Ranma and Co. is Copyright Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan, Inc. 1993

Ranma ½ is a trademark of Viz Communications, Inc.

A Ranma ½ Fan Fiction by S³

Rain From a Cloudless Sky - Prologue

Cold and wet, the wind picked up along the crowded street, carelessly tossing about the jackets and coats of many a pedestrian. The sudden shower had caught more than a few people off guard; those lucky enough to have a briefcase or large handbag had put them to good use as head cover. Everyone else was soaked to the bone. Among the unfortunate majority, a short girl of no more than nineteen years darted through the thick crowds. As she made her way along, several irate grumbles could be heard, it was that sort of day.

Every so often, one of the people she inadvertently brushed past would mutter little asinine comments to themselves. Not like it's my fault the stupid rain slows everything down. I'm gonna be late enough as it is, and none of these guys will get a move on. "Excuse me, coming through…" come on, come on… "Can't ya see I got somewhere to go?" Bobbing up and down, she tried to see over the top of the mass still in front of her. The place she was headed for was still some distance away. Trying to pick up the pace, she stole a glance at her watch. Man, I'm not gonna get there in time. Just once can't something go my way? The overcast sky picked that moment to douse the city with a heavier torrent. Heh, figures. The increased deluge prompted half those braving the spatters to either seek shelter, or to hurry on their respective ways.

The clerk informed yet another group of frantic people that the rain wasn't going to cause any delay. Nodding their thanks, they began to head off. He sat back for only a minute, when a light thumping on the protective glass caught his attention. Looking up with a faint smile, he told the sodden young girl impatiently staring at him that she would just make it if she hurried fast enough. Before he could blink she had already bounded off into the station. Just then, the wall speakers blared forth an automated calling for the last boarding of the 3:30 line.

All around, the rest of the people were squishing together into one of the few compartments that actually had 'some' available space left in it. Fitting her small stature between two women, the girl reached up to take hold of a hanging loop. Not much later, the doors closed with a whoosh, and the train clamored to life. With her free hand she pulled a folded envelope out of her pocket, skimming the single page with a cursory glance. She already knew what it said. Even after the third time reading it, the words still hadn't changed…scrawled across the page was the message, "Found a cure…come home boy." The letter was signed simply, "Genma." Shaking her head she thought to herself, "Short and to the point. This trip better be worth it this time."