Note from the writer: The first chapter (Prologue) is in a form of POV so that you'll be able to meet the main characters of this story. But the rest of the story will go back to the original form of the writing.

TRUE LOVE
Chapter 1: Characters' POV
written by: Chette-chan

[...I'll see you tomorrow Juliet]

Those were the last words I typed before I closed the cover of my Voodoo Envy H:171 laptop. I gaze up into the sky while waiting for my car to arrive at its destination. I was mad. No. Let me correct that, I am furious. I am so *beep* furious right now. Why, you ask? Because my mom cannot move forward. Yeah. She's still in love with her Idiotic husband even though that awful man left her 12 years ago and to think she is the most beautiful mother I've seen in my whole life, she couldn't even marry another guy that will replace that damn oyaji after 12 years!

"We are here young master."

My thoughts were interrupted when the car stops and my driver said those words. I nodded and told him to wait for me because I won't be long. My driver opened the door for me and I dashed towards the big building of A&A. This company was built last ten years ago by my mom and her partner Akiko Taki. Uncle Akiko is a great guy. Ever since he met my mom at our Dojo and ask her to help him build a computer company, he never left my mom's side. I wished that my mom would marry him. But no. Like I said, she can't *beep* move forward!

Entering the huge building while trying to ignore the people bowing to me as I passed by, Well I guess after ten years I got used to that kind of treatment. I stepped into the elevator and felt it moving upward, just like my frustration towards my mother. Don't get me wrong. I love my mother very much, it's just that sometimes, she's making me all frustrated especially when it involves the past and the husband who left her.

Her husband. My so-called 'dad'. My good-for-nothing dad.

My Aunties told me once that my mother was a very strong martial artist like me. She is indeed a very strong woman. She raised me up very well while studying, working and teaching children at our dojo at the same time. However, no matter how strong she is, if you want to break her spirit, just mention her past and she would break into tears.

"Good morning sir, Your mother, Ms.-"

I held out my hand open palm facing my mom's secretary, signaling her not to bother or stop me from walking towards my mom's office. I opened her door and she was talking to someone at her phone. Remembering what I saw in her bedroom, I got totally angry and it made me slam the door which of course obviously, interrupted my mom and told that someone that she'll just call back. Whoever he or she is.

"What's wrong?" she asked, softly.

"Mom-" I stopped when I noticed something different inside her office. I stared at the blank wall at the right corner.

My mom resume working, "It's gone now, I hope you are satisfied?" she asked, not looking at me.

I turned my head and looked in her direction, she looks so miserable, but what she has done is a step towards her freedom. "You shouldn't have hang it there in the first place." I growled, I was talking about the wedding picture of my mother and my stupid father that was hanging on that empty wall before. "Next, get rid of the pictures I saw in your room-"

She looked at me with a frustration. "Don't tell me I have to get rid of those too?"

I hate the fact that she has those pictures in her room, and I hate the fact that she was looking at me like that, I snapped, "MOM! STOP LIVING IN THE PAST! HE IS GONE NOW! WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS JUST HURTING YOURSELF! HE WILL NOT COME BACK TO YOU! YOU'RE JUST MAKING YOUR LIFE MISERABLE!" I hate yelling at her, but sometimes I can't stop myself. I was about to say something, but when her frown deepen, I had to pause and took a deep breath, "Mom you know how much I love you... I just don't want to see you getting hurt.. that's why I am doing my best to get rid of him-"

"You can't get rid of him, he is your dad-"

I clenched my fist, and the heat of my anger came back as she starts defending him. "He is not my DAD! How many times do I have to tell you that He is NOT MY DAD!" I yelled defensively. My mom told me a lot of good things about him, I wanted to meet him before. I was so excited for him to come back to us; but as I grow up, I realized that he will never come back. He is an idiot father who abandoned his wife and his son. After my 10th Birthday... I started hating him. "Why not just accept the fact that He will not come back to you?"

"He will come back.. I can feel it..."

"Bullshit feelings Mom!"

"I didn't raise you to have a faulty mouth!"

I was about to say sorry but I was totally mad, that the forgiveness left my mouth, "Well hell, I didn't expect you to go mourning over my dead father for 12 years!"

"Your dad is alive and don't be stubborn-"

I narrowed my eyes and looked straightly at my mother, "Well too bad... I'm stubborn, because my name is Akaran Tendo and I am your son right?"

"Well too bad... I'm stubborn, because my name is Akaran Tendo and I am your son right?"

Those were the last words from my son before he slammed my office door for the second time. What did I do wrong? Why is he so angry at his father? I didn't tell him bad things about his father, Maybe he figured it out? I don't know. But all I know is that I am not totally surprised that he feels that way too, Just like what they say... 'Like father, Like son.' his father had this long hatred thing with his own father before.

12 years waiting, hoping and silently praying that I will see him standing in front of the Tendos, asking forgiveness; asking me if he can come back to my life. I closed my eyes, remembering what had happened during that frightful night. It was a small misunderstanding. Just a small fight. We always fight. It was a usual fight, but not until he took away all his clothes and took one of the twins, I didn't worry that time because, I know he will come back. He always comes back.

Akaran couldn't understand even though I have explained to him that it wasn't his father's fault why he had to leave. It was that day that we were having our usual fights because of my cooking, then suddenly he just had to bring up that he was only forced to marry a klutz girl like me because he had to carry on the Dojo, and if he had his way, he won't marry me. It was also the first time that I had to throw the food at his face and he was really angry that he packed all his things and took one of the twins.

"If he truly love us mom, he already came back"

If only he can really hear himself, he is just like his dad. Prideful. Annoying. Overprotective. But I love him very much and he is my treasure. I smiled remembering even though he is like that, he is the most sweetest man I've ever met. Ever since I started earning millions, he spent all his allowance in giving me the most sweetest mother-and-son dates ever. He is only 14 years old but he acts so matured. Sometimes, I miss him acting childish while looking at me with puffy eyes just because he lost a fight.

His hatred at his father made him matured. Our riches made him more of that.

I felt tears coming out of my eyes. I covered my face and tried to control my sobs, but I just can't. For minutes, I just sat there in front of my computer and then suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder, I looked up to see who it was.

"Oh Akiko-kun... I am sorry, I didn't notice-" I said, as I wiped my eyes.

He interrupted, "It is Akaran again?"

I looked at the guy who gave me hope and helped me in my darkest days. Akiko Taki, the guy Akaran wanted to be his father. Ever since he met me and became my friend, he did not stop loving me. He knew everything and yet he didn't stop persuading me. Sometimes I wish he'll just give that love to someone else. Because he knows that I cannot accept his love. Did I mention that I dumped him many times already? and you call me stubborn.

"Hey?"

"It's the usual thing... Akiko-kun." I sighed.

"Your son really loves you. He just wants you to stop moping around and move forward." he said, he walked towards my sofa and sat there. "Understand him, he just wants you to be happy."

"Waiting for him...makes me happy"

"So how come, we see the opposite?"

I sighed, After Akaran comes Akiko... "I'm not in the mood for this" I replied and started working on my computer.

"Its been twelve years-"

"... and I am going to wait for him until I die." I snapped at him, "I know why you are on his side, Akiko-kun. Because you want me to accept your love." I was already angry at Akaran and now Akiko. "I can feel that he will be back, so please just-"

"I am going to lie if my intentions were pure. That I want you to move forward just like your son, because I just want you to be happy as a friend. You know how much I love you and want to marry you and become Akaran's father."

"Akiko-"

"I love you, Akane Tendo and if you are willing to wait for him for a lifetime? Then I am willing to wait for you, until you get over him."

I used a gentle pressure on the brake pedal to bring my MV-Augusta F4CC motorcycle to a smooth stop as I waited for the car honking behind my back. It was a gorgeous early morning, I was out at the streets of Italy. Am I a bad girl? Out in the streets at one in the morning? No, I am with my dad. Yes, he was behind me on his car driving. Because of our status even though I am 14 years old, I could drive a motorcycle but only when my dad is around. Can I handle it? of course! I am a martial artist. We just finished having a race in some empty street that he discovered once he got his license last 10 years ago. I just love my dad, he's the coolest ever. Life, could not be more perfect. For here I am living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and living with the best dad ever.

I took a glance sideways and smirked at the man, my dad... who was inside the bugatti veyron car, while the car's convertible top floating into its neat housing.

"You still want to race dad?"

"I'm getting old at this.. you know that." my dad said as he leaned on his car seat. "I don't think I'll be able to race up with you the next time." he said, while turning off the car's engine.

I turned off bike's engine as well, "Dad, you're just 33! you are still young!" I exclaimed but still smiling while getting off my motorcycle.

My dad is the type of man that most people would describe as truly handsome, Every one of his lean features quite simply fitted, His jaw-line so perfect, his aqua eyes and pigtailed hair. Not to mention that gorgeous body of his, as he shifted his long lean torso in the seat so he could give me his full attention. His muscles flexed beneath his black cloth of his shirt. He oozed class and style, sometimes I thought that I would definitely get a hard time getting a boyfriend because I wanted a boyfriend like my father. Almost perfect.

"Almost 40." he rolled his eyes.

"You still have seven years before you become forty." I replied, standing beside my motorcycle.

"Ahh..." he nodded, "Yes. But as I get older... you'll grow up as well.. and then... next thing I know... you're going to leave your papa all alone..." he frowned.

"Here we go again." I said stiffly. "I am just fourteen pops. I still am not qualified to even get a boyfriend."

"Am I stopping you?" there was an amusement in my father's voice.

"No. You're not stopping me, which is bad."

"You think so?" He took a second or two to contemplate at my words. Good. I got him thinking. "You're very smart, I am dumb. So I will let you live the way you want to live. Papa has so many regrets and I don't want you to have them." he said,

"Regrets... like leaving mama?" I asked softly. I know my mom. When my dad starts talking about her, he can't stop himself. I know what happened to both of them; but I didn't pressure my dad too much. I know.. someday, I'll be able to see my mom in person. The way my dad talks about her especially when he tells me that my attitude reminds him of her, I want to meet her... someday. "Maybe we should go back to Japan... after all...its been twelve years."

"You know we can't... stellina."

I cringe. "Dad... stop calling me stellina. Even we are here in Italy, you are my father." I shook my head, well I know my father very well whenever he wants to change the subject, he'll say words that will give me goose bumps and then it will divert into another topic.

"What's wrong in calling you stellina? you are my little star." he smirked at me.

"I hate you." I said stubbornly.

"I Love you." he replied to me which made me growl.

Hah! I guess I won't let him beat me today. "Anyway, about Japan and mom-"

He sighed. Victory! whoo! "I told you I don't want to go back there-"

"Why dad?" I asked.

It took a minute before he responded, would he change the topic? or answer my question this time? I just looked at him, waiting for him to talk. "She doesn't need us anymore." I frowned hearing him. So he answered my question now. "And if we will come back to her life... it will ruin her image."

Yes. My Mom... Akane Tendo is now a well-known business woman around the world. Even in Italy, we get a lot of news about her and her partner... what was his name again? "You wouldn't know the truth, unless you go there and ask her in person. I never believe that mom doesn't need us... I know she's waiting for us-"

"How did you know?" my father asked,

"Because I am Rane Tendo Saotome, her daughter."

"Because I am Rane Tendo Saotome, her daughter."

A declaration I can't ignore. She is indeed Akane's daughter. Rane. As I gazed up into her aqua eyes while looking at her, I can't help but to remember her mother. Even though she has my eyes... she's the replica of Akane as she continuous to grow. She was reputed as the cutest girl in her school like her mother, she has that stubborn attitude and totally clumsy in cooking and any feminine activity, but she's trying and doing her very best to improve just like her mother.

When I left Akane, because I was so angry I bought a ticket to Italy instead of China. I was thinking that time, maybe a few months without me by herself will make her realize how important I was to her, I knew that I could trust her and she will understand. So my plan was to go to China to get a cure and then come back to her. When I stepped out of the plane and realized my mistake, I found out that I have no money to go back. That ticket cost a fortune. The money I got from my mother was all spent because of my stupidity.

Luckily, I found a shelter in the nearby Gym as I walk around the neighborhood while carrying Rane. The master of the house was very friendly and when he found out that I am a Martial artist and he sparred with me, he decided that I can teach on his Martial arts school. So my plan was simple. Teach the arts, while raising up Rane and when the time has come that I can finally go back to Japan... I will go back to Japan to be with Akane.

It took me two years to save money. I could have saved money fast if it wasn't for Rane's necessities like food, milk, clothes... and when I planned to go back to Japan, the master of the house that took me in... died; but before he died, he promised me to look out for his one and only daughter... Gina. It was okay at first, until the year after her father died, she confessed that she loves me. I can't accept her feelings, so I told her I had to go back to Japan.

Already packed and ready to go when I saw the news about Japan's business. I still remember how shock I was that some of the money I was counting that time fell off my hands. It was Akane and some guy named Akiko standing in front of a big building called A&A... Was it because it's Akane and Akiko? I ignored what was the announcer was talking about because my eyes were focused on Akiko's hands on her waist. I crumpled the money that was left at my hand, shaking... I canceled the flight.

"Dad?"

Her words made me go back to the real world. "I am sorry... I was just thinking..."

"Anyway, the reason why I want to go back to Japan... was not just because mom was there."

"So why do you want to go back to Japan?"

She giggled, "Do you remember Romeo?" she asked me.

Oh yes. How can I forget that name? Er.. except because I became Romeo and Akane became Juliet. Stop this. I shook my head. We are talking about Romeo of your daughter not you as the Romeo. I told myself grimly. "Your chat mate?"

"Yes."

Romeo.. the guy from Japan whom she met in a chat room. Who became her best friend and still her best friend after five years. "I just can't believe you can be friends with someone you haven't met in person or not yet seen his face."

"Well he gave me a picture when he was a kid but he doesn't want to give his recent picture or else I'll know him for sure since he said he is quite a celebrity, which is of course I respect that."

"He is a fake."

"Well that. I find it hard to believe. Because he is so sincere with his words especially when he calls me you know?"

"Are you in love with him?" I asked all of the sudden.

She paused. Thinking. Then after a few seconds she shook her head. "Not really love... more like a friend... a brother..." she told me.

"Well of course considering you guys are still young.. how old is he?" I asked, while turning on the car's engine.

"Same birth date and age." she replied, as she turn on her motorcycle engine as well. "Maybe the reason why we are so close together because we were born at the same date." she added quickly.

"What's his real name?"

"Well he didn't tell me his real name, its one of our conditions to stay as friends. Like I said he said he was a celebrity."

"I am telling you, he's been lying to you for five years."

"It doesn't matter dad, as long as he listens to me and not telling anyone about my secrets, I am fine with that." she winked at me and rode her motorcycle.

I smiled, "Now I am in the mood for another round of racing. So what do you say?"

I laughed when she stepped on the gas, taunting me. "You're on. Ranma Saotome."