Special thanks to Octavian and Thomas Scroggs for helping this poor story teller with his grammar.

Also special thanks to Gary Kleppe, DreAshaman and Eric McGinnis for pointing out the good and bad points to of this story.

Ranma 1/2 : Kasumi's Wish Prelude and Chapter One
Created by Long Ngo 
Started March 17, 1998
Finished March 31, 1998

Prelude

       Kasumi has been the foundation for the Tendou household since the death of Tendou Kimiko, loving wife of Tendou Soun and mother to Tendou Kasumi, Nabiki and Akane. Kasumi had become the mother, the mediator and the caretaker of the Tendou family since an early age.

       With that sacrifice, Kasumi had in all right given up her childhood to tend for her family. She did not ask for much from life and was content with the role that was thrusted upon her. It was no surprise though, to those few individuals who knew about God and Goddess, the ones chosen to grant a single wish to those worthy, when Kasumi received an unexpected visitor.

Chapter One

      It was a quiet and lonely afternoon for a certain young lady by the name of Tendou Kasumi. Although the person in question did not feel young at the moment. She was looking at the koi pond from the doorway and wondered what her life would have been like if only her mother was still alive today.

       She did not mind taking care of the family, she actually enjoyed it. Feeling needed and respected was what she always wanted. It was just moments like these, when the house was empty, when she wished she had a particular someone to share in the moment of tranquility and fill the void within her.

       Somedays, when she was free, she would take a walk in the park after shopping. Looking around, she would smile sadly as she notice the young couples and the children having fun. Kasumi rarely has a chance to enjoy herself and participate in the many activities which others her age seem to enjoy such as dating, sight seeing, strolling in the park, movies, or even hanging out with friends. Most of her friends were all attending college. That was another dream that was taken from her. To one day attend college and work in the medical field. With most of her friends gone, the only true friend left Kasumi could think of was a 32 years old woman with 3 children. This more than anything seems to reinforce the image of an old lady.

       Though she had given up on most of her dreams, she still looked for that particular someone to fill her life with joy. The few dates she went on left much to desire. The boys were immature and lacked the qualities she expected in a boyfriend much less a future husband.

        Deep in her contemplation of her life, she missed the head of a young lady slowly raising from the koi pond. Kasumi was startled when she finally noticed the young lady standing in front of her. The young lady introduced herself as Skuld, Goddess second class category 2 limited. Blinking twice, Kasumi cleared her head and greeted her guest with a smile. Focusing on Skuld, Kasumi could tell that whoever this child was, she had an interesting taste in clothing. What also caugh Kasumi's attention was the round circular symbol upon her head.

       "Hello, you don't happened to be Tendou Kasumi would you?" the young lady asked.

       Kasumi's first thought was that this was some kind of game the little girl was playing. Deciding to humor Skuld, Kasumi played along. "How may I help you?" Kasumi asked.

       "You were found worthy through your devotion to your family. I am here to grant you one wish. I would have been here sooner but you never seem to use the phone. I couldn't wait any longer and so I decided to drop by. At this time a hint of irritation could be heard in Skuld's voice as she complained to Kasumi.

       "I'm sorry, do you want me to use the phone now?" Kasumi deciding to have a little fun with the young lady.

       Seeing as how she was raising her voice at her client, Skuld calmed down. "I'm sorry, this was my first assignment and I got so tired of waiting. Anyways, I am here to grant you any wish you desire," replied Skuld.

        As the conversation between Kasumi and Skuld continued, Kasumi could not help but stare politely at the young Goddess. To Kasumi, she was talking to one of the most mature young ladies she had ever meet. As for Skuld, she could not believe how similar Kasumi was to Belldandy. Trying to please Skuld, Kasumi decided to wish for something and for some reason she felt like sharing her dream with this mysterious girl. "I can wish for anything you say?" Kasumi asked. When Skuld nodded her head, Kasumi closed her eyes and made her wish. " I wish to meet a kind, exciting and handsome young man whom I could respect, love and someday marry." Kasumi softly spoke.

        Kasumi was having a wonderful time. She had kept her true feelings and dreams to herself for so long that talking to someone even a little girl had helped lift her spirit, that was until a beam of light shot forth from the circular symbol upon Skuld's forehead. As the beam intensified, Skuld started to float in midair. Kasumi was now just plain staring at Skuld and thinking to herself that maybe this was not just some game after all.

       As the light died down, the young Goddess turned toward Kasumi. Speaking two words that would change Kasumi's life forever. "Wish granted." Afterwards the young Goddess disappeared back down into the koi pond.

       Staring at where Skuld had vanished from, Kasumi was in mild shock. The silence was broken by the chirping of a bird.

       Later that week, she was even more surprised when her father called all three of his daughters to him. He had announced that a good friend of his would be coming the the Tendou household soon. He was bring his son in the hopes of uniting both the Tendou and Saotome clan through marriage.

      At this, Kasumi could only think back to her wish a few days earlier and again was shocked by that day's events. Had her wish finally come true?

To be continued :