Chapter 10 Letters
Dear Ranma – I'm glad you convinced me to come here. The school is pretty cool. The people here are nice. I found a nice apartment near the campus, so that worked out well. How's school going? I'm so glad you made it in this semester. Why did you pick Business School, though? Isn't that a little odd for a martial artist?
I'm glad that you're there with Nabiki and Kasumi, but don't let Nabiki give you too much trouble. You know how she can be sometimes. I hope that the three of you can become better friends, now that Kasumi is there taking classes as well. Please look after her.
I have made several new friends in the classes I am taking. The homework hasn't been too bad. Say hello to Ukyo for me. Tell your Mom that I have learned a couple of new dishes. They are actually edible. I can't believe I never realized how bad I was before. I'm so sorry I made you eat all of those horrible concoctions. I just thought you were teasing me, I should have known that you were really sick.
I love the pendant you gave me; it's so appropriate. I miss you Ranma, I can't wait until I can see you again.
Yours, Akane
Dear Auntie Nodoka – It was nice to get that letter from you. In answer to your question about Ranma leaving Tokyo, I understand why he felt like he had to. The letters that he had sent me all semester started out pretty excited and happy, but the one he sent me last month was different. He was really depressed that the situation with the fake fiancées chasing him all around had started up again. He wrote that he was thinking of disappearing, hoping that would get him away from the mess. I know he will come back to you; he loves you a great deal. I'm sure he's missing you as much as you are missing him.
As for me, I am having a great time at school. Getting away from my family, even though I love them, is allowing me to grow. Before, I was always the baby of the family. It took leaving them to be able to get out from under that.
Love, Akane
Dear Kasumi – I can't believe it's almost been a year since I left home. The time has sure flown here in Texas. The people here have been so friendly, even if their English is a little hard to understand still. Luckily they can understand me pretty well, even though they think I talk too fast. Also, there are enough Oriental restaurants in the area, with food similar to what I am used to, that I haven't gotten too homesick. Some of the things they eat are kind of odd, though I am beginning to like something called Tex-Mex.
I heard from Ranma the other day. I guess I am not surprised that he decided to leave school with all of the chaos that happened the last month he was there. How come the Kuno's can't figure out that 'the pigtailed girl' and Ranma are the same person. How can anyone be that stupid is beyond me. Yes, I know what you are thinking, how come it took me so long to figure out about Ryoga?
I was lucky enough to get a job in one of the local day care centers here. The kids are so cute. Plus, I have found a sensei that will really train me in the art. I didn't want to lose what I had learned.
Any way, go to run, I have a test in the morning.
Love – Akane
Dear Nabiki – Dr. Tofu finally proposed to Kasumi? I couldn't believe it when you told me that in your last letter. I didn't think he had enough courage to do that, and to run of and elope. I wish I could have been there, tell them both congratulations for me. Can you find a wedding present for me? Don't charge me too much for it though, Ok?
I can't believe you are actually dating Kuno. Boy, I thought Ranma had a messed up life. Seriously, I couldn't be happier for you. I knew that you had a crush on him for the longest time.
Have you started your job search yet? This is your last year in college after all. And to think I am almost a junior myself.
By the way, I heard from Ranma again, he said he was still running from Kodachi. But he at least was still getting some college in.
I miss you and the rest of the family. I can't believe that it has been almost two years since I have been home. I'm starting to get a bit homesick, I guess. Of course, I really couldn't afford to come home, and I'll graduate sooner this way.
The kids at the day care are so adorable. It really makes me think that I could be a good teacher.
I love you, Biki-chan
Akane
Dear Father - I can't believe you. I am extremely disappointed in you. Just because I am about to graduate from college next month and just because I am your last unmarried daughter doesn't give you the right. Kasumi and Nabiki managed to marry for love. Stop making noises about trying to find me a husband. There is no need for you to attempt to find Ranma. I will marry whom I want, when I want to, and there is no further discussion. I thought you had figured that out the last time.
Anyway, I am glad to hear that the family is flying out for my graduation. Remember, though, I am not the same girl that left nearly three years ago. I have changed quite a bit, and I think I will surprise you when you get here.
Akane
Author's notes:
Again thanks for the reviews. I hope you are enjoying the story so far.
To Ghost in the Machine, I don't disagree with you about Cologne, but if somebody who had killed a god and leveled a mountain, told you to back off, wouldn't you at least stop what you were doing for a while? That's really all I need for the story. As far as Nodoka, remember she has spent some time getting to know Ranma, at least as far as my tale. Only the most insensitive person (read Akane) wouldn't realize that Ranma was unhappy. I don't think it would be too much of a stretch for Nodoka to think that for Ranma to be a man among men he needs to be happy with who he is. If he decided that he needed to not hate who he was, she would help him. Anyway, that's my thought process, feel free to agree or disagree.
To Goku905041, I'm not sure what I am doing wrong. I reuploaded everything a few days ago to fix some typo's in the earlier chapters, but since then I have just been adding a chapter at a time.
Anyway again, sit back and enjoy (I hope)