Tannius Chronicles Sidestory: Invasion

by John Tannius

This was the very first Fanfic I wrote way back in 1999. It's never been posted here before and for good reason. I broke most of the "rules" of fanfiction. Self Insert/Mary Sues/Godlike Chars

1. Chapter 1

OK, first off, before the disclaimer... I wrote this story about 10 years ago. I broke several fanfic conventions for a good story. It is a self insert, it is a side story to a series of novels I have yet to write, and it has Mary Sue/Gary Stu original characters and everyone becoming almost godlike in power in an extremely short period of time. I am posting this travesty partly on a whim and partly to try and get my own writing Muse up and going again. Hopefully being active in the fanfiction community will spur me to start writing again.

Everything below this sentence is the original text as I wrote it ten years ago (blows off the dust).

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Standard Disclaimer:

All characters including Tannius and his Knights are property of their respective owners. Tannius and his Knights being my own creation I can do whatever I want with them. All other character owners I apologize to now for any offense I may have caused.

This story takes for granted that you have a working knowledge of the Ranma 1/2 Universe, have seen DBZ at least ten episodes past the Cell games, know what Ah! My Goddess is and have seen at least the first Devil hunter Yohko OAV. Anything involving my characters hasn't been posted anywhere before so I've tried to give pertinent background info where needed. Hopefully I will get off my butt soon and started transcribing my Tannius Chronicles to the computer.

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Day 1

"are you sure this is the right place?"

"according to the initial recon reports this should be it. I'll knock."

Kasumi was in the kitchen when she heard someone knock at the front door. Genma and Soun were playing their never ending game of shogi, both were too engrossed in their game to notice. Nabiki was reading a Sailor V manga, Ranma and Akane were nowhere to be found. Looking out of the kitchen she rolled her eyes slightly, regaining her smile she said, "Don't worry, I'll get the door."

Opening the door she smiled charmingly, "Yes, what may I do for you?"

Standing at the door was a man of seemingly European descent with white hair and beard. He stood almost seven feet tall and had a very athletic, muscular build. He appeared to be in his mid forties. Standing next to him was a much smaller, younger, about 17, girl. She stood about five foot five with fiery red hair and deep blue eyes. She had a trim athletic figure. Both were dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts.

"My name is John Tannius. I've come to talk to the master of the Dojo.", Tannius bowed slightly in respect. Speaking flawless Japanese.

"Oh, well come in. I'm sure my father will be pleased to meet with you", Kasumi smiled even more if possible. "Are you here to learn martial arts?", Kasumi inquired as they entered.

"Um, no… not really. This is more a matter of some urgency.", Tannius replied.

At that moment sounds of fighting could be heard from the back, "Ranma! Come back here you Hentai!"

"Not a chance! You'll just hit me again!", a girl's voice shouted back.

"I'm sorry if this is a bad time…", Tannius said.

"No, not at all. This happens all the time around here. This way please."

Soun looked up from the game as the visitors entered the common room. Genma took the opportunity to quickly switch as many pieces as he could on the board. "How may I help you today?", Soun asked.

"I am John Tannius. This is my daughter Jalyn. I have come to ask for your help. Your world depends on it."

At that moment Ranma-chan flew into the room and impacted against the far wall.

"I believe we came to the right place after all", Jalyn smirked.

* * * * * * * * * *

Every one was sitting around the table including Ranma-chan who was nursing a bruised cheek. Kasumi was serving tea.

Soun tried to sum everything up, "So, you and your daughter are martial artists from another dimension, members of the 'Knights of the Celestial Dragon', here to stop an evil army from invading and your sources say that this dojo is a focal point of fighting forces who would be able to assist you?"

Tannius nodded, "That's only the beginning. The warlord, Ottula, has engineered a virus that he infects his target worlds with. Upon releasing the virus, seventy five percent of the human population dies within a week, another twenty percent mutates into horribly deformed demon like creatures which Ottula uses to enslave the remaining five percent. We have already lost seven worlds to this monster. Over eighteen billion lives lost.", He hangs his head in sorrow.

The three Tendo daughters had looks of horror on their faces, Ranma stared numbly. Genma and Soun only nodded their heads looking very solemn. "And how can we possibly help you against something so overpowering?", Soun asked.

"We have reason to believe your world has been targeted next for invasion. We have people and ships in orbit as we speak to intercept the viral weapons as they 'port in. It's the other part of Ottula's invasion force that we need your help and the help of every able bodied fighter we can recruit. He has an elite force of fighters recruited from each of the worlds he's invaded. They're strong, skilled, and more powerful than any technology we can bring to bear against them. As you may know, no technology can withstand the power of a well trained warrior.", Tannius looked up. "I would like your permission to train and recruit potential defenders for the sake of your world, using your Dojo as a base of operations."

Nabiki blinked, "and here I thought it was gonna be another fiancé for Ranma.", she whispered to Akane. Akane turned and stuck her tongue out at Nabiki.

Soun looked up and slapped both thighs with his hands, "Well then, before I decide I would talk to Genma and Tannius privately. Kasumi could you make sure to have two more plates for dinner? And Ranma, Akane? How about you two give Jalyn a tour of the Dojo?"

* * * * * * * * * *

Akane slid the door to the dojo open and stepped in, "So you're a martial artist?"

Jalyn stepped into the dojo and nodded, "I'm not very good yet, my dad just started training me about two years ago."

"Maybe we could spar together while you're here.", Akane smiled.

"I'd like that. Where's Ranma?", Jalyn looked around.

"Um…he, I mean, she had to get something I'm sure.", Akane faltered.

Ranma-kun poked his head in, "I'm here, what did I miss?"

Jalyn looked at Ranma for a moment then did a doubletake. "You're Ranma aren't you? You were the girl earlier…."

Akane face faulted to the floor, getting up slowly, "How could you tell?"

"His aura, it's the same as the girl earlier. Besides, he's wearing the same clothes and has the same hand shaped bruise on his cheek."

Akane blushed.

Ranma smiled nervously, "Um.. you were saying you knew martial arts? Would you mind showing us some moves? I'm curious how people fight in other dimensions."

"Sure, Akane, would you mind sparring with me?"

* * * * * * * * * *

"Ranma and Akane are both gifted, with the right training they could be formidable warriors. Ranma has a strength of about 1250 and Akane almost 950 "

Genma laughed heartily, "That's my son, hahahaha, takes after his old man."

Tannius decided it was best not to tell Genma his energy was only around 120.

Soun still seemed troubled, "just how many more recruits are we talking about? There really isn't a whole lot of room here. And from what you've said we'd need an army to defend the earth."

"I'd say no more than a dozen well trained fighters, I'm willing to begin as soon as you're ready.", Tannius smiled, "Don't worry, I'm willing to supply all the food and a healthy amount of money for 'rental' of the dojo."

The money clinched it, "All right. I wouldn't mind seeing some of this training for myself anyway."

"That's the spirit! You'll let Jalyn know as soon as she comes back in for me please?"

"Yes, but why don't you tell her yourse…..", he trailed off. Tannius had vanished.

Genma shrugged and went back to the game.

* * * * * * * * * *

Akane sat down on a mat, sweaty and out of breath. "…and you've only been training for two years?"

Jalyn sat down next to her only slightly flushed and breathing hard, "Yeah, that's why I need to train more. My specialty is in weaponry however. You know particle cannons, and mag guns…"

Ranma and Akane gave her blank looks.

"… sooo anyway, Ranma are you a shape-changer too?", Jalyn tried changing the subject.

"Too?", Ranma replied.

"Oops… well you would have found out eventually I guess. Now don't freak out on me or anything… please?"

Ranma looked at Akane and shrugged, then nodded at Jalyn.

Jalyn closed her eyes and seemed to relax, the air around her seemed to shimmer and glow. Her legs started to grow together and lengthen into a long snakelike tail. A second, larger set of arms sprouted below the first. Wings slowly stretched out and grew to a fifteen foot wingspan. Finally her skin turned to a bright emerald green.

Jalyn opened her eyes to see Akane clutching Ranma tightly and Ranma staring with his jaw dropped wide open. *why was it always so difficult to show people her true self?*

"It's all right, it's still me. This is my true form."

Akane recovered first, noticed she was holding onto Ranma and slammed him into the floor face first. She looked up, "Wow, so you really are from another world."

"Actually I'm from San Francisco, just in another dimension. I just take after my father, although I'm told I have my mother's eyes.", Jalyn blinked quickly to emphasize the point. "Is he going to be OK?"

"Hmmm? Oh Ranma! I'm sorry!", Akane exclaimed.

"Uh, yeah… I'm used to it by now.", Ranma got back up rubbing his forehead. "So your dad is a shape changer too?"

"Sort of… He's a dragon. Sorry about this."

Akane and Ranma both face faulted, hands up in warding signs, eyes spiraling.

* * * * * * * * * *

Kuririn was switching through channels, bored. Ever since the Cell games six years ago there was little to do. He heard Android 18 outside playing with his daughter and smiled. Maybe he should start training her, now that she was old enough. Android 18 certainly didn't seem to mind one way or the other about martial arts since they were married. He remembered Gohon had begun training at about that age under Piccolo. *I don't think I'll be that harsh.* he brushed his black hair out of his eyes he decided to go outside and play with his family.

"Hey Hon! What are you doin'", he asked as the screen door shut behind him. Master Roshi was sleeping in a hammock in the shade. Kuririn's daughter was playing with the old turtle and Android 18 had just laid herself down on a lounge chair to read a book.

"I'm just getting some sun and read….", she trailed off looking towards the sky.

Suddenly Kuririn felt it too. A power, a huge power. He started shaking. Was it Cell? Maybe it was Goku back from the dead again. Whatever it was it was more powerful than Gohon and it was headed this way.

"Maureen! Go inside quickly", Kuririn shouted. He and Android 18 took up battle stances as Master Roshi snored.

Suddenly Tannius appeared in front of both of them on the beach faster than either could follow. Looking at the two of them ready to fight he held up his hands, waving them frantically., "Whoa, wait! I'm friendly, I don't want to fight."

Kuririn relaxed somewhat. He glanced at 18. She was still in full combat mode. "Relax Hon, lets hear what he has to say."

Tannius smiled, "Thanks, do either of you know…", he pulled out a sheet of paper and looked at it, "um…Goku?"

* * * * * * * * * *

"So, you're only a half dragon?", Akane asked.

"Yes, my mother was a human doctor before she met my dad. Ottula's goons kidnapped her and experimented on her while she was pregnant, Hence the green skin. My dad is gold."

Ranma had walked around her twice during the conversation examining her from all angles.

"Um… would you please stop doing that?", Jalyn asked.

"Sorry. So did your mom come with you guys?", Ranma-kun asked.

"No… she's dead", Jalyn sighed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"

"It's OK. It happened when I was born. I never knew her. She was very sick because of Ottula."

The door to the Dojo opened and Nabiki stuck her head in, "Yo guys, Dad wants to see you." She looked at Jalyn and fainted.

A few minutes later Akane, Ranma, and Jalyn (back in human form) came back into the house, Ranma carrying Nabiki.

Soun cried out, "My baby! What happened?"

"She saw Jalyn in her true form and fainted.", Ranma said.

"True form?", Genma and Soun said in stereo.

"Maybe you should explain first.", Akane suggested.

"Sorry about this", said Jalyn.

* * * * * * * * * *

"So Goku is dead. Too bad, we could really have used his help. But he has a son you said?"

Kuririn nodded, "Yeah, Gohon is at least as powerful as his dad was. You should be able to find him in Satan city. That's where he goes to school."

18 clenched her fists, "This threat to earth, is it as serious as you claim?"

"I only wish it weren't so. I need to find the strongest fighters as quickly as I can. I figure we have maybe ten days before the invasion."

"We will help you.", 18 said. "Kuririn and I will train with you for the sake of my daughter."

"That's great! Well I'm off to find Gohon. I'll meet you at the Tendo dojo in Nerima Japan.", Tannius said. He jumped into the air and flew off to the west.

*And here I thought it was boring around here.* Kuririn thought.

* * * * * * * * * *

Videl had convinced Gohon to stay after school and do some katas in the empty gym. They were getting warmed up, at least Videl was, Gohon wasn't even breaking a sweat, when Gohon got a funny look on his face and froze up.

"What's the matter Gohon? Got a cramp?", Videl joked.

"Something's coming, something powerfu…", he never had time to finish.

Tannius appeared out of nowhere before them. Videl screamed in surprise and fell backwards onto her butt Gohon started powering up but remained calm. "Who are you?", he asked mildly.

"My name is Tannius. Kuririn told me where to find you, it's a good thing too or I would have been searching forever. You mask your power level well."

"So why look for me? You're not here to destroy the earth or anything are you?", he laughed nervously.

"No. You might want to sit down for what I have to tell you."

* * * * * * * * * *

Silvertail sat on a large rock by the side of the trail. The female skunk morph was pulling burrs out of her tail. Blackwulf stood nearby sniffing the air, then checked his scanner again.

"It was here I tell you. A definite non-human power signature off the scale.", the wolf morph said.

"So where is it?", Silvertail asked frustrated.

"It disappeared off the scanner but I think I've got the scent. That way.", he pointed off into the woods.

Silvertail stood up and straightened her vest and belt. *Why do we always get these assignments in the middle of nowhere. I much rather be back at basecamp, or shopping.* She smiled. "Maybe there's a town ahead and I can pick up a few things."

"GPS maps show nothing for 10 klicks. Whatever I'm smelling it's not a demon."

Silvertail looked at her huge companion. Dressed as an Native American Shaman/Warrior the dark gray wolf seemed to be enjoying himself way too much out here. "Let's just hurry up and finish our recon. This humidity is wrinkling my fur."

Blackwulf chuckled softly, it sounded more like coughing. "You've gotten soft Silver. All right we'll check this last lead then report back to base."

Suddenly a red and white ball came flying through the air bouncing off Blackwulf's skull. "Ow!", he looked up to see three kids running his way.

"Uh… Ash? I don't think that's a pokemon.", they heard a female voice say.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ranma-chan sat with Akane across from Jalyn. Panda-Genma was playing Shogi with Soun.

"So the spring must somehow keep a genetic template of the last thing that drowns in it. Then the temperature of the water must trigger a biochemical reaction to switch between templates. Only water triggers the reaction?", Ranma nodded. "Hmmm… maybe the curse utilizes the energy of the hydrogen bonds in water as a catalyst. It would be interesting to study further. I wonder, if we could find the neutral temperature of water for the change would you become a hermaphrodite?"

"Aack! I hope not!", Ranma Gasped.

"Yeah, he's enough of a hentai anyway.", Akane added.

"Well, you're just a prude, kawaikune, tomboy!", Ranma slumped to unconsciousness as a huge mallet connected to the back of his head.

"Hey, where did you get the hammer?", Jalyn asked.

Akane looked at it as if seeing it for the first time. "I have no idea. It's just there if I need it. I never really thought about it before." She sat the hammer down on the table and it faded away.

Jalyn smiled, "If this is what I think it is, dad is going to flip! I think I know how to direct your training now."

"My training?", Akane gulped. "I'm sure you can find better fighters than myself."

"A few maybe. But I think you are underestimating yourself. Especially with this ability to access this 'hammer space'. You may surprise us all.

Ranma-chan groaned as she came to.

Jalyn looked at Akane, "We must get started. My dad mentioned other fighters in this area. Do you know any of them?"

*I wish I didn't* She thought. Akane nodded, "Most of them are either trying to kill Ranma or marry him, but I think they will be willing to help in this case."

"If nothing else than to keep up with my own training", said Ranma, popping his neck back into place.

"Good. We should hurry then.", Jalyn stood up.

"Dad. We're leaving!", Akane said. "We'll we back in time for dinner Kasumi!"

* * * * * * * * * *

Tannius and Gohon were flying back to Nerima together. Videl had wanted to stop by home first then join them at the dojo in the morning. When she said she was going to ask her father Herkule Satan to join them in saving the world, Gohon rolled his eyes. He hastily apologized when Videl angrily asked if he had a problem with that.

"So what's wrong with Videl's father that you don't want him along?", Tannius asked.

"Well, my mother always used to say, 'if you can't say something nice about someone. Don't say anything at all.' If you want, ask Kuririn. He's pretty opinionated on the subject of Herkule Satan."

"Hold on.", said Tannius. "I Sense another power."

They banked to the right and headed to another part of Tokyo.

* * * * * * * * * *

Keitaro was scrubbing down the stones of the hot spring bathing area as two figures flew overhead at an amazing speed. Sighing to himself he was just glad it wasn't him flying through the air again.

* * * * * * * * * *

Morisato Keiichi opened the throttle on his bike and pushed it to a higher gear. The motorcycle gang was gaining. Belldandy clung to him tightly as they wove through traffic.

It had started innocently enough. They had just left an ice cream shop and some guy had complimented Keiichi's motorcycle. They started talking about bikes in general when one of the guy's friends came up and started harassing Belldandy. Keiichi intervened, accidentally knocking the man against a line of motorcycles that belonged him and the guy he'd been talking to and his gang. Keiichi decided that was an excellent time to leave.

The gang split up, attempting to come at Keiichi and Belldandy from both sides. Suddenly two figures appeared on the road ahead. Ducking down, Keiichi drove between them. The motorcycle gang suddenly stopped as if their bikes had hit a brick wall. Some of them exploded throwing their riders into the air. Tannius and Gohon caught them and tossed them into a pile with the rest of their gang to wait for the police. They then turned and walked towards the single motorcycle that had stopped a ways down the road to watch.

Tannius approached the riders. He stopped short. "Belldandy? Is that you? It is you! Man it's been what, ten…twelve thousand years?"

Belldandy looked at him confused for a moment. "You look familiar. I'm sure I've seen you before."

"Yeah, I used to hang out with Thor back in the good old days. Are your sisters here? What are the Norns doing in Tokyo and in this dimension for that matter?"

Keiichi broke in, "D-did you say t-ten thousand years? Belldandy, how old are you?"

Belldandy blushed, "Keiichi, you should never ask a woman her age. And if it all the same to you, I'm eighteen. The same age I've been for thirty seven thousand years."

Keiichi fell off the motorcycle.

Belldandy got off and bowed to Tannius. "I remember now. You are the one who played all those mean tricks on my older sister Urd."

"Only because she kept trying to seduce me against my will."

Belldandy smiled, "I never said she didn't deserve it. Thank you for the rescue, although I fear I may need to have a long talk with Keiichi now." She looked down at her comatose boyfriend.

"Let me fly you both home. We have much to talk about and little time to do it."

Getting Keiichi back on the motorcycle and seating herself she nodded.

"C'mon Gohon I hear the police coming anyway." Tannius touched the motorcycle and it rose into the air.

Gohon followed Tannius. *Man, and I used to thing Kami was old…*

* * * * * * * * * *

Ranma and Akane had managed to round up everyone on their list of people who would be willing to train. They sat at a table in the Cat Café with Shampoo, Mousse, and Ukyou. They had looked for Ryouga but no one had seen him in weeks. Ukyou asked if maybe they should get Tatewaki and Kodachi Kuno to join them. Ranma had shuddered at the thought and told her that they were more likely to be a hindrance than a help. This group at least had the ability to put aside their differences during a crisis and work together.

Cologne only nodded. "Son-in-law is showing greater wisdom every day. We shall go and train for the upcoming invasion, and who knows, maybe Shampoo will learn something she can bring back to her village to teach."

"Shampoo only go to be with Ranma", said Shampoo, Glomping onto him.

"I'm only going to prevent Ranma from becoming more powerful than me.", Challenged Mousse.

Jalyn stared for a minute then laughed, "OK, I think I got it now. Tell me if I'm wrong. Akane, Shampoo, and Ukyou are all engaged to Ranma. Kuno Kodachi wants to be engaged to Ranma-kun but wants to kill Ranma-chan and visa-versa for Kuno Tatewaki. Mousse wants to kill Ranma so he can have Shampoo because of some stupid old law. And I haven't figured out yet why this Ryouga guy wants you dead, I'll have to meet him first. Boy Ranma you are soooo screwed."

"Gee, thanks for the positive spin. I feel sooo much better.", Ranma deadpanned.

Akane hung her head, "Yup that's pretty much it. He's brought most of it on himself although his father has helped quite a bit."

"Pops is responsible for almost all of it! If he hadn't insisted on China of all places!", Ranma yelled defensively.

"It's all in the past. And as my dad says, 'You can't change the past by wishing.' So let's prepare for tomorrow shall we?", Jalyn said getting down to business.

* * * * * * * * * *

"That's the whole story. We have maybe ten days until the world as you know it changes forever. Even if we turn back the invasion, there is no way we will be able to hide what will happen. This world will enter the interdimensional community whether it wants to or not. As goddesses I thought you should know. Gods know we could use your help.", Tannius smiled at his pun.

"Ugh, you're still as bad as ever Tannius.", said Urd rolling her eyes.

Tannius, Keiichi, Gohon, and the three Norn goddesses, Skuld, Belldandy, and Urd were having tea in the old temple.

Keiichi took the break in conversation as his opportunity, "Belldandy? About what you said earlier, how can you still be eighteen after so long?"

Belldandy smiled, "Don't worry. Time moves differently up in the heavens. What has only been eighteen years for me has let time fly by down here. I didn't actually live all thirty seven thousand years, only eighteen from my perspective."

"Oh", was all Keiichi could say to that.

"I'll call this invasion into the Celestial office. I'm sure they already know about it but I'd like to make sure.", Urd said getting up.

"we should get going too. I need to check on my daughter at the Tendo residence."

"Wait Tannius!", said Skuld. "This person might be of help if you're fighting demons. I saw her ad the other day and took it." She handed him a sheet of paper.

It read, "Haunted by spirits? Plagued by ghosts? Distracted by demons? Call 555-1234 and ask for Mamono Hunter Yohko. Results Guaranteed or your money back."

"You think it's serious?", Tannius said raising one eyebrow.

"I dunno, could be.", Skuld replied.

"Can I use your phone after Urd's done?"

* * * * * * * * * *

Yohko was studying her English for next week's test when the phone rang.

Putting her pencil down she got up to answer. Her friend Chi was stuffing her face with snacks and reading a manga rather than studying.

She picked up the phone, "Hello, Mano residence."

"Yes, this is Yohko… Devil hunter? Well yeah I guess. That would be my friends fault. No, no… I can do what it claims. Tendo residence, Nerima, 6 am tomorrow? Yeah, I can find it. Of, course. Yes, I'll see you tomorrow then. Goodbye."

She hangs up the phone….. "Chi! Are you putting up ads again?", she screams.

"Of coursh.. How elsh are we gmma make mnee?", Chi said through a mouth full of doughnut.

"Well anyway I want you to stop. Although I did get a job out of it."

"I told you! We'll be rich! Just you wait!"

* * * * * * * * * *

Jalyn, Ranma, and Akane were walking back to the Tendo dojo.

"Jalyn? Do you really think we can train enough to beat demons in only ten days?", Akane asked.

"Don't worry. It will be tough for sure. But Dad has a few tricks up his sleeve to get the most out our time. He'll go over it with everyone tomorrow when we're all there." She looked up, "Ah, speaking of… Dad is on his way here."

"How do you know that?", Ranma asked.

"That's one of the things you'll learn. How to sense and measure another person's power level. He'll get there before us if we don't hurry. Come on, I'll race you!"

With the challenge uttered, Jalyn took off in a blur leaving Akane and Ranma struggling just not to lose the cloud of dust she left behind. *Is this the power they're offering in their training? I will learn it!* Ranma thought.

Jalyn was waiting at the front door of the Tendo house when Ranma and Akane finally caught up. Ranma was red faced, probably from embarrassment, Akane was only slightly winded from the run.

"What kept ya?", Jalyn smirked.

"Will we be that fast?", Ranma asked.

"Possibly", replied Jalyn. "Ah, there's dad, and he brought company."

Everyone looked up to see two figures flying towards the dojo. Tannius and Gohon landed on the steps, much to the astonishment of Akane and Ranma who had never seen anyone fly before without wings.

"Akane, do you think your father would mind one more for dinner?", Tannius asked.

"Dinner? Oh, no! I forgot.", Gohon yelled. "I've got to get home and talk to my mom about this. And Vegeta, Yamcha, Tien, and Piccolo! I need to let them know what's going on too! I'm real sorry Mister Tannius but I have a lot to do tonight. You understand don't you? I'll be back tomorrow morning with more help I promise."

"Uh, yeah. Sure, I'll see you later then."

Gohon flew off faster than even Jalyn could follow, "Wow! He's real fast."

Tannius nodded solemnly, "Yes he is. It is fortunate we found him. With him on our side we may have a chance of beating this thing. Never mind on the extra plate for dinner then."

* * * * * * * * * *

Even in her half dragon form Jalyn was having trouble with her chopsticks. Nabiki was as far away from her as possible while still at the table. She had brought out a camcorder at one point saying she was going to record the training and preparation for posterity. Kasumi just smiled as always and tried to show Jalyn the proper way to hold the chopsticks. Nodoka, Ranma's mother, had come home during the day and had helped Kasumi with dinner. She had promptly vowed her son's full support in the coming battle. To which Ranma replied that he'd already done so.

Ranma and Genma were gobbling up the food as usual. Soun was talking to Tannius. "So, you are a dragon your daughter tells me."

Tannius smiled nervously, "Well it's not something I advertise. You see, people tend to get upset about things like that."

"Well you are among friends here. Why not relax and assume your true form.", Soun said hospitably.

"The thing is, you see… I wouldn't fit in the house if I did that.", Tannius replied sheepishly.

Something beeped on his belt. "That must be Blackwulf checking in. Hold on." He pulled something out of a pouch that looked suspiciously like one of those handheld game systems. Tannius flipped the screen up and pushed a button. "Tannius here, go ahead."

Blackwulf's face filled the tiny screen. "We investigated the anomaly. It was like I thought. A native non-human life form. Some kids we ran into told us it was an Entei. Some sort of creature that belongs to a higher order of something collectively called Pokemon. Apparently people down here catch and train them to compete against each other. Silver is completely hooked on them now and has already caught six of the damned things. I'm going to send her on up to our skywatch station and have them checked out. I'm on my way to your location and should be there by morning."

"Excellent, see you in the morning. Tannius out."

"Pokemon?", Jalyn asked.

"They're animals native to the islands south of Japan. Last I heard there had been over two hundred varieties catalogued. We can't get them up here very easily because of strict animal import/export laws.", Akane said. "That's all right because I have P-chan, where ever he is. I swear that pig gets lost almost as much as Ryouga… Hmmm… Nah."

Ranma just whistled.

The meal finally finished, Kasumi cleared away the dishes and could be heard happily washing them in the kitchen.

Tannius cleared his throat. "That was a wonderful dinner, I simply must have the recipe for the replicators on the ship." He took a more somber mood. "Genma, Ranma, Nodoka, I have something I must ask you."

Nodoka assumed her role as family spokesperson. "Of course, go ahead."

Tannius pulled at his short beard, "As you know, we have already lost seven worlds to this demon horde. Three of them are earth, other dimensions but still earth. Two years ago I attempted to rescue survivors from one of the infected worlds with the intention of relocating them to alternate dimensions where they could be re-united with other versions of their family. I was stopped when the demons threatened to kill one thousand prisoners for everyone I rescued. However, one of the people rescued is related to your family.", He opened his communicator again and pushed a couple of buttons. The screen lit up to show a woman's face.

"Jalana Here. Oh, hi Tannius. Are you ready?"

"Yes Jan, send her down.", Tannius replied. "Tannius out."

"Her?", Ranma asked. "It's not another Akane is it?"

"Baka", Akane hit him in the shoulder. "He said she was related to your family."

"Oh, yeah.", Ranma laughed.

The Saotome family waited nervously for about five minutes. Then Jalyn clapped her hands, "She's here!" She crawled towards the door to the backyard and slid it open.

A short girl with red hair in a pigtail sporting a red Chinese style outfit wearing a backpack flew in and landed on the deck. She bowed politely, "Good evening. I'm Ranko Saotome."

"I must be in shock.", muttered Nabiki, "This doesn't surprise me at all."

* * * * * * * * * *

Ranko raised her head and looked at Genma and Nodoka, "Mom? Pop? It really is you!" She ran to them and gave them both a huge hug. "I missed you so much. I never thought I would see you again." Then she saw Akane. "Akane! Sister you're here too and Nabiki! Do I hear Kasumi in the kitchen? And Uncle Soun. Does dad still cheat at Go?" Her eyes were full of tears. Then she saw Ranma-kun, "You look familiar. Do I know you?"

The whole household was stunned, except for Jalyn and Tannius. Kasumi came out of the kitchen at that moment looked at Ranko and said, "Oh my! Two Ranma's?"

"Not really.", said Tannius. "Ranma this is your twin sister from another Earth. Apparently, this Earth the Saotmes had a son, the Earth Ranko comes from they had a daughter."

Nabiki came over and poked Ranko in the breast, "Yup, she's a girls all right."

"Please don't do that.", Ranma and Ranko said simultaneously.

"Are you cursed too?", Kasumi asked.

"Cursed? What are you talking about?", Ranko asked.

"Maybe we should sit down and talk", Soun said.

* * * * * * * * * *

Even at top speed Gohon was still late for dinner. *I've got to learn dad's instant transmission technique* he thought.

Chi-chi was clearly upset and was banging dishes around, complaining about how her son didn't respect his mother and how irresponsible he was and how he'd never get into a good college if he didn't shape up.

Gohon's younger brother, Goten ate happily, ignoring any conversation not directly involving him.

Gohon finished his dinner and sat back with a sigh. He looked at his mother and tried to decide the best way to approach her with the bad news. He finally decided the frontal attack to be the only real option.

"Mom, I've been asked to help save the world again."

A dish dropped to the floor and broke, "What did you say?" Her face was already turning red as she turned around to face her oldest son. "What about your studies! How are you ever going to become a doctor or a lawyer if you keep running off to fight. Whaaaa! My Gohon is going to be a failure…", she cried.

"I brought that up with the man who asked for my help. I told him my mom wouldn't go for it. So he told me that he could get me entry and a full scholarship to any college in the world after this was over. I think he can do it too. He seemed to have an awful lot of powerful friends.", Gohon quickly said between his mothers sobs and fits of rage.

"Really?", Chi-chi sniffed. "You know what this means don't you? I'm going to have a Harvard boy! Or maybe Cambridge, or Yale. Why are doing standing there Gohon? Get to bed you have training in the morning!"

* * * * * * * * * *

"I see, so the curse is only activated with cold water.", Ranko said to Ranma-chan. It was like looking in a mirror. Genma and Ranma had come to blows as their story was told and they had both ended up in the carp pond.

Jalyn Snickered, "You should see how many fiancées he has because of it."

Ranma-chan turned red as she went to get a kettle of hot water from the kitchen. "Hey, not all of them are because of the curse. Some of them are dad's fault.", she yelled.

"So how was your life different Ranko?", Akane asked.

"Well, for one thing, I never went on an extended training trip with dad. Mom refused to let him, saying it wasn't proper for a young girl to go gallivanting all over the known world with no proper home or mother to be a role model. So dad had to be content with training me at home. That was OK though because I got to be really good friends with Akane, Nabiki, and Kasumi. Akane and I were like sisters. Everything was perfect, school, family, friends. I even had a boyfriend. Then the invasion began."

Ranko stopped for a moment as if gathering the energy to continue.

"They launched missiles into the upper atmosphere to spread the virus. People started getting sick. There was rioting and looting as the hospitals quickly filled to capacity. Soon there were so many dead we had to start putting them in mass graves. Mom, dad…A-akane, everyone I loved died within a week. I was all alone. Then… then some of the survivors started to change. It wasn't noticeable at first but then when the change sped up they could no longer hide. They became grotesque parodies of humans, misshapen faces and bodies. They had claws and tentacles or wings. Scaly skin with oozing sores…", Ranko shuddered. "I was about to be gang raped by a group of them when Tannius rescued me."

Akane and Nadoka were on either side of Ranko and reached over and gave her a comforting hug. Ranko was crying. Ranma gulped nervously, "Hey, it'll be OK. You're safe here with us now and I'll be damned if I allow something like that to ever happen again."

Ranko Looked up at Ranma. Blinking away tears she said, "Huh?"

"Hey, I have a sister now. That's what brothers do, they protect their sisters.", Ranma said confidently.

"Baka, I'm stronger than you!", she punched Ranma out through the door and into the carp pond.

"What'd you do that for? Ranma-chan shouted. She got out of the water and started wringing her clothes out. "you're as much of a tomboy as Akane!"

"you had better be nice Ranma. Ranko is going to be training you.", Jalyn said.

"What? I thought Tannius would…"

"I'll be training with Gohon and his friends. While you have potential, you just don't have the power yet to compete in our league. Jalyn and Ranko will be your trainers to teach you new techniques and to help you better control your Ki."

Ranma started to protest, but slumped in defeat, for now.

Nadoka turned to Ranko, "I welcome you to our family. I have always wanted a daughter. We will definitely have to buy you some new clothes. You don't even have a Bra on!"

"Mom! You're embarrassing me. I hope you don't mind if I spend the night here do you?", Ranko was blushing.

"I wouldn't hear of you leaving.", Soun said. "You can sleep in Akane's room. I'm sure Akane wouldn't have a problem with that."

"Yeah Akane, Ranko's all girl.", Nabiki said taking a picture of Ranma-chan wringing out her shirt on the deck.

"I guess it's all right. Yeah, come on Ranko it will be like a sleep over. I'll get some extra blankets."

Ranko and Akane went upstairs. Jalyn maneuvered her way up after them with her snakelike body, wings tucked tight to keep clear of the ceiling. "Wait for me! I have some awesome fashion magazines from Traalis IV I want to show you."

Tannius shook his head, "I hope Jalyn has enough sense to get some sleep. She hasn't had many friends since the war started and I know she feels left out a lot."

"I'm sure they will be fine.", Soun Said. "Kasumi will get you some blankets and a spare futon so you can sleep in here."

"There's no need. I don't need sleep. I will be working out in the dojo for the rest of the night anyway.", Tannius reassured Soun. "I bid you all a good night, Genma, Nadoka." He nods to each of them then walks outside towards the dojo.

Nadoka watched him leave, "Oh Genma, he looks so lonely. As if he has the weight of the world on his shoulders."

"Seven worlds…", replied Genma.

* * * * * * * * * *

Akane, Ranko, and Jalyn were all gathered around Jalyn's magazines. Akane couldn't understand the writing. Ranko said it was in Interlac. The pictures however were what caught her eye. They were three dimensional and some of them moved. One picture of a woman in particular you could change to any angle in order to see her clothing from all sides.

"The latest fashion this year is Liquid Nanotech clothing.", Jalyn said turning to the page. There was a picture of a tall woman wearing shimmering clothes that rippled like water as she moved. The colors cycled through the spectrum even turning clear at one point. Akane blushed at that.

Ranko looked up at Akane, "you're engaged to Ranma right?"

"Yes. But it was our fathers' decision.", she was quick to add.

"Do you love him?", Ranko asked.

"What? Me love that pervert! Besides I'm sure he likes other fiancées more."

Jalyn and Ranko looked at each other, "She loves him.", they both said at once bursting into laughter.

"Stop it!", she yelled turning bright red. "I guess it wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't such an idiot or a hentai. Maybe if he was nicer too."

"I know I've only known him for a day but I think he likes you and he's afraid to admit it.", Jalyn said.

"That would be sooo cool if you married him Akane! Then we really would be sisters.", Ranko said.

"Hey now…", Akane started.

"They don't need to be married now. They're too young. I think they should let the romance build and mature first.", Jalyn interrupted.

"Excuse me! Can we stop talking about my love life now?", Akane finally finished.

All three were silent for a moment then burst out in fits of laughter.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ranma put another pillow over his head trying to drown out the noise from across the hall.

* * * * * * * * * *

Day 2

"Akane… Akane. It's time to get up"

"Hmm…? Wha…what time is it?"

"Five thirty.", Jalyn answered.

*Yawn* "Why so early?", Akane asked.

"Everyone else is arriving at six so I thought we should get up and ready earlier. Now to wake Ranko… you might want to get out of the way for this.", Jalyn warned.

Jalyn went over to Ranko, "Ranko… Ranko get up."

"Nng… no. g'way… 'm sleep'n."

Jalyn dumped a big bucket of water on her.

*Sputter* "Aahhhh! Ohhh, I'm gonna get you for that Jalyn.", Ranko swore.

"gotta catch me first. Meet you in the bath Akane.", Jalyn disappeared out into the hall and down the stairs so fast the air blew around scattering papers.

Akane gathered her bath supplies and a towel for her and one for Ranko. They went down the stairs together. "Does Ranma always snore like that?", Ranko gestured upwards towards his room.

"Well he is kind of loud this morning. But yeah pretty much."

"Man, I'm glad I don't snore like that.", Ranko said.

"Well…", Akane began.

"No way! I wasn't me. It had to have been Jalyn.", Ranko laughed. "Let's hurry or Jalyn will use all the hot water."

The inner door to the bath had a big sign written in Kanji, Interlac, and English. Akane assumed it said the same thing in all three languages, "Keep Out. Girls only this morning."

"Jalyn doesn't care much for peeping toms. She's very self conscious about her body. But who wouldn't, looking like her and being raised around regular humans.", Ranko commented.

Akane and Ranko stripped. Then Akane knocked on the door, "It's just us girls, we're coming in."

Jalyn was already scrubbing away. She had a wing curled around in front of her, soaping it up. She turned and waved them in. Akane tried not to stare. Jalyn had a patch of flame red hair about where her genitals would be on a normal girl and her breasts were the same shade of emerald as the rest of her skin. The aureoles were darker green though. Akane quickly sat and wetted herself down. Washing her hair she asked, "So what's first today?"

"After dad makes sure we're all on the same page, so to speak, we'll do some sparring to get an idea and judge each person's power level and expertise. Then for the non-energy attack people, which you are one, we will start training in Ki concentration. Although I'm going to have something special delivered for you. It's something my Uncle Thor designed.", Jalyn started rinsing off.

Ranko spoke up, "Ranma seems to know some basic Ki energy attacks so I'm going to work on refining those and then maybe work on some flying lessons."

Akane rinsed the shampoo out of her hair *I wish* and looked at Ranko. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was bathing with Ranma. *They look so alike.* she thought.

Jalyn slithered into the tub, sending water over the edges, "Oops, sorry. I guess I don't know my own bulk."

"As if Jalyn. You're not fat, you're just half dragon.", Ranko joked. "Is there any room left for us?"

"Um… hold on.", The end of her tail flipped out to hang over the edge of the tub splashing both Akane and Ranko in the process, "There. Should be plenty of room now."

Akane walked around the seven feet of serpentine tail and climbed into the tub. Ranko followed her. "You did that on purpose.", accused Ranko.

Akane giggled. Ranko broke down and started laughing.

"Sheesh, it wasn't that funny."

They finished their bath and Akane was reaching for her workout Gi when Jalyn stopped her. "Hold, on. I have something better to wear. It's the latest thing in smart suit technology." She opened a small pack she had left in the laundry room and pulled out a piece of cloth. It was gray and shaped vaguely like a full body suit, if you were a barbi doll that is. "Here, put this on. The cloth adheres to the skin and passes heat and sweat through the fabric to keep you cool. It is also cut and tear proof and will prevent unauthorized penetration." Ranko, shuddered when Jalyn said that.

"What? I couldn't fit my hand in that let alone my whole body!", Akane exclaimed.

"Give me one.", Ranko said. Jalyn handed her a second one. "Watch me." Ranko stretched the neck of the body suit and put a foot in. The material was extremely pliant and soon she had her whole leg in and then the next. As Ranko pulled the material up over her hips Akane realized the suit did nothing to hide the sex. If anything it became more pronounced clearly showing the furrow of Ranko's vagina. Akane blushed. Ranko finally got the material up over her breasts and her arms in the sleeves. The neck closed up to lay seamless around her throat.

"I can't wear that! Ranko still looks naked!", Akane gasped.

"Not to worry. Jalyn can I borrow your half shirt seeing as you won't be wearing it for the rest of this mission?

"Yeah, I suppose. But I want it back. It's one of my favorites." She pulled out the shirt from the pack and shook it out. "Here."

Ranko put the shirt on and pulled it over her breasts. In large letters it read, "MILK", across her breasts. She then grabbed her own small pack and pulled out a pair of cut-off shorts. The shorts did little to hide her rear. In fact they seemed cut to emphasize her attributes. Ranko looked for all the world a red-head silver goddess.

Akane giggled, "If Auntie Nadoka sees you like that she'll freak. Especially if she thought you were Ranma-chan."

"Your turn Akane.", Jalyn smiled. "We'll have to see what we can do to keep Ranma from suffering a nosebleed when he watches you train.

It took Akane longer to put on her suit than Ranko. Jalyn pulled out a block of silvery metal from her small pack. It was about a foot across, six inches thick, and three feet long. "You're not the only one who can manipulate space-time.", She smiled looking at Akane. She placed her hand against the metal and closed her eyes. The metal seemed to glow then melt, flowing like mercury along her skin. Soon her whole body was covered including wings and tail. Leaving her head uncovered, it formed into hard interlocking plates, soft only in the Joints. "My dad only gets me the latest in battlesuit technology.", She said forming a gun on one of her arms with just a thought.

Akane gulped, "I'm glad you're on my side."

They then snuck back up to Akane's room to find some clothes that would cover her more exposed assets. Akane finally decided on a yellow bikini top and a matching pair of shorts, not nearly cut as high as Ranko's but allowing her freedom of movement.

The three of them went back downstairs to wait for the others. About three minutes before six, the back door opened and Tannius came in, "Ahh good you're awake. Is anyone else up yet?"

"Kasumi should be getting up about now, everyone else rarely gets up before seven.", Akane answered.

"Well, Ranma should be here. Is anyone willing to go wake him?"

"I'll go.", Ranko said. "I'm his new sister after all."

* * * * * * * * * *

Ranma was sleeping in his boxers and a muscle T-shirt. His blanket was thrown back and his futon was in disarray. He was snoring loudly as Ranko opened the door and came in.

"Ranma… Ranma, time to get up.", Ranko said softly. She was bent over to whisper in his ear.

Ranma turned, his arm flailed up and wrapped around Ranko as he turned on his side. Trapped in a bear hug, Ranko struggled to get loose without hurting her brother.

"Akane…No we shouldn't…", Ranma said in his sleep, "…If…Shampoo finds us she'll try to kill you…"

"Ranma you idiot. Get off of me!", Ranko shouted.

Ranma opened his eyes and looked into the face of his female form.

* * * * * * * * * *

Akane and Jalyn were waiting downstairs when they heard Ranma scream. Akane looked a little nervous. Ranma usually only sounded like that around cats. *What the hell is Ranko doing?*

A few minutes later Ranko came back downstairs with Kasumi, "Ranma will be down in a minute. He's a real grouch when he's woken up from a romantic dream." Kasumi giggled.

"Well, I'm sure that woke the whole house.", Tannius said taking a sip from a cup of coffee.

There was a knock at the front door. "That should be the first of our recruits. I'll get it if that's all right Kasumi."

"Of course Tannius-san. I'll go start breakfast.", Kasumi smiled and headed to the kitchen.

Tannius answered the door. Kuririn and Android 18 were standing at the entryway with Maureen.

"How are ya doin'?", Kuririn said.

"Are we late?", 18 asked.

"Not really.", Tannius said. "You're the first ones here. Come inside and I'll introduce you to our hosts and teammates."

They followed Tannius inside and into the common room. Kuririn freaked out when Jalyn was introduced as Tannius' daughter. 18 was mildly curious. Maureen asked her mom if she could have wings when she grew up.

Tannius was continuing with introductions when Ranma came downstairs. He was wearing an old pair of sweats and a stained NWO T-shirt.

"You're going to train in that?", Ranko asked.

"I'm not training in some stupid Gi, and that's final.", Ranma said.

Jalyn tossed him another body suit. "Here, put this on. If you have problems I'm sure Akane can come help you."

"Jalyn! I'll do no such thing!", Akane was blushing bright red.

Ranma looked at it confused. Then he seemed to notice what Akane and Ranko were wearing and started turning red himself, "Um… I can put this on under what I'm wearing right?"

"You can. But I would wear something less restrictive than what you have on now. I recommend shorts and a light tank top or muscle T."

Tannius nodded then went back upstairs.

"What are those?", Kuririn asked.

"General purpose athletic smartsuits. They keep the body air conditioned, absorb physical impact, and prevent injury.", Jalyn answered.

"Oh, kind of like the Saiyan battle suits were wore on Nammek."

There was another knock at the door and Tannius went to get it. He came back a minute later with Mousse, Shampoo, Ukyou, and Cologne.

Shampoo and Ucchan immediately ran over and glomped onto Ranko.

"Darling! Why you dressed like girl?", Shampoo asked.

"What's this silver stuff, Ran-chan?", Ucchan fingered the material curiously.

"Uh, Hi Ukyou.", Ranko said. Then she looked at Shampoo who was trying to press her breasts against her. "Do I know you?"

"Akane must hit Ranma too hard in head not remember Shampoo.", she gave Akane a dirty look.

At that moment Ranma came downstairs again, "I think I got it right, but there's a wrinkle on my back I can't reach.", He had a pair of Cammo jeans shorts and was carrying a blue tank top showing his silver clad chest. "Hi, Ucchan, Shampoo. What are you doing with my sister?"

* * * * * * * * * *

Gohon was flying as fast as he could without leaving Piccolo or Vegeta behind. He was almost half an hour late. Piccolo had joined as soon as he heard there was another threat to earth. Vegeta had taken some convincing. He wanted to know what was in it for him to interrupt his training. Finally after Gohon hinted that the man training them was more powerful than Gohon himself, Vegeta relented, determined to see this 'power' for himself.

Tokyo appeared on the horizon. Ducking around an airliner they made their way towards the Nerima district. Soon they had landed and approached the door. He turned when he heard something running down the street.

"I'm late…I'm late I'm late I'm late…", Yohko said over and over as she raced down the street. Her alarm had gone off but she turned it off in her sleep again and had slept in. She saw the address she was looking for and screeched to a halt when she saw the three guys on the steps. She jumped back, taking a defensive stance when she saw Piccolo.

"Hi, do you live here?", Gohon asked. "We were just about to knock ourselves."

"We don't have time for this!", Vegeta said opening the door without knocking. "Are you coming or are you going to play dolls?"

"This is the Tendo residence isn't it?", Yohko asked.

"Yeah, are you here to receive special training too?"

"Special training? I was told there was a problem with demons.", She looked at Piccolo.

"Well this is the right place then. I feel bad about just walking in but Vegeta has never had many manners.", Gohon explained. "Shall we?", he turned to Piccolo and gestured inside. "Come on!", he called over his shoulder.

* * * * * * * * * *

Things had finally calmed down enough for Ranma and Ranko to begin explanations when Vegeta casually walked in and demanded to know who the strongest one here was.

Tannius stood up and walked over, "You must be Vegeta."

Gohon and Piccolo came up behind Vegeta followed cautiously by a nervous Yohko.

"Are you the one called Tannius?", Vegeta demanded.

"That's me.", he looked behind Gohon, "Yohko? Is that you. Come on in and join the group. I'll explain everything in a moment."

The rest of the Tendo residents were coming downstairs having given up on trying to get anymore sleep. Nabiki had gotten the camcorder out. *This will make a great documentary. I wonder how much I can get for it.* Nadoka went into the kitchen to help Kasumi with breakfast. Soun and Genma decided to watch and wait for the training to start.

Vegeta looked Tannius over, "Gohon you are wasting my time. This man has less power than that fool Herkule."

"Vegeta, I'm surprised. Surly you know people can mask their power signatures." Tannius' eyes flashed white then back to normal, residual energy sparked blue in his eyes.

Vegeta was stunned. *Impossible! No one could raise their power that fast. Tannius is stronger than Cell. I've never felt such raw power!*

Piccolo was shaking a look of horror on his face, "This is insane! How can you have that much power?"

Even Gohon was surprised, "Wow Tannius, I knew you were powerful but wow!"

Kuririn and 18 had been talking to Jalyn during this. "Did you feel that?", Kuririn commented.

"Yes, it will be nice to see Vegeta humbled again.", 18 smiled.

"Hey you old ghoul what are you staring at?", Ranma asked.

Cologne smacked Ranma in the head with her cane, "Show some respect, son-in-law. I just felt Tannius' power unmasked. It is greater than any I have ever seen."

"Yeah, Tannius-sensei is probably the strongest guy in the universe except for the gods and he's even beat a few of those.", Ranko commented.

"He's going to train us?", Ukyou asked.

"No, I am.", answered Ranko.

"Shampoo no train with Ranma wannabe.", Shampoo complained.

"How about you ask your grandmother first.", Ranko countered raising her power level slightly.

Cologne gasped in surprise, "I had no idea!", she said. "Shampoo, you will train with her and learn all she has to teach you."

"Shampoo no like but will do what grandmother commands."

"So do we get neat silver suits like yours?", Ukyou asked.

"Yes, in fact we should get started. Jalyn! I need four more smartsuits.", Ranko reached up and caught the suits as Jalyn threw them to her. Handing one each to Ukyou, Shampoo, Yohko and Mousse she instructed them to change and then meet in the backyard. Each of them looked at the clothing dubiously then went to the bathroom to change.

"Stupid Mousse no come in when girls changing.", could be heard a couple minutes later.

* * * * * * * * * *

The three young women were in the laundry/changing room trying to put on their new outfits.

"So who you? You better not be here to steal my Ranma!", Shampoo challenged.

"For the last time, he's my Ran-chan. I'm sorry. My name is Ukyou, you can call me Ucchan. This is Shampoo. And you are?"

*Confused?* "My name is Yohko Mano, I'm a devil hunter. I received a call last night from that Tannius guy telling me my skills were needed so I showed up. But this is so weird."

"So you don't know what's really going on?", asked Ukyou.

"Not a clue. I thought maybe that green guy that came in was the demon but everyone was acting like he was just one of the guys. Then there's the four armed girl with the wings… I'm kinda confused."

"I'm a little lost myself but I'll fill you in on what I was told from Jalyn. She's the four armed green girl you saw.", Ucchan said.

* * * * * * * * * *

Just when Akane thought nothing else could surprise her she bumped into a large hairy mass when she walked through to backdoor. She looked up to see Blackwulf grinning at her. All she could see was his teeth however and she screamed. "Akane, what's wro…whoa!", Ranma said coming up behind her. Ranko looked out and waved.

"Blackwulf, you're here! Great! Does that mean Silver's here too?", she asked.

"She should be here soon. I am sorry for startling you.", he apologized to Akane.

"Blackwulf comes from a dimension where animals evolved into sentient beings instead of humans.", Jalyn explained coming outside. "He will be your communications liaison to the strategy coordinators."

Blackwulf took Akane's hand and kissed it, "Charmed. It will be a pleasure working with you."

Akane smiled nervously, "Thank you, I think."

Jalyn clapped her hands together, "All right. Let's get started with a warm-up. Stretches and then sparring to get a feel for your styles and techniques. We'll let the other's catch up when they get out here.

Everyone began stretching and warming up. Ukyou and Shampoo came out a few minutes later. Ukyou was wearing a white tube top and white shorts. Shampoo had found a purple one piece bathing suit that barely hid more than the smartsuit. Yohko cautiously came out. She had changed into her demon hunter outfit, the silver cloth showing on her arms and legs.

"Come on out Yohko.", Jalyn waved.

Mousse came out a few minutes later. He was still wearing his long robe and it hard to tell if he had put on his smartsuit or not. He walked up to Jalyn, "Ranma I will train hard today so that I may kill you in fair combat tomorrow."

Ranma Jumped up into the air and landed on Mousse's head, "Hey Mousse, I'm up here."

"Damn you Saotome! I will have my revenge!", Mousse screamed.

At that moment a loud noise could be heard out front. The sound of a vehicle landing. A minute later Videl came through the back door, "I was told to report to someone named Jalyn."

"I'm Jalyn, you must be Videl."

Videl just stared…*This is getting old*, Jalyn thought.

"Come on, come on. We are way behind today and have a ton to do before the end of the world.", Jalyn said sarcastically.

"I have been placed in charge of this group here and I plan to have you up and flying by the end of the day. Ranma, you already have a good grasp of your Ki energy so Ranko will tutor you on some special attacks and then flying. The rest of you are going to learn to concentrate your energy into beams, balls, or blasts for the purpose of range attacks. Fighting hand to hand is fine in most cases but some of these demons drain life through touch. Even punching them will harm you. Let's warm up and get started."

Videl spoke up, "Gohon has been teaching me how to fly but I haven't learned any of these energy attacks you spoke of."

"Great, then you can help the others when it comes time.", Jalyn said.

* * * * * * * * * *

Tannius was speaking to the remaining gathered fighters, "Most of you are already near or at your peak power levels but I have some techniques that will raise that power or at least give you an edge against what you will be fighting. Because many of these creatures are demons, there are certain mystical attacks that are also particularly effective." Gohon had explained earlier that Yamcha felt he was out of his league. If something was powerful enough to defeat Gohon then anything Yamcha did would be futile. Tannius couldn't really argue with that. Tien was no where to be found.

He looked out the back to see the others getting started, "I think that with our power levels the dojo wouldn't survive. Let's go somewhere uninhabited and get started."

"I know just the place. There are some uninhabited islands near master Roshi's house.", Kuririn offered.

"Excellent. How about we race to get there?", he stepped out through the back door, "Jalyn, we'll be back after lunch." Tannius jumped into the air and vanished.

"How can he be so fast?!", Vegeta screamed launching himself into the air with the others.

* * * * * * * * * *

The others watched Tannius and the Z-fighters fly away in awe. "That's what you'll be able to do if you practice. Come on, let's spar.", Jalyn said.

Jalyn paired everyone off. She started Ranko and Akane on the far side of the koi pond. "Remember Ranko, we're just trying to get a feel for her fighting style not destroy half of Tokyo. So go easy on her."

"Hey!", Akane started.

"Calm down. You should know that Ranko has been known to destroy whole mountain ranges in a pitched battle. Be glad she's going easy on you.", Jalyn said.

Akane gulped, "OK then. Let's do it."

Ryouga was breaking camp in an empty lot when he heard the sound of combat a couple of blocks away.

"Stand still and let me hit you!", Akane yelled.

*Akane was in trouble!* Ryouga grabbed his umbrella and ran off in the direction of the battle only getting lost once in the process.

Ranko was dodging and blocking with ease which only frustrated Akane further. *I know she's better than me but that doesn't mean she has to make it look so easy!*

"Ranma! For attacking Akane you shall die!"

Ranko looked up to see Ryouga flying through the air over the property wall towards her. "Ryouga? It is you! Darling! You're alive!" She leapt up to intercept him and gave him a big hug and kissed him full on the lips. Ryouga promptly shot blood from his nose and passed out.

"Ryouga, what's the matter? Speak to me darling!", Ranko was slapping his face.

Ranma and Akane were dumbfounded. Jalyn came over, "Ranko, take a break and take him inside and fill him in. And remember, even though he looks like your Ryouga, as far as he's concerned he was just kissed by a guy. I'm pretty sure Ranma hasn't kissed him before. Right?"

"Ugh, what do you think I am Jalyn? I'm a guy no matter what body I'm in.", Ranma made a disgusting face.

"Akane, come here.", Jalyn asked. Akane came over still watching Ranko take Ryouga's still body into the dojo. "I think your technique could use some refining. Your moves are large and blocky. I assume you haven't had much personal training lately."

Akane flushed in anger more at herself than at Jalyn. She nodded, "Father kinda stopped teaching after my mother died, I've been practicing on my own ever since though."

Jalyn smiled, "That's why I think we can get you straightened out quickly. Go have a seat while I get the next pair sparring. When Silvertail gets here I will give you a special surprise that will come in very handy."

Akane smiled and bowed, then she went and sat next to Ranma but not too close.

"All right then, next up. Ukyou and shampoo! Let's see what you girls have got."

Ukyou smiled evilly, fingering her oversized spatula. *If lucky, this sparring could just 'accidentally' get rid of one of Ranma's fiancée's, permanently.*

Shampoo looked at Ukyou and said, "Too bad you no survive to finish training. This fight end for you."

Ranma groaned, "Jalyn, they're as likely to kill each other as spar. Why pair them up?"

"I wanted to see them fight at their peak. Don't worry though, I won't let it get out of hand.", Jalyn brought up an arm and configured a gun out of her armor. She winked and turned to the fight about to start.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ranko placed a cold washcloth on Ryouga's forehead. (It wasn't wet enough to activate his curse.) He began to stir.

"Ryouga? How are you feeling?", she asked.

"Hmm? Ranma! How dare you kiss me!", Ryouga shouted jumping back away from Ranko.

"I'm not Ranma. Sit down and I'll explain.", Ranko grabbed Ryouga by the shoulder and forced him to sit. Using her strength Ryouga had no choice but to comply.

* * * * * * * * * *

Master Roshi and Tannius were sitting at the table having a beer when the rest of the fighters showed up.

"Hey! You guys finally showed up. I've been here at least ten minutes. Master Roshi was telling me all about your father", he said to Gohon. He got up, "Well let's go. Kuririn, show us these islands."

They flew for a few minutes until they came to a small chain of islands. The Islands were shattered and broken and the remains of a city could be seen on one.

"This was the work of Cell before Trunks convinced him to hold a tournament.", Kuririn explained to the unasked question.

"So we shouldn't be interrupted then. Let's start then. Who wants to go first?", Tannius asked.

"I will fight you first Tannius!", Vegeta challenged.

"That's not what I had in mind but if that's what it takes then so be it. Prepare yourself.", Tannius said.

Everyone backed off a respectable distance to leave Vegeta facing Tannius. Vegeta set himself and began powering up to Super-Saiyan, just as Tannius disappeared and reappeared behind him and slammed him into the island below.

Tannius turned to the others who were visibly shocked, "The first lesson here is to increase the speed of your powering up. What I've done here most of the higher powered demons can also do. If you take too long to reach your full power you're dead.."

Vegeta was pulling himself out of the dirt, "That was a dirty trick, but you won't get a second chance." He started yelling, his hair turned yellow and a Ki energy field appeared around him. He launched himself towards Tannius and proceeded to launch punches and kicks at the unmoving figure.

"Fight back you idiot!", Vegeta was getting pissed. He flew back and started launching energy blasts one after another all striking where Tannius was. Soon you couldn't see anything through the clouds of smoke and dust. Vegeta finally stopped, breathing heavily.

The smoke cleared finally showing nothing but empty air. "Tsk, tsk. Lesson two is, if you're fast enough, you don't need to be strong enough to take an enemy attack. Just avoid it.", Tannius said behind Vegeta.

Vegeta turned, his eyes wide in surprise. Tannius was sitting, as if in a chair, in midair relaxed and totally unharmed. "Damn you, how did you do that?", Vegeta fumed.

"Come on, let's all land so I can show you some other fun things.", Tannius said, ignoring Vegeta's question.

Everyone landed and gathered in a loose circle. Tannius produced some daggers, seemingly from nowhere and held them by the tips in one hand. "Kuririn, Gohon, and 18, I want you to attack me all at once. Don't worry, I won't hurt you.", he smiled.

Kuririn and Gohon looked at each other and shrugged. 18 simply cracked her knuckles and dropped into a battle stance. They leapt to the attack almost all at once.

Lighted flashed on the daggers. As one flew past 18 she smiled, "Ha, you missed…" She stopped in mid-flight. As did Gohon and Kuririn. They all hung in the air.

"I can't move!", Kuririn said.

"Wow! Neither can I!", Gohon remarked amazed.

"How? You never even touched us with those daggers!", 18 said frustrated.

"Look behind you", Tannius replied. "Your shadows in particular."

There was a dagger in each shadow. Tannius walked over and bent to retrieve his blades. As he pulled each one out one of the warriors fell to the ground. Gohon and 18 landed on their feet.

"There are more than one way to attack than the direct approach. That was lesson three. That little trick is one Shadow demons love to use on the unsuspecting. There is a way to beat it though. What is the enemy of shadows?"

Kuririn spoke up, "Light! Of course, my solar flare attack would utterly destroy any shadow."

"Very good. That would also be effective against the shadow demon himself. All right, I want everyone to power up as high as they can and stay that way as long as you can. We're going to do some power training exercises to see if we can push the envelope a bit. Unless Vegeta would rather try his method again? No, fine then. Let's do it."

* * * * * * * * * *

The battle had degenerated into a cat fight between Shampoo and Ukyou. They were biting and pulling hair when Jalyn finally forced them apart. She scolded them both, "The whole fate of the Earth rests in our hands and you can't get over your petty jealousies?"

They hung their heads in shame. "Go sit down away from each other and calm down. Videl, Mousse? You're up."

Videl smiled. From what she'd seen, this guy was a blind as a bat, even with his glasses. He wouldn't be a problem. Especially with the training she'd been getting from Gohon.

She faced off against Mousse, who was facing the wrong way, "Hey, over here four eyes!", She taunted.

He turned, adjusted his glasses then took his battle stance. "Even though you are a woman I shall not hold back.", he apologized up front.

*As if he'll even lay a hand on me.*, she thought. She leapt into the air with a flying kick aimed towards Mousse's head. Suddenly all sorts of weapons and appliances attached to chains flew from Mousse's sleeves towards Videl. She blocked most of them but lost her momentum and attack. *What the hell was that?* The weapons pulled back into his robe and disappeared. *If he has more attacks like that then my best bet is to get in close.*, she thought. She stepped toward him and ducked under a plastic duck potty. She rolled and came up with a kick to Mousse's chest. Blades and a gumball machine fell out of his robes. *Where does he keep all that stuff?*

Almost hitting Videl with an anvil in his right sleeve, he brought his left around with chain whips hoping to entangle her. She leapt up and kicked him in the head, knocking him into the boundary wall.

"All right. Good job you two! Mousse, excellent use of 'hammerspace' maybe you can help me with Akane later. Videl, I see that you're using the focusing technique for flying to boost your physical stats. That's exactly how it's done. We'll make real fighters out of you guys yet."

"Ranma, Yohko. You're the last two. Let's see some of that Ki power. Yohko, you have mystical training as a devil hunter too right?"

Yohko nodded.

"Let's see if you can use any on Ranma."

"I don't want to hurt him!", Yohko said.

"Well, I don't want you cutting him into a thousand pieces or sealing him away in another dimension but I do want to see your technique."

Yohko nodded again, this time a look of determination crossed her face, "I hold no enmity against those coerced into evil. But to those vile beings who toy with the hearts and souls of men, we since the time of Ancient Gods, have been your destroyers. The 108th generation of devil hunters Yohko Mano is here, beware!"

"All right…", Jalyn started. "Go!"

The two leapt at each other punching and kicking neither able to touch the other. They landed opposite where they started. Again they came together, Ranma was dodging more than he was attacking, clearly on the defensive.

"Ranma, you're holding back. Is it because you're fighting a woman? Believe me, a female demon will kill you just as quickly as a male one would. Show some Ki moves!", Jalyn scolded.

Ranma steeled himself, and returned to his battle stance. "Hiryu Shoten Ha!", he released the spiraling ki blast towards Yohko. She pulled back into a defensive stance and erected a ki shield against the blast. She then threw series of ki daggers at Ranma. He dodged them only to be smacked in the forehead with a paper talisman. He went down unconscious.

"Ranma!", Akane cried and ran to him, "Are you OK? Baka, falling for an attack like that." She pulled off the sealing ward and Ranma immediately sat up into a cross legged position.

Rubbing his forehead he looked at Yohko, "That wasn't fair!"

Yohko blushed and hung her head, "I'm sorry. Jalyn did ask me to use my devil hunting skills. That was one of them."

"What was that ward?", Jalyn asked.

"It makes a human host unpossessable by rendering him unconscious. It was one of the safest ones I had.", Yohko said.

"Well, then. I believe there is only one warrior left to test. I'll let Ranko spar with him when they're done talking."

* * * * * * * * * *

Ryouga poured the hot water over Ranko's head. "Ow that's hot!", she complained.

Ryouga sat stunned. He looked outside where Ranma and Yohko were fighting. "It's true… But how?"

"I told you, I'm Ranko. I'm the daughter of Genma and Nadoka Saotome in another reality. We used to date, that is I dated the Ryouga from my world. We were very close. In fact you were the only thing I had left when my family died… until the demons ripped you apart piece by piece in front of me. They forced me to watch before they tried to rape me.", She was crying, heavy sobs wracking her body. She fell against Ryouga and held him. Ryouga, in shock, just held her and rocked her gently.

Nadoka smiled gently at Ryouga and nodded. She had decided not to mention Ranko's lack of proper attire.

Soon Ranko regained control of her senses and sat back away from Ryouga, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so emotional about this. I just never thought I'd see you again. I know my Ryouga is dead and you just brought back so many memories. I apologize again." She hung her head.

Ryouga wasn't sure how to respond. She looked so much like Ranma-chan. But she also seemed so vulnerable. His knightly need to protect vulnerable maidens rode in and stomped his common sense into the ground with his horse. *I will protect her.* he vowed. He started laughing maniacally, fangs showing his hands upturned in a gesture of a mad scientist gloating over is creation.

Ranko looked and smiled, *Just like the Ryouga I knew.*

"Come on we need to get training. We only have a few days to prepare for the invasion."

"What? The demons are coming here?", he cut off in mid rant.

"Duh, why do you think everyone's here training?"

She grabbed him by the hand and led him back outside.

* * * * * * * * * *

They spent the rest of the morning concentrating ki into small balls of energy between their hands. Videl had already been practicing this and soon was helping everyone else. Ranma had been next to accomplish it. His ball of ki was much larger than Videl's and glowed with a blue light. Videl seemed upset but didn't say anything. Ryouga, managed to summon a ball of ki but it was so heavy it fell to the earth and kept going. Akane and Ukyou were next, they were so excited that they forgot their normal enmity towards each other and hugged like old friends. Shampoo, not to be outdone summoned up a ball of purple energy almost as large as Ranma had. Mousse finally summoned his own small white ball.

Shortly before lunch, a huge shadow descended over the Tendo dojo. Looking up everyone saw a silvery spaceship looming above them. It was silent except for the sounds of people outside the boundary wall. People were commenting, "What is that?"…"A UFO!"…"over the Tendo's"…"what are they up to this time?"…"no telling with that weird family."

A hole melted open in the side of the ship. Boxes and crates began coming out and descending to the ground. Finally Silvertail stepped out and flew to the ground. Waving to the ship it closed up and flew away.

Everyone was awestruck. And stared dumbly as Silvertail went up and kissed Blackwulf. Silvertail had managed to pick up an official pokemon league cap and sported six poke balls on her belt. "I'm here! What did I miss? I brought everything you asked for. Some of those packages are heavy!"

"Everyone, this is Silvertail, Blackwulf's better half. Are you guys dating now or what?", Jalyn joked. "Anyway before we were interrupted I was going to demonstrate what you can do once you can physically manifest your ki."

Jalyn looked around and found a rock about fist sized. "Ranko will you do the honors?" Ranko nodded and stepped up. Jalyn threw the rock up into the air and Ranko shot it into dust with a beam from her hand.

Ranma held out his hand like Ranko did and concentrated. A small beam of energy hit the ground kicking up dust. Akane and Jalyn were surprised but Ranko just laughed, "That's my brother. He learns as quick as I do."

Jalyn snapped her mouth shut, it had been hanging open, "Well, you can move to the front of the class now. But let's break for lunch before we go any further."

Blackwulf and Silvertail were opening crates and unpacking boxes. They handed one to Jalyn and she took it inside, "Kasumi!", she called, "You're going to love this!"

* * * * * * * * * *

Vegeta was breathing heavily, sweat pouring down his face. The last five hours had put him through more than he'd ever been through except for maybe Cell. He was bruised all over and one of his eyes was black and swollen. The others didn't look much better off. Kuririn was holding his arm after it had been dislocated. Android 18 had first and second degree burns over her arms and legs. Piccolo had managed to regenerate both his legs. Gohon was probably worst off. Clutching his chest trying to breathe with broken ribs, he sat on the ground with his leg bent the wrong way.

Tannius wasn't even breaking a sweat, "I think that's enough for now. Let's break for lunch.", he said snapping his fingers.

Suddenly everyone was standing around in a circle with Tannius at the middle. No one was hurt or exerted in any way. They all looked at each other in surprise. Even 18 had lost her calm cynic demeanor.

"It was all an illusion?!", Vegeta said.

"No, it was quite real. Feel your power level.", Tannius smiled.

Vegeta did. *It's never been this high before! I must be as strong as Kakarat was before he died!*

"Impossible! How?", Piccolo started.

"Easy, when you know how. I created a pocket dimension and 'downloaded' you into copies of yourselves. When training was finished I simply put you back where you belonged along with your new skills and power. I could have done it back in Nerima, but it is more difficult with other people nearby.", Tannius flew up into the air, "Let's get back and have some lunch and see how the others fare."

* * * * * * * * * *

Jalyn was helping Kasumi in the kitchen. She was setting up something that looked a lot like a microwave without a door. "OK, now if I can just get the power converter hooked up. There." A light went on inside the unit along with a hum then went out.

"This is a food replicator. An amazing little device we picked up in our travels. It has over fifty thousand recipes stored in it everything from McDonald's Hamburgers to Selgaurin Larval pie, don't ask.", she pushed a button on the control panel, "One scoop rocky road ice-cream." A bowl of ice-cream appeared. "You can also store recipes in it. Just put a finished food item in the unit, use the scan option and name it. Please accept this one as a gift from the Tannius family for your hospitality."

"Oh my! I couldn't. How much does something like this cost?", Kasumi said.

"This particular unit didn't cost anything. We bought the technology to make it a couple of years back from some federation or something like that with technology of our own. Besides we are going to need to feed a lot of people quickly while we're here.", Jalyn explained.

A short time later everyone was gathered around the common room. There wasn't enough room at the table for everybody so it was decided that the adults, having seniority, would be seated. The rest of the them were scattered about in loose group.

Ranma was finishing a piece of pizza and a glass of natural rootbeer while Ranko explained how the food replicator worked. Washing down a mouthful of food with his drink he said, "Wow, I guess they finally invented a way to cook food that even Akane can't screw up."

Ranko tried to keep from laughing. Ranma got knocked against the wall with Akane's mallet. "You have to admit it Akane, you are a bad cook. At least my Akane was.", Ranko giggled.

"Nice to know some things never change.", Ranma said weakly.

"Are you intentionally trying to go to the hospital Ranma?", Nabiki said. She was eating Caviar and some brie.

Ranko was now laughing uncontrollably and fell over into Ryouga's lap. Ryouga, seeing how close Ranko's head was to his crotch, spurted blood out his nose and he fainted falling against Yohko who was pushed into mousse who spilled his drink on Shampoo…

After Akane had calmed down Neko-Ranma and brought him back to normal, Tannius and the others arrived.

"Hey Videl! How the training going?", Gohon asked.

"Not too bad she replied. I just wish my dad had come to see all this, but he said he wanted to train for this demon invasion his own way.", She replied. "He did say that if it was anything like the Cell games then he'd be ready for any tricks this time with tricks of his own."

Kuririn was trying very hard to keep a straight face, especially after 18 elbowed him in the gut when he was going to comment earlier.

"Hey, food! Let's eat.", Gohon announced. And sat down at an empty spot.

Nadoka and Kasumi were in the kitchen going over the instruction manual for the replicator while Soun and Genma watched Gohon eat. Tears streamed down their faces as Gohon stacked his eighteenth empty bowl on the table. "That is a man after my own heart.", Genma said.

"True, very true. He has the appetite of a true martial artist.", Soun replied.

"Get over yourselves. You act like you've never seen a guy eat before.", Ranma said as he headed back outside with the rest of the beginner group.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Flying is essentially the same as summoning the ball.", Jalyn explained. "Pull the energy into you then push it away towards the ground. Videl would you mind demonstrating?"

Videl nodded and stepped up. She closed her eyes and focused. The air began to swirl around her and her hair was flying about. Finally she lifted up off the ground and stood hovering for a while. She settled back to the ground and opened her eyes.

"That doesn't look that hard.", Ranma said. "Too bad Ryouga has so much heavy ki. He'll probably never get off the ground."

Akane never got the chance to come to Ryouga's defense. "You leave Ryouga-kun alone brother!", Ranko slapped him mildly upside the head. "Ryouga will learn to fly even if just the two of us have to practice all night. Won't we? Oh dear, Ryouga. Come on wake up."

While everyone was practicing. Jalyn called Akane over to a chest that Blackwulf had unpacked. It was covered in Celtic knotwork and Runes. "This is what I wanted to give you.", She started, opening the chest. "Uncle Thor designed it a while back but decided not to use it. He likes his old hammer better apparently." Inside was a Celtic style warhammer inscribed with knotwork and runes just like the chest. "Go ahead, pick it up.", Jalyn urged.

Akane reached for the handle and lifted. It wouldn't budge! "I can't move it. It's too heavy.", she said.

"Use your ki, let it flow through you and into the hammer.", Jalyn Suggested.

Akane closed her eyes and concentrated. She felt the power flow into her and down her arms. It became easier each time she did it she noticed. After a moment she lifted and pulled the hammer out of the chest. "I did it!", She exclaimed.

"Good, now will it away. Send it to where your other mallet goes when you don't need it."

"I'll try. Here goes.", she closed her eyes again and thought about the warhammer fading away just like

her wooden mallet did when she no longer needed it. She opened her eyes and saw it was gone.

Jalyn smiled again, "Now for the hard part. Bring it back consciously."

Akane nodded and held out her hand like she was holding something. She strained, her eyes closed, trying to bring the hammer back. Finally she stopped, sighing, "It's no use."

"OK try this then. Ranma! Come here!", Jalyn called.

Ranma came over, "Yeah, what do you need?"

"Say something stupid to Akane."

"If you want to hear something stupid why not ask Akane? I'm sure she has plenty of dumb things to say."

Jalyn was just barely able to stop the Norse weapon from colliding with Ranma's head, "Careful Akane, this hammer could have killed Ranma. OK Ranma, thanks. You should go back to practicing."

Ranma gulped and nodded. He went back to the others.

"OK, let's try this one more time without the anger. You should be more careful from now on. This hammer was designed to defeat gods at one time. Poor Ranma wouldn't last a second."

Akane looked over at Ranma a second and trembled a little.

"You really care for him don't you?", Jalyn asked.

Akane blushed and started to stammer out a reply.

"It's OK.", Jalyn interrupted, "I won't say a word. Except he needs to grow up a bit to see how much he really needs you."

Akane's blush deepened. She sat quietly for a minute then realized she was holding the warhammer in her hand with only minor difficulty.

Jalyn coached Akane for around twenty minutes, making the hammer disappear then reappear until Akane was able to do it fairly easily.

"How much does this hammer weigh anyway?", Akane asked tossing it back and forth from one hand to another.

"Around ten tons. It's made from the core material of a neutron star.", Jalyn said.

Akane almost dropped it, "Ten tons! How can I be lifting ten tons!"

"You're using your ki to augment your strength. Apparently you've been doing so for a while now otherwise it would have taken more training to get you to this point. After you've completed flying lessons I'll instruct you on techniques for that hammer. So… let's get you flying."

Akane made the hammer disappear and got up to join the rest of the group. *If anyone two days ago said I'd be lifting ten ton hammers and learning to fly without wings I would have thought Kodachi had drugged them.* she thought.

* * * * * * * * * *

Tannius led his group back to the islands to train the rest of the day. On the way Gohon wanted to ask him some questions.

"Tannius, what is your home dimension like? You said you are really a dragon in disguise so is everyone on your world a dragon?"

Tannius thought a moment on how best to answer. Finally he said, "Well, for one thing I'm not from this universe."

"Yes, you're from another dimension. We've heard that already.", said Vegeta, eavesdropping.

"No, more than that. Take all the infinite dimensions, the higher and lower planes of reality and think of it as a ball. I came from a world outside that ball."

"Wow, so you're a real long way from home.", Gohon commented.

Tannius continued, "You could say that. I've been traveling dimensions looking for my people who came here long ago, my parents included. It just so happens that I made my daughter's dimension my home base so to speak."

"So how exactly do these demons fit into the picture?", Kuririn asked.

"That is kind of my fault. Ottula Kraven, the warlord and leader of the demons was once a man. He was an evil geneticist who had plans of galactic conquest. He became obsessed with me after I defeated his clone warriors in a great battle. He started altering his own DNA in an attempt to become as powerful as me. It wasn't until after I killed him that he became truly dangerous though. Of course how was I to know he would escape from hell with an army of demons?", Tannius shook his head, "The rest you know. The virus, the conquering of worlds…"

"So it's all your fault that the Earth is doomed.", Vegeta said.

"The same could have been said for you Vegeta. After all it was you who let Cell absorb me to evolve to his final form. I still haven't forgiven you for that.", 18 said.

Vegeta shut up.

"Here we are.", Tannius said drifting down to earth. "We'll start again only this time it'll be tougher than this morning."

"Tougher? Oh man!", Kuririn whined.

* * * * * * * * * *

Akane was the first one in the air, which irritated Ranma to no end. He was soon in the air with her slowly making laps around the property. Not to be outdone the whole group was flying loop d loops except for Ryouga who was still grounded.

Jalyn was talking it over with Ranko. "It's all that heavy ki.", Ranko explained, "Plus he weighs a ton. I swear he's made of out solid granite."

"Maybe he just needs the right incentive.", Jalyn said raising an eyebrow and smiling.

"I don't know. You saw what happened last time.", Ranko giggled.

Ranko looked at Ryouga and sighed. She wondered if she could rekindle a relationship with him. She wondered if it was even the right thing to do. Her Ryouga was gone forever, yet here he was, the same face, same mannerisms. *Ah… the hell with it. I'll follow my heart. This is my new home now.*

"Ryouga! Come here hon!", Ranko called.

Ryouga was clearly frustrated as he walked over to Ranko.

"Ryouga, I want you to close your eyes and concentrate your ki like I told you.", Ranko asked.

Ryouga relaxed and closed his eyes. Ranko could feel his power build as he concentrated his ki downward. Then she leaned over close and kissed him. Ryouga's eyes shot open and focused on Ranko as his body shot into the air. It didn't last though as Ryouga lost consciousness and plummeted to earth making a small crater. It was easier to get him the air the next time though since he had done it once before.

It was getting late afternoon when Jalyn suggested air tag to practice flying. Everyone instantly nominated Ranma to be 'it'.

"All right, if that's how you're gonna be then I'll give you a head start.", Ranma said confidently. *I'll go for Ryouga first, he's the slowest.*

Everyone launched into the air scattering in different directions. Ranma counted to ten then leapt up after them. He could see Akane and Ucchan heading towards Furinkan high school. Mousse was following Shampoo who was desperately trying to lose him. There was no sign or Ryouga.

Videl swooped past him, "C'mon slowpoke you ain't going to catch anything sittin' on your butt."

Ranma growled and shot after her. He chased her for about five minutes before losing her in a subdivision. He gave up and headed to Furinkan High. Akane and Ukyou were flying around in the trees near the high school. Akane was truly beginning to enjoy the feeling of flying about. The freedom of not being bound to the earth. Ukyou was feeling the same way. She also realized that she and Akane had been getting along better since they started training with Jalyn and Ranko.

"Akane?", she said. Coming into a hover.

"What is it Ucchan?", Akane asked.

"I've been thinking. Even though we're both engaged to Ranma that's no reason we can't be friends. How about we promise each other that no matter who weds Ranma we'll always be friends.", Ucchan offered.

"I'd like that. It's a promise then. Friends to the end.", Akane shook Ukyou's hand to seal the deal. "Uh-oh. There's Ranma. Let's split up, see who he chases."

Ukyou nodded and took off away from Akane. Akane shot off in the other direction.

Ranma caught the movement in the forest and flew towards it. Akane and Ukyou broke from the forest at the same time on either side of Ranma. He spun end over end and almost fell. Righting himself he flew after the closest of the two girls.

* * * * * * * * * *

Tatewaki Kuno was walking towards the Tendo dojo. His personal ninja servant had come to him with disturbing news as to the goings on there. *No doubt that demon sorcerer Saotome has brought more trouble into Akane's home*, Kuno mused to himself.

Akane suddenly flew overhead followed a few seconds later by Ranma. Kuno stopped and stared as the two figures flew behind some buildings. A few minutes later he shook himself out of shock raised his kendo practice sword and ran towards where the two were last seen. "Ranma! What foul sorceries have you cast upon my love?!"

Akane was laughing, "What's the matter Ranma? Should I go slower?"

"You just wait Akane.", Ranma was laughing as well. He'd never felt so free as now. He saw Akane turn her head and stick her tongue out at him, then she stopped and let him fly past her.

"Cheater!", He called. *Damn she's sexy when she's happy like that. Why can't I ever tell her? Because she'd kick me halfway to Jusenko, and not the short way, that's why.*

* * * * * * * * * *

"Why Ranma no chase Shampoo?", Shampoo pouted. She was sitting on the roof of the Nekohatten. Mousse was standing nearby wishing she'd stop talking about Ranma for just a minute.

"Shampoo, why do you want Ranma so badly?", He asked after a few minutes.

"Stupid Mousse. Ranma beat Shampoo. Amazon law say Ranma become husband.", Shampoo explained.

"When he defeated you in China he was a girl. That means you were supposed to kill him. When he defeated you here he was a guy but the law doesn't apply outside Amazon territory. Even Cologne knows that. The only reason I haven't said anything to Ranma is because it would only make you hate me more. And speak proper Japanese not that third person crap you feed Ranma.", Mousse straightened his glasses.

"So what do you want me to do Mousse? He's the best thing I've found. The men in our village are serious wimps. Well, except for you maybe. But you're more like a brother to me than a love interest.", Shampoo sighed. "Cologne knows how it is. Great grandfather was from outside the tribe."

Mousse shrugged, "That's not fair to Ranma. He doesn't love you. His attentions are divided between Ukyou and Akane. He tolerates you only slightly better than Kodachi and that's only because you give him free food."

"So your saying I should just give up and go home with you? That's not going to happen."

"I do love you and I wish you'd come back to China as my bride but I would never force you. If you're looking for a strong charismatic fighter why not one of those guys Tannius is training? Or maybe Tannius has others in his group who would fit the bill.", Mousse suggested.

Shampoo's brow furrowed in thought at that, "Great grandmother wouldn't complain if I brought home someone stronger than Ranma. It would be nice to have someone who loved me back as much as I love them. I'll think about it."

Mousse sighed, "It's starting to get late. They're not coming for us here, let get back and see if there's anything else we have to do tonight."

* * * * * * * * * *

Akane flipped out of the way, Ranma almost touching her. She darted away as fast as she could go. Ranma reached down inside himself and pushed his power reserves to the max. He quickly overtook Akane and grabbed her around the waist from behind, "Ha! Gotcha!"

Akane gasped in surprise. She could feel his body heat through her smartsuit, his hot breath on her ear. Her face turned red as her heartbeat quickened. Ranma froze as he realized what he was doing. He let go.

"I'm sorry Akane, I didn't mean to…", he started.

*Ranma apologized?*, Akane was still too happy to get angry, "That's all right Ranma. I guess I'm it.", she smiled.

Ranma gulped, "Akane?" *There's that sexy smile again!* He felt his face heat up.

*He's so cute when he blushes. I wonder what he'd do if I kissed him right now?*, Akane was feeling playful. She moved closer towards him.

"Hey, is this a private party or can any fiancé join?", a female voice called.

"Ucchan? Um, this isn't what you think.", Ranma said.

"It sure looked like it to me. I think Akane's makin' time with my man.", Ukyou was grinning.

Ranma was getting confused. This wasn't normal behavior for either woman.

Akane waved for Ukyou to come over. Ukyou shrugged and flew over. "Tag! You're it!", Akane touched Ukyou on the shoulder and darted away. Ranma came to his senses in time to avoid being tagged.

Ranma and Akane flew towards the Tendo dojo with Ukyou hot on their heels.

* * * * * * * * * *

Yohko flew past her house to see if Chi was there. The way everyone was acting, she knew she was the outsider. She figured Chi would be impressed with her newfound power.

No one was home. Yohko sighed and headed back to the Tendo house. The game of tag was probably over by now. She wondered idly if any of the hunky guys were her age and single. Ranma definitely wasn't, nor was Ryouga after what she saw Ranko do. Mousse was too weird. That guy, Gohon, she met earlier seemed nice though. Videl seemed to know him though even though they didn't seem to be a couple. *I'll never get a boyfriend*, she lamented.

* * * * * * * * * *

Kuririn knew what it was like to have a broken back now. Tannius hadn't held back this training session. Now that everyone knew they couldn't be permanently harmed they were bolder and more forceful in their training. Gohon had learned his father's technique of instant transmission near the beginning and now could use it with but a thought. Vegeta was still too slow powering up which Tannius used to his advantage at every opportunity.

Finally with everyone scattered about, wounded and semi-conscious Tannius called it a day.

"Well everyone.", he said bringing them back to reality, "That's it for today. I don't see you getting more powerful than that. but I suggest you take the next couple of days getting used to the new power levels and practice those techniques I showed you."

"That's it?", Vegeta challenged, "You are still much stronger than all of us combined. I won't stop until I can beat you"

"That may be impossible Vegeta.", Tannius said, "I am a Shakaran Dragon. While I'm in this universe, and I'm not just referring to this dimension, My body soaks up ambient energy and stores it. Cosmic rays, sunlight, even the wind blowing through my hair is sucked up and stored. I become more powerful with each breath. You would have to be a strange creature indeed to keep up with that."

"So why do you need our help?", Kuririn asked.

"Even as powerful as I am, I can't be everywhere at once.", Tannius said hastily, "Now come on Gohon let's get some dinner. I will see the rest of you bright and early tomorrow, OK?"

Everyone agreed and split up to go home.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ranma, Akane, and Ukyou arrived back at the dojo to see Mousse, Shampoo, Videl, and Yohko waiting for them.

"Next time we'll have to put a boundary on how far you can go.", Jalyn commented.

"Hey, where's Ryouga?", Akane asked.

"I figured he'd get lost. That's why I placed a homing transmitter on him so I could find him fast if need be.", Ranko said. She pulled out her scanner/communicator and pushed some buttons. "Looks like he's in Australia already. One of these day's I'll figure out how he does it. Oh well it's too late to get him tonight so let's eat!"

* * * * * * * * * *

It was past midnight when Tannius went out and sat on the roof of the Tendo Dojo. He stared at the stars, his keen eyesight picking out the orbital station and the starships parked around it. A shadow came up the roof and solidified behind him.

"Hello Marcus. I was wondering if you were here yet.", Tannius said, not turning around.

"It is good to see you again Tannius my old friend. I see you have recruited a promising bunch this time. You may win yet.", the shadow said.

"It is only because you were an old friend that I don't destroy you outright. Now what do you want?"

"Ottula has sent me to make sure you are aware of our deal.", the shadow shifted becoming more humanlike.

"Of course I'm aware of it. Not a second goes by that it doesn't weigh on my heart. The weight of all those people who died because I could do nothing about it. Now leave me before I forget our old friendship. Tell Otulla I will honor the deal as long as he does."

The shadow bowed and slipped off the roof disappearing into the night.

Tannius put his head in his hands and sobbed.