Just the Beginning 4

Chapter 4: Recovering the Past and Opening the Future

Everyone in the crowd gasped in shock at what happened.

            The guy with the nose ring stared at the female while the female stared right back at him. Then they turned their head to look at the young man who was holding his arm that wasn't letting him to hit her.

            "Its not nice to hurt a female, especially one such as pretty as her."

            The brown-haired blushed slightly from that thought.

            "He…he thinks I'm pretty……….

            The brunette turned to examine the male and saw a mature and kind face. He looked quite handsome, with his blue-gray eyes and and the way his pigtail swung around looks quite nice too. Not many people have pigtails…….She looked lower to see her was wearing some buttoned up red shirt and some black pants, but what looked a lot better was the muscles that seem to ripple around him……..that cause her blush once more…but then something hit her…..the red shirt…..black pants….pigtail………blue-gray eyes……..can it be?!!

            She turned her head back to his face, but already he let go of the guy, but gave a shove to push him back a few steps. He took a step in front of her to protect her.

            "All right…enough is enough….why don't you boys just go and do your business without having to harm anyone."

            Ranma waved his hand slightly as if to show that he didn't really want to fight while he glanced around to look at the other two males. The one with the baton was getting up while the other was getting quite serious. The male with the nose ring looked quite pissed and was rubbing his arm.

            "You shut the fuck up! Its her fault to hurt my buddy here! Why don't you leave so you won't get hurt!"

            Both of the other guys stared at Ranma while the guy with the tomahawk haircut started waving his switchblade in a much deadlier motion. His body started swaying slightly as he somewhat was getting into his groove in how to attack. The other fellow clutched his baton and hit some panel that wasn't seen. Immediately the baton extended another two feet and the guy smirked while he was spinning his baton. While both were armed, the guy with the nose ring smiled and reached into his jeans to pull out something.

            Ranma narrowed his eyes as he saw the dude pull out something brass and fit it into his knuckles. He clenched his fist tightly to see if the weapon fit nicely and when it did, the guy smirked once more. Then he glared at Ranma while waving his fist at him.

            "Like I said……you go…..and you won't get hurt….."

            Ruhan smiled lazily while watching his boys getting closer to the guy with that pigtail who just stepped in and the lady who was holding onto the two kids.

            Feh…trash, all of them are……..they need to be cleaned up……heh….and my boys will do just the thing…….

            Ranma watched all three walked closer, but at a more cautious pace. All three were street brawlers, they definitely knew how to fight and in a place like this, the audience may get hurt……I'm just going have to intimidate them…….and I know just the thing…….

            Ranma smirked as he bent his knees slightly then brought up his right hand. He had his palm facing upwards as he smiled at the three.

            "Heh……you assholes pick the wrong people to mess with….."

            "Who you calling an asshole? You the only one who is going to get fucked up!" The guy with tomahawk haircut retorted while watching Ranma having his hand out.

            "Yeah…you the one going to get fucked up…and then I'm going to deal with that bitch…." Replied the guy with the baton as he pointed at the brunette.

            Ranma narrowed his eyes when he heard those words.

            "Wrong answer…….dumb fucks……..."

            Ranma let himself touch his ki and it exploded in him as it suddenly leapt out. His fierce blue battle aura expanded outside of his body and wrapped around him like a warm blanket. It covered him, offering shelter and protection, while extra power for those that he has to face with. With a mental concentration, the ki shifted slightly as some of it was drained away and immediately appeared in his hand. Then the wavy mass of ki took shape as it turned more solid and had more curvatures. In a few more seconds, it was a round ball about the size of a basketball.

            "What the fuck is that?!!"

            The guy with the baton pointed at the ball of ki that appeared from Ranma's hands while he was slightly trembling from the ki that was overflowing from Ranma's body.

            The crowd gasped slightly as they saw the power swirling around Ranma and how the ki pretty much had a mind of its own as it wrapped around him and basically became a mobile shield.

            Its him…….I can't believe….its the ki……that takes the cake…….its really him….

            "Shut up! You got nothing to be afraid of! Its probably some light effects! That can't hurt us!" The guy with the brass knuckles pointed at Ranma though he felt his knees buckling too, but his anger was preserving over his fear. Since he was humiliated by that asshole in front of the crowd, he definitely wants some payback.

            "Like I said……..wrong answer…..you dipshits!"

            Ranma turned to a nearby trashcat, which was a solid metal canister owned by Ruhan whose eyes were round and wide as he saw the floating ki ball. Ranma aimed his hand at the canister and with another mental effort, he willed it off his hand and let it speed towards the canister.

            "MOUKO TAKABISHA!!!"

            The ki-blast screamed as it trailed and slammed into the canister, which cause a minor explosion, burning major holes into the canister, while shredding other parts. The minor explosion easily brought up the small debris of the metal canister and threw it around everywhere.

            Eyes went even wider and jaws dropped at they saw the devastation of the ki-blast. As everyone turned their heads toward Ranma, he smirked once more and brought out his hand. Then this time, he decided to have overkill.

            He recalled the memory how that guy with the brass knuckles tried to slap the female, then that Ruhan, dumbass fat boy, treated those kids, and then he recalled some mental images of his……..madness……he let it trickle slowly into his ki…..which brought up a new a battle aura…..this time….pure anger…..as the aura changed slowly into a roaring red battle aura. The ki was so strong that if anyone touched it, it would burn through his or her hand and bones. Ranma let it then suck it up to his out stretched palm and created instead of the usual golden ki-blast, this time it was red….pure red….the fiery red of destruction.

            "Come on…….I dare you……….come on you assholes…….come and taste your death…….."

            Ranma grimaced as he concentrated even more and let the ball expand larger and larger until people were gasping at the size. The ki-blast grew up to a 10 feet radius of pure intense anger.

            "Come on………….who wants to take shit with me now…..COME ON!!!!"

            All three guys dropped their items and suddenly felt something warm in their pants. They all look down and saw the middle of the pants being wet. They looked at each other and nodded. They were definitely scared shitless………..

            "Um..yeah…uh….gomen man….I didn't mean..it….heh…no harm done…..ya.."

            The other two nodded, agreeing with the guy with the nose ring.

            "Yeah…mean…it was a joke…heh….no harm..done…."

            Before anything else could happen, they all rushed into the crowd, pushing people away as they ran off to go hide from the maddening sight of a really pissed off individual who had some ball formed in his hand that can easily take out a building.

            Ruhan has his cigarette fall out when he saw the destruction of his trach can, but what was worse was when the fellow with the pigtail came out with another one, but at a much large size…….he felt like taking a piss in his pants too…..and as he saw his boys running off……he felt like shitting in his pants……..

            Ranma let the other three go as he turned to Ruhan and glared at him.

            "So? You going to apologize to these people?"

            Ruhan nodded immediately as he dropped on his knees and begged forgiveness.

            "Onegai! Onegai! Gomen-nasi………..gomen…..I didn't mean to scare you people like that…..onegai…….gomen-nasi………."

            Ranma nodded and then brought his hand to the air, but then he just smirked and suddenly the ki…burst. The red ki just popped like popping a bubble and the crowd gasped in shock as if in anticipation for something to happen.

            The brunette stared at his hand, waiting for something to happen, but after a few seconds, she was curious at just what happened to the ki-blast.

            "Um….where did the blast go?"

            "Nowhere…..um……I bled it to the ground..so the ki blast actually couldn't do anything….it was just used for visual intimidation…." Ranma scratched his head while grinning.

            Everyone facefaulted as they heard what Ranma said.

            "Heh……guess I fooled everyone….."

            The brunette got up and rubbed her head slightly.

            "Yes….I guess you did….."

            Ranma turn to the kids and patted them on the heads.

            "You kids okay?"

            Both of them nodded and gave him a genuine smile as he smiles back at them.

            "Thank you!" Both replied as they hugged Ranma.

            The brunette smiled and dusted her dress and then finally turns to Ranma. She looked at his eyes and saw the piercing look he has, the look that can stare into one's soul and it made her shiver slightly as those words met her eyes and instantly they were connected.

            "I guess….everything is okay?"

            The brunette nodded while smiling.

            "Yes, thank you," she bowed towards Ranma, "I am in your debt."

            Ranma smirked, but bowed back.

            "No I was in your debt for a longer while, this is a small payment for what you did for me….back at Nerima……………Kasumi Tendo…"

            Kasumi's hand touched her mouth as she stared at Ranma. Tears formed in her eyes slightly as she knew it was him, but when he called her name, it was much different. She wanted him to call her, to make double sure that he existed, that this person standing in front of her is the real deal. He was that young boy that spent part of his life with her in the same household.

From that moment, it immediately triggered memories of the past. Memories of joy and sadness, but it were all together. They were all together, forever sharing their miseries and happiness. She used her other hand to wipe the tears aside as she looked at him happily.

            Its him……I knew it………its him…..

            "Ranma…….."

            Ranma opened his arms and embraced one of his past, accepting something that he would always accept. Kasumi Tendo, a part of his family, and definitely an extension of his life.

            Kasumi wrapped her arms around him and let her head lay on his chest as she sobbed tears of joy, but of sadness too. She thought all was lost when she couldn't find anyone. Everyone in her family was gone. Everyone……….first was her mother….then came the rest of the family as she recalled those fateful event and how she saw that brilliant light and raving laughter as she saw her father burn and scream like a baby while her sisters came next.

            All those pent up tears rushed out, but it was added on to the discovery of that she wasn't alone. Ranma was alive! A part of her life was recovered and filling her lost and lonely heart once more.

            "Ranma…….your alive…..please…..for god sakes….don't leave me……I don't…..I don't want to be alone……..again……."

            Kasumi cried harder as Ranma cradled her. Ranma narrowed his eyes and clenched his teeth as he continues to rock Kasumi. Kasumi was part of his existence as he was to her. If they lose each other, they would lose another part of themselves and he would be damned if that happened. No way in hell is he going to make Kasumi sad. In the past, she was the one to cheer him up and constantly give that smile though under that mask of happiness was the sadness of loneliment and loss as she wished to see her mother again. Now it's the loss of the whole family and Ranma suddenly reappeared. She felt like he was something fragile, which letting him go, she would lose him and she didn't want to. She cuddled up to him and hugged him tighter, as if to show how much she wanted him.

            Ranma kissed the crown of her head and stroked her lush brown hair to help calm her. He let his ki loose, but this time, he let loose his ki of calmness, that peaceful bliss that Kasumi needed to achieve. Ranma let loose his confident ki and let it flow around Kasumi and embrace her too, to strengthen her, to make her live on and believe that she should live on.

            Suddenly Kasumi felt two energies. The energy of Ranma's kind hug and the ki suddenly made her stronger, more confident. She closed her eyes and felt those powers combined and go into her, making her believe that she can go on. There is someone here for her that wants to take care of her and in such she can do the same for him. She will help him and do what she can; she has to believe in life.

            For once she felt different in her life, after the loss of her mother, she put on her mask of smiles and let her family see that she is constantly cheerful. Her other two sisters had the mask of control and the mask of temperment. She tried to be the surrogate mother, forever being the person that they depended on, someone to lean onto and ask for advice. She was their second mother, the advice-giver and the clean up person.

            Though that happened, she felt alone, never finding some one to lean onto. She remembered the doctor and how nice he was, but his irrational behavior made her somewhat in a tendency to not really go for him. She couldn't depend on someone who couldn't stand on his own nor had the will to even really talk to her……….especially when he walked around and muttered with that stupid skeleton…….

            Then she met the wild stallion, the lone boy who was never giving, full of confidence and independence, and the will to strive on. This made her different; it made her feel that the mask she wore was not what she wanted. She needed the desire to do more, just like he did…….just like he did………, but he was young…….young and rough….can't control his destiny and not mature enough for her……yet still he had that fiery passion of dominating his life….wanting himself to become what he wants for he had that dream…….that dream of being oneself………….

            And then after that dreaded climax, where everyone was lost……..she fell back to the mask…the mask was what she had left for the past. She needed to cling to the past, so once more she wore the mask. It was the connection to a place where she once called home.

            But now……he was here……the wild stallion….the chaos bringer……the independent strand of life. Here he was….someone to finally lean to, someone to finally cry to and wait to be soothed by him instead of her calming someone else. That part exploded in her and thus the independnce of her life was calling to her once more, once more to take that mask and throw it aside and see the world not in the view of the surrogate mother…..but as Kasumi…a young female that was beautiful and had a lot of desire to become much more…and in such………..that boy…..no……not boy…..that man……..that man that changed her life………she..she needs to help…..and….and change his…….and perhaps…..change…..together…..

            Kasumi opened her eyes as she looked up and saw those beautiful eyes once more, those eyes that was slightly sad, but had the happiness, that joyous flare that made her feel happy, made her want to kiss him right there……..ah to heck with it..

            Kasumi brought her hands up and touched both his cheeks. Once that happened, she tilted the head downwards and then her lips touched his……it was….it was…serene bliss…….it was heaven…………

            When Kasumi kissed him, Ranma's eyes went wide, but then he closed it, she….she deserves it I guess…….I guess she is glad to see me………..

            Kasumi finally let go of him, but continue to taste the happiness of her tears, which mingle with those lovely lips. His lips represented change……….the desire to live and become independent…..and so she just took her first step….maybe she should take that step again.

            When she thought of that…..her hand went to her mouth and she suddenly realized what happened.

            "Oh my…………."

            "Heh….you can say that again…."

            "Oh my…."

            Ranma sweatdropped.

            "I meant that figuratively…….."

            "Oh…."

            Ranma smiled and let go of Kasumi. While that happened, he felt someone tugging on his shirt, he turned to look down and then he saw Sasami standing below her with a big smile, which was of course mandatory for him to smile since after all Sasami was too cute not to smile at.

            "You did it! You scared the bad men away!"

            "Heh…yeah…."

            Kasumi turned her head to see the blue-haired young child and in a second something came into her mind…is it…..can it be?…..that isn't possible…..she is too old though..…but……....oh my…

            Ranma turned to see Kasumi have a puzzling look as she stared at Sasami.

            "Oh…..heh….Kasumi-san..meet Sasami-chan! Sasami-chan…..I want you to meet Kasumi-san, a friend from the past….."

            Ranma smiled softly as he looked at Kasumi……another piece connecting to his fragmented life.

            Kasumi smiled at Sasami and in turn Sasami smiled back.

            Sasami immediately liked Kasumi after all she tried to save the kids and not just that….the way that Kasumi radiates…..its like…..she is a kind soul…a very caring and kind person. Just like that person who also watches over her! Now she has two people she can look up to.

            "Um…hi!"

            "Hello Sasami…it's a pleasure to meet you."

            Sasami bowed in a cutesy way, bending her legs while taking the helms of her dress and lifting them up to bow down. It was a formal lady's bow.

            Kasumi smiled once more then turned to Ranma.

            "So um…..is she?"

            Ranma looked at her funny.

            "What are you talking about?"

            Kasumi blushed slightly.

            "Um…you know….oh my……"

            Then if finally dawned on Ranma.

            "No! No! No! Sasami is a friend, I live in their home currently since I got a job to help them out at a local shrine."

            Though Ranma wasn't paying attention, if he really looked carefully, he would have seen Kasumi sighing in relief and then she giggled………a giggle….the first out of so long.

            Ranma smirked as he watched Kasumi giggle, he never saw her laugh before and now able to do this the first time for a long while……now they are reunited…..heh…..its just…..so much better…..and of course Ranma joined in the laugh while Sasami smiled though she really has no clue why what happened.           

            But then Kasumi also realized she was giggling. She was giggling because she was happy……something she hasn't done for years. She closed her eyes as she recalled the death of her mother and how that moment made her not want to laugh anymore. Though she will smile, laughing will not matter for she had a duty to be that surrogate mother and take care of her sisters. She didn't have time to laugh or have fun; she needed to take care of everyone.

            With that, Kasumi built up that brick wall of coldness, which that wall forever barred her from giving that soft giggle or full-blown laughter from the delight of things. Though that doctor was amusing and it did bring a little smile to her lips, she couldn't smile still and after what happened, with the loss of everything……….how could she ever think to laugh again? Everything was loss, so she couldn't laugh…..heck nor even smile…….she had that wall…..that wall…….that wall….until he came…….that pigtailed martial artist who returned once more to take a swing at the wall and in one blow, knocked it all down. When that was done……she…she could take that hand that was stretched out to her and walk toward the light…..the light of happiness………and away from the dark………the dark world of emptiness…….now….now she can laugh happily…………..

            "I can't believe your alive though……" Kasumi smiled once more while wiping her tears.

            "Heh…..I can't believe your alive Kasumi-san," replied Ranma with his usual mirth in his voice.

            Kasumi smiled, but then looked down to see Sasami tugging on Ranma's pants.

            "Ranma-san! We still need to go get some groceries!"

            "Oh….yeah," Ranma slapped his head, "Right Sasami-chan, lets go get some food!"

            Kasumi giggled as she watched the episode. Here was Ranma, the a young man who forgot what he was doing while that young girl, Sasami was basically telling him what to do. It was so cute……..and wait….if Sasami is buying food with Ranma….perhaps Ranma demonstrated the ability of the Saotome stomach…………no wonder they are BOTH here………..she probably needs Ranma to carry the groceries, which probably is going to be doubled…perhaps tripled the usual amount since Ranma….is well……….a Saotome…………….

            "Is Ranma still a glutton and stealing everyone's food?"

            Sasami giggled while nodding her head. Ranma then struck a pose that look like he was hurt. He clutched his chest to emphasize the pain.

            "Argh……how you wound me Kasumi-san…….I don't eat that much…"

            This time it was full-blown laughter as Sasami and Kasumi just laughed and laughed since they had a first-hand at the power of the Saotome stomach..

            "Yeah….what about last night?" Sasami smirked and had that glint in her eye, as she teased Ranma, but what was interesting was that the sound of her voice wasn't the same. It was a bit higher…..a bit melodious….yet intelligent. It was much different than the talk of a young child. It sounded like an adult………..

            Heh…….Ranma Saotome……you strike again…..especially last night….you basically had me go over time to make meals for the rest of the people back at home….and that was a major undertaking………..Ranma………you always do amuse me………..     

            Ranma sweatdropped.

            "Well Sasami-chan……um..eh……" Ranma scratched his head while then he saw one of the stands and pointed to it.

"Well hey look! Tomatoes! Didn't you need tomatoes, Sasami! I'm sure you do. Why are we waiting for? Lets go get the groceries!"

            Before Ranma could take a step, Kasumi bent down to her knees and looked at the two kids that were watching them the whole time. She patted both their heads, then wiped their faces of dirt as by using her handkerchief that she had in her pocket. She smiled at the kids and they immediately hugged her tight to give their thanks.

            "Will you two be okay?"

            The two kids nodded and smiled gleefully as they raced into the crowds. Their laughter was heard all around as they radiated their innocence and joyous youth once more.

            Kasumi then stood up and watched the kids fade into the vast crowd that moved around in the marketplace.

            "May Kami-sama bless your souls and protect you….."

            She turned around to see Ranma already standing by a stall that was selling vegetables. Sasami was with him as he was chatting with the seller.

            "Hey how much is that pack of tomatoes?"

            The seller picked one of the freshest packs of tomatoes and pushed it into Ranma's hands.

            "For you, for free! They are grown in my own backyard so there the freshest tomatoes you have ever eaten! Come come, take it, its yours!"

            Ranma was wide-eyed as he was handled the pack of tomato, but he didn't argue. Heck why would he argue, it was free food and food should never ever go to waste. He immediately put it in a bag and then turned around to Sasami.

            "Well what else do you want?"

            Sasami grinned as she pointed at other vegetables, which the seller was happy to help and offer her really cheap, affordable prices. This was because everyone was quite happy in the way that Ranma handled Ruhan and the thugs. Ever since Ruhan arrived, his thugs terrorized the marketplace, doing whatever they want. When they saw the children, they thought the kids were gone for sure. They were afraid of Ruhan, so they couldn't do anything and then when that brunette stepped up and tried to protect them, they thought she was a goner for sure, but that man saved her. He just stepped in and immediately had the thugs high-tailing out of this place while made Ruhan nearly pissing in his pants. For that, the marketplace sellers were happy and very willing to offer the man and his companion anything at affordable prices.

            At that time, Kasumi walked up to Ranma and got into a conversation with him about what he has been doing after the incident.

            "Well…..what can I say? Hmm……I fell apart when I thought all of you were gone. I felt like I wanted to kill myself, but I traveled around, forever training myself, building up my power to come back and end what has happened. All I have to say is that for those few years, I went to train myself and then I wound up in the Masaki Shrine. At that place, after um…..some minor scuffles, I sort of got a job there that let me have a room and a meal. So now I work there as an apprentice priest….."

            Kasumi nodded her head as she started picking her vegetables and stuffing it into a bag while looking at other goods.

            "I see Ranma, well……..you had a pretty difficult journey haven't you?"

            Ranma nodded his head sadly.

            "Yeah, but I found some new friends…..they helped me out a lot….and now I found you…….heh another survivor among us."

            Ranma's eyes tilted slightly to emphasize the sadness that happened during the tragic event that cost him everything. Everything was gone when that place went to Hell, but now he found somebody, another person from the past, someone to be with and recall the better moments, the better times.

            Kasumi shifted back to her old self, someone to lean to as she listened to Ranma's journey to repair his insane life. It took a long time, but each step proved that he was trying and fighting his way back to the light. She smiled sadly as she felt the power that was coursing through him, she wanted that power too, but she was too scared to try. She couldn't do it alone, she never had and so she needs a little guidance and for that, she hoped she could look to Ranma, the young man who has suddenly controlled his life.

            "I see Ranma, well at least you have controlled your life. You have accomplished much from your training from what I heard, but what are you going to do now?"

            Ranma turned to Kasumi and paused a little to recollect his thoughts and it made him wonder what can he do.

            "I don't know……..I was thinking of helping out in Masaki Shrine…..but after that….I don't know…..I guess I will live on….."

            Kasumi stared at Ranma and saw him hesitant in his voices, as if he had a hidden agenda, which he didn't want to say. Suddenly Ranma shook his head, shaking himself away from the hurtful memories and embracing his present. He turned to Kasumi and grinned once more.

            "What about you? How are you doing? Where are you living?"

            Kasumi smiled and nodded her head in respect to what Ranma was doing. Ranma didn't want to fall back into his morbid past and forever lock himself there, to forever regret about how he lost everything……..maybe she should try the same…

            "Well Ranma-kun, I am doing well. You see after everything was gone in Nerima, I moved in with an old friend back in high school. She lived in a nice large house by herself, so she offered me a place to stay until I can get back on my feet. Since then I lived in her home and taking care of the place while just continue on with my life I guess….."

            Kasumi's voices faded toward the end of her speech as she felt the shivers of the past once more creep on her. She felt the trembling fear as her past was being exposed to another survivor of the horrendous event. She wanted to bury it away, but something told her she shouldn't, that she should expose it, but before she could, she found a pair of arms appears wrapping around her and drawing her in. She felt the comfort of the embrace. She put up a hand to touch his arm that was around her chest. She stroked the hard muscles that were feeling quite comfortable to her and…….….oh my.

            Ranma hugged her and rocked her slowly once more when he noticed Kasumi was falling back down the hole of depression, he won't let her fall back down there. No way in hell will Kasumi be sad anymore. He promised himself to make Kasumi as happy as possible and he will do it……it was a promise he will not break……...

            "Its okay Kasumi-san…..I'm here…..and well there is another person here too……well not technically here…….but he is probably be around…..heh in another week….if he can really focus…."

            Kasumi paused and turned herself around to clutch Ranma's arms while staring at his eyes. It was quite evident that she was surprised that there was another surivior of that Holocaust.

            "Really? Someone else is here?" Her voice was a bit higher, a bit stronger, as she wanted to know who it was. She didn't care who……just that they are alive is enough ……..even that deranged samurai…….that always terrorized her sister ….well…actually…..never mind….he can stay dead………

            Ranma nodded and gave a grin as he brushed Kasumi's hair once more to move the strands that seem to hide her eyes..

            "Yeah……….Ryoga……."

            Kasumi's eyes widened and suddenly she felt herself smile again, this time it was another one of her radiant smiles. That true genuine smile as she found out another person is alive.

            "Ryoga is alive? That is wonderful! I am so glad that this has happened! This is such good news…oh my………"

            Ranma snickered a little.

            "Well I am glad your alive, I don't know about P-chan…..after all he is a bit lost…"

            Kasumi nodded her head and her lips slightly went up as she found that last part to the sentence amusing.

            "I understand."

            Ranma clasped his hand over hers.

            "Well, I'm glad to see you, but what are you going to do now?"

            Kasumi enjoyed the warmth that Ranma provided by the hand touching.

            "I don't know……..though I'm fine living with my friend…..she is nice and everything and the place is comfortable…...but…but……"

            Ranma easily can perceive the hesitation by Kasumi and notice the body movements that shown what she really wanted.

            "You want to live with me don't you?"

            Kasumi turned to him and she stared into his eyes once more. Tears sprang from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Tears of loneliment from those few years….she wanted to be with him……he….he was her anchor….in this world……..she…..she needed him…………

            "Can I?…..I won't be a burden……I know I won't…….I'll work hard…."

            "You always do Kasumi-san and I don't want you to…….Its time for you to rest…..time for you to do what you want to do…..You worked long and hard enough……..Its time for others to take your burden and help you out." Ranma reached out his right hand to wipe her tears away, but Kasumi took the hand and leaned her cheek toward it as if it was a solace from her life.

            "I don't know though……..I live with the Masakis and they do have a lot of guests living there……."

            Kasumi lowered her head in defeat as she heard those disappointing words by Ranma. Her tears continue to appear as they rolled down do her chin and drop to the ground to make the floor wet with her tears of disappointment and loss.

            "I….I understand……I'll……I'll………"

            "You will live with us!"

            Kasumi jerked up her head and she turned to the voice, which was the blue haired girl smiling at her while she clipped her purse close. The girl smiled happily and jumped up and down as she saw that Kasumi was sad. She wants her to be happy too! She can feel the sadness and she doesn't want that to happen to anybody…especially her..since she seems so nice…..and her soul is so kind…………she can't be sad!

            "Real…….Really?"

            Sasami nodded quickly while grabbing Ranma's hand.

            "She can stay with us as long as she wants! I'm sure grandpa Katshuito will be willing to offer her a place to stay!"

Suddenly she then tilted forward and tugged Ranma sleeves. Ranma turned his head to Sasami and she pointed at the ground. Ranma was confused for a second, but then when Sasami pointed at the ground once more, he understood. He quickly bent a knee and bent himself down enough so Sasami can talk to him face-to-face, but she didn't want to talk to him face-to-face. No, she cupped her hands around one of Ranma's ears and whispered to him.

            "I…..I think she needs you………more than ever Ranma-kun…."

            Ranma's eyes widened and he turned his head to look at Sasami, but the way she looked was much more different. It wasn't that childish, playful look anymore. It was more adult-like, serious looking, as if her maturity level suddenly sprung up and she was an adult now…..like….like…..whats her name…….that friend that helped him……her face….that same blue hair……that lovely kind face…..it was as if.…..Sasami's face mirrored…..her……..

            Sasami nodded at Ranma who still had that perplexed look, but it was turning more into a studious look. Ranma stared at Sasami as he tried to read her, but it was quite hard, though he knows something……something was different about her……..something strange…..yet not bad…….just…just different but he can't put his finger on it…..

            Kasumi needs you Ranma……..though she spent time with her friend to recuperate……she needs you more….a person from the past…..someone strong that lived through the crisis….she needs your support….just as much as I need you to be……to be with………………….

            Sasami closed her eyes and then opened it one more to smile her child-like smile.

            "YAY! Kasumi will live with us!"

            Sasami pranced around and laughed her innocent joy. She swung her purse around a couple of times to emphasize the child-like dance she was performing as she was making Kasumi happy and this was a joyous thing. With her around, it will be a lot more fun and that she has another person to talk to! Another friend to hang out with! YAY!

            Ranma narrowed his eyes as he missed something, but then he decided to ignore it. The advice that was given was a good one and I'm sure it will be okay. Katshuito wouldn't mind that much.

            Ranma turned to Kasumi who still look hesitant. Though Sasami gave the go, she wanted to hear it from the one she knew better. The one she knew quite well and perhaps hearing it from him, she will feel much stronger….strong enough to live and desire for more.

            "Heh….I guess since Sasami said yes. I guess you might as well come, but you better be able to beat Sasami's cooking. Heh…..she ranks pretty high in the Masaki household." Ranma smirked as he scratched the back of his head.

            Suddenly from that small frown, it grew up to that radiant smile and those glowing happy eyes as she wrapped her arms around Ranma and gave him her devoting hug that usually are meant for lovers, though Ranma is somewhat dense about that.

            "Of…..of course………..of course…..I'll try my best to make every possible delicious dish for you Ranma! I…..promise!! You have my word!"

            Kasumi smiled joyously while bobbing her head up and down in thanks to Sasami and to the Lord above. She felt happy that she can spend time with a…….a new family……perhaps……and…..and……..perhaps……a…….place to call….home.

            "Well hmm…..first..lets go meet Katshuito….he needs to know about this!"

            Ranma nodded his head as he grabbed the groceries, which the seller gave to him.

            "Arigato." Ranma bowed to the seller to give thanks while turning to Kasumi.

            "Hmmm wait, we better let your friend know that you will be out for a few more hours….heh…and also you may not be cooking for her….heh……"

            Kasumi nodded her head in agreement.

            "Yes, I better talk to Yumi-san. She would be worried if I was gone."

            Sasami smiled happily as she skipped along with Ranma who had no problems carrying the groceries.

            "Yay! Kasumi is living with us," once more Sasami cried in happiness as she hopped around Ranma.

            Kasumi gave her private smile as she looked at Sasami and marveled at the innocent quality that girl had. She was once like that, but now she was older….more mature…more free………

            While they walk joyously to pay respect to Kasumi's friend and let her know about the news in which she was moving to a new place…..a place that she can call home, a young man leaned by a stall and watched them disappearing into the mingling crowd. Once he lost sight of them, he lifted the collar of his trenchcoat and whispered slowly, which conceived a small microphone that connected to a digital phone system. Once his breath just into his collar touch the microphone, it immediately turned on and recorded all the information and what happened during the incident at the market stall.

            Finally the man with the trenchcoat dropped his collar as he finished his last few sentences and slowly walked with the crowd, disappearing and becoming another ordinary citizen in the market.

            The information he gathered immediately appeared in a large building in the middle of Tokyo. It was a towering skyscraper that seemed like a black monolith casting a shadow over the city. Here the top societies of Japan gather and discuss about the changes of this great nation. For here was where political agendas and economical changes happen. Here is where plans where made to make the citizens of Japan to follow this gathering of people or else. The shady group are rich as they are powerful, for each of them have influence in many of the industries around the world, but not only that, they have influence in the military and assassin groups that only need a word from them to have anyone disappear from the face of the Earth.

            They sat in a dark room, with no light piercing in, as if the darkness was converging here and yet it was. Massive black blinds covered the windows that showed any sunlight. The powers that can subjugate the world into a new world order sit in these black, leather chairs. There were neither paintings nor any decorations except a table and chairs. This was to emphasize the work they had in plan and nothing can dissuade them from their concentration on their projects at hand.

            Eleven people sat in a large rectangular table. Each of them wielding enough power and might to destroy the world at least three times over. As they sat there, they listened to the recordings made by the young man who was tailing the pigtail martial artist.

            "…….Ranma leaves with his little friend and has gained another companion….it seems its Kasumi Tendo……another survivor of the Nerima tragedy…………"

            The man sitting in the front of the table reached out his right hand and pushed the stop button. Then he flexed his fist as he turned to the rest of the group sitting before him.

            "Well gentlemen……you have heard the report from our associate who is currently tailing our subject…….what do you believe must be done?"

            One of the gentlemen who sat in the right side rubbed his hands slowly in a methodical fashion, as if it was a way to help him think. He looked at the magohany colored table and then rapped his knuckles on it, which caused the rest of the group to turn their heads to look at him.

            "Gentlemen, I believe this Ranma Saotome is indeed an extrodinary character…we have seen his previous battles and the display of his power…yes he may be a hindrance to the plans we have….but only a slight pest. I think he should be left alone in the fact that if we don't disturb his tranquility with his friends, then he will not disturb our projects."

            Some of the gentlemen nodded their heads in agreement while others were silent and waiting for the speaker to continue.

            "Also in economical cost wise, it would be hazardous to put our investments in dealing with a lone individual… such mass amount funding can be contributed to other projects that are needed if we wish to expand."

            Still the heads nodded in agreement, but one man chuckled lightly.

            "Excuse me, do you have a question?"

            The tone of the voice of the speaker was of not a questioning tone, it was more of a defiant one, meant to say what is your problem and why do you disagree?

            The man that chuckled took his cane and taps the floor to gain the attention of the rest of the crowd. Once he has gained the ears of the rest of the gathering, he cleared his voice and slowly talked, but his tone was of disbelief.

            "You make it sound like Ranma is a God or something. He can't defeat us. Like you said, he is only a mere pest, but pest must be squished as soon as possible for they can bite back and create wounds that can fester. If they fester, then the body rots and slowly dies…….. We must not allow this Ranma to live for not only for our future investments, but for the expansion of our ideals."

            He carried his tone with dignity while slamming his cane back to the floor to emphasize the importance of what was currently being discussed. Immediately murmurs were made as agreements and disagreements slowly rose to a crescendo that made people swear and bicker about what to do with one person.

            While that happened, the young man sitting in the head of the desk, the founder of the gathering and creator of it all, the shadow of all that is polluted, for he is the true face of the façade of governments and military might. He watched the people bicker, but finally with a sigh he slammed his fist into the table, which caused it to explode upon sheer impact. The wood chips flew out in multiple directions and easily caused splinters and cuts to all the people. He just shrugged off the cuts that he had no feeling from since it didn't feel like anything to him.

            "GENTLEMEN! May I remind you that I have the last call in this matter! Now sit down and shut your mouth or I will shut it for you……."

            Silence immediately reigned from the few sentences that emerge from the head of the group.

            "Excellent gentlemen……well now what can I say? All I can say is this…..Ranma Saotome is a threat…..yes he is indeed……for he is a threat to not only to your creation of what made you what you are, but to your very lives itself. He must be dealt with quickly…no matter the cost, for even a maggot can grow and multiply….. So in such………Ranma Saotome MUST DIE!!!! This must happen in order for the success to the Rebirth project……. You understand?"

            The rest of the group nodded in accordance and immediately got up to leave. With a slight nod from their leader, they marched out of the double doors with the mind of how to deal with the pigtail martial artist and in what steps need to be committed in order for the main project to continue……….

            As they left, the founder turned his chair around and hit a button on his chair. Slowly the blinds on the windos uncovered themselves. With the sunlight, he saw the might of Japan, an industrious and prosperous Tokyo. As he stared out, he slowly got up and stretched out his arms and hands while letting his business suit slightly form a wrinkle. He sighed in distaste and then stopped stretching. As he stared at the window, a slight smile appeared in his lips, for his mouth curled and made a sadistic smirk that can make anyone tremble. It was a smile of a madman……a psychopath that had a plan to commit another Holocaust or something similar to that…….a massacre………….and as he stood there the sun shined at him as he smirked his evil smirk once more..

            "Heh……Ranma Saotome…….you are strong…..that is true….but you will realize….not even all your abilites will save you from the destruction that looms ahead…..for you don't have the resources or the information to face us….or even me….….Like your friends…..and love….you will face what they have…..a tortuous and screaming death………that will never be cold……but searing hot as I feast upon your soul………….