This is the Dojo

Author's intro: This story was inspired by Field of Dreams. Ranma 1/2 characters created by Rumiko Takahashi. Field of Dreams was written by W.P. Kinsella. The other characters are my own invention. On with the show.

-=-

My father once said that he saw him years later. It had taken a moment to recognize him. Gone was the proud bearing, the well toned body of a martial artist. In its place was a wiry frame taut with muscle that has seen much sorrow and even more hardship. He was wandering through China at the time and had stopped at a dojo to challenge the sensei in exchange for the opportunity to teach one afternoon. My father said the fight didn't last very long at all. He smiled as he recounted the shock the sensei's face had shown and how for that afternoon even he had allowed himself to be taught.

No one really knew why he wandered as much as he did. The Jusendou episode had long since fallen into the realm of the forgotten, and yet he still claimed no home, no family. Perhaps it was his love for the art, perhaps it was his loss, I suspect we shall never know the full truth, but maybe I can shed a little light on things now, at long last.

It all started one magical spring evening. Now I don't claim to believe in magic. There are amazing things that can be done with the human body and the mind and diligent study and focus. But magic? Well, let's leave it lie for the moment. On this particular spring evening a gentle breeze was blowing and the tuneless noise of nature framed a calmness that allowed those in tune with it to be at peace for the moment. I was one of those people. I was enjoying the feel of the breeze as it caressed my skin - a distinct counterpoint to the fading light of the sun. While I was thus entranced I heard a voice.

"If you build it, he will come."

Now, I don't exactly know how to explain this part. But as that voice burned that phrase into my brain, I was also treated to an image of amazing clarity. I saw a dojo: pristine in the sun, light glinting off a corner of floor not captured in shadow. In front of the dojo and off to one side was a Koi pond surrounded by rocks. I even saw one of the fish casually jump as if it had no other cares in the world. The voice had the firm, but gentle sound of a sensei and I knew, I knew that I was meant to build that dojo and pond. And that if I did, he would come. An idol of sorts of my father - a memory of better times. Ranma Saotome.

-=-

I guess I better take this moment to introduce myself. It wouldn't do much good to just lead you blindly on. My name is Ping. Son of Mousse, brother of Pong and husband to Soap. I am Joketsuzoku - Chinese Amazon. I have lived my entire life in our valley content with those around me. My wife, bless her, is a constant source of joy to me. I, sadly, do not enjoy the best of relationships with her family and my own immediate family is long dead or absent. Mousse passed on when I was a teenager and my mother, Shampoo, went soon after - so strong was their bond. There were many that were shocked at their marriage, but those who know their true history simply smile and nod. Understanding with the heart, if not the mind. But that is a story for another time.

I am content to grow food for the members of the tribe. Others look down on me for this. After all my parents were great warriors. Shampoo was the village Battle instructor and an Elder of the tribe. Mousse was a hidden weapons expert. My brother inherited much of my father's dexterity and my mother's stamina. I inherited my father's eyes and my mother's wisdom. While I often fair poorly in competition I can understand every move taking place and whether an attack was well or poorly planned. I love watching two experts spar. There is nothing in this world like watching a martial artist demonstrate the Art. Fluid grace coupled with tightly constrained power. My brother left the village shortly after he turned fifteen. I occasionally hear from him. I understand he is traveling a fighting circuit taking part in street tournaments and the occasional underground grudge match. My life is simple. But that was about to change.

"Soap, I have something I need to tell you."

My wife looked up at me with her beautiful mist gray eyes, an impish smile once again stirring the love I feel for her, before responding. "And what might that be husband mine?"

"Well, I have to build a dojo and a Koi pond. I figure the best spot is that first field out back." I hoped I didn't sound as crazy as I felt. But I have no secrets with my wife and I would never dream of not including her in this.

"A dojo and a Koi pond? Well, if that's what you need to do . . ." She smiled again and walked over to me, wrapping her arms around me. "Are you taking up your family's art?"

Now I could have answered her with a yes and I suppose things might have gone down an entirely different road, but as I mentioned I didn't believe in secrets with Soap. "No. A voice told me that if I built the dojo Ranma Saotome would come. So I have to build a dojo."

"Ok love."

Did I mention that I love my wife dearly?

-=-

Ok, let me remind you that I am a farmer. I have never landscaped and I have never built anything in my life. Other than the fact that I knew exactly what things had to look like I had no idea how to go about any of it. I started by uprooting the field that I had determined would be the best place to put my new dojo and Koi pond. This of course brought the entire village to a halt for days. No one ever asked me anything. After all I was Ping, the village farmer and a male. Soap however received an endless stream of questions. At home at night she would laugh about it. She would relate various questions, often with a near perfect impression of the speaker's voice, and the answers she gave. For the most part she simply let it be known that I was building a dojo and a pond. When others pointed out that those structures already existed she simply nodded and smiled. She has a beautiful smile.

It took me two weeks to get the field plowed under and planted with grass and a couple trees: one already quite tall, the other a sapling. I then set off an area where the dojo would be. I had decided to build the pond first. So I dug out an area not too far from the large cherry tree I had planted. It was a good sized pond roughly oval in shape. It would be a good leap to clear it and it came up to just below my ribcage (I did inherit my father's height). I then carefully shored the sides of the pond making sure they would be strong enough to hold the water. The bottom also received this treatment. Once everything was ready I filled the pond and began to work on the biosystem. After all, if it was to receive Koi it had to be capable of sustaining them. I included some green water plants and other small fish and algae- eating life.

Once that was underway I turned to the landscaping of the pond. I carefully selected some rocks to go around it at key positions I remembered from my vision. I set some of them into the ground in small clusters, others remained aloof. It was quite beautiful when it began to take shape. Finally the pond was ready to be filled with Koi. I had selected several colors that I thought were appropriate. Soap was with me as I set them free. She had perched herself on the largest boulder overlooking the pond. Her arms wrapped around her legs, feet tucked in close to her body, she presented a striking sight as the sun lowered. Just as things temporarily quieted down one of the Koi leaped out of the pond bringing a small giggle from my wife. I walked over to her and rested my head on her shoulder. She leaned in close to me and complimented my work.

"Your pond is beautiful. Will you start the dojo now?"

"No" I replied quietly, "I think I'm supposed to wait for a bit. Besides it will take time to make certain that the pond is truly done and gather supplies to build the dojo."

She nodded briefly and then turned her head towards me presenting her bow-like mouth for a kiss. I complied. Another fish jumped up from the pond.

-=-

I made it a habit to come and sit by the pond every morning and greet the dawn. I'm not sure why. It just seemed natural. Soap often laughed that some mornings it was difficult to tell where the pond ended and I began, so bright was the sun shining off both of us. I had shaved my head as an act of defiance against my father when I was younger and had since grown comfortable with the style. Only the winking of light off my glasses enabled her to spot me she'd joke. It was funny, when I sat by the pond I found my thoughts would often turn to my father and our rocky relationship. I usually ushered such thoughts out of my head as soon as they showed up. But here, by the water, in the shade of the cherry tree, the sound of the occasional Koi leaping, those thoughts came freely without the guilt and pain that made me ignore them so often before.

I did truly love my father. There are those who say he was a blind fool. And while earlier in life there may have been some evidence of that, his later years were filled with love, compassion and wisdom. My mother was just as important an aspect of his life as Soap was to mine. But he also held great respect and fondness for those from his past. He did not spend his entire life here in the village. There was a long space of time that he lived in Japan. He had left to protect Shampoo and show his love and devotion for her. She had left to bring back her husband: Ranma Saotome. Even Cologne had gone to oversee this adventure. I can hardly believe some of the tales he told concerning those days. It seemed as if every deity, prince and monster on Earth was interested in their affairs.

Mother did not particularly care for father then, but he didn't mind. He knew one day she would see, would understand. But no one knew just what it would take. Those final events still wrench my heart and I wasn't there. But it happened not too far from here. Jusendou. Phoenix Mountain. A place we seldom visit or interact with. Oh there are countless stories, but few as powerful to me as the fall of Ranma Saotome and Saffron, Lord of the Mountain.

It started with the death of the Jusenkyo pools and ended with the death of Ranma's beloved. His true beloved. While there were many chasing him and claiming that position (mother included) only one truly held it. Akane Tendo. Over the course of events, she was changed to a doll-like shell, in need of water from one of the taps found on the mountain. Ranma had to battle Saffron in order to gain access, and he failed. Oh, Saffron was destroyed in the battle, but the water was acquired too late. Akane's eyes had closed forever. Ranma rent the air with a tortured scream and there was no one that could comfort him. Upon his return to Japan he was disowned. By the family that had given him life and the family that had taken him in. By all around him. It had seemed impossible that he had failed. He never failed. Especially where Akane's safety was concerned. But this one time he had and no deft touch could comfort him. No accusation could reach him - he was punishing himself far more than those around him. For a time he simply disappeared. No one, not even Ryouga the lost boy could find him.

But my father saw him years later, once again practicing the Art. Father seemed to think he was ok, but he wasn't certain. It was true he no longer had the shine from his youth, but he was teaching on occasion, something that had been a dear ideal for him. The Tendo dojo had gone without a sensei.

It was at this point that I noticed it. Or should I say him. On the other side of the pond, sitting on a boulder was Ranma Saotome. He had come. While I knew that he would, that actual event was still a shock. Ranma Saotome, the martial artist, the outcast, the legend, was sitting across from me at a pond that I had built for him.

-=-

He was looking at me. A look that seemed to be sizing me up. Obviously I was no martial artist, but I was far from out of shape. Farm work is hard work and being close to the land has its own set of benefits. I wondered what he thought. I wondered if he was real. I wondered if he would say anything. I didn't have to wonder long.

"You look like Mousse. With no hair." He closed one eye and gave me that appraising look again. He had spoken in Japanese, but I knew the language and was able to return in kind.

"I'm his son. One of two - twins. My name is Ping, my brother is Pong." I wondered if our names would bring the laugh that outsiders seemed to find necessary upon introductions.

No laugh forthcoming, he merely nodded and said, "Unless I miss my guess duck boy must have finally landed Shampoo." It was more of a statement than a question and there was no sting in the reference to father's curse.

"Yeah, shortly after . . ." I hesitated to bring Jusendou up, "things, they got together." I finished somewhat lamely, lowering my head.

He nodded seeming to understand and then rose up gracefully. Stretching ever so briefly, he turned his appraisal to the pond. "Y'know, old man Tendo had a pond exactly like this. My old man and I used to spar every morning over it. You a martial artist?"

I shook my head and responded quietly, "No, my brother was always better." Ranma nodded again and began a kata. I watched the fluid movements melt from one form to another. I recognized the kata as one for a beginner, intended to teach balance and defense. It was easy to see why my father respected Ranma. He was truly a shining example of the Art. Even in something so simple.

"Y'know, there are others. If you build the dojo, they will also come. I mean, the old man might come spar with me here, but the dojo . . ."

Others? Others? Maybe even . . . "I know a hidden weapons expert that might like a chance to spar . . ."

This time there was a cocky grin. "Build the dojo. We'll see about the rest."

-=-

"Soap, Ranma Saotome is practicing kata at the pond."

That smile. "That's wonderful! Do you think he'll be here for a while?"

"Yeah, I think so. He mentioned that there was a possibility others might come. I had to build the dojo first though. He said even Mousse might . . ." I couldn't finish the thought. But Soap looked up at me understanding. She reached over and grabbed my hand.

"Well I guess you better build the dojo then."

I really love my wife.

-=-

"So, what's that crazy son-in-law doing now? Plowing a field under for a bowling alley?"

Oh no. Tome. Soap's mother. If ever there was a useless fount of knowledge concerning Joketsuzoku law it was my mother-in-law. Hopefully she was the only one here.

"Yeah sis, you sure can pick the losers. How could you even dream of losing to a guy like that? You sure you weren't asleep?"

Well, there went that hope. Sounds like Soap's brother was here too. Guess I better get in there. I didn't like them and the feeling was more than mutual, but I did love my wife. Upon entering the house, I accidentally happened to lock gazes with Tome for a moment.

"Cheeky boy! How dare you look at me before bowing! Have you no shame. I thought Shampoo raised you better than that. I can see my daughter and I will have to have a talk about proper husband behavior."

I looked properly sorry for a moment before seating myself at the table. I squeezed Soap's hand under the table top. How such a beautiful blossom sprang from such a rotten weed I have no idea. "It is good to see You Honored Mother-in-Law. I bless You for honoring our home with Your presence and wisdom." I had to pronounce the capitals.

She seemed to think over my greeting for a moment before responding. "Of course Ping. I see you at least still remember your place, even if you must be reminded. Perhaps all is not lost for you yet. Once you get rid of that silly pond of course. Really, planting over prime farmland for a pond and a dojo. One might think you believe You own the land."

Gritting my teeth, I waited the proper amount of time until I could respond. "I am troubled that you are in disharmony over my actions Honored One. I certainly meant no disrespect by them."

"That may be so boy, but you better remember your place. You may tend the land but Soap owns it. I don't know how you talked her into this mockery, but rest assured we shall set her straight!"

One Jusenkyo . . . two Jusenkyo . . .

"Oh mother! You leave Ping alone. It so happens that I asked him to build the pond and dojo. You never know when it might come in handy to train future generations."

Wow. Playing the heir card this early in a fight was gutsy. Usually Soap saved that one for the end.

A gleam appeared in Tome's eye. "You don't mean that useless son-in-law finally provided you with a child do you daughter?"

"Now mother, you know exactly what I mean. Isn't it time for you and Robe to be going?"

And with one final glare at me and an uncertain look at Soap, Tome and Robe left. I sighed in relief and cast a questioning look at my wife. "What did you mean? Usually you save that card for the last hand. Anything I need to know about?"

"Well Ping, it so happens this last hand is about to lead to a Full House. I'm pregnant!" She squealed and jumped into my arms. As stunned as I was I found the time to yell for joy while kissing my wife. We then went to our bedroom to celebrate.

-=-

"Well, you came back. From the looks of you, something's up too." Ranma continued his kata while casting me a questioning look.

"Sorry it's been a couple days, but I just found out I'm going to be a father!"

Ranma stopped his kata and looked at me. Joy and envy seemed to mingle in his look. "That's great man! You still gonna build the dojo?"

I smiled. He seemed to be as direct as some of the old stories suggested. "Yeah, I'm hoping someone will get to meet their grandchild."

Ranma gave a ghost of a smile and merely shrugged. "If you build it they will come."

For the next several days I would watch Ranma go through several kata as I continued to greet the dawn. Afternoons were spent collecting materials for the dojo. I wanted everything to be perfect. I collected the best wood for the floor and walls, I went over plans that I managed to get drawn up according to my memory of the vision and I started digging a foundation. I looked after Soap in the evening and occasionally brought her to sit by the pond. So far Ranma hadn't appeared while she was there, but I figured it would only be a matter of time. She enjoyed martial arts as much as I did and was better than me. We both knew exactly how I had become her husband. Time passed as I struggled with the dojo and continued to maintain the pond.

Then one morning something was different. Ranma was no longer doing kata. He was sparring. But I couldn't tell who it was with. Where an opponent should have been was a simple gray blur. Reality just seemed to shimmer. From the size of the blur I suspected Genma. I had heard of their legendary struggles over the Tendo pond. It was during this match that I was treated to another surprise. Ranma had mistimed one of his counters and the blur sent him shooting towards the pond. When Ranma surfaced he had become a she.

"Ranma! You're still cursed?" I gaped as I lowered my glasses to my face in an effort to make sure I wasn't imagining things. I had thought that the curse would no longer take effect.

Ranma cast a sullen glance at the blur before turning the baleful look my way. "Yeah." It had been a simple response but somehow the emotion and meaning carried in it required no other words. I felt sorry for him. But soon I started to snicker. This of course earned me a glare from Ranma while the blur seemed to shake in amusement for a moment before disappearing. Ranma soon followed.

Weeks stretched into months as I continued to work on the dojo. While at first I had a crowd watching my every move, now more often than not Soap was my only company. Not that I complained. Her sweet presence was both reassuring and invigorating. I marveled at the changes taking place in her. I was going to be a father. I couldn't get my mind around it. Only the necessity of focus on building the dojo kept me from making a constant fool of myself. Of course that opinion was held by the majority of the village anyway. Once news of Soap's pregnancy had spread most people chalked the dojo's existence to that. Tome's adamant declaration that this was the case of course helped that along. It didn't trouble me though. I knew why I was doing this. And so did Soap. So would our child. Of that I was certain.

-=-

The day finally arrived that the dojo was finished. The frame had gone up without much trouble as had the walls and roof. I spent countless hours sanding the floor until it was perfect. Then I added a coat of wax so that it shone. The walls were adorned with small touches that just seemed appropriate. It was done. I hoped it was deemed acceptable. I wasn't sure when or how I would know.

A week later I could see who Ranma was sparring with. A large man dressed in a gi and wearing glasses and a bandanna had taken a stance opposite the pond from Ranma. Ranma still appeared in his red shirt and black pants. My guess that Genma was his sparring partner had been correct. I took a seat under the cherry tree and watched the match going on before me. It was a thing of beauty. Punches, blocks, counter punches, kicks, aerial moves all took place in a delicate display of power and strength. I could tell that Ranma was holding back, but it wasn't much. Genma was no slouch when it came to the Art. It was obvious how Ranma had gained his mastery. It all stemmed from this man. Whatever he had been in life, Genma obviously knew how to instill a love and respect for the Art. Soon enough the match ended, this time with Genma taking the plunge. Sure enough the panda surfaced in his place. Ranma snickered and held his hand out. Only to be pulled in. I laughed as well.

That afternoon when I entered the dojo Ranma was once again practicing forms. He looked at me briefly before sinking into a kneeling position. He gave a slight incline of his head indicating that I too should sit. Once I was comfortable Ranma began to speak.

"You've built a good dojo. I'm sure those who are seeking will find it." He looked around briefly before continuing. "Those who are seeking peace may find their way here. I certainly hope so." He looked as if he were about to say more but something stopped him. He managed a quick nod before rising again and starting a complex kata that emphasized certain aerial moves. I remained where I was wondering what it was that he had not spoken. It seemed to cause him some pain. Those seeking peace? I would have thought that was him. I had built this place for him, but lately I had been caught up in the new life growing within my wife and the thought that I might see my father again. I wondered if he was referring to Akane. Maybe she would find her way here as well. I hoped so for Ranma's sake.

Just as I was about to leave, Ranma stopped me. "Would you like to train?" I stared at him in shock for a moment. The opportunity to train under Ranma Saotome? An honor beyond anything I could imagine. In a way it would be like indirectly training under Cologne, or training with my parents. I could only nod my head in response. He nodded and told me to come back to the dojo in the morning after he finished with his old man by the pond.

-=-

And that was how it began. Once again I was trying to learn the Art. But this time I had more invested in the experience. Ranma proved to be a hard but excellent teacher. He would drill me till I dropped, but he would make sure that he never overextended me. He seemed to have a knack for knowing just what level I was at and how best to take me to the next one. In the few short weeks we trained together I learned more than I had in the past several years. Even Tome was shocked at my performance in the next male tournament. She didn't ask where I learned, she assumed Soap was coaching me in our dojo.

Things might have gone this way indefinitely. So far Genma was the only other martial artist besides Ranma to make use of the pond and dojo, but they seemed confident others would appear. I thought my life was pretty settled. Our child was due in a couple months and Soap looked radiant. She took every opportunity to sit with me by the pond. She said she could see shadows, but so far they hadn't resolved into Ranma and Genma. It was only a matter of time.

Then the unexpected happened. I heard the voice again. "Ease her pain." That was all. No accompanying vision this time. Just that short message. Ease her pain?! Ease who's pain? The girl Ranma? Akane? The list of women where Ranma Saotome was concerned was near to endless. I shook my head wondering if further enlightenment was forthcoming. But none did.

I spent several days like this mulling over the idea that there was a woman out there somewhere that I had to help. I was having a hard enough time helping my wife. I felt that the voice might have been mistaken. So lost in thought was I that I almost missed the new visitor. It was only the sunlight glinting off a bamboo umbrella that triggered my attention. Ryouga Hibiki. The lost boy himself had found his way here. Perhaps that was why no one new had shown up. If they were waiting on him, it could have taken eternity.

"Ranma! Prepare to DIE! Or, well, prepare to be beaten within an inch of your afterlife?! Oh jeeze just put up your dukes ok?"

Ranma was rolling on the ground with laughter at Ryouga's attempts at a challenge. "Oh pig-boy! It is so good to see you. I missed you man." And with that the two martial artists went at it. If I thought Ranma and Genma had been amazing to watch this was spectacular. It became readily apparent that the two men lived to take each other on. Neither would give an inch and for the moment they seemed to be fighting to a standstill. Then at some unseen signal they jumped back and started forming spheres of ki. They looked each other over and proceeded to maintain their respective energy balls.

Finally Ranma spoke. "Well P-chan, whaddaya say? Should we go for broke here or live and let live?" That condescending smirk was back on his face.

Ryouga merely chuckled and replied, "Whatever Ranma, you know I could wipe the floor with you any day." And with that he let his ki attack go, but instead of shooting it at Ranma, he simply dissipated it off into the air. Ranma smiled, released his in a similar manner and walked over to the lost boy.

"Damn it's good to see ya Ryouga." I left as the two of them started to talk quietly amongst themselves.

It had been a week since I had received the command to ease her pain and I was no closer to knowing whose pain to ease. It was frustrating really. I thought I'd never figure it out. If not for Soap's little reassurances and kisses I might have gone insane. We were at the monthly conclave of Elders when I figured it out. There was a picture of Shampoo in the hall. It was old and somewhat faded. It had been taken when she was younger and the background scenery was a cityscape. Nerima. It had been taken by Nabiki Tendo. As I looked at that picture I knew just who it was that I needed to find. Now, how to locate her? And was I prepared to leave the village in order to find her?

-=-

I had gone to the village library to dig up some of the records and photos from my parent's journey to Nerima. I knew there would be little after the Jusendou incident, but there would be something. Nabiki Tendo . . . I had to locate Nabiki Tendo. Well, I'm pretty sure she was still a Tendo at any rate. When I finally found what I was looking for I was surprised. Apparently Nabiki had kept in touch with my folks on and off over the years. Not regularly by any means, but it seemed that once tempers had cooled the Tendo's had become interested in Ranma's whereabouts. I was lucky that all records are kept regardless of their nature and that they become village property upon death. Of course, it made it a nightmare to find anything, but if there was something, you could be sure it was here.

I pulled out a bundle of old letters and another bundle of photographs. It seems Nabiki became quite the photographer later in life. As I read through some of the old correspondence it became obvious that Nabiki was once in pain. She had felt terrible about the way Ranma had been treated. She had always hoped to find him and set things right, but never got the chance. Eventually she had been able to put the past behind her and get on with her life. She had become a professional photographer. And apparently a quite well known one. In one of her letters she had included a flyer from an art gallery that was hosting her first show. A later letter included a clipping mentioning her and an award. There were letters including chit chat, congratulations on the birth of my brother and I and other miscellany. Then there was something different. A letter talking about how Nabiki had once been in line to inherit the dojo. How she had nearly been the martial artist in the family and occasionally she wished it had been her instead of Akane. Then maybe Jusendou would have never happened. One quote stuck out in my mind -
"I remember watching my sister and Ranma sparring once. It was a
truly beautiful thing to see. Oh sure, Ranma teased Akane to no end -
she was too slow, too clumsy, too something. But the power and grace
that he exhibited reminded me of when I had been learning. I had been
just as graceful once. While Akane had been much more focused than
I when it came to the Art, a small part of me wished I had never given it
up. But mother's death affected us all in strange ways, just as Akane's
did as well. But the Art . . . my love for it never really disappeared, it just
hid."
Wow. I knew what she meant though. Love for the Art is indeed something that never truly goes away. The last letter mentioned an address that would have to serve as my first lead. If I was going after her that is.

Japan. So far away for one who has never left. But something inside me urged me on. I knew I had to see this thing through. It may be the only way I would get to see my father again. I looked at the photos. Some were from the distant past, others more recent. The last one I came across was a picture of Nabiki herself. Her hair had gone gray and there were lines creasing her features. Some looked to be from sadness, others from brief moments of joy. Yes, I had to find her.

"Soap"

"Yes husband?" She murmured, not quite asleep.

It always amazed me how from her lips that word never carried the sting I felt when other women in the village inflicted it on their spouses. "I have to leave."

"And where are you going?"

"I must find Nabiki Tendo and ease her pain."

"What pain is she in?"

"I'm not entirely certain, but I think it has something to do with Ranma and the events surrounding Akane's death."

"Will you be gone long?"

"Oh blossom, I certainly hope not. I promise to make it back in time for our child's birth."

"Then you better leave soon. Promise me you'll miss me."

"I promise." Then, starting with a deep kiss and great care for the life within her, we sealed that promise.

-=-

I was once again watching Ranma spar with his father. Last night seemed like a dream, but compared to the reality of my impending trip this afternoon, it was a safe haven, a moment of bliss. Ranma seemed to sense I had something important to say and so he quickly dunked the old man with a quick punch, counterpunch attack.

"You got somethin' on your mind Ping?"

"I have to leave for a time." I was unsure whether or not I should mention Nabiki. Not that he would forbid me from going, but perhaps he wouldn't be here when I returned.

Ranma leveled a gaze at me for a moment, once again sizing me up before nodding. "Ok. Just don't slack off on your training or I'll work you into the ground when you get back."

I grinned and promised. As I left he softly added, "I hope you find her."

-=-

The ocean is an amazing thing. I had never seen it. Compared to the mountains, which I consider one of the most beautiful things on Earth, it took my breath away. All that water. The obvious power contained in the ebbing and flowing of the waves. It immediately spoke to my soul. I couldn't believe I was going to cross it. I had heard that Ranma and his father had once crossed the sea by swimming. While the monetary cost of that route was appealing I was certainly in no shape to try it. Instead I was going to sail. I had located a small fishing vessel that had agreed to take me on in exchange for work. I wasn't prepared for it either. While no stranger to hard work, the added element of the ocean kept me constantly just off balance. The other crew members occasionally snickered but my determination eventually won them over enough that they shared little tips with me.

Upon landing in another small village, I made arrangements to stay overnight. Tomorrow I would head to the town mentioned in the letter and see if I could find Nabiki Tendo. Despite the deep bone tiredness I felt, sleep was long in coming. I missed my wife. I was anxious to find Nabiki. And a thousand other things.

Nakoi turned out to be a village smaller than my own. It seemed to be centered around a hot spring resort. I took a room at the inn near the spring and then asked if Nabiki Tendo still lived in the area. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that she did. After receiving some directions, I went back to my room to think about how best to approach her. What did I have to offer? Would she believe me if I told her Ranma Saotome was sparring with Genma and Ryouga in the dojo I had built back in Joketsuzoku? Would that information cause her to come with me? I needed something to catch her attention with. My eye just happened to land on a local paper. It mentioned that there was a martial arts expo going on at the local dojo tonight. It seemed some famous sensei was visiting and the hall had been opened to the public. That was it. It was perfect.

I rubbed my hands on my pants after knocking. My palms were sweating like nobody's business. I hoped she was home. I hoped she would let me in. I hoped - and then the door opened. The first thing I noticed was that she looked exactly the same as the picture I had seen. Just a little more worn. The lines had deepened around her eyes and mouth. But one thing the picture hadn't captured was the intensity and twinkle of her eyes. They were so alive. She looked puzzled for a moment before asking, "Do I know you?"

I stuttered for a moment before screwing my courage together. "Tendo-san, My name is Ping. I am the son of Mousse and Shampoo and I need to speak with you." I was glad my Japanese had not chosen to desert me.

Nabiki looked surprised before motioning me in. "And to what do I owe this visit? I was under the impression that your parents had passed on some time ago."

"They have. I have an offer for you." I couldn't tell her straight out about Ranma and the dojo. I wasn't sure why. I opted simply to invite her to the match tonight. "There's a martial arts tournament tonight and I need you to go with me."

"A martial arts tournament? I need to go with you? Whatever for?"

Sighing, I decided to try to explain a little bit. "I'm supposed to ease your pain."

"You're supposed to ease my pain? At a martial arts tournament? You don't expect to enter me in it or anything do you?" There was the faintest hint of a smirk in her look.

I tried to contain a smile before replying, "Oh no, nothing like that. I just want to take you to the match. That's all. Please?"

"I don't think so. I don't go out much and a martial arts match? Well, that's certainly not something I'd go for. If you're who you say you are, you may think you know a few things about my past, but to come in here like you have and just expect me to follow . . ." Again a hint of a smirk, but open iron in her gaze as well.

I was at a loss. I had to get her to the match. I was sure of it. "Please Tendo-san. I wish you no harm and certainly no pain. I read a letter you once sent to my parents and in it you spoke of how beautiful you found the Art. You even said you wished it had been you in line to inherit the dojo. Just come with me tonight."

The slight smile disappeared. "Look Ping or whatever your name is. I never sent any sort of letter to your parents saying anything remotely similar to what you just said. I haven't even thought of anyone from that time for ages. I'm glad you're trying to 'ease my pain' but bringing up those times certainly isn't the way to go about it. I happen to enjoy the solitude I find myself in. I take a few pictures, I read, I sleep. Now if you'll excuse me . . ." She motioned towards the entrance way.

I was down to my last trick. I adopted the ready stance Ranma had taught me (I was aware it didn't look like a stance - but Nabiki might recognize it) and tried to be as threatening as possible. "I am sorry to inconvenience you Tendo-san. But I'm afraid you absolutely must come with me tonight. If you will not come one way . . ." And with that I brought my arms up.

Nabiki took one look at me and laughed. Definitely not the reaction I was going for. "Oh Ping! You are so far away from pulling that stance off! Hee hee. Sure I'll go with the big bad martial artist. Are you sure you can handle me?" More laughter. I couldn't bring myself to join in.

-=-

The dojo wasn't terribly crowded and all the doors had been opened allowing a nice breeze. Early fall was a wonderful time. Nabiki sat next to me with that slight smirk on her face again. I had tried to regain some of my dignity, but to no avail. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No thank you. I'm fine."

I couldn't think of anything else to say. I was seriously wondering if I had the right person. Her denial of the letter had deeply affected me. Maybe it wasn't her that was in pain. Maybe this trip had been for nothing. I looked at the program I had picked up and began to doodle some stray lines.

Soon enough the match began and the rest of the world and my doubts faded. I lost myself in the display before me. The visiting sensei was performing a set series of forms that got progressively more difficult. The students he was up against knew the forms and thus had an advantage, but he was still able to defeat each in turn. I was so engrossed that I failed to notice Nabiki losing herself in the match as well.

"Go the distance."

I looked around quickly. The voice again. Maybe it was Nabiki I was supposed to find after all! Surely she had heard it as well. "Did you hear something?"

Nabiki looked puzzled before replying, "No, nothing. Why what was I supposed to hear?"

I looked down frustrated at this turn of events. Only then did I notice that I hadn't been mindlessly doodling at all. The lines had spelled out a name. Ono Tofu. Now why did that name ring a bell? Turning to Nabiki as I covered up my program I said, "I guess nothing. I'm sorry I dragged you out here for nothing. We can leave now." As a match had just finished I stood up and helped Nabiki stand. We made our way out into the cool evening. The leaves were starting to turn and the sky was gorgeous. I wished Soap were here to see it.

""I apologize again Tendo-san. I seem to have wasted your time after all. Allow me to escort you home. Then I shall leave you alone. Are you sure you didn't hear anything?" I felt the need to check one last time.

"No Ping. I'm sure. Let's go." And that was that.

We walked in silence towards Nabiki's home. It wasn't the comfortable silence that old friends share. Or even an uncomfortable silence that comes from a fight. It just was. I was lost in thought as to where to go, what to do. I had no idea where this Tofu was or even just who he was exactly. Why did I have to go the distance? What did it mean? I had promised Soap that I would be back for the birth of our child. That was only a matter of weeks now. I had no idea what was running through Nabiki's mind and at the moment I couldn't bring myself to care.

As we reached her home I looked her over one last time. If nothing else I could tell Ranma about her. How she lived, how she sounded. I guess it was better than nothing. She stood in the doorway for a moment giving me a look. It was almost the same sort of appraisal I got from Ranma. Wonder if he picked it up from her? "Have a good night Tendo-san. May fortune smile on you."

Just as I turned to leave, Nabiki called out. "What do you want with Ono Tofu?"

Ono Tofu?! Now how had she known about that? I whirled to face her. "You did hear it didn't you?! The voice. You heard it!"

"Ping, I don't know what I heard. What did it mean 'Go the distance.'?"

"You . . . you heard it! I'm not crazy!"

Nabiki looked at me as if judgment was still out on that call, but her voice was kind when she responded. "Well, I don't know about that, but I still want to know what it means."

"It means we are going to find Ono Tofu. That's what it means."

"Hmm. I guess that means you and I are headed for Nerima."

Nerima. I was going to Nerima with Nabiki Tendo. We had a lot to talk about.

-=-

As the train approached Nerima I wondered where to begin. It was becoming clearer that I needed to tell Nabiki about the dojo. I decided that after we had located Tofu, I would begin my story then. The weather was clear and breezy. A perfect day really. We got off at the Nerima stop and both of us paused to look around. For different reasons I am sure. Nabiki was probably remembering her past while I was simply in awe of the past. This was where my mother and father had spent a very interesting part of their lives. This was where the great Ranma Saotome finally discovered a home, only to lose it. My heart ached for pain he must have felt. I knew how much home meant to me. I longed to talk to Soap and tell her where I was and the things I was seeing.

Soon Nabiki headed off in a direction that I'm sure wasn't random. I followed quickly, catching up. "So Nabiki, how long will it take us to find Tofu-sensei?"

"Oh not long at all Ping. In fact we're nearly there now. It's only just ahead."

Hmm. I knew Tofu had had a practice in Nerima at one point. I didn't realize he'd come back. Actually I was surprised that he was still around at all considering Nabiki's age. But then Cologne had lived to be very old indeed and she had had some respect for the doctor if I recalled correctly. I whistled a walking tune as we progressed under the autumn sun. It really was wonderful. Soon Nabiki turned into a gate. We had come to a cemetery. Maybe Nabiki wanted to see Akane before arriving at the doctor's? She weaved through aisle after aisle of stones before turning down one. The stone she stopped in front of caught my breath.

Ono Tofu.

He was dead. Ono Tofu was dead. Now how on Earth was I supposed to deal with that? Part of my brain registered the fact that he was buried next to his wife Kasumi. Tendo most likely, that part of my brain mentioned. The rest of me was screaming. Weeping. Anything at all. I couldn't believe he was dead. This was most definitely not how things were supposed to go.

"You look a little pale there son. Didn't you know he was dead?" There was no trace of sarcasm in Nabiki's voice. I think she honestly thought I knew. I managed to shake my head as I bonelessly fell to the ground.

"I thought you were coming to see your sister before we went to see him."

"Oh. No, she's here. But Tofu has been dead for many years. Since you were a teenager I expect. I thought you knew. That's why I thought your message was so strange. Or simple really. It wasn't much of a distance to travel at all really. Is there something you're not telling me?"

I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. I simply shook my head again and pushed my glasses up on my head. Finally, after a long, long moment had passed I looked up at Nabiki. The smirk was gone. In its place was concern. I almost smiled. "Tendo-san. Could you show me your sister's grave? I think it's time we had a talk."

We walked a little more and came to a plot taken up by the Tendo family. I saw Tendo Soun's marker as well as his wife's. There was Akane's and an unexpected surprise. Ranma's name was on a stone next to Akane's. I looked up, a puzzled expression on my face.

Nabiki merely smiled and said, "It was the last thing I was able to do for him. I found out that he had died and had his body brought here. I think we owed it to him. I wish I had found him sooner. There were too many things left unsaid, unfinished." She whispered the last bit a tear threatening to course down her face. I held my thoughts for a moment before I felt the need to ask her something.

"Nabiki-san. What would you do if you saw him again?"

"Oh Ping" she said a slight catch in her voice, "I would tell him I was sorry. We all were. We hurt him so deeply. We all knew he loved Akane. He loved her so much. It was so heartbreaking that they never had a moment to express it. And then that awful, awful trip to China." Her eyes hardened as she thought about Jusendou. "I would tell him I was sorry." Again the whisper and this time the tear did make its way down her gentle face.

"Nabiki. I have something to tell you. Something wonderful." And so I began.

-=-

We were sitting in a tea house. Looking into our respective cups. Nabiki raised her cup to eye level, looked across it at me and spoke softly. "You heard a voice telling you that if you built a dojo and a koi pond that Ranma Saotome would come. You built them and he did come. As did his father and Ryouga. And then this same voice told you to ease my pain. And then just last night it told both of us to go the distance and find Ono Tofu? Am I correct in this assessment?"

"Yes Nabiki-san. That is correct." I returned her gaze, my eyes steady.

She let out a big breath and regarded me with an open gaze. "I saw a lot of weird things while Ranma was with us. But this, this practically takes the cake. You realize that I'm going to go to China with you once we settle things here don't you?"

I smiled. "Yes Nabiki-san, I suspected as much. I think Ranma was hoping you would come as well."

"Call me Nabiki ok? How is he anyway? How does he look?"

"He looks like a martial artist in his prime. I would think he's no older than twenty or so."

"Wow."

"So what do we do now?"

"Well, there must be some reason we are to find Tofu. It's just a matter of figuring out exactly what that reason is. Maybe we should do what you did with me. Head to a library. Maybe there's something there."

And so we found ourselves the next day at Tokyo library. We had settled down at two microfiche machines that were next to each other. She was looking for things from what would be his early life, I settled for post-Ranma. Hours passed with one or the other of us getting up to change reels or stretch or use the facilities. For the most part it felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. With Nabiki I had gotten lucky, I suspected the main tie and happened across the martial arts connection. For Tofu I was at a loss. Nabiki had mentioned that Tofu had once practiced the Art religiously, but then settled into the routine of a doctor. And after the wedding, his life grew even more peaceful. Of course his wife may have had a hand in that.

Suddenly Nabiki looked at me and then back at her machine. She waved a hand at me motioning me to take a look at the screen. It was an old news clipping announcing another martial arts tournament. It was a listing of the results. Ono Tofu's name was on the list, but it looked like he had only participated in one match. Now that was odd. It had been declared a draw, but Tofu had not been able to continue due to an injury received. Maybe this was the clue we needed. Shortly after that I ran across his obituary. It contained another clue. It spoke of how he loved being a doctor and serving the community, but it also carried an odd reference to his love for the Art and a wish that he could have taken that path also. The piece had been written by someone I hadn't heard of, but Nabiki recognized the name and said she might even know where to find him. So we were off again.

-=-

The first thing I noticed was the smell. Old socks. Or something equally musty. And ginger. Talk about your odd mixtures. The face that greeted us from behind a counter could best be described as owlish. I had no idea how this person had a connection with Tofu, especially one close enough that the doctor had told him about long forgotten parts of his life. But sometimes truth is indeed stranger than fiction. I only hope that now we could learn something of use.

"Nabiki Tendo! Long time no see. What brings you down offa your mountain and here to your old stomping grounds?" His voice was gravelly, somehow managing to match the scent of the room in its invasive nature if nothing else.

"Hey Gos. We come looking for a ghost. Well, sort of. I need you to tell us about Tofu-sensei."

A light entered Gos's eyes at the name. Obviously they had shared some sort of connection. "Tofu. Now there's a name I haven't heard in, oh let's see, years I guess. A kinder soul wasn't to be found. Why he used to help anybody who needed it. Of course in the early days if Kasumi happened by he'd put your life in danger as well. Heh heh. But still, a noble soul to be sure. You looking for any info in specific or just wantin to pass a few hours?"

"Ping?"

"Um, you wouldn't know any stories about Tofu-sensei and martial arts would you?"

Gos leveled a flat look at me before breaking into a smile. "If Nabiki wasn't here I'd be a little more curious about your intentions, but what the hell."

"Old Doc used to be a respectable martial artist in his day. Had this gift that allowed him to sneak up on just about anybody. He'd practice day in and day out. Real dedicated he was. Got his big break in this one tournament he'd been signed up for but didn't get much of a chance to compete. Got hurt his first match. The doc that patched him up was the guy that sparked his interest in healing. From that point on the two of them became inseparable. Till Ono himself became a doctor. A damn fine one too. Sure patched me up good." Gos pulled a part of his shirt aside and showed a nasty looking scar that should have left him dead from the size of it.

"He once said late in life that he wondered where that young boy had gone. What sorts of things would he have done. I think the arrival of Ranma Saotome and some of his friends and rivals sparked some of the old desires. It wasn't long after he showed up that the doc took off. After Akane's death he came back to see how everyone was holding up. Wasn't long after that that he and Kasumi got hitched. He seemed to have lost that nervous disposition around her. Although I could tell you some stories about their honeymoon . . ."

"Don't even think of it Gos." Nabiki chimed in. "I think we'll let those ghosts lie."

"Ah Nabs, you have no sense of adventure." He cast another glance my way before resuming. "Anyway, between all the martial artists he helped and that period of time when he was young I guess you could say he had a bit of a sense of what if. Not that he regretted his life. Kasumi was always something special to him and he treated his patients as if they were family. Regardless of whether they could pay or not, if they needed help he was there."

Nabiki looked off into space a bit before nodding and looking my way. "Thanks for the info Gos. We'll be seeing you. Take care ok?"

"Sure thing. Don't be a stranger Tendo."

As Nabiki and I left I thought about my own past and wondered if there was anything I had like that. An answer wasn't long in coming. I suspect that's why I was here. The chance to put things right with my own father was pretty strong. I could still remember the fight we'd had that ended in me moving out on my own.

"Yo Ping! Earth to Ping. You in there?"

"Sorry Nabiki-sa . . . I mean Nabiki. Hearing about Tofu-sensei was reminding me of my father and some of my own what ifs."

"You want to talk about it?"

"Sure." And so we found a comfortable little cafe and ordered some tea.

-=-

"I truly respected both my father and my mother, but I wasn't much like them. Pong was always the one who progressed in the Art. I simply learned the philosophy. I loved watching my parents or even Mom or Dad and Pong sparring. I listened to every story they had. The stories they told of this place and your family and Ranma were better than any fairy story.

"But I got older and my eyesight started going the same way Dad's did and I started to resent it. Plus I just couldn't do some of the things they asked of me. They used to leave the village on occasion, just the two of them to get away for a bit. I never understood it. I loved the village. I knew they had had some fond memories of Nerima and all, but well, home was home. Besides, I was your typical teenager.

"Well one day Dad and I got into this colossal fight. Sadly, I don't even remember what started it it was that trivial. But I sure remember the ending. It had turned into a nasty fight about the Art. I started yelling about this and that and then ended by saying I couldn't respect some blind fool who considered a washed out transvestite as one of the greatest practitioners of the Art. I was leaving. And I did. Never went back either. And he died before I could take it back. Mom went soon after." By this time I was wiping a bit at my eyes and Nabiki had taken my hand in hers. I looked up, a crooked grin on my face, "Well, that's my ulterior motive I guess. I knew Dad respected Ranma. I knew none of what I'd said was true. And the chance to bring his hero back was overwhelming. And then the possibility that Dad . . ." I couldn't finish.

Nabiki simply nodded her head. "I know what you mean Ping. I think there are a lot of ghosts I'd like to see at rest myself." We sat in silence for several long seconds before she picked up again. "So what about Tofu? Why do you think he's important to this?"

"Well, this whole thing seems to be about the power of the Art. Maybe Tofu's what ifs are powerful enough to call him back." And with that we found a place to settle for the night.

-=-

I couldn't sleep. The conversation Nabiki and I had had, the strange request of the voice to go the distance, and the half empty bed kept me awake. I got up and looked out the window. It was a clear star lit night. There was no moon and a gentle breeze seemed to be stirring the trees. I needed to get out. I needed to walk for a bit. Maybe check out the area where Tofu-sensei had had his practice. I grabbed a light jacket and headed out into the night.

It was peaceful. Of course at three A.M. it's hard for it not to be. But there was a certain something in the air that seemed to beckon me on. I wasn't familiar with the area and I had no idea where Tofu's old clinic had been located, but I decided I'd walk a bit and see what I could see.

It wasn't long before I sensed something strange about the area. Things seemed to be a little off. I glanced at a newspaper dispenser and noticed that the date was wrong. It was a couple decades earlier. At that moment, just as I looked up, I caught glimpse of Doctor Tofu. He was a little older than the picture I had seen of him, which had been of his later years, but I still recognized him. And the skeleton he carried around. I hurried over to him before he disappeared out of sight.

"Tofu-sensei?"

He turned to regard me. "Yes? Do you need something?"

I smiled, unsure what was going on but running with it. "Well, not exactly, but I might be able to help you. Mind if I talk with you for a bit?"

"Not at all." He smiled and pointed out a direction that we started following. "I couldn't sleep and didn't want to wake my wife. Besides nights like these were made for enjoying." I nodded and we continued down the street.

We arrived at his clinic and entered. He placed a pot of water on a small burner to boil and offered me some tea. I agreed and took the seat he gestured to.

"Now what's a young man like yourself doing out keeping company with a restless old man?"

"Were you ever a martial artist?"

He looked at me, puzzled for a moment. "Well, yes. But that was a long time ago. Why would you want to know about that?"

"I once read that you had been in a tournament, but only got to fight one bout that ended in a draw and you couldn't go on because you were injured."

A small look of pain crossed his face and I almost regretted the comment, but I had to know. Had to know if he really did wonder about life on a different path. "I was in that tournament. Hurt my leg. Couldn't stand properly. But that's water so long under the bridge that it's a new river. Why would you want to talk to me about that?" He poured tea into two small cups and handed me one.

"Well, I had heard you once wanted to be a great martial artist and then changed your mind and went into medicine. What would you do if you could have one wish, would you go back?"

A look that was neither a yes nor a no crossed his face before he answered. "I always wanted to fight against one of the greats. I used to know a boy named Ranma Saotome. He was amazing when it came to the Art. He could pick up even the most difficult of techniques in a matter of days. I always wondered what it would have been like to have been a bit younger and trained with him. Fought with him."

"What would you have done?"

"I would have looked him in the eye. Winked at him as if I knew something he didn't. Get under his skin a bit. Then I would have done my best to keep up with him." The smile was real this time. "And who are you asking me these questions? Someone I run into late at night that seems more interested in the past. Are you the kind of person that can grant this wish?"

I looked at him, trying to project as much honesty as I possibly could. "Maybe. Just maybe I am."

He looked down at his cup, thinking, and then looked back up at me. "Well now. This is very interesting, but it is getting late. I really don't want Kasumi to worry about me. She might think I've taken a lady friend. Wishes are just those and while I think you might just be able to grant one, I'm very happy here. I have a wife that loves me. Children that may not be my own, but feel just like it. They need me and love me. Thank you for keeping an old man company, but it's time to go."

-=-

"And then we got up and I walked one way and he walked another." I looked over at Nabiki wondering what she thought of my late night encounter.

A slight frown creased her brow before she turned her gaze to me. "Well Ping, what should we do now? It appears we were wrong about the good doctor. Maybe his what if wasn't strong enough after all."

"I don't know Nabiki. But I was sure it was him. I was sure he'd come with us. I guess I better head home. I promised Soap I'd be back before our child was born. It took me a long time to get here and if I don't leave now I won't be back in time. I'll be pushing things a bit as it is. What are you going to do?" She had said she was coming with me, but I felt the need to make sure.

"Oh, I'm coming with you. And don't worry about the time. I'm too old to wander through mainland China. I'll make sure we get there comfortably. Money is not a problem."

"Nabiki! I couldn't possibly ask you to pay my way."

"Oh stop. It's certainly not a problem. I may once have been pretty tightfisted, but I'm old now and there's no possible way I can spend all I've made. Besides, for the opportunity to see this dojo of yours I'd give anything you asked."

And so we got ready to leave. We stopped by her home one last time to pick up a few things and then we headed for the airport. As we were driving to the airport we came across a young man with dark hair and round glasses, hitching a ride. Needing all the luck we could get, we decided to pull over and offer the young man a ride.

As he got in he announced that he was training to be a great martial artist. We looked at each other and explained we were on our way to China to a dojo that happened to have a great martial artist that was training a few people. "China? Wow. I hear they have styles there that no one has ever seen. You mind if I tag along?" We shook our heads and once at the airport arranged for another seat. Just as we were getting ready to take off we gave him our names and asked him his. "Tofu. Ono Tofu" he replied with a wide grin.

-=-

It was a rather strange trio that walked towards Joketsuzoku I thought. A villager that most thought had gone crazy, an old woman with the thinnest of ties to us and a young man bursting with energy. I paid us very little attention though. I was a little more worried about my wife. I hoped she hadn't given birth yet. I hoped she was ok. As we walked up to the village entrance I gave the sentries the proper greeting and said those with me were my honored guests. Despite the fact that I was male, this would give them free passage into and out of the village. They wouldn't be allowed to wander around, but I think I had something that might keep them occupied.

As we neared my home I began to jog slightly. Casting a glance at those with me Nabiki waved me forward understanding my hurry. I burst into our front room and saw that Soap was sitting comfortably, still very pregnant. The smile she gave me melted my heart. Only then did I notice who was with her. It was still like looking in a mirror.

"PONG! What are you doing here?" I asked as I wrapped my arms around my wife.

He smiled and simply nodded as I then turned to usher in the guests I brought with me. "Soap, Pong, this is Nabiki Tendo and Ono Tofu." They each bowed slightly as I said their names. Soap turned to them and gave them another brilliant smile.

"Tendo-san, Tofu welcome to Joketsuzoku. Please make yourselves comfortable. Forgive me for not getting up." She gestured at her bulging stomach at that last comment.

Nabiki smiled just as brilliantly and replied, "Do not worry about it Soap. I know all about your delicate condition. Your husband has kept me well informed of his lovely wife and his joy at being a father." I did not realize Nabiki knew Chinese, especially our dialect. I thought maybe mother and father had a hand in that, but I was not surprised. Tofu simply smiled and mumbled a hello before looking around. Probably curious about the dojo. I wished to show it to both of them, but the appearance of my brother was a bit more puzzling.

Pong smiled at me again and spoke. "Soap almost didn't notice I wasn't you. But don't worry. I explained immediately. I don't know what it was, but something just told me to come and see you. I'm glad I came. Soap says you have a dojo. Mind if I take a look?"

"Not at all. I was just about to take Nabiki and Tofu there as well. Come on." I gave my wife another hug asked if she was coming and then helped her to her feet. She whispered in my ear that she could now see Ranma and his father and Ryouga and the others that had shown up as well. She shook her head at my questioning glance that she knew was an inquiry about my parents. We walked hand in hand with the others following close behind.

Nabiki gasped as she saw the pond and dojo. "They're just like the ones at my old home. Ping this is amazing!" We walked silently to the dojo. It seemed Ranma wasn't here at the moment, but I felt that he would show before long.

I motioned to Tofu. "How would you like to spar a bit? The sensei promised to work me into the ground if I didn't keep up with my training."

He nodded and walked to a position facing me. We regarded each other for a moment before launching an attack. For moments we traded blows sizing each other up, testing defenses and weak spots. It was actually a pretty even match which didn't do wonders for my spirits, but I had no idea how long Tofu had been training. If his history was to be believed, it was probably quite a while.

I had just landed on my butt due to an excellent throw by Tofu when a voice rang out in the dojo. "Ping, that better be your brother on his butt or I really am going to give you a workout you won't recover from."

We all looked towards the sound of the voice, but I was probably the only one that cringed. "Sorry Saotome-sensei. It is me."

Ranma shook his head and sighed mightily before looking at the others gathered in the dojo. "Nabiki. You made it. I'm glad." Nabiki could only look on in what was either wonder or shock. Soap smiled and Pong just scratched the back of his head obviously wondering what we were all looking at. Tofu helped me up before going over to Ranma.

"Are you the sensei?"

Ranma gave Tofu an appraising glance. "You Tofu?" A nod. "We've been expecting you. Glad to see you're already doing well." A scathing glance my direction. "Head on out to the pond, the others are waiting. I'll be a moment." Tofu took off in the indicated direction while I glanced over at my wife and brother and motioned for them to follow me. I suspected Nabiki and Ranma were going to talk for a bit and I wanted to give them a moment.

As the three of us were getting ready to go, Ranma called to me to stay. I looked at Soap and Pong and she nodded and grasped Pong by the arm. They headed to the house. I turned to go back in.

"Ranma is it really you?" Nabiki still looked like she didn't know what to make of things. "Ping, you were right. You really were right. Ranma is here."

I smiled and nodded. "Yes Nabiki."

Ranma grinned at Nabiki. "What? After all you saw when I was alive this surprises you? I thought you were made of stronger stuff than that!"

"Oh Ranma. I'm so sorry! We all were. Why didn't you ever come back? Why?!"

"Shh. Nabiki it's all right." Ranma went over to her and gave her a hug. "It wasn't meant to be. But now. Now things are finally falling into place. I'm a little surprised at the location. I'd suspect Cologne if she were still around. But she's actually here with us. The Kunos wanted to come, but we told them both to take a hike!" His grin was back and even Nabiki smiled.

"Is Akane here too?"

Ranma frowned temporarily. "Not yet. But . . . well . . ." And he said no more. Instead he turned to me.

"Ping. I think it's time we saw that Hidden Weapons expert of yours. Why don't you both come back tomorrow. I think there's a tournament scheduled." And with that he walked out of the dojo. Nabiki turned to me a look of pure joy on her face.

"It's real. Oh Ping, it's really real."

I nodded and took her hand and we walked back to my home.

-=-

That night Soap and I stayed up talking for hours. I told her everything that happened on my trip. She told me of her pregnancy and how her family would stop by every couple days and curse my absence. She had tried as best she could to preserve my name, but between the dojo and my absence, well, I had never been much of a favorite anyway. I smiled as she held my hand over her stomach and allowed me to feel the kicking of our unborn child. What a magical thing that is. I wondered at how I had found the strength to leave. I vowed never to do so again. Or at least to take her with me.

I then asked about my brother and his arrival. Soap giggled at how at first she had thought it was me. "I was all prepared to jump into your arms when he says 'I'm Pong - not Ping!' I almost fell down it was so funny. He had this puzzled look on his face. Actually it hasn't really left. We talked about you and I and I asked about him. He's still been traveling all over fighting occasionally, working the odd job here and there as well.

"Then he says he felt this strange pull to come back to Joketsuzoku. He couldn't explain it, but he just felt like he needed to see you. I told him about the dojo and how Ranma Saotome had appeared along with some of the others. I explained you were looking for Nabiki Tendo and would soon return. He went out to the dojo every morning, but never did see anybody. I went a couple times and would let him know that they were there, but it might take time before he saw anything. It's a good thing that he's here isn't it?"

I thought about that for a moment. "Yes blossom, I think it is." She then snuggled up to me and fell asleep. I stayed awake for a while and thought about all the things that were happening. And tomorrow there would be a tournament. Eventually sleep overtook me, although it was dreamless.

In the morning, I got up and found my brother waiting for me at the table. "So Ping, what's happening here?"

"I'm not sure Pong, but I think Mom and Dad may be here today. In the dojo."

He gave me an unbelieving look. "How? How is such a thing possible?"

"I'm not sure, but I know it has something to do with the Art."

"The Art? I didn't even think you practiced any more. From the looks of your sparring match you still don't practice." There was a sly humor in that last barb, so I didn't take much offense.

"Well, I picked it up again. It has been some time hasn't it?"

Pong merely smiled and nodded. "Feel like sparring with me? For old time's sake?"

I nodded and we headed out to the dojo.

"You really did do a good job on this place. How did you know how to build it? The Tendo woman seemed quite impressed."

I thought about the voice and the vision I saw of the place. It seemed so long ago, and I suppose in some ways it was. I was almost a father and that made time do some funny things. Especially while I was gone. "I saw it in my head. The whole place, pond and all. From there it was just a matter of making it real."

"And Ranma? How did you make him real?"

"I don't know Pong, I don't know."

And with that we squared off and began to spar. It wasn't a long match. Pong didn't believe in holding back. I was on my back almost before I could blink. A hand helped me up. The second match lasted a little longer and I managed to get a good blow or two in. Of course I still had to be helped up.

"I can see you have been practicing. You're much better than when I left." That humor was back in his voice and I knew it had been a compliment, but it still hurt a little.

"One day Pong, one day I really will beat you."

We headed back to the house to clean up. I found Nabiki and Soap quietly talking. I went over and kissed my wife while she wrinkled her nose at me.

"You need a bath. Go clean up and then kiss me again."

"Yes wife, O head of my home." I intoned in my best impersonation of Robe. She giggled and pushed me in the direction of the bathroom.

After cleaning off, Pong and I came out. I kissed my wife again and the four of us sat round the table in silence. It wasn't uncomfortable. But I doubt any of us really knew what to say. Finally I broke the silence. "Well, maybe we better go see this tournament." And with that the four of us headed for the dojo.

-=-

Sunlight glinted off the pond and a slight breeze stirred the branches of the cherry tree. We all gazed into the depths of the pond for a brief moment before we headed into the dojo. We sat along the perimeter of one side patiently wondering what would happen. For a brief moment no one spoke and no sound was heard. Then there were voices and a line of figures entered the dojo.

Ranma was in the lead and he smiled over at us briefly before returning his concentration to something else. Behind him came Genma and Ryouga. Cologne pogoed into the hall followed by a girl with a large spatula strapped to her back. Nabiki whispered the name "Ukyou". Then came Mousse and Shampoo. It was a shock seeing them. They were much younger than I ever remembered them being. It also appeared that they were not yet married. I smiled as I thought back to some of the stories I had heard. The young Tofu was last.

Once everyone was inside Ranma looked over to Cologne and gestured to her. It became apparent that she, as the senior martial artist present, would act as moderator. The first match looked like it was going to be Ukyou against Genma. I wondered how the young girl would fare as I had seen Genma fighting against his son. They quickly bowed to Cologne and then to each other. For a swift moment they stared each other down before Ukyou leapt at her opponent, spatula raised above her head.

Genma dodged the blow and sent a counter punch her way. She twisted out of the way and settled into a defensive crouch. I was in awe. I had heard stories of these people. I had known they were supposed to be great martial artists, but to actually see it. I looked at our little group. Soap was clearly enjoying the fight, as was Nabiki. She seemed to be happy and slightly sad at the same time. Pong was looking confused. He was still trying to see what we all saw. Apparently the shades had not quite resolved themselves yet. But I could tell something was beginning to make it because he could tell where the action was. Perhaps he could see the blurs, much like when Genma first appeared. I hoped he could see them soon, then he too could see mother and father.

I leaned over to Soap and spoke softly to her. "They came. They both came!" She merely looked at me nodding, a soft smile on her features. Once again I looked back at the match. It appeared Ukyou had landed a telling blow and Ranma was snickering and yelling taunts at his father. Due to the injury he had received Genma soon took another hit and then Ukyou batted him across the room with her spatula. Cologne called an end to the match and declared her the victor.

Ryouga and Tofu were up next. I smiled and called out encouragement to the young boy. I hoped he would do well. As the two faced off I could see Tofu deliberately wink at Ryouga. Ryouga was shaken temporarily and Tofu was able to get a solid hit in. Of course Ryouga shook it off but Ranma gave the startled Ryouga a vicious teasing.

"But he winked at me! He winked."

"What's a matter pig-boy? You afraid he likes you or something? You get him Tofu!" And with that the match continued. It became apparent that Ryouga was the better martial artist, but Tofu was quite good in his own right. If not for Ryouga's high endurance and years, Tofu might well have won. It was apparent that he was enjoying himself despite the obvious skill differences. Eventually Ryouga ended a match with a throw that left Tofu gasping on his back. Ryouga helped him up and congratulated him on the match. The other martial artists also praised his efforts.

The next bout was between Mousse and Shampoo. I looked over to Pong and realized that he could see them. His eyes were as big as dinner plates, he looked over to me and tried to say something, but no words would come out. We turned our attention back to the match. Shampoo had her bon bori out and Mousse had his hands in his sleeves, a sure sign he was palming some sort of weapon.

After the initial formalities they simply looked at each other. Mousse had an enigmatic smile and Shampoo was looking at him as if trying to decide if he was worth her time. I chuckled inwardly as I tried to reconcile these two people with the people I knew as my parents. Then at some signal only they seemed to hear they launched at each other. Shampoo attempted a smashing blow to father's head only to find him elsewhere. He launched a series of feints with a pole he had materialized out of his robes.

Shampoo quickly snapped the pole in two and continued towards Mousse with a series of spinning kicks. He discarded the pole and leapt out of the way. I was surprised to see him fighting so well. I had heard he had a hard time fighting against mother but it appears this time he was almost as serious as the time he managed to make her his wife. As that thought entered my head a connection was made. This was that fight! They had often told us of that match and I recognized the moves from memory. Right now father was attacking mother with a length of chain. He would use it to disarm mother if memory served. I looked once more to Pong and realized that he had recognized the fight also. I nudged Soap and whispered our discovery. The smile on her face turned wistful as she recalled our own match.

Soon Shampoo was unarmed and at a loss. She kept looking at Mousse as if she had never seen him before. The other martial artists seemed similarly shocked. Except for Ranma. He was wearing a sad smile. Perhaps he had seen where the fight was leading as well. Possibly it reminded him of Akane. I wondered when she would appear. If she would appear. Despite the fact that she was unarmed Shampoo was still quite a fighter, but Mousse was holding her at bay. I remembered the series of moves that led to father's victory and realized he was luring Shampoo in, closer and closer. It was only a matter of time now.

Sure enough, Shampoo had allowed herself to be led close enough that Mousse had tangled her with a chain he had been palming. He then swept her feet from under her causing her to bang her head against the dojo's floor. Everyone gasped as Shampoo raised her head only to let it fall again. Cologne called the match and Mousse lifted Shampoo in his arms and stepped off to the side. It was so amazing to have seen that fight. I thanked whatever God had spoken to me, encouraging me to build this place, that I had been witness to these events. But how to approach them?

Ukyou and Ryouga fought with Ryouga coming out on top. Ranma then fought Ryouga and managed to squeeze out a small victory. I hadn't realized how close they were in skill. Finally everyone seemed satisfied and we headed out to the small pond. A fish leapt from the pond causing a small splash as we looked at each other. I realized now was not the time to approach Mousse and Shampoo, but vowed I soon would.

As we stepped away from the pond, Soap suddenly fell, screaming in pain. Something was wrong! It seemed the baby was coming, but there was definitely a problem. I looked around at Nabiki and Pong, but they seemed just as shocked as me. I wondered if I should carry her back to our home or leave her with the others and fetch help.

Then I heard a calm voice explaining everything was going to be ok. I looked up and saw the elderly Tofu leaning over us. He checked Soap's vital signs and explained that she was going into labor. Everything was going to be ok. It was only then that my brain caught up with reality and I realized he had aged. He was no longer the young martial artist. Glancing over at the pond I sensed what he had given up. "You can't go back can you? You can't go back!"

"It's ok. I knew what I was doing when I left. I told you once that I never would have traded my old life for a new one. I thank you for the wish, but now it's time to see to your wife. We stood up and Tofu glanced back at the martial artists by the pond. They all looked slightly sad and yet full of pride.

"You did good doc. You did real good. It was great seeing you and watching you give Bacon Breath a run for his money." Ranma said. The others nodded in turn at Doctor Tofu and then vanished into the pond. Ranma gave a final wave and then followed.

Tofu helped me to carry my wife home. Once there he set all of us running for the supplies he needed. He had me watch over Soap and sent Nabiki for some hot water and towels. Pong was told to gather the family, but to take his time. So he sat back, intent on waiting till the last moment. Then he helped Soap to deliver a healthy baby girl. Once everything was back under control and just before people came, he pulled me to the side and wished us well. "It's time I got back. Don't want Kasumi thinking I've got a lady friend. Thanks for everything. And with that he walked outside and vanished.

Just then Pong, Tome and Robe showed up. Robe looked puzzled and asked who that guy that seemed to vanish had been. I simply smiled and explained that that had been the doctor. I then took Tome by the arm, guided her to Soap and our daughter, handed her the baby and asked her to honor our family by naming our child.

With tears in her eyes, Tome looked at the three of us, held the small girl up and said, "By the laws of the Amazons I name this infant Blush. May she honor us all." I looked at my wife and held her close. For that small moment I loved even Tome. The rest of the night was spent in celebration.

-=-

The next couple days were pretty busy and we were unable to visit the dojo. But that didn't seem to matter as we marveled at the new life that had joined us. Nabiki seemed to love the small girl immensely and held her at every chance she got. It was early one morning when I was giving my wife a break and was taking care of Blush when Nabiki came up and asked if I was going to the dojo today. I nodded that I felt it was time. She looked at me and asked if I was going to introduce my daughter to her grandparents. I smiled and said I just might.

After looking in on Soap and explaining where we were going Nabiki walked to the dojo with me. We sat by the pond waiting and talking. It was a beautiful morning, promising a pleasant afternoon. It was just before it would get really cold and winter would make itself known. Just then a shadow appeared before us and Ranma piped up.

"So that's what's kept all of you away." There was a grin on his face and you could hear the humor. "She at least takes after her mother. Lucky girl." He punched my shoulder playfully and looked down at the wonder in my arms. "I think there are a couple people interested in seeing her." And with that he motioned to Nabiki and the two of them stood apart a bit and began talking as two more shadows joined us.

"Mousse, Shampoo, this is Blush - my daughter." They looked down at the tiny girl, love apparent in their eyes. I wondered if they knew who I was. I suspected not, but I couldn't quite bring myself to tell them outright yet. "I saw your match yesterday, you're both very good."

"Mousse surprised me very much yesterday. I may have to thump him solidly for holding back on me before."

"Shampoo . . ." There was a wistful quality to father's voice that I recognized from when he was alive. It had been reserved solely for his wife. Shampoo seemed to sense this and grasped his hand.

"Well, maybe not yet. After all . . ." She left the thought unfinished but there was little doubt as to her meaning. Once again our attention turned to the baby.

"Would you like to hold her Shampoo?" I could bear it no longer, I had to seize the moment before I woke up and found it all a dream.

"Oh yes Ping, very much." She took the tiny infant and I looked towards Mousse.

"Mousse, could I spar with you?"

He looked at me, a small smile on his face and nodded. The two of us headed to the dojo and took up stances opposite each other. We began sparring and I could barely keep in control of my actions. I had longed to do this in life, but had never been able to. I was somewhat sad at that, but this opportunity made things seem not so bad. Never so bad. The match went well and despite the fact that I knew he was holding back I enjoyed this time with my father. Once we finished I went up to him put my hand on his arm and said, "Thanks . . . Father. It's good to see you again." He pulled me close to him and time seemed to stop.

I looked up to see Shampoo, Ranma and Nabiki watching us. None of us had dry eyes. Shampoo handed Blush to Mousse and then hugged me also. Life was sweeter than anything I had ever experienced, with the possible exception of the day I married Soap. We stood like that for a time no one speaking, just enjoying the moment. Blush then started fussing a bit and I could tell she was hungry.

I explained that we would come back when we could and everyone nodded. Nabiki followed me back to the house. Soap could tell from the look on my face what had happened and cried with me as I told her of the moments I had spent with my parents. Pong too was glad that old wounds had started healing and promised to come with me next time.

I asked Nabiki if she was going to stay. She nodded and asked if it was ok. Soap and I reassured her that she could stay as long as she felt she needed to. The dojo wasn't just ours and anyone that felt a tie to it I felt deserved the opportunity to experience what they came for.

"Has your pain been eased?" I asked her.

"Not entirely, but a great amount of it yes. I still can't believe he's here some times. But it's been so good to talk to him and know that everything is ok."

I nodded. "Yes it is isn't it."

-=-

And so time passed. We spent the next several days between home and the dojo. Pong got to spend time with mother and father, Nabiki spoke to Ranma, and Soap, Blush and I also spoke with everyone. Mousse and Shampoo both hugged Soap and congratulated her on being a wise enough woman to overlook my many faults. They also thanked her for erasing some of those faults. I continued to train with Ranma as well as Mousse and Shampoo. They all seemed to think I was capable of much more than I was currently displaying, but their comments were helpful and geared towards making me a better student of the Art.

Things might have gone on in this way but for one event. It was a typical afternoon. Nabiki, Pong, Soap, Blush and I were watching Ranma and Ryouga spar when suddenly a voice rang out through the dojo.

"Just WHAT do you THINK you're DOING?!"

All heads turned to see a young woman with a heart shaped face framed by bluish black hair. She had a small mallet hefted over one shoulder. "AKANE?!" several voices yelled out.

"Hey, I'm a martial artist too!"

At that point, several things happened at once. Ryouga looked at Ranma with an understanding smile and silently left the dojo. Pong leaned over to Soap and Blush and guided them out as well. Nabiki stood only to seem rooted in place. I too remained where I was seated in a corner. Ranma had a look on his face that was a cross between highest joy and lowest despair.

"Akane. You came. You finally came."

"Oh Ranma. Did you ever doubt I would?"

Ranma tugged at his pigtail for a moment before rushing over to her and taking her in his arms. "I'm so sorry."

"Shh. It's ok. There's nothing to be sorry for."

That was the last I heard as they whispered a few more things to each other before Akane took Ranma's face in her hands and kissed him like there was no tomorrow. I looked over at Nabiki to see tears coursing down her face. I was not surprised to feel my own cheeks dampen. I suspected Nabiki's pain was finally at an end. As if to mirror my thoughts she finally ran to the kissing couple and threw her arms around them.

"Nabiki, I'm so glad you're here too!" Akane exclaimed letting go of Ranma only to latch on to her. They shared a hug before Akane saw me in the corner.

"And you are the one I can thank for this?"

I nodded, finally able to rise, but unable to speak.

"And where are we? Is this heaven?"

I shook my head and quietly explained that we were in Joketsuzoku. Akane's eyes widened briefly before she bowed to me and said, "Thank you for what you have done for my family."

"It was an honor Tendo-san. I have been more than repaid." I said as I thought of my own family.

Just as Nabiki and I were getting ready to leave the young couple alone. Ranma turned to us.

"Nabiki, would you like to come with us?"

I turned in shock. Despite the fact that I knew I couldn't leave I was a little jealous. I had been the one that had built the dojo and the pond. How could they offer Nabiki that opportunity first? But I was able to control my emotions. There was more than enough for me here. And I suspected that this was the last piece of the puzzle.

"Do you mean it Ranma? I can really come with you?"

"Oh yes, sis. You can. Will you?" Akane turned her large brown eyes on her older sister.

"Of course I will. I would love to."

Nabiki then turned to me and gave me a look that squashed what little jealousy was left. Her pain had indeed been eased. This was the reason she hadn't left yet. Somehow I think she knew this moment would come. Maybe she heard her own voice. She wrapped her arms around me and whispered into my ear.

"You were right you know. I did write that letter to your parents. I did say those things about the Art. Thank you Ping. Thank you so much. I will never forget you. And I promise to tell you all about it when I come back."

"You're welcome Nabiki. I'm glad I was able to help you. All of you."

And with that Nabiki walked towards the pond following Ranma and Akane who held each other's hand as if they would never let go. And I suspected they never would. After they disappeared I went home and took my own wife's hand as I looked at tiny Blush. I told her what happened and then told her I loved her. She replied in kind and then kissed me for all she was worth. It was a long kiss that seemed to go on forever.

~The End~

drew

Go to Dkun's Trip to Jusenkyo

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