This story is based upon the characters and plot created by Rumiko Takahashi. I write for fun not for profit, so... well, you know, don't sue me.
A Prologue of Sorts
Ranma was somewhat confused, and yeah, admittedly curious. His father, of all people, had invited them to eat out. That was perplexing, but what was even more interesting was the fact that his mom was not surprised... or suspicious. She was more like sad... or worried. Damn, he wasn't sure. He tried to ask, but he was shot down at every attempt. They were keeping something from him.
And they all just kept walking.
Well, things seemed a bit more normal when he saw where they were going. The Cat Café would usually give Ranma free food, but he was too wary of mind-controlling substances -or the like- being mixed in it that he just stopped eating their food altogether. His father didn't mind it though; except, to Ranma's knowledge he hadn't set foot there since their last trip to China. He couldn't blame his pop when he thought about it. Shampoo had removed his free will, and that's not something that anyone could easily forget, not even a hungry Genma Saotome -which is likely why they weren't going there. So that left only one other choice.
His mom stopped them; emphatically. "No, not there. I do have to talk to that girl, but I'm not in the mood for that conversation today, dear."
In the mood? What the...
"Oh, come on. She'll make something delicious for us. I'm sure of it." Genma was obviously trying not to show his panic, but Ranma knew that his pop's insistence was likely due to lack of money, and going anywhere other than Ukyo's would require it.
The part that Ranma wanted to ask about was his mother's mood; or rather, all of their moods.
"I suppose she would," said Nodoka, "but I'm worried about the Tendos. I'd rather go somewhere more neutral."
"Worried about the Tendos?" This time Ranma blurted it out without thinking. "Why? What's going on?"
"I'm sure your father will tell us soon." She said.
"Pop?"
But Genma was looking at his wife curiously. "How did you know? Do you know?"
"Know what?" Ranma was getting exasperated. "Just speak up!"
...But Genma didn't.
Nodoka nodded. She looked like she was choosing her words carefully. "I suspect. I don't know. I saw something that night after the... uh... wedding."
Genma looked a bit defeated and a bit relieved. "Yes, I think you're right. I think you do know."
"But I don't!" Ranma shouted. "What is going on?!"
When they were finally back from the park where they did NOT eat, Genma and Nodoka headed for their room. Ranma started walking toward the dojo. He wanted to exercise a little. No, it wasn't that he recognized the sounds coming from in there. Sounds of frustration, anger, helplessness, and confusion. Sounds of someone breaking stuff. A girl breaking stuff. A girl he could help unburden her troubles if only by upsetting her about something else.
...But that's not why he was going there. No. Why would you think that?
"Uhhh... Ahhh..."
Wait. That wasn't right. Her voice was off. No, that wasn't HER voice. That was... "Nabiki? I didn't expect to see you here... in the dojo... breaking things... eh, I mean, training... Sorry, I'll leave you alone."
Confused, but not completely surprised really, he left her there. As he walked across the patio to the house, he heard Nabiki throw and break a few more blocks. He couldn't blame her. The thing was, if Nabiki was in the dojo, where was Akane?
End of Prologue
Author's notes:
Okay, this is the first thing I post publicly, so I appreciate any and all feedback.
My intent is to continue the original story (Wait what?! That failed wedding in the manga wasn't the end, you say? hehe) and answer the questions that have popped up in my head throughout the whole story. My first contact with the story were through the anime which is why some of my ideas originated from it. I won't do it nearly as well as Takahashi-sensei would have, I'm sure of that. I suck at writing humor, which is the main reason why I've been afraid to share this.
I know most of where the story will go, though a few steps near the end are still blurry. We'll figure it out.
I can already visualize all my author's notes being long, mainly because I will tell you my thought process behind the plot points in the chapter. They will not expand the story, so you don't have to read them if you don't want to.
Lastly, English is my second language (another reason why all feedback will be appreciated). I'll be posting this story in both English and Spanish.
Hope you enjoy. I'll see you again soon.