish and flashes a fake smile as she gives it to him] Here you go.
RANMA: Um, thanks. [Ranma know something's bothering Akane. He decided to ask her on the way to school].
NODOKA: Oh, Ranma, can you come home immediately after school? Your father and I want to talk to you something important.
RANMA: Can't you tell me now?
GENMA: Sorry, but it's best if the three of us could have this talk alone. But I can tell you one thing: it's about your future.
RANMA: Jeez, what's so important about-
AKANE: [looks at the clock] Oh shit! Ranma we're going to be late! [gets up and runs out to the door] Bye everyone!
RANMA: Hey wait up! [looks at his parents who were staring at him and leaves]
It was a sunny day in Nerima as the summer season quickly approaches. Everyone is excited on how they will spend their summer vacations.
RANMA: Akane, wait!
AKANE: Hurry up! We're-
RANMA: Going to be late. You said that millions of times.
AKANE: [glares at him] So? That information still hasn't infiltrated your small brain.
RANMA: [mocks] Ow, you hurt my feelings. [serious] Speaking of which, it's the last day of school. Like there's anything else to expect.
AKANE: Yuka and Sayuri are going on separate vacations so that means they'll be out of town for the rest of the summer. I'm going to spend more time with them before they leave tomorrow.
RANMA: You sound as if you're going to be lonely during the rest of the vacation. [Ranma remembers what he was going to ask Akane]. Say, are you okay?
AKANE: I'm fine. Why do you ask? As a matter of fact, why are we having this conversation? If I recall correctly, our conversations lately have been less colorful, more of a shouting match.
RANMA: I'm not the one who gets easily pissed off every minute. [Akane was stunned at that sentence. She then stops walking].
AKANE: [angrily] What was that?!
RANMA: Oh come on, Akane. Lately, you've been acting plastic to everybody since our fight. How many times I've told you that I don't care about Kodachi or Shampoo. Yet, you don't give me any time of the day to explain properly. You're too damn stubborn to listen. Ever since the wedding, you've become more withdrawn from me. Come to think of it, I understand you hate me since I nearly hit you-
AKANE: Baka, this isn't just about that!
RANMA: Then tell me!
AKANE: You wouldn't understand. Even if you do, you wouldn't give a rat's ass about it.
RANMA: Try me.
AKANE: You think this is easy for me to explain? Fine, I still love you. The problem is ever since the failed wedding and the time you nearly hit me, I've asked myself if this relationship is still worth it. Every time we're together, we haven't reached the point where we could just have a candid and normal conversation. It all ends up in fighting, bickering or whatever word is synonymous with that.
RANMA: See, this is good. You're sharing.
AKANE: You didn't let me finish.
RANMA: Sorry.
AKANE: Sometimes, I keep wondering what would happen if we haven't met at all. Sure, there's always Kuno and his band of merry men waiting for me at school to challenge me to see who will defeat me so that the victor will become my groom. Sometimes, I keep asking myself if you're still worth the person I care the most despite annoying fiancés and suitors. Sure, I, at last, admit that I could poison the entire human population with my food and I'm not as feminine and sexy as the rest. (sighs) Maybe it's best if we could drop this pretending act and move on. I'm emotionally tired.
RANMA: What are you saying?
AKANE: [pauses for a while] Ranma, I think it's best that we should break up.
RANMA: [stunned] WHAT?
AKANE: I know, it's hard for you-
RANMA: Akane, are you okay? Are you dying or something?
AKANE: I'm not dying of anything you moron! I'm saying that it's best that we should break the engagement.
RANMA: Why Akane? I already said I'm sorry for everything. Can't we at least give another try?
AKANE: Ranma, the reason why you're saying that is that deep down you're scared that you destroyed the family honor and that your parents will either commit seppuku or disown you.
RANMA: That's a load of bull! [Ranma holds Akane's shoulders] I honestly love you.
AKANE: [pulls away from Ranma's hands] We're gonna be late.
As Ranma sees Akane now walking away to the school, he felt his heart is literally ripped out. This was a big damage not only to his ego but to his feelings. As he walks on, he keeps wondering whether the powers that be were so unfair to him.
Ryoga Hibiki knew that he has faced hardships in his life. From having no sense of direction to being cursed as a black piglet in Jusenkyo to recently, accepting the fact that Akane belongs to Ranma. But nothing is harder than what he is about to do today as he knocks the door and hopes that she is in a good mood.
AKARI: [opens the door] Who is it? [sees Ryoga] Ryo-chan! You're back! [she hugs him] I missed you so much!
RYOGA: [nervously] H-h-hi A-akari.
AKARI: Don't just stand there. Come in. [Ryoga enters her house and into the kitchen] Sit down. Are you hungry? I can cook for you.
RYOGA: No thanks. I already ate. Say, where's your grandfather?
AKARI: Oh, he went to another town with Katsunishiki. There's another tournament held there. They won't be back until the end of the week. He told me that this tournament is different. Actually, I wouldn't call it a tournament. Think of it as the Olympics for pigs [giggles]. For the last two weeks, he's been prepping up Katsunishiki-chan. I think this tournament will be tough for them but I hope they win.
Akari then notices Ryoga is quiet during her conversation. In fact, Ryoga was not very attentive at all.
AKARI: Ryo-chan, are you okay?
RYOGA: Huh? Sorry. What were you just saying?
AKARI: Are you okay? You seem distracted.
RYOGA: Oh, uh, it's nothing. Um, I'm tired from traveling that's all. [nervously chuckles]
AKARI: Okay, if you say so. Why don't stay here for a while? I'm going to fix my room upstairs. Oh, I almost forgot, I baked a cake. Chocolate to be exact.
RYOGA: Thanks a lot.
Ryoga watches Akari going upstairs to her room. He's already nervous as hell. In truth, Ryoga wanted to break up Akari. The reason is still unknown, though he thinks that after what he did at Ranma and Akane's disastrous wedding, he needs to sort out his life completely. That would mean a lot of traveling and disconnect from everyone. He knew that Akari is a sweet and kind girl. She accepted who he truly is even the curse. Ryoga, inside, thinks that Akari likes him just because he becomes a pig. He didn't want to hurt her feelings but if he wants to fix his life, he has to break up with her so that both of them can move on from the heartbreak. His concentration came to halt when he heard Akari's footsteps as she comes down from her room.
AKARI: Sorry I've been keeping you waiting. I slept late last night watching a movie and obviously woke up late.
RYOGA [decides to keep the conversation rolling before he drops the bomb at her] So, what was the movie about?
AKARI: It's kinda sad really. It's about this girl who has met this wonderful guy. They were happy together until one day he breaks up with her. He gives her a vague explanation. Something about trying to find who he is and moving on. The girl was crushed and was angry at him for shattering her hopes and dreams. You know what's the sadder part? They agreed to split up and move on. The worst part is that was the ending. I even cried after the movie.
Ryoga swallowed with fear. Whoever said life imitating art maybe right. The movie she watched was more of a preview of what's to come if he tells her the truth. A crying Akari is one thing, but a crying and angry Akari is another.
RYOGA: (nervously) What are you going to do today?
AKARI: Well, my friends and I are going to the mall. But, now that you're here, why don't you come with me? I can introduce you to my friends. I'm sure they'll like you.
RYOGA: That's sweet, but I can't take your offer.
AKARI: Oh, okay. What do you like to do? Maybe we could go somewhere and I can tell my friends that-
RYOGA: Akari, I'm not here for a visit. There's something I would like to tell you.
AKARI: [she doesn't like where this is going] Ryo-chan? What's the matter? Are you okay?
RYOGA: [nervously gulps down as sweat running down on his skin] Look Akari. I've been very good to me ever since we met. You're a kind and sweet girl with a bright future. I, on the other hand, have no path to choose since I'm literally lost.
AKARI: Ryo-chan, what exactly are you trying to tell me?
RYOGA: [stuttering] W-what I've b-b-been trying to s-say i-is that maybe it's i-if w-we move on.
AKARI: [confused] Ryo-chan, what are you talking about? What's this moving on thing? What are you- [Akari pauses for a few minutes to let the information sink in. She then realizes what he is trying to say] OHMIGOD! OHMIGOD! A-are you breaking up with me?
RYOGA: Akari listen I didn't mean to-
AKARI: Oh God. This can't be true. Ryo-chan, say you're joking. Please say this is all a prank. Please!
Ryoga is silent. He avoided eye contact with her. He was looking down. With these characteristics, she knew the answer.
AKARI: [angrily screams at him] YOU, YOU ASSHOLE! YOU SON OF A BITCH! Why did you do this to me? Why? After everything I've done to you, this is how you treat me? I'm not some rug that can be thrown away Ryoga Hibiki! I thought you were the wonderful boyfriend but, no, you're nothing but a frigging user!
RYOGA: You think this is easy for me? Do you have any idea how much I hate doing this? The reason why I want to break up with you is because I need to fix some things in my life. I don't want people to know Ryoga Hibiki the martial artist or Ryoga Hibiki the one who was cursed as a pig. I want to become Ryoga Hibiki the person. In my entire life, I've been fueled with rage and vengeance against Ranma. It nearly destroyed me. To fix myself, I have to go away and not being with the people to whom I am connected with. [Ryoga doesn't realize that he and Akari are imitating the characters on the movie Akari was watching last night]
AKARI: [now crying] But why? Why are you doing this to me? I can help you.
RYOGA: I have to sort this out myself. After ruining Ranma and Akane's wedding, I realize how much I've been an idiot. [If Ranma was here and listening to what Ryoga has just said, he would be smirking at him right now]
AKARI: It's Akane isn't?
RYOGA: It's about not her. I gave up my feelings on Akane (I think).
AKARI: [sits down] Oh God. This is like the movie I was watching last night. This is so weird.
RYOGA: This is real life, Akari. Not a scene from a film.
AKARI: [in denial] This can't be happening, Ryo-chan. It's so, so sudden and you can't just dump a person like that just because you're going to the road of redemption.
RYOGA: Come on. I hope you, of all people, would understand this. Besides, this isn't about you, this is about me.
AKARI: [rolls eyes] Oh God. [faces him] That's the lamest excuse I've ever heard. If you want to break up with me, fine. Go ahead. But don't expect me to sympathize for you in case you come crawling back and asking me to take you back.
RYOGA: Akari-
AKARI: Just, go. Please. [buries her face on the table with her hands as she starts crying]
Ryoga decided not to aggravate the situation. He then went out of the house through the front door. He knew that this may strain his relationship with Akari, romantic or not, but he knew he has to do this.
AKARI: [shouts] RYOGA! [Ryoga turns around to see Akari running towards him carrying the caked she just baked] Look, I know this is hard for the both of us. But, can we be friends instead?
RYOGA: [stunned] S-sure. T-thanks for listening.
AKARI: [smiles] No problem. Here, take this cake in case you go hungry on your journey. You might even save a lot of money. [pauses] Just promise me one thing: take care of yourself, okay?
RYOGA: Thank you, Akari. I- [just as he is about to receive the cake, Akari throws the cake at his face and at the same time, she kicks his groin which causes him to collapse] AKARI: [angry] Piss me off, will you? You can kiss my ass! I hope your journey will take you to hell! [she then runs to her house and slams the door]
RYOGA: [in pain] Oooooohhhhhh gawd! Oooowwww! (Akari I'm sorry). [After a few moments, Ryoga gets up and removes the cake from his face. He then went on to his journey, as soon as he know his way]
TEACHER: Saotome, Ranma?
RANMA: Present.
It was another boring day at Furinkan High. It was the last day of classes and already everyone's dying of boredom. They finished their exams and for Ranma, thanked the gods that he passed all of his exams. So, why bother attending school? For Ranma, that was one of the unexplained mysteries of his life along with why Akane wanted to break up with him and end the engagement. If their families knew about this, they would either have a stoke or a heart attack. Didn't she knew the consequences? As Ranma glanced at Akane, she was reading a book. Strangely, she was quiet when they got into school and to his surprise (and amusement) Akane beat up Kuno when he charged at them. The only time she talked when she was with Yuka and Sayuri, talking about their vacations.
TEACHER: Kuonji, Ukyo?
STUDENT: Sir, she's absent today.
Ranma knew that Ukyo avoided him after he scolded her due to her participation at the wedding fiasco. He knew back then that Ukyo loved him not just because she was his fiancée but also his childhood friend. He felt betrayed when she wanted to harm Akane at the wedding. Afterwards, he confronted her and told her to get bent. Ukyo dropped on her knees and begged for forgiveness. In the past, Ranma usually forgave Ukyo for her actions but now that time is gone. He left Ucchan's, leaving behind a crying Ukyo with Konatsu comforting her.
TEACHER: Now class, you all know that today is the last day of classes. So, with nothing much further ado, I decided that all of us will play "hangman" until break time. [This caused the students to groan and nearly cry in pain] To begin with, Saotome?
RANMA: [confused] Y-yes sir?
TEACHER: How about you like to do the honors by giving us a letter?
RANMA: Um, [thinks for a while] K! The letter K!
TEACHER: Nice, but the letter k is not included in our mystery word. [He faced the blackboard, drawing a line] [mutters] They always start with the letter K.
Ranma groans. This may take a while. He then called Akane softly just get her attention.
RANMA: [softly] Pssst, Akane. Akane!
Akane hears this and then call back.
AKANE: [softly] What do you want?
RANMA: [softly] Can we talk privately during break time?
AKANE: [softly] Sorry, I'm hanging with Yuka and Sayuri.
RANMA: [softly] Okay, how about after school?
AKANE: [softly] I can't. The girls and I are going to the mall.
Ranma sighs as his efforts to talk to Akane were futile. During break time, while Akane laughed with her friends, Ranma decided to be alone and decides to go the roof for some pondering moments.
HIROSHI: Oi Ranma!
Ranma looks at his back to see his friends Daisuke and Hiroshi approaching him with happy faces indicating that school's over for the vacation. They will resort to their grim looks once they will go back for the new school year. A repeated cycle that students face, from kindergarten to college. In fact, even people with jobs have suffered from this twisted cycle.
RANMA: Hey guys.
DAISUKE: Hey, what's with the glum look? School's over! Be happy man!
HIROSHI: Yeah! Besides, what better way to celebrate two and a half months of sweet freedom than to bum out!
DAISUKE: That is, until your parents orders you to do something rather than just sitting your ass out. [to Ranma] So, Saotome what are you doing this summer?
Unfortunately for them, Ranma didn't listen to them. His mind wandered off somewhere far, far away from where he was at the moment.
DAISUKE: [shouts] HEY RANMA!
RANMA: [flinches] Auggh! Wha-what? S-sorry!
DAISUKE: Man, what's wrong with you? Akane whipping you up for good?
RANMA: [mortified] No!
HIROSHI: I think it's Akane. Always Akane. Who else would turn Ranma into a very worried mother hen?
RANMA: [groans] C'mon guys. It has nothing to do with her. [not true since it's about her, 50% only]
DAISUKE: Not really prying on your personal life but only a rare percent of people is broody when it comes to vacations.
HIROSHI: That's where you're wrong, Daisuke. Think of the 50% who get to spend their vacations with lousy relatives, lousy tourist spots, and ungodly weather conditions. [pauses] Crap, I just ruined my own vacation.
RANMA: Guys it's nothing really. If there's a problem, you'll know by Akane or Ryoga really trying to kill me.
HIROSHI: Don't those guys really get tired of doing the same thing? Kill you this, kill you that. When you first arrived with your trail of troubles, I thought life would get interesting. Now, it's just so tiresome that I wish you would go to other dimensions. You know, like in Bill and Ted.
DAISUKE: No you moron, Bill and Ted went time traveling. There's a huge obvious difference. You were probably thinking of...of...never mind.
RANMA: You were thinking of Vanilla Sky.
DAISUKE: No no no. It was a horrible movie. Even Cameron Diaz couldn't save that film.
HIROSHI: What about Audition?
DAISUKE: Ewww. I really don't want to remember that film! It was good though. But it won't beat Battle Royal.
RANMA: Now that was a good film.
HIROSHI: You're only interested on the violence.
RANMA: That doesn't mean I'm violent.
HIROSHI/DAISUKE: [skeptically] Uh-huh.
HIROSHI: I prefer the Happiness of the Katakuris.
DAISUKE: The Sound of Music meets Resident Evil and Dawn of the Dead? Dude, that's whack.
RANMA: Anyway, I hate to be rude but I have a lot of things on my mind right now. You know, family obligations. I'm going to go outside to get some air.
DAISUKE: Sucks to be you anyway. Anyway, see ya Ranma.
Ranma says his good-byes to Hiroshi and Daisuke as they leave him alone. Ranma directs himself to the door leading to the roof. But just as he is about to open the door, he hears a flute playing. He quickly turned around to see who was playing. No one was around his perimeter. He then opened the door to hear more of the soft tune of the flute.
[BGM: "Il Tramonto" by Ennio Morricone]
The young martial artist is curious on who is playing the flute. While not the best critic when it comes to music, he knows it's good but not better. The tune somewhat drawn him to go up to the roof and for that he did slowly. When he's at the roof, he looks at the town right in front of him. He admits that the view is beautiful. But unknown to him yet, a young man with a brown spike hair and wears a black jacket and pants. His boots were quite dirty, indicating that he went somewhere. His eyes were quite pale. Ranma is stunned and shocked when he saw this person. This is the person from his dream, the one standing in the ocean. The young man kept on playing the flute as Ranma keeps on looking at him. One question that ran through his mind is what he is doing here. Another is who he is. The young man finally stopped playing at looks directly at Ranma, who is still looking at him. The young man is bothered at this.
???: Hello kiddo. Don't give me the homosexual stare.
RANMA: [composes himself] S-sorry.
???: It's okay kiddo. It's not everyday you get to see someone playing a flute on the rooftop.
RANMA: Who are you?
???: Nice to see you getting down to business.
RANMA: You're the guy from my dreams...
???: Hopefully they're not erotic. [Ranma is mortified] Ha! Got you there kiddo!
RANMA: What are you doing here?
???: Then again, maybe you're a little blunt. I'm a little hurt that you haven't commented on my flute skills.
RANMA: You're...um, good. But you need a little improvement.
???: That's what I like about you. Honesty is sometimes the best policy.
The young man stands up and approaches Ranma. He stops when he's near him and both men look at each other face to face.
RANMA: Why are you here? What is going on?
Ranma asks him softly so that he could get some answers without being rude.
???: When you looked at the town, one thing I can tell you is that you appreciate its beauty. The beauty of this world that has been already tainted by darkness. But that's nothing compared to what is about to happen soon.
RANMA: [confused] Huh?
???: Calm down, geez. I just got here. Listen, I'll explain everything. Oh, by the way, my name's Noah. And I'm the man.
NEXT: Ukyo visits her father. Ranma and Noah talk and Ranma learns some truths about his dream. Mousse contemplates on leaving Nerima.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
1. I've been planning to revise the first meeting of Ranma and Noah because for me, it's more of the meeting of the fates. This encounter is very significant for them (and no yaoi-fangirls, they won't have a relationship). Think of Luke meeting Yoda.
2. Battle Royal, Audition and The Happiness of the Katakuris are Japanese films directed by Takeshi Miike.
