Disclaimer: Ranma ½ Belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, Viz Media and all its affiliates. Persona and its affiliates belong to those wonderful guys at Atlus. Oh, and the opening of this prologue might resemble a fic that is already on. I give credit to that esteemed writer and I ask forgiveness for using the opening as part of my story. And I know you guys are tired of me saying this, but this is my first attempt at writing a Ranma/Persona Cross so I do apologize if I don't meet the expectations of you guys.
A/N: Thanks for you guys who gave your support for this fic. Truth to be told, I didn't really know how you guys out there would react. Anyway, unlike other fics, I am giving you guys almost an unlimited time period to vote for pairings so do make full use of that, alright? Pairing update votes will be displayed at the end of the chapter. By the way, I am still thinking of the Persona that is going to evolve from Ranma's Nekomata… any ideas guys? I was thinking of cat gods/goddesses. SO far, I only got Bastet and/or Sekhmet in my mind. Do help me think up of something for Ranma's final persona will ya?
Chapter 2: Arrival in Iwatodai.
As soon as he entered the train station, Ranma quickly made his way to the gates and slid his train ticket into the slot, and the gate opened, and he strode towards the train platform. To be honest, he never really took the train anywhere in the past, since he had a more reliable, though slightly unpredictable way via Mallet Airways or Air Akane.
It's not that he never took the train before, in fact, he had to take it to come back to Nerima after being launched to a random part of Japan by Akane's rage fueled mallet swings. His face softened a little as he thought about his fiancée. While they are unofficially engaged, since Nabiki did point it out to him when the fathers were not around, the engagement between the Saotomes and the Tendos are made only by verbal agreement, not written down in contract. Which means, technically he isn't really engaged to the Tendo sisters, which suits all parties.
Akane now sees him like a good friend like she never had, despite Ranma's failings. She took cooking lessons from Nodoka and Kasumi, who taught her patiently, and her cooking improved a little. Though she does fall into her old 'launch Ranma into the stratosphere with a mallet' habit now and then, he couldn't fault her for that, seeing that his 'foot-in-mouth' syndrome still acted up sometimes.
Both Kasumi and Nabiki looked at him as a younger brother they never had, and both of them often gave him advice, though Nabiki's was given to him with a small price attached.
His relationship with his mother actually improved after the failed wedding, where he went and apologized to her in secret, and showed her his curse. To his surprise, she forgave him easily, saying that the mess wasn't his fault, and she wasn't going to hold him to the seppuku contract, though they did have to pretend that she was still the woman that Genma feared.
The train soon arrived, breaking him from his thoughts, and he quickly got on board. He stared out of the train, watching the scenery whizzing by as the train departed towards Iwatodai. This was one of the longest trips on the train he ever made on a train, and he closed his eyes and concentrated, meditating on the train to pass the time.
The soft hiss of the train doors opening as it stopped at a station was heard and Ranma opened his eyes, sensing someone walking over to him, and sat on the seat next to where he was sitting. He looked at the newcomer and observed him. He had dark blue hair, which was messy, with light gray eyes; one of them was covered by the hair that fell across his face. He wore some sort of school uniform, and a jacket outside, and there was a pin that showed the symbol of Gekkoukan High School, the same school that Mitsuru had arranged him to be in. He also carried some kind of backpack, more like a case for something, and he had headphones on his ear, listening to something.
Ranma looked at the guy for a moment, and felt something strange about him, though he can't really tell what was strange about this young man. Deciding that making friends would make his life so much easier in his school, he tapped the other guy's shoulder, and waited for his response.
Minato Arisato was making his way earlier to the train station since tomorrow was the day he transferred over to Gekkoukan High School in Iwatodai. It has been ten years since he had left the town after an accident that killed his parents and left him an orphan, and it is ironic that he returned to the same town to finish his schooling. He always had his headphones on, listening to the radio. He was a quiet person, only speaking when spoken to, and he was regarded as antisocial in his previous schools.
Not that he really cared, since he largely ignored those people, though deep inside, he felt occasional pangs of loneliness that left him staring into endless space sometimes. He was then brought out from his thoughts by someone tapping his shoulder.
He turned to see a young man his age, wearing a green Maoist clothing with a duffel bag. The young man's hair was black, which was styled into a pigtail. His eyes were blue-grey in color, and from what Minato could tell, he seemed like one of those people from the martial art clubs in junior high school. "Yes… can I help you?" He began rather cautiously.
The young man just smiled at him and asked. "Oh good, I thought you didn't notice me tapping you on the shoulder, with you listening to the radio like that. Anyway, you are probably going to Iwatodai to go to Gekkoukan High, right? I saw the pin on your jacket, and I figured that is where you are going."
He nodded and the pigtailed man grinned. "Then you can say we are heading the same way. I am going the same way too… I received a letter from an old friend in Iwatodai who got me in the school under a sports scholarship or something." He said thoughtfully. "My name's Ranma Saotome, by the way, what's yours?"
Minato blinked in surprise at the pigtailed man's name. He had heard quite a few things about this man's supposed adventures, since a series of books called the 'Nerima Chronicles' was published. A certain Miss Tendo, who apparently was the author/editor of the series, swore that everything written in the books are true. Still he did not say anything to the pigtailed young man, who if his intuition is correct is a supposed martial arts prodigy. "Minato Arisato… pleased to meet you as well." He finally said after a while.
Ranma observed the young man that had just introduced himself and just shook his head. "You don't really talk much, do ya? Geez, I've seen creepy voodoo guys back in my old high school that talk more than you."
Minato didn't really know what to make of what Ranma had said. Was he trying to get him to lighten up or was he insulting him? He really did not know. "I see… you must have an interesting life then, Saotome-san. I have heard vaguely of you through some books I have read before. It's called 'The Nerima Chronicles'… published or written by N. Tendo… I think."
Ranma sighed and then said. "Figures that Nabiki would make a buck out of our adventures… and before you deny it, Minato-san… all those things that are written in those books are true. It's up to you whether to believe them or not. Secondly… please don't call me Saotome-san. It reminds me of my baka father. Ranma is fine."
"Alright, Ranma-san…" Minato said calmly, though he was rather surprised at how long he held the conversation. Most of the time, he couldn't really talk to people for very long, but Ranma seemed different. It was as if he had a personality that drew you to him. "By the way… you were saying that you were going to Gekkoukan High as well right? Do you have a place a stay when you are in Iwatodai?"
The pigtailed martial artist scratched his head, a habit that he had when he was nervous or thinking. "Well… actually my friend had already taken care of it." He then rummaged in his pack and showed Minato the brochure and map of how to get to the place he was staying.
Minato's eyes widened slightly as he took out the same map that had been given to him. "What a coincidence… it seems that we are drafted to be in the same dorm, Ranma-san." He finally said.
"Heh… looks like we are going to be dorm mates." Ranma smirked. "Just a warning to you, Minato-san… your life is going to be very interesting from this day on. Things just happen around me, something that even I can't control. If you can survive the chaos that surrounds me, which is my life basically, I do believe you are going to come out tougher than before."
Minato did not say anything, but mulled over what the pigtailed martial artist had said to him. It is true that what Ranma had gone through would drive a normal person insane, and the things that happened in the district of Nerima in Tokyo was as chaotic as some other places he had heard about, namely Tomobiki, Okayama and Juuban. The things he read about there were strange enough for him to dismiss them as false, especially he was sitting next to one of the people that had come from one of those four areas. "By the way, Ranma-san… aren't you supposed to be wearing the uniform of Gekkoukan? I doubt that they will allow you to wear those clothes that you are wearing."
Ranma just shrugged and said. "Feh… school uniform's a chore, Minato-san… besides; they didn't give me any stick over my current dress code in Furinkan High."
"That maybe true of your old school, Ranma-san…" Minato said calmly and logically. "But I seriously doubt that our new school will tolerate that. I know that you are most probably comfortable with what you are wearing right now, but what I suggest is that you conform to the dress code only during those school days and use your current outfit during Sundays. It's best not to get into trouble with the school administration during your first day at school."
Ranma was about to retort, but then he fell silent as he considered his companion's words for a moment. He then grinned. "You know, Minato-san… you are really a strange person. You are not really talkative, and seems to be a by the book kind of guy. But seeing you talk like this, reminds me of Kasumi and Nabiki all rolled into a person. Man… I don't think I would someday meet someone that has their best qualities in them. If you are like them, I won't be surprised that we would get along just fine."
Minato just nodded, feeling himself more relaxed around the pigtailed martial artist, so much so that he didn't bother fastening his earphones to listen to the radio. He then asked something that had been nagging at him for a while. "Ranma-san… you compared me to this Nabiki and Kasumi person… not to mention you seem to know the author of the Nerima Chronicles… what are they like?"
Ranma just smiled wistfully. "Kasumi… well to put simply, she is the eldest sister of my 'fiancée' Akane Tendo. I use that term loosely, because after a failed wedding attempt concocted by our idiot fathers, we really had some time to talk, and we both discovered that we can never be more than best friends, maybe something akin to brother and sister."
He paused for a moment before continuing. "Kasumi Tendo, if you met her and know her personally is a selfless angel. She's one of the prettiest girls I know, also the kindest and sweetest. She also acts as the surrogate mother in the household, and she never complains at all when she is doing the housework. In fact, she is a great cook and a good listener. Makes me regard her as the mother/elder sister figure that I never had, before I met my mother."
"Now Nabiki… to simply put it, she was a mercenary and an Ice Queen in the past. She would do anything, and I mean anything to obtain money, be it legally or on the borderline of being illegal. Everything that she gives out, advice or whatnot is never free. Only recently, that I found out why she did all that. Apparently with all the chaos that surrounds my life, with all the fights that damaged the dojo, not to mention that me and Oyaji freeloaded off the Tendo house, severely increased the food bills of the household. I couldn't really blame her after all of that."
He then grinned and then looked at his companion. "Now that I have said what I want to say, it's your turn now, Minato-san."
Minato nodded and told Ranma briefly about his own life up to this point, before he came back to Iwatodai.
"So… if I understand it correctly, you were originally from Iwatodai huh? And you had to leave because of your parents' deaths… I am really sorry about that by the way." Ranma said rather sympathetically.
"Don't be, Ranma-san… their deaths is not your fault… I still do not know what had caused their deaths, but I have accepted it and moved on." Minato said calmly.
"You are strong, Minato-san… I might have a strange and dysfunctional family, but they are all I have. They have their own quirks and weird personalities… but they are all I have. Hell, I even consider the Nerima Wrecking Crew my friends, mainly because they are all I have too. I do not know if I would have taken it so well if I was in your place." Ranma said rather sheepishly.
Minato's lips curved slightly into a smile as he heard Ranma speak. It was as if the pigtailed martial artist was trying to comfort him or something. Although like he said, he had moved on, he still appreciates the way his companion's attempt to cheer him up. He then absentmindedly took a look around and was surprised that there were very few people left on the train.
Apparently, Ranma noticed that as well and he looked out at the window and saw that it was already dark outside. "Whoa… time really flies when you are talking with someone. Minato-san… may I ask what time is it now?"
Minato looked at the timer on his CD player and said. "Its twenty minutes past eleven, Ranma-san… and I do agree with your statement. It shouldn't be long now to reach Iwatodai station."
As if on cue, an announcement rang in the train, stating the train's imminent arrival at Iwatodai station. Upon arrival, both teens got up from their seats and made their way outside the station, intending to go their dorm. It was then the unexpected happened.
Ranma was the first one to notice, since his training had honed his observation skills to pay attention to his surroundings. The first thing he noticed that all electronic devices in the station, not to mention all around him suddenly shut down as if there was a blackout, since the station's emergency lighting came on.
He then walked with Minato outside the station and found himself in a strange land. Sure the buildings and all that were all the same, but the night sky was green for some reason, and there was a bright yellow moon shining down on them. Add that to the coffins standing straight up around them, and what looked like blood on the floor made the scenery quite a weird and creepy one to those who hadn't gone through the things that he did in his life.
"Now this is weird, isn't it, Minato-san…" He commented offhandedly as both youths walked towards their supposed dorm, seemingly unfazed by the things that just transpired around them. "I mean this thing that happened around us, the green night sky, the coffins and the blood… I don't know what is wrong with this city. This kind of thing actually feels weird to me, and if you know about my life… this probably rates a 3 on my Weird-o-meter. Heck, I've seen and fought against the Orochi, Dragon Princes and Phoenix Demigods… so this is nothing new to me." The last few parts were said in his normal cocky tone.
Minato could only nod slightly in agreement, as he looked at the map that was given to him, and he said. "Let us go, Ranma-san… it's late, and I do think we need to get some rest."
"You're right, Minato-san… let's get a move on before this scenery really and seriously starts to creep me out." Ranma said in a nonchalant tone as both youths started walking, following the directions of the map that was given to them.
On the way, the passed by more coffins standing upright, though they ignored them until they reached a large mansion like structure. After looking at the picture that was on the map, Minato said. "Well, Ranma-san… it seems that we have arrived at out destination."
"Looks like it, Minato-san… let's go in shall we? No sense staying out here in a strange land of coffins." Ranma deadpanned as both of them approached the building and went inside.
The interior of their dorm was like any old western styled building, an old grandfather clock was sitting on one side of what looked like a living room, and there was also a comfortable looking sofa set with a matching table. Heck, there was even a TV there.
"Oh you people are here… we have been expecting you." A female voice, which resembled a little girl's caught their attention. Both teens turned to the side, and they saw a counter, and behind them were two people. One was a boy who wore a gray striped shirt that resembled a prison uniform. He was rather pale, and had gray hair and light green eyes. The other was a girl, with light brown hair and amber colored eyes. She wore a simple blue colored sundress and had a straw hat on her head.
Ranma was quite startled by their appearance. He didn't detect their presence when they entered the building, meaning that these two children, if they are really children were very powerful beings. He had dealt with supernatural foes and super powered martial artists, dragon princes, magical princes and a phoenix demigod before, so he knew that these two children were more than what they seem.
The girl and boy soon approached them, and the boy withdrew a folder, and the girl did the same.
The boy then looked at Minato and said. "I realize that this is rather sudden for me to request something of you… but I need you to sign your name here on the contract I am carrying."
The girl looked at Ranma the same way and said. "I must ask you to do the same as well, young man."
Minato was about to comply when Ranma stopped him and then snorted. "Yeah right… what's the catch here anyway? I've dealt with Nabiki before, not to mention that you two are not what you seem, despite your looks… I've learnt that through experience."
The girl giggled softly and shook her head. "There is no 'catch' here, young man. Signing this contract will not harm you in any way… all we ask is that you take responsibility for your actions that you are going to make in the future. This is in a way, is a contract or letter of indemnities… if you will."
Ranma looked at the pair, who was trying their best to look innocent, especially the girl. He sighed to himself, as he recognized her look. It was the look that his girl form used when he decide to obtain free food, especially ice cream. He thought deeply for a moment, before saying. "Fine… I'll sign the damn contract… but I warn you, if this is a trick or something… I'll make sure you two, whatever you are, will come to regret it."
He then took a pen and signed his name on the contract, followed by Minato who followed his lead, leaving a slight shiver of fear coursing through the two elder being's souls. They had seen, or at least read about the 'demise' of the Phoenix demigod Saffron, and it would not be good on their health, even though the mortal did not really stand a chance against them, to anger a known God slayer.
After they had retrieved the contract, the boy said to them. "No one can escape time… It all delivers us to the same end."
The girl then followed her brother's lead. "You both cannot cover your eyes and ears and pretend that nothing has happened, or everything is alright around." The room suddenly was covered with darkness, the only light visible illuminated the four people in the room.
They both then said in unison. "We will be watching you both… even if you forget about us…" With that, they soon faded from view, and both Ranma and Minato looked around rather dumbfounded at what had just transpired.
"What on earth just happened?" Ranma said to no one in particular, though Minato also shared the same thought as the pigtailed martial artist.
Just then, a female cry of 'who's there!?' caught their attention. They looked towards the origin of the sound and saw a girl with honey brown hair, light blue eyes dressed in a combination of a pink striped blazer, a red tie that was on her neck and light brown skirt. She also had some kind of red band on her left arm, and she was looking at them rather fearfully.
Ranma's attention however was on the holster on her hip which held some sort of gun in it, which came to him as a surprise. He didn't know that the people in this dorm were armed at all, with guns no less. While Minato just looked shocked, his body tensed up slightly, a reflex he had after years of training and the things he had gone through in Nerima.
He was about to react when he saw the girl's hand going to the gun and almost drawing it when he heard a commanding female voice cry out. "Takeba, wait!"
The girl named Takeba looked to the sound of the voice, and visibly relaxed, and the owner of the voice stepped into the light. She was tall, with dark maroon hair that fell to her shoulders, some of it covering one of her eyes. She wore a black skirt, and she had a white blazer instead of pink, with the same red tie, and the same red band around her left arm. She had a small smile on her face, and Ranma thought that she seemed familiar to him. He searched his mind as he studied her, and his eyes widened in recognition after some time. There was only one girl in his memory that had that color of hair.
"Mit... Mitsu-chan?" He said rather tentatively, not believing that his special childhood friend had blossomed into such a beauty.
Mitsuru looked at the pigtailed martial artist, a special friend that she had not seen for a long time since her childhood, and smiled softly. She nodded and said. "Yes, Ranma-kun… it is me. Welcome to Iwatodai."
End of Chapter 2
A/N 2: Well, these are my responses to your reviews so far, as well as an update about the pairing votes. And as a special note: I am adding some more girls and multiple pairing votes as well. Enjoy! By the way, I still don't see anyone voting whether I should keep Shinjiro Aragaki alive, or should he die like in canon. Please vote guys.
Voting Results (For now)
Minato Arisato Pairings
Yukari Takeba: 1
Fuuka Yamagishi: 0
Mitsuru Kirijo: 0
A.E.G.I.S: 3
Yuko Nishiwaki (the sports club manager): 0
Chihiro Fushimi (the student council treasurer): 0
AEGIS and Yukari Takeba: 1
Ranma Saotome Pairings
Yukari Takeba: 0
Fuuka Yamagishi: 2
Mitsuru Kirijo: 7
Yuko Nishiwaki (the sports club manager): 0
Chihiro Fushimi (The student council treasurer):1
Fuuka Yamagishi and Chihiro Fushimi: 1
Elizabeth: 1
Akihiko Sanada Pairings
Mitsuru Kirijo: 1
Yukari Takeba: 1
Well, as far as pairings go for Minato, AEGIS is currently leading the pack with Yukari a close second. In Ranma's case, Mitsuru seems to be the favorite to snag our Wild Horse, though Fuuka is still in the running as well as Chihiro. Not to mention a surprise inclusion of Elizabeth and multiple pairings for both MCs. And as for Akihiko, there is a tie between Yukari and Mitsuru. If you guys want your girls to end up with the MCs, do make sure to vote alright? Oh, and just a note… one vote per girl, per review only. So for those people who have voted… you will not be allowed to vote again. I am really sorry for that.