A Ranma 1/2 short fic by Turbo
All characters are copywriten by Rumiko Takahashi, and are used 
without permission

  Salutations and Revelations

  The last thing I thought I'd be saying on this day:
  "Good Evening, Mother."
  "Ranma, is that really you?"
  I really wish it didn't come down to this, but the old man has been 
sitting on me all day when she visted last week. He insisted that I go 
by 'Ranko' not Ranma because of this promise made long ago. I cannot 
do that to her. She needs to know that I exist.
  "Where is your father? I would like it if he was here."
  How can I tell her that she was staring at his fuzzy hide no more 
than a week ago? I can't.
  "May I come in? Unfortunately, Father is inable to come himself."
  "Please feel free. It is your home, after all."
  I really didn't expect this. This place is huge! Well, not all that 
big. With about seven people it would be a lot smaller. but it could 
easily room that many. I would say that is was a little larger than 
Mr. Tendo's house.
  "Thank you very much. There is much I would like to tell you."
  Much to tell indeed. After she visited I was really depressed. The 
first time I can clearly remember being depressed. I knew that I had 
to see her. Talk to her. Tell her that that girl was me. I don't think 
that she could understand the changes that I have been through over 
this last year.
  Has it really only been a year? Good gods! What a year. 
  "Would you like a cup of tea?"
  "That sound like heaven."
  When she returns from the kitchen with a tray, she hands me a cup of 
tea. Smells wonderfull. Nice and warm too. I got hit three times on 
the way here with cold water. This cup is going to go fast.
  I close my eyes and try to remember this place. I can't.
  "We have been gone way too long, mother. Right now, I cannot 
remember much about this place."
  "I knew I shouldn't have let your father take you."
  "Don't say that. I am glad for my training, and the time spent with 
Father. We share something that many of my friends can't imagine. I 
find it difficult to imagine any other life."
  "Did you have to leave so long ago?"
  I hesitate for a moment, then admit it to her. "I don't know. I do 
know that half of my problems I would not have if Father were here 
even half the time."
  "What problems?" She looks like she wants her katana right now.
  "Mom, I will be honest with you, but there are a few things that I 
will not talk about. There are some things that Father has to tell you 
in it's entirety."
  I pause again while I pour myself some more tea.
  "The start of my tale really begins when we arrived at the Tendo's. 
While there are many things that have happened before, that is Dad's 
Realm.
  "For the last year, Father and I have been staying at the Tendo 
Dojo. You may know of the Engagement between Akane and myself."
  "Yes."
  "To be fair, our relationship is rocky at best. There have been 
times where I have placed her welfare before mine, and she has shown 
concern for me. But it is difficult for either of us to admit our 
feelings."
  "Why is that, son?"
  "I am not really sure about Akane, but for me? I have few people 
skills. Most of my knowledge concerns the Art and it's applications. I 
really don't know how to talk to people."
  A rather uncomfortable silence falls between us. I really don't know 
what to say. Hey mom, remember Ranko? Well, guess what. I turn into 
her when hit with cold water. You see, your manly son turns into a 
girl with all the perks.
  That would not go over well.
  "Where is your father?"
  "At the moment, he is at the Tendo Dojo. He may be planning our next 
trip as we speak."
  "Why didn't come with you. I know you said he couldn't make it. 
Why?"
  I can only talk simply, words fail me too easily. "In my eyes, he is 
afraid."
  "Afraid? What could have possibly made your father afraid of me?"
  "That is something that he must tell you. I can only tell you what I 
see. What he tells me, or the experiences that concerns what he must 
tell you I cannot say."
  "You would hide things from your own mother?"
  I close my eyes, hurt. That is the one thing that could make me tell 
her anything.
  "Mother, after you had left the Tendo's, I had heard about how you 
acted. You were hurt that Father and I were not there. When I wanted 
to talk to you, Father refused. 
  "I know that you are lonely. You have spent too much time here by 
yourself, waiting for your husband and son. Despite any warnings from 
dad, I decided that I must see you. Your happiness means much to me."
  I take a long sip from the cup. Feeling every bit of warmness slide 
down my throat and I enjoy it spreading through my belly.
  "I know of the promise made by father and myself, and I will abide 
by it if neccessary."
  "Do you think your father failed so miserably?"
  "If you ask me if I should commit seppuku, I cannot say. It is not 
my place to decide my manliness. Father may, but you will have to ask 
him.
  "Please, do forgive Father when you discover his secrets. If you 
ever feel the need for company, you are not alone. I know that the 
Tendos will accept you if you decide to visit."
  "Really? It seemed to me that they were really nervous about my 
being there. Expecially Ranko."
  I wince from that. How can I tell the truth? Hey I am Ranko! Really!
  "I can't say why. Ranko and I have a rather unusual relationship. 
While I am engaged to Akane, Ranko and I keep few secrets. As a matter 
of fact, there is little that I know that she doesn't. She also tells 
me everything. That is how I knew that you were lonely. It was through 
her.
  "She knows of the promise, and she has heard horror stories from 
Father about your vindictiveness. I know not the truth of these tales, 
but they are likely inflated by the lense of time."
  "Is that all? There seemed to be more to it."
  "I can't say. You would have to ask her. Better, you should ask 
Father. He is the best source.
  I sit here for quite a while, not really knowing what to say. 
  "I probably should be going. Father and the others may be worried 
about me."
  "Must you go so soon?"
  "Yes. I don't know when I'll see you again, but don't loose hope."
  "I'll try, my son."
  We stand and walk to the door. There is only one thing that is left 
to make this day end even somewhat pleasant.
  "There is one thing that I ask of you."
  "What is is son?"
  "May I hug you?"
  "Anytime, son. Anytime."
  After a few intense minutes, we release each other.
  "Sayonara, okaasan."
  "Sayonara, muskosan."

  My son walks away from our ancestral home. I have finally seen him 
after ten long years. Physically he is everything that I could hope 
for. He is very sincere, and reserved. 
  Yet I know that he is very different among others. He tries to hide 
his feelings to keep others happy. Even when he pushes Akane with his 
verbal sparring, he is trying to help her. A little emotional control 
would do her a world of good.
  I know of his multiple fiancees, I do live in the Saotome Home after 
all. Who do you think sent them all towards the Tendo Dojo? 
  Does dearest really think that he can hide from me forever? I 
suppose that I must find him soon. This circus can only go on for so 
long.
  Today, all in all, has been a good day. My son has shown me a little 
of his heart. It shows me why all those girls have fallen for him. He 
will always be plauged by girls because he cares.
  True, he may not show it all that well, but care he does. As of now, 
I would say that he is trully a manly man. A veritable man among men.
  Now, if only I could get a daughter out of Ranko.

***************************************************************

  Questions and comments are welcome at:

  turbo@relex.com

  This was a story that was bouncing around in my head for a little 
while. It turned out a little more somber than I anticipated, but I 
like it. Yes I know, Ranma is Way O.O.C.
  Next will likely see a little Amber 1/2, then back to One Hour. 
Maybe I'll do an alternate history fic. Hmmm.
  Anyway, 

  thank you for your time
  turbo@relex.com