Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma ½, Rumiko Takahashi and whoever she decides
to sell the rights to do.
A/N: So this is my new fic and I really hope you like it! Please review! If you want to email me you can at panda_tiney@hotmail.com Thanks for reading!
***
Cause everyone here
Hates everyone here for doing just like they do
And it's best if we all keep this quiet instead
And I couldn't tell
Why everyone here was doing me like they do
But I'm sorry now, and I don't know how
To get it back to good
--Back to Good by Matchbox 20
***
Dear Dr. Sing,
People always start things oddly; at least that's what I perceive. They always start "on one fine day" or "on one scary, dark night" but I've always liked to make something else up at the start of a story. So here it goes. . .
My name is Akane Tendo and I am supposed to start this off telling you about myself. Okay, well, I'm twenty and living by myself in a small apartment in the heart of the city. New York isn't as bad as people say, when you come from a dojo in Japan it's different but that just makes it more exciting. I don't know if I'd still be here if it wasn't different.
My life was crazy there in Nerima, with a capital "C". When walls weren't being broken down in fights people were holding vast competitions. Basically, if you're not strong enough in that town you don't survive. Now don't think I didn't love living there as a kid and terribly miss it because I do . . . more than anything . . . You're probably wondering, "then why move here?" and if you are I hope you've been reading. What I said before was true, you have to be strong to survive and I just wasn't strong enough.
I had a fiancé back then too, Ranma Saotome. A real smart ass with big muscles, a big ego and an even bigger mouth. He was sweet sometimes though, when the moment rose. We're not engaged anymore though, it was done at birth, an arranged marriage, I heard those never work out anyway. Just after I graduated some stuff happened, words were exchanged and things got heavy. Things had always been somewhat dark there, people had to go through a lot, but they had never been this melancholy.
You know that feeling you get when you think no one wants you around, paranoia, I had that except my paranoia could be justified. Everyone just turned on me one day, even my family and friends! I suppose every family gets in fights and don't think I over reacted, things got out of control. I had a few serious death threats but that didn't stop me; I was determined to figure out what was going on. Then the one person I thought would always be on my side turned on me, told me things I never imagined he would say, told me to leave forever and never come back, so I did. I took the cash they offered me to get me out of town and came here. I don't know what drew me here but I always loved the adventure of a new country, a new continent. Plus, so many American shows have people starting new lives here and I guess that's what I did, I started a new life. I didn't change my name or anything like that but I feel different now, like I'm not the over reactant girl from Nerima but the successful business women from New York City.
I'm sorry I couldn't make it to our session today but I had an apartment that people haven't been interested in for awhile and then out of the blue someone phoned, practically handing me the money for the place. I told them I at least had to give them a tour of the apartment and they agreed but today was their only free day. I'm excited to meet you and I think it was a good idea one of my friends told me about you. I'm really hoping I can learn a little more about me and maybe about what I really want in life. Don't get me wrong, selling real estate is exciting, the thrill after a sale is invigorating . . . it's just, I don't think I was put here for this purpose. If you could just call me and set up another appointment that would be great.
I guess I should tell you about my childhood and all. Well, my father and mother had three children before she died when I was still young. My two sisters Nabiki and Kasumi are both older than me and my father is yet to be remarried. I don't think he will ever find anyone as special as my mother was and I know he would go for no less. Yet, he is hopefully content, my sisters too and all of Nerima for that matter. I haven't talked to anyone there for three years now, what they said was quite harsh and I'll go into detail in person I guess. I hope I don't become one of those patients that talks on and on then cries and cries so that they will go through two boxes of Kleenex every session so stop me if I do.
I suppose I shouldn't just be sending you a letter with all my information and such in it but I am in a writing mood and I can not stop this pen from scrolling down every detail on my mind. I feel somewhat ignorant and rude talking about myself this whole letter, do I sound stuck up? I really doubt I am, ask my friends, they'll tell you the truth. In fact, some of them are painfully obvious sometimes but I know that I wouldn't have them any other way! I've made many friends here and I'm positive I would not be living without them, they are my family now and I am so thankful I have them. American girls can be quite funny sometimes, they're insanely different and yet similar in more ways than one to the people back in my home town. I guess it's not my town anymore, it was never really mine but I guess you have to live there for you to own it. New York, I suppose, is my home town now and I enjoy every minute I spend here!
I've got to go but I can't wait until our first appointment! Thank you for taking time to read this and I hope it helps.
Sincerely,
Akane Tendo
***
Three Years Before
"So, does this make any sense at all? I mean, I might sound dumb but wouldn't a spell or something make sense?" Akane asked pleadingly.
"No, we'd notice if ya became that annoying." Ranma quipped as he stood in front of Akane on the deserted street next to a large tree, shielding them from the rain.
"B-b-but . . . my dad, Kasumi, they've never been this hateful! Not to mention every other person in Nerima!" Akane spat as tears came streaming from her eyes. Ranma lifted his hand and slowly, with much difficulty, pulled Akane into him by the waist and hugged her.
"Not everybody." He whispered into her ear. This made her cry even harder and she dug herself into his shirt and pulled her face into his chest getting his shirt soaked.
"It feels good not being alone." Akane said through gasps of air between spouts of tears. Ranma laughed and stared up at the dark, gloomy sky.
"You'll never be alone with me here, ya got that?" He said pulling her chin gently up to eye level. He stared into her great big eyes, puffy and red, and smiled.
"It's not going to stop the pain . . . but going it alone would be really scary. So I suppose just the two of us against the entire town would be alright." Akane said sniffling.
"It's when I start to be a jerk that you've gotta start worryin'." Ranma joked into her ear as he pulled her closer again. She chuckled but stayed silent.
"How will I ever tell the difference?" Akane asked, laughing lightly. Ranma smiled but then his face went mock serious.
"I don't have a clue. I guess we're doomed then, we should just give up." Ranma joked and Akane punched him playfully.
Suddenly a blue-grey mist came around them and pushed the leaves on the tree so they let go of all the rain they held and Ranma and Akane were sprayed with the water. Akane laughed and Ranma smirked as Akane took his hand and pulled him onto the road. He came stubbornly and stalled for a few seconds, staring at her. She looked back confused and Ranma's face immediately changed to a soft smile.
"C'mon, I wanna take ya somewhere." Ranma said mysteriously.
"Ooh, sounds interesting." Akane replied coyly.
He nodded and grabbed her hand, started to run and pulled up to a bus stop.
"Wait here for a sec 'kay? I gotta use the phone." Ranma said, still smiling but it somehow looked strained.
"Alright . . ." Akane said unsure of what exactly was going on.
Akane watched two little kids run by and she smiled. They looked up at her and stuck out their tongues in disgust. Akane doubled back at the hatred in their eyes and bowed her head. She wondered if she was just a jerk and maybe people were just starting to believe that. So many thoughts swept Akane onto the bus bench and into a state of depression for a second. There was just no point, she was so confused, but she had to remember she had Ranma and that was all that mattered. Not everyone hated her and that was the bottom line, he could take her away and they could live happily ever after.
Ranma came back sighing heavily, he looked suddenly tired beyond belief and Akane hugged him again. Every time she was in his arms it felt as if everything was okay, that nothing was sad, there was nothing else, just Ranma's arms, the rest of him and her.
The bus came shortly after and Ranma held out his hand directing her onto the bus. She nodded and got on, still wondering where he would take her. Ranma paid for both of them and they sat down. Akane stared at Ranma, staring out his window, lost in thought.
"Wow Ranma, this is one of the first times you've actually looked like you were thinking." Akane teased.
"Uh, could ya just keep quiet for a sec, I've got some stuff I need to sort out." Ranma said sternly.
"Oookay, I'm sorry." Akane said staring out into the aisle sadly.
"Listen, it's not you . . . I'm just tired 'kay?" Ranma said putting his arm around Akane and smiling.
"Alright, I'll keep quiet for a bit, but this is the only time." Akane said forgivingly.
"Thanks." Ranma said shifting back to his spot staring out the window.
The rest of the trip went basically the same, no one talked and the sound of the rain pit patting on the roof was welcome noise compared to the deafening silence of the two. The bus creaked to a stop and everyone started to get off. Ranma and Akane were the last people out as Ranma gently nudged Akane into consciousness after a troubled sleep.
"Are we there yet?" Akane asked coming out of her comatose state and back into the rainy night.
"Uh . . . ya, ya we are." Ranma said stuttering, his voice cracking. He sounded almost as if he were on the verge of tears.
Ranma stepped behind Akane and put a blindfold around her eyes and tied a tight bow at the back. "Remember, it's a secret." He whispered by her neck making her hairs stand on end.
Akane nodded and laughed as he took her hand and walked her through different passages and hallways and up a few stairs. She heard the bustling of a few people and smirked. 'I could be at the mall,' she thought, 'or somewhere else. I always walked to the mall . . .'
"So it's all set?" She heard Ranma mumble in a hushed voice.
"Yes Sir, but you'll have to hurry. There's not much time until-" At this point the other voice stopped and Ranma cut in.
"Ya, I get it. Thanks." She heard his voice quickly say.
He brought her over to what felt like a bunch of seats in a row and sat her down. He took the blindfold off and Akane eagerly took in her surroundings. There were three little boys dragging sleepily behind their mother and a few other people going through the gate in front of her. She easily knew where she was.
"Ranma, why did you take me to an airport?" Akane asked questionably.
"Well, I phoned your dad and he set up the ticket. It won't be that long of a flight, it'll feel like nothin'." Ranma said not staring into Akane's eyes but outside the big windows at the rain laden plane.
"What?" Akane asked, her defenses rising and her eyes starting to swell with tears. She could not understand what he was talking about her dad getting he a ticket. Ranma had just said she'd have him forever.
"Listen, I've been thinkin' 'bout how I'd put this. You're plane's leavin' and we've gotta make this quick. Your dad told me he wired you money and the attendant would give it to you, don't cry please, don't make it hard." Ranma said staring down at the floor.
"But you said you and I would make it, we'd fight." Akane questioned while laughing lightly. She tried to hold back the tears but they came and rolled down her cheeks anyway.
"It's just best this way, your flights leavin' now." Ranma said nodding towards the gate.
"But I don't want to go. I'm staying here, where I thought you would be by my side, on my side. What is going on?" Akane asked, at the end screaming out. A few people stared and Ranma almost went red with embarrassment.
"Last call for Plane 106 to Kyoto, final boarding. Thank you." A loud voice said over the P.A.
"Listen! You're dumb, crazy and mean. Nobody wants you here, everybody wants ya gone. Take a hint! Leave now and never, ever come back!" Ranma yelled, pointing to the gates.
The only thing that Akane could think would explain his words would be the spell had gotten him too. If there was a spell then Akane couldn't change it back, it would just be a matter of time before she'd get threats, maybe from Ranma, she'd rather leave than face that.
Ranma's hand was shaking but it held as he pointed to the gate. Akane nodded, tears flying, and walked up to the gate.
The attendant smiled warmly and passed her the ticket Ranma had given the attendant before, "Welcome and goodbye, I hope you have a wonderful trip!"
"Something tells me it's gonna be bumpy." Akane mumbled under her breath.
"Oh no dear, the skies are clear once this rain lets up. Forecasts say it'll be gone quite soon!" The attendant said happily.
"I wasn't talking about the flight." Akane whispered. She walked past the attendant, unable to think of the right thing to say to the poor girl.
Akane wanted to look back, run back, jump back but kept walking. If they wanted her gone then that's what they'd get. She didn't need Ranma and his mood swings or anybody else! She was going to become rich and successful and forget all the small people in Nerima, hell bent on destroying her. She would be strong.
'Some day lying to myself isn't going to cut it,' She thought, drifting into the crowd of people boarding the plane, 'I just have to be strong and start to forget, that's all I need, all I'll ever need.'
Meanwhile, Ranma strolled over to the window and rested his head on the cool glass, closing his eyes and wondering if what he did was right, "It's too dangerous here Akane. I'm sorry I had to yell but I wanted you to hate me when you left, then maybe it'll be easier for both of us to go on doin' what we do. I'll figure out this mess of a spell," Ranma yawned and kept talking lowly, "and when I fix it I'll come and get ya. You've gotta know the hardest thing I ever did was lie to ya just now, you've gotta know I'm on your side, and one day . . . you will."
A/N: Don't be mad at anybody because things will be explained in the second chapter! Her plane goes to Kyoto but she doesn't stay there obviously. I've got a vague idea where this is headed but I'm totally open to suggestions! If you think something doesn't fit tell me and I'll rewrite it in a jiffy! Please review or I might forget to write the next chapter! Next chapter hopefully up soon!
A/N: So this is my new fic and I really hope you like it! Please review! If you want to email me you can at panda_tiney@hotmail.com Thanks for reading!
***
Cause everyone here
Hates everyone here for doing just like they do
And it's best if we all keep this quiet instead
And I couldn't tell
Why everyone here was doing me like they do
But I'm sorry now, and I don't know how
To get it back to good
--Back to Good by Matchbox 20
***
Dear Dr. Sing,
People always start things oddly; at least that's what I perceive. They always start "on one fine day" or "on one scary, dark night" but I've always liked to make something else up at the start of a story. So here it goes. . .
My name is Akane Tendo and I am supposed to start this off telling you about myself. Okay, well, I'm twenty and living by myself in a small apartment in the heart of the city. New York isn't as bad as people say, when you come from a dojo in Japan it's different but that just makes it more exciting. I don't know if I'd still be here if it wasn't different.
My life was crazy there in Nerima, with a capital "C". When walls weren't being broken down in fights people were holding vast competitions. Basically, if you're not strong enough in that town you don't survive. Now don't think I didn't love living there as a kid and terribly miss it because I do . . . more than anything . . . You're probably wondering, "then why move here?" and if you are I hope you've been reading. What I said before was true, you have to be strong to survive and I just wasn't strong enough.
I had a fiancé back then too, Ranma Saotome. A real smart ass with big muscles, a big ego and an even bigger mouth. He was sweet sometimes though, when the moment rose. We're not engaged anymore though, it was done at birth, an arranged marriage, I heard those never work out anyway. Just after I graduated some stuff happened, words were exchanged and things got heavy. Things had always been somewhat dark there, people had to go through a lot, but they had never been this melancholy.
You know that feeling you get when you think no one wants you around, paranoia, I had that except my paranoia could be justified. Everyone just turned on me one day, even my family and friends! I suppose every family gets in fights and don't think I over reacted, things got out of control. I had a few serious death threats but that didn't stop me; I was determined to figure out what was going on. Then the one person I thought would always be on my side turned on me, told me things I never imagined he would say, told me to leave forever and never come back, so I did. I took the cash they offered me to get me out of town and came here. I don't know what drew me here but I always loved the adventure of a new country, a new continent. Plus, so many American shows have people starting new lives here and I guess that's what I did, I started a new life. I didn't change my name or anything like that but I feel different now, like I'm not the over reactant girl from Nerima but the successful business women from New York City.
I'm sorry I couldn't make it to our session today but I had an apartment that people haven't been interested in for awhile and then out of the blue someone phoned, practically handing me the money for the place. I told them I at least had to give them a tour of the apartment and they agreed but today was their only free day. I'm excited to meet you and I think it was a good idea one of my friends told me about you. I'm really hoping I can learn a little more about me and maybe about what I really want in life. Don't get me wrong, selling real estate is exciting, the thrill after a sale is invigorating . . . it's just, I don't think I was put here for this purpose. If you could just call me and set up another appointment that would be great.
I guess I should tell you about my childhood and all. Well, my father and mother had three children before she died when I was still young. My two sisters Nabiki and Kasumi are both older than me and my father is yet to be remarried. I don't think he will ever find anyone as special as my mother was and I know he would go for no less. Yet, he is hopefully content, my sisters too and all of Nerima for that matter. I haven't talked to anyone there for three years now, what they said was quite harsh and I'll go into detail in person I guess. I hope I don't become one of those patients that talks on and on then cries and cries so that they will go through two boxes of Kleenex every session so stop me if I do.
I suppose I shouldn't just be sending you a letter with all my information and such in it but I am in a writing mood and I can not stop this pen from scrolling down every detail on my mind. I feel somewhat ignorant and rude talking about myself this whole letter, do I sound stuck up? I really doubt I am, ask my friends, they'll tell you the truth. In fact, some of them are painfully obvious sometimes but I know that I wouldn't have them any other way! I've made many friends here and I'm positive I would not be living without them, they are my family now and I am so thankful I have them. American girls can be quite funny sometimes, they're insanely different and yet similar in more ways than one to the people back in my home town. I guess it's not my town anymore, it was never really mine but I guess you have to live there for you to own it. New York, I suppose, is my home town now and I enjoy every minute I spend here!
I've got to go but I can't wait until our first appointment! Thank you for taking time to read this and I hope it helps.
Sincerely,
Akane Tendo
***
Three Years Before
"So, does this make any sense at all? I mean, I might sound dumb but wouldn't a spell or something make sense?" Akane asked pleadingly.
"No, we'd notice if ya became that annoying." Ranma quipped as he stood in front of Akane on the deserted street next to a large tree, shielding them from the rain.
"B-b-but . . . my dad, Kasumi, they've never been this hateful! Not to mention every other person in Nerima!" Akane spat as tears came streaming from her eyes. Ranma lifted his hand and slowly, with much difficulty, pulled Akane into him by the waist and hugged her.
"Not everybody." He whispered into her ear. This made her cry even harder and she dug herself into his shirt and pulled her face into his chest getting his shirt soaked.
"It feels good not being alone." Akane said through gasps of air between spouts of tears. Ranma laughed and stared up at the dark, gloomy sky.
"You'll never be alone with me here, ya got that?" He said pulling her chin gently up to eye level. He stared into her great big eyes, puffy and red, and smiled.
"It's not going to stop the pain . . . but going it alone would be really scary. So I suppose just the two of us against the entire town would be alright." Akane said sniffling.
"It's when I start to be a jerk that you've gotta start worryin'." Ranma joked into her ear as he pulled her closer again. She chuckled but stayed silent.
"How will I ever tell the difference?" Akane asked, laughing lightly. Ranma smiled but then his face went mock serious.
"I don't have a clue. I guess we're doomed then, we should just give up." Ranma joked and Akane punched him playfully.
Suddenly a blue-grey mist came around them and pushed the leaves on the tree so they let go of all the rain they held and Ranma and Akane were sprayed with the water. Akane laughed and Ranma smirked as Akane took his hand and pulled him onto the road. He came stubbornly and stalled for a few seconds, staring at her. She looked back confused and Ranma's face immediately changed to a soft smile.
"C'mon, I wanna take ya somewhere." Ranma said mysteriously.
"Ooh, sounds interesting." Akane replied coyly.
He nodded and grabbed her hand, started to run and pulled up to a bus stop.
"Wait here for a sec 'kay? I gotta use the phone." Ranma said, still smiling but it somehow looked strained.
"Alright . . ." Akane said unsure of what exactly was going on.
Akane watched two little kids run by and she smiled. They looked up at her and stuck out their tongues in disgust. Akane doubled back at the hatred in their eyes and bowed her head. She wondered if she was just a jerk and maybe people were just starting to believe that. So many thoughts swept Akane onto the bus bench and into a state of depression for a second. There was just no point, she was so confused, but she had to remember she had Ranma and that was all that mattered. Not everyone hated her and that was the bottom line, he could take her away and they could live happily ever after.
Ranma came back sighing heavily, he looked suddenly tired beyond belief and Akane hugged him again. Every time she was in his arms it felt as if everything was okay, that nothing was sad, there was nothing else, just Ranma's arms, the rest of him and her.
The bus came shortly after and Ranma held out his hand directing her onto the bus. She nodded and got on, still wondering where he would take her. Ranma paid for both of them and they sat down. Akane stared at Ranma, staring out his window, lost in thought.
"Wow Ranma, this is one of the first times you've actually looked like you were thinking." Akane teased.
"Uh, could ya just keep quiet for a sec, I've got some stuff I need to sort out." Ranma said sternly.
"Oookay, I'm sorry." Akane said staring out into the aisle sadly.
"Listen, it's not you . . . I'm just tired 'kay?" Ranma said putting his arm around Akane and smiling.
"Alright, I'll keep quiet for a bit, but this is the only time." Akane said forgivingly.
"Thanks." Ranma said shifting back to his spot staring out the window.
The rest of the trip went basically the same, no one talked and the sound of the rain pit patting on the roof was welcome noise compared to the deafening silence of the two. The bus creaked to a stop and everyone started to get off. Ranma and Akane were the last people out as Ranma gently nudged Akane into consciousness after a troubled sleep.
"Are we there yet?" Akane asked coming out of her comatose state and back into the rainy night.
"Uh . . . ya, ya we are." Ranma said stuttering, his voice cracking. He sounded almost as if he were on the verge of tears.
Ranma stepped behind Akane and put a blindfold around her eyes and tied a tight bow at the back. "Remember, it's a secret." He whispered by her neck making her hairs stand on end.
Akane nodded and laughed as he took her hand and walked her through different passages and hallways and up a few stairs. She heard the bustling of a few people and smirked. 'I could be at the mall,' she thought, 'or somewhere else. I always walked to the mall . . .'
"So it's all set?" She heard Ranma mumble in a hushed voice.
"Yes Sir, but you'll have to hurry. There's not much time until-" At this point the other voice stopped and Ranma cut in.
"Ya, I get it. Thanks." She heard his voice quickly say.
He brought her over to what felt like a bunch of seats in a row and sat her down. He took the blindfold off and Akane eagerly took in her surroundings. There were three little boys dragging sleepily behind their mother and a few other people going through the gate in front of her. She easily knew where she was.
"Ranma, why did you take me to an airport?" Akane asked questionably.
"Well, I phoned your dad and he set up the ticket. It won't be that long of a flight, it'll feel like nothin'." Ranma said not staring into Akane's eyes but outside the big windows at the rain laden plane.
"What?" Akane asked, her defenses rising and her eyes starting to swell with tears. She could not understand what he was talking about her dad getting he a ticket. Ranma had just said she'd have him forever.
"Listen, I've been thinkin' 'bout how I'd put this. You're plane's leavin' and we've gotta make this quick. Your dad told me he wired you money and the attendant would give it to you, don't cry please, don't make it hard." Ranma said staring down at the floor.
"But you said you and I would make it, we'd fight." Akane questioned while laughing lightly. She tried to hold back the tears but they came and rolled down her cheeks anyway.
"It's just best this way, your flights leavin' now." Ranma said nodding towards the gate.
"But I don't want to go. I'm staying here, where I thought you would be by my side, on my side. What is going on?" Akane asked, at the end screaming out. A few people stared and Ranma almost went red with embarrassment.
"Last call for Plane 106 to Kyoto, final boarding. Thank you." A loud voice said over the P.A.
"Listen! You're dumb, crazy and mean. Nobody wants you here, everybody wants ya gone. Take a hint! Leave now and never, ever come back!" Ranma yelled, pointing to the gates.
The only thing that Akane could think would explain his words would be the spell had gotten him too. If there was a spell then Akane couldn't change it back, it would just be a matter of time before she'd get threats, maybe from Ranma, she'd rather leave than face that.
Ranma's hand was shaking but it held as he pointed to the gate. Akane nodded, tears flying, and walked up to the gate.
The attendant smiled warmly and passed her the ticket Ranma had given the attendant before, "Welcome and goodbye, I hope you have a wonderful trip!"
"Something tells me it's gonna be bumpy." Akane mumbled under her breath.
"Oh no dear, the skies are clear once this rain lets up. Forecasts say it'll be gone quite soon!" The attendant said happily.
"I wasn't talking about the flight." Akane whispered. She walked past the attendant, unable to think of the right thing to say to the poor girl.
Akane wanted to look back, run back, jump back but kept walking. If they wanted her gone then that's what they'd get. She didn't need Ranma and his mood swings or anybody else! She was going to become rich and successful and forget all the small people in Nerima, hell bent on destroying her. She would be strong.
'Some day lying to myself isn't going to cut it,' She thought, drifting into the crowd of people boarding the plane, 'I just have to be strong and start to forget, that's all I need, all I'll ever need.'
Meanwhile, Ranma strolled over to the window and rested his head on the cool glass, closing his eyes and wondering if what he did was right, "It's too dangerous here Akane. I'm sorry I had to yell but I wanted you to hate me when you left, then maybe it'll be easier for both of us to go on doin' what we do. I'll figure out this mess of a spell," Ranma yawned and kept talking lowly, "and when I fix it I'll come and get ya. You've gotta know the hardest thing I ever did was lie to ya just now, you've gotta know I'm on your side, and one day . . . you will."
A/N: Don't be mad at anybody because things will be explained in the second chapter! Her plane goes to Kyoto but she doesn't stay there obviously. I've got a vague idea where this is headed but I'm totally open to suggestions! If you think something doesn't fit tell me and I'll rewrite it in a jiffy! Please review or I might forget to write the next chapter! Next chapter hopefully up soon!