Legal Note: I wish I owned Ranma. I could. I could buy the rights maybe. What if I legally changed my name to Ranma? Would they allow it then? I could sell my soul to Bill Gates (Satan) for the property. What's the soul for anyway?

*************************************************************************************

Opening: Akane

It was summer now. School was on break and I was glad. I don't know how, but that poor excuse of a fiancé Ranma also passed. It must have been the help I gave him. Though Ranma had never really paid any attention. He was a fast learner though, so he usually picks up on things quickly. He isn't as dumb as people think he is. Once he sees something he can do it with ease.

We were walking home after school today. He was on that blasted fence like usual. He's such an idiot in that. I arrived home (With him in tow) and found that everyone was packing bags. My father, Mr. and Mrs. Saotome, and my two sisters Nabiki and Kasumi as well.

"What's going on?" I asked with question.

"Oh Akane. Father decided we're all going to spend a few weeks at the beach." My oldest sister Kasumi said bringing her bag to the door.

"Pops, what's this about?" Ranma leaned to Genma with questioning eyes.

"Uh, n-nothing's up. J-ju-just a vacation." The older man was lying as sweat formed on his head.

"You rented our training hall out didn't you?" I asked the bald man who gave a nod.

"C'mon Akane!" My sister Nabiki grabbed me by the arm. "I need some stuff like a new bikini so come on." I went with her out the door as Ranma turned to the others. He could have looked at me as I left.

"Which one will you get Akane?" My sister asked as I had three bathing suits in front of me. She tried to make me get a bikini, but that's not me. Especially the small one she gave me.

"What does it matter Nabiki." I looked to her. "I can't swim anyway. There's no point." That's right I can't swim at all. I'm like a hammer or brick in the water and just sink. Even using as many life preservers possible I still failed.

"This year may be the year. Lucky No. 17 will be the one you learn to swim." She said picking up the yellow one-piece I was thinking of getting. "This one will do." She gave me a smile.

"You're right Nabiki." I smiled back. "This will be the year I will swim."

I had a purpose now. Only, how was I going to do this? I've tried before and failed miserably. I will not stop until I'm in the water, and still with my head above the water. Without having to walk on the bottom.

This will be the summer of Tendo Akane.