Chapter 1
The morning light was shining through Akane's bedroom curtains, slowly inching upwards towards her face as she lay snug under her covers, dozing softly. The light soon reached her eyes and her face grimaced as her eyes slowly opened. She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. Then with a loud yawn her arms shot up over her head as she stretched, arching her back as she tried to get her brain started for the day. She carefully got out of bed and noticed that there was a tray on her desk. On it was a bowl of rice, a bowl of miso soup, a steamed fish and a cup of steaming tea.
"Great. I overslept again. Kasumi must have left it for me. Good thing there is no school today." She giggled as she walked towards her window.
She briskly flung open her curtains letting the sunshine flood her dark bedroom. "Looks like it's going be a great morning for a change." She sighed as she took a sip of her tea.
She looked down from her window and saw a figure in the courtyard by the dojo. Squinting slightly, she saw Ranma, who was performing his katas with a bo-staff twirling in both hands. He was wearing his white tank top, black trousers, white socks and black Chinese shoes. Sweat was streaming down his well-defined back and arms as he executed a difficult series of moves with his staff. Akane stifled a sigh watching him.
Her mind went back to Mt. Phoenix, she was unconscious in Ranma's arms. As she was regaining her senses, she heard Ranma's grief-stricken voice in her head: "I love you!" Shaking her head irritably, "Did he really say that?" She wasn't sure as she was just regaining consciousness at that time and could have been imagining the whole thing. She didn't have the courage to ask him about it as usual. That frustrated her a lot. She really wanted to tell him how she felt, but was afraid of what he would say. In the beginning it was a lot easier. All Ranma had to do was open his mouth, say the wrong thing, and Akane would pound him into the ground with her trusty mallet, and that would be the end of it. Ever since they got back from Mt. Phoenix, Ranma has been VERY kind to her. To kind! It's like he's a different person now. And they have both been so busy with graduation getting closer, that they haven't had time for anything, much less talk to each other about the one thing they both would not admit to themselves: They love each other. Giving Ranma one last gaze, she turned from the window with a sigh, ate her breakfast, and got ready for the day.
Ranma was just finishing his kata for the morning, spinning his staff in swift patterns over his head, finishing with a leap and stab with his staff at an imaginary foe. Ranma walked over to the porch of the dojo and retrieved a towel after putting away the staff, and began wiping his sweat covered brow. Looking up at Akane's window he noticed that she finally stopped watching him. Years of training have given him a powerful sense of his surroundings. Akane's eyes were like floodlights on him and he felt her presence the minute she looked at him. He was part relieved, part frustrated. He wasn't very good at expressing his feelings. That usually ended up getting his head pounded by Akane. Things were a lot simpler then. Ever since that incident on Mt. Phoenix, when he thought Akane was dying in his arms, all he could do now was walk on egg shells around her. He did not want to upset her in any way, so he mostly kept his distance from her. He walked over to the front door of the dojo and retrieved his black Kung Fu shirt. On the ground next to the dojo door was a water bottle, which Ranma grabbed and began to drink deeply.
The back door to the house slid open and a giant black panda waddled out holding a broom. It saw Ranma and raised a paw in greetings. It began sweeping the ground between the dojo and the house while mumbling to itself in it's indecipherable panda language. Sighing, Ranma walked over to the panda after retrieving a hot water kettle from the kitchen. He emptied the hot water over the pandas head and a stocky middle aged man appeared in its place, wearing a white karate gi, a white handkerchief was wrapped around his head, and spectacles adorned his nose. He had a less than amused look on his face after being drenched with hot water. With a snort, Ranma turned to put the kettle away. "If your going to babble at me, Pop, at least turn back first." Genma Saotome snorted in indignation. "I was just saying that you've been aloof lately, boy. What is the matter? I was watching your katas and I must say your form is below par of late." Genma set the broom against a wall and sat down on the porch step, ignoring Ranma's indignant stare. "Talk to me, Ranma. What's the matter?" Ranma sighed and turned to go into the house. "Nothing Pop. Everything is fine." Genma stood up angrily. "No it's not. I haven't seen you skulk around like this in a long time. It's time we had a 'heart to heart'. Come back here." Genma then took a combative stance. Ranma rolled his eyes at Genma. "I'm not in the mood Pop. Back off." Genma slowly moved toward Ranma. "I'm not giving you a choice, boy! Defend yourself!" Genma surged forward with a thrusting jab towards Ranma's stomach. He met Genma's attack with an elbow block. Ranma whirled around with a roundhouse back hand towards Genma's head. Ducking under the blow, Genma countered with low sweep at Ranma's feet. Somersaulting backward, he avoided Genma's attack and entered his defensive stance again. Genma looked at Ranma up and down. "Better! I can always rely on you to do your best when I use killing intent. But let's see you dodge this!" Like a homicidal dervish, Genma surged forward, launching multiple punches in a blur of movement, making Ranma realize why he's still the student and his father the master. But Ranma has one thing in his favor: He is truly gifted in the martial arts. A martial arts genius, who can adapt any martial art to his own by just seeing it in action once. Within seconds, Ranma was dodging and whirling between Genma's fists like a plastic bag twirling in the wind. After dodging one of Genma's swings, he stooped low, then surged upward with a high kick to Genma's chin, rocking him backward several feet, almost knocking his father's glasses from his nose. Genma looked startled, then looked at his son with pride. Rubbing his bruised chin, he stepped forward smiling. "Much better! You seem focused now. Are you ready to tell me what is the matter with you?" Ranma looked at the ground in front of him. He kicked a small pebble back into one of Kasumi's flower gardens. "Pop, how did you know when you first liked Mom?" Genma startled, blinking in disbelief. "How did I know?" He appeared pensive for a second. "That is something that can't be explained boy, it is something you just know when it happens. You can never know when it will happen, it just does. That's one of life's greatest mysteries. Are you doubting your own feelings?" Ranma walked in a small circle with his hands in his pockets. "I don't know. I never seem to be able to say anything right with her. Every time I open my mouth, I'm driven into the ground by a mallet. And when we were at that damn Mt. Phoenix, and I thought I was losing her, it...was the most horrible feeling of my life. I always thought of those feelings as...mooshy and weak, yet, when she was in my arms and I thought she was dying, I...wanted to go with her." Genma sat listening to Ranma with a soft smile and crinkles on his eyes. "That, my son, is called love. And it's about time you found that out. Took awhile! I was having doubts." Giddy, Genma smiled. "Wait til I tell Soun. This will make his day!" Ranma froze in place. "Pop, please keep this between us, could you?" Genma eyed Ranma with a frown. "Why? What will that hurt? We're part of this family now, son. They should know this." Ranma chose his words carefully. "I'm just not quite ready for that yet. There are things I need to find out about myself before I settle down. You, of all people, should understand that." Genma sighed, "Son, you really need to come to terms with that, and soon. Akane is the type who won't wait forever. You really should think about that." Genma furrowed his brow in thought. "Hmmm, you seem to be suffering from self doubt. The only solution seems to be for me to completely spill the beans so you wont have to worry anymore. The truth will be out there and you will have to deal with it!" With a grin, Genma trotted off towards the house shouting, "Hey Soun! Guess what Ranma just told me!!" Ranma moved with a speed borne of fear. In an instant he was on Genma's back with his hands covering Genome's mouth. "SHUT UP YOU IDIOT!" Genma shrugged off Ranma. As he fell, Ranma twisted mid-air and began to land on his feet. Genma swept Ranma's feet before he landed, and he was prone on the ground. Instantly, Ranma kicked upwards and was back on his feet again. Genma charged and began attacking with purpose. Driving Ranma back, Genma struck him with multiple blows. Ranma blocked every attack with a precision that made Genma beam with pride. Launching himself upwards, Ranma landed on top of the roof of the house, his defensive stance up. With a smile, Genma followed with a leap and was facing Ranma on the roof. They began to battle in earnest, trading blows and blocking attacks, they were soon air bound, battling back and forth across the rooftops until they were soon out of sight. A short time later the back porch door slid open and a young woman, in an apron carrying a laundry basket filled with damp clothes, came out to the porch. She was followed by an older man with long black hair wearing a simple grey gi. He slipped into a pair of sandles as he exited, while the young woman donned a pair of slippers. "Mr. Saotome! Ranma! Breakfast is ready!" she said as she walked over to the laundry line and began hanging wet clothes. The long haired man sat on the porch and lit a cigarette. "Hmmm, I thought I heard them out here earlier. Where did they get off too?" He said, inhaling his cigarette deeply. "I thought so too, father. Oh well. They'll be back. They never miss breakfast." Said the young woman. "I hope so, Kasumi, we have some important things to discuss later." Kasumi Tendo turned from her work, "Did you want me to go find them, father?" Soun Tendo exhaled a large cloud of smoke. "No, that's ok. It can wait until they return. I would guess Genma and Ranma are in the middle of a lesson. Let them train."
Suddenly, Shampoo fell from the sky onto the back porch in front of Soun and Kasumi. She landed lightly on her feet like a cat. She was carrying a steamer basket in one hand.
"Excuse please! I looking for Ranma, is he here?" Soun regarded the young woman. "He's off with his father for some late afternoon training. He should be back shortly. If your in a hurry, it sounded like they headed towards the park." Shampoo bowed deeply to Mr. Tendo and Kasumi. "Sorry for disturbing you both. Thank you!" With a leap into the air, Shampoo left in the direction of the park. Kasumi watched her leave. "She so very polite!" Looking down, something caught her eye where Shampoo stood. A beautiful white flower was on the ground. She picked it up and looked at it with amazement. "How beautiful! Look father!" Soun examined the flower. If looks like a lotus flower, but I've never seen such a pure white one before. Look at it! It almost looks silver in color. Can you tell what kind it is?" Kasumi's brow furrowed in thought. "No, but I think Dr. Tofu might know. He studies botany, being a doctor. I'll call him and ask him if he knows. She then continued with her work while Soun sat back down and finished his cigarette. The back porch door slid open and Akane Tendo entered the back yard accompanied by another young woman with short hair and fashionable clothes. She was on her bulky cell phone and sternly talking to one of her numerous helpless minions. "I don't want to hear it! You owe me plenty buster! I've done you numerous favors over the years and you owe me! I want what I asked for by tomorrow. PERIOD! Don't speak to me again until it is in my hands!" Nabiki Tendo angrily hung up and sat down on the porch next to Soun. Akane walked over to Kasumi and began helping her with the laundry. "Who was just here Kasumi?" Akane asked. "Shampoo came by looking for Ranma." Kasumi said. Akane blanched at the name. "Where did Ranma go?" Akane said with ire in her voice. "It sounded like he was training with his father here near the dojo and they took off towards the park. I'm guessing that Shampoo followed them to the park." Akane set a piece of clothing back down into the laundry basket. "Excuse me, I'll be right back." With a leap, she was on the fence about to bound away. "If you see Ranma and Mr. Tendo, let them know breakfast is getting cold." Said Kasumi as she headed into the house. Akane nodded and leaped away. A few minutes later there was a knock on the front door. "Father! Could you get that? I'm in the middle of the dishes." Sighing, Soun put out his cigarette, and headed towards the front door, leaving Nabiki tapping on her phone. He opened the door to find a bespectacled man in a dark blue gi and sandles at the entrance. He had a very concerned look on his face. "Mr Tendo. Sorry for bothering you. Is Kasumi in?"
Ranma was hurled backward. Rolling on his shoulder, he kick stood back to his feet. Looking at his father with an iron look, he entered his defensive stance again. Mr. Saotome stood atop a large poll with a tether ball attached to it in the middle of the neighborhood park. He regarded Ranma with a smug look. "Your still a hundred years from besting me boy!" Said Genma with a grin and began to belly laugh atop the tether poll. With an infinite look of cunning, Ranma smirked then pointed to the ground beneath Genma's feet. "Oh look! A five yen piece!" Genma instantly was on the ground on his hands and knees searching desperately for the coin. "Errr! I must have dropped it..." It was then that Genma's head hit the ground with an audible thud. Ranma stood atop the back of Genma's head with one foot driving his head into the ground and the other folded under him. "Gee! Time goes by quick! Was that a hundred years?"
"RRRyyyy Yuuuuuu!" Genma mumbled with his face in the ground. With a heave, Genma through back his head and bucked Ranma off. Ranma summersaulted backward and landed lightly into his defensive stance with a smirk on his face. "Give up old man?" Ranma taunted. Grimly, Genma stood up and prepared to launch another attack. At that moment, someone landed from the air between them. Ranma blanched as he instantly recognized the newcomer. "S-s-s! Shampoo! What are you doing here?" Shampoo smiled at Ranma and began to cozy up to him. "Ranma! Shampoo very happy to see you! I brought you something good!" She then launched herself into the air and into Ranma's arms, much to his horror. "Look, Shampoo, this is not a good time. Me and Pop are training right now and..." Out of no where, a small tennis shoed foot launched itself into Ranma's face. He stood there with Shampoo in his arms and an angry Akane's foot in his face. With a muffled sigh, Ranma said, "This seems familiar." Akane stood in front of them with her arms folded, foot tapping on the ground. "So this is were you are! Kasumi just finished making breakfast for you two, which is getting cold, by the way, and your over here fooling around with Shampoo! Have you no shame?" Ranma glared at Akane with a foot print on his face. "Me and Pop are training, you uncute tomboy! Shampoo followed us. SHE jumped into my arms. Why do you always blame me for stuff like this?" Akane reared up to Ranma, ignoring Shampoo's wide eyed stare. "Because you allow this to happen! Your supposed to be a "gifted" Martial Artist. Why do you let her walk all over you?" Before Ranma could respond, Shampoo jumped down and held the steamer basket up to him. She removed the lid and showed him the steaming hot buns inside. "Ranma! You hungry? Have a steam bun! They are new item at Cat Cafe! They are meat buns! They have chicken, pork and beef inside." The smell emitting from the buns was strong and Ranma's stomach snarled audibly. "Wow! They smell great." Ranma said, mouth watering. "Don't mind if I do!" He reached out to pluck a bun from the basket as he pushed Genma away before he could help himself to one. Out of nowhere, the tip of a wooden bokken sword intercepted his hand. A tall young man dressed in a white and black Akido uniform and sandles, place himself between Shampoo and Ranma. "Hold miscreant!" Said the newcomer. Ranma put his face in his hand. "Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse." Said Ranma, backing up a few steps. "Whats your problem Kuno? Your irritation quota not filled enough today?" The young man named Kuno leaned his wooden sword over his shoulder and pointed at Ranma. "Did I hear sweet Akane correctly? You leave a nice breakfast prepared by Kasumi to get cold while you are here galavanting around with this home wrecker? I cannot let this slide, Saotome. You need a good thrashing!" Ranma glared at Kuno. "So says the home wrecker. Well pop, looks like we have our hands full." He looked over at Genma who suddenly was a panda again rolling on the floor with a car tire in it's paws. Ranma sighed, "Figures." He glared at Genma then turned toward them and once again takes his defensive stance. Kuno begins to advance, but before he can act, a large fist appears out of nowhere and sends Kuno twirling away to the other side of the park. The newcomer, dressed in a sleeveless light yellow shirt, black pants, a tiger print bandana tied around his head, and carrying a large backpack strolled up to Ranma with fire in his eyes. "Did I hear right? You have a wonderful breakfast made by Akane getting cold, and your out here fooling around with Shampoo? You, do indeed, need a beating Ranma!" Ryoga Hibiki raised his large fists and began to advance on Ranma. "Great! The eternal lost boy returns. Did you get lost trying to find the bathroom again?" Ranma said with a mirthful smile not lessening his defensive stance. Ryoga charged but before he could attack, Kuno's wooden bokken blocked his way. "How dare you strike me, you lowly vagabond!" Ryoga sighed. "Look, Kuno, we both agree that Ranma needs a beating right?" Kuno rubbed his chin in thought. "Well...yes." Ryoga smiled slightly. "How about we postpone our fight until we give Ranma the beating he so richly deserves?" Kuno smiled back. "Agreed! We have a truce until then." Ranma shifted nervously at this but did not lower his stance. Both Ryoga and Kuno then looked at Ranma with grim resolve and began to advance on him. Before their blows could fall a evil snickering laugh filled the air. A blur, faster that the human eye could follow, entered the fray. With and audible thud, both Kuno and Ryoga sailed into the air and disappeared out of site with a gleam in the distance. Where they stood, a minuscule old man stood. He was wearing a black ninja gi. He was balding with tufts of white curly hair jutting out of the sides of his head. An evil black malevolent aura surrounded him. "Well Ranma, your natural ability to get yourself into trouble hasn't diminished." The small old man pulled a bra out of his gi. "You can thank me by putting this on! In your girl form of course!"
Ranma put his face in his hand. "I had to ask if it could get any worse." And in one motion, Ranma poured the contents of his water bottle over his head and opened his shirt all the way down to his waist. Instantly, Ranma disappeared and a young red haired girl stood in his place wearing his clothing. The young girl threw her shirt open exposing her bare breasts to the old man. "Hey sweetie! Want a hug?" The old man, with a prodigious leap sailed toward the young girl. "Whooo Hooo!! Hello nurse!!" But before he could land on her, she kicked the old man off into the horizon. He disappeared with a twinkle in the distance. "Some things never change." said Ranma pensively. "Ayaa! You win Ranma!" Shampoo cheered as she hopped up to him. She held out the open steamer basket. "You hungry, Ranma?"
Cologne was smoking her pipe sitting on a cushion in front of a TV in the living area of the Cat Cafe. She was chuckling at a TV show from America featuring combatants from the MMA. "If those weaklings knew what a true warrior was, they'd run and hide under a rock." she snickered as she changed the channel. A knock from the front door made her start. "That better not be that vegetable delivery guy. I've told him to use the delivery entrance too many times." She came to the front door to the living area and opened the door. She found Dr. Tofu and Kasumi Tendo at the entrance. Both had concerned looks on their faces. "What seems to be the problem, Dr. Tofu?" Cologne said apprehensively. "Sorry to trouble you. Do you know where Shampoo is? We have some questions for her." Dr. Tofu said with urgency. "She's in the cafe kitchen, preparing today's delivery orders. What is this about?" she said with minor irritation. "I'll explain once we see her. Can we go to the kitchen?" Tofu said. With a great sigh, Cologne let them in. "Follow me." she said and began hopping on her cane towards the cafe kitchen with Dr. Tofu and Kasumi behind her. They arrived to find the kitchen empty. Several bundles of prepared meals were on the counter wrapped in large cloths. "Where is that girl?" Cologne snapped. She spotted a note on the counter. It read:"Great Grandmother! Finished the orders. Mousse will be here in a moment to deliver them. Going to see Ranma. Be right back." It was signed "Shampoo". "Damn that girl! I told her I needed to speak to her!" She turned toward Tofu and Kasumi. "I'm afraid that she is not here. She's gone galavanting off to who knows where. What is this about?" she asked impatiently. "We found something that she left behind at the Tendo residence when she was looking for Ranma." He pulled something out of his gi and showed it to Cologne. "Do you know what this is?" Cologne's breath froze as she saw the silver flower in Dr. Tofu's hand. "NO!" she shrieked and turned back towards the living area and was moving like comet towards her bedroom. Dr Tofu and Kasumi looked at each other and followed her. They arrived to a side room where Cologne was tearing into a closet, desperately looking for something. She spotted a small wooden chest of red and gold and threw the lid open. "BLAST THAT GIRL!!" Cologne screeched, and hurled the chest to the floor where it splintered into several pieces. A folded piece of paper tumbled out as it struck the ground. She placed her face into her hands and shuddered. Dr. Tofu picked up to piece of paper and unfolded it and read it aloud. Translating it from Mandarin to Japanese. "As I promised, sister, here is the White Star Lotus. When properly distilled, it will create the most powerful love potion the world has ever seen. It's effects are permanent once imbued, and will take effect on the first person the imbuer sees. That person has to be of interest to the person drinking potion to begin with. In other words, it makes love stronger. Please be aware that the distilling of this potion MUST be followed by strict guidelines. I trust you already know these guidelines as you are better at potions than I. Failure to do so will result in the death of imbuer." It was signed "Perfume". Dr. Tofu urgently told Kasumi, "Call your house! Let everyone there know what has happened! I have to get to Ranma before it's too late!" Kasumi obeyed with fear on her face as she headed towards a phone. Cologne shouted towards the restaurant dining area, "MOUSSE! Get over here! NOW!" Seconds later, Moose appeared. His long black hair was bound by a white bandana. He had on his long white robe with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and black pants with a dirty apron on. He adjusted his spectacles on his nose. "What it's it? I'm about to open the restaurant and make the deliveries." Cologne poked him in the stomach with her cane. "Never mind that! We have an emergency! Shampoo must be found before she reaches Ranma. She found the lotus!" Mousse's mouth dropped open. "Gods! How did she...? Does she know?" Cologne snapped "Of course she doesn't! If I trained her for 20 years, she would not be ready to brew this potion. We need to go NOW!" Grimly, Mouse ran to lock up the restaurant. When everything was secured, they all hopped out the door and sped like the wind towards the Tendo residence. "I heard Kasumi said they headed towards the park." Dr. Tofu said as they bounded from one rooftop to another. They quickly altered their route towards the neighborhood park. Mousse looked at Cologne with concern as they raced towards the park. "You know what the council of elders will do if they hear of this?" Cologne sighed and lowered her gaze. "I know..."
Ranma began to drool. He definitely should have had breakfast before training this morning, but he knows that exercising before breakfast burns more calories. Shampoo was still in front of Ranma, holding the open steamer basket under his nose. The buns were still hot. Their steam flowed out into Ranma's nostrils like an old lover beckoning him forward. An audible growl came from his stomach. Hesitantly, he reached out and plucked a steam bun from the basket. He sniffed it gingerly. "What junk did you put in this again?" Ranma asked Shampoo with suspicion in his eyes. Shampoo did her best to look offended. "It is our new menu item. 3 meat steam bun. Have beef, pork and chicken in a rich curry sauce. Going to be a hit in the restaurant. You no trust Shampoo?" Ranma tried to smile at her and said "Well, you have a track record of spiking my food. I'm just being careful." he said nervously. With an offended look, Shampoo reached in and took a bun that had minute finger mark that only she could see. She bit into the bun and made an audible yum sound as she chewed her bite with gusto. "See? Curry sauce is very thick and yummy! You try Ranma!" With a sigh of relief, Ranma smiled at Shampoo. "Well then! Don't mind if I do!" and Ranma leaned over to take a bite of his bun. "Your going to ruin your appetite for Kasumi's breakfast, you gullible glutton." Akane said with scorn as she stood to the side, tapping her foot. Ranma shrugged. "I don't eat breakfast before morning training, Akane. You should know that. Not my fault Shampoo showed up with food." And with that, Ranma took a bite of the steam bun. His eyes glazed over as he chewed, savoring the rich curry flavor filling his mouth with joy. "Mmmmmm!" he mumbled. "Man! This is good! What's this crunchy junk mixed in? Strange flavor." Shampoo looked up at him with anticipation. "That special ingredient that will make our buns sell well! Eat all you like Ranma!" she said happily as she remained standing directly in front of Ranma, not leaving his gaze. He continued to chew happily until his expression began to change. He stopped chewing and looked confused. "Whoa! What the heck?" Ranma began to move around wobbly. "I feel dizzy! What did you do!?" He fell to his knees and held his stomach. He began to moan with pain. Akane was at his side in an instant. "What's wrong!? Are you ok?" She knelt beside him and was steadying him. Genma was there as well, a man again. He knelt down with fear in his eyes. "What in gods name is going on! What did he eat?!" He grabbed one the buns and broke it open. He plucked something out of the filling and studied it. Looking at Shampoo he said, "What is this?" And held the object out to her. Akane glared at Shampoo. "What in the hell did you do!?!" She shouted at her. Shampoo backed up with fear on her face. "D-d-did not know it would do this! I heard Great Grandmother on phone talking to her sister. She say flower was love potion. I only wanted Ranma to love me!" Shampoo dropped to her knees and began to cry. "What have I done?" Then, Ranma screamed in pain. He fell backward but was stopped from hitting the ground by Akane, who cradled him in her arms. She shouted at Kuno, who appeared nearby shaking his head groggily. "Kuno! Call Dr Tofu! Ranma has been poisoned!" Akane screamed with tears welling in her eyes. Kuno shook his head and looked at them with disbelief. "What? How?" Akane was squeezing Ranma with a grip like she was going to lose him forever. "Shampoo gave him a meat bun filled with some flower. It's killing him!!" She shouted. Kuno nodded and took off to a nearby pay phone. Genma was knelt before Ranma and Akane, holding his head in his hands rocking back and forth, tears began to flow in his eyes. "My son...my boy..." Akane looked down at Ranma. He was covered with sweat. His eyes were closed and face showed nothing but pain. His breathing was shallow and labored. His eyes blinked open. He looked at Akane and smiled weakly. "Akane? It hurts..." he spoke weakly. "Hang on Ranma! Kuno's getting Dr. Tofu!" Akane reassured him. He looked into Akane's eyes. "I don't think I have time. Listen to me, Akane." He took her hand into his. His whole body began to shake. "Sorry that I've been avoiding you. You know that I'm bad at expressing myself. Especially my feelings. I never seem to get the chance to tell you." He gasped suddenly. His whole body convulsed and he gripped Akane's hand painfully. "NO Ranma! Don't speak! Hold on please!" Tears flowed down her cheeks like rain. Ranma's pain subsided. His body relaxed and his breathing slowed. His head turned weakly to Akane and he was barely able to whisper to her. "I...love..." and then Ranma's hand fell from Akane's.
Dr. Tofu, Cologne, and Mousse we're nearing the park. "Do you see anything!" Dr Tofu said. Cologne was scanning the area as they approached. "Nothing yet! Are you sure they are there?" Mousse pointed down toward a section of the park. "There! I see them!" He shouted. Suddenly the air was filled with a scream. "RANMA! NOOOOOO!! They arrived to find Akane cradling Ranma in her arms. Her face was buried in his chest. She rocked his body back and forth as she wept. Ranma's face was ashen and still. Genma was knelt next to them, head down hands covering his face. They saw Shampoo on the ground wailing in Chinese, tears streaming down her face. Kuno stood over them grimly. They could also see Ryoga walking toward them with a look of disbelief. Dr. Tofu approached Akane. "Let me see him!" Akane looked up and could barely speak. "Dr. Tofu...help him!" Grasping Ranma behind his head, he maneuvered his body so that he could examine him better. He checked Ranma's pulse. There was a heartbeat. He then checked Ranma's pupils. They were not dilated. "There is still time!" He said as he stripped Ranma's shirt off of him. He then straddled Ranma's hips. He began to breath deeply, forcing air rapidly into his lungs. He brought his hands together and began rubbing his hands rapidly. Chi energy flowed through Dr. Tofu until it was visible around his body. He began a slow chant that was intelligible but soon was recognized by Cologne and Mousse as Mandarin. Cologne watched Dr. Tofu intently. When his chant reached a crescendo, his chi reached a blinding radiance. Cologne gasped, "No! You fool!" But before she could stop him, Dr. Tofus's arms shot out and began striking Ranma's pressure points. His hands were a blur as he struck points on Ranma's chest, arms and abdomen and head. Over and over he struck and all could see his chi energy entering Ranma's body. The glow of his chi began to diminish, and when the last of it flowed into Ranma, Dr. Tofu brought his palm onto Ranma's forehead and with a shout, he was silent. All moved closer to see what was happening. Dr. Tofu was still atop Ranma and was sagging limply. Mousse moved in to help him off Ranma. Dr. Tofu sat next to Ranma with his head down, panting softly. When he looked up at Cologne, they all gasped. Dr. Tofu's face was aged. Gone was his 25 year old youthful looks, a man looking to be in his 50's took his place. Crinkles lined his forehead and eyes. Small streaks of grey hair adorned his head. He had a sad smile on his face. "It seems it worked! We've bought Ranma some time." Akane looked at him with shock, tears still on her face. "What did you do?!" She gasped at him and reached out to touch his face. "Call it a gift. He would have died if I did nothing." Dr. Tofu started examining Ranma. He noted a mark on Ranma's forehead. A red symbol resembling a lotus flower was in the middle of his forehead above his eyes. Placing a hand on his forehead, he closed his eyes and concentrated. For a moment he was still. Then a smile crossed his face. "Excellent! His in perfect hibernation." Cologne nodded in respect to Dr. Tofu. "Well done! You have my admiration, Dr. Tofu. That technique you used requires decades of study just to master. You truly are a gifted physician. But the cost to use that technique requires your life force as payment. Were you aware of that?" Dr. Tofu looked at the ground, still smiling. "I learned that technique in China during my missionary work the old provinces in Northern China. My teacher was a very old doctor named Wu. I helped him save the life of his granddaughter who was suffering from a rare fever. He taught me this technique as thanks for allowing him to live a bit longer for the sake of his beloved granddaughter. He was going to use that technique to preserve his granddaughter until a cure could be found. It would have cost him his life to do so.