New story - Divergence from after the Nabiki/Ranma engagement.

Prologue: You can keep him

Disclaimer: The characters are the property of others. I'm using them because I'm too lazy to think up some of my own. I need to thank Rumiko Takahashi for creating the wonderful world of Ranma1/2.

I walked to school early. Today would be a huge day and I wanted a front row seat. I was probably the only person outside the Tendo Dojo that knew there would be two of Furinkan's most popular students wouldn't show up today. They weren't popular in the conventional way, very few actually liked them or wanted to be their friends, and even fewer had any knowledge of who they really were, except through a strange one dimensional glass that we see our acquaintances through. We have small restricted interactions with people, add on to that rumor and innuendo, and our need to fill in the pieces as we see fit. Never knowing the true depth and complexity of a person while believing we do. No, their popularity was more of an infamous nature, their mutual exploits and public persona's were well known. Everyone wanted to watch their actions and exploits, but were in general fear of becoming the object of either's attention. They aren't mean or cruel people, but through circumstance those who did have dealings with them came away injured in some way, scaring others off, while the majority watched in amusement or sympathy for those who had to endure the shared spotlight. Everyone wanted to know of their exploits, the morbid curiosity of a society where sameness is lauded any difference is secretly thrilling, even the injury of someone else appeals in our guilty hearts.

I was curious and anxious as I approached the gates. No, curious doesn't adequately describe the excitement coursing through my veins as I anticipated witnessing the reactions of all the other students. I was wondering when and in what manner the news would hit and also how fast it would travel. The bemused looks on most students’ faces would be memorable and I couldn't wait to hear all the gossip as it circulated through the rumor mill. I knew the truth and anxiously awaited how distorted it would become, as some students would blandly accept the innuendos and partial truths as fact. The half remembered facts would be altered and missing pieces added to suit the tellers fancy, while the listener, in return, would only remember those facts that fascinated her. I wondered how outrageous it would become and silently went through a list of all my acquaintances and wondered who would be the first to declare that they had seen this coming. I will hear all the rumors, that is one of the bright spots about my unique social standing. I supposed there is someone like me at every school. I'm friendly with all, but friends with no one, now that she's gone. It isn't so bad, because I do get along with everyone, I just don't really connect with the other students, so our interactions while friend are extremely superficial. I'm neither short nor tall, pretty nor ugly, neither athletic nor clumsy, I am the typical Japanese schoolgirl all the way, and at least that's how everyone perceives me. The only real thing I have going for me is I am extremely bright. I've never been a heavy studier, which has helped me avoid being tagged as a nerd or a geek, while allowing me to associate with those who are as close to equals. The advantage of my anonymity is gossip. I probably find out more information and of a slightly more accurate variety than Nabiki. What she learns through deception and those idiot girls she keeps around I learn first hand. Who am I going to tell? The girl who even the guys are friendly with, but not friends, and a secret must be shared. A secret is worthless is nobody knows you have it. Who do I tell? My best friend, and she tells no one anything I tell her that could be traced back to me. Few if any even know were friends. Why is this important? If you truly want the truth you should listen to me. I almost never tell, so people go to Nabiki for a price, never knowing that she comes to me for a large amount of her information.

In all honesty I didn't really believe they'd go through with it, at least until last Saturday night when she canceled our plans so she could brainstorm and make last minute arrangements. This was the first time she had canceled our Saturday night plans since we had become friends and had agreed to set aside that time for ourselves and our mischief.

The students were starting to trickle in, I’m earlier than normal, but few will really notice, since this time at school is usually reserved for the really nerdy students or those with some kind of morning sports or club meeting.

How do I know about the missing students you ask? My best friend had called from the train station saying good-bye and that she would keep in touch. She was with her love and living in the Dojo was too complicated right now. They needed peace and the chance to spend some time alone together. They had been hiding their true feelings for one another from prying eyes for too long and they needed to explore that love together without having to hide it. Her idiot of a father would force them to marry instantly if he suspected they loved each other and got along so well. Who wants to be married before they graduate high school? Sex yes. Marriage no. Their was also the complication of his other suitors, or fiancée baggage as she had taken to refer to them, and don't forget her sister, I can't imagine the strain that must be, both loving the same guy living under the same roof. One has his heart while the other has their parents pledge. Their was no doubt in either of our minds that if the 'baggage' or her sister knew the true extend of their feelings, I would be minus one best friend. Maybe we we're being a little too severe in our speculations, but discretion is the better part of valor.

Have I mentioned how happy I am for her, and him, and a little jealous. One day, one day I'll have a chance to be with someone that means as much to me as he means to her.

They squared away some money and are going to go to school in another part of Japan, hopefully they'll find out what they want in life and in each other. He was sick of having the Dojo and martial arts rammed down his throat. After finally hearing his story, or at least a good chunk of it, I had to agree. I'm pretty sure he'll end up doing something involving the art, it's in his blood and he does love it. I think he just finally realized that his application of it, or at least the application his father forced upon him was too narrow, and that he was potentially cutting himself short by focusing solely on one thing to the exclusion of all else.

My friend needs to find herself also, she realizes that she'll always be in his shadow, but that doesn't mean she can't cast her own light. She doesn't want to be Mrs. Saotome, his wife, his subordinate, the cook, housekeeper, and baby maker. She wants her own identity. She wants to be his support and biggest supporter, but she wants him to be hers as well. They hope a fresh start will give them time to see if that can happen, if they can put their ego's aside for one another's benefit and be a team, not jealous of the success the other will receive in the future, and they will be successful. Talent is one thing, but they both have talent and drive, I think she may even outdo him in the success department.

I think they also want to make sure that the feelings are as pure as they believe them to be, not artificially enhanced by the situation. As wrong as that sounds, there is a certain allure, an excitement to sneaking around. Are they extra nice and courteous to each other because their time together is limited? Will they be as forgiving and tolerant of each other when some of the external pressures are gone and the time spent together isn't as precious because it's so abundant? I think they'll manage but the really do have a lot of questions that can't be answered in the Dojo, or anywhere near the mentally unstable cast of characters that currently populate their lives.

Kuno has arrived, it's still fifteen minutes till class and he seems to been mumbling to himself, either to psyche himself up or practicing his morning speech. I can't wait till Ranma and Akane don't arrive together today. That will be the catalyst, as was his appearance marked with a showdown with the long-winded kendoist his departure will be marked by the lack of one. I wonder if this no-fight will register on anyone's mind until the news hit's that he didn't leave alone, he has missed school before and it's always been met with wild and rampant speculation. I wonder when the closest version of the truth will hit. I have been cleared to tell the whole story. I imagine that will be my lunchtime activity. Few if any know I'm friends with her and that will hurt the credibility of my story. Maybe I'll give my story to Nabiki's lackeys, they can sell it with the other rumor's, actually maybe I'll sell it to them and then declare to all that will listen I know the whole truth.

Her sister arrives, cutting off Kuno's ranting with a short statement informing all concerned that her sister has "run-off" with Ranma. I can here the contempt in her voice and the momentary sympathy I had for her vanishes as she makes a few exclamations defaming my friends before running off to her homeroom to avoid a very excited and Hyper Kuno, who chases after her while extolling his own virtues that caused the demon Saotome to flee from his righteous wrath. I can hear the rumors flying as I head to my homeroom.

You can feel the electricity in the room. Some versions of the truth are already circulating. I say "of the truth" because all the stories include him leaving. The students are all talking, was she kidnapped, did they really run away together, did he run away and she's of chasing him, did he kidnap her! I almost laughed aloud when I got that note. No it was consensual, if anything she talked him into leaving, him and his damned honor. I could just image the chaos at the Dojo when they left, he wouldn't allow them to sneak away in the night and have everyone worry. They were supposed to make an attempt at explaining, especially to his mother. When I spoke with her last night she said Mr. Saotome was on his way to the hospital, nothing overly serious, a few broken ribs, much less than he deserves. I kind of wish I could go with. She was/is the best friend I ever had, and I had grown found of the old man. He hated it when I called him that, which enticed me all the more. Maybe a visit over next break, assuming they tell me where they end up.

How did this all happen? Well about six months ago, Ranma had been engaged to Nabiki after Nabiki and Akane had been in a fight. Akane had assumed Ranma had sided with Nabiki and in one of her fits she gave Ranma to Nabiki. Ranma had acted like it didn't matter business as usual, Nabiki had treated Ranma like dirt, trying to get him to go back to Akane, and Akane had sulked in wounded pride for about a week. Nabiki had a plan to get the two back together as she noticed Akane's anger finally subsiding. Something happened though and Ranma had actually asked Nabiki out on a date.

Damn the bell, come back after homeroom and I'll tell you more.

JA

Please C&C not sure why I wrote the prologue this way but I'm curious for everyone's reactions, and also if it's obvious or not who Ranma ran away with.

My email: kpjam@worldnet.att.net

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