Disclaimer: If Ranma were a pig and Copyrights were a blanket........... Then Takahashi would have one hot dog for a whole lot of buns (Bad joke, I know)

Chapter Seven: When you Run off into the Sunset, Don't Forget to Write!

Forenote: In the famous and all-encompassing words of John Madden: Boom! Here it is, the last installment in the 'And Things Go On' mini-story. Don't worry, it ain't the last chapter of 'Music'.

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Akane woke from her first unpeaceful sleep in a while. She opened her eyes to the ceiling, a single bead of sweat rolling down from her forehead. What's wrong with me? Why am I so stressed out? I can't remember my dream...... She forgot about the whole thing quickly, and got up to go down to breakfast. It was Friday, and she wanted her final day of the week to end on a good note. She smelled the soft sent of breakfast, and wondered why nobody had bothered to wake her up. She plodded along, opening her door and making her way down stairs. She yawned loudly, and she stepped into the dining room.

Everyone was seated there as usual, save for Jason, who always was able to sleep in late. She glanced at his spot, which was filled by someone else, and was horrified when she saw who it was. That's why........... that was my bad dream! It was about Ryoga........ Ryoga, along with the rest of the familiy, had looked up at her expectantly, waiting for her response to the visitor. She remembered being shocked at the discovery of Ryoga's alter ego, her pet, P-chan. He didn't tell me....... why didn't he tell me?

"Why, Ryoga.......... why?"

"Akane....." He stood up, slowly, and took a few steps toward her. "I meant to. So many times I was going to, but....."

"NO EXCUSES! What, when where you gonna tell me? HUH!? When we were all old and decrepit and I wasn't pleasing enough to sleep with anymore? You...... YOU PIG!!"

"Akane..... I'm sorry. I don't deserve......."

"No! Shut up! Get out of my house!" At this, Soun, Ranma and Kasumi protested.

"But Akane, please, he has no where else to go. Please, my daughter..."

"Don't do this, Akane. He's our buddy. We can get over this."

"Oh, Akane. Are you sure?"

She nodded her head. "Yes." They wanted to continue arguing for Ryoga's sake, but he silenced them with a wave of his hand.

"No. I've overstayed my friendship. It's all right. It was all my fault. I don't deserve........... I don't deserve your concern." He made his way to the door, hefting his pack onto his back on the way there. He slid open the front door, and halted as he was about to leave. "Akane...... can you ever forgive me?" She only hugged herself, willing her conciense not to interfere. He took her silence a a negative, and left without another word. Ranma watched, as his tormented friend passed the outer wall of the dojo, and maybe leaving their lives forever.

"Ryoga! Don't ever forget, I still owe you a battle!" But even the mention of their battle didn't faze him, and he turned the corner and disappeared from sight.

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It was a gloomy walk to school for Ranma and Akane. Ranma just didn't know what to say to the blue-haired girl. She didn't refuse his company, or his arm, but she wouldn't speak a word, or answer his questions about anything. She must be feeling guilty about the whole Ryoga thing. "Akane, you shouldn't mope about what happened this morning. We'll see him again. There'll be another time, later on, and you'll get a chance to talk to him. I know it. Why, I bet that........."

"Ranma! You no run this time!"

Oh, no. Not this. Not now. But he turned around as Shampoo landed nearby, bonbouri in hand. "What now, Shampoo?"

"Ranma Shampoo's husband! I prove now!" She launched an attack at Akane, who was all but unaware of the attack. Ranma stepped in and threw a deflecting kick, changing the mallet's course. Shampoo retreated a few steps. Why is Ranma defending the Pervert-girl? She doesn't mean anything to him. "Why, Ranma, why you help Akane?" She jumped high, and hammered downwards hard. Ranma grabbed Akane by the waist and pulled her away. Akane still was unreactive. "Why, Ranma?"

"Isn't it enough just to ask you to leave in peace? I don't wanna see anyone hurt!"

"You not friends with Pervert-girl. She hit you. She yell at you. Why Ranma help her?"

"Because......."

"Because he loves me." Akane raised her head a bit, and locked her eyes with the purple-haired warrior.

"Lies!" Shampoo raised her weapons to stike again.

"It's true, Shampoo! Look!" And with that, Ranma leaned over and kissed Akane. He leaned forward a bit, and supported her from falling down with his hand on the small of her back. Akane's hands were simply clasped together in front of her, and she allowed Ranma to kiss her unbridled. Shampoo fell back as if she was struck by some unseen force. "It..... it an act. Farse!"

Ranma broke the kiss, and turned to Shampoo, his arm still wrapped around Akane. "No, Shampoo. I love her, and she loves me. We're still engaged, remember? As for you and me...... you may be bound by your Amazon law, but that's not something I am obliged to follow. I'm sorry Shampoo, but this is not your place. You belong in China. As for me......... I belong here, with Akane."

Shampoo couldn't believe it. I was.......... chosen over that......... that mink!? Impossible. Something is terribly wrong here. "No joke with Shampoo, Ranma! Speak the truth!"

"I didn't lie, in my actions or in my words. I chose Akane, Shampoo."

Im..... Impossible. Unconceivable. "I no accept! Never!" And she bounded off, defeated for now. In all reality, she had no intention of giving Ranma up, but she was confused on how to approach the situation. She would need to tread carefully, if she was to stay within the bounds of the Amazon law. My great-grandmother will know what to do. I will consult her for a solution to this problem.

Ranma and Akane were still standing silently, watching the Amazon warrior leap away at a fast pace. Surprisingly, Akane was the first to speak.

"Will all of this never end, Ranma?"

"Don't worry, Akane. Sooner or later, it will end. I'll make it end." I hope sooner rather than later, but fortune is fickle, as they say.........

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Ryoga didn't even bother to look where he was going. It made no sense, anyway. He could never reach his destination. Besides, now there was nowhere to go. He had lost his last safehold on Earth. Now I am truly alone. Now I truly have nowhere to go. What in the name of all I have worked for do I do? He trudged along, dragging his feet wearily. First...... I need to sit. I need to eat. I need to think. He walked along, not looking at any signs, for they would only lose him. He simply marched on, until his nose picked up any scent of food. When he did, he looked up, and saw a restaurant. Good. At least I can do something right. He walked in like a dead man, and threw himself onto the nearest seat, which was at a bar. He dropped his pack, and dropped his head.

Minutes later, a sweet, female voice stirred his memory. "What can I get ya, hon?"

Hon? "What's the cheapest thing on your menu?"

"Well, we have...... wait a minute. Ryoga?"

Ryoga looked up to see who had spoken his name. Ukyo was looking at him strangely across the okonomiyaki bar. "Oh, Ukyo, it's you. Hi."

"Hello to you too, sugar. What seems to be the problem?"

"Problem?"

"Don't play games with me. You look like Ranma just threw you halfway across the world."

"No........ I'm done with Ranma. Akane, she........ rejected me. She found out about my Jusenkyo curse."

Jusenkyo curse, huh? "Oh, my. Why is that so bad?"

And slowly, Ryoga explained about his entire situation with P-chan and his 'closeness' to Akane. When he had finished, she was eyeing him warily.

"Huh. Well, if it's any consolation, I woulda kicked you out myself. Don't take it personally. What you did......"

"It was sleazy, underhanded, and completely dishonorable. She had every right to do it. After all that we went through...... I lost her."

"I don't think you ever had her, bud. Ranma was her heart's target, and his was the same for her. It's the way of the world."

Ryoga was confused for a bit. "Wait a minute. You were Ranma's fianceé as well."

"Ugh, don't remind me."

"You took it that well? Him picking Akane and all, I mean...."

"At first, no. It struck me like a million lighting bolts. I was utterly devestated. But...." Ukyo smiled thoughtfully. "I can think of a few reasons to hang around."

"Why?"

"Because they're my friends, hon. Even if I can't have Ranma for myself, and believe me," she lost her smile momentarily, " I wish I could, he still loves me."

"But........ but Akane....."

"As a friend, hon, as his best friend. He still cares, and I still care. But just not on the same level as those two."

"And you're okay with that?"

Ukyo glared at him, and raised her voice. "Why shouldn't I be? Two of my only friends in the world are happy beyond words, and I'm supposed to mope around because I'm not as happy?"

"No, that's not....." Ryoga hung his head. "You're right. I'm wrong. I've always been wrong."

"Don't say that....."

"Don't try and comfort me. I know when I'm not wanted. I know when I need to leave. Akane asked me to leave, and I did. I lost out to Ranma. It's the way of the world. I just wish......... I just wish her opinion of me wouldn't be so low. But I guess I deserved it."

"Maybe you did, maybe you didn't. But beating yourself over it isn't gonna help one bit."

"I don't even deserve your kind words, Ukyo. Here you are, making your life, and you've actually accepted their relationship. Here I am, a perverted half-pig who just threw away the last aspect of his life. Tell me, who do you think deserves friends, Ukyo. Me or you?"

"That's a stupid question. Everyone deserves friends."

"You're wrong, Ukyo. I don't even deserve a roof over my head. I'm lucky enough to have what I have. A tent, some books, and enough money for a few meals. Far more than I deserve."

"That's barely enough to live."

"Maybe I don't..........."

She didn't even wait for him to finish. She slapped him hard across the cheek, and every customer looked up in surprise.

"Don't you ever say that again, Ryoga. Not while I'm around."

He seemed to ignore the scarlet pain on his face. "So I'm not wanted here either than. I understand. There is no place for me anymore, than. I guess........"

"Damn you, Ryoga, there's a place for everyone. In someone's heart, in someone's house........ there's room for everyone."

"But I'm not a man, remember? I'm.... a pig." And he got up, lifted his pack onto his shoulders once again, and was about to leave, when Ukyo called out to him.

"So, you're just gonna give up on redemption?"

"I don't deserve it...."

"Oh, cut the self-loathing crap, and come here." He obeyed, and took his seat again on the bar. "You can go as low as you want, anyone can. But everyone can come back up as well. You just have to have the right idea, the right mindframe. Now, if you could, would you try and get Akane's forgivness?"

"Yes."

"Well, then you have a chance. It'll take time, and work, but if you show her that you sincerely have changed, and you mean it, then you deserve the forgiveness."

"Would you forgive me?"

"It depends on whether or not you are truly sorry. Are you? Are you absolutely, beyond doubtfully sorry?"

"Yes."

"Then yes. I could and would forgive you."

Ryoga looked up at this statement. "Really?"

"Really."

"But still......... what am I supposed to do? I can't go back, and on my own, I wouldn't make it back to Nerima if it was the only stonghold on the planet left."

"Don't be silly. Who said you had to do this alone?"

"Who's gonna help me?"

"I am, hon."

"Why?"

"Because Akane's my friend, and so are you, and she deserves a friend like you."

"I'm no friend......"

"Not yet. But you already took the first step. The hardest one. Now, it'll just take time."

"And where do you suggest I stay?"

Ukyo tapped her lip thoughtfully. "Well, there is an extra room in my apartment....."

"No way, Ukyo. I couldn't impose....."

"Not for free, stupid. You'd work for rent."

"Work?"

She smiled sweetly. "I'm in need of some help in the restaurant. If you work for me, you can stay at my place. That way, you don't wander off to Okinawa or get stuck in some barren wasteland. Deal?"

Ryoga considered her offer. It's nice, and I would accept,but...... "Why?"

"Because that's what good people do for each other. They help each other, hon." She held out her hand. "Deal?"

Good people....... helping each other....... "Deal".

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Shampoo was finishing cleaning the last of the tables, while Mousse was busy with the kitchen. He worried about her for a bit. She never gets into these kind of moods..... I wonder what happened......... If it has anything to do with Saotome...............

Cologne interupted his thoughts. "Hurry up, boy, and finish with those dishes." He resumed scrubbing, while Cologne made her way over to her great-granddaughter. "Why, Shampoo, whatever seems to be the matter?"

"Great-Grandmother........ I've been having trouble with Ranma Saotome."

"Well, if you are persistent, then....."

"That's not it. He........ he has chosen Akane."

"Ah, so the rumors are true then. Why does this present a problem?"

"I....... I don't know what to do........."

"Well, you know the law. Unless he is defeated, or she defeates you, or....."

"He formally announced his position, although it wasn't the exact words of the vow, but it was nearly the same."

"Really? What did he say?"

"... In my actions, or in my words. I chose Akane, Shampoo."

"Oh dear. He really said that?"

"Yes.........."

Cologne mulled over this new obstacle. It almost follows the proper form for anouncing his position. But a council might disavow it if we tweak the wording a bit.... It all depends on Shampoo's want. "Well, Shampoo? You know the choices. You can either accept the vow for what it is, and give up Ranma lawfully, or you can take it up with council, and ask for it to be disavowed."

"............ He said it. He loves her clearly. I don't know if I could lie to the council like that."

"It's your choice, Shampoo. If your heart wills it, you can accept the vow, and end your chase of Ranma Saotome."

"I would be shamed forever."

"Yes, you would."

"........... I need to think about it."

"Take your time."

Shampoo nodded, and made her way upstairs. Cologne walked, considerably slower, back around to where Mousse was working. She saw him working dilligently on the stove, cleaning it out for the next day of business. Such a hard worker. He will not be disappointed when he learns that Shampoo is no longer bound to Ranma. Well, better now than later. "Mousse."

He pulled his head out of the stove. "Yes?"

"Did you happen to hear our little conversation?"

He sighed. "Yes, I did. So Shampoo has decided to let Ranma go?"

"Yes. I suppose you are surprised, and excited."

Mousse did not say anything. Cologne tried to analyze his thoughts, but couldn't see his eyes through the thickness of his glasses.

"No."

"No?"

He shook his head. "Shampoo is an honorable, proud warrior. I understand that. She was the best, and everyone knew it. When she went to go and chase Ranma, I knew she would be successful. I just knew it. And here I am, a witness to her failure......... it makes me sad, Cologne."

"But now that Ranma is out of the way, you actually have a chance with Shampoo. I doubt you can defeat her, but......."

"Ranma wouldn't have stopped me either way. I would do anything for her."

"I realize that, but it was beyond your abilities to defeat my son-in....... to defeat Ranma. But now...."

"Shampoo is disgraced. She is defeated, and she is most of all sad. It hurts me to see her that way. But I can't do anything. I'm still second to her."

Cologne looked at the young boy. He isn't so bad. A fine warrior, a bright young man, and handsome to boot. He's only a slave to the law, and that's that. "You would still have to defeat Shampoo......"

"I can do more good being a friend." And he dusted himself off and went upstairs to talk to Shampoo. Cologne smiled as he watched him go up. That was the right answer, Mousse. The right answer indeed.

Mousse knocked on Shampoo's door, but received no answer. "Shampoo?"

"What do you want, Mousse?"

"May I come in?"

"Yes."

He opened the door slowly, and saw Shampoo sitting on her bed, staring out the window. He took a seat on the floor, and followed her gaze. "What are you looking at?"

"At the city. At the streets, the people, and the life. It's really quite peaceful here."

"That it is."

"What do you want?"

"What's wrong Shampoo."


"Did my great-grandmother not tell you?"

"She did, but that's not it. Something's bugging you."

She sighed. "This has become my home, Mousse, but only because of Ranma. Now that he's out of the picture...... I don't know what to do."

"You miss China."

"I could care less about China. But the village..... I miss the village. However, they won't excpet my failure. I'll be the laughing stock of everyone."

"No you won't. I won't laugh at you."

"Then you're stupid."

"Why does that make me stupid?"

"A failure is supposed to be ridiculed."

"A failure is just another opportunity to succed."

"I can't succed anymore, Mousse. My chances with Ranma are zero, now."

"That's not what I meant."

"Enlighten me, then."

Mousse adjusted his glasses. "Why did you follow Ranma to Japan?"

"To kill him."

"Because the law dictated it, correct?"

"Because my honor dictated it."

"Okay, that's perfectly reasonable. Then, when girl-Ranma turned out to be a boy?"

"To marry him."

"Because of the law again?"

"At first, yes."

"And then you fell in love with him...."

She turned her head and yelled. "Don't speak so casually! You know nothing of love! You know nothing of the struggle........" She stopped when she realized the reason that he had come in the first place. She remembered all of his battles, all the things he did just for her. Such a fool......

"Maybe you're right. Maybe I don't know. Maybe this was all just a mistake....."

"Mousse.........."

"Yes, Shampoo?"

She looked at the young man sitting on her floor. He followed her from China to pursue a love that was by law and by her own wishes invalid. However, now that the law was clear, all that was left between them was her personal qualms. He's nice, but......... "You know the law."

"I do. And I don't follow it."

"Then you are a traitor."

"Tell me, Shampoo, why is it such a crime to try and love you without defeating you?"

"It's ancient law, it's been around for generations. We have no right to question it."

"But....... but I just can't sit around and let laws dictate my life......... I refuse to allow that to happen."

"Then you are a traitor."

"You know, I've already been formally banished."

This news surprised Shampoo. "What? When?"

"The instant I left without permission, I broke the law. The only way I could go back is......."

"...... is as a slave."

"Yes. But I don't care. We're miles away from the village, so what holds to the laws have over me?"

"If we have no law, we have nothing."

"You can live life without such strictness, Shampoo. I want....... I want to live like Ranma does. He can do anything he wants in life, while I am forced to stay out of my hometown because I wanted to pursue love?"

Shampoo did not have an answer for this. How can he toss aside the law so easily? He deserves his banishment. But............. he has a point.

"Why did you have to get kicked out for me, Mousse?"

"Becasue I wanted to be with you. Is that so bad?"

"No, but it conflicts with the law........."

"Tell me, Shampoo, is it bad because it's wrong to leave for love, or is it wrong becasue the law says so?"

"It's wrong because.............." She had no answer for this either.

"It doesn't matter. What are you going to do then?"

"Go back to the village. There's nothing here."

"There's the restaurant.........."

"You can keep it."

"But I'm not staying........"

"What?"

"If you leave, I leave."

"Don't be foolish, Mousse. Do you want to be a slave, a dog?"

"I want to be with you, Shampoo. Isn't that worth the suffering?"

Shampoo looked at him. Such pretty eyes......... why does he have to be so stubborn?

"Are you going to tell Ranma?"

"........Yes."

"That's good."

"Mousse?"

"Yes?"

"................. would you like to help me make a farewell gift?"

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Akane was sitting at her desk, trying not to weep. Since she got home, she had shut herself in her room. She couldn't sort out her feelings for Ryoga. He's such a jerk, an asshole, really, for pulling what he did........... but he was still my friend. He looked very sorry. Should I give him a second chance?

"Hey, you still there."

"Yes, Ranma, come in."

She heard the door creak, and a pair of strong, callous hands began massaging her shoulders. "Ya know, you shouldn't beat yourself up over this. Ryoga's a tough kid. He'll be back, one day. You can make up then."

"Who ever said I wanted to make up with him?"

"Your eyes do. Your heart does."

"Ranma........."

"Don't try and fool me. It's all right that you feel bad for him. What he did was wrong, but he truly was sorry. He never wanted it to go so far. He wanted to tell you, but every single time that he saw you, he couldn't even find his feet."

"He was that crazy over me?"

"Probably more so."

"It just........ it got me so angry that he tricked me like that."

"Akane........ it's in the past now. It's over. You know now, and he said what he needed to say. It's your decision now. Are you gonna forgive him?"

"Should I?"

"That's your choice."

"What would you do?"

"I can't say for sure. I'm not in your position. But I am here, next to you, telling you what I think you should do in the position you are in. I'm telling you for his sake, but also for yours. He's your friend as well as mine, and it hurts you as much as it hurts me to see him gone. Would you banish a friend so easily?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean........"

"That's okay. It was a mistake. It only lasts if you leave it like it is. Fix the mistake, Akane. Tell him how you feel."

Akane touched his hands, and he stopped rubbing. "I feel like beating his head into a wall, then giving him a great big hug."

"Uhhh....... how 'bout you find a middle?"

Akane reached up and pulled him close. She looked deep into his eyes for the strength, and the answer. "I needed that."

"No, you didn't. It just helped."

"Jerk."

"Is that your answer?"

Akane shook her head. "How does 'Can you be my friend again' sound?"

"Sounds like you need a lesson in speech."

"I hate you."

"Which is why you're gently stroking my cheek, huh?"

"Heh, think about my friends....."

"Ouch........"

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Ryoga approached the dojo warily. Carefully balancing the large tray of food the okonomiyaki chef had whipped up, he had followed her closely, and here they were, ready to enter the one place he didn't want to return.

"I'm not sure about this......."

"But I am. Ryoga, hon, if you wanna ever get Akane to look at you again, you gotta steel that gut and walk in chin held high."

"Right........"

Ukyo patted him on the shoulder. "You'll do fine." They arrived at the door, and Ukyo called out to the house. "Hey, everybody, it's me, Ukyo!"

"Ucchan!" Ranma's voice could be heard calling across the house. She detected the rapid pit-pat of footsteps, then the sliding door opened to reveal a smiling Ranma.

"How ya been!?" Ukyo didn't respond, only patted Ryoga on the shoulder. Ranma noticed that his moody friend was carrying a covered tray of something. He didn't greet him, only took a glance into his eyes. "Are you ready?" Ryoga nodded. "Well, then, lemme just get someone real quick. Akane!" Akane appeared from behind Ranma, and when she noticed Ryoga, she hesitated. Ranma pushed her forward gently, and Ukyo nudged Ryoga with her elbow. Ryoga stepped forward, and looked up at Akane.

"........ The only thing I can say is that I'm sorry, Akane. What I did doesn't deserve forgivness."

"Your right, it doesn't. But you do." She picked up the plate, gave it to Ranma, and turned back to Ryoga. "If you can promise to be our friend, trustworthy and true, then I guess....... I guess I could welcome you back."

"I would do anything to hear those words, Akane. I could never.......... I could never betray you like that again."

Akane slowly closed distance, and gave him a small hug. Ryoga couldn't return the gesture. He was too busy holding a stream of tears. One escaped, and Akane noticed.

"Don't cry, Ryoga. We're starting over."

"But........ but I'm so happy. I can't help it." Akane smiled, and Ryoga managed to give her a pat on the back. Ukyo beamed, and declarled loudly, "Well, then, that's settled! Now, I made this especially for today, so we're gonna have a party and enjoy it like nothing else!" Ranma and Ryoga pumped their fists in the air, and the teens stepped back into the house. Kasumi's own cooking was already set out, and the Ukyo's addition made it quite the feast. Everyone had sat down, and was about to commence the eating, but another call from outside interupted it. Ranma got up, and quickly went to answer the door. He opened it, and was stunned to find Shampoo and Mousse, with a delivery box, standing there.

"Wha-? Shampoo, Mousse, what are you two doing here?"

"We've come to bring some news that might please you. Shampoo has decided......"

"We going back to China. Great-Grandmother stay here and watch shop." Shampoo interupted him. "Ranma no longer husband under Amazon law. Shampoo free to go."

"Really? That's great, Shampoo! You finally get to go home!" But Shampoo's face didn't show the same enthusiasm. "Shampoo?"

"Shampoo sorry for causing so much trouble. Shampoo hope that we not be enemies anymore."

"Of course not! We're friends, right?"

"Friends? How we be friends? Shampoo try and take Ranma for herself...."

"Aww, forget about it. It's over now, right? Why dwell on the past?"

"Ranma not angry?"

"No....." Ranma lost his smile. "I was frustrated for a while. There was just so much going on, I couldn't stand all this engagement bull. It wasn't you I was mad at." He regained his grin. "But that's all over. Like I said, why remember those things? Now, if you're not gonna chase me anymore, then Mousse..."

"I hold no more grudge against you, Saotome. We simply came to present you with this news, and with the parting gift." Mousse held out the box of ramen.

"Well, that's kind of you." He took the box, and was about to bid them farewell, when he heard the laughter from inside. "Say....... would you two mind staying for a bit? We're having a bit of a party, but we could use a few more people. How 'bout you join us?"

"Really? Ranma invite us to party?"

"Oh, that's all right, Saotome, you don't have to - "

"No, I insist. There's more than enough food to go around. Ukyo and Ryoga are here, as well. It'll be a great party! C'mon in!"

Shampoo and Mousse looked at each other, and deliberated silently for a moment. Then, Shampoo smiled. "Good! We have fun party, yes?"

"Yes!" Ranma opened the door for them, and the two Chinese teens made their way to where the rest of the people were sitting. Everybody waved, and beckoned them to take a seat. An extra table was brought out to accomodate all the extra people. When everyone was seated, Kasumi's food was passed around, then Shampoo's ramen, then Ukyo's okonomiyaki. It was a large amount of food, but everyone dug in, and started talking rapidly. Before long, jokes were being exchanged, and even Ryoga and Mousse got in to the fun. It was loud, and warm inside the cozy little Tendo dining hall that night. There were no more sad welcomes, no more uneasy relationships. Everyone was loose, and relaxed. Everyone was acting like friends. Good food, good friends, and that all added up to a great time. There was no party ever like it in that house, or never one to like it to come after. It was unique. The first, and last, time that all of these martial artists, once enemies, would get together like this, and be in such good company. It was picture perfect.

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Everyone had gone to bed, long after the party ended. A chill picked up outside, but the house kept seven people sleeping soundly. However, the eighth and newest member of the household was far from sleep. He was sitting up in his cot, flashlight in hand, silently re-reading a letter that he had looked upon countless times today. Thoughts were rushing through his head, so quickly that he couldn't sort them out.

Missing? Pronounced dead? They couldn't be........ How'd they even find me here? Who was it that sent me this? Inheritance? I don't want............... the will. What's it say? I need that will. But that would mean leaving............... it would mean going to where they are........... where they WERE. If they're gone............ I can go back, right? What's going on? I don't want to leave here. It's perfect here. But................ if there's a will, I need to see it. I have to find out what this is all about. How long? How long would it take? Weeks? Months even? That's not long, considering................ considering what this means. But still................. what if it's a hoax? What if....... no. Even if it's fake, I can't find out until I go and see for myself.

"So it's settled. I'm leaving. Well, I can't just disappear. They'll come looking for me. They'd worry. Nabiki would worry..........."

Jason Vargas quietly, as so not to disturb Ranma, pulled out paper, pen, and began to sketch a letter. If I can't tell them........... then I'll just make sure they know that I'm okay. I'll tell them not to look for me. I'll tell her............ that it's okay. I'll be back. And he began writing the last thing they would ever hear of him.

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Jason woke up early, earlier than usual. It was Saturday, so nobody would wake up, but just to be sure, he moved quietly. The sun was just rising, and rays of light dotted the dark hall. The stairs wanted to creak as me went down, but he was able to suppress most of the creaks with careful steps. He arrived at the front door, and stopped. So this is where it ends........... For now. He slipped on his shoes, and slid open the door. The morning chill hit him, but he just pulled his jacket a little tighter, and took a step out.

"Stop."

Jason obeyed. He retracted his step, but didn't turn to face her. She was standing there, cross-armed and tapping her foot. He didn't look at her.

"I have to go."

"Why?"

"It's............. personal."

She grabbed his case, which was slung over his shoulder. "Tell me!"

"I can't."

"Then you're not leaving."

He didn't fight it. He just stood, as still as possible, and eventually, Nabiki's grip on the case slid off.

"Go then. I won't miss you."

"That's okay. I'm not asking you to."

He began to walk again, when two slender arms wrapped around his waist. "I........ I'm not gonna cry. Don't make me cry, Jason, or I'll hate you."

"What if I said I'll be back?"

"You have to promise."

"I promise."

"Then I guess........... I guess I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

She let go, and he proceeded to walk again. However, he didn't make it two steps before whirling on her, and embracing her roughly. His hands stroked her hair, for what might be the last time. She placed his hand up onto his chest, and then wrapped them around his neck. She pulled him into a kiss, and he offered no resistance. She pressed hard against his mouth, and kissed like he was marching off to an execution squad. He caressed her neck, and she gasped when a cold feeling came over her skin. She broke the kiss, and touched the golden chain around her neck. She ran her fingers down to where a small musical note charm rested. She examined it, and then looked up. He had already begun walking off, and she was forced to watch him leave. It was painful, and she squeezed her little necklace. He had reached the double doors, and opened one of them. But before he passed away from sight, he turned back, and gave her a wave.

"I'll be back for that!" And then he stepped away, and he fell away from the Tendo life. The sun was peaking now, and the bright rays stung Nabiki's eyes. A single tear ran down her cheek, and fell onto the cold wood floor. And Jason Vargas disappeared from the little town of Nerima, Japan. All he became after that was a figure sihlouetted by the sun, a lone traveler, a maverick.

It was the last time anyone ever heard the name 'Jason Vargas'. It rained that day, and his footprints were washed away.

He was truly gone.

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AN: OH NO, IT'S ALL OVER! Not. I'm sorry to leave it hanging, but this first installment had to end. It shows how much one man can change things. But that's not the point. Ranma and Co. will be back in the second installment of the fic, and I hope all my readers will be ready for another story. Want a little hint? It involves a tournament, and it's in Europe. England, to be exact. Do you know what's special about Europe? I'll let you guess.

There was no song in particular that Jason played, but I can imagine a song being played during his departure scene. It's a song called 'Shine', my Mr. Big, I think. It's on the Hellsing OST1, Raid. It's the last track, but on the CD case, it's not labeled. Oh well. Give Kazaa a spin, see what you find.

Next time, the beginning of a new story in the Ranmaverse. First, was 'And so things go on'. Next, will be 'The Serenade of the Battle: The new life' Don't worry, there won't be too much suspense. I've already started on the first chapter, and with the weekend coming up, I forsee about three chapters. I don't know how long the second story will be, but I'm gonna guess it's gonna be about seven chapters, like this one was.