IMPORTANT STUFF: BSSMoon, GWing, and Ranma 1/2 DO NOT belong to me, but you already knew that.
Chapter One: The Normal Life
"USAGI!! Are you up yet?!"
"I'm coming!!" she answered. The girl was in her room just finishing her unusal hairstyle that she really liked for some reason. She'd always enjoyed the bounciness of her two ponytails whenever she walked. She would've grown them out longer, but ever since she started her training, she had to keep it at waist length.
She brushed her golden hair again to sort out all the unnecessary tangles before jumping to her feet with school bag in hand. She had to hurry since her brother was so kind to let her sleep in a bit even if it was their first day of a new school year. In her rush, she nearly flew by the staircase, but with her quick reflexes, she grabbed onto the railing in time and pulled herself to a stop. She would usually just leap right down to the first floor, but knowing her father was home that morning, she proceeded down the stairs like a normal person.
Usagi navigated herself to the kitchen, following the wonderful aroma. When she arrived at her destination, she found her brother just clearing his plate. "Good mornin', big brother!" she greeted with a big smile.
He turned to her with a toast hanging from his mouth and attempted to say something that she couldn't make out, but from his head gesturing towards the dining room, she knew she better get there fast. She left him alone to his cleaning and made her way to the dining room. There, she saw a man in his late thirties reading the newspaper.
She tiptoed in and quietly stepped up behind the man's chair, trying not to giggle. "Eat your breakfast, Usagi, before it gets cold," he said without looking at her. He sipped his coffee while she pouted and pretended to angrily stomp over to him.
She stood by his chair for a few seconds and then leaned down to him and kissed him softly on the cheek. "Good morning, daddie!"
He smiled at her as she took her seat to his left where her breakfast was already set out. "Good morning, Usagi." He didn't say anymore when she started to devour her food like it was just breathing. He watched her tenderly, seeing how full of life she was, taking each day with a warm smile. He thought about his two children and how proud he was with both of them. His wife had passed away too soon, leaving him to raise them up, but he wasn't alone. He was grateful for his good friends who were to him like family.
Her brother walked into the dining room, adjusting the collar that seemed like it tightened around his neck. "Usagi, are you done yet? We'll be late if you don't hurry." She couldn't answer him since she had just stuffed the rest of the scrambled eggs into her mouth.
"It's all right, Ryouga," their father chuckled. "Slow down, Usagi, or you'll choke," he insisted. He really shouldn't worried since it was his daughter, and she did this all the time when she was late. "You know you could always have Bahren drive you to school."
Usagi swallowed and gulped down her orange juice. She wiped her mouth clean, signifying the end of her breakfast. "That would be great, dad! With Bahren-san drivin', we'll get to school in no time!" She was certain that their chauffer was a racecar driver in his past life. No matter how late to any destination, he could always get them there on time--even if it shortened their lifespans because of the excess worrying, but that was just her father and brother.
Ryouga lightly bopped his sister's head, but he spoke to his father instead, "It's all right, father. Usagi NEED the run to school. Plus," he paused, smiling at her pouty face, "we're meeting Ranma on the way." Neither the boy nor father noticed the pink tint flush across Usagi's face, but their father wouldn't be able to convince them otherwise since they were ready to go. Usagi kissed her father on the cheek and bid him farewell.
"Have a good day, you two," he said. The two disappeared from the room, but he listened quietly till he heard the front door shut. He sighed, thinking how life was good for everyone. Peace and harmony had really sweep across the Earth and into space. He hoped it would stay like that forever, but that morning he felt a strong, odd presence in the air.
He heard the telephone ring twice before it stopped. He sipped the last of his coffee before standing up. He walked out into the hall way and proceeded down to the next room where he met a tall, bearded man. The man told the caller to hold and then acknowledged his master with a bow, "Master Quatre."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"Slow down, Ryouga!" Usagi shouted, running a few meters behind her brother. "You'll take a wrong turn or something!" She loved her brother dearly, but he was hard-headed when it came to warnings like that. He was a boy after all and didn't like it when told by a girl--his sister at that--that he was wrong. He didn't have a wrong sense of direction or anything, but if his mind wandered when he was going to a set destination, he would definitely find himself diverging from his original course.
"Don't change the subject!" he yelled back. "You're gettin' too slow!" he laughed. She pouted and slowed down as he continued without noticing her. With a look of determination, she sprinted in another direction. She would show her brother not to take her lightly.
There was a shortcut that she would usually take with Ranma when Ryouga stayed after school for his various clubs. They weren't officially racing, so she wasn't cheating at all. But she giggled at the memories of those many days taking that course because it was a secret between her and Ranma. If Ryouga knew about it, he would be upset, but it was in his nature to be a protective brother. And it wasn't like the two boys weren't best of friends or anything--even if they denied it.
She began to run along the side of a brick wall that surrounded a group of buildings. It finally ended at intersection which she crossed easily by bounding gently across the roofs. She passed the third intersecion and continued pass a series of stores before turning down an alley. She kept running even if there was a tall concrete wall at the end of the alley, but it didn't stop her.
One thing that she didn't like about it was the dress she was wearing. It always got in her way when she wanted to pull some stunt. The lengthy dress was a plum-looking color that did not go well with her blonde hair. (Complementary colors never do look good... to me.) The school really had no fashion sense, but she had to live with it.
She pushed on with full speed, hitching her dress above her knees, and then using the walls of the buildings--on either side, it didn't matter--she lept onto the wall like she had done many times. If her actions were viewed carefully and at a slower pace, it would've seem like she was running up the wall. But it happened so fast that the next second she propelled herself into the air and over the obstructing wall. This was a feat that the majority of the people would not even consider to attempt--only because they wouldn't consider taking martial arts.
After taking a few more blocks, she could see the traffic of cars up ahead and knew that that was the main street. She immediately came to a stop, not only to rest but to wait for Ryouga to show up. A couple of minutes went by when she looked down the sidewalk and saw what she expected: Ryouga's baffled face staring right at her, and the other person with the smirk she loved to see--even if she would beat him down to wipe it off.
"About time, BIG BROTHER," she emphasized, "And don't tell me you overslept too, Ran-chan." When the two boys caught up to her, she ran along side with them.
Ranma's grin grew wider, and he teased, "I love you too, Usa-chan." The statement made her blush, and she playfully hit his arm only to receive a puzzled look from Ryouga. After that, they ran for the next ten minutes in silence, but by the time they passed through the front gates of Peacecraft Academy, the bell had already rung for the start of the morning classes.
They wouldn't have the tardiness problem if they were living on campus, but their houses were within city limits, and it wouldn't be fair to those who were from other regions outside the city. The two boys didn't mind the morning run, but Usagi prayed every night that there would be an extra dormitory at the end of the week. By then, the students' living quarters management would give the extra rooms to those on the waiting list.
Since Usagi was the daughter of the famous, wealthy Quatre Rabera Winner, she was top on the waiting list. But it wasn't like she hated living at home. She loved living with her family, but living on campus would be SO much easier for her. Yes, she could sleep in for another thirty minutes, but it didn't occur to her that she could also be late if she made a habit of it.
Usagi had to part ways with Ranma and Ryouga since they were a year older than her, so they were in a different grade level. But that didn't bring her down because she could always have lunch with them. The blonde shouldn't be thinking about that but worry about her first impression on her homeroom teacher. She was probably really lucky that morning or something because when she opened the door to her classroom, the teacher just called out her name. "PRESENT!" she blurted, somewhat tumbling into the room.
Her teacher was a slender woman about her late-twenties. She looked very attractive too with her long, brown hair--well, she would, but right now the frown on her face was not a good sign for Usagi. The blonde bowed deeply and in one breath, she let out, "I'mReallySorryForBein'LateButILiveOffCampusSoTheTraffic'sReallyBadInTheMornin'!" She kept her body in the bowing position, but her eyes peered up to see the teacher's reaction. She cringed a bit seeing that the woman's frown deepened.
"Well, Miss Winner, I do not appreciate this tardiness, but for your sake, this occurrence better be the last time. Now take the empty seat by the window."
Very relieved, Usagi trotted to her assigned desk and was really happy when she sat down next to her best girl friend. "Hi, Ucc-chan!" she greeted in a low voice, "It's so good to see a pleasant face."
The brunette giggled quietly in agreement. "Usagi'll be Usagi," she whispered. "Betcha Ryouga and Ranma were late too, huh?" Usagi sighed, nodding. "Don't sweat, Usagi. I'm sure they'll be fine, so don't blame yourself. I know they wouldn't want you to."
"Miss Maxwell!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Ukyou immediately stood up at the call of her name. The teacher was eying her and Usagi like they were her enemies. If she glared any longer, Ukyou would have a giant hole through her head.
"I do not appreciate deliquency in MY classroom. Other teachers might overlook this the first day, but I, Hinako Hinomiya, will not. I would like to see you and Miss Winner after school." Seeing that Ukyou was still standing, she ordered her to sit down. The two friends looked at their desktop in embarrassment, having caused such chaos already. "Now open your Calculus book to the first chapter."
Usagi sighed, already feeling the year full of dread, as she took out her textbook. Major work on the first day already, and now she had after school detention. It was going to ruin her schedule after school. At least she had lunch to warn Ranma about the change, and hopefully he could make up some excuse for her missed practice.
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Lunch was just beginning as Ranma and Ryouga grabbed their usual table before anyone else could claim it for the year. Ranma was very hungry, but he tried his very best to wait for Usagi and the others to come. Ryouga noticed his friend's gaze on the lunch bag before him and smiled. Knowing how much the pigtailed boy loved food just like his sister, this was a suitable torture for him. "Hey, Ranma, betcha can't guess who's in my class," he said, hopefully easing Ranma's mind off the food.
The two didn't have the same homeroom, but it seemed that one of them had another friend of theirs was in his class. Ranma smiled because how could he forget one of their friends. "It's gotta be Ukyou's bro, right? If he isn't in my class, then he's in yours." Ryouga nodded, knowing it didn't take a genius to figure that out, but at least Ranma's mind was away from the food. It was until Usagi and Ukyou shouted for their attention as they hurried up to join them.
As the girls took their seats across from the boys, Ranma finished the previous topic with a question, "So where is he?"
It took Ryouga a few seconds to realize that Ranma was taking about his classmate. "Oh, some meeting. You know him." The girls looked at one another in confusion, and Usagi was about to ask when Ryouga caught their bewilderment. "We were just talkin' about Nephrite. He's in my class."
Ukyou nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure my hotshot brother is off flirtin' somewhere." Usagi giggled as the boys frowned. Feeling uncomfortable under their glare, Ukyou put her hands up in defense. "Hey, he's as popular as you guys, ya know. I mean, Ranma's got the tough, cool, independent rebel appeal. Ryouga has the sweet, gentle, shy older brother thing goin' for him. So Nephie-chan has to be the jock, right?"
While the two males thought over Ukyou's direct words, wondering if they were compliments or insults, Usagi and Ukyou gave each other these passing girlish, giggling looks. The girls knew how to inflate a guy's ego while at the same time, throwing in a hidden meaning. "Ucc-chan, you never cease to amaze me," the blonde giggled.
Ukyou took a small bow towards her friend. "Why, thank you, Usa-chan! But really, no matter how old guys are, they'll suck up any girl's words as compliments." The boys weren't too happy at those words, but of course they didn't say anything, knowing the girls would always have a better comeback. Ukyou noticed their silence and laughed at the childish pouts. "Oh c'mon, guys. We were just teasin' ya."
Ranma shook everything aside and smiled, thinking how he would have revenge later that day. "We'll just have to give you girls your due of injustice later."
"Whatever," the brunette rolled her eyes.
"Oh that reminds me," Usagi started, "Ucc-chan and I'll be late. We've got after school detention with Hinomiya-sensei."
"You guys have detention on the FIRST day of school?!" Ranma shook his head in disbelief.
"I heard Hinomiya-sensei was a new teacher this year," Ryouga added. "She's a strict one too. All her students at her last school were deathly afraid of her." The two girls trembled at his last statement. "When you look into her eyes--even for a few seconds--you get overwhelmed with FEAR and HELPLESSNESS as if she was staring into your soul for your deepest, darkest SECRETS. She'll RIP it out an--"
"STOP IT!" the girls cried, holding onto each other for support. Ranma and Ryouga laughed at them, and the latter calmed down and said, "I was just joking. But those ARE the rumors about her." Usagi and Ukyou frowned at them and then started on their lunches, ignoring the chuckling, 'immature' boys for the rest of the mealtime.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
With Usagi and Ukyou in detention, Ranma and Ryouga were on their way to the pigtail boy's house which was a bit farther away compared to Ryouga's house. They decided to race to their training session, but Ranma had a slight advantage in speed. But being the son of one of the best and well-known martial artists in the world, Ranma had many advantages over his friend.
With just the boys, they arrived at their destination quicker than their trip to school--within twenty minutes. It was a rather traditional, Asian home with the compound protected by very high walls. The main entrance laid in the front while the back one was usually for personal use. A path of various sized stones paved to the main building. Off to the side was a large building that served as a dojo for Ranma and the others. On the opposite side was the most beautiful area with a pond filled with different colored carps and a garden with exquisite floral life. (Okay people, think something LIKE the Tendou's place.)
Ranma and Ryouga went inside the house and slipped off their shoes in the foyer. They made their way to the living room and left their school bags there. "It's too quiet," noted Ryouga.
"Yeah, I guess dad finished with the classes early." Training for his father really didn't begin until Ranma and his friends came over. His father held the skills of a warrior as the highest goal in life and only worthy people could succeed his style, but forced to have some sort of income, he had to open his school to others, teaching the basics and mostly defensive techniques. "Mom doesn't seem to be home," Ranma said as he walked away. "But I'll go find dad."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Ranma went into the kitchen, but no one was there. Usually he would find his mother cooking there, but she must've gone shopping or to a friend's house. It wasn't difficult to find his father since the only place to find him--besides the dojo--was the garden. When the man wasn't fighting nor training, he would medidate in the garden. It was the most peaceful place on the compound to take one's mind to the next level.
And that was what Ranma saw his father doing. The man sat on a large rock by the pond with some incense drifting in the background. He wore loose-fitting pants with a black tank top. His black hair was sleeked back into a short ponytail. "Are the others ready?" he said in a low, emotionless tone.
"Uh, hi dad," Ranma started stupidly, wondering how he'd take the absences of the girls, "Ryouga and I are, but Usagi and Ukyou had a meeting after school, so they'll be late."
"Damn that Heero," he heard his father muttered, "telling me to babysit girls." His father stood up and turned around to him. "Well boy, let's get started. The girls can catch up later."
"Uh, yeah." Ranma watched the man walk into the building and then moments later followed him in. He guessed his father still had that idea that women were weaker than men. How his father married his mother was something Ranma would have to ask the woman in the future.
By now, Ryouga must've changed into his gi, so Ranma had to hurry too just so he wouldn't miss out on anything. He didn't mind the man's coldness towards him and everyone else--even to his mother sometimes--but his mother always told him he was a passionate man--passionate for his ideals, his skills, and to be the best. Ranma had to agree because he did inherit those traits as well. After all, he was Chang Wufei's son.
TO BE CONTINUED... Next Chapter... I don't know...
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[looking sheepish] Quite surprised, huh? You didn't expect all those relationships to come out at ya like that, ne? [gigglin] Well, it did... but I don't know if I have any more surprises after that. But do you see my logic in making the relationships like they are? [raises an eyebrow] No? Well just e-mail me 'bout it--or I might just write a WHOLE paper on why I did what I did... [snickers] Yeah, right...
I was taken back myself when I added in Hinako-sensei--I didn't plan to have her in there, she just appeared. Oh anyway, I've decided on who FeiFei's wife gonna be, but I'm not sayin' anything right now... Ja!
K-chan =6_6=