Rumiko Takahashi owns Ranma 1/2
PROLOGUE
Genma Saotome and his wife, Nodoka, waited. Ranma was designed to defeat a demon that was eating the village plantations. Even if he didn't reach twenty years old yet, Ranma was the best martial artist in Kusanagi. Along with two fighters, he went to accomplish the mission.
Suddenly, the front door opened. Genma and Nodoka turned to see who was and sighed in relief. It was a boy dressing in the Saotome battle outfit, black pants and white sleeveless shirt. It was Ranma and he seemed well, just a few cuts, but he was fine. Nodoka hugged her son tightly.
"Oh, my son, I'm so happy you came back!"
"Thanks, mom", he replied a little uncomfortable.
"How it was son?", Genma asked and put a hand over his shoulder.
"Oh... we killed it, but Razunkugi died...", he looked down.
"Oh, that's bad...", Genma said, "And Kaishun?"
"He is well..."
Nodoka looked at her son again. 'What is wrong with him? He should be happy for beating the demon and he is... sad? Maybe it's because of Razunkugi's death...", she shrugged, "Well, dinner is almost ready, are you hungry, son?"
"Y... Yes, mom, I'd like to eat"
"Come here boy", Genma said, "And tell your father everything that happened"
"Sure, pop"
-
During the meal, Ranma told his parents how he and his friends defeated the demon. His parents seemed proud, happy that their only son would be in the pages of the Kusanagi's history. But, for some reason, Ranma didn't share their joy. Actually is because he didn't tell them everything yet.
"Ranma?", Nodoka called.
"... huh? Did you say something, mom?"
"Yes, I think you are a bit different, Ranma, is there anything wrong?"
Ranma looked at the ground, "Probably he is tired of everything, Nodoka. It's better to let him rest", Genma suggested.
"I...I...", Ranma stuttered, "I just want to tell you one more thing. Mother, could you please bring some cold water?"
Genma and Nodoka were surprised. First, Ranma said 'mother'. 'It must be something serious', both thought. And second, his face was red and his voice sounded serious. 'Something happened', Genma studied his son, while his wife went to get the cold water.
-
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!", Genma yelled. Nodoka tried to keep herself calm and Ranma-girl sighed.
"I... was cursed... during the fight", Ranma-girl explained the obvious.
Moments earlier, Ranma got the bucket with cold water and threw it over himself. His parents thought he was crazy, but when they saw a red haired girl, instead of a black haired boy... the world fell over Ranma's head.
Genma didn't even try to control himself. "RANMA, WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL THIS EARLIER!"
"STOP IT! DO YOU THINK I LIKE IT?", Ranma-girl yelled back.
"How do you come back to a man?", Nodoka asked a little astonished.
"Hot water", Ranma-girl replied.
Genma put a hand under his chin and thought for a moment before speaking again, "So we have no option"
"No, Genma, please, you don't need to be so radical about it", Nodoka said.
"It's the law of the village, I can't do anything"
"But he killed the demon... and we can hide this curse and..."
"No, no and no. It's the law and we have to follow it. Besides, I don't think we can hide this from everyone. Sooner or later everyone will know", when Genma finished his speech, Nodoka decided to keep silent. For once, her husband was right.
"What are you talking about?", Ranma-girl asked.
Genma sighed, "This is an old law... in the past a boy of this village was cursed. In full moon nights... he changed into a panda... and in this form he didn't have any control and spread fear on the village. The boy was expulsed and only could come back when he was no more cursed. Since them, cursed people cannot live here... so..."
Silence
"So I have to go away...", Ranma-girl said. Genma only nodded, "But I killed the demon"
"The villagers will not give you a chance, forget it"
"I'm afraid to say that your father is right, Ranma... at least this time", Nodoka wiped a tear away.
"Hey!"
"Sorry, Genma", she said, "Couldn't resist", then turned to Ranma-girl, "My son, I know you will find the cure for your curse. And we will wait for you here"
Ranma-girl looked at his parents and sighed, "Very well... if I have to go, I'll pack my things. Excuse me"
-
Ranma was ready to go. It was noon, but he decided to leave before anyone could find out about his curse.
"We will miss you", Nodoka hugged Ranma, "But I know you will find a cure, I'll be praying"
"Thanks, mom"
"Ranma..."
Ranma turned to his father, "Yes?"
"This is for you", he handed Ranma the Saotome battle outfit, "You are a Saotome, never forget that. I believe in you"
"Thanks, pop", Ranma looked at the distant horizon, "Well, it's a long way, bye", and walked. He didn't know that he was going to walk a lot. A tear fell from his eye, 'Couldn't let them see this', he thought and faced the horizon.
-
"Genma?"
"Yes, Nodoka?"
"Why didn't you..."
"Tell him I was the panda?"
"Yes?"
"Because this would not help him in anyway", he said and entered in the house.
Nodoka sighed, 'Forgot he is a Saotome. Stubborn like always'