Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters so don't sue me.
What?! Ranma left the Tendo Dojo? He's not a Saotome anymore? What will
happen to their lives now? Can their love still be saved? Read on and find out.
R&R...... R/A pairings
The Right One For Me
by: numbskull
Part 10: The Letter and the Journey Back to Nerima
Ranma and Naru got back to Hinata Sou from their early run in time for breakfast. They both sat down beside each other and ate their food. As usual, Ranma finishes his food first which amazes the people of Hinata Sou. He got up and thanked Shinobu for the food and brought the dishes to the kitchen. He went up to his room to relax a little.
"Ne Naru-sempai, are you and... uh... Ranma-san... anou... dating?" Shinobu tried to ask. Naru almost choked at her food when she heard what Shinobu said. "N-No! W-We're not. W-We're just..." "Friends?" Kitsune butted in before Naru can finish. "Y-Yeah! That's all we are. Nothing's g-going on b-b-between us! Heheh!!!" Naru laughed nervously. Then she looked towards Keitaro and noticed him sighing in relief. It looked like a have burden was lifted from his shoulders. She ignored it and turned back to Shinobu. "What makes you think that Ranma-kun and I are d-d-dating?" Naru stuttered at the last word. "Well, we noticed that you two are getting along together just fine except for some fights. And when you're together, you looked like a couple in a distance." Shinobu explained. "Yeah! And most of the time you two look so sweet together!" Kitsune said trying to tease Naru. "Umm... well, we do get along together just fine but we're not dating. Don't get any wrong ides about us, okay?" Naru said trying not to be obvious that she's developing feelings for the once pigtailed martial artist which she tries to deny to herself and to the others for the sake of Keitaro. "Then that solves it! Ne Keitaro?" Kitsune said and they turned to face Keitaro who nodded. Naru finished eating and brought her dishes to the kitchen and went up to her room to study.
Ranma thought of writing a letter to the Tendo dojo just so they will know what's going on with him. 'I think they deserve to know what's happening to me since they've been like a family to me.' He missed everybody even Akane. He's trying to deny to himself that he misses them but failed to do so. He got out pieces of paper and a pen and wrote.
Finally, Ranma finished his letter to the Tendo family and his father but Akane's letter is separated from the others. 'I've got to mail these now. But wait, they'll know where I'm living. What can I do?' Ranma's train of thoughts were interrupted when someone knocked on his door. "Come in!" Ranma said.
Naru went inside and saw that Ranma was walking back and forth thinking very hard. "What's the problem Ranma-kun?" Naru asked. "I was thinking of mailing these letters to the family I lived with back in Nerima but I don't know how to mail these to them without them knowing where I'm staying. Do you have any ideas?" Ranma said still walking back and forth without looking at Naru. "Why don't you deliver those letters personally? I mean you'll just have to drop them by with noticing you." Naru suggested. "Hmmm... I think that's good idea. Well, I better be packing. It's a long way to Nerima." Ranma said as he begins to pack his things. "Can I go with you?" Naru asked. "Ummm... I don't know. Maybe you can." Ranma said. "Okay. I'll pack my things now." Naru said. "Alright. I'll meet you downstairs. We'll leave before dinner." Ranma said and Naru went out of his room to get ready for their journey.
"Naru-san, are you sure you want to do this?" Ranma asked when Naru while walking to the train station. "Hai (yes). I also want to see your fiancee even in a distance." Naru said and smiled at Ranma. Ranma felt his knees shaking as he looked at Naru. 'God, she's so beautiful!' Ranma thought and snapped back to reality when they arrived at the train station. 'Where'd that come from?' Ranma thought and shrugged his shoulders as they boarded the train to Nerima.
Finally, they arrive at Nerima. Ranma told Naru that they should set up camp at the playground since it's already dark and he's getting hungry. As a sign, his stomach grumbled loudly and Naru laughed out loud which made Ranma blush furiously (well, he's embarrassed). Naru agreed and they went to the playground while looking around cautiously.
They arrived at the playground and Ranma fixed the tent while Naru prepared the fire and their dinner. When they finished eating their dinner, Naru yawned and stretched her arms out. "I guess it's time for us to sleep." Naru said. "Yeah. We only have one tent so you go sleep inside the tent, I'll sleep here outside." Ranma said preparing his sleeping bag. He felt a cold chill as the wind blew by which gave him goosebumps. Naru noticed that he's cold so she made a decision to let him sleep inside the tent too. "Ranma-kun, it's cold out here. You can also sleep inside the tent." Naru said smiling at him. "B-B-But..." Ranma stuttered nervously. "Don't worry! I won't do anything to you and I'm not going to bite you!" Naru said smirking at Ranma who was blushing furiously. "Uh... A-Are you s-sure? I j-just don't think it's a n-nice idea that b-both of us are... umm... s-sleeping i-in o-o-one tent." Ranma said nervously. "It's alright. I trust you, Ranma-kun. For such a sweet, kind, and gentle guy like you, I know you won't do anything to me. So, it's okay and I don't want you to catch a cold." Naru said as she thanked God it's night time to hide her blush. "Uhhh... O-Okay. I promise I w-won't do anything to y-you coz I w-won't." Ranma said and transferred his sleeping bag inside the tent.
Naru stayed awake for a while. She can't sleep well because it was her first time to sleep in a tent with a guy. But it's her own doing so she should get along with it. She gazed at the sleeping figure of Ranma who's sleeping soundly. She can't see his face because he's sleeping on his side, not facing her. She crawled towards Ranma's sleeping bag and lloked at his sleeping face. 'He looks so peaceful and cute.' Naru thought and blushed. She brushed Ranma's hair with her hand and gazed at him, admiring his sleeping form. Ranma shifted a little. Naru jumped and removed her hand on Ranma's hair quickly. She noticed that he's still asleep. Naru thought that it's time for her to sleep too before Ranma catches her looking at him. So she crawled back to her sleeping bag and tucked herself in and closed her eyes as she entered the world of dreams.
Ranma finished packing up their things while muttering "Oh God Oh God! We overslept." Ranma was cautious while walking and Naru looked at him.
"What's bothering you, Ranma-kun?" Naru asked.
"It's nothing. I just don't want anyone to see me especially my fi...former fiancees. I don't want any trouble." Ranma said looking at his left and at his right. Then, he heard a familiar bell. He grabbed Naru and hid in an alley. "Ranma-kun, what are yo....mmmfff!!!" Naru protested as Ranma covered her mouth and signaled her to keep quiet. Naru nodded and Ranma removed his hand from her mouth. The, a purple-haired girl in a bike passed by. Shampoo is making her deliveries but there's sadness painted all over her face. When Shampoo was away from ear shot and cannot be seen, they walked out of the alley and continued walking.
While walking, Naru punted Ranma on the head yelling "What was that all about?!" Ranma shushed her and explained to her. "That girl who just passed by is one of my fiancees. Her name is Shampoo and she's from the Amazon tribe of China. You wouldn't like it if she sees you with me." Ranma said. "Why? What will she do to me if she sees me with you?" Naru asked angrily. "She'll hunt you down to the ends of the earth and try to kill you. Amazons are very proud beings. She considers me her husband because I beat her this one time." Naru was taken aback with Ranma's description of what the purple-haired girl will do to her if ever she sees her with Ranma.
"I'm getting hungry. Let's eat here." Naru said. "No!!!" Ranma shouted and pulled Naru before she could open the door and hid beside the restaurant. "What is it this time?!" Naru asked furiously and Ranma shushed her again.
"Ran-chan!" A girl with long, brown hair came barging out of the restaurant. Ukyo looked to her left and to her right but she saw no one but some passers by. " I guess it's only my imagination. He'll never come back anyway." Ukyo said sadly while frowning. She went inside her restaurant and closed the door.
Ranma breath with a sigh of relief. "Is she also one of your fiancees?" Naru whispered. Ranma nodded and they both sneaked out of their hiding place.
Finally, they arrived at the Tendo dojo. Ranma placed down his knapsack and hid it in a post near the gate. Naru hid hers too. Just as Ranma was about to jump up the wall, Naru grabbed his arm. "What are you doing?" Ranma asked confused. "I told you I want to see this fiancee of yours." Ranma didn't argue with Naru since it will consume a lot of time. He carried Naru on his arms and jumped up the wall and landed safely on the ground of the Tendo dojo.
Ranma looked left and right to see of the coast is clear. He climbe up on the cherry blossom tree with Naru clinging on his back. After reaching the top, he brought Naru to his arms again and jumped off the tree and landed safely on the roof. "Can you wait for me? I won't be long." Ranma said. Naru nodded and Ranma crawled his way through and checked on everybody's activities. He saw Kasumi cooking and knew that lunch will be served soon. He sniffed the aroma of Kasumi's cooking and his stomach started to grumble. 'God, I missed her cooking' Ranma thought and sniffed some more of the aroma and moved on to where his father and Soun always play shogi. He was right! They're both there playing shogi. He was about to check on Nabiki's room when he heard Soun speak.
"Saotome-kun, do you think your son will be back?" Soun asked his companion and friend as he moved a shogi piece. "That ungrateful boy who left?!" Genma snapped then his voice softened. "I don't know Tendo-kun. But I know he'll come back. He always comes back." Genma said frowning. "But what if he doesn't? Our schools will never be joined!" Soun said as tears starting to form on his eyes. "I think we pushed him too hard on Akane and we didn't even consider his feelings. And I've been hard on him too and I even disowned my poor son. I didn't mean what I said to him before. I guess I got caught up with my foolishness." Genma said. Then he continued, "He's still my son, Tendo-kun. Nodoka wasn't happy when I told her about what I've done to our son. I got scared when she gripped hard on her katana and I was thinking that she'll let me commit seppuku but then she steadied herself and told me that she'll give me a second chance. We're still hoping that he'll come back." Genma said sadly. "I believe you Saotome-kun. I hope Akane will handle Ranma's departure like you. She's not doing any good since he left. I'm worried about my little baby." Soun said sadly. "Don't worry. She'll get over it sometime, Tendo-kun." Genma said as he moved a shogi piece and added another piece when Soun wasn't looking.
Ranma wiped his tears away and climbed up the roof again. "Oyajii (pop), you're still my oyajii and I missed sparring with you. But I can't let you see me. Please take care of mom for me." Ranma whispered. 'And you still haven't changed. You're still cheating on the game.' Ranma thought and went to Nabiki's room.
He peeked through the window and saw that Nabiki's not there. 'There's only one room left. I don't need to check on Kasumi's room since I know she's in the kitchen cooking.' Ranma thought and proceeded to the last room. He peeked through the window which is Akane's room. He saw Akane sitting on her bed, looking very sad. Then, she stood up and began to undress. Ranma's nose began to bleed and he lost his footing falling on the ground hard.
Akane sighed and went to her dresser and pulled out some clothes. Oblivious to someone peeking inside her room, she began to undress. She was about to put on the clean shirt when she heard a loud thud. She grabbed her wooden bokken and opened the window but she saw no one. 'Maybe it's only Happosai. That dirty old man..I'll teach him a lesson later when I see him!' Akane thought angrily and closed the window shut.
Ranma stood up and jumped on the side of the house as quickly as he can before Akane opened teh window. Akane didn't notice him and when she closed the window, he sighed in relief. He realized that his nose is still bleeding. 'I can't believe I'm having a nosebleed just seeing that tomboy undress!' Ranma thought while wiping away the blood. He jumped up at Akane's window quietly and peeked inside again. He saw Akane's still there this time with clothes on. 'How long does she have to be in there?' Ranma thought and went up the roof waiting for Akane to leave her room. Finally, Kasumi called everyone for lunch and Akane went out of her room.
Ranma opened Akane's window and went inside her room. He looked around her room as memories began playing on his mind. "I wish she could've loved me but I guess it'll only be a mere dream. Who could love a freak like me anyway?" Ranma whispered sadly and placed the envelope on Akane's desk and left.
Naru waited for Ranma for so long that she turned her attention on the sakura tree. "Naru-san, sorry to keep you waiting. I've had a hard time sneaking and checking up on everybody." Ranma whispered. Naru shook her head. "It's alright, Ranma-kun. Did you deliver all the letters?" Naru asked. "Oh my God! I forgot to put the letter for the Tendo family and pop on Kasumi's table!" Ranma shrieked. "Better hurry up. I think they are having lunch." Ranma nodded and went to Kasumi's room.
"So you did it already?" Naru asked when Ranma returned. Ranma nodded. "Well, let's get out of here before somebody sees us." Ranma whispered back to Naru. He picked Naru up and jumped on the nearest tree. "Matte (wait)! I still want to see your fiancee." Naru whispered. Ranma nodded and jumped into the next tree quietly. He pointed to Naru who his fiancee was when they landed on the tree near the koi pond in front of the Tendo's dining room. "She's pretty! You're a lucky guy to have a fiancee like her." Naru whispered. "Hey! Who says she's pretty?! She's uncute, unsexy, violent and built like a gorilla!" Ranma whispered while gritting his trying not to yell at Naru. "Really, Ranma-kun. You can't hide your feelings for her. Why did you even bother to write her and her family a letter?" Naru asked. "I... ummm... I... Let's just go." Ranma said and jumped off the tree and out of Tendo dojo.
"What was that?" Genma said looking at a swaying sakura tree. "What's wrong Saotome-kun?" Soun asked. "There's something on that tree and I'm sure I heard something there." Genma said still looking at the tree. "Maybe it's only grandfather Happosai. Do you want seconds, Mr. Saotome?" Kasumi said. Genma nodded quickly and gave his bowl to Kasumi forgetting what he had said earlier. Akane chewed her food and looked at the tree again where she heard what Genma heard and knew she saw a red blurr jumping off the tree. 'I wonder if it's...nah! It couldn't be him.' Akane thought and finished eating her food.
Akane went up to her room to change into her gi. She needed a work out to release the stress that she's feeling. Then she noticed an envelope on her desk which wasn't there before. She grabbed it and opened it. Her mouth gaped open when she read who it was from.
Akane,
Hi! How are you doing? I hope you're fine. I'm sorry if I yelled at ya before. I just want ya to hear me out. That's all. Well, I don't know what I'm going to write in this letter probably because I'm still upset. But it's alright. I already forgave you. I just wrote to ya just to check up on all of you. I have a letter for your family and pop too. It's in Kasumi's room. Sorry if I didn't show up. I just don't want any trouble. To tell you the truth, I love you but it's not like it before. I don't know but I get the feeling that you don't really love me or even like me because of the freak I am. I hope you find a nice guy that will love you more than I love you. Take care always.
Ranma
Akane felt her tears starting to form. She hugged Ranma's letter and sobbed. "I knew it was you, Ranma. I knew it was you I saw on that tree. I got the feeling that it was you. I love you too Ranma. I wish that I could've told you that. I'll look for you while I'm at my aunt's place. I can't live without you Ranma." Akane fell on her knees and began to cry.
Kasumi went inside her room and saw that there's an envelope on her bed. She took and read who it was from. She smiled and brought it downstairs.
"Daddy, we got a letter from Ranma." Kasumi said. "Really?! Did he say where he was?" Soun said hopefully. "No, I haven't read it yet." Kasumi said. "I'm home!" Nabiki called. "You are just in time Nabiki. Come sit here with us." Soun said and Genma sat beside his friend. Kasumi opened the envelope and began to read the contents.
To: Saotome Genma, Tendo Soun, Tendo Kasumi, Tendo Nabiki,
How are you everybody? I've missed all of you. If you're going to ask me, I'm fine. I'm adapting to this new place I'm living now. I'm sorry I can't tell you where I am. The reason I left is because I need to think. I want to have a normal life.
Pop, I mean Mr. Saotome, I'm sorry if I didn't do what you expected me to do and I didn't meet all your expectations. I admit, I missed sparring with you in the morning, fighting over food, and scolding me whenever I do something wrong or if Akane and I had an argument. I missed al of those... Can you please tell Mrs. Saotome that I'm okay and she shouldn't worry about me? Thanks.
Mr. Tendo, I'm also sorry if I yelled at ya before I left. I didn't me to yell at ya. It's just that I got caught up with my emotions and my mind is kinda mixed up and I was already angry at that time. I'm really sorry. Thank you for accepting me as your future son-in-law which I am not anymore. I really appreciate what you've done just to keep Akane and I together.
Kasumi, thank you for helping me when Akane and I had a fight. Thanks for listening to me and giving me advices. I missed your cooking, Kasumi. Whenever I eat, I always compare it to your cooking and thinking yours is still the best. When everything's fine, I want to eat your cooking again some time.
Nabiki, I'm sorry if I took your life savings. I really needed it on my journey. I promise I'll pay you back. I already have a job and maybe I'll send you back the money I earned to you back from time to time. I missed the times you ask for money in exchange for some information or advice. I missed the times when you are sneakingly taking my girl form's picture and selling them to Kuno. I don't why I missed it though.
As for now, I'm planning to study somewhere near my place. Just take care of yourselves there and I guess the house is quite peaceful while I'm gone. I miss you all. Till next time!
Ranma
"I think Ranma's growing up now, ne Mr. Saotome?" Kasumi said smiling. "Yeah. My son has grown up. Maybe I should too." Genma said. "Heh! Ranma should give the money back sooner. It's for our expenses here and we've been eating fish for 3 days straight already." Nabiki said smirking. "Saotome-kun, I'm proud of your son but please don't let him abandon my baby." Soun said. "Akane will find a way to find him, Daddy." Kasumi said and smiled reassuringly at her father. Soun nodded and turned back his attention on the newspaper. Everybody went back to their own business when Soun thought about something. 'How come he didn't include Akane on his letter?' Soun thought.
End.
Well I'm not good at making cliff hangers. I just finish the chapter to proceed to the next chapter.
"Hello! Is anybody here?"
numbskull: Yes! I'm coming! (opens door)
"Hi!"
numbskull: N-Nabiki!!!
Nabiki: Thought you would get away with you debt, eh? This is the Ice Queen you are talking about. Pay up.
numbskull: Y-Yeah. (pulls out wallet) Here. (hands money to Nabiki)
Nabiki: Thank you. You know you should pay in time.
numbskull: I know I know. I just don't have any money yet that's why I can't pay you on time.
Nabiki: Whatever.
numbskull: So how's business?
Nabiki: The usual. Ranma beats his opponents and me winning the bets.
numbskull: Oh I see.
Nabiki: Hey, I have an information about Naru.
numbskull: Really? What is it?
Nabiki: It's for 5000 yen.
numbskull: (sweat drops) Uhhh....I'm broke today.
Nabiki: Well, sorry for you. You won't know it until you pay me.
numbskull: Yeah yeah.
Nabiki: Well, I go to go. Business matters.
numbskull: Oh alright.
Nabiki: Remember to pay on time next time! Ja ne!
numbskull: (sweat drops) S-Sure!
numbskull: Well, that's all for now. This is the preview of the next chapter:
Ranma goes to his new school and meets new people. Naru helps him to study his lessons but as they study, their feelings are developing for each other. Will Ranma forget about his feelings for Akane or will she still be the one for Ranma's heart?
About the reviews:
Jerry Unipeg: Thanks for reviewing!
xero-ghost: Yeah you're right. I was having a hard time on how to put Akane back on the picture and hopefully I came up with this idea. I can't tell you yet. It'll spoil the story. Thanks for reading my story and reviewing. (smiles)