Tabula Rasa

KASUMI: [shocked] YOU WHAT?

NABIKI: We dated, Kasumi, dated. Notice the past tense.

KASUMI: I can't believe this.

NABIKI: I was asking myself the same thing also. I still can't believe I dated Kuno. Sure there were those "business" meals, but we sort of decided to date like a normal couple.

KASUMI: Since when did you guys had a relationship?

NABIKI: It was about the time when Aunt Nodoka learned Ranma's curse. We didn't how but we started dating.

KASUMI: You've kept this secret from us for so long? It might even save Ranma and Akane from trouble.

NABIKI: Kuno and I agreed not to tell anyone or else our reputations will be in danger. [picks a dress from the racks] How about this?

Kasumi looks at the red halter dress.

KASUMI: I don't know. I don't want to wear a dress that says "slut".

NABIKI: Oh, geez, Kasumi. You're too self-conscious. It suits you better and with the shoes that we bought, you'll be the best dressed woman in town. Just tonight, though. After this, we go to the parlor and fix your hair.

KASUMI: You seem to be the eager beaver. [pauses] So, tell me. Why did you guys break up?

NABIKI: Don't tell this to anyone okay?

KASUMI: [goes to the fitting room] Scout's honor.

NABIKI: It was when it got serious. Our relationship, I mean. Remember the time when I left early for the last day of school? [Kasumi nods] That was the time we officially broke up. But, before that we already knew that it wasn't meant to be because, well, we were the odd couple or people think that we might but wouldn't in real life. We didn't think we're ready for a real and shocking relationship.

KASUMI: What made you guys think that both of you would have a relationship?

NABIKI: To be honest, I don't know. Sure he's nuts, not as crazy as Kodachi though. But there's something in him that I really like.

KASUMI: His money?

NABIKI: [shocked] KASUMI! Why the hell did you think of that? You think I'm some gold digger? Well, aside from that, he can be pretty romantic.

KASUMI: Just to lay you in bed.

NABIKI: [rolls eyes] Please, he's not that perverted. I can't believe that you're one-sided on this.

KASUMI: You may think of that, but I know the true human nature. You think Ranma's perverted, a jerk and dumb-

NABIKI: [protests] I didn't think of that!

KASUMI: [cuts her off] I'm not done yet. Ranma can be also one of the sweetest persons on this planet. It's just that he was raised by Uncle Saotome, who we know lacks in manners. [leaves the fitting room] What do you think?

NABIKI: [smiles] Not bad!

KASUMI: [smiles] Thanks! If you guys agree to split up, why did you act like you're a green eyed monster back at the school?

NABIKI: I don't know. I can't explain it.

KASUMI: Don't worry, you'll live. [goes back to the fitting room to change]

After Kasumi bought the dress, the sisters decided to have a snack at an Internet café. While eating, the elder Tendo sister notices Nabiki not eating her cheeseburger.

KASUMI: [worried] You okay?

NABIKI: Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. [proceeds to eat her burger when she notices that Kasumi is staring at her] What?

KASUMI: I miss her too.

NABIKI: How-

KASUMI: I can tell.

NABIKI: Now that you put it, yeah, I miss Akane. [gloomly] Do you think she'll be okay?

KASUMI: Certainly. She's with Ranma, if she's with Ranma.

NABIKI: I can't take this. Usually she would be gone before the week ends. But, what if-

KASUMI: [reassuringly] She will be okay. I'm sure she can handle herself. Sure she maybe on some strange world, but I know she's fine. She's a strong girl. And with Ranma I think, he'll take care of her.

NABIKI: Provided that she didn't poison him with her cooking. [pauses] This may sound weird but do you think those six will get along?

KASUMI: Pay me and I'll tell you.

***********

In the silent night, a large flying dragon is flying in the skies carrying six passengers in full speed.

AKANE: [holding Haku's horns] Why would those things want Sen?

RANMA: Yubaba. What else?

RYOGA: Do you think she made a deal with the Heartless?

RANMA: Selling her soul to the Devil? Makes sense, if you ask me. I think Sen's the jailbait. She's leading us to a trap.

RYOGA: It's obviously she wants your powers.

MOUSSE: How far is Aburaya?

SHAMPOO: I think 2-5 hours. In the train, we sat and slept for 2-5 hours of boredom.

MOUSSE: Saotome, what do we do when we get there? I'm sure Yubaba will be expecting us.

RANMA: What can we do? We fight. And live.

UKYO: [confused] I still don't get it. Why would Yubaba team up with the Heartless?

RANMA: It's definitely power or her heart. When her heart is covered with vices, the Heartless are attracted to it. Unless she has one weakness that would make her stop, she's pretty much toast.

AKANE: Just like in our world.

They continue to proceed to their destination. Unknown to them, a flock of Zuus are behind them. As they began to attack, Ranma senses their presence and turns around sees them coming.

RANMA: [points at the Zuus behind] ALRIGHT PEOPLE! HEAD'S UP!

The rest looked back and see their oncoming attackers.

MOUSSE: [groans] Oh shit! Not them again.

AKANE: You know them?

SHAMPOO: Mousse and I fought them back in Traverse Town. Dangerous. Their beaks and claws can hurt you.

UKYO: At this rate, we can't fight them off properly. It feels weird fighting off birds. Then again, we fought Kuno's big, ugly bird.

AKANE: May PETA bless us with lack of lawsuits.

RANMA: Haku, can you fly faster? They're gaining on us!

Haku agrees on his request and flies a little bit faster. But despite his efforts, the Zuus are gaining on them. By now they've surrounded the gang on the sides. As they charge at them, Ryoga and Ukyo throw their respective bandannas and spatulas at them. It missed about four but hit nine of them. Mousse, the ever reliable hidden weapons expert, aims four knives at the remaining four and succeeds. Before they could relax, another batch pursues at them, this time with full intention of stopping them. The Zuus attack them at every side. The gang tried to defend themselves but the birds just keep on coming. Ranma hurls his Keyblade at some of the Zuus and successfully kills them. While Ryoga, Ukyo and Mousse continue to throw projectiles at them, Shampoo smacks them with her bonbories everytime a Zuu would come near her and Mousse and Ryoga since she's sitting between them. Ranma gets his Keyblade back and slashes the remaining Heartless. Akane decides to be useful for once and tries to cast a spell. She was trying to cast a fireball at them but instead bubbles came out.

RANMA: All that reading and that was the end result? Boy you sure suck at that-

AKANE: [pissed] Shut up, Ranma! Just shut the fuck up!

Unknown to them, a Zuu slashes Haku using its claws. Haku roared at the pain but tried not to get the best of him. Soon, the Zuus followed one of their own and aimed at the white dragon. They continue to try to kill Haku but were interrupted by the gang's defense. Finally, two Zuus aimed at the dragon's wings and slashes it. At the same time, majority of the Zuus continue to attack them as Ukyo uses her large spatula to stop them while Ranma lunges at the oncoming bird with the blade. Ryoga began to punch at the bird on his right. Unfotunately, luck decided to leave on their side as Haku begins to feel weak as they birds continue their assault and receive wounds. Mousse continues to throw knives at them and at one point, threw three grenades them while Shampoo continues to mash them. Akane, on the other hand, isn't doing very well. After such bad luck over casting spells, she decided to hit them with her fists but misses. A Zuu charges at her manages to knocks her off the dragon, causing her to fall.

RANMA: AKANE!

Ranma catches her hand. This sets a problem for the Keywielder, for he's squaring a couple of vicious birds and holding Akane at the same time. He tries to pull her up but couldn't. Akane also tries to get up but her hand is beginning to slip away.

UKYO: Guys, we're near!

Ranma looks up and sees the Aburaya far away but getting close. However, Haku suddenly felt pain and begins to fall downwards. Ranma manages to pull Akane up but sees they are crashing down the forest. It's better than water. Everyone hold on tightly as they are preparing for a crash land. Haku begins to descend downwards and crash lands into the ground, throws the gang off to the bushes. If one sees them in their fallen state, it would attract the Penthouse groupies. For starters, Ranma has Akane in a doggy-style position while Ryoga is on top of Ukyo in a missionary position and Mousse has Shampoo also in doggy-style. The girls wake up and seeing in their positions, they pushed the boys away followed by beating them up.

AKANE: YOU PERVERT!

SHAMPOO: DISGUSTING ROASTED DUCK!

UKYO: JACKASS!

RYOGA: Why the hell did you do that for?!

UKYO: For taking advantage on me!

SHAMPOO: Shampoo can't believe you doing it again!

MOUSSE: I'll say it before and I'll say it again: are you daft?!

AKANE: Of all the nerve!

RANMA: Will you stop accusing us?! We just crash landed and got thrown off! I'm beginning to think that you girls fantasized about it. [imitates a girl's voice] Ooo, ooo, oh yeah baby, slap me harder!

Everyone stared at Ranma with disgust. Ryoga and Mousse moved away from him.

RYOGA: I always knew you were a pervert, but this. . .

MOUSSE: Guess your girl form's starting to dominate you.

The girls are speechless with horror and disgust.

RANMA: [embarrassed] Um, people, you do know that I'm kidding? Right? [everyone still stares at him] Let's pretend that it didn't happened, okay?

UKYO: It's very hard to remove that disturbing picture in my head. Guess this means I'm gonna be in therapy until I'm 30.

RYOGA: Easier said than done. [pauses] Wait, where's Haku?

Everyone went to the site where Haku crashed. They see him getting up and seem fine. Ranma and Ryoga approached him to help him get up.

SHAMPOO: You okay?

HAKU: Yeah. I've never done that crazy stunt. Normally, I would blast them away easily.

RANMA: Haku, what happened? Why would they kidnap Sen?

HAKU: Seems. . .seems [regains his composure] Yubaba seemed out of control.

RANMA: Care to elaborate that?

HAKU: After I was healed, Kamaji told me that you guys went to see Zeniba. But before going there, I had to confront Yubaba in order to stop her from pursuing you. However, just as I was about to talk to her, she learned that her child is missing.

UKYO: Don't you mean kidnapped?

At this point, Bou and the Yu-Bird popped out of Akane's pocket, much to her surprise.

AKANE: [surprised] What the-

HAKU: The mouse on your pocket is Bou, Yubaba's child. [everyone is surprised] Zeniba herself was the one who turned the kid into that.

Ranma picks up the mouse from Akane's pocket and takes a closer look. The fly clings on to the mouse's head.

RANMA: [looks at the mouse] Now why would she do that?

HAKU: [shrugs] I don't know. Maybe she wants the kid to learn a thing or two about life and thus, the transformation. Oh, by the way, he's a huge baby.

MOUSSE: In what way huge?

HAKU: Oh, huge. Not exactly in terms of a giant, but [widens his arms vertically] huge nonetheless.

Bou is offended by Haku's remark.

SHAMPOO: Okay. So, why Sen?

HAKU: After you guys left, Yubaba was furious on the mess that happened. She thinks that Sen is responsible and has decided to turn Sen's parents into breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fortunately, I managed to stop her before she does anything rash. All of the sudden, the baby who was in her room happened to be her pets. Zeniba turn her pets into the baby as a disguise. What's even worse is that the gold Yubaba collected from the Kaonashi turned into sand. She couldn't take it anymore but I told her that her baby is with Zeniba and I offered to bring her kid back.

RANMA: Why would Yubaba harnessed the power of the Heartless?

HAKU: That's the thing. She didn't. Even though she's evil and greedy, there is no way she could have done that, unless she was doing it in private.

AKANE: So this world is the next target?

RANMA: I still think Yubaba and the Heartless are teaming up together for power.

HAKU: There's one way to find out. We go to her and settle this manner once and for all.

RANMA: Not so fast. Yubaba might be expecting us so it means that we're going to walk into a trap.

UKYO: Any ideas?

AKANE: I can cast some spells on her.

RANMA: Forget it. You might just summon a meteorite to kill us all.

AKANE: I can't believe you're saying this!

RANMA: After you're magic show, I have every right to say that you suck at magic.

Akane is furious. How dare he underestimate her?

AKANE: Just because you're the big boss does not mean you judge people harshly! Fine, so I suck but give me time and maybe I can improve.

RANMA: That's the thing! You're going to throw away the art that you have practiced all these years just for black magic?

It seems that the cat got Akane's tongue. He's right.

AKANE: But, that's the only thing that I can contribute.

RANMA: You can contribute. But not just on cook-

Right before Ranma could finish the word "cooking", Mousse decides to interrupt.

MOUSSE: Akane, I may have a thing for you. [He searches in his sleeves and shows a pair of sharp blade tonfas or elbow blades, just like Talim's from Soul Caliber 2] Not exactly a lightsaber but this is the only weapon I've got for you so far.

AKANE: [receives the tonfas from him and smiles] Why, thanks Mousse!

MOUSSE: You do know how to use that, right?

AKANE: Well, a little bit.

RYOGA: No offense but you don't know how to use it, you can at least use your mallet.

AKANE: I use the mallet for special purposes [eyes on Ranma].

Akane and Mousse share a friendly understanding, much to Ranma and Shampoo's jealousy. Ryoga and Ukyo notice the feeling and decide to change it before it gets ugly.

RYOGA: So anyway, do we have a plan or do we just charge and get killed?

RANMA: Oh, I have one. [everyone looks at him] A bit risky but effective nonetheless.

**********

As the day breaks, Yubaba is pacing in front of the Aburaya while Sen is standing behind her. The entire staff are watching as spectators and wishing that everything will be all right. One staff member points out to the front that Haku is coming along with Ranma, Akane and Shampoo. This came as a surprise to everyone since they are usually six.

HAKU: Yubaba, we made a deal! I have returned your child. Now, it's your turn!

YUBABA: Fool! Where is he?

Akane lets the mouse down as the fly carries it in front of the witch. Suddenly, the mouse changed back into Bou, who's now standing on his own.

YUBABA: [awed and surprised] You can walk now! Oh, my baby!

RANMA: That is one big baby.

BOU: Mama, please don't hurt them, or else I'll get mad! Let them go.

YUBABA: I can't. I have to follow the rules.

The crowd booed at Yubaba for that answer.

YUBABA: [to the crowd] KEEP QUIET! [to Haku] Right before this ends, there's one thing those brats need to do. [to Ranma] You, come alone!

Ranma slowly walked to the bridge and near Yubaba and Sen.

YUBABA: Seems, you have the power that I desire.

RANMA: Power, schmower. You want real power? Go suck powerbars in your ass. Now let Sen go!

YUBABA: Not so fast, young man. We're going to play a little game.

Yubaba touches Sen's head and creates multiple copies of Sen, for about twelve. Ranma and the rest are stunned by this development.

RANMA: THAT'S NOT FAIR!

YUBABA: Rules are rules. Now, here's the deal: one of them is the real Sen. You have only one chance. If you fail, your power will be mine and you and your friends will be my slaves! If you win, I'll let you go.

Ranma thinks about this. If he makes one simple mistake, it's all over.

RANMA: Fine. Promise you keep your word or else!

YUBABA: Very well. Now, begin!

Ranma looked carefully at the twelve Sens. This is not easy. Right now, all he needs is a miracle. Akane watched him and silently prayed for him to succeed. Shampoo, despite her hatred towards him right now, hopes that he makes the right choice. By now, he still doesn't know who the real Sen is. He closes his eyes and concentrate. A flash of light appears before his very own eyes. It somehow gave him an answer: he uses his Keyblade and quickly puts it at Yubaba's neck, much to everyone's surprise.

YUBABA: Wh-what's. . .what's the meaning of this?!

RANMA: Nice trick, except the real Sen isn't one of those clones.

YUBABA: What are you talking about? Get off that thing away from me!

RANMA: Don't coy with me, old hag. Now, where is she? We made a deal, remember?

YUBABA: You. . .you. . .fine! I-

Before Yubaba can finish her sentence, she screams loudly and painfully. A dark shadow is released from her body and Sen gets out from it. The young girl faints to the ground as Haku quickly goes to her for help. Bou steps away from his mother with fear and so those everybody else at the bathhouse. The dark shadow then engulfed the twelve clones and turned into a big ball. Akane and Shampoo equipped themselves with their weapons in case for a fight. The ball slowly turned into a giant monster. Its height is 12 ft. high, its thin arms are covered with stripes while its body has a large black orb on its chest. It doesn't have legs and its head looks like a robot. The demon is called a Tosu. Yubaba suddenly falls unconscious as the Tosu roars and destroys a part of the building of the Aburaya. Everyone ran with fear while the rest escorted Bou and Yubaba away from it. Ranma tells Haku to put Sen in a safe place and Haku does so. All that are left are the Tosu, Ranma, Akane and Shampoo.

AKANE: This. . .this is not good.

RANMA: Remember the plan.

SHAMPOO: Plan? What plan? It didn't turn out the way we expected.

RANMA: Well then, we use the Saotome super ultimate devastation attack. [pauses] RUN!

Ranma, Akane and Shampoo quickly ran to the other side as the Tosu gives them the chase. They lead him to the town, which the Tosu destroyed some few buildings and finally in the open field. The three then are in position as the Tosu, unknown to him, is walking to a trap. As he is near them, a chain quickly wraps his arms and is tied down. Ryoga and Mousse tie the chains at the huge boulder so that the Tosu would be at a disadvantage. They, along with Ukyo gathered around together.

RANMA: Nice.

RYOGA: Well, what can we say?

The Tosu, struggling to let go, uses his eyes as laser beams at them. They dodged the beams and run around to avoid getting hit. Mousse throws grenades at him but he blasts it with his beams. Ranma and the others begin their assault. Ryoga uses his fists at his faces starting with a right hook punch, followed by a series of punches and ends up with two flying kicks. Akane slashes its face with her new weapon by an elbow strike then twirling her sharp tonfas at his face. Shampoo, with all her might, hits him hard while Ranma and Ukyo slash his body. No matter what how hard they try, they seem couldn't defeat him while trying to avoid his laser beams. The Tosu gives a deadly grim as he breaks the chains and suddenly spins around like a psycho with his arms as the weapons. They tried to avoid it but with no success. The first victim is Ukyo, who is hit in the face and flew away to the ground. The next is Ranma, who tries to counter it with his Keyblade but with no avail. The Tosu stopped and changed its position to a wheel- like movement. As it aims Ukyo, Ryoga quickly comes to her rescue and puts her in a safe place. He uses his Bakusai Tenketsu but the Tosu easily dodges it and knocks him out. Then, the demon chases Akane and Shampoo but the former trips to the ground and sees him coming. Shampoo stops and faces him with her bonbories. She charges at him and lunges her weapon at him. It didn't stop him but quickly avoids him. Akane gets up and she too avoids him. The Tosu stops and returns to his normal position. Ranma and Mousse charge at him. The Tosu tries to punch Mousse but misses it. Mousse jumps high and throws daggers at him while Ranma uses the Moko Takabisha at the Heartless. Now this is where it gets messy: the Tosu uses his left arm to disarm the daggers while at the same time jumps at Ranma's deadly projectile. Ranma and Mousse couldn't believe it and continue their assault. The Tosu uses his right arm to swipe both warriors away, but they studied his movement and jump. He uses his left hand to slam them down to the ground successfully. While the Tosu has Ranma and Mousse in his hand, Ukyo throws mini-spatulas at him to let them go. He did and the two boys ran away from it. The Tosu shoots at Akane and Shampoo when everyone is caught off-handed. Ranma and Mousse run to them to see if they are okay.

RANMA: [panics] AKANE! SHAMPOO! ARE YOU OKAY?!

AKANE: [tries to stand up] I'm fine. . .not as painful. . .as I. . .thought.

MOUSSE: Not that harmful?

SHAMPOO: No. Just like being hit. . .by. . .a mallet.

Ryoga and Ukyo goes to them.

UKYO: Are they alright?

RANMA: Toasted, but they're okay.

RYOGA: At least you guys aren't dead.

Out of the blue, the Tosu grabs them together with his right hand. He crushes them with his hand and slams them to the ground multiple times. Ranma, Ryoga and Mousse have already used to the pain for this is the first time for the girls to enter the realm of extreme hurt. After the slamming, he releases them and they sprawled to the ground. The girls cried out in pain since they aren't used to it.

AKANE: [in pain] Owww. . .fucking shit!

SHAMPOO: [groans] Shampoo. . .will. . .kill. . .him!

UKYO: Take a number. [to Ranma] Ranchan, what now?

Ranma thinks of another plan. He then sees the orb in the Tosu's body, just like the Cniht back at Traverse Town.

RANMA: The orb in his chest. That's definitely his weakness.

RYOGA: So they share the same traits.

The Tosu uses his arms as a shield as they spin around in his body.

RYOGA: This not good. Not good at all!

RANMA: Ryoga, can you hold one of his arms?

RYOGA: I'm not Superman, but I'll try.

RANMA: Mousse, do you still have the chains?

MOUSSE: It didn't work out well.

RANMA: We'll tie him up again, only this time we tie his arms together. But first, we need a distraction. [to Akane] Akane?

AKANE: Yeah?

RANMA: I got a special assignment for ya?

AKANE: [delighted] Really?

Finally, Akane is happy that Ranma considers her as part of the team, instead of being a burden.

RANMA: Yeah. Two words: Jail. Bait.

AKANE: What?

RANMA: You'll be a jailbait. All you have to do is distract him.

AKANE: [furious] WHAT?!

RANMA: Don't worry, we'll back you up. Mousse will throw bombs at him first and then throws the chains at him. Then Ryoga will hold him down while we tie him up.

AKANE: Forget it Ranma! I'm gonna fight!

RANMA: Of course you can fight, silly. Just distract him and help us with the tying. Okay?

AKANE: [sighs frustratedly] Fine!

SHAMPOO: Now we have a new cannon fodder!

AKANE: SHUT UP!

Akane goes to the Tosu carefully.

AKANE: Hey you! Yeah you! Yeah, I'm talking to you! You want me? Come and get me! I'm tired of being the damsel in distress! Aaaarrrggghhh! The next time someone kidnaps me I'm gonna cut off his or her head!

RYOGA: Man she's voicing out her frustrations.

UKYO: This is what you get for getting kidnapped numerous times.

The Tosu charges at the youngest Tendo daughter. She runs faster than she could ever in her whole life. She starts running in circles while at the same time avoiding the beams. As the last beam struck to the ground in front of her, she stumbles down and lands on the ground on her face. Just as the Tosu is about to finish her, Ranma signals Mousse to fire the bombs at him. The male Amazon did exactly as he was told and the Tosu's surroundings are covered with smoke. Ryoga leads the pack and, with everyone's surprise and even himself, manages to find the arm despite the smoke. Ryoga holds the right arm and it seems that despite the heavy blows, its weight is lighter than expected. The Tosu notices his arm is being dragged down and tries to resist. Ryoga tries to overpower it with his deathly grips but is struggling. Mousse quickly unleashes his chains and hands it over to Ranma and the girls. They tied the right hand while Ranma gives Ryoga the chains to grab the other hand. Just as Ryoga is about to grab the arm, the Tosu prepares to smack him but Ukyo's spatulas stopped him, giving Ryoga the advantage to tie him down. He succeeds tying down the Heartless.

AKANE: Don't forget the eyes.

MOUSSE: On it.

Mousse, Ukyo and Ryoga shoot their respective projectiles at the eyes but each time it goes near the Tosu, it shoots consecutively.

SHAMPOO: Mousse, give me two daggers!

MOUSSE: Why?

SHAMPOO: Distract him. Shampoo will stab his eyes close range.

MOUSSE: [hands over the two daggers] Be careful okay?

Shampoo nods. They continue to throw a couple of bandannas and spatulas, knives and other stuff from Mousse's sleeves as Shampoo charges at the Tosu. While the Tosu blocks and shoots the weapons, he sees the Amazon running towards him and counters her with the beams but he's focused on the projectiles. Shampoo leaps up and as she reaches his face, she stabs him in the eyes with the daggers followed by smacking him with her bonbories. The Tosu screams in pain, giving the gang shivers. Seeing this chance, Ranma and Ryoga use the Moko Takabisha and the Shi Shi Hodokan directly at the orb, which kills the Tosu. Afterwards, the Tosu just laid there in a lifeless manner. They approached him carefully. The Tosu began to self- destruct suddenly, releasing a lot of black oil around his surroundings. Unfortunately, the gang couldn't escape so they're covered with the disgusting object.

RANMA: At times like this, I wish I could cry.

SHAMPOO: [disgusted] AIYAH! This is disgusting!

Sen and Haku sees them on the battle site.

SEN: RANMA! Are you- [stops when she sees the oil] Eew.

UKYO: Don't come closer.

HAKU: Don't worry, we already asked for help!

ALL: Thank you.

**********

After a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant and a movie, Tofu escorted Kasumi back home. Tofu felt pressured in order to please Kasumi and it worked. Somehow, his nervousness quickly dissolved and managed to gain confidence. Kasumi for her part felt pleased that Tofu expressed his true feelings for her. It was nice for someone to love her and care for her.

TOFU: [stuttering] Well. . .that was, um. . .quite a date.

KASUMI: Yes, it was nice. Though, you ate to much at the restaurant.

TOFU: Oh, that. [chuckles] Well, I was. . .nervous. . .

KASUMI: I have to admit that I too was nervous at first. But, it quickly disappeared.

TOFU: [smiles] Same here.

By now, both are holding hands together. They finally reached the Tendo house when they met up with Nodoka and Cologne.

KASUMI: Oh, Aunt Nodoka, Cologne. What a pleasant surprise! How are things at a restaurant?

COLOGNE: Everything's fine, dear. [looks at the couple] It seems that you two have fun.

TOFU: [embarrassed] It. . .it's not what you think! Honestly!

Both elder women share a laugh.

COLOGNE: It was a joke.

NODOKA: [sighs] How I miss the days of my youth.

COLOGNE: Same here. [then remembers something] Oh yes, Tofu, good thing you're here. I think I know something about Ranma's disappearance and his dream!

TOFU: [his face lightens up] Really? What is it?

NODOKA: It's best that we go inside so Cologne can explain it properly.

As the four enter inside, they see Genma and Soun playing their usual shogi board while Nabiki is surfing the Internet on her laptop [which everyone wondered how she could afford that] while Happosai is watching TV about a swimsuit competition like an innocent child watching his favorite TV show.

SOUN: Ah, Kasumi! How is your date?

Kasumi, Tofu, Nodoka and Cologne look bewildered. How a man who was bitterly crying over his daughter's disappearance could become cheerful?

NABIKI: [as if she read their minds] Don't mind him. It took Uncle Saotome to convince him that everything will be all right.

NODOKA: I see.

NABIKI: Plus, both of them, along with Happosai, went to the public baths for relaxation.

KASUMI: Well, as long as he's out of the bed.

HAPPOSAI: [turns aroung] Oh, sweet Kasumi, you're back. [looks at Cologne] What are you doing here?

COLOGNE: I have news that might have a connection to Ranma's dreams and disappearance.

Genma, Soun and Nabiki quickly turned around to the elder Amazon.

GENMA: What? You said that you have news about my boy?

COLOGNE: Not exactly. Gather around.

Everyone sat to the table to listen to Cologne's news.

COLOGNE: I received a letter from the elders for help this morning and it somehow contained information. It seems more than four thousand years ago, a man came to our village. This man wore strange kinds of clothing, according to the Joketsuzoku history journals. He met the chief elder of that time, Fuchsia, and settled there for a few days. During his stay, he told tales of the Keywielder and the Keyblade and the Keyhole. The man said that many dismissed it as myths and legends since there are no concrete evidence of it. Fuchsia asked him if he was indeed the Keywielder. He said, "that depends". Everyone, even Fuschia herself, didn't understand what he was talking about. Her guess is that he is one but he's not telling or she might be asking the wrong question.

GENMA: What was his name?

COLOGNE: He didn't want to at first but he had decided to gave his name: Urien. He told them the reason why he didn't initially tell his name was because there are many enemies that are after him. What's shocking is that he keeps changing names everytime. He also told them that in this world exists a Keyhole, like other worlds. Now the Keyhole is said to be a lock to the world that leads to the heart of a world and can contain phenomenal powers. The Keywielder's mission is to find a Keyhole in each world, use the Keyblade and seal it, for it may not open again. The Keywielder is said to be either good or evil; one will save the world while the other will bring chaos. One elder suggested that he wasn't from this world, though another thinks he's from the outside world. Afterwards, he was gone and without a trace.

NABIKI: Wow, this is like a fantasy novel. Are you sure they are telling the truth?

COLOGNE: Child, would I tell you this if they are not true?

NABIKI: Good point.

SOUN: Did he find what he was looking for?

COLOGNE: That they didn't know. But there are reports from their spies indicating that he was last seen in a couple of springs. Then one night, they witnessed a ray of light from that location and the man was never seen again.

Happosai digests this information and realizes something else.

HAPPOSAI: Cologne, don't tell me that the place he was at was. . .was. . .

COLOGNE: [sighs] Yes, Jusenkyo.

Everyone was surprised by this development.

NODOKA: Oh-

KASUMI: My-

NODOKA/KASUMI: Oh.

GENMA: Wait a minute. You mean to say that a Keyhole was located there, this Urien or whatsisname sealed it and triggred the Jusenkyo curse?

COLOGNE: Yes.

GENMA: [upset] THAT BASTARD!!!

NODOKA: Easy there, Genma. It was more than four thousand years ago.

TOFU: Does the Jusenkyo Guide know about this?

COLOGNE: I don't know.

SOUN: This information can be quite useful, but how will it help to bring back Akane and the others?

COLOGNE: It seems that Ranma is the current Keywielder and must seal the Keyholes in other worlds.

TOFU: But that might take him forever!

COLOGNE: According to the letter, it was also said that each world differs in time. So, if ours is 365 days per year, one world will have, say, 200 days or 3 days per year.

NABIKI: I really hate to say this but I don't think I'll be willing to see them in wheelchairs when they ever get back.

TOFU: Wait, there's something wrong here. [to Cologne] You said that, if ever, the Keyhole is located at Jusenkyo which was probably locked away. But after what had happened last week, I'm sure that the Keyhole is located at the temple. In summary, are you saying that there are two Keyholes in this world? That's impossible!

COLOGNE: That I am thinking of as of the moment. Each world has only one Keyhole but our world? According to the journals, Urien said to Fuchsia that our world is special.

NABIKI: Guess that makes us very special and unique, in an eerie manner.

SOUN: Special in what way?

COLOGNE: Fuchsia said that our world is different from others. Urien didn't babble much about it since he thought nothing will happen once he got the job done.

TOFU: Then, that leaves us hanging. Just curious on my part, are there any prophecies involved?

COLOGNE: Why?

TOFU: Usually, with something this big, one can guarantee that a prophecy or two will be involved.

COLOGNE: That wasn't mentioned in the journals, so it's safe to say that no prophecy is involved.

HAPPOSAI: Are the Joketsuzoku tribe are the only ones who know about this?

COLOGNE: Not only the Joketsuzoku encountered this man, but also there are reports of the Musk tribe and the Phoenix people were also visited by him. The details are vague, meaning they either know this or not.

HAPPOSAI: Three warring tribes in an unknown situation. This is bad. How come no one knew about this?

COLOGNE: No one knew the exact details. Jusenkyo itself is the evidence but no one knows how it got there. After the light, no one knew what had happened and didn't bother to check it since it didn't affect them. Thus, this was landed in the lower pages of history.

HAPPOSAI: Now that we know about Jusenkyo, how about telling the three tribes about it?

COLOGNE: Do you think they will listen? This piece of information would be useless by then.

SOUN: If only Ranma and the others knew about this.

Everyone is silent. Genma is furious of Urien for creating the Jusenkyo curse springs. Nabiki, the ever deal-breaker, decides to end the silence.

NABIKI: Okay, so maybe this Urien guy was responsible for the springs. Now, how about some popcorn and maybe we can watch The Two Towers on DVD right now to ease the pain?

KASUMI: How can you even think about that at a time like this?

NABIKI: Because, believe it or not, I have full confidence that they will be okay. And who knows? Maybe they're just like the Fellowship, minus three members and a creepy-looking hobbit that reminds me of Gosunguki. You know, going to various quests to save the world from the impending big bad. [to Soun, Genma and Nodoka] You should be happy that Ranma's gonna save us.

SOUN: [delighted] She's right! Ranma, a powerful warrior!

GENMA: [smiles] Guess my boy's a real man!

NODOKA: You maybe right, Nabiki. Ranma's a man among men, [glances at Genma] unlike some.

KASUMI: What if as of this conversation they are dead?

That killed the mood around the Tendo household. Soun began to cry again.

NABIKI: [upset] KASUMI!

KASUMI: I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! Honest! It just came from my mind.

NABIKI: Can you at least tell your mind to stop thinking negative thoughts?

KASUMI: [lowers her head] I didn't mean to. . .

Tofu puts his hand on her shoulders.

TOFU: [comforting her] It's okay, Kasumi. I know you're just worried. I'm worried too.

HAPPOSAI: That settles it. I'm going to bed and clear my mind.

Happosai goes upstairs while the rest are in the dining room. Just then, they hear Happosai screaming in pain. They quickly went up and see him in Akane's room. They see Happosai electrocuted and is covered with burns.

GENMA/SOUN: [panics] MASTER!!!

COLOGNE: What happened?

NABIKI: Oh that, I just put some electric-shock type trap in case he steals Akane's panties.

KASUMI: Nice job.

NABIKI: Thank you.

**********

RANMA: [relaxed] For the first time since this trip, I have never felt this relieved.

RYOGA: Same here.

MOUSSE: Ditto.

After their victory over the Tosu, Yubaba is still unconscious. The staff rewarded them with a private bath, much to everyone's relieve. Ranma, Ryoga and Mousse are enjoying in their baths.

RYOGA: You know, this journey ain't bad. All we need is some supplies like food and shelter.

RANMA: All ready taken care of by Haku. He said that it will be ready after this.

MOUSSE: I wonder how the girls are doing.

RANMA: Probably not speaking to each other.

Just then, the door opened and the guys looked at the girls, with the towels covered their body, much to everyone's horror.

SHAMPOO: What you doing here?

RYOGA: We're asking the same question!

AKANE: The staff told us that we can use the private bath. They didn't tell us that there's only one private bath!

MOUSSE: Well, first come, first served.

UKYO: How about you guys leave? It's our turn.

RANMA: What? We've only been here for what, five minutes. You girls have to wait.

AKANE/UKYO/SHAMPOO: NO!

RANMA/RYOGA/MOUSSE: YES!

AKANE/UKYO/SHAMPOO: NO!

RANMA/RYOGA/MOUSSE: YES! GET OUT!

AKANE/UKYO/SHAMPOO: NO! YOU GET OUT!

After a heated argument, the girls wanted to get the boys out while the latter wants the former to wait.

UKYO: How about we share?

Everyone looks at her.

UKYO: What? As long as they don't think of dirty thoughts, we'll be fine.

AKANE: I don't know. I might get molested by the dirty pervert.

RANMA: [insulted] Who would want to molest ya, ya uncute, unsexy tomboy?

MOUSSE: People, people. If the girls want to share with us, why not? It would be at least interesting.

SHAMPOO: So you can touch us? Drop dead.

AKANE: [threatening] We share. No tricks. If you ever touch us in anyway-

UKYO: [coldly] We'll cut your heads off. Deal?

The boys quickly nod. The girls entered the tub carefully. Ryoga tries to suppress his nosebleeds. Luckily, the guys are wearing their towels. After everyone is settled in, they relax themselves and kept quiet for awhile.

AKANE: (Hey this isn't bad. I feel relaxed yet I feel weird and uncomfortable. That's because of the guys. Ranma's body looks hot! Wait, what the hell am I saying? Eww, eww. I can't believe I'm saying that! But Ranma looks hot! Eww, eww! I'm being cursed! Why the hell would Ukyo insist on sharing? Probably some plot to get Ranma back, but she dropped the engagement. [realizes something else] Oh my God, I think I'm kinda gay!)

RANMA: (Okay, the mission for today is not to look at Akane's sexy body. Whoa, Saotome, you're talking about the uncute, unsexy tomboy here. What's wrong with me? I really hope I don't get an erection. Please, God, no! Why am I saying Akane's sexy, since, she is? I think I'm going quasi. I'm gonna bang these guys- oh shit, what the hell am I saying? Is something wrong with me?)

MOUSSE: (I'm over Shampoo. She is a goddess! No, I am over Shampoo! But she is! Aaaarrrggghhh! Why is this happening to me? Breathe, breathe. Mousse, think of sexy thoughts, think of sexy thoughts. [imagines the Genma-panda wearing a bikini, dancing] Eew. [imagines Cologne in her-] EEEEEEEWWWWW!!!!! [imagines a near-naked Shampoo] Why do I fell fine?)

SHAMPOO: (Why am I looking at Mousse? He looks fine. Sure Shampoo see Ranma nude but he nothing compared to Mousse. Why I think like that? Shampoo not compared to pervert girl! Think Shampoo! I can't take this anymore! Why Buddha punishing me? Mousse sexy guy. Someone help me! Think Ranma. No, he broke your heart! AAYYYYIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!!!)

RYOGA: (So far, no nosebleeds. That's good news. Being Ukyo in the same tub, bad news. Wait, why am I thinking of her and not Akane? God, I better stop thinking of perverted thoughts. Stop imagining, stop imagining. Oh God, naked Ukyo! Why am I thinking of her, of all people?! Naked Ukyo touching you, naked Ukyo making love to you! Stop it! Stop it! Why her and not Akane and Akari? Because Ukyo's hot? Stop it!!! You know you wanna bang her. Shut up brain!)

UKYO: (Okay, girl. The trick is to keep breathing and look at Ryoga and his hot body. Wait, why am I thinking of him and not Ranchan? Ryoga's got a cute butt. Whoa, compose yourself and stop thinking dirty thoughts! Can't wait to eat him and- wait, why would I think of that? Dammit, why the hell do we have to share one bathtub? Do people think we'll be having an orgy? Why the hell am I thinking of this? Why would I want Ryoga to make love to me? Am I crazy?)

After a few moments, they began to wash themselves, despite the discomfort.

RANMA: You guys okay?

UKYO: Fine as dandy.

RYOGA: I couldn't remove some oil in my hair.

UKYO: Want me to help you, sugar?

Ryoga looks at her. She wants to help me?

RYOGA: Um, sure.

UKYO: No funny stuff, you hear?

Ryoga nods and turns around as Ukyo goes to him. She washes his hair first, then uses a shampoo and brushes his hair to remove the oil. Ryoga feels guilty for Ukyo's part but for some reason, he kind of felt. . .comfortable.

UKYO: Your hair's free of oil now.

RYOGA: Um, thanks.

Ryoga turns around and faces Ukyo. She's wearing a towel in her head. He has to admit she's really cute and pretty. . .when she's not in her bitch mode. Still, he couldn't help but wonder why he would have these warm and fuzzy feelings when he isn't attracted to her in the same way as Akane and Akari. Ukyo for her part, doesn't know whether to ask him or to kiss. . .him.

UKYO: You okay?

RYOGA: Huh? Oh, um, yeah, sort of.

Both distanced from themselves and into their own sides. Meanwhile, Shampoo approaches Mousse.

SHAMPOO: [softly] Nihao, Mousse.

MOUSSE: Shampoo. What's up?

SHAMPOO: Shampoo not here to seduce you.

MOUSSE: Did I say that? If you have done this in the past, I would've died happy as a schmuck. But now. . .anyway, what is it with you and Saotome?

SHAMPOO: Shampoo don't wanna talk about pervert boy. Either he's a chauvinist or just plain stupid!

MOUSSE: Uh, you do know that Saotome can hear you.

SHAMPOO: I DON'T care!

MOUSSE: What happened, Shampoo?

SHAMPOO: [sighs] Shampoo asked Ranma about our relationship. He said that he loved pervert girl more than me. Shampoo also asked him why he would lead us girls into false hopes.

MOUSSE: That's Saotome for you. But despite that, can you forgive him?

SHAMPOO: Never!

MOUSSE: That's out of character for you. Did you even think about the fact that he never considers the laws in the first place? He doesn't give a rat's ass about it.

SHAMPOO: Mousse, can we talk somewhere private, please?

Mousse nods and Shampoo quickly gets out of the tub while holding her towel in her body followed by Mousse. Everyone looks at them but the two Amazons didn't notice them. As soon as they are out of everyone's earshot, they continue their talk.

MOUSSE: Okay, spill.

SHAMPOO: Mousse, Shampoo wants to ask you something. [breathes] Can Shampoo come with you to your journey after this?

MOUSSE: [surprised] Huh? What?

SHAMPOO: Didn't you hear what I said you stupid duck? Shampoo wants to go with you traveling around the world after this.

MOUSSE: Why?

SHAMPOO: Don't get your hopes up on this.

MOUSSE: I'm not! But why?

SHAMPOO: Shampoo. . .wanted new life. Away from the laws, away from village, away from. . .Ranma. Shampoo want to see whole world with my own eyes, not just from the magical picture box.

MOUSSE: Shampoo, it's called television. I understand your situation but. . .why me?

SHAMPOO: You are my friend, Mousse. My only friend.

MOUSSE: Shampoo, can I be honest with you? [Shampoo nods] I'm not friend.

SHAMPOO: [shocked] WHAT?

MOUSSE: Don't get me wrong. But, you always treat me like garbage. Sure there were times you actually helped me but. . .I don't know. At that point, I really hated you and gave up on you because you were so unattainable. You never consider the one who loved you back. I felt like a free man as a result.

SHAMPOO: [upset] Mousse. . .

MOUSSE: But overall, you are my first and true friend, whatever the hell you may call it based on our relationship together. I never had friends back at the village because no one would play with a blind kid. You befriended me and yet at the same time defeated me, which totally sucks. From then on, you were like my light.

SHAMPOO: Do. . .you. . .still love Shampoo?

MOUSSE: As of the moment, no. BUT, when the time is right, [smiles] I'll tell you. What about you?

SHAMPOO: [pauses] Shampoo don't know either. So, we're even?

MOUSSE: Yeah. If we get to fight against each other, [grins] prepare for the wrath of Mousse.

SHAMPOO: [rolls eyes] Pffft! Shampoo would really like to see that when pigs fly.

Back at the bath. . .

RANMA: Wonder what they're talking about?

AKANE: Leave them alone, Ranma.

RANMA: You're just curious to know the juicy details.

RYOGA: Ranma, it's their business so find whatever interests you, like cutting your own tongue.

RANMA: Leave me alone, P-Chan.

Ryoga smacks Ranma in the head.

RYOGA: [furious] DON'T CALL ME THAT!

AKANE: Ranma! Ryoga! Stop that!

RYOGA: He started it!

RANMA: You're too sensitive.

UKYO: [angry] SHUT UP BEFORE I DECIDE TO KILL ALL OF YOU! I'M HAVING A RELAXATION AND YOU NEARLY RUINED IT! ONE MORE TIME OR I'LL F***ING PULL YOUR LUNGS OFF!!

Ranma, Ryoga and Akane are surprised by Ukyo's outburst as she goes back to her relaxation position.

RANMA: [embarrassed] Sorry, Ucchan.

AKANE: Same here.

RYOGA: Sorry Ukyo, I didn't mean to-

UKYO: It's okay, just keep it down.

Ranma is about to get the shampoo, which is near Akane's left side. Just as he is about to reach it, he accidentally slips and his face lands into Akane's chest, which does not bode well with her. Ranma looks up to see her, in her furious mode.

RANMA: [embarrassed] He, he, Akane, listen, it was an accident! Really! I slipped up and-

AKANE: [super pissed off] RANMA! WHY YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

Akane unleashes her trademark Mallet of Doom and slams him to the wall, causing a huge crack.

AKANE: That jackass!

RYOGA: What goes around, comes around.

UKYO: [groans] Ugh. I think I've had it with you people.

************

HAKU: Here we are.

After the bath, Ranma and the gang escorted Sen and Haku to the riverbed. It was at this point her parents are now free of the curse. It was also at this point that it was time for Sen or Chihiro, her real name, to say good- bye.

CHIHIRO: Is this it?

HAKU: Yes. The place where it all started.

CHIHIRO: What about-

HAKU: Your parents are fine now.

CHIHIRO: Thank you. [faces the gang] Thank you.

AKANE: [approaches her] Chihiro, don't forget what I've told you at the train.

CHIHIRO: Don't worry I won't forget it. [to Ranma] Will you guys be okay?

RANMA: We'll be fine. Take care of yourself.

CHIHIRO: [nods] I hope you'll do fine in your journey.

HAKU: Chihiro, it's time.

CHIHIRO: Won't you come with me?

HAKU: I can't. To tell you the truth, I can't remember my name.

CHIHIRO: I do, It was during the time we fell at the Aburaya that I remember something. In fact, I didn't remember that scene at all. I remember when I was young that I lost my shoe at a river. I tried to get it but I fell. The river I was talking about is covered up now, but I remember the name. . .Kohaku River. [realizes something] Wait! Kohaku! Haku! That's your real name!

HAKU: What?

CHIHIRO: Your real name is Kohaku.

A light started to emerge from Haku's body. The light suddenly goes to the front of the tunnel.

HAKU: Yeah, I remember. Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi, my real name.

CHIHIRO: It sounds like a-

RANMA: God.

The light continues to go the front of the tunnel.

UKYO: What's going on?

RANMA: Shhh!

HAKU: I remember how you lost your shoe in the river and how you fell in.

CHIHIRO: When I thought I was done, I was carried away to the shallow water. It was you! It was you who rescued me!

More light emerges from his body.

CHIHIRO: Haku, thank you. Thank you, for everything.

HAKU: You have to go back. Don't look back until you are out of the tunnel, understand?

CHIHIRO: Won't you come with me?

HAKU: I can't. But, with my memory coming back, I'm going to quit at Yubaba's and return to where I came from. I promise you. . .we will meet again, one day.

Chihiro hugs Haku one last time and waves good-bye to Ranma and the others before she turns around. She comes down to the hill and to her surprise, she sees her parents are waiting for her. She's tempted to turn around, but remembers Haku's warning and decides to turn away, reunited with her parents and start a new life. As Chihiro exits to the tunnel, Haku watches her with sadness and determination to meet her again one day.

RANMA: You should have go with her.

HAKU: I can't. I don't belong to her world. Not yet anyway.

RYOGA: You wanted to go with her, right?

HAKU: Yeah. But's its for the best. I hope she will do fine.

Although Chihiro didn't notice the light in front of the tunnel, Ranma and the rest sees the it. Ranma's Keyblade suddenly lightens. He remembered what he did before: he raised his Keybalde, aims it at the light and a beam flies from it to the light, revealing a Keyhole. He shoots another beam to the Keyhole itself and locks it as expected. The Keyblade is also going through another change: from the golden color to a red one with a dragon shaped at the edge of the blade.

RANMA: [impressed] Whoa! Hello, chopping fatality!

HAKU: You locked the Keyhole.

AKANE: Does that mean-

RANMA: Yeah, we're going to another world. Does anyone know to chant the spell?

Just as Akane is about to volunteer, Mousse steps in, much to the relief of everyone.

MOUSSE: I'll do it. Where's the spell?

Ranma hands him the spell and Mousse begans to chant it. The portal emerges to the ground near the tunnel.

HAKU: Well then, this is good-bye. Thanks for saving this world.

RANMA: No problem. Give our regards to Zeniba.

HAKU: [nods] Will do. You got what you need.

ALL: YEP!

The gang steps in to the portal as the light engulfs them and brings them to another destination.

**************

Not far from the location of the Keyhole, Noah grins as Ranma has done it quite successful. He knows that more hardships will come but he and his friends will overcome it.

???: Watching your protégé doing his action?

NOAH: Yeah, so?

???: Just like you. You went giddy when you did the same thing a long time ago.

NOAH: What do you want?

???: The usual of course. To stop him and kill him, whichever comes first.

Noah raises his weapon and quickly turns around to see a man, about almost 34 years old. He has green shaved hair while his skin is a bit pale. He stands around 6 ft. and wears a blue armor on his shoulders and his body while wearing white long sleeves and blue pants and black boots. He has a red small circular tattoo on his forehead and his built, while not much of a bodybuilder, is thin and fit.

NOAH: I'll stop you, you know that.

???: Please, the last time you said that was the time I killed a potential.

NOAH: What are you talking about? He slipped accidentally and fell of the building.

???: Oh. I forgot. Stupid kid.

NOAH: Too bad, compared to your junkies, you suck big time.

???: Shut up! You haven't seen me in action!

NOAH: How many times have I beaten you before?

???: You still carrying that thing after all these years? Man, let's face it: she's not coming back after what you did to her.

NOAH: That's none of your God damn business.

???: Still denying it. We know that incident. Why do you think he joined us? C'mon, you were one of us.

NOAH: I didn't signed up for your girl-scout club.

???: You were, and still are, one of us or just like that boy. Let's face it, you used to be the flavor of the month and now we got ourselves a new Annoying one. Really, do you really believe that he is the one? God, I sound so clichéd.

NOAH: He is the one. . .to kick your fucking ass.

???: And you couldn't do the same to me back then, S-

NOAH: It's Noah! Do I have to post it in your ass just for you to remember it? [points his weapon at his foe]

???: Easy there. I'm not here to fight you. Not yet anyway.

NOAH: If you dare to harm the Keyweilder and his friends, you better start hiding from your mommy.

???: Him? That guy? Didn't he came from that world?

NOAH: I'll tell you, then I'd shove a cookie in your throat.

???: [disappointed] Oh well, killjoy, as much I love to hang out with you, I got business to attend. Veral won't be pleased about this development.

NOAH: Veral's a man bitch, Fahnir.

FAHNIR: [chuckles a bit] That I totally agree. So tell me, before I go, why the name change?

NOAH: Do you have to pry on my personal life?

FAHNIR: Soorrreee. Adios, then.

Fahnir disappears quickly, leaving Noah behind. He doesn't know how to stop him and the rest from killing Ranma and the rest, but it's best that he will watch out for them and will step in when the time comes. He casts a teleportation spell enters it.

**********

RYOGA: I think I'm going to be sick. [to Ranma] Didn't they tell us that this teleportation spell can cause side effects?

RANMA: No. I think I've been getting some headaches just now.

RYOGA: I'm gonna vomit, seriously.

SHAMPOO: DON'T!

UKYO: How long will this last?

AKANE: Last I remember, it's 30 minutes or less. Seriously, I thought teleporting would be exciting but no, it makes me wanna lay down and sleep.

MOUSSE: Welcome to the consequences of the magic side, next stop: make your head spin 360 degrees!

UKYO: You're scaring me.

MOUSSE: Nah, I just kidding you. I hope.

SHAMPOO: So you think Chihiro and Haku will meet again?

RYOGA: Who knows? Maybe one day they will.

That got them into thinking. Chihiro and Haku maybe lucky in the love department, but what about them? It's their past that holds them down.

AKANE: Times like this, I have the magic book to- [Akane searches for the book in her pockets] I couldn't find it!

MOUSSE: [shows the book in his hand] You mean this?

AKANE: HEY!

MOUSSE: I hate to do this Akane, but you're not faring well at magic.

AKANE: Oh, come on! Give me time to improve!

RANMA: Mousse's right. You suck.

UKYO: That's a such a harsh thing to say. Akane's trying to improve, [looks at Akane] right? Right?

AKANE: She's right.

UKYO: But then again, you could turn us-

AKANE: Stop it please. [thinks for a while] Mousse, how about a deal? I'll let you be Gandalf of the group and you train me with the elbow blades you gave to me. How about it?

MOUSSE: Deal.

RANMA: Hey! Why won't you ask me to train you?

AKANE: Because Mousse's more reliable than you! Besides, you'll make fun of me!

RANMA: Give me a try and I promise you, I won't tease you again.

RYOGA: What's with the humility, Ranma? Guess your ego's finally reaching the breaking point.

RANMA: What would you know huh?

SHAMPOO: Easy, easy. Where next?

RANMA: I think we should at the next world right about. . .now.

The black surroundings quickly disappear and they are now surrounded by clouds, which does not bode well.

MOUSSE: [groans] Oh-

UKYO: No!

AKANE: Not-

RYOGA: Again!

RANMA: WHY?!

SHAMPOO: WHY?!

And so they fall again to the ground. They pray for a miracle, but alas, no such luck. Mousse quickly flipped through the pages of the book for a floating spell.

MOUSSE: [frantic] C'mon! Where the hell is it? AHA! Found it!

Just as Mousse is about to say the words, his glasses suddenly fall off while the book slips from his grasp.

SHAMPOO: [panics] MOUSSE!

MOUSSE: Hang on! [grabs his glasses and wears it again] Now for the spell!

Mousse quickly tries to get the book but it lands on the hands. . .of Akane Tendo.

AKANE: I'll save you guys! [flips through the pages] Got it! [chants quickly] "Hear us, oh gods, free us from this time of pain. Now I shall say the words of salvation: tabula rasa. Free us from the time of danger, tabula rasa. We wish not to remember the memory of pain, hurt and deception. Clear our minds, tabula rasa." [waits for an effect of the spell] No floating spell? What's going-

RANMA: AKANE, WE'RE GOING TO DIE!

Ranma, Akane, Shampoo, Ukyo, Ryoga and Mousse land into the deep grounds of the forest through the trees very hard and into the ground. They landed so hard that they fell unconscious. That and the effect of the spell.

************

It was one in the afternoon as children from a local village in China play their usual game of tag. They wipe their sweat away as they continue to play. Amazing how summer does to you, it gives you full of energy. Wang, the eldest of the bunch, is in the position of "it", the one who must catch the rest. He manages to catch two of his friends and got tired immediately. He told them to take a rest for a few minutes and them they will resume. During that time, they saw a man walking towards them. Sure he's like any other man who have pass through their area, but there's something strange about him. The children are drawn to him but at the same time they want to step away from him. The man smiled at them, thus they sense peace in him. But there's another mystery: how could he know where they are when he's blindfolded?

The man continued to walk through the rocky mountains until he has reached his destination at the cliff. He has known this place through quick research and learned the existence of the Musk Tribe, the Joketsuzoku, the Phoenix tribe and Jusenkyo. Jusenkyo, as he had heard from the locals, has been flooded. But none of them doesn't matter to him right now. He has a mission to do. He spots a young man meditating silently. He grinned inwardly. He found him.

???: [not turning around] Who are you?

He didn't turned around, he thought. Not bad.

???: You must be Taro, am I correct?

TARO: What do you want?

???: I need your help.

TARO: Find someone else. I'm not up for the job.

???: I'm somewhat disappointed. Here I am talking to the man who wishes for power and world domination but with a sucky name.

TARO: Hey! Lay it off!

???: Fine.

TARO: [stands up and faces him, much to his surprise] Whoa! What happened to you?

???: I'm not going to talk about it for now. Will you help me?

TARO: [smirks] Sorry. Everything's got to have price.

???: You're going to Japan again, aren't you?

TARO: [surprised] How-

???: I know, young man. I also know your curse.

TARO: Look, I don't know how you know about me so get lost or I'll have to beat you senseless!

???: Attacking a blind man? How dishonorable of you.

TARO: Dammit! I forgot about that.

???: How about this, Pantyhose Taro?

TARO: HEY!

???: Relax, I'm not laughing. Well, the first time I heard your name anyway. How about a deal? We fight. If I win, you will help me. If you defeat me, then so be it. I'll find another one who will help me.

TARO: [surprised] Are you nuts? You're. . .I can't fight a disabled person!

???: Taro, didn't your mother tell you not to judge a book by its cover? Don't worry, I can handle myself.

TARO: [raises an eyebrow] Are you sure?

???: Positive.

Before the fight could begin, Taro asks some more questions.

TARO: Not so fast, who are you and what do you want?

???: For the first question, the name's Kiev. The second one, I'll tell you after we fight.

TARO: Kiev, eh? Not a bad name.

KIEV: Shall we begin, boy?

TARO: Certainly. I'm not going easy on you, remember that.

KIEV: Sure.

Both men are in their fighting stances. After a few seconds, Taro begins the offense by charging at him first and followed by a left jab. Kiev easily dodges the punch and continues to do the same as Taro unleashes a series punches from a right jab, left hook, right uppercut to a spinning backfist. Despite his full efforts, Taro is surprised that Kiev dodges quickly and easily. For a blind man, Kiev calls this child's play. He counterattacks Taro with a spinning right roundhouse and immediately hits Taro in the face. Taro staggers back a little bit and tends his wound as he is surprised and awed by the man. He dodges and kicks quickly than any man in the world, unless he's thinking about a certain Ranma Saotome, which he's not thinking about for the moment. Taro looks at Kiev, who gestures him to continue. Taro smirks and executes a jumping kick and Kiev avoids it. It's Kiev's turn as he pulls a left axe kick. Taro blocks it but he feels being pulled down by the weight. Taro crouches and use a sweep kick to put the blind-folded man down to the ground. Kiev immediately avoids the attack by jumping over Taro and lands behind him. Taro immediately turns around but his face is greeted by Kiev's punch which causes him to hurl into the wall. Taro gets up and thinks that he must have taken steroids. He goes into his position again but this time after a few punches he will jump off to the cliff and into the lake below for the transformation and defeat him. Kiev charges at him and lands a double jump kick at him. Taro blocks it and sends a left uppercut and a right roundhouse. Kiev dodges this and executes a right forward kick. Taro finally sees an opening and holds the leg as he is about to twist it and throws him away. Kiev, immediately sensing his plan, immediately leaps a bit, twists around and kicks him in the face. Taro is knocked out as Kiev lands safely. Taro decides now's the time to transform. He runs towards the cliff but Kiev grabs his leg and tosses him to the side.

KIEV: I know what you are going to do. You think that you can defeat me in your cursed form?

TARO: So you know my plan.

KIEV: Please, that's what you usually do. I'm sad that you tend to focus on brutal strength than inner strength. But I will give you a chance.

Taro nods and jumps over the cliff and lands into the lake. In a few seconds, he is turned into his cursed form. He flies to the top and looks at Kiev. The former grins as he takes this chance to defeat him He charges at him with full force yet Kiev rolls away to the side. Taro lands and runs toward him and is about to give him a smackdown. He gives a punch below Kiev but the latter flips away, causing Taro to punch at the ground. The ground receives huge cracks and Kiev jumps at him. Taro flies towards him. Kiev suddenly disappears and Taro looks for him around while flying. Without warning, Kiev appears behind him and knocks him down with a powerful punch. Taro tries to get up but couldn't as he still suffering from the ambush. Kiev lands safely and approaches him.

KIEV: What do you say? I can kick your ass even in your bull form.

Taro grunted as he will not accept defeat from a blind-folded man. He gets and roars in frustration. He again charges at him with a flurry of punches at him. Kiev blocks and dodges one punch after another. He finally grabs his right arm and tosses him to the ground. He wrestles him with locking him in the neck. Taro finally overpowers him as he removes Kiev's arm and lands a fist above him. Kiev grabs the fist and tries to throw him away but Taro uses all his brute strength to overcome him. Kiev slightly struggles in letting go the arm away but after a few seconds he finally does so. Taro staggers back a bit and Kiev delivers a powerful roundhouse kick at him, sending the large bull to the ground. Kiev run towards him and executes a two-combo punch consisting of left jab and a right uppercut. The final blow brings Taro to his defeat as he lies on the wall, beaten and bruised. Kiev moves back.

KIEV: I am not here to kill you so don't take your chances on fighting again. You're hurt badly and for that I'm sorry. But I have to defeat you in order to join me. So, will you agree?

Taro slowly nods.

KIEV: Shit, I beaten you badly. Just hold on.

Kiev performs a healing spell on Taro and he is quickly healed. Then, he produces a floating boiling water in a form of an orb and puts it on him. Taro back to his human form. Although, he is healed, he's tired from the beatings and is stark naked.

TARO: Um, can you. . .damn I forgot, you can't see.

KIEV: But I can sense around me.

TARO: That makes you Daredevl huh?

KIEV: Who's he?

TARO: Nevermind.

************

After everything went to normal, Taro wears his clothes again while Kiev waits for him.

TARO: All right, I accept your offer. Now, tell me. What do you want from me?

KIEV: Your world is facing a big threat.

TARO: Excuse me?

KIEV: If you hadn't heard the news, there was an attack in Japan. Luckily no one got hurt, but the place was trashed.

TARO: I'm not a news person except for the weather report. What happened there?

KIEV: It was reported that there were sightings of large black creatures at the place. Unknown to them, there are called the Heartless.

TARO: [snickers] The Heartless? Man, they have a suckier name than mine.

KIEV: Don't laugh. They are very dangerous for they appear in different forms.

TARO: Why are these creatures here?

KIEV: They are after the Keywielder?

TARO: Keywielder?

KIEV: The one who will save us from them. The Heartless are after him since he is the only one who will stand up against them. As of this conversation, the current Keywielder is traveling in different worlds to seal the Keyhole.

TARO: [confused[ Different worlds? Keyhole?

KIEV: The Heartless after not only this world but others as well. Some of the worlds are safe but others aren't so lucky. Each world has one Keyhole. When the Keyhole is sealed, that particular world is safe and will be disconnected since it's not a supposed to be open. [confused] I'll tell you about that later. The Heartless are here as long as there is darkness in this world.

TARO: So you're telling me that the Heartless are here because of the darkness in this world?

KIEV: Yes. Before you can conclude, you're not the Keybearer. The current one came from this world and has sealed the Keyhole here.

TARO: [disappointed] Right. [pauses] Wait! You said that the Keyhole here is sealed but you said that this world is in danger. Why?

KIEV: I haven't looked into the details but I was told that this world is special. Special in what way? That I don't know. The reason why I chose you is because you are one of the strongest.

TARO: [impressed] Now, that's a compliment. What about the Keywielder?

KIEV: That's the reason why I am looking for you. He and his companions are in grave danger. Someone is after them. I'm afraid to say this but they will not be able to defeat him and his cronies. So ask of you to come with me and help them.

TARO: Okay, but with one catch. I want to change my name. No matter how hard I try, that old freak wouldn't let me change my name.

KIEV: You want to change your name. [Taro nods] Don't worry, I'll handle this. But first, if you're going to Japan tomorrow, do so. There, look for a girl named Yui Ichiro. She will come with us.

TARO: Yui, huh? Where will she be in Japan exactly?

KIEV: Nerima.

*************

One hour later, Ranma and the rest simultaneously wake up slowly. As they manage to regain their sense, they looked around at their surroundings. They are in a forest. But somehow, they seemed. . .frightened.

RANMA: You guys okay?

AKANE: Yeah. Where are we? Who are you people? Who am I?

MOUSSE: You don't know your name? So do I? And why am I wearing this clothes?

RANMA: Seems we don't remember who we are.

SHAMPOO: This is bad thing. Wait, why I speak this way?

RYOGA: [to Ukyo] You okay?

UKYO: Yeah. Who are you?

RYOGA: [blushes] I. . .don't know.

UKYO: [smiles] Same here. [Ryoga blushes]

AKANE: Hold on! How did we get here? How did we lose our memories?

SHAMPOO: I don't know. But this is freaking me out.

MOUSSE: I feel kinda heavy.

RANMA: This sucks!

RYOGA: Whoa, wait! I got an idea. Did anyone you bring their ids and similar stuff? It might help us who we are!

Everyone searches for their pockets and brought out their wallets.

UKYO: Okay, mine's. . .Ukyo Kuonji. [shows her school ID] Look! I even go to school!

RYOGA: Ukyo. That's a nice name.

UKYO: [blushes] Thanks. What about you?

RYOGA: My name is Ryoga Hibiki. What a cool name!

AKANE: I'm Akane Tendo. [looks at her school ID] Oh Ukyo, we even go to the same school together!

UKYO: Do you think we're classmates?

AKANE: Let's see. [both girls looked at their IDs] We are!

UKYO: Cool!

SHAMPOO: Okay, mine's. . .Xian Pu. Oh God, what kind of name is that?

RANMA: What's wrong with that?

SHAMPOO: I think this name rhyme's with shampoo! It scary! Why I speaking this way?

AKANE: That is scary.

SHAMPOO: [to Mousse] What about you?

MOUSSE: Mzu Tzu. Mzu Tzu? Couldn't I settle for Jet Li?

RYOGA: I think it sounds Chinese.

MOUSSE: You think so?

SHAMPOO: [to Mousse] Do you think we're-

MOUSSE: Related? [Shampoo nods] It's impossible. You look different from me (and way more beautiful).

RANMA: Mine is Ranma Saotome. Ranma? I think I'll settle for. . .Goku.

AKANE: Goku? YOU don't look like a Goku to me.

RANMA: I don't care. I feel like a Goku. [to Akane and Ukyo] I think I go to the same school as you girls.

UKYO: Really? I feel strange. Losing your memory is like losing a body part.

RYOGA: You're scared?

UKYO: I am, although I know my name.

AKANE: What's that you're carrying in your back?

UKYO: Huh? [Ukyo gets her spatula from her back] It's a spatula! But it's so big!

Shampoo notices her hair is purple. She begins to cry.

MOUSSE: [concerned] What's wrong?

SHAMPOO: [crying] My hair! My hair! Someone gave me bad hair! Look at the color! [points at her hair] It's horrible!

UKYO: No it's not! It looks good on you.

SHAMPOO: Really?

AKANE: Yeah. I like your hair.

Shampoo stops crying and accepts their compliments.

SHAMPOO: [smiles] Thank you.

Mousse searches for a tissue in his pockets. He realized that he has many stuff in his sleeves.

MOUSSE: [to Shampoo] Here. [Shampoo gets the tissue] You guys, think I got a lot of stuff in my sleeves inside.

RANMA: Get out!

MOUSSE: I wish. [gets something from his sleeves and got a bomb] I got a lot of stuff like-

Just as Mousse is about to finish his sentence, the bomb explodes. The six are covered with ashes and little bits of burns.

MOUSSE: A bomb.

RANMA: Mousse, you stupid moron.

MOUSSE: Sorry.

RANMA: Just don't get anything dangerous inside.

AKANE: What are we going to do now?

???: Hello? Is anyone there?

The amnesiac gang looks at their right and sees a small woman, right about Akane and Shampoo's height.

SHAMPOO: Who's there?

???: I'm not going to hurt you (not yet anyway). Are you guys okay?

UKYO: Yeah.

???: I heard an explosion just near my place so checked it out to see what is going on.

RYOGA: We're okay now, so no worries.

The girl looks at them carefully. Something's not right.

???: Where do you people come from?

UKYO: We don't know.

???: [surprised] What do you mean you don't know?

RANMA: We lost our memories and we only remember our names.

That is a bummer, the girl thought. Then an idea came to her mind.

???: How about this? Why don't you follow me and meet my comrades? We'll help you.

RANMA: SURE! How about it guys? [everyone nods] Okay!

???: Excellent! Let's go!

RANMA: But just before we go, what's your name?

???: Mine is Lina Inverse.

RANMA: Nice to meet you Lina.

LINA: [grins] The pleasure is all mine.

Lina turns around and grins wickedly. This is perfect, she thought. She got six clueless losers and suckered them into her plans. This is going to be PERFECT.

**********

UP NEXT: Lina dupes the gang into stealing a very priceless treasure. While a brand new character will make her introduction.

**********

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Tabula Rasa means "a clean state of mind" in Latin. I got this idea from the same episode of Buffy and the Angel episode "Spin The Bottle". I liked both episodes, so I decided to use the idea for this storyline. Please don't sue me.

You maybe wondering why I chose Pantyhose Taro instead of Kuno and Ryo Kumon. For one thing, his curse is useful and I consider him one of the coolest Ranma characters.

The name "Urien" has a meaning. Look for it.

The idea for Jusenkyo came in at the last minute. But don't worry, there's more into this.

A preview of Yui Ichiro, the new character I invented: ninja, Trinity (The Matrix Trilogy), Faith and Anya (Buffy), Sydney Bristow (Alias), The Bride (Kill Bill), Mai Shiranui (King of Fighters), Ibuki (Street Fighter 3), Taki (Soul Caliber 2).

Noah and Kiev. Do they have the same intentions?

Thank you for the reviews. Please encourage others to read and review. If you guys got any questions and/or suggestions, just post. If you want to hear spoilers, just e-mail me privately.