Summary: A world apart, Harry and Ranma were pondering their future when they discovered they didn't have one unless they took action against a threat from the world of Norrath. Harry/Multi; Ranma/Multi. Set in the Everquest II world.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, Ranma ½, Everquest II, or any of the other people/places you may recognize. I do own Jessolt, who is a character I created to play Gold Box AD&D games. This disclaimer applies to the whole story.
AN: This mostly complies with canon except for the HP epilogue. Where it doesn't is either I have forgotten, gotten confused with fan fiction, or changed to suit my purposes. Just chalk up any differences to being an AU. Jessolt is a bit of a self insert but his only purpose is to introduce the characters to Norrath and to get them started on their quest. Most of the other characters encountered are NPC's (non player characters) although Jessolt or one of my other characters may pop up from time to time if needed to move the story along.
[Plane of Justice]
The being known as the Truth-bringer frowned as he closed the scrying.
"The fool!", he thought to himself. "Not only is is likely to destroy Norrath with his vain attempt to become a god but the world he plans to use for the source of the power he requires as well. I'm constrained from acting against him directly and he has made it so that no one of Norrath will be able to move against him."
"Hmm, I need to contact the All-Father and request his support. I will need him to approach the heroes I need to borrow from Earth."
[Nerima, Japan]
The pig-tailed young man lay on the roof watching the evening sky. He thought about the time since the failed wedding and sighed. The old man and Mr. Tendo still were pushing him to marry Akane especially since he was now eighteen but he and Akane felt more like brother and sister. At least, Nabiki was being nicer these days, like she cared for him like family instead of something the furry demon dragged in.
"Ranma, you have a visitor!", Kasumi called up from below.
"Ok, I'll be right down." He flipped off his back and jumped to the ground. He entered the family room and saw a beautiful young woman sipping tea.
"Ranma, this is Miss Belldandy. She needs to discuss some things with you and some of your friends."
At that moment, Shampoo popped in followed by Uchan. "I brought too-too good ramen for husband's supper. Much better than Spatula-girls food. Who girl? Better not be Fiancée!"
Belldandy smiled. "No, I did not come seeking Mr Saotome for that reason. I have been sent to ask for his help and that of some of you."
"What kind help ya needing?" Ranma looked closer at Belldandy. "And why do you need my help? You radiate more power than anyone I have ever met, including Saffron, the Phoenix God-King."
"Yes, I do have more power than Saffron but I am not permitted to go where the problem is or take any direct action. You and the four young ladies can, if you are willing."
"Now wait a minute, I can sorta understand Shampoo and Uchan 'cause they are martial artists but Kasumi and Nabiki? " Ranma shook his head. "They don't have the training to stand up in the kind of fights I get into."
"There are other ways to aid in this battle and training will be provided", Belldandy replied. "It is best if a team knows and can trust its members, especially as this will involve traveling to another world in another reality."
Nabiki spoke up and said, "What kind of problem are we talking about here and why should we get involved?"
Belldandy frowned slightly and the room seemed to darken slightly. "There is a being on this world, which is called Norrath by the way, who is attempting to siphon energy from our world. If he is not stopped, in five to ten years Earth will become a frozen waste and most of the population will die. The world would take centuries to recover. The gods of Norrath can not intervene direct either and have asked for our help to prevent both worlds from being destroyed."
"You are not the only team being asked to go so you should have help. The other team or teams will have different experiences and skills. That should help improve the odds. I will not lie to you, you will only return if you succeed. But if, no WHEN you succeed you may bring anything you acquire there back with you."
"How long we taking about, sugar?", Uchan asked.
"Regardless of how much time it takes you there, you will return twenty-four hours from the time you left."
Ranma scratched his chin. "I guess doin' somethin' is better than just waiting for someone else to fix the problem. So I'm in. Still don't think it is a good idea to include the girls but it's up to them."
"Where husband go, Shampoo go. Not risking letting other world girls get hooks into husband."
"I'm going too. I'll have to leave a note for Konatsu at the restaurant but one day won't kill the business."
"I've good too much invested in Ranma so I will go to keep him out of as much trouble as I can.", Nabiki stated.
"I will go as well." Everybody looked at Kasumi. "I usually don't get to go on any adventures so even if I just cook and clean, I want to help."
Belldandy smiled. "I sure you will have a greater contribution than that, Kasumi. However, I need to take care of a few things. Ranma, where you are going, your problem with cats would be disruptive and possible cause your mission to fail. Therefore, Bast has allowed me to remove your fear of cats. No, I can not fix your problem with water. I can't fix Shampoo's either but I can change it from a cat into a cat-girl."
"One last thing." Belldandy wave her hand and Ranma with the four girls glowed white with bands of light linking them. "That should keep you together and be strong for each other. It is time for you to go."
"Wait, what about my note?", Uchan protested.
"I will leave notes here, at your restaurant, and with Shampoo's great-grandmother. Be careful and return safely." With another wave of Belldandy's hand they were gone.
"I wish the soul bond had not been necessary but Father insisted. I wonder what the result of that will be?" Belldandy thought to herself. With that, she turned to a mirror and stepped through.
At the Cat Cafe, a note appeared in front of an old woman. Reading it she wondered, "Granddaughter, what are you and son-in-law up to now."
[Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, Scotland]
A young man with messy, black hair and startling green eyes sat looking out over the lake and thinking.
"The funerals are finally over. I wish so many people didn't have to die before we managed to stop the egotistical madman. Too bad no one could have stopped Tom Riddle before he started the madness."
"I wonder if the goblins are still pissed at me for breaking into Gringotts to get the cup. It would help to know what my money situation is. Maybe I should ask Shacklebolt for a job with the aurors."
A loud pop indicated the arrival of a house elf. "Winky is seeing that Harry Potter is still not eating properly. Not sleeping 'nuff either. Winky be bringing Harry Potter sir food and butterbeer so sir will eat."
"Thank you, Winky. I have not really felt like eating much lately with what has happened recently."
"Harry Potter sir needs to eat to keep up his strength to do things that need doin'. Healer lady be angry with you if you end up in her place. Friends be unhappy as well."
Another voice interrupted. "There you are, Harry. Luna and I wondered where you had got off to so we came looking for you. It figures that you would be in your thinking spot."
"Well I did need to think a bit, 'Monie.", Harry replied. "This spot is quiet and comfortable."
"And gets you away from the attention you love so much, eh Potter?"
"I suppose that is true, Greengrass. I never liked all the fame and still don't. Not that I mind, but what brings you here?"
"Same reason as you, I guess. Looking for peace and quiet. I'll just keep looking."
"Ah, you are all here together. That makes things so much easier.", a grandfatherly voice said from behind them.
Harry spun, casting as he turned. "Bind!" The owner of the voice caught the spell on his staff and dispelled it.
"A bit jumpy, are we? I guess recent history would make you that way. However I mean you no harm."
"Makes what easier and who are you, sir?", Hermione asked of the white haired man.
"Why, to talk to the five of you of course. I'm afraid the world needs your help again. It's not one of those prophecy things and there are other people who will be helping. And yes, Winky, you are included. Oh, you would know me as Merlin."
"You can't be Merlin, at least not the one from the court of King Arthur! That would make you centuries old. Not even wizards live that long!", Hermione stated.
"Know everything do you?", the man calling himself Merlin chuckled. "Of course, I'm not sure I'm precisely alive but maybe this will help. 'I SWEAR ON MY MAGIC THAT I AM WHO I REPRESENT MYSELF TO BE!' Light!" A very bright light sprang forth from his staff. "Out!" The light vanished. "Any doubts remaining? Good, time to get down to business!"
"On another world in another reality an entity is trying to become a god. He won't succeed even if no one stops him but if no one stops him then he will destroy that world and cast this world into an ice age that maybe one in ten thousand will survive. This will happen in five to ten years. For various reasons, no one from that world can act directly against this would be god nor can the gods from Earth. So several groups of people are being asked to help out."
"So why us?. We just finished a bloody war against a psychopathic dark lord.", Harry growled.
"This is true and also why. You have the experience and more important, the five of you have or will have the power.", Merlin replied. "I know you have lost many friends and loved ones. Assuming the ice age Is prevented, you also need experience and resources to complete the job you started when you defeated Voldemort. Magical Britain still has the problems that gave rise to him and you are the best person to deal with them but you will need help. Miss Granger, Miss Lovegood, Miss Greengrass, and Winky can provide that help.
"How long do we have to get the job done?", Harry asked.
"If you agree to go, it will take you years on that world, which is called Norrath. This will include you being trained and learning the ends and outs of life on Norrath. However, when you succeed, you will return here one day after you depart."
"What happens if we fail?", Harry asked.
"Should none of the teams succeed, it won't matter. But you will not be in this by yourselves so I'm confident that the mission will be completed."
"Also, you will be permitted to bring back anything you acquire while there. It seems they use platinum, gold, silver, and copper as money. They also may have some interesting spells and artifacts you can obtain."
Harry brushed the hair back from his forehead and pondered for a moment. "Well, I'm at loose ends at the moment and I want to have a future that doesn't involve ice, I'll go."
"What about you ladies?" the old man queried.
"Now wait a minute! This will be dangerous and I don't want to see them hurt!", Harry interrupted.
"Harry James Potter, if you think you are going off by yourself, you have another think coming! I've stuck with you through Voldemort and I'm sticking with you now!", Hermione almost yelled. She turned to Merlin and said, "I'm in."
"I bet they have interesting creatures, maybe even a Crumple-Horned Snorkack. I would like to go as well.", Luna stated.
"Ice Queen of Hogwarts or not, that sounds like a horrible fate.", Daphne shuddered. "Besides, someone should go who can be sly, not boldly charge into things. I'll go as well."
"Winky go to make sure that Harry Potter sir and the misses takes proper care of theyselves."
"Good, good! So you are all going. Sure?" Merlin look around. Harry pleaded with his eyes but the ladies looked determined.
"Here, you will probably need this." Merlin handed a pack to Harry. "It's a tent that should be big enough. We are going to need a few changes first however."
Harry asked nervously, "What kind of changes?"
"Nothing too bad. Where you are going eyeglasses will be a real handicap so we need to fix your eyes." Merlin waved his staff and suddenly Harry's vision became blurry. Removing his glasses fixed the blurriness.
"Winky, where you are going you will need to fit in better so I need to change you. You will still be an elf, just a different kind of elf. You can change back when you return, if you want. The change may hurt a bit but the pain will be short."
Winky nodded and braced herself. Merlin made a complex series of movements with his staff and Winky began to change. She grew to a bit over five feet. Her face changed to that of a pretty young girl and her ears shrunk until they were only a little bigger than a humans but pointed. Her head sprouted dark red-brown hair that extended down to her shoulders. The change continued to her skin color leaving with a slightly tan appearance. Body, arms, and legs resembled a slender human young woman with slightly elongated fingers and toes. She formed breasts that while slightly large on her, looked right for her. The tea towel she was wearing morphed into a tee shirt and shorts to preserve her modesty.
"Winky, you are now what is known as a wood elf. They are very common where you are going so you should fit in well. You should be able to still do the thing you did as a house elf but can now do things that wood elves can do."
"Someone will meet you when you get there to brief you about Norrath and the quest you will be one. Any last questions?" Merlin look around.
"Quest?", Hermione queried.
"That's just what they call missions on Norrath. One last thing and off you go!"
Merlin once again used his staff to cast a spell and the five glowed white with white bands reaching out to connect to each of the others. Motioning with his staff one more time, the quintet vanished.
[Pilgrim's Landing, Frostfang Sea, Norrath]
A man in plate armor sat at a table in the large tent. Although through the tent flap could be seen an expanse of ice and snow, the inside it was quite comfortable. He stood up as two groups of five people materialized in glowing spheres.
"Greetings and welcome to Norrath. I am Jessolt Lightwalker, a paladin of Mithaniel Marr, the god that requested your aid. I am here to introduce you to life on this world and get you started on your quest."
"You have been given knowledge of the Common Tongue of Norrath, so you should be able to deal with the people of this world. It will probably be a good idea to learn some of the other languages as you get a chance."
"Now which of you is Harry Potter?"
"That would be me.", the young man with black messy hair and green eyes said.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter.", Jessolt continued. "With you would be Miss Hermione Granger, Miss Luna Lovegood, Miss Daphne Greengrass and Miss Winky." They each indicated their presence.
"Now for Ranma Saotome."
A black haired young man with vivid blue eyes raised his hand and said, "Yo!"
"Greetings, Mr. Saotome. Your companions are Miss Kasumi Tendo, Miss Nabiki Tendo, Miss Ukyo Kuonji, and Miss Xian Pu, also known as Shampoo.
"We will be meeting with each of you to determine what skills and interests you have to see what you best fit for an adventurer profession. While there are other professions on Norrath, such as innkeeper, merchant, sailor, and so forth, the people who do quests are called adventurers. Adventurers are divided into four groups: Fighters who mostly fight with weapons and armor, Clerics who heal and protect although they can also do a lot of damage, Mages who cast powerful spells to destroy or impede an enemy, and lastly Scouts who can deal a lot of damage and disappear into the shadows."
"Fighters fall into three groups; Warriors (Guardians and Berserkers) who wear heavy armor and use most weapons, Brawlers (Monks and Bruisers) who wear light armor and use few weapons, and Crusaders (Paladins and Shadowknights) who usually can use the same equipment as Warriors."
"There are also three types of Clerics; Priests (Templars and Inquisitors) who wear heavy armor and use crushing weapons, Druids (Wardens and Defilers) who wear light armor and use mostly crushing weapons, and Shamans (Mystics and Furies) who wear medium armor and also use mostly crushing weapons."
"The three types of Mages are Sorcerer (Wizards and Warlocks), Summoners (Conjurors and Necromancers), and Enchanters (Illusionists and Coercers). All Mages wear only what is called cloth armor and use light melee weapons such as daggers, wands, and staffs."
"Scouts have four subclasses; Animalists (Beastlords), Bards (Troubadours and Dirges) who use music to aid in battle, Predators (Rangers and Assassins) who prefer ranged weapons, and Rouges (Swashbucklers and Brigands) who are most likely to get up close and personal. All scouts can wear medium armor and use one handed weapons as well as ranged weapons."
"Only a good person can be a Paladin, Mystic, Conjuror, or a Swashbuckler. Likewise, only an evil person can be a Shadowknight, Defiler, Necromancer, or Brigand. I trust none of you will be becoming one of those."
"As I call your name, please go with the trainer waiting for you for your assessment. Mr. Potter, you first. Next, Mr Saotome. Then Miss …"
[Several hours later]
The two groups were once again in the large tent when Jessolt entered and walked in and sat down at the table. He started speaking again.
"If you are all ready, I have your evaluations. Mr. Potter, your team first."
"Not surprisingly, you five are the mage group. Mr. Potter, you are to be a Wizard, most likely a Battlemage since you will be able to wield a sword, which is most unusual. Before you ask, a Wizard here is not quite the same as the wizards in your world. A female Wizard is still a Wizard and a wand is not required though you may still use one if you wish. Miss Granger, always a seeker after knowledge, your profession is Illusionist, dealing with confusing and confounding your enemies. Miss Greengrass, your profession is the flip side of Miss Granger's. As a Coercer, you will subdue and panic enemies. Miss Lovegood, seemingly one who lives in your own world, you are to be a Mystic, a shaman with powers to protect and heal. Miss Winky, you are a Conjurer, capable of elemental summoning. You will all retain your skills and powers from your home but may find your new skills useful as well."
"Now Mr. Saotome's team."
"You five are the physical team. Mr. Saotome, your years of experience and training make you very qualified to be a Monk, which is what martial artists are called in Norrath. Miss Kasumi Tendo, you who have always protected and guided your charges are best suited to be a Warden, a druid with powers to heal, protect, and, as needed, to harm your opponent. Miss Nabiki Tendo, who has made use of her information gathering skills with the occasional backstabbing and with a desire to stay out of the thick of things, is a Ranger, a scout with the ability to sneak and ferret out information. Miss Pu, with your years of Amazon training in weapons and martial arts, could not be anything but a Guardian. Miss Kuonji, your skills and experience translate well to a Swashbuckler, even if your weapons are a little odd."
"Mr. Saotome and Miss Pu, I understand you have water based curses that cause you to change form when hit with cold or hot water. You may find the magic of Norrath convenient as your apparel will change to fit and adjust to your alternate form. Miss Pu, I'm told your form resembles a Kerra although I have never heard of one with your colors."
"Your quest is to destroy the evil that threatens not only this world but yours as well. To do this you will have to defeat many smaller evils that are part of the overall problem. This will allow you not only to train but will slow the progress of your foe."
"Equipment appropriate for your class and skill level has been provided for you but you will need to replace it as your skill increases. Most armor and weapons are magical and protect you from heat and cold as well as allow you to swim. You will need better as soon as you gain the skills needed to use it. You can either buy it, loot it off a foe, or learn to make your own. Speaking of which, it is the custom to strip anything of value from a defeated foe."
Hermione held up her hand. Jessolt look at her and said, "You have a question?"
"Yes, sir. Don't they object or want it back later?"
Jessolt laughed, "Not unless there is a Necromancer around or one of their Clerics gets to them quickly. The dead normally don't care. Norrath is a harsh and deadly place. You will learn to protect your Clerics as though your life depends on it as often it does."
From the table in front of him, Jessolt picked up a leather object.
"You are being provided with a magical belt that all adventurers use. This will hold your money, attach your weapons, and has six pockets that are capable of holding one of anything. I've seen a gnome carry a dead giant in one. That can be pack which has a fixed number of compartments which each can hold one of anything except another in use pack. You start out with six four-packs for a total of 24 slots."
"They work like the expansion charms we use back home, it would seem.", Daphne noted.
Jessolt continued, "Mr. Potter has been provided with a magical tent of the type that Mr. Potter's team is familiar with. He has agreed to share with Mr. Saotome team."
"I think that was the intention when we were given it.", Harry said. "Besides, it is only fair since we will be working together."
"Question!" Nabiki raised her hand. "Will we be allowed to keep any of this when we return home?"
"Yes, you will be able to keep anything you acquire that you can carry."
"You are on Pilgrim's Landing, a small island in the Frostfang Sea where New Halas maintains a post to assist refugees washed ashore from Orc attacks."
"What are Orcs?", Hermione asked.
"Orcs are but one of many races you will encounter on Norrath. There are Gnolls, Kobolds, Goblins, Trolls, Ogres, Ratonga, Dwarves, Wood Elves, High Elves, Half Elves (offspring of Humans and Wood Elves), Gnomes, Halflings, Fae, and many others. Do not assume that because you have something called the same on your home world they are the same here. Some races are generally good, some generally evil, and some can be either. For this reason, as a gift from Mithaniel Marr, you will see a red outline around any creature that is actively hostile towards you. You will also not truly die (unless another god intervenes) but be transported to a safe location and revived. I would avoid dieing even so as it is painful and will take time for you to recover."
"As I said, you are at the refugee camp near New Halas. We plan on you spending several weeks here training in your new abilities with Trainer Ragnhild Stonefist. You may be asked to help out with the problems the camp has by Yasha Redblade, the site leader. When you are ready, you will proceed to New Halas and speak to someone at the Shrine of Erollisi Marr. It is several days journey and not without peril due to the Orc activity."
"Why bring us here instead of there?", Harry asked. "In fact, why not give us the power we need to fight this evil now?"
"Because even the gods of Norrath have rules they must follow and you cannot merely be puppets of Mithaniel Marr. You must gain the training and experience yourselves in order to accomplish your quest. On the positive side, you will retain those skills when you return to your world."
"Works for me!", Ranma stated. "I'm not one for free power ups!"
"I will show you where you can set up your tent. You have a day to get settled in and look around. Make sure you get some rest because training starts early the following day."
[Outside at the camp site]
"Harry, ya need help setting up the tent. Traveling around all over the place with pops, I've had to set up a few."
"I don't think so, Ranma. If this is what I think it is, it will set itself up."
Harry placed the folded tent in the location Jessolt had shown them and touched a rune with his wand. The tent unfolded, set out stakes in the frozen ground, and erected itself. The final size was 10 feet on a side and about that tall.
"Whoa, cool. It's going to be a bit tight for all ten of us though but I guess we can manage."
Harry smiled. "I think you will be surprised. Let's see what the inside is like!"
The group entered the tent and stopped. Even the magic users were surprised even though they had been expecting a much larger inside than out.
The entrance opened up into a large living area that looked very comfortable with plenty of couches and chairs. Opposite the entrance, a hall ran with six doors on a side and a door at the end. An open doorway on the left showed a kitchen with a dinning area and an attached utility/laundry room. Opening the door to the right, revealed a library/study area although the shelves were only about a quarter full. Dragging Hermione from that room, they discovered the six doors opened into good sized bedrooms each with its own bathroom. The door at the end revealed a training area with a spa and dressing rooms.
"It looks like the training area can be used for both magic and physical training.", Harry noted. "That is good because we will need to train together so we can work well as a team."
"What's this curse Jessolt mentioned? Is it going to affect the mission and is it dangerous?", Daphne queried.
Ranma sighed, "I guess we need to get this out of the way. There were a bunch of cursed pools in China that caused you to change into whatever last died in that pool. Shampoo fell into the pool of drowned cat and I fell into the pool of drowned girl although hers has been changed. It doesn't effect anyone else. Shampoo will probably have to get used to her new form but I've had mine for a while."
"Can we see?", Hermione asked.
"Sure, let me get some water out of the kitchen."
Returning with the water, Ranma handed one cup to Shampoo and dumped the other over his head, instantly changing to a short, buxom redheaded girl. Shampoo turned into a cat-girl with pink fur and purple highlights.
"Crap, what kind of perv designed this outfit?" growled the now girl in the very revealing outfit.
"Good thing Akane is not here. She would probably bash you through the floor!", Nabiki laughed.
"Too true. Husband is very cute in that outfit.", Shampoo giggled.
"Why did you call Ranma 'Husband'", Luna wanted to know.
"Shampoo is from a female warrior controlled tribe in China where if an outsider man defeats a tribe member, she has to marry him.", Nabiki explained. "If a outsider girl defeats her, she has to kill her."
"Rules not apply to training though.", Shampoo clarified.
"To make it even more fun, Gemma, Ranma's worthless father, engaged him to Ukyo, one of my father's daughters, and a bunch of others. My youngest sister was the fiancee but I think that is a dead issue so I suppose it is Kasumi or me.", Nabiki continued. "All of the others we know of have given it up as a bad deal and moved on."
"That is so messed up!", Hermione said shaking her head.
"Why doesn't each team pick a side of the hall?", Harry suggested. "That leaves us with two spare bedrooms in case we have visitors or something."
"Ok Harry, you take the third room from the training room. Hermione and Daphne can have the rooms on each side of you. Winky and I will take the rooms on the other sides of them.", Luna instructed.
"I don't need a room. I'll sleep in the utility room.", Winky protested.
"No you will not, Winky. You are part of this team too and even you were still a house elf, you would deserve a room of your own.", Harry stated firmly. He noticed that since their arrival on Norrath, that Winky's speech had improved.
"Ranma should take the room across from Harry. Ukyo and Shampoo can have the rooms on either side but no slipping into Ranma's room Shampoo. Nabiki can have the room next to the training room and I'll take the room closest to the kitchen since I assume I'll be doing the cooking.", Kasumi stated.
"I think we should take turns, Kasumi.", Harry said before Winky could protest. "I grew up cooking and some of the others may have cooking skills as well. I don't think the chores should fall on just a few. I know if we let her Winky would do all the cooking and cleaning but she has her own training to do."
"I agree.", Ranma replied. "Ukyo, Shampoo, and I can cook but keep Nabiki out of the kitchen! Those of us who can't cook can do some of the other chores so an even load falls on everybody."
"I can work up a schedule so it is fair for all of us.", Hermione volunteered. As Harry and Luna smirked, she said, "Oh, you!" and smacked Harry on the arm.
"Well, let's check out the kitchen and see about some dinner. Hopefully, it will be stocked so we don't have to bother the camp for food.", Harry suggested.
It was so Harry, Winky, and Kasumi put together a quick meal. After finishing the cleanup, everybody decided it had been a long day and retired for the night.
[TBC]