Visits and Revelations by David Bateson Script interpretation by David Eddy. The characters of Ranma 1/2 are the property of Takahashi Rumiko and her licencees. ================================================================ Part 1: Mrs Saotome Visits Again. Akane Says Too Much. [Open with a slow pan of Nerima. It is late afternoon. We zoom in to the Tendo Dojo. As the shot zooms in we see a woman carrying an oddly-shaped bag walking along the street towards the dojo.] [Cut to an interior shot of the dojo. Ranma and Akane are sparring. By the door sits a jug of water and some tumblers.] [Akane sweeps Ranma's legs. Ranma leaps and comes down behind Akane and tries to poke the back of her head. Akane expects this and blocks it. Ranma looks vaguely surprised before dropping low and sweeping Akane's legs. She falls over.] [Cut to closeup of Akane, who has just fallen on her butt (her arms are behind her, holding her up in a vaguely sitting position, legs akimbo). She blinks, _poit, poit._] Ranma: [patronisingly] You're getting better, Akane! Akane: [narrows her eyes] Raaannnmaaa! [She gets up and attacks.] [Cut to a view of the outside of the front gate. The lady walking down the street, whom we now see is Nodoka, stops at the front gate of the dojo and knocks loudly.] [Two birds dart about briefly as Nodoka waits. After a few moments we hear steps approach. The gate opens.] [It is Kasumi. She looks surprised and happy to see Nodoka.] Kasumi: [loudly] Saotome Nodoka-san! How pleasant to see you again! Please come in! Nabiki: Thank you, Kasumi-san. Have Ranma and Dearest returned from their training trip? [Cut to a shot of the living area. Nabiki is sitting at the table doing her homework. Soun and Genma are nearby, for a change not playing Shogi. They all look up in horror at the sound of Kasumi greeting Nodoka. Genma gets up and sprints for the pond. Nabiki stands and saunters out of the room, heading towards the dojo.] FX: SPLASH! [Cut to a shot of Panda-san playing innocently in the pond, the water still heaving.] [Pan so that we see Nabiki walking casually along the path between the house and the dojo. The garden is looking nice but the dojo is distinctly patched.] [Cut to an interior shot of the dojo. Ranma and Akane are still sparring. The door slides open, and Nabiki steps calmly inside and closes the door behind her. She stands watching as Akane attacks Ranma with a series of punches and kicks which Ranma dodges. The two spar for a reasonable time as Nabiki watches calmly with an air of mild amusement.] Nabiki: [holds her hand to her mouth] Ahem. [Ranma and Akane look over at Nabiki in mild surprise.] Akane: What is it, oneesan? Nabiki: We have a guest. A family friend has come to visit. [There is a pregnant pause. Ranma and Akane look curious. Finally:] Akane: Who is it? Nabiki: Our visitor is... Saotome Nodoka-san. [Cut to Ranma's face, where we see shocked realization give way rapidly to utter panic. Zoom back as he looks frantically from side to side then runs towards the dojo entrance before realizing that it can be seen from the house.] Ranma: Aaaa! Akane: Ranma! You'll have to be Ranko again! [Ranma dives for the water tray we saw by the door earlier. He is in mid-air before he notices that the water jug is no longer on the tray. His eyes bug out and then he lands untidily on the tray. [As he comes to a stop against the door, a stream of water pours onto his head. Zoom back to see Nabiki holding the jug and pouring, smiling as only Nabiki can.] [Cut back to the loungeroom. Soun and Kasumi are standing with Nodoka Saotome. Genma in his Panda form is sitting on the porch. Nodoka has her back to Genma.] [Nabiki enters followed by Akane and Ranma (who is now female).] Kasumi: I'm terribly sorry, Father. Saotome-san called me last week and asked to visit, and I neglected to tell anybody else. Please accept my apologies. Soun: [grunts] That's quite alright, daughter. It's always a pleasure to have Nodoka-san come to visit. [He turns to Nodoka.] I'm terribly sorry, but Saotome-san and Ranma-kun haven't yet returned from their latest training trip. Nodoka: [sighs] Oh dear, I had so been hoping that they would be here this time. When will they be back? [Ranma slumps down and looks miserable. Soun, Akane and Nabiki look at each other nervously; Kasumi continues to smile calmly.] Genma: [Holds up a sign] "Not for some time." Soun: Regrettably we don't know when they'll return. Saotome-san told me once that his training schedule is very flexible and sometimes changes on very short notice. [Genma nods his head vigorously.] Nodoka: [sighs again] Oh well. [brightens] Still, it's always nice to visit here. May I wait for their return? I *do* so want to see my son again. Soun: [smiling] Please, Nodoka-san, stay as long as you want. You are always welcome here. Nodoka: Thank you. Kasumi, may I help with dinner? Kasumi: Please, Nodoka-san, there's really no need for a guest to help in the kitchen. Nodoka: But I insist on doing something. I would not want to be a burden. Ah! I'll do some cleaning. Kasumi: Thank you, that would be very nice of you. Nodoka: Ranko and Akane, you can help me. [Cut to a shot of Ranma and Akane helping Nodoka clean the living area. Ranma, looking sullen, is mopping the table with a cloth while Nodoka dusts. Akane is fiddling with a vacuum cleaner.] Ranma: [under her breath, in a surly tone] I don't see why I have to do this. Akane: [angrily, but also sotto voce] You do little enough around here as it is, "Ranko". Why can't you just help me clean for once without complaining about it?! Ranma: [angry and embarrassed] ... [Akane is obviously having difficulty with the vacuum cleaner. We watch her fiddle with it some more before she finally straightens and grasps the hose and wand in her hand.] Akane: [triumphantly] Yat-ta! [Akane turns on the vacuum cleaner and starts to clean the floor. She is facing away from Ranma and Nodoka with the vacuum cleaner itself behind her as she begins her work in one corner of the room. She doesn't notice the dust cloud billowing from the back of the cleaner. Ranma-chan is immediately enveloped as she is almost next to the cleaner.] Ranma: Arrgh! Klutz! [Akane turns, looking a little hurt by the sudden insult.] Nodoka: [turning] Ranko, be nice! Why... oh, my. Akane, turn it off! [Akane immediately turns off the vacuum cleaner. By now the dust cloud is clearing, but everything is covered in a thin film of dust.] [Ranma looks down as she wipes at the table with her cloth. An obvious clean streak is left behind, emphasising the dustiness of the table. When Ranma looks up again, we can see that she is angry.] Ranma: Baka! What did you do that for?! Akane: B...But_ Ranma: Don't you even know how to use a vacuum cleaner?! Look at this! You've covered the room with dust! All that work wasted! Baka! Unfeminine! Uncute! [Akane, stunned by this outburst from Ranma, bursts into tears and runs up the stairs. Ranma-chan stares after Akane, a surprised look on her face. Nodoka stalks over and spins Ranma around. She is angry and somewhat puzzled.] Nodoka: Ranko! How can you be so mean to Akane! That was totally uncalled-for, don't you think?! Ranma: [looks surprised and guilty] I... Nodoka: Anybody can make an honest mistake! What's wrong with you? It wasn't necessary to yell at Akane like that. Don't you think you are being unfeminine yourself? No man would want such a scolding shrew. [Ranma looks at Nodoka with big eyes. Nodoka eyes Ranma for a moment before turning and walking off after Akane.] [Onna Ranma turns to face the dusty mess and, lacking any other targets, begins to work off her frustration and anger.] [Cut to interior shot of Akane's bedroom. Akane is lying on her bed, face-down, crying into her pillow. The door opens and Nodoka walks in and sits on the bed next to Akane and takes her hand comfortingly. Akane grabs her in a hug and continues to cry.] [Fade to a different shot of Nodoka and Akane. Akane is no longer crying. She leans back to look up at Nodoka. She looks very unhappy, still on the verge of tears. Nodoka smiles at her in a motherly way.] Nodoka: There, there, Akane-chan. You shouldn't be so upset. It was only a little mistake; anyone could have made it. Akane: [crying again] Oh, Nodoka-san! Everything I do is a disaster! I can't cook, I can't swim, and now I can't clean! How can Ranma like a clumsy girl like me when his other fiancees are so talented? [Nodoka pulls Akane into a motherly hug and pats her on the back.] Nodoka: That's not true, Akane. You shouldn't measure yourself against other girls so. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses. All we can do is our best. You're not clumsy. You're a talented martial artist, aren't you? [double-take] Other fiancees? [Akane looks embarrassed, stops crying, an "Oh, no!" look growing on her face. Nodoka begins to look puzzled.] Nodoka: How can Ranma have more than one fiancee? [Akane looks at Nodoka in horror, realizing what she has said.] Akane: ... [eventually, in a resigned tone] Ranma is always being chased by the other girls. They're much better at feminine things than I am. What hope do I have? [She frowns as she realizes what she has said.] Not that I'd want to marry that baka! Nodoka: [in a motherly tone of voice] You should have more faith in yourself, Akane-chan. [She tightens her arms about Akane briefly.] Let me tell you a little something. It isn't whether you can cook or clean or fight or whatever... it's love. Those other things are not important. If a man loves you, he won't care at all about the other things. [Akane smiles a little. She hugs Nodoka back.] Akane: Thank you, Obasama. Nodoka: Well! I'm still dirty, and you look as though you need to relax a little. Let's have a bath, shall we? Akane: Thank you, that would be nice. Nodoka: Ranko can join us, too. You two really need to make up. [Akane looks nervous and starts to Sweat.] Akane: H-Hai, obasama. [Cut to the corridor outside the bathroom. Nodoka and Akane are carrying their bath things. Nodoka is about to open the door when it opens of its own power. Ranma-chan steps out, looking freshly-bathed.] [Akane looks relieved (that Nodoka won't be able to force Ranma-chan into the bath with them). Ranma looks a little surprised.] Nodoka: [surprised] Ranko! I wish you'd waited for Akane and I. It's much nicer to share a bath. [Ranma looks away, her surprised look fading into one of guilt and annoyance] Ranma: [sullenly] I don't like waiting for crybabies. Nodoka: [shocked, glaring at onna Ranma] Ranko! Don't be so rude! Apologize to Akane immediately! [Ranma looks at the floor, fists clenched. Nodoka taps her foot. Finally, Ranma's fists unclench.] Ranma: [quietly, and with ill grace] Sorry, Akane. [Akane blinks, mildly surprised, as Ranma-chan runs off. Nodoka and Akane enter the bathroom and begin to undress...] Nodoka: [sighs] Ranko is certainly troublesome today. Akane: Ranko is often rude and a real tomboy, Obasama. =========================================================== C O M M E R C I A L B R E A K . =========================================================== [Open with a shot of the living room. The remains of a royal repast litter the table. Everyone is seated around the table sipping tea, except for Genma who is out in the yard looking miserable with a few scraps in front of him.] Nodoka: That was a truly delicious meal, Kasumi-san. Thank you. [General agreement echos from around the table. Nodoka sips her tea reflectively before continuing.] Nodoka: Akane-chan, earlier you said that Ranma had, umm, other fiancees, and that the other girls were always chasing him. [Soun leaps to his feet, microphone in hand.] Soun: [babbling] Akane is the only girl for Ranma! There are no others! Akane will marry-- Akane: [interrupting] Father! Please be quiet! [Soun stops speaking, a surprised look on his face. His mouth works for a bit, then he snaps it shut and collapses down to sit at the table again.] [Silence reigns... briefly. Then:] Nodoka: Hmmm. Anyway, would you please tell me about these "other financees", Akane? Ranma: Do... Do you really want to know? Nodoka: [looks oddly at Ranma] Could it be that you are interested in Ranma too, Ranko-chan? Ranma: [blinks in surprise] Me? No! Don't be silly. Nodoka: Eh? [looks at Akane] Akane: [a small smile on her face] I think that Ranko and Ranma are too much alike to really get along. [Nodoka turns back to Ranma and looks at her thoughtfully, chin in her hand. Behind Nodoka's head, Nabiki is trying not to laugh at Akane's remark.] Nodoka: Please continue, Akane. [Akane nods. She sips her tea before replacing her cup on the table with studious exactitude. She takes a deep breath and begins.] Akane: Well, first there's Shampoo. She's from an Amazon tribe in China. Ranma beat her in a contest while he and Saotome-san were on a training trip. Apparently her tribe has a law that if one of their members is defeated by an outsider, that outsider must either be killed if she is female, or married if he is male. Nodoka: [incredulously] Are you serious? Akane: Hai. Ranma-- [Akane stops suddenly as she realizes that she was about to say that Ranma was a girl at the time.] Nodoka: [curiously] What about Ranma...? Akane: [looking uncomfortable] Ranma said that he, too, was very surprised. He and Genma-san fled, but Shampoo was able to track them here, and she's been pestering Ranma ever since. Nabiki: She runs the Nekohanten with her great-grandmother Cologne. Ranma: She's always feeding m-Ranma. She's a really great cook. But she's drugged Ranma's food, and tried lots of other tricks to get Ranma to be with her. Sometimes it seems as though she'll try anything to get Ranma to... Nodoka: Drugged? Nabiki: [with the air of someone about to begin a long list] Well, there was the passion spice, then there were the love pills on that bracelet-- [Akane drives an elbow into Nabiki's ribs. Nabiki *acks*.] Akane: [looking annoyed at all the interruptions] Who's telling this?! Besides, the love pills were Happosai's. [Onna Ranma shudders. Soun looks around frantically.] Soun: [in a hoarse whisper] Akane! Don't say that name! [Akane says nothing, but looks at the table, her expression a mixture of annoyance and guilt.] [Nothing happens for a moment. Nodoka shifts her position a little.] Nodoka: Hmmm. Akane, please go on. [Akane takes a deep breath to centre herself and continues.] Akane: Well, Ranko's right. She's always trying to feed Ranma something, or she's always hanging off him or trying to magic him or trick him into loving her. [Akane's fists are clenched.] Ranma: [a little frustrated] She never seems to give up. Can't she see that Ranma sees her as a friend, not a wife? Akane: [looking at Ranma in surprise] Her great-grandmother, Colone, is as bad or worse. She's the one who knows all the magic lore and she addresses Ranma as "son-in-law." There's a man chasing after Shampoo whose name is Mousse. He's loved her since they were both children but she won't have him, preferring to chase Ranma instead. Nodoka: [shakes her head] She sounds like a pushy lady. Akane & Ranma: Hai. [Akane sips her tea and makes a face; it is now cold. Kasumi begins making some more.] Nodoka: Who else is there? Akane: Kuonji Ukyou. She's a cook too. She runs an Okonomiyaki-ya called "Uc-chan's" not far from here. She feeds Ranma, too. She's a martial artist in the okonomoyaki style. She's pretty. She and Ranma get on pretty well. [she sighs] She's Ranma's only other *offical* fiancee. Nodoka: What? Akane: Ranma and Ukyou met when they were six years old. The short of it is that Genma promised Ranma to Ukyou in return for food and giving Ukyou a home; he then ran out on the deal - with the family's yattai - after having Ranma make a choice he was too young to understand. Ukyou fostered a hatred for them after that, and moved to Nerima seeking revenge. Instead she discovered that it was all Genma's fault, that Ranma had nothing to do with it, and since then they've become good friends again. [she sighs again, deeply] I would say that Ukyou loves Ranma. [Kasumi places a fresh cup of tea before Akane. Akane sips and looks inward for a moment. Her expression is a little sad.] Nodoka: [angrily] Do you mean to say that Dearest promised Ranma in marriage with the Kuonji family's yattai - their livelihood - as a dowry, then *ran out* on that promise *stealing* their yattai?! Nabiki: Yep. Nodoka: [steamed] Just wait until I get my hands on that man! Oohhh, we're going to have words about this! [Outside, Genma-panda sweats visibly.] [Kasumi makes more tea for the others and sits back herself with a fresh cup. Nodoka sips hers, visibly forcing herself to be calm.] Nodoka: So. Shampoo, and Ukyou. [sarcastically] Are there any more? Akane: Hai. [Nodoka looks surprised. Akane's mouth twists in distaste, and she almost spits her words.] Kuno Kodachi. She's a perverted martial rhythmic gymnast who likes to ambush her opponents rather than compete with them. Nor will she keep a vow; she lost a competition for Ranma and has continued to chase him ever since. When she first met Ranma she paralysed him so she could kiss him. [angrily] Over my room! [Akane fumes, too angry to continue. Nodoka looks at Akane appraisingly.] Nodoka: Kodachi must be a very unusual person. Ranma: You wouldn't believe how unusual. [looks revolted] Yuck. [Akane looks at Ranma, again surprised.] [Nodoka sits and thinks with her chin in one palm while the others sit back and drink tea. Finally she speaks.] Nodoka: Akane, may I meet these other girls? [Akane, still regarding Ranma, jerks her head around to look at Nodoka. After a moment she slumps forward a bit, depressed.] Akane: [resignedly] Hai. You should meet them so you can decide who is best for Ranma. [Nodoka laughs. Akane jerks back.] Nodoka: Don't be silly, dear. Ranma will marry the one that he loves, no matter what I say. And I wouldn't want it any other way. [Ranma, surprised by this pronouncement, sneaks a peek at Akane. Akane glances at Ranma at the same time. Both are embarrassed to find themselves looking into each other's eyes. The moment stretches...] [Ranma jumps up.] Ranma: Don't worry, Nodoka-san, I'll arrange it all for you! [runs out the door] Nodoka: Ranko! Wait! [Ranma leaps over the fence and out of sight. Nodoka sighs.] Nodoka: I do wish she hadn't done that. I would have preferred to meet the girls without them knowing who I am. Akane: [looks thoughtful] It's probably better this way. Nabiki: Hai. [Nodoka looks at them questioningly but they studiously ignore her as they sip their tea.] Kasumi: Obasama, do you require more tea? [Fade to a wide shot of the dojo and surrounding houses. It is morning. Zoom in on Ranma's window.] [Cut to an interior shot of Ranma's room. Nodoka is leaning over Ranma, shaking her.] Nodoka: Ranko. Time to get up. [Ranma grumbles a bit until she looks over at the alarm clock. She sits up in a hurry.] Ranma: Arrgh! We're running late! I said we'd be a Uc-chan's in half an hour. [Ranma flings the bedclothes back and starts to change. Nodoka frowns as she watches Ranma dress.] Nodoka: Dear, you really should wear a bra. It's bad enough that you dress like a boy, but a girl's figure really needs proper support. Ranma-chan: [grimaces] Oka--obasan, please stop arguing and get ready. We'll be late. [Cut to an exterior shot of the dojo. We see Ranma and Nodoka leaving, watched by Akane.] Akane: [to herself] I wonder if this is the right thing to do? Kasumi: [coming up behind Akane] It's the only thing to do, Akane. She was going to find out about them sooner or later. [Fade to a shot of Uc-chan's. It is closed. A sign on the door says, "Closed for special party." Ranma-chan appears surprised but steps forward and knocks on the door.] [The door opens. Ukyou answers it. She is wearing a cute dress.] Ranma: [surprised] Uc-chan! You look nice. Ukyou: Good morning, Ran-chan. Thank you. [she looks from Ranma to Nodoka expectantly] Ranma: [getting the hint] Saotome Nodoka-san, meet Kuonji Ukyou-san. Nodoka: It's a pleasure to meet you, Ukyou-san. Ukyou: It's a pleasure to meet you too, Nodoka-sama. Please, come in. [Ukyou stands back from the door and Nodoka and Ranma enter.] [Cut to an interior shot of Uc-chan's. Ukyou leads them to a carefully-laid table.] Ukyou: Please, be seated. I'll be back with breakfast in a moment. [Nodoka and Ranma sit down at the table.] Ranma: [whispering] Ukyou is normally much less formal. [Nodoka looks at onna Ranma condescendingly.] Nodoka: Ranko-chan, it's obvious that Ukyou has gone to a lot of trouble. [leans back, looks thoughtful] Ranma must be very important to Ukyou for her to take this much trouble over me as Ranma's mother. [Ranma looks at the floor guiltily.] [Ukyou returns carrying a tray with three steaming-hot okonomiyaki on it. They look delicious. She places the okonomiyaki on the table.] Ranma: They look great, Uc-chan. Ukyou: [smiles warmly] Thank you, Ran-chan. [to Nodoka] Is there anything else I can get you, Nodoka-sama? Nodoka: No, nothing thank you Ukyou. Please join us. [Cut to later. Nodoka, Ukyou and Ranma-chan have finished their breakfast.] Nodoka: Breakfast was delicious, Ukyou-san. You are an excellent cook. Ranma: I agree! Ukyou: [blushes] Thank you, Nodoka-san. You are too kind. [she smiles] Ranma certainly likes to come over and eat here. Nodoka: [encouragingly] Oh? Please tell me more. Ukyou: [animatedly] You haven't seen Ranma for ten years, have you? Well, let me tell you about him. He's handsome and strong and an excellent martial artist. He's always getting into trouble, but it's ususally because he's gone out of his way to help somebody or he doesn't reject unwanted attention firmly enough. [looking inward] He finds it very difficult to articulate his feelings, even to himself I think, and always denies them. [she pauses, smiling wickedly] He's got a great ass. [Ranma looks acutely embarrassed. Nodoka grins with Ukyou, then looks serious.] Nodoka: [gently] Ukyou-chan, I don't mean to pry, but I have heard a little of what Dearest did to you and your father when you were young. Will you tell me the full story? [Ranma winces. Ukyou looks very troubled and upset.] Ukyou: ... Nodoka: You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, dear. I don't mean to make you re-live unhappy memories. I asked because I want to know the true story so I can properly confront Dearest when he and Ranma return from their latest training trip. [Ukyou relaxes a little, but still looks unhappy.] Ukyou: Please, Nodoka-san, most of those memories are happy. It is what followed as a consequence of that incident that burns deeply. Please, let me get some tea for all of us and I will tell you all about it. [Fade to later. The breakfast dishes have been cleared away and tea things are now arranged on the table. Ranma-chan is looking uncomfortable, Ukyou is now calm and Nodoka is leaning forward agitatedly and has a face like a thundercloud.] Nodoka: Thank you, Ukyou. I appreciate how difficult it must have been to tell me this. But let me promise you that I will... speak... to Dearest about his unmanly, unforgivable behaviour at the earliest opportunity. [her voice is heavy with the promise of Pain] Ukyou: That's really not necessay, Nodoka-sama. [Nodoka sighs.] Nodoka: We'll see. [she leans back again, looking thoughtful] But I have another concern, Ukyou-chan. It seems as though Dearest has hardly been a good example for Ranma to follow. Tell me, is Ranma a manly man, despite his father's example? [Ranma-chan breaks out in a sweat.] Ukyou: Ah... It is true that Ran-chan has some unmanly problems... [Nodoka looks grim at this and lays her hand on the hilt of her cloth-wrapped katana. Ranma stops sweating and looks panicked] Ukyou: ...but they aren't his fault, Nodoka-sama. [Ukyou sighs happily.] He's more than man enough for me. [Ranma slumps back in her chair in relief. Nodoka looks quizzically at Ukyou for a moment.] Nodoka: Ranma means a lot to you, doesn't he? [Ukyou blushes and looks at the floor.] Ukyou: [quietly] I love him. [Ranma looks at Ukyou with worry, guilt, and sorrow fighting for control of her expression. Nodoka looks briefly at Ranma, noting her reaction, before turning back to Ukyou.] Nodoka: How well do you get along with Ranma, Ukyou-chan? Ukyou: [still looking at the floor] We're good friends, Nodoka-san, hai, close friends. I can rely on him for anything... [quietly] except romance. [She looks up, her expression unhappy.] Ukyou: Ranma fights with Akane all the time.... I keep hoping that they'll break up but they're never really serious about their fights. They act differently when they're alone together. [Ranma jumps up.] Ranma: They do not act differently! [Ukyou smiles at Ranma.] Ukyou: You wouldn't know, Ranko. You haven't spied on Ranma and Akane when they're alone together. [Ranma looks shocked.] Ranma: You spy on u...them?! [Nodoka looks at Ranma in surprise.] Nodoka: Most girls spy on boys they like if the get the chance, Ranko-chan. [smiles] You'll understand when you find the right boy. [Ranma looks at Nodoka with a bemused expression. Ukyou laughs, holding her hand up to her mouth.] [Fade to a view of the street outside Uc-chan's. Nodoka and Ranma-chan are walking away from the restaurant, having just left. Ukyou is watching them leave, one hand to her chest. They are out of earshot of Ukyou.] Ranma: [looks downcast] Why did you tell Ukyou that Ranma is lucky she loved him? Nodoka: Because he is. Ranma: Ukyou should have better taste in men. [Nodoka looks a little surprised but Ranma isn't looking.] Ranma doesn't deserve someone like her. [Nodoka looks at onna Ranma with a smile.] Nodoka: Love is blind, Ranko-chan. [looks away] It's a pity that Akane and Ukyou have the same iinazuke. They're both such nice girls; they should both have happiness to look forward to. Ranma: [her mouth twisted into a bitter expression] Ranma shouldn't have met either of them. They would have been far better off without him. Nodoka: That's not so, Ranko-chan. [looks around at the sky reflectively] It is better to experience love, even if you lose it, than to never love at all. [She peers at Ranma.] I hope that *you* find love soon, dear. [Ranma blushes.] ** Closing credits **