It was a normal night in Nerma for most; unfortunately for Ranma, this night would be a night that would change her life forever. It all started perfectly because it was the day she and Ryoga were going to sleep with each other for the third time. They had recently started to secretly date, and Ranma could really start to see herself with him publicly, though Ryoga still seemed apprehensive to be with her. Ranma had plans to make tonight special. Though usually they only got together and cooked at Ryoga's campsite, tonight, Ranma managed to save money by being a part-time waitress at her best friend Uchan's shop. She planned to take Ryoga to a restaurant and actually go to a motel so they could sleep in an actual bed together. Surely, they just needed a change of environment for Ryoga to be truly comfortable with her. Unfortunately, life can't be all sunshine and rainbows. After hours of what Ranma thought was very vigorous sex, Ryoga finally decided to bite the proverbial bullet. Turning on his side with a sigh, he began to speak. Ryoga: "Hey Ranma, we need to talk; there has been something on my mind, and it really can't wait." Ranma quickly turned over, and the tone of his voice sent slivers of fear down her spine. She knew that tone. This was the tone when someone gave you bad news. Slowly shifting herself in the bed, she looked him in the eyes, ready for the worst but hoping for the best. If anyone asked Ryoga what Ranma looked like at that moment, he would likely describe it as the look of a kicked puppy or kitten. As much as he didn't want to hurt her, he knew that the longer they did this, the more it would hurt her. Ryoga knew he loved her, but not the way she wished he would. After all, this was his best friend, his only true friend, but nothing more. Every time he looked into her eyes, no matter what, he saw the boy he went to school with, the boy he fought and played with. So like a bandage, he decided to do this quickly and hope he didn't ruin everything. Ryoga: "Ranma, I don't think we should do this anymore." Ranma: "What do you mean by this? I thought you liked me. I get that I can be rough around the edges, but I'm still getting used to being myself more often. I can get better; I can." Before Ranma could go any further, Ryoga stopped her. Knowing the damage that Akane and Ranma's father truly did to her, he didn't want her to spiral and blame herself. Because for once, Ryoga didn't want to blame Ranma for his problems. Ryoga: "Alright, I'm gonna have to stop you there; unfortunately, this time it's not your fault." This was something entirely new to Ranma; it was not her fault. Of course, it was her fault; it's always her fault. All the times she wasn't strong enough, fast enough, skilled enough, or even manly enough. It had always been her fault. How was this any different? Ranma: "What do you mean it's not my fault? It has to be; it always is and probably always will be." Ryoga knew this was unhealthy. This girl was one of the best martial artists in the world, the person who always did her best to fix everyone's problems, and truly believed so little in herself outside of her ability to fight. Ryoga: "Ranma, I need you to listen to me and listen to me good, okay?" Getting an affirmative nod from the now teary-eyed girl, he let out a heavy, exhausted sigh and continued. Ryoga: "Ranma, don't get me wrong, you're a lovely girl, beautiful, skilled, and strong; definitely a tomboy, even though you are developing some feminine quirks. But you are my best friend, a best friend that I would never want to lose, and I do love you, but only as a best friend. It took me a while to truly see it, but I think we are better that way." Ranma, still saddened by her first-ever boyfriend breaking up with her, was still crying in bed, but through all the sadness, acceptance, and a tiny bit of happiness bubbled under the surface for once. Someone told her it wasn't her fault. She got to keep her best friend and sparring partner. Rubbing her eye in an act of acceptance.
Attempting to stop her tears, she contemplated what to say until the words left her mouth with a certainty she didn't even know she had. Ranma: I think I understand, but I'd like to be alone for right now. I know I'm kind of a mess, but I need to figure myself out before I go home. I definitely can't face Pops or the Tendos how I am right now, so I'm going to clean up and think for a little. I'll see you in a couple of days. After all, I have to beat your ass, pig boy, for making me cry. Because Ranma Saotome doesn't cry without getting revenge. Giving Ranma an affirmative sigh, Ryoga got up and began to dress silently, that is, until he got to the door. Turning back to the teary-eyed girl, he finally decided to give her a few parting words. Ryoga: Ranma, you aren't planning to harm yourself, right? I know you used to cut yourself; I've seen the scars you hide under your bracers. Flinching slightly, Ranma vigorously shook her head. Ranma: I haven't done that in a long time, so please don't talk about it. Let's just say I needed control of something, and it was my outlet, and leave it at that, please. I don't want to talk about it. Shaking his head, Ryoga sighed. Ryoga: I need to hear you promise that you aren't ever going to do it again, or else I can't leave. Because I know there is one thing about you that never changes; no matter what happens, Ranma Saotome never goes back on her word. Ranma couldn't help but hesitate. She knew she had never truly stopped; she just did it in less visible areas so no one would see. Only since she started to date Ryoga did she stop, in fear that he would see the slowly growing amount of scars on her hip and legs. She normally wouldn't worry since she healed most cuts in a day, but if she promised, then she would truly have to stop. If she stopped, would she feel like she lost all her control again? Looking up, she realized Ryoga was staring at her, waiting for her to reply. She would have to think of a new way to take control of her life, but for now, she just had to accept she could no longer cut herself. Ranma: Damn it, P-chan, fine. I promise I won't cut myself like that again. Luckily, Ryoga wasn't dumb; he heard the loophole Ranma had given herself. Ryoga: No, Ranma, say it right. You gave yourself a way out. Say it properly and I'll go. Ranma: Fine. I, Ranma Saotome, promise to never harm myself on purpose again. Happy! With a nod, Ryoga smiled and closed the door gently. Now left to herself, Ranma reflected. She lay on the bed for what seemed like forever, but realistically, only an hour passed before she got out of bed. The smell of sex and Ryoga's semen still lingered in the room, with nearly half a dozen used condoms on the floor. It was good while it lasted, she couldn't help but think to herself. While bending down to pick up the condoms, she started to realize something was wrong. Not only did the neatly tied condoms have semen in them, but there were dribbles of semen on the floor. The smell would be almost intoxicating if she wasn't panicking; if there was semen on the floor, that meant it got out of the condom somehow. Praying to Nix that she was wrong, she reached for one of the half-full condoms, giving it a very light squeeze. Small amounts of semen leaked out of the tip of the condom. Cursing to herself, she sprinted to the bathroom and turned the water on hot, almost boiling. Ranma almost immediately stuck her hand under the faucet, only to feel nothing, not even the normal tingle sensation that came when her gift was usually locked. Immediately, she could tell something was wrong. This didn't feel like it was locked; it was gone. But suddenly, a new feeling hit her. A headache came out of nowhere, originating from three points: two of the points were on the sides of her head near the top portion, and one being in the center of her head. Suddenly, she was struck with a small flood of memories, not much, but small glances at a planet with only cats and humans with cat ears and tails, no information came from these memories, just brief flashes of images. Soon, all of these images became too much, and Ranma's vision darkened until she could no longer maintain her balance and passed out there in the bathroom, the faucet still running.