Prologue: the Legend

Centuries ago, when Earth was still the land of magic and mystery, three entities were appointed to guard Earth's realms. One was a powerful martial artist who won battles with speed and strength. She was well known for her stubbornness and loyalty, and though those traits sometimes caused her problems it always won her battles. She represented the Body.

Another was a strategist with a mind that could counter any puzzle or challenge. Although legend described her as the most beautiful of the group, she was also considered the most ruthless. She was as they said fair to a fault. As the saying goes, "justice is brighter than the sun, but mercy is brighter still." She embodied the Mind.

Finally, the last one - representing the spirit- she could casts spells in a blink of the eye and strike fear in even the bravest of men. It was said alone that her aura could make an army of men turn tail and run; however, it was also rumored that her generous and kind nature would stir the hearts of even the most unfeeling of men. Though, she wasn't as powerful a fighter as the Body or as smart as the one that represented the Mind, she was not foolish and she would still be able to hold her own against 10 men.

This was the same for the other entities who even though was the best in their respective fields was not totally incapable in the others. Together, they formed a powerful trinity: the body, mind, and spirit. They were an unbeatable force who bravely guarded Earth for many centuries till they winked out of existence like the magical Earth they protected. During their absence, some evil did attack but it was protected from mortals who took a stand against the menace. Mortals who have been marked with signs of the Chosen Ones.

However even with the existence of the Chosen Ones, it was still prophesized that the Trinity would be reborn once again to guard Earth and its many dimensions.

Tactics 1: (Hun shui mo yu) Catch a fish while the water is disturbed

Kidnappings were not a rare case in Nermia.

What was rare about this particular kidnapping was that someone had gotten the upperhand in the game of wits against one – Nabiki Tendo.

Albeit, if it weren't for all the random occurrences that were plaguing Nerima at the moment, Nabiki probably would not have found herself in her current position – hands tied behind her back, blindfolded, and strapped to an uncomfortable surface that resembled a gurney as her captives wheeled her from location to location.

Seriously, couldn't an innocent high schooler make a decent living these days without being snatched up from her place of business?

So maybe, she had been outside during the twilight hours taking advantage of the unsanctioned street fights that had sprouted up like weeds since the International Martial Arts Tournament had decided to move this year's competition to Nerima's doorsteps. However, could she be blamed for taking advantage of this slightly illegitimate but lucrative opportunity?

Of course not.

At any rate, her captives hadn't made any official demands yet… so the most she could do was try to decipher where she was and how to contact help. Also, for her younger sister's sake, she hoped that idiotic of a brother-in-law to-be wasn't the reason she was trapped in this situation.

As Nabiki was thinking these thoughts, somewhere on the streets of Nermia…

Ranma Saotome sneezed.