August 17th, 1986

     "Something very unusual has happened today.  After almost 
five years of not teaching, Father has taken on a new student.  
This student, a boy, is named Saotome Ranma.  And what is even 
stranger is that even though I have never heard of him before, 
apparently he, and his family, are already known by Father..."

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

                    Diary of a Mature Child
                       Journal Entry #01


     This story was not written for profit and all characters of 
note are owned by Rumiko Takahashi.  As usual, any C&C would be 
gladly accepted.

     --- Tabyk     (tabyk@tabyk.net)     (www.tabyk.net)

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

     I remember that day fairly clearly.  It was a Sunday 
afternoon, and I was at home with Father, while both Akane and 
Nabiki were out visiting friends.  I was in the middle of lunch 
preparations when I heard a knock at the front door.  Not 
expecting anyone, I set aside the meal and went to answer it, 
assuming it was a sales person.

     Opening the door I was greeted by the sight of an older 
woman dressed in a very traditional kimono.  She looked middle 
aged, probably younger then Father, with short black hair and a 
pleasant smile.  Giving me a short and courteous bow she then 
said, "Greetings.  My name is Saotome Nodoka, I was hoping Tendo 
Soun was in.  If so, may I please speak with him?"

     Thinking to myself, 'To see Father?' I smiled back at her 
and answered, "Yes.  Please, come in."  Stepping aside I let her 
in, and it was then that I saw the boy.

     He was tall, about my height in fact, but had a quiet, 
almost small, bearing about him.  Like his mother, he had black 
hair, though it was long and tied back in the pigtail, and vivid 
blue eyes.  His skin was also darker then hers...

     Closing the door behind them I then led them into the living 
room, where Father spent most of his time these days.  It was 
shocking just how much seeing her changed him in the space of a 
mere moment.

     Suddenly sitting upright, his paper put aside and clothes 
straightened and just looking far more formal then I'd ever seen 
him before, Father gave a small bow while motioning for them to 
sit.  After they both had, Father said, "Greeting Nodoka.  It has 
been a long time."  Then glancing at the boy he asked, "I assume 
this is Ranma?"

     Nodding the woman answered, "Yes.  It has come to my 
attention that you still teach the more traditional aspects of 
the Anything Goes martial arts style, and I was hoping that you 
might be able to finish his training."

     Clearing his throat Father paused a moment before saying, 
"Yes, I still teach, though I readily admit that I wasn't as good 
a student as Genma-"

     "I simply need my son's training to be finished in the 
family style.  There is nobody else who can do it now."

     Again clearing his throat Father murmured, "I see."  Then 
crossing his arms he took a long look at the boy, before closing 
his eyes in thought.

     Through this whole exchange I couldn't help but wonder, who 
is this woman?  Was she a friend of Father's, or just someone he 
knew from the past.  And he knew the boy's name, even though it 
looked like he'd never seen him before.

     And finally... why was Father acting so formal all of a 
sudden?

     Then with a great, almost laborious, sigh he said, "Okay.  I 
will teach Ranma my skill in the Anything Goes Martial Art style.  
Bring him back on Tuesday, and I will assess him."  This time it 
was she who bowed, her son mimicking her, before she stood and 
said, "Thank you."

     After seeing them out, I returned to the living room and 
asked, "Father, who were they?"

     Glancing at me, in an almost calculating way that I would 
only expect from my middle sister, Father finally said, "An old 
family, Kasumi.  Old, and proud."  Then shaking his head he stood 
and while muttering quietly to himself walked out into the 
backyard.

     And I just knew, somehow, that the life I'd had up till now 
was about the change.

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