Chapter 1: At The Heart of Metropolis
Five years later…
"It's gonna be a busy Monday Morning, everyone…," the DJ said as Ranma had just switched the radio on while he took a shower and dressed himself.
Ranma had woken up early because of the loud horning of the delivery truck across the street. After years of living in the place, he had gotten accustomed to the early rumblings such as that but there are moments when he would be frustrated by it.
"… and for those who are still on their beds, wake up. Wake up! Wake up! Or you're going to be late…," the DJ said radiating his enthusiasm to the rest of his listeners.
Ranma smiled as he listened to the DJ's rambling. He always wonders who would listen to stuff like this. "It's not really informative like the newspapers and not half as entertaining as the television though the music are good but you could always bring an MP3 or iPOD to record your favorite songs so why bother listening to this stuff," he thought as he gulped his coffee.
In a matter of minutes, Ranma made himself a leisurely breakfast composed of an egg and some toast. He doesn't really eat a heavy meal in the morning since he was mostly scurrying to get to work. After finishing his breakfast and washing the dishes, Ranma headed for work.
He is a teacher at the local elementary school which is located a couple of blocks away. He teaches Physical Education and Mathematics in class and he also coaches the soccer and baseball team. Both teams got the championship for two consecutive years and are still undefeated for their last five games, which was a good sign for his coaching career.
"Good Morning, Mr. Yamamoto," greeted by a student who happened to pass by him.
"Good Morning," he replied as he continued to walk.
Yamamoto was his mother's maiden name. He had used it because it does not call much attention to the crowd like the Saotome name does. Every one knows Ranma Saotome, the son of Genma Saotome, so the mere mention of his name, people were already worshipping him like he was the president of the country. They kiss the ground that the Saotome's walked on which was ridiculous since they are from the same specie. It's just that they have wealth but without it they are ordinary people. But he couldn't blame them after all; they are living in a materialistic world where money makes the world go round. He used Yamamoto to conceal his real identity.
Children were already piling up at the school grounds when Ranma arrived. Students would often great him as they pass him. Sometimes he would hear them giggle as they greet him and he would just smile at their silliness. He is aware that it is just admiration or silly crushes that they have on him and nothing more.
"Children today had become bolder. They are very vivacious and full of life," he thought as he saw some students goofing around and some were running around.
The bell rung and Ranma just like every students had to scamper towards his class.
"Good Morning, class," he said as he arrived to his scheduled class.
"Good Morning, Mr. Yamamoto," the class answered in unison.
********************
The busy streets of Tokyo had been shocked by the sudden appearance of a damsel in distress trying to jumble two suitcases and a handbag in her hands. Almost every guy who happened to see her were itching to extend their hand for help. Yet, stubborn as a bull is, the woman rejected every offer.
"Where can I find a man, a decent man who would extend his help even to an ugly woman or without any hidden agenda on the back of their minds," she thought as she glare at every man who gives her a second glance or a malicious stare.
As she was carrying her suitcases, she regretted packing a lot of her things. She should have just taken a few of her things so that she wouldn't have this kind of difficulty. And instead of bringing a lot of it, she should have brought along her savings so that she could pay a cab and she'll not be walking like what she was doing.
"Who said that running away was easy because who ever that person is, I will kill him if ever I meet him," she mumbled as she continued to drag her suitcases.
After walking a kilometer or so, Akane was completely exhausted. She couldn't even push herself to make another step because of fatigue. She took a rest on the playground and settled herself on the swing. For a few minute, she dared not move a muscle for a while, every inch of her body was screaming of pain.
"Why did I ever do this?" she asked herself trying to remember the incident that made her decide to leave.
Flash back…
"What are you doing, Akane?" Kasumi asked looking a little worried with her little sister.
"I'm leaving, Oneechan," she said as she continued packing her things.
"But why? Is it something that I did or father said because if it was, then I'll apologize for both of us," Kasumi persistently asked.
"No, it's not you," Akane said plainly.
"Then its father… come on, tell me Akane so I can help you…," Kasumi once again inquired.
"No! You can't help me, oneechan. And it doesn't involve you…"
"How can you be so sure that I couldn't help you when you're not even telling me what's the problem is? And I'm involve here because you're my sister," tearfully the older woman said.
"You can't help me Kasumi not this time."
"Why?"
"Because father had already decided to engage me to Kuno."
"What? He did that. Why would he do such a thing?"
"I don't know. All I know is that if I stay here, I will end up being married to that buffoon and you know how much I hate him."
"I know. But why would Daddy do such a thing? Does Nabiki know?"
"I don't know and I'm not going to wait for her. I'm leaving now while I still can."
"No, I won't let you. When Mom died, I promised her that I'll take care of all of us so I won't let you go," Kasumi said as she held onto Akane's wrist.
"Please Kasumi…," Akane begged.
"I won't let you go, Akane. No, not without trying to help you settle this."
"Why won't you listen? Father had already decided and I don't think you can change his mind neither can Nabiki,"
"Just wait a little while, we still don't know if we can persuade father."
"No! I'm not going to wait for the impossible to happen. I don't want to be stuck with that jerk. And you can't stop me, Kasumi… you're not my mother."
With that statement, Kasumi let go of Akane. It was a direct blow on Kasumi's part to hear those words form one of the people; she had dedicated her entire life taking care of. She stood there immobile for a few seconds, still unable to believe the words spoken by her once little sister.
The sudden change in Kasumi did not escape the keen eyes of Akane. She knew her words had hurt Kasumi very much but she needs to get out of their home before it would be too late.
"I'm sorry," she said softly that she alone could hear them.
End of Flash back…
"I'm sorry, Kasumi," she muttered as she remembered the pain she caused to her older sister. Then a lone tear slowly found its course on Akane's cheeks which she hastily wiped with her index finger.
Not far behind her were a group of women whom are chatting with each other. But among them the woman with a long black hair was the most noticeable. Her long shiny hair and pretty face can easily grab the attention of any man.
The laughter coming from the group interrupted Akane's moment of contemplation. She quickly turned her head to the source of the laughter to find out who they are. After discovering the origin of the noise, she returned to her own thoughts. However, unknown to her when she turned around, the woman caught her eyes and immediately recognize her. She then bid farewell to her friends and went up to the lady sitting on the swing.
"Tendo, Akane?" the woman asked loudly.
"Do I know you?" Akane asked back feeling a little terrified.
"It's you!?! Do you remember me? Ummm… This is a surprise. I never thought I'd see you here…." the woman said enthusiastically. Her excitement in seeing Akane was obvious with the fast rate of how she talks. She was unable to finish her sentence when Akane intervened as she began to recognize the person talking to her.
"Ukyou?!?" Akane cried but was still in awe.
"Finally? I thought you didn't recognize me and forgot all about me. So how are you?" with eyes glistening.
"Fine," still in the state of shock, "how about you? You are looking rather… ummm…feminine with your outfit. I never thought I'd see you in those clothes… You look great in them. Now, I'm beginning to wonder if you're still the Ukyou that I used to train with?" she continued while assessing her friend's appearance.
"Tell you about it later. First, tell me why you are here?"
"Well, it's a rather long and complicated story but I'll tell you about it after I settle this things," pointing her suitcases, "Right now, I need your help. I need a place to stay for a while," directly asking a favor on a friend.
"Don't worry. You can stay with me. There's plenty of room at my place."
"Really? Oh, thank you. Thank you so much. Don't worry, I'll help you with the expenses once I get a job… you're really a great friend, Ukyou."
"I know… that is what friends are for… give me this," taking the other suitcase, "come on and I'll guide you to my place."
The two immediately worked on their way towards Ukyou's apartment that was located a few blocks away. As soon as they arrived, they started catching up with their lives.