Disclaimer: Copyright laws are in place to prevent unauthorized use of the said material, but here we are, a whole network dedicated to the defiliatioin and encroachment of those laws. Man, what a bunch of evil people we are. I'm gonna go steal some kids McDonalds next. Oh, and any and all copyright violations in this story have the right to be removed by Rumiko Takahashi. (Mmmm, McDonalds.......)

Yay! Here is the first Chapter of the second installment of this fic...............( Drum Roll ) .........................

The Serenade to the Battle: A New Life

Chapter One: A City Changed, it's People Not

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A breeze stirred passed by, and stirred up the dust of Nerima, Japan. It was noon, and a bright sun beat down upon the town's inhabitants. The green surrounding it was especially beautiful this time of year. The mountains were covered in the vast expanses of forest, making Nerima stand out all the more. This entire scene was being witnessed by a lone person, sitting atop a hill. Chestnut brown hair swayed in the wind. A small chain with a musical note clinked softly. Nabiki Tendo looked over her hometown, and sighed. It had been too long since she had come up here. Life had become too hectic.

It had been one and a half years since Jason Vargas' departure. He had left only a note to give them any clue or reason, but all the note really asked was two things. Not to follow, and not to forget. Other than that, the Tendo family had no idea where their friend had run off to. Nabiki had moped around for a day, constantly checking the front door, hoping it was all a mistake, and he would come back at anytime. But he didn't. And after the first day, she just stopped trying. She, along with those involved, continued on with their lives.

Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki were now graduates of Furinkan High School. They had discussed it feverently, about college and the dojo, but they all made the same choice. Nabiki, being the economic guru she was, got hired out as a stock anylist, recieving and sending out reports and predictions for a few companies. In the passing years, a huge boom in technology was being introduced, and the ever changing economy need minds like Nabiki's to judge progress and to make deals. She was paid well, and so she forsake college to work full-time for a corporation that owned many stocks.

After Ranma and Akane's graduation, which was only two months ago, they decided to put their full time into the dojo. Even though it was still Soun's by name, Ranma and Akane ran it together. After a clever series of ad's set up by Nabiki, students were beginning to show. After the first year, they had a moderatly sized amount of students, and the classes were divided up into groups. The more novice students would be taught by Soun and Genma, which was an excellent choice, due to their laughable demeanour and enjoyable moods. The kids especially loved to wrestle with Genma's panda form. Akane took on the intermediate students, and when they were ready, she passed them on to Ranma, who taught the finest, and strictest points of Anything-Goes. It was a system that worked, so nobody was left out.

Ryoga and Ukyo were still living together. Ukyo had officially hired him out as her only waiter, and so he recieved a modest income. Since leaving school, Ukyo was able to keep her restaurant open now at the early morning, lunch, and afternoon hours, bringing in a whole bunch of new customers. She had expanded, with Ryoga's help, and the restaurant had a new seating wing outside the cafe. They got along quite well, and Ranma even began to spot some stirrings of a closer relationship than the two would admit. They still visited the Tendo house frequently, and Ryoga and Akane had made up completely. Akane no longer freaked out when Ryoga accidentaly transformed. Ukyo and Ryoga were treated like an extended family. Dinners were commonly served for two extra, and familiy outings often included them.

The Tendos had only heard a bit from Shampoo and Mousse. Apparently, they were doing well back in their village, although Shampoo had recieved some initial flak from her loss of Ranma to Akane, but that was to be expected. A few postcards had been sent, wishing the family well. In the photos, pictures of Shampoo and Mousse together made them smile. Although they couldn't quite know what was going on between the two Chinese teens from the pictures, some had their suspicions.

All in all, life after Jason was perfectly normal. It fact, it was better than it had ever been. Income from nearly all of the family, no more rivals and ridiculous scandals to deal with, and the prospect of a comfortable life. It was possible, after all the engagement trouble, after all the venom, all the craze. Nerima had finally settled down. Who could complain? Life was peaceful, yet energetic and filled with activity. Life was perfect for the Tendo family........ minus one.

Nabiki still had doubts. Although she was financially, mentally, and physically set, there was still something missing for her. In the short time she had known Jason.......... they had gotten along very well. It was the start of a great relationship, a possible future with them together........... but he had cut it short. With no previous explanation, no inkling of a sign, he took off. The quiet, wise, and musically talented boy of 18 had become a family friend............. and he forsook all of it. Who could tell why? Nabiki, the closest one to Jason, was the most confused. He had seemed genuinely happy here. But.......... who could tell? She sure couldn't. And she couldn't stand it. At times, she began to hate him, to loathe him for his inconsideration. On one occasion, she had screamed at him, cursing his idiocy and his bastardness...... until she couldn't scream anymore. At that point, she had realized what she was saying, and cried herself to sleep. Their time together was short, and their relationship hadn't had time to develop......... but she missed him just the same.

Then one day, two letters arrived simultaneously at the Tendo residence. One was an advertisement for a martial arts tournament, being held in London, England. The very best fighters from every country and every culture would show, and compete for a world championship. It was a no-hold-barred fight to a knockout, and anyone could enter. A small entry fee was required, but other than that, there were no restrictions. This excited Ranma and Akane. Not only was it a chance to test their skills against highly trained opponents, it was a chance to spread their school's name. There was even a grand prize of two thousand dollars, in any monetary form the winner desired. Soun and Genma needed only to supply the kids with the entry fee, and Ranma and Akane quickly decided to enter the tournament.

The other letter was addressed to Nabiki. No return address, no stamp even. Just an envelope with Nabiki written in flowing letters. She took it up to her room and opened it in private. It contained two items. The first was a photo. Nabiki's heart skipped a beat, as her eyes fastened on a young man, standing on a building, highlighted by a full moon. His features were shadowed, but a telltale jacket, and a case standing upright next to him revealed his identity. Jason......... Nabiki couldn't help but smile. He's all right. And he wrote. It's about time. The letter within in the envelope began with the words, "I'm sorry, Nabiki. I can't come back." Nabiki choked again, and this time almost ripped the paper in half, until she was able to calm down and read the whole letter:

I'm sorry, Nabiki. I can't come back. It's been too long now, and I'm neck-deep in a quicksand of the worst kind.

I hope that nobody's forgotten me. I want to ask about everybody, but that's not possible.

I'm writing to you with the hope that you would have something to remember me by. It's not much, but it's all I could get.

I'm in a bit of trouble, but don't you worry about it. I don't want you to think for a second of looking for me.

You'd just get sucked in, too. I just ran into a bit of legal trouble. Actually, I won't lie. It's a lot of legal trouble.

But it's none of your concern. I can take care of it myself. It'll take a few years, for sure, but I can get it done.

However, I won't be able to leave England during that time period. And when I say a few years, I mean around five.

Even if I do manage to get this over with, I still won't be able to move. If it comes to that, just remember, don't look for me.

I know it may seem a lot to ask, but you have to trust me. If I see you anywhere near me, I'll never forgive you.

So please, for me, just stay in Nerima. Enjoy your life. I hear you work for the big-shots now. Good job.

I imagine you're still wearing that necklace I gave you. It's yours now. I won't be able to come back to get it.

Tell Ranma and Akane hi for me. And I just wanted to say tha

The letter ended abruptly. Nabiki fingered the little gold symbol hanging from her neck. She had been able to keep that week, that one week, out of her memories, but now it all came back. The one week he stayed with them, the one week that her world was turned around. How could she forget?

"'Don't look for me'............ 'don't look for me' he says. That jerk. He expects me to ignore this!? That IDIOT!" She grabbed on the chain, and almost ripped it off, but she was able to maintain control. "He promised............. he promised to come back for this. And now? What does he expect me to do?"

She made up her mind, and began packing, when Ranma and Akane stepped in. They tired to calm her down, but her mind was set. She wanted to go and see Jason, to find him and wring his neck for all it was worth. But the couple persisted.

"No, Nabiki. You can't just run off to England. There're things you have to keep up with here, in Nerima. He asked not to look for him. Are you gonna listen or not?"

"Please, Sis. There's no logic in it. Hopping on the first plane to Europe by yourself isn't the smartest move here."

"Who said I was going by myself?" Nabiki stopped placing clothes in her bag, and held up the little broschure about the tournament. "You're going right?"

"Of course!" Ranma was still enthused about the whole thing.

"Then what's the problem if I tag along?"

"Sis......."

"Well?"

Akane shuffled her feet. She has a point. "But.......... he asked you to stay. Don't you trust him?"

Nabiki sat down on the bed, and hung her head. "I don't know what to think. He wouldn't want me to go, but.......... he writes a letter like THAT and expects me to just sit back and wonder what happened to him? He knew.......... he knew I would go and look for him. That's why he wrote it. Isn't it?" He looked to Akane for some agreement. But Akane only shook her head.

"I don't know, Nabiki. Please, think about it. Really think about it. But if you're gonna insist........ then you can come along. It's not like we could stop you in the first place." She smiled a bit.

Nabiki brought her knees up to her chest, and concealed her eyes. Ranma and Akane, sensing the conversation's end, left quietly. Nabiki tried to block it all out. She tried to ignore all her emotions, and think about it logically. But she couldn't. There was too much flying through her head right now. She needed room, some breathing space. And so, she found herself on the hill overlooking Nerima, the same hill where Jason had said his last real words to her. The sunset was nearly gone now, and the moon was visible. Nabiki inhaled a deep amount of fresh air, and let her nerves calm themselves.

Why did he do this to me? Does he want me to suffer? Does he want me to feel so........... conflicted?

She craned her neck, and looked up at the stars. Beautiful............ and somewhere, he's looking at the same stars. Isn't it worth it to be able to watch these stars beside him, and not a world away?

She began to isolate constellations. Crane....... Bear.......... Twins......... So many stars.......... The night chill set in, and she shivered. It's cold........ it's cold being alone. I'm not just gonna sit here and feel cold. I have to do something. But........... if he wants me to stay........... She found the constellation of Orion, the warrior. What should I do? It's my feelings against his wishes........ which should I follow? What is the right thing to do? The imaginary pictures began to fade away, as she lost focus, and let her eyes glaze over. It's too much. Too much to think about. I can't decide. I shouldn't have to make this choice. But I wonder....... what would he do? This new thought provoked a tingling in her spine. I know him. He would be more rash than me. He would have been off already. This made her smile. He wouldn't listen to me. So shouldn't I be able to do what I please? Yes, I should. He said 'live your life'. Well, fine then. I'm taking a trip to Europe. And no one's gonna stop me.

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Their bags were packed. Soun and Genma were to inform the advanced students of the 'vacation' they were taking, but they would stay and administer to the younger ones. Nabiki had gotten permission to take a leave of abscence, and tied up things at the music store, which she kept in tip-top shape, even though it was 'Temporarily Closed'. They had talked to Ukyo and Ryoga, who had also recieved an invitation to the tournament, and were on the same flight as the Tendo crew. They had taken a cab to the ariport, and were waiting for the flight to be called. Ranma and Akane were seated together, marveling at the population of the little terminal.

"There sure are bunch of people heading to Europe. I wonder how long this thing's gonna be. Two weeks? More, maybe?"

Akane leaned onto his shoulder. "You know, England is supposed to be very romantic at night. And you haven't taken me out in a while."

Ranma rolled his eyes. "Suuure, no problem. I'm sure that I could manage to fit you somewhere into my schedule."

She jabbed him in the kidney. "Jerk."

"Oww, oww, watch it, ya don't gotta give me any broken stuff before the tournament."

"Aww, is Ranma being a little wimp. How 'bout this?"

"Whoa, watch it!! No, bad!"

Nabiki grinned, just a bit, at the pair's antics. But it only made here that much more anxious to get going. She walked over to the window, and stared out. Jets were being taxied, and a few were coming in one at a time. I wonder what England's like..... I've read so much about it. Is it nice there? She grinned again, while touching the little charm. I'm gonna have to make Jason take me out somewhere. When we find him........ If we find him......... But she pushed the doubt from her mind, and set herself on maintaining her composure.

Ukyo and Ryoga were getting some food, since they hadn't eaten since the night before. The little food stand wasn't much, but they ordered a pair of sandwiches to go, and sat down at a nearby table. They began muching happily on their lunch, and looked over to the three lounging around by the gate.

"So?"

Ryoga swallowed a big piece, and answered her. "What do you mean, so?"

"I mean, what do you think about Nabiki? Is she gonna be all right?"

He waved her question off, and took another chunk into his mouth.

She yanked on his hair. "Don't be so non-chalant. Answer the question."

"Owiieeee, OK, Uncle! Jeez, that really hurt. What do I think? I think that she's perfectly fine, just a bit upest."

"You don't think she'll do anything rash, will you?"

"Like what? Listen, Nabiki is the most intelligent one here. She's perfectly capable of making sound choices, even in a stressful situation. So don't worry about it."

Ukyo let her head rest on the tabletop. "I don't see how you can be so calm....."

"Don't worry, Ukyo. Me and Ranma are here, anyways. It's not like we're gonna let anything happen, all right?"

Ukyo looked up at him. He was happily chewing down the last of his meal. Just like a cute little schoolboy......

"Hey, Ukyo, why are you blushing?"

"Huh? OH, N-Nothing! I wasn't... I mean, it wasn't you...... I mean..... It was Ranma and Akane. Yeah, they were......"

"So? That's nothing to get embaressed about. It's not like they don't do that all the time."

"Yeah...." Ukyo hid her face in shame. She could never bring herself to reveal the real reason of her flushed face.

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Their flight was called, and the five young adults began to board the plane. They took their respective seats, with Ranma and Akane paired, Ukyo and Ryoga sharing a row, and Nabiki one seat in front of her sister. They got settled in, and waited patiently as the plane taxied down the runway. So, here we go. Nabiki watched grass and pavement go by. Off to Europe, the center of the world. Goodbye to Nerima, for now. She would miss her father, and maybe even her friends at work, but it was worth it. She was going to find one of her few friends, and one of her most important ones. I'll miss it, but I'll be coming back. With Jason beside me, we'll be coming back. Won't we? She juggled this last doubt, as the plane lifted its rubber feet from the earth and leapt up into the heavens.

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AN: OK, so they're off! I know some had doubts about Jason't return........ well, he IS coming back. But I won't say anymore than that. It would ruin the story. Duh.

I needed a short chapter to set up for later happenings, so don't be too dissapointed. This was actually quite a challenge to write, after letting my mind dull over Christmas.

No songs, not until Jason reappears. I'm just lazy, that's all. That's not really it. I just don't find it appropriate to play music without the music man himself. So just sit back. Be patient. And remember, drink your milk and eat your Oreos.