Prologue: Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a prince with a terrible curse, but though he traveled the length and bredth of the lands, he found no cure.

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a princess cursed to an enchanted sleep, a curse which had only one cure.

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a beautiful and talented young girl who was forced to work in her grandmother's kitchen.

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a princess with snow white skin and ebony hair whose cruel parent sent her away in dishonor.

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a beautiful young girl with rose red hair who helped a bear.

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a beautiful young girl who carried a basket of goodies.

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a horrible beast, a charming prince, a dashing prince, a darling prince, a sweet and beautiful young girl, a fairy-godmother, and a queen of ice.

And once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a ball . . . .

To whom it may concern:

You are invited to a masked ball on Friday night (the twelth of May), beginning at eight, ending at two, at the Tendo Dojo to choose Ranma Saotome's bride. The event is black tie. R.S.V.P. Refreshments will be served. Please buy your 3000 yen ticket from Nabiki Tendo no later than the tenth. We hope to see you there!

"Please, Nabiki, I want a ticket. Ranma is destined to be mine!"

"Certainly, Ukyo! We'd be glad to have you. Could you bring some refreshments? We all love your cooking."

"Nabiki Tendo! I am told the Fair Akane shall be at your family's masked ball! I must attend!"

"Any time, Kuno-baby. The ticket is 30000 yen for you."

"Mercenary girl, Shampoo want ticket!"

"Here it is, Shampoo. Please bring some ramen. Ranma always says your ramen tastes the best of all."

"Nabiki! How can you be throwing a party at the Tendo Dojo without asking the permission of the Master of the School!"

"You know, Grandfather, there will be lots of girls coming in hopes of marrying Ranma. Here is your ticket. Please show up on time."

"You're such a good girl, Nabiki!"

"I know."

"Miss Tendo! I hear that Shampoo is going to your family's party next Friday night. I am afraid I must insist on a ticket."

"Certainly, Mousse. 3000 yen."

"Nabiki Tendo, Shampoo tells me she is going to your family's party and bringing free ramen."

"Oh, no, Ms. Cologne! It is not free. It's in exchange for your ticket and hers! A special one-time-only 60000 yen value!"

"Oh, well, in that case . . ."

"Nabiki Tendo, give me a ticket this instant! I, the Black Rose of St. Hebereke, must be in attendance to win my darling Ranma's heart."

"Of course, Kodachi, 30000 yen."

"Um, Nabiki?"

"Yes, Ryouga?"

"Can I go to the party on Friday night? Here's 3000 yen."

"Actually, Ryouga it's tonight. Here is your ticket. Please be there on time."

"Nice job, Nabiki, now he'll definitely be there next Friday."

"Hello, Ranma, here to buy your ticket?"

"Ticket! I don't need a ticket! I'm the main attraction!"

"No, you aren't. You have to buy a ticket."

"Does Akane have to buy a ticket?"

"No, but she's family. If you want a free ticket you can marry her between now and next Friday."

"Huh. You couldn't pay me to marry a violent tomboy like her."

"Ranma, I think she heard you say that."

"Ouch."

"Nabiki, are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Of course, Kasumi. I promise you this: everything will be perfect after the ball."

"Oh, alright then."