This is an alternate universe. Most of my writings are alternate universe.

Thanks Jason Liao for pre reading

Ranma 1/2 : A New Beginning Chapter One
Created by Long Ngo
Started February 6, 1998
Finished February 7, 1998
Revised May 10, 1998
Revised June 4, 1998

      "Come back here you baka!" a girl with short black hair shouted at her fleeing prey who happens to be wearing a red Chinese shirt and black pants.

      "I'm a martial artist Akane. I have a finely tuned sense of danger and survival instincts. After knowing you for two years, do you think I'm dumb enough to go out and kill myself by eating your cooking?" shouted the pigtailed boy over his shoulder, as he tried to escape the wrath of an unappreciated cook, who also happened to be one of his fiancees.

      "Ranma no baka! Die!"

      "Why don't you give up Akane. You can't catch me and it's going to rain soon." Looking up at the dark sky, Ranma's body started to tingle. Having to avoid water every single day had helped Ranma develope an understanding of the weather and when it was likely to rain.

      Akane knew she could not keep up with Ranma, so she heaved the cast-iron cooking pan that also contained the food she had spent hours cooking directly at Ranma's head.

      With all the skills Ranma possessed, he could never truly avoid getting hit by Akane when she had a weapon in her hands. First it was a large wooden table, then a mallet which usually appears out of thin air and now a cast-iron pan.

      Some would say that Ranma was a lightning rod for trouble. Others would say that Ranma had the worse and best of luck in the world. Only the Gods knew that Ranma was destined for greater things. As the cast-iron pan collided with the back of Ranma's head, a flash of lightning struck him at the same time. What was left of Ranma was a blacked piece of his shirt.

      "No!!!!!!" Akane shouted in anguish as she witnessed the events transpire in front of her.

* * * * *

    "Oh my!" Kasumi exclaimed in teror and wonder as she saw a lightning bolt strike the ground a couple of meters in front of her. After her field of vision cleared, Kasumi could make out the body of a young man lying near the strike zone. Dropping her grocery bag, she rushed to his side to check for any vital signs. What amazed her was that except for the tattered remains of his clothes, he was unhurt. Blushing a bit at the sight of his well defined physique, she went to find help.

* * * * *

      "Amazing! I can't find any burns or physical evidence of a lightning strike." Doctor Tofu was amazed as he examined his newest patient. Whoever he is, he has to be one of the healthest people alive.

      "Will he be alright Tofu-sensei?" Kasumi was worried for the young man.

      "Yes he will be. I predict that he should be up and about in a few days. His injuries were quite minor for such an accident. He is just unconscious right now."

      Suddenly the strange boy bolted straight into a sitting position, surprising them both. "Arggg, I have a huge headache," were the first words that escaped the mouth of the young man.

      Tofu smiled at the remark. "I'm surprised you're not dead young man. You should have received far worse injuries than the tattered clothes and a slight concussion after being struck by lightning."

      "What are you talking about Tofu-sensei?"

      Doctor Tofu was surprised when this strange young man used his name in such a casual manner.

      "You were struck by a lightning bolt," Kasumi tried to answer his question.

      "How did you know my name?" Doctor Tofu asked.

      Looking at Kasumi, Ranma flinched at the sight of Kasumi and Tofu-sensei together int he same room. After a few moments, Ranma knew something was not right here. "Tofu-sensei don't you know me? It's me Ranma, Saotome Ranma. I come here quite often," Ranma asked confused. Turning to Kasumi, "Kasumi what's going on here?"

      Kasumi was surprised as well as the young man used her name. "Have we meet before? I don't recall ever meeting you." Kasumi had a worried expression on her face.

      "I've been living at the Tendou Training Hall for the past two years Kasumi."

      "I'm sorry but I've never seen you before."

      The strain was getting to Ranma. Add to the fact that after just waking up, he was told that no one knew him. Ranma did what any normal person would do, he fainted.

      "Will he be alright Tofu-sensei?

      "Not to worry, he just fainted but he seemed to know us."

      "I think he might be one of Otousan's student, why not let me take him back home."

      "Are you sure Kasumi?"

      "Hai."

* * * * *

      "Kasumi, I'm home," shouted Soun.

      "Hello Otousan," Kasumi greeted from the kitchen. I brought someone home with me. I think he might be one of your students. He was struck by lightning and passed out. He is in the guest room right now.

      "Is he okay?"

      Having finished preparing the tea, Kasumi headed towards the livingroom. Serving Soun a cup of tea, "Hai."

      "What is his name Kasumi?"

      "He said his name was Saotome Ranma." Having spoken those words, Kasumi could see Soun's face turn white as snow and the tea cup falling from his hand.

      "Otousan! What's wrong?" Kasumi asked in a worried voice.

      "The Saotome Clan died 16 years ago Kasumi."

      "Oh my."

To be continued