Two people got out of the train and stared at the station. One of them, a man, was looking at everything with a sense of nostalgia. He was tall and built, his black hair done in a pigtail. "It has been a while." He said in a deep voice. His blue eyes revealed experiences most mortals never even dreamed of. He seemed to be in his late twenties.
The other person, who was standing by his side, took his hand in hers. "You're not alone." She said in a melodic voice giving his hand a squeeze. The man turned to her and smiled. Her features were just so perfect, especially her brown-red eyes, he could see an image of himself in each of those teasing orbs. They were also tainted with experience and hardship, but even after all those difficulties, they still retained an air of innocence. Her purple hair revealed a confident and expressive young woman, about the man's age. "Where's your mother's house? You still remember, don't you?" She asked teasingly, and she couldn't hide the slight giggle after the question.
This brought a laugh from the man. "I do. We'll be there in a couple of minutes at the most." And with that he lifted his pack. The woman did the same and they soon were walking down the streets of Nerima.
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Nodoka Saotome was working on her garden. Her flower bed was receiving special treatment right now, after a certain panda thought it wise to take a nap there. She was having an uneventful day, and regretted it. *How I miss you my son. And how I curse the day I wished for things to get back to normal.* She had understood, after a year since Ranma left without notice, that her son was the center of all the craziness. It wasn't really his fault, but his very presence brought many people that either loved or hated him to their limits. She herself had been hard on him, and that's why she didn't blame her boy for leaving that way. She only hoped that one day her boy would return to her. Call her mother once again. She shed a tear when she remembered the sadness in Ranma's face when he admitted that he was Ranko, the shame he carried with him. All she could do was hug her treasure, love overcoming honor without an instant of doubt.
She had then pressed him to be nice to Akane, and never really saw the truth. He had tried to be nice, he even rescued her from a god once, but she never trusted him. For all the things he did, all Akane did was call him a pervert and blame him for everything. Ranma didn't help matters by insulting her, but Akane took things too far with her short temper. Nodoka could see that now, in retrospective. She put another bunch of dirt over the newly planted rose. Carefully placing it around it, as to not kill it. That's what Ranma needed, space. He was dying in this environment, and he did the only thing he could. He got space, even if that meant leaving. All his enemies gloated that he was a coward, and openly said Ranma Saotome was afraid of them. *If only they knew. My son has more courage in his index finger than all of them together.* She took a cup with icy water and sprinkled a little over the rose petals. They sparkled with the light of the afternoon sun. Nodoka got up and headed for the house, a feeling of longing in her eyes. She missed her son greatly. She had only been with him for a short period of time after ten years of absence, and then he disappeared, again. Her heart was proud though. She knew, wherever he was, that he would behave as a man among men, to the end. *Maybe that is my greatest fear.* She knew how determined Ranma was, and that if it took his life to do something, he wouldn't hesitate. He fought Saffron even though not even Cologne was able to stand up to him. She heard a soft knock on her door, and wiped her tears away. Maybe it was Ukyo again, trying to give her company. She smiled. The chef had been the only one to really understand Ranma's feelings, at least after he left. Ukyo understood Ranma loved her deeply, as a friend.
Nodoka and Ukyo had grown close over the years, giving each other strength. Shampoo and the amazons left after the first five months, giving up on the chance that Ranma might come back and intent on finding him. Ryoga had also wandered off, promising to make his life hell. The Saotome matriarch still couldn't understand that boy, he was angry at her son for things he wasn't to blame for. Nabiki looked for Ranma for a while, but she then stated that if Ranma had left, he had done everything humanly possible to disappear. Kasumi had married Tofu, and they lived in the Tendo dojo. They both thought, the same as she did, that Ranma would return when he was ready. Soun and Genma took Ranma's disappearance quite badly, and they both cried for a long time about the schools not being united. They would never change. What she hadn't expected was Akane's reaction. She tried to deny the fact that Ranma had left for the first couple of months. When it was obvious he had disappeared, she became enraged and started accumulating hatred towards him, just like Ryoga. She started to blame him for everything that didn't go her way. *I hope that when my son returns he has medical insurance. Akane is gonna make quite a number on him.* She though grimly.
Another knock on the door took her by surprise, and she shook her head. She had lost herself in her own thoughts. *Well, let's see who it is.* She walked to the door and opened it without hesitation. Nerima was a safe place, and she could very well take care of herself.
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"What's taking her so long?" Asked the man to himself.
The woman was wondering the same thing when she suddenly smiled and turned to him. "It seems like she finally heard the bell." Her voice held a very cheerful tone. "I'm so excited! I'm finally meeting your mother."
The man smiled and said. "I bet she's going to love you." And with that the door opened.
A middle aged woman, treated splendidly by the years, stood there. She was dressed in a kimono, and seemed to emanate honor from every pore. She looked calm, that is until she saw who had been knocking. Her face lost all of its color, and she babbled a little until she was able to utter a word. "Ranma?"
The man smiled at her and nodded. "It's good to see you again, mother." They remained staring at each other for long seconds. The other woman simply pushed him forward, and mother and son got caught in a hug. "Mom, it's been so long." The man said as he eyed his companion with a smile.
Nodoka hugged for dear life, her eyes letting the liquid flow freely. "My son!" Was all she said, was all she could think right now. She had dreamed so much with this moment.
The woman watched this from a distance and smiled. *Very strong emotions. It seems like Ranma got those from his mother.* After a five minute hug, Nodoka finally composed herself enough to invite them into the house.
As she motioned for them to seat down, so that she could get some tea, she studied the pair. Ranma had changed, a lot. His features revealed maturity and determination, even more than in his teens. He was fully developed now, and had a complexion that amazed her. He was tall and broad, with muscles that spoke of great strength. His movements, however, spoke of a grace that he didn't have from the boy she remembered. He had obviously improved in his martial arts. There was also a little bit of majesty to his movements. He was wearing black leather boots, blue jeans and a black T-shirt that revealed his well defined body. His eyes were the feature that caught Nodoka's attention though. They didn't match with the body. Those blue-gray orbs revealed hardship and experience beyond his years, way beyond his years. If life in Nerima was any indication, Nodoka was anxious to know what new adventures Ranma had faced.
As the water was starting to boil, Nodoka studied the young woman that came in with Ranma. *That's odd.* So entranced was she with her son that she had failed to notice some things about his companion. The woman, who seemed to be about Ranma's age, was dressed in the white robe of a priestess with brown sleeves. Which God she followed was a mystery to Nodoka. She had purple hair down to her shoulders. Brown-red eyes shined with amusement as she caught sight of everything around her. As to her body it was nearly impossible to see, since the robe she wore was loose and hid everything. Only her feet and hands were visible. She didn't know what to make of the purple-haired woman, since her attitude revealed innocence and experience at the same time.
Nodoka was a very perceptive person, and she immediately noticed something other people, especially her husband, would miss. These two people were a couple. She could tell because of the way they handled themselves, in common agreement without even exchanging a glance. Their moves complemented each other so well that it spoke of years of being together. She sighed as she thought about it. *Some people are not gonna like it.* She herself didn't know how to feel. She just knew her son was back and she wanted for him to stay this time.
Ranma didn't waste any time in getting settled in. He took in his surroundings and noticed nothing had really changed. He studied his mother as she obviously was doing with him, and noticed with pride that she was just as skilled in the art as she had been when he left. Maybe even more skilled. The other woman studied everything as well, and judged Ranma's mother to be a competent fighter. She noticed the similarities between the duo and smiled. *So that's where he gets it from.* Pride, honor, determination, an inner strength that could defeat any obstacle. Those were the things that made her fall in love with the man, quite a feat in her particular case, and she could tell the mother was the mold he had come out of.
Finally, the tea was served, and they all sipped before Nodoka started the conversation. "My son, I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that you are back. I missed you greatly during these past years."
Ranma felt his heart melt, but he remained calm as he said. "I know mom. I've missed you a great deal, and wondered when would I be able to come back, to see your face." He stopped and remembered he wasn't alone. Looking forward, he started. "Mom, I would like you to meet Kakurine. We met a long time ago."
Kakurine smiled and said. "Nice to meet you Saotome-san. I was really looking forward to meeting you. Your son speaks very highly of you." Her voice was formal as she paid the compliment.
Nodoka smiled at the compliment and nodded in thanks. "Please, call me Nodoka, dear." Kakurine nodded. The Saotome matriarch stared at them for a moment and spoke. "Ranma, I'm not sure how your father is gonna take your love for Kakurine."
Ranma raised an eyebrow at that. "You can tell?"
Nodoka was a little impressed with the control her son had. His past self would be a stuttering mess after her comment. Kakurine didn't seem surprised either. She decided to investigate that later and answered the question. "It's quite obvious for anyone that watches you two together." *And that knows you as well as I do.* She mentally added. It would be better if he didn't think to hide his relationship with this 'Kakurine'. She was quite surprised, actually. Ranma didn't seem the kind to fall for a priestess nor the kind to be loved by one.
Ranma smiled as he placed an arm around Kakurine's shoulders. She leaned on him, obviously enjoying the gesture. "So be it. We don't intend to hide our love."
Nodoka was shocked this time. Ranma had openly and without hesitation admitted his love for a woman. No nervousness or stuttering. That could only mean one thing. *My son has finally fallen in love.* She thought Ranma would never be able to say he loved someone without feeling forced to do so. That he would do anything for Kakurine. If Nodoka had had any kind of protest to having Kakurine as a daughter-in-law, it died when she realized this. She had lost her son twice already. She wouldn't risk a third separation. She took a sip of her tea and smiled at the couple. "I for one won't try anything to separate you two. You've suffered enough for the family name." The last bit was through clenched teeth, as she felt as if she was committing a crime. The smile Ranma gave her diminished the guilt, though.
Ranma smiled at his mother. He knew for her saying those words was a great effort. Changing the subject he suddenly asked. "So how's everything been around here?"
Nodoka explained to him the different reactions his suitors and rivals had. It took her time to go through everything. He laughed when he knew Ukyo had changed over the years. His mirth made the women smile. His relief at having at least one friend from Nerima was evident. He shook his head when he heard about Genma and Soun. "Those idiots will never learn." He said seriously. Nodoka didn't reprimand his ill talking about his father. Why would she if it was the truth? She finished by telling him about the way the Amazons left in search of him. "I would've been surprised if they found me." He said as a private joke. Kakurine giggled at that. He then turned to his mother and asked. "What about you, mom?"
"Ukyo has been a great help. Your father has been around enough for it to be said he lives here too." She said with a sad smile. Genma spent most of his time at the Tendo Dojo. And when he did come to the house he was so drunk he couldn't even babble his name semi-coherently. She shook herself of such thoughts and turned to her son. "But where have you been all these years? Even Nabiki gave up looking for you."
Kakurine looked sheepish as she answered the question. "I guess that would be mostly my fault, Nodoka-san. You see, I'm not from this world and..."
Nodoka interrupted her. "Excuse me, dear. Did you just say you're not from this world?"
Kakurine nodded. "That's right. I came to this world looking for strong warriors to fight a deity that threatened to destroy the world of Happy Iron."
Nodoka nodded. "And Ranma was one of them." She concluded for the purple-haired woman. She was taking things remarkably well. Maybe knowing her son had once killed a supposedly immortal Phoenix helped a little. "I take it you won the encounter." She stated.
Once again, Kakurine nodded. "Ranma fought the Goddess on his own and managed to defeat her after an incredible battle. As we all prepared to face her, Ranma and I grew close. It feels like only a thousand years has gone by."
Ranma smirked as his mother didn't catch Kakurine's meaning for what it was. He saw his mother stand and smile widely at him. "My son is so manly!" She exclaimed as she knelt next to him and hugged him, enclosing Kakurine in the embrace as well. Not only had he managed to save a planet from an evil deity, but he had also stolen the heart of a priestess. She now also knew why she couldn't recognize Kakurine's robes. She probably followed a God from that other world.
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It was a couple of hours till dawn. His steps were shaky and unsure as he made his way up the stairs. His vision nothing but a complete blur. His thoughts never leaving the source of his grief for years past. *Damned boy!* He thought, for his words couldn't be related to the human language even if right now he was in that form. As he walked down the hall to his room he wondered since when his house had a second floor. Shrugging he took another step and nearly fell as the wall disappeared from his grasp. *Damn door.* He cursed. His gaze fell on a sleeping couple in his son's room. *Probably that Kuonji bitch.* He thought angrily. He still couldn't believe Nodoka would relate to that low life chef. She was one of the reasons why his coward of a son left, taking with him all his dreams of an early retirement.
Scowling dangerously he continued walking and somehow managed to reach his futon. He was asleep before he hit the pillow.
By his side, Nodoka wrinkled her nose in disgust. Her husband had arrived again smelling stronger than the sake he drank. She still didn't know how he managed it. She fell asleep once again, a smile on her lips because her baby was back. Genma would react violently when he found out the surprise their son brought with him, but that would be taken care of when it happened.
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Kakurine opened her eyes slowly. She instantly caught sight of Ranma as her head was resting over his bare chest. Her lips formed a sweet smile as she noticed the peaceful expression on his face. His breathing was soft and she felt it tingle on her forehead. She disengaged herself from the embrace and sat next to him, marveling at his sleeping form. She knew she should feel stupid for acting like this, but she couldn't help it. Her whole life revolved around the pigtailed martial artist.
"Damn, you're getting all mushy again." She was instantly aware that Ranma was looking at her with a smirk on his face.
She crossed her arms over her chest and did her best to look indignant. "And just what's so wrong with that?"
Ranma shrugged, still laying on his back. "Nothing. Just that this happens every decade or so." He smiled mischievously. "And there's only one way to get you out of that mood."
Kakurine blushed and playfully punched him on the shoulder. "Hentai!"
Ranma caught her wrist and pulled so that Kakurine fell over him. "As if you didn't enjoy it." He kissed her with passion as they embraced each other.
Very soon the both of them were testing their endurance. Nodoka, who happened to be walking towards the kitchen, silently closed the door and decided to make a big breakfast. Her son and guest would be very hungry.
She got into the kitchen and started by filling the kettle to heat up some water. As she worked on the morning meal she wondered just how Ranma and Kakurine fell for each other. They were so vague on the way they spoke of it she could only imagine what it was like. She also tried to visualize in her mind the reactions the others would have to Ranma coming back.
Ukyo would be ecstatic with the news. The chef would probably organize a party in the Uchan's for Ranma's return.
Kasumi and Tofu would also be quite happy with the return of their friend. Even if they were older than Ranma the pigtailed martial artist always had a preference for them, and Nodoka believed the feeling was mutual.
The problem would be dealing with Genma and the Tendos, though. Even if it had been so long since Ranma left the fathers were still hell bent on the uniting of the schools, Akane was a bomb ready to explode as soon as she saw Ranma and Nabiki wasn't any better. The middle Tendo sister was angry at the pigtailed man because he had been able to beat her in her own game, he disappeared without a trace and Nabiki took it as a challenge to find him. She lost. And it seemed like she was as much of a sore loser as her younger sister. The Saotome matriarch knew Nabiki did her best to hide it, but she wasn't good enough since Nodoka was very perceptive.
Nodoka smiled as she finished breakfast without even noticing the time. "Good morning!" Came the greeting from behind. She turned to see Kakurine smiling sweetly at her.
"Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?"
The priestess nodded happily. "Ranma should be coming down in a few minutes. He's taking a quick shower."
Nodoka nodded. "Would you be so kind as to help me set the table?"
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Genma was feeling awful. Head-breaking headache, awful taste in his mouth, sore muscles and a protesting stomach. Right now he was on his way to attend the last one. "Hey, Oyaji! Tough night?" Said a man as he exited the bathroom and made his way down the hall. Genma nodded desperately as he could barely hold it any longer and rushed towards the toilet.
After five minutes of feeling awfully sick, and relieving his stomach of things he didn't remember eating last night, Genma finally sat back and took a deep breath.
Suddenly his eyes widened as a realization struck him.
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"RANMA!" Came the cry from upstairs. Everyone at the dining room smiled as they wondered when would Genma realize Ranma was back. It seemed like it took him less time than they thought. They heard the footsteps approaching and were soon greeted with the sight of a shocked Genma entering the room.
His eyes scanned the table for his son. "Where the hell have you been, boy?" He asked almost growling, hangover forgotten for the moment.
Ranma smiled as he heard the question and turned to his mother. "It's delicious, mom. You outdid yourself today."
"Thank you, son. I'm glad you like it."
Genma didn't like being ignored and stomped forward. "Answer me, boy! Where were you?"
Ranma turned lazily to his father and asked. "Would you like the short or the long version?" Kakurine giggled at his response, which brought her Genma's attention. He studied her for a moment but dismissed her when he noticed the attire she wore.
Turning back to Ranma he said. "I don't care. Now that you're back I can call Tendo to hold the wedding." And with that he turned on his heels and left the room.
Nodoka shook her head and sighed. "Don't you think you should tell him before he does something stupid?"
Ranma stood up and offered Kakurine a hand to help her get up. "He'll do something stupid no matter what I tell him." He turned to the purple-haired woman with a smile. "Would you like to go out?"
Kakurine nodded enthusiastically. "Maybe we can go visit Ukyo." After hearing from Nodoka how the chef had changed her attitude towards Ranma, she was eager to meet her.
Nodoka stood up. "Please be back before dinner." She was inwardly nervous of her son leaving the house, but understood he probably wanted to walk around Nerima after so long. She saw as Ranma and Kakurine nodded and left the room. She stood up and started to prepare herself for whatever Genma and Soun planned.
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The phone started ringing and Nabiki answered almost instantly. She was waiting the reports of a few of her contacts in her newest inversion. "Moshi, moshi." A small silence as her expression changed from expectation to annoyance. "No, Saotome-san. He isn't up yet." She was surprised Genma was up and so enthusiastic after yesterday's activities. Those two kept on drinking for hours on end. As Genma continued talking her features very slowly but surely started forming a smirk. The kind of expression your worst enemy has when about to slit your throat. "Really? I'll be sure to tell him." And with that she hung the phone.
Walking to her room she started to think of how things had gone on lately. She had managed to make a small security company grow. Of course, that company was nothing more than a front for her other activities. Many had called her a mercenary in high school. If they only knew what she had become. Some Yakuza would envy the power she had.
But something was missing in her life.
Kasumi and Tofu had married and lived happily. She was glad for her older sister since she had given so much for the family. Now she spent most of her time working alongside her husband.
Soun took Ranma's disappearance the worst. All he did was cry all day and get drunk with Genma. She had never been particularly proud of her father, but now she felt ashamed of him.
Akane had started teaching classes in the dojo. She graduated high school and decided to start teaching the family art. Turns out she doesn't know a single thing about the Anything Goes. Soun only trained her in the basics of kempo since Master Happosai forbade women from learning his style. Nabiki gritted her teeth as she remembered the time Akane confronted Happosai with this.
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They stood in the dojo facing each other. Akane looked determined as she glared down at the old pervert. She had just asked why he forbade her father to teach her Anything Goes. Seeing Happosai turn serious she knew he would start teaching her now that he saw her as the great martial artist she was.
The old master of the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts watched as Akane tried to act as if she knew the meaning of the Art. "Girl, in all my years of life I have only seen two people that truly understand the Art." He smiled as her expression turned smug. "And you are not one of them."
"What?" Akane asked taking a step forward and clenching her fists.
The old pervert remained calm. "Many years ago I fought a woman that was truly amazing both in beauty and in skill. She was my equal in the Art, even if I let her win in our fights." He sighed, remembering the past. So many things he had done that he regretted, but he knew that if given the chance he would take the same path. "The other is my heir, Ranma."
Akane's battle aura made itself known at the mention of that name. "How dare you say that pervert is better than me! He's nothing but a cheating baka!"
Happosai ignored her threats and continued as if she hadn't spoken. "I don't want my style taught to females because you can't accomplish the full potential of our Art. I'm not sure if Ranma will be able to reach that potential."
"There you go again with that BAKA!" She bellowed as she took her mallet in her hands and prepared to bash the old pervert.
"You still don't get it, do you? Ranma has been training you even if I disapproved of it."
"What?" Akane asked, her aura flickering as doubt was clear on her face.
Happosai nodded as he continued. "All those sparring sessions where you became angry because he dodged everything. You should have seen them for what they were."
"That pervert was only teasing me like he does all the others." She countered proud of her reasoning.
Happosai laughed at that. Not a very pleasing sound. "You are so slow and clumsy I'm sure even Kasumi could take you down with two months training with Ranma. He did that for you to realize you needed to be faster. But you never caught on."
"RANMA WAS TRAINING KASUMI?!" The old master sighed and turned around. He started for the door. "Where the hell are you going? I'm not done with you yet." Ignoring his disciple's daughter completely he vanished in the night.
Akane was left alone in her dojo smoldering in rage.
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Even if she knew it was truth, she was still angry because someone had dared hurt a member of her family. Akane even lashed out at Kasumi a couple of times after that night, but it never came down to blows.
Nabiki didn't like quoting people, but this time she made an exception. "Ranma, this is all your fault." If he hadn't disappeared her father and sister wouldn't be a mess right now. And she would be a lot of yen richer. That was probably what hurt the most.
She looked through her papers, wondering where she had left it. She knew the day would come for revenge, and it seems like she was right.
Maybe the revenge she had planned wouldn't do. Too little. Smirking she came up with a plan to destroy him. It seemed like he left because he couldn't take the pressure anymore. If he thought things would be any different he was wrong. She would make sure of it. "Found it." She whispered to herself as she prepared to make a few phone calls. Why not make a few extra yen when destroying someone's life. Or what was left of it.
END PART 1
Author's notes: Well, this is the first chapter to LAB-alt. I'll catch up to the other LAB at two chapters and then continue writing them both at the same time. Chapter three of LAB will be taken down for heavy revision and rewrite.
This actually makes me enthusiastic about writing this stories. It's completely new to me to have two stories start exactly the same and have different events.
Anyway, I should be working on TWTR next, though I'm not sure when the next update will be. I'm back to school and my fanfiction writing time has been severely reduced. Hope you undertand. |
