mrpvisse@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca (Mark Visser) Ranma 1/2 Anything Can Happen Martial Arts Episode 1 Final Appeal [Ranma 1/2 and all it's character belong to Takahashi Rumiko] (It is a beautiful morning, much like any other around the Tendo training hall. Birds are singing, Kasumi is cooking, and Ranma and Genma are vigorously training out in the garden as they do every morning) Genma: (leaps up over the pond) Keep your mind on the exercise boy. You're getting sloppy. Ranma-kun: You should talk old man. (jumps up to intercept his father) You're not even giving me a challenge this morning. (In exchanging their usual battery of mid air blows, Ranma sends Genma dropping towards the pond first. Ranma lands on the opposite side of the pond, and turns his head to look back at the emerging Panda) Ranma-kun : Now who would you say is sloppy? (Genma is in a bit of a bad mood at this point (but then wouldn't you be if you suddenly became a giant panda?) and splashes Ranma with cold water, causing the inevitable gender switch) Ranma-chan: (irritated) Now what did you go and do that for?!? It's not my fault you're too clumsy to keep from falling in! Panda: Growl Ranma-chan: Why do you even bother trying to talk pop? (Kasumi's voice can be heard to call out from inside the hall) Kasumi: Ranma... Mr. Saotome... Breakfast is ready. (Ranma-chan and the Panda walk into the hall and sit down to breakfast) Kasumi: My, you two are rather energetic this morning. (Everyone ignores Kasumi's remark and sits down to eat breakfast (or more like to devour it in the case of Ranma and Genma)) Kasumi: Oh Ranma, did I mention that your mother is stopping by tomorrow afternoon? Ranma-Chan: (Leaps up) Well, I'm stuffed. Say Pop, how about taking me on another long training trip? I think I really could use it! Genma: (Pours some tea he had handy on himself and jumps up beside Ranma) Great idea my boy! I'm all packed! Let's go! Akane: Come on Ranma. It's not that bad. Just keep pretending to be Ranko around your Mom, and you won't have anything to worry about! Soun: She's right Ranma. It will be just another visit like all the ones before. You and Genma just keep away from hot water and stay in your cursed forms, and Nodoka will never find out your secret. Ranma-chan: (groans) Oh great. That's just what I need. What else could go wrong?! (Nabiki just stares at Ranma with a mix of greed and craftiness in her eyes) (Cut to Ranma-kun and Akane walking to school as usual, with Ranma characteristically walking up on top of the fence) Ranma-kun: Man, I hate always having to take a bath in the morning. I mean, I like a nice hot relaxing bath as much as the next guy, but I'm getting more than enough of my share. Akane: It's not doing much for the bills either. (smiling) It would be cheaper if we lived beside a hot spring, that's for sure. Ranma-kun: I don't know how well I'd like that either. I've used hot springs a few times, and they're just a little TOO far on the hot side if you know what I mean. (Suddenly a spray of water comes arcing out over a yard wall, hitting Ranma square on. A voice can be heard to call out "I thought you were going to fix that hose!") Ranma-chan: (getting angry) Great. Just great! (sarcastic) This day just keeps getting better. Akane: Oh lighten up Ranma. We'll just get some hot water at school. (The pair soon arrive at Furinkan high school. Ranma looks around a little wearily) Ranma-chan: I just hope Ku... Kuno: My pig-tailed goddess! Long have I waited to again feast mine eyes upon your beauty! Ranma-chan: ..no isn't around......If this day gets any better I won't have to worry about Mom making me perform seppuku. I'll do it willingly! (turns to Akane) Right about now I would pay big money for one of those hot springs! Akane: (smiles) Just don't let Nabiki hear you! (Ranma just winces, and turns to face the quickly approaching Kuno) Kuno: Ah, both my Pig Tailed Goddess and Tendo Akane. Truly the gods doth smile on me today, for they allow me, Kuno Tatewaki, to gaze upon the beauty of heaven itself, made flesh in these two. Akane! Pig-tailed one! I LOVE YO.... (Kuno's testimonial of love is abruptly cut short by the introduction of Ranma's foot to Kuno's face) Kuno: U....ooohhhh...... (Kuno promptly falls to the ground unconscious) Akane: Aren't you tired of always beating him up? Ranma-Chan: (smiles) No, are you? Akane: (starting to get mad) I hardly ever do! Ranma-chan: Ah come on! It's in your nature. But what can you expect from an uncute tomboy like you. Akane: RANMA NO BAKA! (Ranma immediately regrets his terminal lack of restraint as Akane pulls her wooden mallet out of nowhere and proceeds to make an impression on Ranma's head) Ranma-chan: (thinking) One of these days I'll remember to think before I open my big mouth. (Akane suddenly realises she might have gone a little overboard. The mallet promptly disappears, and Akane drags an unconscious Ranma into the school in search of some hot water. In an out of the way corner of the school Akane hands a well battered Ranma a kettle of hot water. Ranma up ends the kettle over her head (turning her head in to his head, if you get my drift) and winces as the water hits a few of the more tender areas of his head) Ranma-kun: (thinking) One of these days I'll learn. Gotta be careful around this uncute tomboy. (Ranma looks over to Akane half expecting to get hit again, even though he knows Akane is not a mind reader. Good thing for Ranma!) Ranma-kun: (thinking) I wonder where the heck she keeps that mallet anyways! Akane: There. Now we'd better hurry to class. (Just then the late bell rings) Akane: Oh wonderful. You've made us late again! Ranma-kun: Hey. It's not my fault! Go blame Kuno! Not me! (But by this time Akane has already taken off for class, leaving Ranma yelling at thin air) Ranma-kun: Great. The day has hardly begun, and it just keeps getting worse! (Ranma gives a good groan and heads off to class, knowing he will be right out in the hall anyways as soon as he gets there.) (Ranma's intuition was right on the money, as no sooner does he arrive at his class then his teacher sends him out to stand in the hall, with Akane, who also arrived late) Akane: (whispered) This is all your fault! Ranma-kun: Ah, you always say that. Akane: (slightly louder) That's because it always is! Ranma-kun: Calm down Akane. We're in enough trouble as it is, and you don't have to say it again. Akane: (smiles) Say what again? Ranma-kun: It's all my fault. Akane: Oh, so you admit it (smiling increasing with each sentence) Ranma-kun: (loudly) Hey, now that's not what I meant! (sounding defeated) Aw forget it. (Akane feels a little disappointed that her goading didn't get very far with Ranma, but she figures, At least the teacher didn't hear Ranma when he got upset. Being in trouble just wasn't any fun, and they were in enough as it was) Akane: Hmm, that's strange. Ranma-kun: What is? Akane: It's not like you to back down from an argument. Are you feeling OK? Ranma-kun: NO I'M NOT FEELING OK! (And the teacher's head pops out from the classroom) Teacher: SHUT UP OR I'LL SEND YOU TO THE PRINCIPAL! Ranma-kun: (sounding even more defeated) Hai. (The teacher returns to the classroom) Akane: So what's wrong Ranma? Ranma-kun: Mom's coming over tomorrow, remember? Akane: Don't worry Ranma. You've survived several visits from "Auntie Saotome" already. Ranma-kun: That's just the point. I've had to live without my mother for the largest portion of my life, and now that I can actually see her again, I can't even tell her it's me! Sometimes I wish I'd never had to learn martial arts, because then I never would have gotten into this mess! I wouldn't have had to live my life without Mom, I wouldn't be stuck with this stupid curse, I wouldn't have to always hide from Mom, I....I.... Akane: (Trying to help him out) You wouldn't have me as your fiance. Ranma-kun: (quietly surprised) Oh yeah.....That too. (Ranma goes quiet and stares at the floor. Off to his side, Akane looks surprised) Akane: (To herself) I thought Ranma would have jumped at an opening like that one.....maybe he is really down.....or maybe... (But just before Akane can finish this sure to be profound thought, the bell rings, and students start pouring out of class, eager to be away from their mind numbing lectures.) (Cut to lunch time. Ranma is sitting outside under a tree eating his lunch. Akane sees him and approaches him. She soon notices he looks even more down than he did earlier) Akane: (hopefully) Feeling any better Ranma? Ranma-kun: Nope. Worse. Akane: (starting to sound concerned) What's wrong now? Ranma-kun: Well on top of what's already bothering me, I forgot to do my history assignment that was due today. Akane: What?! How could you forget something like that?! We've had two weeks to do it, and the teacher reminded us about it almost daily! Ranma-kun: I know, I know. I guess i just got wrapped up in other things. Akane: (sounding frustrated) Like training, right? Ranma-kun: Well, Yeah! I mean, it's important for me to keep up my skills. I....(notices Akane is looking thoroughly irritated)..What's wrong with you? Akane: I can't believe it! How could you be so stupid! You never learn! It's always training in this skill, and learning that new technique! At this rate you'll never pass the college entrance exams! Ranma-kun: You know, you're really _not_ helping my mood any! Akane: (frustrated and mostly to herself) Baka! Ranma-kun: What was that? Akane: Never mind. From now on put a little more effort into your school work. (get up to leave) I refuse to have a ronin for a fiance! (Ranma just looks stunned as Akane walks back inside the school) Ranma-kun: I wonder what's with her? (Nabiki walks up to Ranma from behind. Ranma is too deep in thought to notice and so is very startled when she starts speaking) Nabiki: I could tell you...(Ranma nearly jumps out of his skin)...but you couldn't afford it. (she smiles at Ranma) I guess you'll just have to figure this one out on your own. Ranma-kun: (Breathing quickly still trying to calm down after his shock) Don't sneak up on me like that! Nabiki: Calm down Ranma. You're far too tense. Now I just overheard that whole conversation with my little sister you just had, and I think I can help. Ranma-kun: Like you said Nabiki, I can't afford it, whatever it is. Nabiki: Don't worry Ranma. In this case, I think I am the only person who could possibly help you, and trust me, you'll thank me after I have. Ranma-kun: Nabiki, what the heck are you talking about? You haven't even said just what problem it is that you're going to help me with. How can I say yes or no to your help, when I don't even know how you're going to help me, or what you are going to fix, not to mention how much it will cost me?! Nabiki: Ranma, for this once, just trust me. I know just what to do, and just when to do it! This will solve one of your biggest problems once and for all. (Looks away) And call it an attack of conscience or what ever you like, but this time, and this time only, I am not going to charge you anything. In this case it just wouldn't seem right. Ranma-kun: (startled) Nabiki, are you feeling OK? Nabiki: (Turns to Ranma and smiles) Of course! Trust me on this one! (Nabiki turns and walks away from Ranma, and enters the High school in search of her sister. Ranma is still sitting where Nabiki left him looking even more confused than ever) Ranma-kun: I'm not sure whether I should be happy, or very worried! (The rest of the day passes uneventfully for Ranma. We see several normal scenes of Ranma enjoying school life to its fullest...in other words sleeping in class, and getting whacked in the head by a multitude of hurled objects, thrown by teachers who disagree with this particular form of school enjoyment) (Cut to end of school day. Ranma is walking home with Akane. Ranma is on the fence as usual) Akane: How did you get that large bruise on your forehead Ranma? Ranma-kun: Well, as you know, I fell asleep in math class. Akane: Yeah, so? Ranma-kun: Well the teacher woke me up by throwing a text book at me, and told me I had to stay after class for a bit. Akane: I saw that part. Ranma-kun: And I saw your smile too! Akane: (Smiling) Well it was funny. Ranma-kun: Hmmmph. Anyways, the teacher wanted me to stay after class, so I did, and fell asleep then too. Unfortunately I was standing up in front of his desk when I fell asleep. I fell over and hit my head on the desk. (Akane tries hard to suppress a giggle, but soon loses out) Ranma-kun: Oh sure, make fun of me while I'm in pain why don't you! Akane: Come on Ranma. You have to admit falling asleep standing up in front of the teacher isn't the smartest thing to do, and is kinda funny. Ranma-kun: (sounding doubtful) Well.....maybe. Akane: If it had happened to someone else, I'm sure you'd be laughing. (Ranma just shuts up, and the two of them walk back to the dojo talking about unimportant things. The two arrive home and enter the house.) Akane: Kasumi... We're home! (From the kitchen we hear Kasumi call out welcoming them home. Also from the kitchen we hear a voice that strikes fear into Ranma's heart) Nodoka: Hello Akane. Is Ranko with you? Ranma-kun: (whispering frantically to Akane) WHAT'S SHE DOING HERE! I THOUGHT SHE WAS COMING OVER TOMORROW! Akane: (Whispering back) Duck into the bathroom quick! (Ranma goes speeding by, headed for the bathroom, and ducks around the corner just as Nodoka exits the kitchen.) Nodoka: Akane, was that Ranko I just saw go speeding down the hall? Akane: Um...Yeah. She had to go to the bathroom really badly. Nodoka: She could have said hello quickly first. Well, I'm sure she will when she gets back. Nabiki said that Ranko had something important to tell me. Any idea what that could be? Akane: (Sounding puzzled) No. Not at all. (thinking) What could Nabiki be up to this time? (Just then Ranma gets back after a quick splash of cold water and a towelling off) Ranma-chan: Auntie Saotome! Hello! Nodoka: Ranko. How good to see you again. Still dressing like a boy I see. Ranma-chan: Ah...yeah. Anyways, how come you're here? I mean I thought you were coming over tomorrow night? Nodoka: Well originally I was going to be busy tonight, but my plans fell through, so I thought I would surprise everyone. Ranma-chan: (thinking) Sure. A Surprise! More like a heart attack! Nodoka: Ranko, Nabiki said you had something important to tell me. Ranma-chan: (surprised) She did!? Uh, I mean, of course she did. Um....I want to wait until dinner with everyone around. Ok? (thinking) Well that gives me a little time to figure out what Nabiki is up to! Nodoka: That's fine. I'm going to go back to the kitchen and help Kasumi. Would you like to give us a hand? Ranma-chan: Um...In a little bit. I just need to talk to Akane for a minute. Nodoka: All right. (Nodoka walks back into the kitchen and Ranma hurries Akane upstairs. Ranma pulls Akane into his room and slides the door shut quickly) Ranma-chan: What is Nabiki up to!? She's going to get me killed! Akane: Calm down Ranma. I'll go talk to Nabiki. You go help Kasumi and your mom. Ranma-chan: Good idea. If it was the other way around, suicide would be unnecessary! Akane: (Starting to get that 'ready to kill' look in her eyes) BAKA! (Akane takes a swing at Ranma, but this time Ranma was actually ready for an attack after her insult, and manages to jump back out of the way) Ranma-chan: Well that made me feel a little better. (Ranma-chan's eyes go wide) Oh no. Quick, where's dad!? Oh wait, you won't know. Where's Nabiki? She'll know. Nabiki: (opens the door and leans in) She'll know what? Ranma-chan: Where's dad? Mom's here, so I gotta make sure he's a panda! Nabiki: He and daddy we practising out in the dojo. As far as I know they're still there. Ranma-chan: Thanks! (Having said this, Ranma runs past the sisters, down the stairs and out of sight. Nabiki turns to Akane) Nabiki: Man she's jumpy today. Akane: Well you can't really blame him..er..her. Nabiki... Nabiki: Yes? Akane: Why did you tell Nodoka that Ranko had something to tell her? Nabiki: Simple. I'm going to set things straight between Ranma and his mother once and for all. I'm just setting down the ground work, and getting things ready. Akane: (Sounding doubtful) And how are you going to accomplish this? Nabiki: Come on Akane. You don't expect me to give away secrets now do you? Don't tell Ranma _or_ Genma what I'm planning. It won't work if either of them have the slightest clue about what's going on. Akane: Nabiki, I really don't think this is such a good idea. Nabiki: Trust me akane. Have you ever know my plans to backfire? Akane: I'm not going to answer that. So how much are you going to gouge Ranma for this service? Nabiki: Nothing. Akane: (shocked beyond belief) WHAT? You're not serious? Are you? Nabiki: Of course! Akane: You don't plan to get anything out of this? Nabiki: Akane, you know me much better than that! I figure that with the way Ranma has been feeling, this will be the perfect thing to make him very happy, and he'll be grateful to me for making it happen. I figure that I'll be in line for some pretty nice thank you gifts from Ranma and his parents. (Smiles) And it's just as nice to get gifts as getting paid. Who knows, I might even make more from the gifts than I would if I charged Ranma. Akane: (frowns) I should have known. (Cut to the outside of the house. Ranma comes tearing out of the house headed at full speed for the dojo. Unfortunately Soun and Genma were already on their way back to the house, and were near to the side door already. Ranma comes flying out the door, and collides with the pair, sending them all sprawling) Genma: (Loudly) What's the meaning of this, boy? Ranma-chan: (through clenched teeth) Shut up! (Ranma quickly jumps to her feet, lifts up her father, and heaves him into the pond) Soun: What is the meaning of this? (Just then Nodoka comes running out of the house) Nodoka: Genma? Where is he? I know I heard his voice! Ranma-chan: (whispers to Soun) That's the meaning of this! (Speaks up to Nodoka) Uncle Tendo was just doing an impression of Uncle Saotome. He's pretty good don't you think! Nodoka: Yes. I was fooled. Ranko, why does Mr. Panda like that pond so much? Ranma-chan: (nervously laughing) I guess he likes to cool off. All that fur makes him hot I guess, heh heh. uh... Nodoka: Hmm, I see. Well, come help Kasumi and I now. Ranma-chan: Hai. (Two of them head back into the house and into the kitchen to make supper. Soun and "Mr. Panda" sit down on the porch to play Go) (Cut to supper time. Ranma is sitting between Nabiki and Akane. Nodoka is sitting beside Kasumi on the opposite side of the table to Ranma, and Soun is at the head of the table. Everyone is enjoying the meal prepared by Nodoka, Kasumi, and Ranma. That is, every one except "Mr. Panda" who is off to the side eating out of a dish, almost crying over the fact that he can't enjoy his wife's cooking.) Soun: This is really an excellent meal. Thank you for helping Kasumi. Nodoka: No thanks are necessary. I enjoyed helping. I don't get to cook for others too often. (Looks down) I wish Genma would bring my son home soon. (Ranma looks down as well. Nodoka perks up) Ranko also deserves some of the praise. She helped with a large part of the meal. Now if we can just get you dressing like a girl instead of a boy, you'll make some man a good wife Ranko. (Ranma nearly chokes on her food) Ranma-chan: Uhhh..I don't...uh...Never mind. Nodoka: Well Ranko, now that everyone is here, what is it that you wanted to tell me? Ranma-chan: Umm...Uh...Well, you see...That is...uh..... (Ranma starts sweating, in those Big sweat drops those around the dojo are so skilled at producing. At this point, much to Ranma's relief Nabiki cuts into the conversation) Nabiki: Actually, Ranko and I were talking about your son Ranma, and wanted to talk to you about him. Nodoka: Oh really. What did you want to talk about? Ranma-chan: (confused, and becoming less and less relieved every second) Yeah. What did we want to talk about? Nabiki: (Ignores Ranma) Well, Ranma mentioned one time that his father had sworn an oath to make Ranma a "Man among Men, a truly manly man" correct? Nodoka: Yes, but why are you curious about that? Had Genma failed in some way? Is that why I never find them around? (Nodoka is starting to get visibly agitated) Are they avoiding me?!? (Everyone except Nabiki and Kasumi (who remains as oblivious as ever) are starting to sweat, just like ranma did a few moments ago, especially Ranma and Genma) Nabiki: No, not at all. We were just curious about how exactly you would determine if Ranma was a manly man. How will you tell if Genma's vow has been fulfilled? Nodoka: Well, for the most part, it should be obvious by seeing him. I suppose I would also look at the way he acts, and also what others think of him. Nabiki: Hmmm. (Nabiki pours herself a large cup of tea) Well, I don't think you have much to worry about. So basically Ranma will live up to the standards of the vow if _as_ a man, he is a truly manly man. (Everyone is sitting on pins and needles during this exchange (except for Kasumi and Nabiki still). Out of everyone gathered around the table, only Akane caught the ever so slight emphasis Nabiki had put on the word as. Akane starts smiling when she starts to realise just where Nabiki is taking this conversation. Ranma is too nervous to catch this and remains terrified) Nodoka: Yes. Isn't that what I already said? Nabiki: Basically. Do you give your word on that? (Nodoka is very surprised at this. She is starting to get suspicious but does not see what Nabiki is getting at) Nodoka: Why would you ask me a thing like that? Nabiki: Just trust me. Do you? Nodoka: (Not seeing any reason not to) Yes I do. (Nabiki smiles. She picks up her tea and casually leans back.) Nabiki: Well then, Nodoka, May I introduce you to your long lost son, Ranma (Having said this Nabiki pours the tea out of her cup onto Ranma's head. Akane, having figured out what was going on had poured some tea into a large bowl, and was waiting for this cue) Akane: And your husband. (Akane launches the bowl right at the panda, who was too stunned by Nabiki's actions to move. The hot tea dousing produces the usual and expected result, one hot, very terrified Genma) (As can be expected, Nodoka is not taking this well at all) Nodoka: Ranma? But...Ranko...was..is..But...Ranma. (If looks could kill, Genma would be dead!) WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY SON! He was a WOMAN! Ranma is RANKO! (The katana has of course come out rather quickly, and is pointed with unwavering accuracy right at Genma's heart) Explain this NOW! (Genma looks like he's about to faint. He tries to stutter out an explanation, but all verbal skills have abandoned him in his terror, leaving him a babbling idiot.....whereas before he was just an idiot. Since Ranma is also frozen up in fear, and Soun is weeping and incoherent, Akane decides to intervene) Akane: Well, you see, it all happened like this... (Akane tells Nodoka the story of Ranma and Genma's training trip to the cursed springs of Jusenkyo, and the accident that gave the two their curses. Nodoka listens to the whole story, never for a second moving the katana away from where it threatens her husband.) Akane: Ranma, show your mother your curse. (Ranma is still stunned, and manages only this brilliant reply) Ranma-kun: Huh? Akane: Here. When he comes in contact with cold water he becomes a girl. (Akane dumps a pitcher of cold drink on Ranma's head) Nodoka: Ranko.... Akane: And hot water turns her back into a boy. (The hot tea again serves this purpose, leaving a male Ranma, finally starting to get some brain action going.) Ranma-kun: Mom...I... Nodoka: You become a female. All this time....Ranko was you....You never once told me it was you! And you have been acting like a woman! (She again turns on Genma) Husband! You have failed to fulfil your vow to me. (Genma slumps, looking defeated. When he speaks, you can hear the defeat clearly in his voice) Genma: Hai. I'll make the preparations for the seppuku. (At this time Nabiki, who had been sitting back and enjoying the show, decided it was time for her to play her trump card so to speak) Nabiki: I don't think that will really be necessary. (All eyes turn to Nabiki) Nabiki: You forgot already Nodoka. You swore that if Ranma was a Manly man as a man, then the conditions were fulfilled. Nodoka: He changes into a woman, and acts like one. He is not manly then! Nabiki: You still don't get it. I asked you if you would be satisfied if Ranma was a manly man _AS_ a man, and you agreed you would be, AND gave me your word. (This time no one missed the emphasis on the as) Nabiki: I think everyone here will agree that Ranma is very manly as a man. If you think about it you'll realise that you never once said anything about how Ranma had to act _as_ a woman! (Ranma's brain has again started functioning, and has finally caught on to what Nabiki is saying. A smile sprouts on his face, and is growing quickly) Nabiki: Genma and Ranma didn't know how to explain this to you, and they knew you would react just as you did, so they had to hide from you, and let you think they were Ranko and Mr. Panda. Ranma may turn into a girl, but he only acted like a girl when they were trying to keep you from finding them out. Well, a couple other times too, but we won't go into that. (Nodoka realises that she has been quite cleverly set up and outmanouvered by this crafty girl. She slowly raises her katana, and puts it away. She turns to Nabiki, smiling wryly) Nodoka: Very well done. I admit, I did agree to what you said, and I shall live by my word. (Her smile increases as she turns to Ranma) Besides I would never have really made you go through with that stupid oath of your fathers. I couldn't do that to my boy, or my girl now for that matter. (Her smile has become very large, warm, and affectionate) (Ranma slowly gets to his feet, and walks around the table. He stands in front of his mother, looking at the floor. A mix of emotions flash over his face. Relief, happiness, and sadness for all the years they'd been separated) Ranma-kun: MOM! (Ranma steps up to his mother and latches onto her with a hug that's been building for the past ten years. Nodoka hold on to her son just as tightly. Ranma suddenly pulls away) Ranma-kun: Just a sec. (Ranma grabs a pitcher off the table and douses himself with it, turning female. She immediately goes back into her mother's arms to continue the hug) Ranma-chan: I'm gonna cry, and that's just not something a guy does. (Everyone starts laughing as the tears of joy start to flow all around.) Genma: (Stands up) Well, I guess everything is settled, and we can put all those problems behind us. (Nodoka turns to Genma, again looking grave.) Nodoka: I'm not done with you yet. We'll discuss this later when we get home. (Genma again looks terrified, and sits down meekly at the table, worrying about just what his wife has in store for him.) Soun: (In his best weeping voice, with the waterworks on full) This is so wonderful!... (Everyone chooses to ignore the rest of Soun's tirade that will inevitably follow. Luckily Nabiki had the foresight to unplug that microphone that Soun always pulls out, so they have a much easier time ignoring him then they might have.) Nodoka: This is going to be very interesting, having a son and a daughter rolled into one. Ranma-chan: Uh, yeah. Just don't expect me to do girl-stuff with you. Nodoka: (Smiles) Don't worry. I'll have my daughter in law for all that. Right Akane. (Akane looks up, and also looks more than a little trapped. This time Ranma comes to her rescue) Ranma-chan: Mom, we have plenty of time to discuss that latter. We have ten years of catching up to do, and I want to start right now. (Nodoka smiles at Ranma who is standing beside her.) Nodoka: Hai. Why don't we. (They all sit down around the table to talk long into the night about all kinds of things, except for Genma, who is still worrying about what his punishment is going to be, and Soun, who is busy crying and talking into his microphone, oblivious to the fact that he is being universally ignored. For the first time in quite a while Ranma is truly happy, finally feeling like he has a family again. Of course as you all know, with the hectic, and often mind boggling life Ranma leads, this tranquillity can only last so long......) Next: Episode 2: Surprises for all. Authur's mad rantings: I have decided to turn this one story into the beggingings of a series. The series should get better than this first story (I hope). We'll see. The only parts of the story that have been changed are the title, a spelling mistake in Nodoka's name and this ending note explaining all this junk. Anyways, see Original Mad Rantings for further blabbering Original mad rantings: Well, this is my first fan-fic (Everyone seems to say that with their first. Guess it's a tradition) and as they say you never forget your first, buy anyhow, this story idea just came to me one night when I stared thinking about how I would argue Ranma's case to Nodoka to save him. The argument that Nabiki used was what I came up with. I figured that out of all the characters of the Ranma 1/2 world, Nabiki was the perfect one to fill the role. Well, really she's the only one that works. So a month ago or maybe a bit more I started writing this story. I never got too far at first, as I just couldn't sit down and go with it. Occasionally I added a bit here and there, but it wasn't until the past few days of having little to do, due to a possible grumbling appendix, and not being able to sleep well that finally got me going to finish this. I hope it's not too mind numbing or boring. I've tried to keep everyone as close to their personalities in the Anime (but I haven't seen too much of Nodoka, so I could be way off there). Anyways, send all comments, criticisms, or praise (yeah right!) to mrpvisse@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca. I might write more stories continuing on from this point, but that's not deffinite. For now you can consider this story as finished and complete. Thanks to: Various writters of Ranma 1/2 fan-fic too numerous to list individually. All my pre-readers who helped me out. Special Thanks to: Chris Schumacher, author of Ranma 1/2: The Crys Saga(Which was a really fun, entertaining, good series that people took too seriously, and it's a shame it was abandoned), for help and advice at the beginning stages. Jason Prentice, for some helpful discussions, and for being the nasty bastard that he is :) You'll all find out why latter :) and to Joe Zubkavich, just for being Joe!