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Their relationship has been a volatile one.
She, a boy-hating tomboy.
He, a martial artist cursed to be an aquatranssexual.
Engaged against their will, they learned to tolerate each other.
Now, their relationship is moving on to the next level.
They must learn not only to cope with their new relationship, but with college.
Her name is Akane Tendo. His is Ranma Saotome.
This is their story.
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Daigakusei no Ranma
Episode 1: "With This Ring..."
Written by David Tai and Paul Gallegos
Based on characters created by Rumiko Takahashi
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[Tendo dojo. A bit more weather-worn than the last time it was seen, the dojo
has a rather well-patched look to it. The reason becomes apparent when a yell
pierces the calm spring air and sends birds flying for cover. A large dummy
bursts through the roof, prompting a groan from another part of the dojo.
Running footsteps are heard.]
Genma's voice: Ranma! What are you doing?!
[Cut to inside the dojo. Ranma Saotome, a bit more muscular than his high
school days, stands there, wiping his hands.]
Ranma: Yo, Pop! Umm... not much. I'm just trying to keep in shape.
Genma: Destroying the dojo isn't the way to do it! [sighs.] Ranma, sit down.
[They kneel on the floor] Son, it's been a year since you graduated
from Furinkan High. You need to do something more constructive. Look
at Akane: she's been at Mizunoikan University for a year. Nabiki has
been there for two years. Most of your classmates have gone on to
college, and you're here doing NOTHING---!
[Genma dodges an attempt by a bored-looking Ranma to douse him with cold
water, knocking the bucket back at Ranma.]
Ranma-chan: [rubbing head] Well, I've been teaching classes here.
Genma: And thoroughly abusing your students. Your skills are good, but you have
no patience for teaching people. You need to learn. Your mother agrees
with me.
Ranma-chan: What CAN I do? It's boring around here.
Genma: Go to college. Study the latest techniques. Learn patience.
Ranma-chan: It's even MORE boring at college!
Genma: Akane's been in college for a year. She doesn't seem to have a problem.
Ranma-chan: That's because she's insane.
Akane's voice: Talking about me?
[Genma and Ranma-chan look up. Akane Tendo stands in the doorway, more
developed since her high school days, but still sporting her short haircut.]
Akane: [glares at Ranma-chan] I've been home for two days, and all you've been
doing is telling me I'm crazy for going to college! Why don't YOU try
it, if you think it's so easy?!
Ranma-chan: It IS easy. How hard can it be to act? [cutesy voice]
"Save me! Save me! Oh, save me from-!" [gets socked in the face by
Akane]
Akane: It's what I do in my major!
Ranma-chan: [rubbing her nose] Theater arts? Gimme a break. College's really
easy!
Akane: [narrowing eyes] If you PASS the entrance exams...
Ranma-chan: Why should I bother? I'm running the dojo...
Akane: What makes you think you'll ever get to run the dojo? It's my
inheritance...
Soun: [bursting out of nowhere] Ranma! If you want to run the dojo, you MUST
marry her!
Genma: Hai! When WILL you get married?
[Ranma-chan and Akane quickly look at each other, then away uncomfortably. An
uncomfortable moment passes before Nodoka Saotome steps through the sliding
doors.]
Nodoka: Saotome Ranma! Saotome Genma! What have you been doing?
It's time to eat! [notices Ranma-chan's form] Not again! Go take a hot
bath!
Genma: Hai, dear.
Ranma: Hai, Mom.
[The Saotomes leave, followed by Soun. Akane walks out of the dojo, then turns
to slide the doors closed. She pauses, frowns, and slams the sliding door
closed.]
* * *
[Everyone is kneeling at the dining table. Nodoka and Kasumi are clearing off
dishes, and Nabiki and Soun are calmly finishing off their bowls, while Akane
stares, as Genma and Ranma both reach out with their chopsticks for the last
piece of teriyaki beef. Their chopsticks bump into each other, then quickly
turns into a couple of blurs, as Genma and Ranma starts battling over the
piece. The parrying come to a quick end as Akane grabs a glass of cold water
and tosses it at Ranma.]
Ranma-chan: HEY!
[Genma takes advantage of the opportunity to snatch and gulp down the last
piece of beef, as Nodoka and Kasumi come back into the room.]
Akane: Grow up.
Ranma-chan: [muttering] Kawaikune tomboy.
Akane: [flaring up] Ranma...
Nodoka: Ahem. [looks disapprovingly at Ranma-chan] You're a girl again.
[Ranma-chan quickly grabs a kettle of hot water and pours it on herself.]
Ranma: Gomen, Mom.
Nodoka: [sighing] Ranma, I'd like to see you, alone. Now.
Ranma: Huh? Why?
Genma: [smacking Ranma on the head] Go!
[whispering to Ranma] Or have you forgotten her katanas?
Ranma: [sullenly] Gomen, Pop.
[Ranma follows Nodoka out of the room. Akane watches them go.]
Kasumi: [kneeling down to gather the last dishes] Don't worry, sis. He'll be
fine.
[Akane sniffs disdainfully, but her eyes remain fixed on the doorway.]
* * *
Nodoka: [closing door behind her] Ranma... what have you planned for the
future?
Ranma: [blinking] Nani?
Nodoka: I was just listening to you and your father talk earlier today. You've
been teaching at the dojo for a year now, haven't you?
Ranma: Hai.
Nodoka: I noticed that business has been slow lately.
Ranma: [looking down and shuffling his feet] Hai.
Nodoka: Nabiki also noticed that you don't have many students anymore. She's
been going over the records in the last two days she's been home.
Ranma: So?
Nodoka: She was quite disappointed with the low numbers, so she investigated,
and discovered that most students are going to dojos with
college-educated senseis.
Ranma: So?
Nodoka: Well, college is more than an education. You also learn to deal with
people on your own. Fighting is not the answer for everything in this
world, and you'd learn far more. You need to prepare for your future.
Ranma: What would I have to major in? Business?
Nodoka: [smiling] Nabiki feels that business is not your strength. According to
her, you would make shambles of her major in a few seconds. Most dojo
senseis are majoring in Physical Education. Business, you leave up to
Nabiki. [smiling] You might also think about going to a college
away from home.
Ranma: But, Mom...
Nodoka: Hai, I'll miss you, but I think you need time away from your father.
It can't be easy for both you and Akane, being pestered by your
fathers about marriage.
Ranma: I... don't know about college...
Nodoka: Very well. One more thing. Soun, your father, and I have talked. We've
been discussing your father's vow to make you a man.
Ranma: Uh...
Nodoka: You've grown up quite well, despite your curse. There is one
more issue before I can consider your father's vow fulfilled.
Ranma: [breathing a sigh of relief] And that is?
Nodoka: You need to resolve the matter of your multiple fiancees.
Ranma: [looking downcast] How?
Nodoka: How? You've allowed Shampoo and Ukyou to lavish attention on you ever
since Akane left. I don't approve of it.
Ranma: [looking up] Akane? I... know. But... she's been able to stay away at
college, while I'm here teaching classes...
Nodoka: [sighing] ... and being pestered daily by your father and Tendo-kun
about getting married. It's not her fault, you know. You could have
gone to college, if only you had tried for the entrance exams.
Ranma: [looking at Nodoka] It's been four years since I first got engaged to
her. And in all that time... I still don't understand her!
Nodoka: [smiling] Men aren't meant to. But... you love her, don't you?
Ranma: ...
Nodoka: [sighing] I know it's hard for you to admit it. Your father's travels
taught you much of the way of the fist... but taught you little on the
way of the heart. Admittedly, your father's and Tendo-san's constant
pressure to marry Akane, and your fiancees, didn't help matters at all.
Ranma: Mom...
Nodoka: Why not talk to Akane? You have never really sat down with her and
talked about how you felt, ne?
Ranma: ...
* * *
[Akane is sitting on her bed, listening to music. A knock at the door.]
Akane: Who is it?
Ranma's voice: It's me.
Akane: Come in. [shuts off the radio]
Ranma: Um... Akane?
Akane: Hai?
[Ranma grabs Akane's desk chair and straddles it, looking out through the
window.]
Ranma: I... um... [trails off]
[Ranma and Akane, at a loss for words, can only look at each other.]
Ranma: Ah... er... how was everything?
Akane: Everything's fine. [long pause]
So... er... what have you been doing with yourself?
Ranma: Oh. Teaching at the dojo while Pop and Tendo-san play Go, and, um...
I've been eating at the Nekohanten or at Ucchan's, and... um...
[Ranma, scratching his head trying to remember, fails to notice Akane's
expression.]
Akane: Oh, so you're willing to eat with Shampoo and Ukyou after all they've
done, but you won't eat my cooking?
Ranma: [hotly] You call your cooking food? Kasumi's cooking is food. Ucchan's
cooking is food. What you cook is nuclear waste!
Akane: RANMA...
[Outside the door, Genma and Soun are listening. Both start groaning as soon as
breaking and crashing sounds begin.]
Genma: How can our futures be joined? They said absence made the heart grow
fonder, but...
Soun: ... they're still fighting. Waaaah!!! [crying]
Nodoka's voice: What are you two doing?
Genma & Soun: [sheepish grins] Er... Uh...
Genma: Checking for mice.
Soun: Uh-huh.
Nodoka: What IS going on in there?
[More crashing sounds. Nodoka sighs, and knocks at the door. Inside, Ranma
sidesteps as a book goes flying past him and bounces over to the door. The door
opens just as Ranma ducks a flying chair...]
Ranma: Mom!
[Nodoka pulls out a katana and slices the chair in half. Both halves go flying
into Soun and Genma, knocking them down.]
Nodoka: Akane! Ranma! STOP IT!
[Akane drops the lamp she's holding. The lamp falls and shatters as everyone
stares at Nodoka.]
Nodoka: [putting away her katana] Akane... Ranma. Sit down.
[Wordlessly, Ranma and Akane sit on the bed, maintaining a safe distance from
each other. Behind Nodoka, Genma and Soun peer curiously over her shoulders.
Nodoka sighs, enters the room, and closes the door, locking out the two
fathers.]
Nodoka: All right. I thought you two could solve your problems yourselves, but
after watching you two fight for a long time, and then watching Ranma
for the last year... I think you need a little advice.
Ranma: Tell her, Mom!
Akane: [glaring at Ranma] Me?! I'm not the one who's been playing around for
a year with those bimbos!
Ranma: Ucchan's not a bimbo!
Nodoka: ENOUGH! [silence] Arigato. Now then... as I see it, you two have a
major problem. Or rather, two. Genma... and Soun. Am I correct?
Ranma & Akane: ...
Nodoka: [sighing] Well, there IS a simple way to handle this. You two can just
get married now.
Ranma & Akane: Now?!
[Both stare at each other and quickly look away.]
Nodoka: I know you haven't seen each other for a while, but... it would be a
good way to get your fathers from harassing you. You two DO want to
get married, correct?
Ranma & Akane: ...
Nodoka: [nodding] ... It really would be the simplest thing to do. Akane can
go on with college, Ranma could remain at the dojo and teach without
having the girls chase after him, and both your fathers would no
longer pressure you about marriage.
Ranma & Akane: ...
Nodoka: ... [sighing] Very well. You two have forced my hand. I'm not
certain this will be the right thing to do, but...
[Nodoka opens the door, causing Soun and Genma to fall into the room. She then
pulls out a katana.]
Nodoka: Ranma... your inability to choose a fiancee has brought shame and
dishonor upon this family. For this unmanly behavior, you and your
father must fulfill your oaths to me... and committ seppuku.
Genma: NANI?!?! [smacks Ranma on the head] Boy! Apologize! [kowtows to Nodoka]
He apologizes! He apologizes! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
[starts crying] I don't wanna die!!!
Soun: [crying] Now I'll have no one to take care of the dojo!
Ranma: Mom!
Akane: Wait...! [introspective look, then sighs] All right.
[Soun and Genma stops crying. Nodoka gives a small smile.]
Ranma: NANI?
Akane: I said... all right. I'll... get married.
Genma and Soun: YATTA!!! [start dancing, hugging each other, and crying]
Nodoka: [putting away her katana] Congratulations! [hugs Ranma and Akane]
[Ranma and Akane, however, are wearing looks of impending doom, even as they
smile sickly.]
* * *
[News of the wedding spreads quickly through town. At the Nekohanten, Shampoo
is busy smashing tables, while Mousse ducks and avoids the splinters. At the
Utchan, Ukyou Kuonji sits quietly crying. And at the Kunou mansion...]
Nabiki: [knocking on front door] Hello?
Kunou: [opening door] Konnichiwa? Oh, Nabiki.
Nabiki: [with a charming smile] How do you do, Kunou-chan?
Kunou: Quite well.
Nabiki: [looking around] This place has gotten smaller since the last time I
saw it. I must say, your mansion near Mizunoikan was more...
impressive.
Kunou: [frowning] You want something.
Nabiki: How did you know?
Kunou: After countless years upon years, your needs become apparent to even
the most foolish.
Nabiki: [dropping sweet act] Ok. I'm calling in one of the many favors you
owe me.
Kunou: [with a groan] O, that I be beholden to one such as you!
Nabiki: Whatever would you do without me helping you in class?
Kunou: Never mind that. What do you want?
Nabiki: I want you to escort me to a wedding.
Kunou: What? No gifts? No bribes? [breathes a sigh of relief] It would be a
honor, milady.
Nabiki: I'm sure. And don't tell your sister.
Kunou: My sister's off on an expedition.
Nabiki: She majors at Noumunoikan in Botany, and she's spending the break
studying more plants?
Kunou: Hai. Much as you spending your break examining your dojo's records.
Nabiki: Well, Ranma's business sense leaves much to be desired.
Kunou: Honorless cur. It is no wonder the dojo suffers so. But I digress.
Whose wedding are we going to?
Nabiki: My sister's.
Kunou: Kasumi? To who?
Nabiki: Not that sister. The other one. Akane.
Kunou: WHAT?! I FORBID IT!
Nabiki: It's not your place to forbid it.
Kunou: OVER MY DEAD BODY!
Nabiki: [narrows her eyes] Now you're pushing it, Kunou-chan...
Kunou: NOTHING you can do will force me to sit by and let this... this travesty
occur!
Nabiki: [lifting her eyebrows and smiling sweetly] Nothing?
[Nabiki crosses her arms and stands, still smiling. Slowly, Kunou loses the
look of self-righteous anger and gains a fearful expression on his face.]
Kunou: You wouldn't.
Nabiki: Wouldn't I? I _do_ know quite a bit about you. It wouldn't be ... nice
to do anything about this knowledge...
Kunou: Blackmail.
Nabiki: Such an ugly word. Call it a mutual agreement. You attend the wedding
with me, AND behave yourself, and I'll simply keep my mouth shut.
[narrows her eyes] Besides, it's about time that sister of mine got
married to Ranma.
Kunou: SAOTOME?!
Nabiki: Hai. That "honorless cur". Coming or not?
Kunou: [glowering] It appears I have no choice.
Nabiki: You never had one to begin with. [smiles]
* * *
[The day of the wedding is set immediately for the next day, to avoid giving
Ranma and Akane time to back out. In Akane's room, Nodoka is helping Akane into
her wedding dress.]
Nodoka: There. You look beautiful!
[Nodoka guides Akane to a full-length mirror, and attaches the bridal veil.
Akane looks, stunned by the beauty that stands before her in the mirror.]
Akane: Wow.
Nodoka: My son is very lucky to have a girl like you.
Akane: Really?
Nodoka: Really.
[Knock at door.]
Nodoka: Who could that be? [opens door, to reveal a young man...]
Akane: Shinnosuke?
Nodoka: I'm sorry, you have the wrong-
Akane: [interrupting] Wait. Could I talk to him alone?
[Nodoka looks at Akane. Then she leaves without a word. Akane turns toward
Shinnosuke.]
Akane: Hi.
Shinnosuke: Uh... pardon me, but who are you?
Akane: [smiling] Forgetful Shinnosuke. I'm Tendo Akane.
Shinnosuke: Akane! I had a question for you... uh... I forgot what it was.
Akane: Never mind. It's nice to see you again.
Shinnosuke: By the way, why are you dressed like that?
Akane: ... [looking down] It's my wedding day.
Shinnosuke: Oh! Are we getting married?
Akane: Nani?
Shinnosuke: Oh, I haven't asked yet? I came all the way from the forest to ask
this question. And I forgot it! [laughs]
Akane: Ask what?
Shinnosuke: Will you marry me? [takes Akane's hands]
Akane: [looking up] Shinnosuke...
* * *
[Ranma's room. Ranma, wearing a tuxedo, is busy trying to tie a tie. All
his attempts can only result in a tangle. He throws his arms up in disgust,
just as a knock comes at the door.]
Ranma: Come in.
[Ukyou Kuonji opens the door, standing there in a lovely dress with her hair
flowing out behind her.]
Ranma: Ucchan! What are you doing here?
Ukyou: Ran-chan! [enters and closes the door behind her] I got a wedding
invitation!
Ranma: Uh... [wary look]
Ukyou: Are you going through with this wedding?
Ranma: Uh...
Ukyou: I won't stop you this time... if you can tell me one thing: Why?
Ranma: Why what?
Ukyou: Why are you getting married to Akane? I want to know.
[thinking] I HAVE to know!
[after no response, speaks aloud] Was... was this wedding your
decision?
Ranma: [fidgeting] Not... exactly.
Ukyou: Then why marry Akane?
Ranma: [walking around] There's been a lot of things I've been thinking about
for a while.
Ukyou: Like what?
Ranma: This wedding... and college. I still don't know about the wedding,
but... I've decided to take the entrance exams.
Ukyou: [blinking] You decided to go to college? Now? What made you change your
mind?
Ranma: I didn't think about it too much yesterday, but Mom pointed out some
benefits about going to college.
[thinking] Like, being FAR away from Pop and Tendo-san.
Ukyou: Really? I've been planning to go to college too! I worked a year just
to get the money!
Ranma: [blinking] Ucchan? You could've earned the money in ONE summer. You
didn't have to stay an extra year...
Ukyou: But you stayed here...
[Ukyou turns away, then spins around.]
Ukyou: Marry me, Ranma! We can go to college together!
[She grabs Ranma's hand and starts to pull him with her, but is met with
resistance. Ukyou turns around, eyes open in shock.]
Ukyou: Ranma, why...? [pauses] Do- do you love Akane?
Ranma: [hestitatingly] I...
[Ukyou stares into Ranma's eyes. Then she turns, with tears in her eyes.
Ranma touches her shoulder.]
Ranma: Ucchan...
[Ukyou shrugs off Ranma's hand, and covers her face with her hands. Ranma
fidgets uncomfortably. After a few minutes, Ukyou takes her hands away from her
face.]
Ukyou: [turns and hugs Ranma] Promise me, we'll always be best friends!
Ranma: Hai... hai, always.
Ukyou: And we'll help each other study for the entrance exams, ne?
[Ranma nods. Ukyou wipes her eyes, then notices Ranma's tie.]
Ukyou: Here. Let me help.
[Ukyou reaches out and untangles Ranma's tie. Then she ties it properly.]
Ranma: Thanks, Ucchan.
[Genma pops his head in through the door.]
Genma: Come on, kids! Let's go! [leaves]
Ranma: [sighs] I'm not looking forward to this. [leaves]
Ukyou: [tears in her eyes] Ranma... [whispers] I love you.
* * *
[The wedding ceremony itself, taking place in the dojo training room, is small
and simple. Only a minister and a pianist stands in front. Kasumi, some of
Akane and Ranma's high school classmates, Ukyou, Nabiki, and Kunou are sitting
on chairs, awaiting the wedding ceremony. Nodoka is talking to Soun near the
door.]
Nodoka: Why a Western ceremony again?
Soun: It's QUICKER than the traditional ceremony. Gives them less time to
think about the wedding... [thinking and sweating] and less time for
other people to interfere. Please, please, let this wedding go through!
Nodoka: Ah. All right, Soun, go get Akane.
[Soun leaves. Nodoka walks over to an empty seat and sits down, awaiting the
beginning of the ceremony. The door slides open, to admit Ranma and Genma.
Genma drags Ranma by the arm to the front of the room where they await Akane.
Ranma looks here, there, anywhere, apparently having last minute thoughts. A
gleam of steel from Nodoka's side convinces Ranma that discretion is the
better part of valor. The pianist begins to play "Here comes the Bride",
awaiting Akane's entrance. A small pause sets in, causing the audience to
fidget.]
Genma: [whispers to the minister] Isn't she coming?
Minister: I have no idea.
[And then Akane comes in. Escorted by her father, Soun, Akane is resplendent in
white. Ranma's jaw drops, dumbfounded by the young beautiful woman coming up
towards him. Soun hands Ranma Akane's hand, bows, and moves to the side.]
Minister: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...
[The words are lost, as Ranma and Akane stare at each other, she with shining
eyes, he with agape mouth.]
Minister: Can any present show just cause why the couple may not be joined in
holy matrimony?
[Kunou starts to open his mouth. A glare from Nabiki forces him down, sulkily.
Then the wall caves in.]
Shampoo: NEVER!
Mousse: [clinging to one of Shampoo's legs, in bad shape] Hurry up with the
wedding!
[Shampoo throws one of her maces at Akane, who ducks. Ranma is shaken out of
his stupor, and leaps for Shampoo, who kicks him out of the air, knocking him
back toward the Minister and sends him sprawling. Shampoo limps with her
bonbori towards Akane, dragging Mousse with her. Ukyou, however, bars the way.]
Ukyou: Go on with the wedding!
[The minister attempts to pick up the pace, as Ukyou starts battling Shampoo.]
Minister: Do you, Tendo Akane, take this man to be your lawfully wedded
husband, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to
have and to hold from this day forth?
[Akane turns to look at Shinnosuke, who has just entered and taken a seat. She
then turns back.]
Akane: I do.
Minister: Do you, Saotome Ranma, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded
wife, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to have
and to hold from this day forth?
Ranma: [a footprint on his face] ... [Genma shakes Ranma's head up and down.]
Minister: Present the ring.
[Genma takes a simple gold ring out of his pocket. He hands it to a still
groggy Ranma, who stares at the ring.]
Minister: Repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed.
Ranma: [rather slurred] With this ring... [shakes his head, as his eyes focus]
I... I WHAT?
Nabiki: What a time to wake up!
Genma: [whispers to Ranma] I thee wed!
Ranma: [lifts up the ring to stare at it] I thee wed?
Minister: [whispering] Boy, put the ring on her.
[Ranma, frozen still, stares at Akane. Akane looks up at him, and smiles, then
quickly frowns, as Ranma remain frozen.]
Akane: Ranma!
[Shampoo, seeing her opportunity, hurls her bonbori at Akane. Akane
instinctively ducks. The bonbori strikes Ranma in the face, sending the ring
flying up through the air. Everyone's eyes follow the slow parabolic arc of
the ring... to watch it land in Ranma's mouth.]
Ranma: [mumbling] I got it!
Genma: Good, my boy! [slaps Ranma on the back. Ranma bounces forward and lands
on his face.] Now give her the ring!
Ranma: [shakes his head and glares up at Genma] I can't, you idiot!
Akane: [blinks] You... swallowed it?!
[Ranma nods miserably. The minister throws up his hands.]
Minister: Feh! By the authority in me vested, I declare thee man and wife!
[looks around frantically] Now where's the bar? [takes off]
Akane: Ranma, you...!
[She grabs a pitcher of cold water and hurls it at Ranma. Ranma yelps and
ducks. The pitcher splashes over Genma, turning him into a panda. Angrily, the
panda waves his arms fanatically, then whacks Ranma with a sign. Ranma gags,
then sticks out his tongue, revealing the ring.]
Soun: Quickly, boy! Put it on Akane!
[Akane makes a face of disgust and backs away.]
Shampoo: Never! [knocks Ukyou out of the way and comes straight at Akane]
Nodoka: [stepping in Shampoo's way] THE... WEDDING... IS... OVER!
[All the fire goes out of Shampoo's eyes, as she realizes that the minister has
declared them married, and she collapses.]
Ukyou: [panting hard] Can I... can I have some water?
* * *
[After the ceremony. Mousse has dragged a listless Shampoo home, but the
others remain to congratulate the newly wed couple. Genma and Soun are talking
happily to Nodoka.]
Soun: It's about time!
Genma: Without you, Nodoka, we would've never gotten them together!
Nodoka: [frowning] Thank Akane for that, not I. Thankfully, there was less
disruption at THIS wedding than I expected.
Genma: No Happosai! No Cologne!
Nodoka: I hope Cologne is keeping that little nuisance busy in China.
Soun: And Nabiki took care of any other problems. [muttering] Even if I'm in
debt to her till my dying day...
Nodoka: Good.
[Meanwhile, Nabiki, Kasumi, and Kunou are talking to Ranma.]
Nabiki: About time!
Kasumi: Congratulations!
Kunou: [grudgingly] Congratulations, Saotome.
Ranma: [dazed] ... Arigato.
[As Ranma turns to leave, Shinnosuke bumps into him.]
Shinnosuke: Oh, hello, have we met?
Ranma: Shinnosuke? What are you doing here?
Shinnosuke: I forget.
Ranma: ...
* * *
[Akane, off to one side, is talking to Ukyou.]
Akane: Ukyou... thank you for stopping Shampoo.
Ukyou: I did it for you two.
Akane: I know how much it cost you.
Ukyou: Oh, I WANTED to help Shampoo, very much. But... I just couldn't, not
this time.
Akane: I... I guess this makes up for the last time... [hugs Ukyou]
Arigato gozaimasu... for everything.
Ukyou: Take good care of Ran-chan, please.
Akane: ... I will.
[Ranma comes by, forcing Ukyou and Akane to change the subject.]
Ukyou: Uhh... so, Akane, whatever happened to P-chan? Haven't seen him for a
while.
Akane: [glares at Ranma] Mizunoikan University didn't allow pets, so I asked
Ranma to take care of him, but he let the pig run away!
Ranma: [thinking] How was I supposed to tell Akane that Ryouga left because he
was trying to find Mizunoikan? You'd think by now she'd have figured out
that her precious P-chan was Ryouga!
Akane: I'm sure P-chan will find me soon.
Ukyou: When will we study, Ran-chan?
Akane: Study?
Ranma: I've decided to take the entrance exam for Mizunoikan.
Ukyou: So did I.
Akane: Nani? ... You mean, you're COMING with me to college?
Ranma: [looking downcast] Yeah. I was talking to Ucchan earlier, and... well,
I decided to make my own decision... and well... Mizunoikan offers a
P.E. major.
Akane: [glaring at Ranma] You told Ukyou before you told me?
Ranma: Er...
Akane: [coldly] Go ahead and talk to your Ucchan. I won't interfere. [walks
off]
Ranma: Chikusho...
Ukyou: Let her go, Ran-chan. [smiling weakly] How about a dance?
Ranma: ... Sure.
[Ranma takes Ukyou into his arms and starts dancing. His eyes, however, remain
fixed on Akane, and so he misses the tears in Ukyou's eyes.]
* * *
[When the banquet is over, and all the guests have gone home, everyone cleans
up the dojo, then heads upstairs. Nodoka takes Ranma and Akane aside, as the
others head for their rooms.]
Nodoka: Congratulations, you two! [hugs the two of them]
Ranma: Uh... arigato, Mom.
Nodoka: [to Akane] I hope you have a son just like the one I have.
Akane: [under her voice] Great. Two bakas to take care of for the rest of my
life.
Nodoka: What was that?
Akane: I said, Great! I'd love to care for him as much as you have for Ranma!
Nodoka: [looking downcast] I only wish I hadn't let Genma take him on the
road... [looks up, smiles, and hugs Akane] Don't worry, dear. You two
will have a wonderful life together! It'll be a pleasure having you
two around together!
Akane: Waitasec, I'm not staying here-!
Ranma: [interrupting] Uh... about that, Mom... um. I'm taking the college
exams.
[Akane sniffs, and looks away.]
Nodoka: What? But you don't have to, now that you're married. Your future is
secure now.
Ranma: Hai, but I need to do this for myself... [muttering quietly] and my
sanity.
Nodoka: [smiling] Excellent. I hope you pass the college exams.
Ranma: Oh, I will, I will.
Nodoka: Now that it's settled, it's time to go to bed.
Ranma: Yes, Mom. [starts to leave for his room]
Nodoka: Hold it, Ranma. [Ranma stops.] Not there. You're sleeping in Akane's
room.
Ranma & Akane: Nani?
Nodoka: Married couples live together.
[Ranma and Akane glance at each other, both blushing. Nodoka notices, smiles,
and put her hands on Ranma and Akane's shoulders.]
Nodoka: I realize everything seems rushed to you right now. My advice is for
you two to take it slowly, and get acquainted with each other again.
[squeezes Akane's shoulder] Don't look so worried. Just let everything
come naturally. [Ranma and Akane nod.] Okay, off you go!
[Ranma and AKane, still blushing, walk quietly away towards Akane's room.
Nodoka gives a small nod, and then heads to her and Genma's bedroom.]
* * *
[Akane and Ranma's room. Nodoka has replaced the bed with a large bed for
couples, but otherwise has left the room unchanged. Akane and Ranma, dressed in
pajamas, are sitting on the bed, staring at each other, neither willing to
make a move. Finally, Ranma speaks.]
Ranma: I guess I should've told you about deciding to take the entrance exams.
Akane: Hai.
Ranma: I just wanted to make a decision entirely on my own. Ukyou was just the
first to know, that's all. But... I guess I should have told you first.
Akane: [coldly] I see. [turns away] So while I was at college, you and Ukyou
got all chummy. I just don't know you at all, do I?
Ranma: That's not it! Ucchan's my best friend.
Akane: And what am I? The unwanted kawaikune tomboy your parents engaged you
to?
Ranma: ...
[Akane sniffs and turns away from Ranma. Ranma looks downcast for a bit, then
reaches into his pocket.]
Ranma: Umm... here. [holds out his hand]
Akane: [staring at his hand] The ring!
Ranma: Yeah. I cleaned it off. Uh... just take it, willya?
[Akane looks at the ring, then takes it and puts it on.]
Akane: [smiling] Arigato.
[Silence. Then Akane speaks up.]
Akane: I'm getting tired. Good night, Ranma.
Ranma: Good night, Akane.
[They start to get in bed, before realizing they're getting in bed _together_.]
Akane: ...
Ranma: Oh... uh. [uncomfortable silence] I guess I should... um... we... should
take our time, huh?
Akane: Uh-huh. [tosses him a blanket]
Ranma: How about a pillow?
[Ranma gets smacked in the face with a pillow. He, in turn, swipes Akane's
pillow from under her head and hits her with it. A pillow fight ensues, with
feathers flying everywhere. After a bit of a fight, both combatants finally
fall down, laughing and exhausted. Ranma and Akane's marriage night ends with
Ranma on the floor, Akane on the bed, both covered in feathers, wide awake and
staring at the ceiling.]
* * *
[The days go quickly by. Ranma gets together often with Ukyou to study for the
entrance exams during the day and studies at night with Akane. Often, he is
found the next morning sleeping on his books, with a blanket tucked around him
by Akane, who sighs in exasperation as Ranma becomes utterly obsessed with the
exams, often debating the best way to approach the exams with Ukyou. Finally,
Ranma and Ukyou take the entrance exams, and then both of them go home and
fall asleep, utterly exhausted. Then comes a time of relative harmony, with
Shampoo fuming at the Nekohanten, and Kunou sulking in his mansion, while
Ranma and Akane continue as if they were never married, fighting often, and
sleeping apart. Every morning, Ranma checks the mail, and one morning...]
Ranma: Yatta! I passed!
Nabiki: Finally. Maybe now you'll stop pacing around like a caged panther.
[The Tendos and the Saotomes crowd around Ranma offering their
congratulations.]
Nodoka: Well, now that you're a college student, I believe we shall have a
big dinner today. So go wash up!
Ranma: Yatta! [starts running down the hallway, then skids to a halt.] Ucchan!
Ukyou's voice: Ran-chan!
[Ranma does a double-take and spins around. Ukyou is standing in front of him,
beaming and holding a letter.]
Ranma: You got accepted?
Ukyou: Hai! Yatta!
Ranma: [laughs and hugs Ukyou] We did it!
[Behind Ukyou and Ranma, Akane glares, then turns and walks angrily away.]
* * *
[Ranma, Nabiki, and Akane start packing up, while Ukyou gets prepared, closing
down the Utchan. Finally, the day of departure comes. The Tendos and the
Saotomes gather outside the dojo to say good-bye.]
Genma: Good luck, son! [hugs Ranma]
Nodoka: [hugs Ranma and Akane] Take care of each other!
[whispers to Ranma] And, son... stay away from cold water, please?
Ranma: Hai, Pop, Mom.
[Ukyou comes by in a cab.]
Ukyou: Let's go! Time to catch the train!
[Kasumi and the parents wave goodbye to the students, who put all their
suitcases in the trunk and pile into the cab. As the cab rides off into the
dawn...]
Kasumi: Ja ne! See you soon!
Nodoka: [crossing her arms] I hope trouble doesn't find them.
* * *
[Train station, at night. Ranma, Ukyou, and the Tendo sisters are just getting
off the train.]
Nabiki: Ok, you two... take a cab to this address. [gives Ranma a piece of
paper]
Akane: Nani? I thought I was living with you...?
Nabiki: Not this year. [smiles]
Ranma: [examining paper] What's this?
Nabiki: I set it up for you two. It's a nice apartment. You'll have to get the
furniture tomorrow.
Ranma: I'm living with her? But I haven't...
Nabiki: Of course. You ARE married, aren't you?
Ranma: Uh... yeah.
Akane: [muttering] I'm surprised he even remembered that, after all his
studying and packing...
Ukyou: Nabiki, ready to go?
Nabiki: One minute. [hugs Akane] Good luck!
Ranma: Nabiki... this isn't like you.
Nabiki: Maybe it is, and you don't know it? [whispers into Akane's ear] Or
maybe I'm just tired of covering up for you from all the boys chasing
you last year? [beams]
Akane: Nani? [turns red from embarassment]
Nabiki: [grins] Goodbye! See you at Mizunoikan tomorrow!
[A beggar comes up, dressed in rags.]
Beggar: A yen for the poor?
[Nabiki gives the beggar an _icy_ stare.]
Nabiki: You want _me_ to give _you_ money?
[The beggar gulps, turns, and starts running rapidly. Nabiki turns, smiles,
waves goodbye to Ranma and Akane, and gets into a cab]
Ukyou: Goodbye! [hugs Ranma and Akane, and then gets into the cab with Nabiki
and leaves]
Ranma: For a while, I thought Nabiki was an imposter.
Akane: [staring at paper] We'd better be going.
Ranma: Yeah...
* * *
[The cab ride is quiet, with Ranma and Akane staring out the windows. They
finally arrive, clamber out, and stare at the apartment house. Looking at the
two story high white house and the nicely maintained lawn, Akane smiles a
little. Ranma simply walks up to the door, which is opened almost immediately
before Ranma starts knocking. A short, willowy woman in her late 40s wearing
her hair in a bun stands there, motioning for Ranma and Akane to come in.]
Woman: Come in, come in! You're the Saotomes, aren't you? I've been expecting
you!
Akane: Uh, hello...
Woman: Newlyweds! Congratulations, congratulations! [hugs Ranma and Akane
tightly, forcing the breaths out of the couple]
Ranma: Uh, could you [winces] please let us go?
Woman: Ooh, gomen! [releases Ranma and Akane] Welcome to Maison Sabaku! I'm
the apartment manager. Furuya Kazuyo, at your service. Any questions,
don't hestitate to ask!
Akane: Our room?
Kazuyo: Come on. Follow me.
[Ranma and Akane pick up their suitcases and follows Kazuyo to the second
floor. Kazuyo leads them to Room 4, opens the door, and leads the couple into
an empty apartment. The only source of light is moonlight coming in through the
windows. Kazuyo gives Ranma the keys.]
Kazuyo: The water's on, the electricity's on. No lights here, though. You have
to get the lamps yourselves. Good night! See you in the morning!
[leaves, closing the door after her]
Ranma: [lets out his breath] Well. Away from home.
Akane: Get used to it. We're going to be here a year.
Ranma: [yawns] Ah well. I've got to be up early in the morning to register.
Akane: Ok.
[Akane unpacks a couple of blankets and pillows. She then gives Ranma a blanket
and a pillow, and makes herself an impromptu bed, while Ranma simply lies down,
covering himself with his blanket. Akane lies down, but is soon shivering.]
Akane: Ranma?
Ranma: [sleepily] Hmm?
Akane: I'm cold. Can I sleep with you?
Ranma: [sleepily] Hmm...
[Akane snuggles closer to Ranma. They lie together for a minute...]
Ranma: AAAAAA! [sits up quickly, startling Akane]
Akane: What?
Ranma: I'm not sleeping with you!
Akane: It's only one night! It's cold. Just until we get ourselves beds!
Ranma: NO WAY!
[Akane glares... then walks into the kitchen. Ranma lies down.]
Ranma: Sheesh. Things haven't changed a bit!
[*SPLASH!*]
Ranma-chan: YAAAH! That's COLD!
Akane: There. It's okay to sleep together if we're girls, isn't it?
Ranma-chan: NO!
[Cut to outside Maison Sabaku, where lights turns on all over as shouting can
be heard...]
--- END OF EPISODE 1 ---
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTHORS' NOTE
-------------
Well, we've begun the journey for Ranma and Akane Saotome.
We realize we may cause some outbursts over the wedding, but we
consider it appropriate since this is ONE YEAR after the gang's
High School graduation. People drift apart, other people remain.
If you expected a wild and wacky wedding - sorry! :) But you'll
see WHY we had them married if you stick with us through future
episodes...
David Tai ................................. (DJT2445@RITVAX.ISC.RIT.EDU)
Paul Gallegos ............................. (GALLEGOS@U.Arizona.EDU)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW NOTE:
---------
This has been revised in order to match the manga series' continuity. This
episode underwent the largest overhaul, since the original DnR #1 was written
BEFORE Nodoka discovered Ranma's curse.
Somewhere among the way, we picked up a new co-author: John Walter Biles
(ranma@falcon.cc.ukans.edu). Hope this new DnR #1 satisfies you, John! :)
There are further fixes on the way, most notably those that conflict with
either the manga continuity or with the new version of DnR #1. Those, for the
most part, should be very few. And don't worry, more new episodes are on the
way! Arigato gozaimasu for all your patience and support!
Special thanks to:
Jon Hayashi (polaris@interpac.net) for the DnR Outsiders' FAQ and his many
suggestions/comments to ensure that DnR maintains continuity.
Jeffrey Paul Hosmer (rogue1@netcom.com) for his suggestions and insight
regarding Nodoka.
Everyone who offered critiques of all the episodes!
(
geocities.com/kaiki_houjun)