Chapter 2: Confessions

RANMA: [skeptically] Noah?

NOAH: Yeah, that's my name. Unless you want to complain since it lacks the "coolness factor" in your opinion.

RANMA: [surprised] Me? Heck no. It's just that I was expecting something ancient like Strider or similar to that.

NOAH: [frown] For that, you can always blame my parents. It's usually them who get the heat for naming their child very ridiculous names.

RANMA: For that, I somehow agree with you [laughs].

Ranma was silent after laughing. He needed that. Noah's comment on names reminded him of Pantyhose Taro.

RANMA: [apologetically] Sorry for that.

NOAH: Don't worry. I can tell you have lots of problems in your mind. It's not easy facing problems when you're alone.

RANMA: Ah, so the wise man says. Unfortunately for my problems are not as quite as normal in most parts. But enough of this. Who or what exactly are you? What's going? Why do I have this dream? Am I making sense?

NOAH: Yep. Ranma, that dream of yours? It's a warning.

RANMA: [his eyes widen as he hears this] Huh?

NOAH: Look, now's not the best time for this. How about meeting me later after school? There are a lot of things I needed to tell you that can waste your time. [Noah realizes what he just said at the last part] In a good way!

RANMA: [sighs] Fine. But you better come up with a good reason. Meet me at the park. It's at-

NOAH: Don't worry, I know. Scout's honor.

Ranma is about to leave when he remembers something else.

RANMA: Noah?

NOAH: Hm? What?

RANMA: If you knew what I had dreamt, who were those kids in the islands?

Noah was silent about this.

NOAH: In time, Saotome. I will tell you everything.

Ranma nods and then leaves. As he turns around, he was surprised that Noah suddenly disappeared. He was then confused whether he actually talked to a ghost.

RANMA: (Damn. I hate those mysterious disappearing acts).

*******

UKYO: Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?

Ukyo Kuonji returned to her home in Kyoto after a long time. She was summoned by her father, who was, and still is, at war with Genma and Ranma after they ran off with the Kuonji's dowry years ago. Her father forced her to hunt down the male Saotomes and either to marry Ranma or to kill them for embarrassing them. Mr. Kuonji was curious on how Ukyo was doing so far. So, he wrote her a letter stating that she must return to Kyoto to tell him what has happened so far. Honestly, Ukyo didn't want to go back to her father. She and her father never had a close relationship as father and daughter. She would've had carefree teenage life if it weren't for her engagement with Ranma.

Ranma. For her, it seems that her friendship with him has been strained courtesy of her actions. She was in denial, like everyone else, over the fact that Ranma and Akane love each other and wanted to get married. She was even sure that if she dies she wouldn't go straight to heaven since she nearly tried to harm Akane and managed to explode the place with her Tempura Flakes. After the wedding, Ranma confronted her at Ucchan's and berated her for her misdeeds. Ukyo then told him that she was his first fiancée and told him that she loved him. Ranma didn't bother to digest this information and thus sparked a verbal war. It came to a screeching halt when the pig-tailed martial artist told her that he regretted her being his best friend, that she was a manipulative, scheming and bloodthirsty girl and that she betrayed him. He then told her that it would be best that if they stop being friends and stop being civil to each other. Those words caused Ukyo some pain and started to cry. She begged Ranma for forgiveness but, in his own words, it's too late. He left and didn't bother to see her emotionally broken form. Konatsu was comforting her afterwards but it didn't work. She spent the whole night crying and then the next day, she was in no mood to open the shop so Konatsu had to do everything. Ukyo was in her bed the whole day until she received a letter from her father. She then told Konatsu that she was summoned by her dad in Kyoto and left him in charge.

MR. NAGAI: Ukyo? Is that you?

UKYO: Mr. Nagai? Oh hello! How are you?

MR. NAGAI: My dear sweet little Ukyo. My how you have grown so quickly into a beautiful woman.

Mr. Nagai is the Kuonjis' neighbor ever since they moved to Kyoto. He and his wife have been married for 50 years but with no children. Ukyo always wondered why they don't have kids. Mr. Nagai is also Mr. Kuonji's close friend and confidant.

UKYO: [blushes] Stop that! [calms down] So, how are you? How's Mrs. Nagai?

MR. NAGAI: Michiko's doing very well, thank you very much. The house today seems a little quiet than I expected.

UKYO: [confused] What do you mean?

MR. NAGAI: It seems that your father has been expecting you. Usually, the only time he summoned you here is when-

UKYO: How am I doing so far with the Saotome mess. He can very predictable.

MR. NAGAI: Indeed. I pity you for being dragged into this mess. So, how are you?

UKYO: I met up with the Saotomes back then. I defeated Genma but didn't have the heart to kill him. Ranchan, er, I mean, Ranma defeated me and I fell in love with him but he was engaged with someone else. I tried my best to win him back only to cause more harm. During their wedding, some people, including me, destroyed it. After that, Ranma and I aren't friends anymore. Well, how about you? [smiles]

Mr. Nagai is stunned by Ukyo's revelation. He managed to compose him after a few minutes.

MR. NAGAI: Same as always. Listen, there something I need to ask you very important. Forgive me if this question will came to you as a shock.

UKYO: Hit me.

MR. NAGAI: After everything that you did, do you still love Ranma Saotome?

Ukyo wasn't shocked by that question. In fact, she had been expecting this. As of the moment, while one part of her still loves him, the other part tells her to move on. The latter seems to be dominating her heart slowly.

UKYO: I don't know, to tell you the truth.

???: Ukyo?

Ukyo immediately faced the man who had called her name. The man who she hated so much.

UKYO: Hi daddy.

**********

SHAMPOO: Great-grandma, Shampoo go now to see Airen! Bye-bye!

Cologne sighs as she fixed the table. It's been awhile since the Saotome- Tendo wedding disaster. Shampoo hasn't given up pursuing the only man who has defeated her combat. She knows that Shampoo loves Ranma so much, but at what point? Even though that both of them have to follow the laws of the Amazon tribe, Cologne seems to give up on pursuing Ranma as the leader of the tribe. She knows that Ranma loves Akane but their suitors still haven't give up on them. Ergo, the wedding disaster.

Cologne has decided by the end of the week, she would close the Cat Cafe and go back to China. The big problem, however, is Shampoo. She seems to show no interest on going back to China without Ranma. She can be stubborn at times. As for Mousse, well, wherever Shampoo goes, he follows. Everyone thinks that Mousse is just one guy who falls in love and will do anything to a woman who wouldn't give him any time of the day. Cologne knew that Mousse has a potential to be the leader of their tribe. However, one drawback was his eyesight. The tribe cannot have a leader who has a sight problem. She also knows that Mousse is a good young man.

MOUSSE: Cologne, have you seen Shampoo?

COLOGNE: She went out (probably not tell him that she went to see Ranma).

MOUSSE: Good. Can we talk privately?

COLOGNE: [surprised] Sure. What's on your mind?

The two warriors then sat down and began their conversation.

MOUSSE: Cologne, as you know, you know how much I love Shampoo with all my heart. But lately, it seems that, well, how should I put it this way?

COLOGNE: Just get to the point, Mousse. You're babbling again.

MOUSSE: Okay, I've been thinking this for a while. I decided that. [breathes] I'll be leave from this place. For good.

COLOGNE: [surpised] WHAT?

MOUSSE: Please, Cologne, calm down! There's an explanation for this. If you just listen.

COLOGNE: Sorry. It's just that I also decided that we will leave for China by the end of the week, but it depends on Shampoo. I might take some force on her if she goes bullheaded.

MOUSSE: Oh no, I decided not to go back to China for a while. Who knows, I might not even come back. I might even do one of those "Lonely Planet" stuff.

COLOGNE: Tell me; what influences forced you to come up with this decision?

Cologne knew there's more into this. She knew Mousse would not leave just for an adventure. Almost all of his actions have something to do with Shampoo, one way or another. The old Amazon gave him a skeptical look. Mousse was a little shaken. He knows that she probably knows the real truth.

MOUSSE: [breathes for a while and then gives her a straight look] Look, I'll be honest with you. The reason why I'm leaving Nerima is because of Shampoo. Back then, I would do anything for her just to love me back. Now, I decided that it's not worth it to love someone who doesn't love you back. Sometimes, love makes you do the wacky.

COLOGNE: [nods] Indeed.

MOUSSE: I know Shampoo's a very nice girl. But, like the Kunos, she doesn't grasp the reality that is around her. [Mousse then realizes that he compared Shampoo to the delusional rich family] Ok, I take that back. Shampoo doesn't accept the fact that Ranma doesn't love her.

COLOGNE: What can you do? She's like Ranma. Stubborn and doesn't like to lose. You may have a point there. Definitely except comparing her to the Kunos.

MOUSSE: Hey! I already said I took it back.

COLOGNE: [laughs] I was just pushing your buttons, boy. When are you going to leave?

MOUSSE: Probably the day after tomorrow. Early morning to be exact.

COLOGNE: Well, I couldn't stop you. I'll give you some money just for your journey.

MOUSSE: [stunned] No, Cologne! I already have money. Why would you-

COLOGNE: Just think of it as a farewell and a thank you gift. Just think of it also as an apology. There are times when I underestimated you. Too bad I realized this way too late that you could've been the perfect son-in-law for Shampoo.

MOUSSE: [smiles] Apology accepted, Cologne. [bows his head] Thank you for everything.

COLOGNE: It's strange. It seems like yesterday I've been scolding you for giving the customer the wrong order. [sighs] How I wish that-

Cologne began to stop talking. She looked at the front door to see who was listening to their talk. Mousse was about to say something when Cologne gestures him to be quiet. The old Amazon goes to the front door and as she opens it, she finds no one there. It's as if the place is empty.

MOUSSE: Cologne, what's going on?

COLOGNE: (So, she's been listening all this time. Too late for that. What she's going to do now is anyone's guess.) Nothing. I thought I heard something. Old age finally manages to catch up on me.

The two entered the restaurant and sat down.

MOUSSE: Is someone been listening to us?

COLOGNE: You just answered your own question. You know who it is. How she will accept this is anyone's guess. Listen, how about a final get-together between you two tomorrow? I'm sure she likes that. I think.

*********

When Shampoo went out, she told Cologne that she'll be seeing Ranma. The truth is, she went out just to eavesdrop Cologne and Mousse. She used her Amazon skills to know what is going on. For the past few days, Mousse avoided her like a plague. Normally, he would just follow her like a sick puppy. Now, she knew something's up. After listening to their conversation, she was less dissatisfied but at the same time she was less thrilled. They say that a thing could be precious once it leaves the person or something like that since Shampoo read this in a magazine. She then decided to leave the scene when Cologne stopped talking. That was the signal indicating that she knew that Shampoo had been listening.

Right now, she's in the mall, sitting in the bench, thinking about certain things. Does she love Mousse? Her heart is usually reserved for Ranma. But now, she's torn between two men. Wait, wait, that didn't come out right. She likes Mousse as a friend (a friend who can be easily suckered) and Ranma as the potential groom. Mousse has always been there for her ever since they were kids. But her Amazon heritage got the best of her. Another problem is that she and Cologne will have to return to China by the end of the week. This serves as a dilemma: one, she's excited to go back home but she wanted to stay here since this is where she could live as a person (and destroy public property along the way); and two, if she decides to stay here, she'll be homesick like hell. Either way, she's confused than before.

SHAMPOO: (What Shampoo do know? Shampoo should be happy duck boy gone so that Shampoo can have Airen. But why Shampoo feels this way? Shampoo likes Mousse as a friend. Why Shampoo going to miss him so much? [pouts] Stupid conscience. Making Shampoo feel vunerable.)

Then, she heard laughter from her back. She sees Akane and her friends carrying their shopping bags. Shampoo didn't care less about the youngest Tendo, but now it seems to be a good time to apologize to her for everything that she did. They were not the best of friends. She decided to talk to her.

SHAMPOO: Yoo hoo, Super Violent Tomboy! Shampoo wants to talk to you.

Akane flinched as she heard Shampoo's voice.

AKANE: (SHIT!)

Shampoo is one of the few people she would least like to see at all. She's pissed that the Amazon not only called her that, but also has the decency to talk to her after what she did at the wedding.

SHAMPOO: Super Violent Tomboy, Shampoo wants to talk.

Akane tells Yuka and Sayuri that she will catch up. Then, she faces Shampoo.

AKANE: [sarcastically] Hello Amazon with a speech and grammar impediment.

Shampoo doesn't realize that Akane is insulting her. But she decides to go on.

SHAMPOO: Shampoo wanted to talk to you. It's been a while since Shampoo last saw you.

AKANE: [sarcastically] Yes, it's funny how time passes by. [Akane then becomes seriously angry] Look what the hell do you want? It's bad enough that you and the rest of psycho society ruined my wedding, but this! This more of an insult to me! You think that everything will be alright if we talk? Bullshit! I would rather get groped by Happosai than to be with you! [Akane cringes on what she has said about Happosai]

Akane then notices that sad look on Shampoo's face. Something's up.

AKANE: Don't give me that look. I know you're going to say you're sorry. But it's too late. Don't expect sympathy from me.

SHAMPOO: Shampoo says that Shampoo is sorry.

AKANE: Ha! Nice choice of words, you- [surprised when she hears this] Whoa, what did you just said?

SHAMPOO: Shampoo is sorry.

Akane knows that weird things have always happened in Nerima. But this is way more shocking than Ranma thinks he's really a girl.

Shampoo apologizing.

AKANE: Shampoo, [skeptically] what are you up to?

SHAMPOO: Why tomboy thinks that Shampoo is planning something? Shampoo just wants to say sorry and to talk to tomboy.

Akane pauses about this. Then, she comes up with the answer.

AKANE: Fine. Let me talk to my friends and then we'll go to the food court. Okay?

SHAMPOO: [smiles] Shampoo accepts offer.

Akane sighs as she went to her friends that she couldn't hang out for them for a while since Shampoo wants to talk to her. This IS going to be a perfect day, she grumbles.

*********

Ukyo is quiet as she seats down with her father inside the Kuonji living room. It's been a while since she came here. In fact, this is first time she saw her father even before moving to Nerima. As of this moment, she wished she didn't come here in the first place.

MR. KUONJI: Ukyo, my dear. How are things in Nerima?

UKYO: Everything's fine daddy. School's okay.

MR. KUONJI: You know what I'm talking about.

UKYO: [pretends to play dumb] Actually, no. I thought this is more of a reunion. You know, between father and daughter.

MR. KUONJI: Don't play dumb with me, young lady. Have you avenged our family's honor by killing Genma Saotome and his son?

UKYO: (Great.) No dad.

MR. KUONJI: [surprised] WHAT? What do you mean by that?

UKYO: [sighs] Look, dad. I know you want me to get back at the Saotomes, but don't you think it's time to move on?

MR. KUONJI: [His voice rises] Move on? Are you all right? Don't tell me you want to back out? As a Kuonji, you must fulfill your obligations for the good of our family name and honor. Haven't I thought you anything at all?

UKYO: (How about a big NO?) Yes, I understand. But, hear me out, dad. I COULD not take a life of person even though he has bad intentions. I am not a murderer. [Ukyo is contrasting herself as she nearly tried to kill Ranma and Akane before] However, I defeated Mr. Saotome but I couldn't defeat Ranma because he is my best friend (or now, WAS my best friend).

MR. KUONJI: Ukyo, don't let your emotions get the best of you. If you didn't kill him, did you at least marry him?

UKYO: No.

MR. KUONJI: [angrily shouts] WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU DOING? I DID NOT SEND YOU TO FIND THEM FOR NOTHING. I EXPECTED THAT YOU SETTLE THE SCORE ONCE AND FOR ALL! [calms down and gives her a stern look] If you do not fix this mess, Ukyo, I am sorry to say this but I will disown you and you shall not carry the family name anymore.

UKYO: [shocked] WHAT?! You c-can't do this!

MR. KUONJI: You have deeply shamed the family honor by not fulfilling your duties and not restoring the Kuonji name. For that-

Ukyo was stunned and at the same time angry. She knew that her father would berate her for not doing the things he asked to do, but disowning her is not what she honestly expected. It was like being hit by a speeding train without warning. She decided to interrupt him.

UKYO: That's a load shit.

MR. KUONJI: Watch your language young lady.

UKYO: [defiantly] You said that you no longer accepted me as your only child. For that, I'm free to do and say anything I want. You're just like the elder Saotome.

MR. KUONJI: DON"T ever compare me to that man!

UKYO: Oh no, I can't do that. You and Mr. Saotome are all talk, no action. You say this and that but you can't do it because you're either too damn lazy or scared. All you talk about is honor. Honor isn't just about talk. It's about doing what you need to do in a good way. Honor isn't about murder or pre-arranged marriages. [as she stops talking, her tears began to fall] MR. KUONJI: You have no idea what you are talking about-

UKYO: [interrupts him] I know what I'm talking about! And I'm not done yet. All my life, all I want is your acceptance. I know you really wanted to have a boy but your hopes were dashed when I was born. You didn't accept me as a girl, so you forced me to wear boy's clothes after mom died. I hated it. There were times when I wished I would just run away from you. I was an outcast to the other kids because I was so different. Then came Ranma. I thought I finally found a friend whom I can play with. We were so happy together. Of course, we knew what happened afterwards. All of the sudden, you tell me that unless I upheld my honor and either killing the Saotomes or marrying Ranma, you will disown me. And because of that, I was so screwed up.

I finally tracked them down in Nerima. I did everything that you requested until Ranma defeated me and actually learned I'm a girl. He said something sweet and that made me fall in love with him again. But, I found out he was already engaged to Akane Tendo. I thought that time I can have Ranma back by scheming plots that will break him up with Akane. I so regretted doing that. The icing on the cake was that I, along with other people, ruined their wedding. Not only did it cost my friendship with Ranma, but also with Akane's.

Silence and tension filled the room as Ukyo's done talking. By this time, she's on the verge of collapsing the room and cry like there's no tomorrow. But her pride stopped her from doing that. She wanted to show her father that she's not his vengeance little girl that he had trained anymore.

MR. KUONJI: [loss at words at first but regains his composure] I'm sorry. I haven't noticed that-

UKYO: Too late. We can't go back to the way we were before. I think it's time I live my own life. [stands up] I didn't plan to stay here for long. I'll be leaving now. I have a restaurant to run. [Ukyo wipes her tears and starts to leave, but before she looks at her father for the last time] Things have changed.

As she left the house, Mr. Kuonji buries his face with his hands as he starts crying and regrets what he had done to his only daughter. He knew that this maybe the last time he will see her. He prayed to the gods that hopefully Ukyo is safe.

MR. NAGAI: Ukyo!

UKYO: Mr. Nagai? Sorry, I'm in no mood to talk.

MR. NAGAI: I overheard your argument with your father. You guys were screaming so much that everyone heard you.

UKYO: [embarrassed] Oh. Sorry about that.

MR. NAGAI: No need for apologies. I'm sorry for what happened.

UKYO: It's okay. He can be so stubborn sometimes. I have to go now.

MR. NAGAI: Alright. Just promise me that you'll take care of your self.

UKYO: I will. Oh, and Mr. Nagai? Can you take care of my dad for me?

MR. NAGAI: Don't worry I will.

Mr. Nagai watched the young woman walked away. He hoped that one day they will reconcile.

As Ukyo took the bus to Nerima, she often wondered what would be like if the honorable revenge thing didn't happened. She could've leaded a normal life. Then again, normalcy is so overrated. She hopes that Konatsu is doing fine at the restaurant.

**********

RANMA: [in kawaii voice] Noah-chan!

NOAH: Huh?

Noah was waiting for Ranma at the park. He was ten minutes late. But as he heard his name, he looked up to see a young girl with red hair. However, she wore the same clothes Ranma wore when they first met at school.

NOAH: [smiles] Oh, hey Ranma.

RANMA: [stunned] Wha-what? How did you know?

NOAH: Ranma, I told you I know who you are. Especially the Jusenkyo curse. I felt sorry for you though. Why are you in your girl form?

RANMA: Let's put it this way. If I showed up here in my guy form, many people including the ones that knew me will make the wrong assumption of, um, you know.

NOAH: The wrong assumption of what? [Realizes what Ranma is talking about] Oh, I get it. But come on! Are they always that suspicious?

RANMA: In either forms, they're always on me. In fact, a pair of deluded siblings still didn't realize that I'm cursed even when they saw my transformation first hand.

NOAH: That's tough. Try losing your own world courtesy of the Heartless.

RANMA: [His eyes widen as he hears this] What?

NOAH: Can we sit down on one of those benches? It would be easier.

RANMA: Fine.

The two sat down at one of the benches near the play ground. They watched kids playing swing, seesaw and others.

NOAH: [serious] Okay. Listen carefully. What I am about to tell you is true. [pauses] Your world is in danger.

RANMA: Pfft. My world is always in danger.

NOAH: No you dumbass. This world. The world that you are living right now.

RANMA: [embarrassed] Sorry.

NOAH: Anyway, your world is in danger of being taken over by the Heartless.

RANMA: The Heartless? What kind of a lame ass name is that for a big bad? I faced some foes that have interesting names than that one.

NOAH: The Heartless are bunch of creatures without hearts. They seem to be attracted by this world. I noticed that there is darkness within the people's hearts. That's what the Heartless are after. In your dream, those were the ones who you fought. However, these creatures aren't meant to be taken lightly. They are created from those who've lost their hearts. In simple terms, from those who have become evil.

RANMA: Okay. But why do I have this dream? What is a Keyblade? Most of all, why me?

NOAH: The dream you had serves as a warning. The Heartless is after you. In connection to the Keyblade, it chooses its owner because his/her heart is pure. The Keyblade may serve you as a protection and the only way to conceal your heart from them. [pauses for a while] Before I forget, the Heartless has taken over other worlds as we speak.

RANMA: You said that there are other worlds.

NOAH: True. But the thing is, they're supposed to be a secret.

RANMA: What? Why?

NOAH: The worlds were never connected in the first place. Here's an example, if one person is from one world and he wants to go to another world, he simply can't because every world is protected by an invincible wall. The Heartless were the ones who destroyed the walls, thus making each world vulnerable. On the other hand, it can be easier to pass using two ways: a ship or a teleportation spell. The latter is how I got here.

RANMA: You're from another world? I could easily tell.

NOAH: You're good. Please indulge how you found out.

RANMA: Your eyes. They tell me you've traveled far just to see me. [flattered] Wow, just for me. How sweet!

NOAH: [cringes] Don't flatter yourself.

RANMA: Don't spoil my fun.

NOAH: [decides to continue] The Heartless are afraid of the key bearer but at the same time they are after you.

RANMA: But why this world?

NOAH: Each world has a keyhole. Once sealed by the key bearer using the Keyblade, the world will be safe. Most of the worlds were swallowed by the darkness because their key holes weren't sealed. I found out your world will be the next target, so I took a risk of seeing you here. I cast a spell in finding you. That's how you have that dream.

RANMA: I can't believe this.

NOAH: There are a lot of key bearer potentials who were killed by the Heartless. I've been questioning myself how did this whole mess started again.

RANMA: Wait a second, you mean this isn't the first time it happened?

NOAH: Yes. There are a lot of times. But like Jedis and vampire slayers, the key bearers have both good and dark sides; the former can save you while the other can destroy you. So, anything else?

RANMA: What's Star Wars and Buffy The Vampire Slayer got to do with this?

NOAH: In time. I managed to catch Buffy when I was in one place at the time and Star Wars in the magical picture box. Too bad that pinkish-skinned alien with the speech impediment sucked.

RANMA: It's called TV. Yeah, I agree, Jar Jar sucks.

The duo shared laughter for a while.

NOAH: [regains his composure] We don't have time. I estimated the arrival of the Heartless. They'll arrive tomorrow night.

RANMA: What? What are we going to do? Where's the key hole in this world?

NOAH: There's one in a Shinto temple not far way from here. In fact, near this place. Kid, I hate to say this but you're going have to say goodbye to your loved ones.

RANMA: [stunned] Huh? Wha-wha-

NOAH: [interrupts] As the key bearer, you must travel to other worlds, seal the key holes and stop the Heartless. I can't tell for how long your journey will end.

RANMA: [shocked] You mean to say that I'm going to spend my entire life doing these things? This is crazy! I decided I'm not going!

NOAH: This is no time for complaining! Don't you see, if you don't fulfill your duty, then your world will suffer. Don't tell me that great Ranma Saotome, a warrior who doesn't like to lose, is chickening out? Wait, I can tell you have lots of problems with the people you've been with. You want them to suffer for what they did to you and for that I can understand. But what about the others in this world? Don't you think they deserve peace, happiness and the will to live? I have seen others share your fate and they missed their world and their love ones. Do these not them but for the people of your world.

Ranma thought about what Noah has just said. True, he wouldn't mind that the Nerima wrecking crew would be devoured by the Heartless. But he knew there are people who don't deserve this. His mother, Kasumi-chan, Dr. Tofu, his high school friends and so on. If he were to agree to accept the mission, he knew he would have to settle some things, starting with his parents. Oh damn, he was supposed to be home by now!

RANMA: Listen, Noah, I'll accept the mission. But first, I'm going to do some things.

NOAH: Okay. Don't turn your back now. If you do, it'll be too late.

RANMA: Don't worry, I don't turn down challenges. It would be out of character for me. We'll meet here tomorrow night at ten. Do you have a place to stay?

NOAH: Yep.

RANMA: That settles it. Until then.

Ranma and Noah said their good byes and parted ways. Tomorrow night, he knew he would have to settle this. What he didn't know is that this will change his life forever, along with other people as well.

*********

NEXT: The one night that will change it all. Ranma starts his journey. With some very unwanted baggage.