When Ranma woke up the following morning, it was already past eight. Horrified to see that he was late for work, Ranma rushed to the dojo. Upon arriving, he saw Akane leading the warm-up exercises for his class.

Puzzled, Ranma wondered who was taking over for Akane's class if she was substituting for his. He walked over to Akane's classroom and found Hikaru with the children.

As he watched Hikaru, Ranma was impressed at the way he handled them. He smiled. That kid sure never fails to impress me.

From the other side of the room, Akane spotted Ranma. She ended the warm-up and called for a break. She walked up next to him.

"Hey, it's about time you got here."

Ranma turned to her. "Oh, hi. Sorry I'm late."

Akane nodded. "Well, you're here now. Good thing Hikaru was around."

"Yeah, I see that."

Akane called her son. "Hikaru."

Upon seeing them, Hikaru stopped the class. He came up to them with a smile. "Hi, there. Saotome-sensei, I hope you don't mind that I joined in the fun."

"Nonsense, Hikaru. An extra hand is always appreciated here. Besides, you seem to be enjoying yourself out there."

"Oh, I was. I love to teach, but I'm afraid that I'll only be around until noon." Hikaru grinned sheepishly. "I sort of have a commitment at 12:30."

"Really?" Ranma gave him a sly grin. "Who's the lucky girl?"

"Yi Ping."

Surprised, Ranma looked at Akane. "Shampoo's daughter?"

Akane shrugged. "He's very fond of her."

"Well, if you're serious about her, you can always beat her up."

Akane gave him an amused glance. "Ranma."

Hikaru stared at him. "Are you serious, Saotome-sensei?"

"According to the Chinese Amazon law, if an outsider who belongs to the male species beats a Chinese Amazon in combat, he has to marry her," replied Ranma.

"You are serious. How do you know that?"

"I've had my fair share of experience."

"Really?" A funny smile went across Hikaru's face.

Akane said, "Don't even get any ideas, young man."

The three of them laughed. Later, they went back to work. Around noon, they went for their lunch break. Hikaru took off like a rocket.

As they were locking up the dojo, Ranma told Akane, "Watch out, Akane. Shampoo and Mousse just might become your in-laws."

Without thinking, Akane said, "I wouldn't talk if I were you."

"What?"

"Nothing. Never mind."

"I'm starving. I haven't had breakfast."

"No wonder. You look horrible."

Ranma rolled his eyes. "Oh, gee, thanks, Akane."

Akane gave him that same sheepish grin that was so much like her son's. "Sorry. Rough night?"

He turned to her. "Akane, how do you feel about me teaching Hikaru? I mean really feel."

"Hikaru? Why...fine, I suppose. Actually, a little relieved. I mean I have long accepted that you're a lot better than I am, and you know more techniques." She looked at him carefully. "Why do you ask?"

"It's Michiko. She doesn't really think it's a good idea for me to teach Hikaru. I think it's because he's your son, and you and I use to be...well...you know..."

Akane nodded. "I see." Then she cleared her throat. "Well...you really don't have to do this, Ranma."

Ranma shook his head. "No, I want to do this. I want to teach Hikaru. He's strong and intelligent. He loves the art. As a teacher, I feel it's my duty to guide him to become an excellent martial artist. The problem is that my wife doesn't seem to understand that. I don't even see what the big deal is. She's always traveling to Osaka because of her job, and I understand that. Why can't she understand mine?"

"Well...isn't the weekend your time together?"

"Yes, but she's not even going to be around this weekend. I didn't complain about that. As soon as she heard that I was taking Hikaru camping to train him, she hit the roof! I don't know why. If there's anyone who should be saying about this, it should be me. I'm the one who's not going to see her all week. As a matter of fact, it's driving me crazy that she's there in Osaka, and I'm here in Nerima. No matter what, she's always prioritizing her job, and not me."

Ranma stopped. He saw Akane's wide eyes staring at him, and suddenly he felt like a fool.

"Oh, man. Geez. I'm...I'm sorry, Akane. I didn't mean to tell you my problem."

Akane shook her head. "No, no, it's okay. You're in a lot of stress. You just needed to unload some of it. I understand."

"It's just unfair to you."

Akane gave him a half smile. "You know what? I think that you and your wife just need a long talk. When you get home after class, pick up the phone and call her, okay?"

Ranma nodded. "Okay." He smiled back at her. "Thanks, Akane."

She shrugged. "It's nothing. You better go eat lunch."

"Hey, you wanna join me for lunch? We'll eat at Ucchan's."

It was the first time he ever invited her. She wanted to say yes, but shook her head. "No, I think I'll pass. There's still some leftovers from last night. I think I'll finish that."

Ranma didn't know why, but he felt disappointed that she said no. It was as if she turned him down on a date. "Oh, well, okay then."

"See you at one." Akane was about to leave, but she remembered something. "Oh, wait, Ranma?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't tell Michiko that it was my idea to call her." She saw a puzzled look across his face, and explained, "Trust me. It's better that way."

***

Classes were over for the day. Akane went home dead tired and went upstairs to rest in her room. Along the way, she met Hikaru.

"Hey, Mom, you didn't throw away my tent, did you?"

Akane shook her head. "No, of course not. I never threw out or sold anything that was yours when I moved out of our old house. Did you find your sleeping bag?"

"Yeah, that wasn't hard to miss."

Akane entered a room at the very end of the hall. She considered it as the storage room where anything that was old or no longer used. It included anything that belonged to the Tendos and the Satos.

As Akane looked around, she said, "I don't recall putting it in a box. Hikaru, look in that cabinet."

Hikaru did what his mom told him. He opened a cabinet made of wood. There was nothing inside there except for books and a large white box. He frowned and wondered why the box was there since it seemed out of place.

He could've left it alone, but instincts told him to find out what was inside. He drew it out from its place. On the lid of the box, he found the name: A. Tendo. Hikaru opened the box and saw a white Western wedding dress.

"I found it!" called out Akane.

Hikaru looked towards her direction. Akane was walking up to him with the tent set in her hand. Then he turned to the dress again.

"Hikaru? What's wrong?"

"Is this yours, Mom?" Her son lifted the dress from the box.

Akane's face went white as she stared at the dress. Oh...my...Kami-sama...my wedding dress...

"Mom?"

She could have easily said that it belonged to one of her sister's, but somehow she couldn't. "It's mine."

"I don't understand. I thought you said that you and dad eloped."

"We did. That dress was for a different wedding."

Hikaru was shocked. "You were going to marry someone else? Who?"

"Ranma." Akane's voice was still. "I was going to marry Ranma."

He was even more shocked than ever. "YOU were going to marry Saotome-sensei?"

His mother nodded.

"Woah. How did that happen?"

"It was arranged by your grandfather and Ranma's father. They wanted Ranma and I to get married so we can continue to run the dojo together."

"So, you were about to marry him. Why didn't you?"

"Our wedding was ruined. There were a lot of people who refused to see us tie the knot."

Hikaru was curious. "Who?"

Akane shook her head. "Oh, it was a long time ago, so it doesn't matter."

Hikaru wanted to know more but Akane quickly put the wedding dress away and closed the cabinet.

"Did you love him?"

The question caught her almost off guard, but Akane faced him as if he had just asked her for the time. "No...no, of course not. Ranma and I were just friends."

Hikaru stared at his mom. If they were only friends, then why did it take a long time for his mom and Ranma to agree to run the dojo together?

He gave her a crooked smile. "Well, I guess I'm sort of glad that you didn't marry him. Or, else I wouldn't be here, right?"

Akane handed him the tent. "Here. Why don't you take this?"

As Hikaru left the room, Akane sighed. Oh, that was close. I nearly told him everything. Oh, Hikaru, I'm sorry that I lied, but I'm just not ready to tell you the truth.

***

~Saturday~

Ranma woke up bright and early for the trip. After getting ready, he went across the street to Akane's house. The main gate was open so he let himself in.

The first thing he saw was Akane working in the garden. She was planting new flowers as she hummed a tune. Suddenly, it was as if a spell had been put on Ranma. He stood there transfixed at the sight of her. He had always known Akane with her tough as nails attitude. Every once in awhile though, she showed her vulnerability, and when she did, Ranma always felt drawn to her.

Akane stopped whatever she was doing altogether and wiped the sweat on her forehead with her arm. As she did so, she felt like she was being watched. When she turned her head, she noticed Ranma. "Oh, hi! Good morning."

Ranma felt like a burglar that had been caught in the act. "Uh, hi, Akane."

Akane stood up and walked up to him. She was wearing a tank top and a pair of cut-offs that failed to conceal her athletic figure. She had her hair up, which was unusual, since she always had it tied in a ponytail. Her clothes and parts of her arms were covered with dirt. She was a total mess, but to Ranma, she looked divine.

At times like these, Ranma knew he had to say something. His mind raced. Quick! Think of something! Before he knew it, he did. "I didn't know that you gave out concerts so early in the morning."

Akane was embarrassed. "Well, at least I know that the flowers won't throw tomatoes at me."

Ranma had to laugh. "No, they won't."

"Flowers are like people. They need attention. They need love. You show that you care for them by watering, talking or singing to them." Akane stopped and let out a nervous laughter. "I sound like a crazy lady. Talking and singing to flowers must seem ridiculous to you."

"No, no, not at all." In fact, Ranma was actually fascinated.

His wife Michiko might not agree, however. She was a lady of sophistication, and there was no way she would sing or talk to flowers. Let alone get her hands dirty.

What the hell am I doing? I'm making comparisons!

Their moment was interrupted when Hikaru arrived. "Hello, Saotome-sensei! I'm ready!"

Ranma looked at Hikaru who had his camping gear with him. "Alright!"

Akane asked, "Are you sure you have everything with you, Hikaru?"

"You bet, Mom."

Hikaru and Akane hugged. After she kissed his cheek, Akane said, "Okay. I'll see you after the trip."

"Right."

"Be careful."

"I will."

Akane patted his cheek and turned to Ranma. "You take care of him."

Ranma held up his hands. "Don't worry about a thing. He's safe with me. Come on, Hikaru."

They said their good-byes to Akane who watched them leave from behind.

***

After hours of hiking, Ranma and Hikaru found the perfect spot where they can camp. When they put up their tents, they set out for the stream.

Later on, as Ranma stood by the clear, blue water, he turned to Hikaru. "Now like I said, I'm going to teach you Tenshin Amaguriken, but it's going to take some practice."

Hikaru watched him kneel on the ground. "What are you doing, sensei?"

"Fishing."

I don't believe it! I'm here to learn and all he could think of is fishing?

Ranma called out, "Are you paying attention, Hikaru?"

"Yes, sensei."

"Watch and learn, Hikaru. Tenshin Amaguriken!"

While Hikaru watched in amazement as his sensei plunged his hands into the water countless of times. When he was finished, he held out a dozen of fish in his hands.

Hikaru dropped his jaw. "Woah."

Ranma smiled. "This can be our lunch and dinner. Care to try?"

"Definitely."

Hikaru knelt down on the exact location where Ranma did. He watched each fish go by and tried to catch them as fast as he could, but he was unsuccessful. He tried and tried again, imitating Ranma's movement, but those darn things were just too slippery for his grip.

Ranma yawned and started to leave. "I'll call you when it's time for lunch."

***

It was time for dinner and an exhausted Hikaru found Ranma at the campsite eating the fish he had caught earlier.

Ranma waved at him and smiled. "Hey, Hikaru, dig in!"

Hikaru seemed to collapse next to him. "Arigato, Saotome-sensei."

As Hikaru ate his dinner, Ranma sighed and gazed up at the stars. "It's been such a long time since I've been out here. I forgot how beautiful nature can be."

"Yeah," agreed the younger man. "I know what you mean. My mom and I used to go camping all the time."

"What about your dad?"

"He went with us once, and that's it."

Ranma told him, "My old man and I went on a lot of camping trips. Actually, I spent much of my childhood traveling and training."

"So you were pretty close to him, right?"

He thought of Genma and his up and down relationship with him. "He was alright. He wasn't perfect, but he was my father."

Hikaru nodded as if he understood him. "You know my dad and I were complete opposites. He loved business, and I loved martial arts. He was always so formal and carried himself with class and distinction, but that's all because of his upbringing. He was kind though." There was a pause and his voice was suddenly filled with sadness. "He wasn't perfect either, but I loved him."

"You miss him a lot, huh?"

"Yeah, I was only fifteen years old when he left me and mom. I never had the chance to get to know him or understood him better. I wish I told him that no matter what I loved him." Hikaru looked at Ranma. "He never knew. You just can't imagine how it feels like for me."

"As a matter a fact, I can."

"Really?" Hikaru's voice was filled with disbelief.

Ranma nodded. "Things between me and the old man weren't exactly the greatest. Five years ago, he died. I was in America when it happened. I didn't even get to say goodbye."

"That must've been rough."

"Oh, it was. It really was. There was a lot of anger and depression. I felt like I had been cheated. Eventually, I came to terms with his death, and it took me a long time to do that." He looked at Hikaru. "I know there must be times when you feel frustrated and sad. Don't deny that. It's okay. You have every right to feel that way. He's your father."

"You do understand."

"Been there. Done that." Ranma gave him a crooked smile.

"I never really did tell anyone how I really feel about my dad's death." Hikaru explained, "Mom was pretty much messed up after dad died. I was too busy taking care of her before I could even think about how I feel. I didn't want to tell her how I feel either because I know that it will make her sad."

"You're a good person, Hikaru. Your mom is lucky to have you." He paused. "Listen, if you need to talk about any problems you're having, feel free to tell me. I'm may not be exactly the wisest man on earth, but I'm here. I'll be more than happy to lend an ear."

Hikaru gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks, Saotome-sensei."

A friendship was born.

***

Michiko's meeting with the Meiji Corporation ended that Saturday afternoon, but she remained in her office that evening. Mr. Meiji had been pleased with the deal. Both parties were going to profit with each other. Michiko should have been more than pleased, but the victory was the last thing in her mind. She had other unfinished business to attend to.

Her secretary buzzed in. "Excuse me, Mrs. Saotome?"

Michiko didn't even have to ask why. All she said was, "Send him right in."

The door opened and she spotted Mr. Ishida entering the room. He closed the door behind him and allowed himself to be seated.

"What do you have for me?" Michiko asked.

"Where shall I start?"

Michiko took a deep breath and crossed her arms. "Start with Hikaru Sato."

"Hikaru Sato, male, five feet, eleven inches, black hair, blue eyes, blood type O negative. He was born seventeen years ago on August 10. He currently attends Yokohama University where he is enrolled in a physical education program with a minor in business. Student record, exemplary-4.0 average."

"Tell me about his parents. When were they married?"

"Kouhei and Akane Sato were married around January of the same year."

Thoughtfully, she tapped her index finger on her cheek. "So...Akane was already pregnant when she and Kouhei were married. Go on, Mr. Ishida."

"The two eloped. Akane had been in her sophomore year while Kouhei was already a senior. He was graduating that semester."

"How did they meet?"

"They lived in the same apartment. I spoke to the landlord there. His name is Mr. Chang. He remembered them quite well. He told me that he was surprised that they got married. For one thing, he never recalled them going out on a date."

"Well, maybe he never really saw them."

"That's what I said, but the Mr. Chang insisted that he was convinced they never went out. He knew his tenants well, and they were like his children. He even added that the marriage was just a cover-up."

"A cover-up?"

"Yes, Mr. Chang told me that there were rumors about Kouhei Sato's ...rather carefree lifestyle."

Michiko stood up and put her hands on the table. She leaned over and looked at him straight in the eye. "Mr. Ishida, I hired you to get facts, not rumors."

He smiled at her. "I'm way ahead of you, Mrs. Saotome. I really didn't believe it at first until I arrived at Takasaki and found this at the local library."

Mr. Ishida threw down a copy of a front-page newspaper. Michiko's eyes widened as she picked it up. Her heart raced as she read the screaming headlines: BEHIND THE FAÇADE: THE SECRET GAY LIFE OF KOUHEI SATO.

"Gay?" Michiko stared at the paper and then at Mr. Ishida. "Kouhei Sato was gay?"

"The story broke out four years ago. The Satos were a well-known family in Takasaki. Kouhei Sato was president and owner of the local advertising agency there, and he was very successful. According to the paper, Sato had an affair with one of his male clients. Eventually, the wife found out. The woman came from a wealthy family, and they bought Sato's agency and fired him. Sato, who was unable to bounce back to where he was, committed suicide."

Michiko was at loss for words. Gay! Kouhei Sato was gay! Her pulse began to increase. There was no way he could ever father Hikaru Sato then. No way! But there were gay men who had their own families, weren't there? She'd heard of that before...

"One last thing, Mrs. Saotome. Kouhei Sato's blood type was AB positive."

Her eyes grew firm. "And Akane's blood type?"

He let out a cunning smile. "A negative."

As she gazed at the picture of Kouhei, Akane, and Hikaru Sato on the picture, she knew the truth. She looked at Hikaru's picture and saw Ranma's eyes staring back at her.

Ranma was O negative.

Author's notes:
I would like say my special thanks to Kalaong who helped me out in writing this chapter. It wasn't really as exciting as this until he gave me a few suggestions here and there. He also suggested to change the title to Sey-La since he said that everyone seemed to be stopping and reflecting about the past. So that credit would have to go to him. I also changed the order of the scenes. In the first draft of the chapter, the last scene was between the Ranma and Kouhei, discussing about their relationships about their "fathers", where the last sentence of the chapter should have been "A friendship was born." It's a nice and touching ending since we see father and son bonding, but the ending was not catchy. Hence, I decided to end the chapter with the sentence, "Ranma was O negative." I thought that was more interesting, and Michiko can no longer deny the truth. After all, who could defy genetics?