Ranma 1/2:

Ranma No More

Alternate History

By: Dani Yanega

(Dani: Legend is listed in Profile. My profile is also where I will address specific questions or issues that readers ask about.

I do not own many of the Characters in this story though some are mine all the KNOWN characters belong to those who originally created them. Thxs.

Please also NOTE I write Alternate Universe (AU) stories whether they are crossover or not. The AU applies to ALL characters. Thus this will make them OOC to the original Story and I like it that way. So if you plan to comment that Akane is not like that sorry I write her like I like to. This goes for all the characters it makes the story more fun for me to write that way. Got to have some antagonist and some friends :D)

Chapter Four

The time for Ran Koh was moving at a snail's pace in molasses, by noon she was snapping at everyone, and jumping at any noise. Running to the front door of the 'Joketsuzoku Village', her shoulders sagging each time it was a false alarm. Finally, Ryoga and La Si decided to take pity on her and help take her mind off the waiting.

"Hey, Ran Koh, La Si and I need a favor." Ran Koh turned and looked doubtfully at them, Ryoga with a goofy grin plastered on his face.

"Yes, La Si need help, could Ran Koh help, please." The young Amazon asked.

Ran Koh just looked at the comical expression on La Si's face, she knew what they were trying to do, also, she felt guilty for taking her frustrations out on her friends and family. She nodded her ascent, and La Si jumped for joy. La Si and Xian Pu both had the same bubbly personality, which was one reason many people tended to, think they were twins. La Si grabbed Ran Koh's hand then she took her free hand, grabbed Ryoga's, and dragged them both away. Mas Cra and Ku Lon were standing in the kitchen doorway watching the scene before them, holding in the laughter.

(l(l(l)l)l)

La Si dragged the two friends out of the complex and to a nearby park. It did not take them long to get there. When they reached the lake La Si sat Ran Koh on a bench near the lake, and then she took Ryoga's hand and headed for the bench, which was closer to the lake.

"Hey! What am I doing here if you two came here to be _romantic_?" Ran Koh shouted as she stood up with her hands on her hips; La Si giggled then looked to the young sorceress.

"You chaperone, La Si can't be alone with Ryoga or great grandmother demand challenge. La Si and Ryoga not ready for challenge yet." La Si told her with big puppy dog sad eyes.

Ran Koh looked at them eyes wide, then she could not help herself she just started laughing. She plopped down on the bench holding her sides she was laughing so hard. She looked up at her soul mate as a feral growl came from him.

"It is not that funny Ran Koh." Ryoga told her as Ran Koh nodded her head as she pulled herself together as she took a couple of deep breaths.

"I know, but I am so tense about this evening that all my feelings exploded into that laughter. Thanks guys, I really needed that, now go off and have your _date_ I will be here when you get back." She told them as they moved toward their bench.

Ryoga and La Si gave Ran Koh a hug then headed for a bench next to the lake to talk and be together. Ran Koh smiled lovingly at her soul mate and possibly his future wife then turned and stared across the lake.

Ran Koh sat back down on the bench and looked out over the peaceful lake, when she was startled as something landed in her lap. She looked down and saw a small calico cat of white, black, and orange. It looked half starved, so Ran Koh reached into hyperspace and pulled out a small bowl and some cat food. She never knew when she was going to need it. She put the full bowl on the bench next to her. The little cat jumped down and started to wolf down the meal. Ran Koh's mind began to wonder, while she petted the feeding cat, she thought how her life might have been without the merging of herself and Ra Koh. She began to shudder as she remembered what she saw in her father's mind. Realizing all the fiancées, she would have to deal with, because Genma would not take responsibility for his own actions. Her musings were interrupted as she sensed the closeness of someone she had no respect for other than her father. She was about to start to look around when she heard a deep booming voice.

"Ah, Tendo Nabiki, have thee brought me the photos I seek of the beautiful temptress Tendo Akane?" Ran Koh watched as the young man with a practice sword approached Nabiki.

"Sure have, Kuno-baby, five thousand yen per picture." Nabiki said not noticing the scowling audience.

She stated holding out her hand for the money. Ran Koh was still mad at her for having the complex bugged. She decided to have a little _fun_ while she waited for Ryoga and La Si. The cat sensed her dislike of the new comers and started to bristle, as she petted the cat.

{Shhh, little one, I will take care of this you finish eating.} The cat purred then licked her hand and went back to eating.

Concentrating, on the new spell she had been working with, she mumbled the incantation quietly. Then she probed with her senses, as she could feel the magic as it reached out toward its intended victim.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Nabiki stood in front of Tatewaki Kuno waiting for him to count out the money for the six photographs of her sister working out. Then suddenly Kuno's eyes widened and he took a couple of steps back as he watched a cloud of bright yellow float toward Nabiki.

"_What_ sorcery is this, which falls before my _divine_ presence?" The young kendo fighter glared as the smoke covered Nabiki.

He gasped as the moving smoke surrounded Nabiki. He watched transfixed as Nabiki tried to wave away the yellow cloud with little effect, but it cleared quickly, leaving Nabiki standing there dripping in a sticky gooey mess. The photographs had been dissolved and as she stood there trying to wipe off the goo bits off, her clothes had begun to fall off.

"EEP! Kuno give me your top _NOW_!" She demanded of her companion.

Kuno raised an eyebrow at her demand. He then smiled evilly, turning he walked away whistling a happy little ditty. Nabiki stared after him dumbfounded, when another piece of cloth fell to the ground, she turned and ran for home. Hoping she got there before she was very embarrassed. Ran Koh started to giggle, realizing it was not a very good spell for fighting, but it sure was a good one for getting even with nosey busy bodies.

As she sat there chuckling, Ran Koh suddenly stiffened. She stood abruptly and began to scan the area. The little cat jumped to her shoulder and tried to hide under her hair. She reached up with one hand and stroked its back, calming it. She turned around to face a small cove of trees behind her. Standing ramrod straight she stared into the trees, glowing with the golden white light that denoted her symbol was active. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ryoga was also glowing as he stared at the trees. La Si was looking nervously between the two of them.

(l(l(l)l)l)

A stately gentleman stood outside the 'Joketsuzoku Village', waiting for entrance after he had knocked on the door. He arrived minutes after the three teens had left the complex. He saw a lovely young woman of about twenty-five as she came to the door. She was quite tall, had waist length orange-red hair and had the most beautiful emerald green eyes. Che Ri opened the door to the complex, staring deeply into the man's eyes; she blushed then asked him in flawless Japanese.

"May I help you?" The man just stared as if soaking in her beautiful voice and appearance.

The gentleman shook his head to clear the cobwebs then bowed deeply to the young woman. He was in his mid to late thirties, with dark brown hair, and deep blue eyes that had a mischievous twinkle. He had a long thin nose it ended over medium thick lips that seemed to be in permanent wistful smile. He stood six and half feet tall, he had a muscular build and chiseled features. Though his face tended to lean a little more toward babyish though those that stood against him across a negation table knew better. He had a deep soothing voice. He was wearing a dark suit with a charcoal gray over coat and matching hat. He straightened from his bow and smiled a brilliant smile at the young woman, who again blushed.

"I have an appointment with Cologne." He said with a wince, as he knew he was pronouncing it incorrectly.

The young woman nodded and stepped to the side to allow him to enter. After he walked through the door Che Ri closed and locked it, then motioned for the man to follow her. She led him down the complex's main hallway, toward the stairs to the third level. He admired how they had tastefully decorated the wide hall with some of the goods from the now full Emporium, a vase on a wood table here a bookcase there, showing off the talent of those that made them. Walking toward the stairs to the upper level the man stopped in front of an alcove, where he saw a ginger jar that stood four-feet tall and five feet wide at its widest point, he gently reached out and touched the jar.

The jar was beautifully done; it was done in robin's egg blue, and then around the top was painted garland of pink lotus blossoms with a small scallop. The garland hung down the sides about one third the way down the jar. That was used to separate the four scenes. One scene was of a mist-filled valley with hundreds of springs with bamboo poles in the pools. The next scene was that of a citadel on top a mountain with a red dragon flying over top of it. The third scene was that of a tall mountain with clouds obscuring the top. Superimposed in front was a fiery Phoenix. The last scene was that of a village of warrior maidens.

"Tell me young lady is this for sale? I would like to buy it if it is." He asked Che Ri, she raised an eyebrow and nodded her head yes; then answered his question.

"Yes it is, you can discuss it with Elder Ku Lon she will help you with its purchase." She said as she watched him stare intently at the jar.

"Good could you remove it before tonight, to protect it?" He asked her.

Che Ri nodded then directed him to the stairs to the upper level. They climbed to the third floor, where he saw a community living area. They passed the living room and several closed doors. They finally stopped at another door, which she opened and directed him inside and to a chair. She turned to leave then looking over her shoulder to tell him.

"I will tell elder Ku Lon you are here; she will be with you shortly." The man nodded and watched as she left.

Che Ri turned back toward the door and left the office. The gentleman looked around the office with its white walls and dark cherry wood furniture. He decided he liked the Chinese undertone to the decorations in the office. He was standing at the window that faced the park, he could see the cherry blossoms from where he was standing, and he smiled, as he could smell their delicate scent through the opened window. Then by the lake in the park, he saw a flash of golden white light. He raised an eyebrow, at the curious sight.

"That glow is either Ran Koh or Ryoga." He turned to face a curious sight.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Che Ri entered the kitchen of the Nekohanten, to see nothing but a blur going from pot to pot. Mas Cra was sitting at the worktable her hands also a blur as she chopped vegetables for tonight's opening.

"Excuse me elder Ku Lon but a gentleman has arrived, he said he has an appointment with you. I put him in your office." Ku Lon stopped and nodded to Che Ri as she was wiping her hands on a dish towel she turned to the young Amazon.

"Please keep an eye on the food for us Che Ri. We shouldn't be too long. Come Mas Cra this is going to be interesting. Oh, and Che Ri when Ran Koh comes back have her _and_ Ryoga come to my office." Che Ri nodded affirmative and turned to watch the simmering cuisine. Ku Lon and Mas Cra hopped away balancing on their staffs.

While they headed to the third floor, they suddenly stopped, nearly falling from their walking sticks. They turned in the direction of the park with narrowing eyes.

"You felt it as well?" Mas Cra asked as Ku Lon nodded.

"Ran Koh has cast a strong spell!" Mas Cra raised an eyebrow and looked questioningly at Ku Lon, she smiled as she answered.

"I know Ran Koh's signature, I have been around her when she has cast other spells, so I have attuned my senses to detect when she is spell casting." Mas Cra smiled as she thought about doing the same thing.

Mas Cra then nodded looking impressed. They turned and headed for Ku Lon's office. The elders then continued quickly pogo up the three flights of stairs. They soon reached the third floor community area. They headed toward Ku Lon's office, when they entered they saw a man standing at one of the windows; just then they saw the flashes of golden white light.

"That glow was either Ran Koh or Ryoga." Mas Cra said as the man jumped slightly.

The stranger turned to face two very short women balancing effortlessly on top of two six-foot long staffs. Ku Lon chuckled as she faced Mas Cra and responded.

"Well actually I believe it was both of them. They shall be arriving soon; I feel something important has just happened." She explained.

She then turned to her guest and pogo over to him her hand extended. The gentleman took the offered hand and smiled brilliantly at both women, his deep blue eyes sparkling. Mas Cra also had pogo forward and shook the man's hand.

"Thank you for coming so early, Mr. Takashi." Ku Lon said, as Mas Cra nearly fell off her staff Ku Lon directed Mr. Takashi to a chair and helped Mas Cra to the other, all the while grinning impishly.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Nabiki ran down the street hiding behind trees and in bushes whenever she spotted someone coming in her direction. She tried to stay hidden in her flight home as much as possible, but sometimes it was not possible. She would 'EEP' every time another part of her clothing dissolved from her body. She rounded the corner that would put her near the entrance of the Tendo Dojo. She stopped in horror when she saw Kuno and several of the boys from the Kendo Club standing at the front gate. She looked down at herself to see only her bra and panties remain, but they too were slowly disappearing. She looked around and wondered if she would be able to climb the wall when she heard her younger sister charge the boys.

"_WHAT_ ARE YOU DOING HERE! _CAN'T_ I BE SAFE IN MY OWN HOME!" Akane screamed at Kuno and his flunkies.

"Ah my beauteous tigress, Akane Tendo hast returned. We wai...urk!" Kuno turned at the voice of his beloved.

Kuno responded but did not get to finish as Akane started punching and kicking. When Akane sent the last of the stunned boys into orbit, she looked on the ground and noticed a bunch of cameras. She gathered them up with the intention to return them to the boys when school started again. She entered the gate slamming it behind her not realizing the lock had been activated. Nabiki ran to the gate and tried to enter, but the gate would not open. She frantically rang the bell while trying to stay in the shadows. The last of her clothes disappeared as she waited for someone to answer the bell. She finally heard Kasumi heading for the gate. While Kasumi unlocked the gate, Nabiki heard the click of a camera. She turned and came face to face with Sasuke, Kuno's old ninja, who was taking a multitude of pictures. Before she was able to lunge at him, she realized she was giving him a full view of herself and turned toward the gate with a scream.

"AAAAHHHH, KASUMI PLEASE HURRY AND OPEN THE GATE!" She shouted at her sister.

She heard as Kasumi finally got the gate open and Nabiki rushed inside and slammed it shut. She leaned against the gate for a moment taking deep breaths. Her naked body glistened in the sun as she was covered in sweat from her run to the house and stress from being embarrassed. When she found out who did this they were going to pay.

"Oh my! Nabiki _where_ are your clothes?" Kasumi asked as she took her apron and tried to cover Nabiki with it.

"They dissolved!" Nabiki snarled as her mind thought of how she would gain her pound of flesh for this humiliation.

Kasumi noticed the yellow goo in her hair and hurried her sister into the house. When they entered, she took Nabiki straight to the bath then proceeded to help her clean the gooey sticky mess from her body and hair.

"Nabiki what is this stuff? Where are your clothes?" Kasumi prompted again as she washed Nabiki's hair while Nabiki washed the slime from her body.

"I don't know sis, but it dissolved my clothes, camera, purse, everything, I am just lucky it didn't dissolve my _hair_!" Kasumi nodded knowingly as she poured a bucket of cold water over Nabiki to rinse her. She then led her little sister to the furo for a nice long soak.

"You relax here for a while Nabiki, I will bring you something to put on." Kasumi stated as she closed the door to the bathroom.

Nabiki sunk low in the tub, a myriad of emotions playing across her face, emotions she had kept bottled up since the death of her mother. Then the _Ice Queen_ returned as she thought of what to do.

[When I find out who did this they're _dead_!] She thought her face in a grotesque scowl.

Then Nabiki sat up abruptly, splashing water over the edge of the furo, she then slump back down in the water her eyes closed tight as a single tear escaped and trickled down her cheek.

[Oh, man, I am _DEAD_ Kuno's lackey Sasuke took all those pictures, oh boy, I am _dead_!] She slapped her forehead with the palm of her hand.

She sunk lower into the water, when she heard Kasumi as she entered the changing room and then left. Slowly she got out of the furo. Her mind was churning formulating a plan on how to retrieve those pictures. When she went into the changing room, she found her bathrobe and slippers waiting for her. She smiled fondly as she thought a moment about her older sister. It then turned to a frown as her current predicament crowded in, she slipped on the robe, and slippers then left the bathroom. She headed straight for her room, closing and locking the door.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ran Koh turned as Ryoga and La Si came up behind her, Ryoga's symbol glowing under his bandana.

"I am sorry guys but I think we need to return to the 'Joketsuzoku Village'." La Si looked from Ryoga to Ran Koh confused and a little scared, but not that she would admit it; she was an Amazon.

"What wrong why you and Ryoga glow?" Her curiosity over shadowed her fear.

"We'll tell you on the way back to the complex, but I think we are about to get a new guest." She said keeping an eye on the line of trees that bordered the park.

Ran Koh turned toward home. She picked up the cat food bowl and tried to put down the little calico, but the cat refused to be left behind. Ryoga could not help but chuckle.

"Looks like you have a new friend Ran Koh." Ryoga teased the white haired girl.

Ran Koh glared at him, and then shrugged as she picked up the kitten and took it with her as she left. Ryoga and La Si followed in beside her. While they walked away, a coppery red glow could be seen in the woods where Ran Koh had been staring. The glow faded as it started to follow the trio.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ku Lon sat behind her desk, sipping the tea that Xian Pu had brought to her office; she then shooed the young Amazon out. She sat down and then preceded to tell Mr. Takashi what Ran Koh told them in the cave on the mountain back in China. She, and Mas Cra watched, as the man's expression went from friendly and happy to rage, and hatred. The Amazons knew the man was a trained martial artist. It was in his fluid grace when he moved. Although, not of their level. It did surprise them, though, when he started to glow a dark angry red. He stood and slammed his fist, on the desk, but before he could say, a word there was a soft but urgent knock at the door.

"Elder, may we come in?" It was Ran Koh's voice on the other side.

Both Ku Lon and Mas Cra breathed a sigh of relief as they watched the rage drain from their gentleman caller, as his aura slowly diminished into nothingness, but the anger still shown in his eyes.

"Yes Ran Koh, please enter." Ku Lon spoke to the guests on the other side of the door.

Mr. Takashi raised an eyebrow as he turned to face the door. When the door opened, Ran Koh and Ryoga entered the office. After closing the door, Ran Koh turned to see the man in the office she blushed with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry Elder, I didn't know you were busy. Ryoga and I can come back later." Ran Koh apologized, while bowing, as she and Ryoga turned to leave.

"So this is what you would have looked like if you were born a girl _Ranma_." The man said, as he looked Ran Koh up and down.

"Except for the white hair you are the spitting image of my mother!" He said again as Ran Koh looked at him confused.

Ran Koh stopped. She was frozen in place, shock evident on her face. Ryoga snapped around glaring at the man threatening great bodily harm if he caused his friend...no his sister anymore pain. Ran Koh turned and looked at the man with a questioning look.

"Ran Koh this is someone very special to you and me, this is Hiroshi Takashi, your uncle and Ra Koh's great grandson." Ku Lon told the shocked sorceress.

Ku Lon introduced Ran Koh, Ryoga, and Hiroshi to each other. Ran Koh's eyes went wide as her fear rose inside her. She took a step back, bumping into Ryoga. He put his hands on her shoulders to give her his support. The kitten peeked out from under Ran Koh's hair to see what had upset her; it then got confused as Ran Koh's emotions changed instantly. She then looked at him with love and wanting, the wanting of belonging somewhere, of being wanted, just because. Then tears of joy trickled down her cheeks, tears for a long lost child finally found. She slowly stepped forward and timidly touched Hiroshi's cheek.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Hiroshi was in a state of confusion, he was angered at the fear he first saw on her face, then it slowly returned to confusion as her look turned to love and wanting. That really scared him. Did he just see something move in her hair? Then when the tears started falling, he did not know what to do. He tried to back slowly away from Ran Koh but a hand behind him stopped him, he half turned and saw Ku Lon smiling sadly at him.

"That is Ra Koh right now. Even though they are completely merged she does have a tendency to assert herself when she comes face to face with a descendant, especially one that looks like her husband and bears his name." Ku Lon told the Takashi heir.

Hiroshi reached out, took the girl in his arms, and hugged her tightly. She sobbed quietly as she held onto him. While holding her, he felt something, touch his chest he looked down and saw a kitten hiding in her hair. He smiled as the little critter played with Ran Koh's hair. Soon she calmed and gently pushed herself away from her _uncle_.

"I am sorry uncle but I can't control her when she is determined to be with her family and I won't stop her." Her uncle smiled at her and then placed a hand on her shoulder.

"It is quite alright, Ranma, you're with your family." Ran Koh cringed at the use of her old name.

"Ranma Saotome is dead uncle, and after tonight Ran Koh may be as well." She stated with a depressing sigh, her head bowed and shoulders slumped.

They all looked shocked at Ran Koh, then Ku Lon came forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. To the surprise of Mas Cra, Ran Koh leaned into her great aunt as Ku Lon hugged her tightly. She then looked at her cousin and smiled sadly.

"No Ran Koh, that promise your _father_ signed cannot harm you now. You are an Amazon and only the council can decree your death now, and we have no intention of doing that." Mas Cra nodded her ascent to this statement then turned to Hiroshi.

"Before you even, ask _no_ Nodoka and Genma Saotome _are not_ Amazons. The council revoked all their rights as Amazons for what they did to this child. We treasure our children for they are our future. Your sister would have been a welcome addition had she not allowed Genma to take Ranma from her. We would have forgiven that though, because of her skill as a martial artist, _BUT_ we could not forgive the accepting of a promise from a child to commit suicide if the father didn't make him a _Man among men_." Ku Lon put a steadying hand on Mas Cra's shoulder.

As Mas Cra finished, her anger glowed in her dark brown eyes. Ran Koh and Ryoga watched Mas Cra as she shook with anger. They then watched as some not all the anger fled as Ku Lon placed a soothing hand on her shoulder. While, Hiroshi digested what she had just said.

"Then that means Nodoka has not condemned the rest of the Takashi Clan to be removed from our rightful place as Amazons?" Hiroshi asked his eyebrow quirked.

Both old women snap their heads around to stare at him with first confusion then suspicion. Ran Koh looked at him with surprise. Then Ku Lon brightened.

"No, if the rest of the Takashi clan wishes to claim their rights as Amazons we would allow it, _but_ not if they try to make Ran Koh adhere to that stupid promise." Hiroshi shook his head, then, when he spoke, he looked directly at Ran Koh.

"I have come with the rights of the patriarch of the Takashi Japanese Clan, I claim our rights as Amazons, and I claim the right to call _Ran Koh_ as an honored member of our clan. She has shown great wisdom, strength, and courage, even if Genma Saotome raised her. I Hiroshi Takashi call the contract between Ranma Saotome and Nodoka Saotome null and void." Ran Koh stared at her uncle hope glowed brightly in her eyes.

Ryoga watched his _sister_ closely as she stared dumbstruck at her uncle. Then he watched as the left side of her Tao symbol glowed golden. She reverted to her true form. The change had not seemed to bother Ran Koh's little stowaway. Hiroshi Takashi watched in disbelief as the young girl before him shifted to a slightly taller dark hair boy. Ran Koh watched her uncle as she changed, then bowed deeply and respectfully to his uncle and the two Amazon matriarchs.

"I Ranma Saotome accept the offer of being a member of the Japanese branch of the Amazon's Takashi clan, although Ranma is no more, the new soul that arose from the ashes of his life thanks, you. As I, Ran Koh find my way in this world whether it be as a man or woman I will honor my lineage as a Takashi, and on my honor vow to never bring shame to either the Chinese Clan or the Japanese Clan of Takashi." Ran Koh told the Elders of the two clans.

When he finished his small speech, he again bowed deeply to the two leaders of the Takashi clan and to Mas Cra. When he straightened his Tao symbol again glowed golden and he was again a she.

(l(l(l)l)l)

On the roof across from the 'Joketsuzoku Village' hiding deep in the shadows, hollow green eyes watched what played out in the window of a small office on the third floor. Although unable to see the face, the smile was evident from the twinkle in those eyes. A smile that got even wider as it watched Ran Koh change from girl to boy and back to girl. Then a coppery red glow flared brightly then it and the hallowed green eyes were gone.

(l(l(l)l)l)

A light knock could be heard, as Nabiki sat up in bed from her nap. She got up putting on her robe as she headed to the door of her room. She unlocked the door and opened it onto Kasumi's smiling face.

"Come in, Kasumi." Nabiki moved to the side of the opened door.

She motioned her sister into the room, and then closed the door behind her. Kasumi sat down the tray of tea and cookies on Nabiki's desk then turned to look at her sister. When she was satisfied, Nabiki was all right she smiled and pointed to the tray.

"I thought you might like a little snack, we will be leaving for dinner in about four hours." Kasumi told her an excited twinkle in her older sister's eyes caught her attention.

Nabiki raised an eyebrow, but went to the tray and dug into the cookies. She offered one to Kasumi who took one and nodded her thanks as she sat on Nabiki's desk chair. Nabiki sat crossed legged in the middle of the bed.

"Leave for dinner? We aren't eating here tonight?" Kasumi swallowed the cookie she had been eating, while shaking her head.

"Oh my, we forgot to tell you, I am sorry, but the whole family has been invited to the grand opening of that new restaurant the Nekohanten Café in Tokyo. Doctor Tofu has agreed to be my escort." Kasumi blushed as she mentioned Doctor Tofu, while Nabiki smirked to herself.

[It is about _damn_ time if you ask me.] Nabiki hid the smirk as she rose.

Nabiki thought, as she took another bite of cookie. Then she looked up at her sister with a devilish grin. She got off the bed and headed to her closet. Kasumi watched her with mild curiosity. Nabiki reached in the back of her closet and pulled out a pink satin dress with spaghetti straps and a flared skirt. There was also a pink lace shawl draped around the top of the hanger. She tossed the dress onto the bed then reached down into the closet floor and pulled out a pair of low-heeled sling satin pumps that matched the dress perfectly. She brought them to the bed also, and then turned to face her sister.

"Here you go Kasumi you can wear this for your first date with Doctor Tofu." Nabiki told her a smile on her face.

Kasumi gently touched the soft material then looked to Nabiki tears filling her eyes. She shook her head and took her hand away from the dress. Nabiki saw the longing in Kasumi's eyes and frowned slightly. She sat down on the bed across from Kasumi.

"I can't Nabiki you should wear it tonight, I have plenty of things to wear." She looked at the dress her eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

Kasumi got up to leave, but Nabiki stopped her. She grabbed Kasumi's arm and turned her to face her, the 'Ice Queen' façade gone as always, when dealing with Kasumi, on a one on one basis, for the moment anyway.

"No, Kasumi I had this outfit made for _you_ for your first date with Tofu and I would love it if you would wear it, _please_." Nabiki told her for the briefest of moments her emotions flashed across her face.

Kasumi looked at the pleading in the eyes of her little sister. She saw all the emotions she kept bottled up showing in her sienna brown eyes. The feelings no one else ever saw but her. Then she looked to the dress longingly, and nodded once. She turned and hugged Nabiki, then picked up the gifts and left to get ready. Nabiki smiled as she watched the wistful smile on her older sister's face. She then turned back to her closet to pick out her outfit for the night.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The afternoon for Ran Koh was a blur of happy memories as she showed her uncle around the complex, her rooms, and Ryoga's rooms. All the while answering his questions of her training trips, the things Genma had done both the good and bad things. Ran Koh readily admitted that Genma's training methods although way off the wall, were effective, and made her the superior martial artist she had become. It was just that he had over stepped the bounds of honor and _stupidity_ too many times. She also told of what Genma was still trying to force on her, without any remorse for the lives he had already destroyed. Hiroshi assured his niece that the Takashi's would support her in any decision she made regarding her father and mother. Silently he hoped his little sister showed more sense now then she did ten years ago. During the meeting that afternoon, Ran Koh made it clear that she would be staying at the complex. There was a need for her and Ryoga to be there, though she was not sure what it was. She just sensed the complex would be important with the coming of the others.

At around four o'clock everyone started getting ready for the night's festivities, Hiroshi waited in Ran Koh's parlor for her to finish dressing. He sat playing with Ran Koh's new roommate, she had not decided on a name for the kitten yet, but the cat did not seem to mind. It was not long when she came out of her bedroom, wearing a pair of black satin kung fu pants, which tied at the ankles and waist. Her shirt also satin was long sleeve, but with the sleeves rolled up. It was white in color with two tigers embroidered on the shirt. They were facing one another. One was a white tiger with gold stripes the other was the gold tiger with white stripes. Both tigers were superimposed over a large Tao symbol with the left side in gold and the right side in white. She had a huge smile on her face as her uncle whistled. She looked down at her outfit then back up at him.

"Aunt Ku Lon had the village seamstress make this for me, isn't it _great_, I'm gonna looked for a spell to protect it, though." She finished with a shrug, Hiroshi went up to her and gave her a huge bear hug, and then noticed how loose the garment was.

"Ran Koh isn't it a little on the big side for you?" She just shrugged again.

Ran Koh just smiled then shifted her form, although her male side and female side were now nearly the same height, her male side was still taller by a few inches and broader in the shoulders, narrower in the waist and hips. Her uncle was still in awe at the change and nodded his head in understanding. Ran Koh shifted back to female as they exited her rooms. Making sure the kitten had plenty of food, water, and toys until she returned. Ryoga was standing outside waiting for his soul mate and smiled as he saw her outfit, Ran Koh smiled back as she noticed Ryoga's clothes. She gave it a critical eye as she walked around him. It was similar to her outfit except the shirt was gold instead of white, and the Tao symbol was gold on the right and white on the left. She smiled as she took the arm of her uncle and friend, and then led them down stairs to the festivities.

When they entered, the restaurant there was a small group of people Ran Koh had never seen, standing in the private dining room they intended on using for their meeting with Nodoka. Hiroshi smiled broadly and took Ran Koh's and Ryoga's arms and half led, half dragged the reluctant teens to the people. Ryoga had a suspicious glare directed at Hiroshi Takashi.

(l(l(l)l)l)

In a small Japanese style house, with a small Dojo, located on the outer edge of Juuban and Nerima a woman in her early to mid thirties, with auburn hair styled up in a Gibson girl bun, was nervously getting ready. She stood at five feet eight and half inches tall, with deep sapphire blue eyes. She pulled a kimono out of her closet as she put it on. It was a light peach kimono embroidered with butterflies and orchids. She tied it with a dark peach sash. When she finished dressing, she checked her hair and makeup in the mirror to be sure everything was in order. Then she left the bedroom. She slowly walked down the stairs a sad wistful smile on her face as she gathered her belongings. Stopping by the dining table, she picked up a long bundle wrapped in rice cloth.

[Soon we shall see if the promise has been kept and if not...] She left the thought unfinished.

Holding the bundle tightly against her chest, the woman thought as she left her house. She headed toward the business district of Tokyo, with images of a small child playing in her mind.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Soun and Genma waited in the living room for Soun's daughters to appear. There was a knock at the front door, and Soun went to answer it. When he opened the door, a very nervous Doctor Tofu Ono was on the other side carrying a bouquet of spring flowers. Soun bade him to enter and escorted him to the family room to wait with him and Genma.

The first to come down the stairs was Akane, she was wearing a bright yellow sundress with pink, blue, and lavender orchids on it, a white straw brimmed hat with a yellow scarf wrapped around it and yellow open toed pumps. Her long hair held in place by a silk orchid placed about half way up from the bottom of her hair. Soun started to weep as Genma stepped away from his crying friend.

"Oh, doesn't my baby look beautiful, wwwwhhhaaaaa!" Soun started wailing.

Doctor Tofu patted the man on his back trying to calm him down. Akane just stared incredulously at the men, as she noticed all three were wearing their gi. She just shook her head and tried to stay out of her father's grasp, so as not to ruin her outfit. She stared longingly at Doctor Tofu, but when he did not noticed her she hung her head sadly and sat down to wait for her sisters.

Nabiki was next to come down the stairs; all three men stared agape as she slunk into the room. She was wearing a black strapless dress that went to mid calf with a slit up the left side stopping at a white crystal rose that hung low on her left hip. Her shoes were black leather sandals, and around her shoulders, she was wearing a beaded black lace shawl. Nabiki smirked at the reaction from the men and then noticed Akane sitting there with her mouth scraping the floor as well.

"Oh please don't drool; I don't want you to mess up my outfit for tonight." They turned away from the middle Tendo.

She complained sarcastically. The men quickly closed their mouths, while Akane narrowed her eyes angrily at her older sister, but before she could say anything, the final Tendo daughter came into view.

Genma let off a low whistle as Kasumi glided down the stairs, Soun gulped as he saw how much like his late wife, Kasumi reminded him, then he smiled sadly. Doctor Tofu was so enthralled that he forgot to go nuts at the sight of her. Nabiki knew that outfit would look smashing on her older sister. Akane just stared as she realized that her two older sisters would out shine her tonight. The pink satin dress that Nabiki gave Kasumi to wear fit perfectly. The lace shawl would not make her feel too exposed because of the low neckline. She had never owned such an outfit and with the matching satin shoes, Kasumi felt like a princess. She did her hair up in a bun with a ponytail coming from its center. Then around the bun, she put teacup satin pink roses. She had gone out to buy them earlier to go with her new dress. She slowly walked up to the Doctor who was still mesmerized and gently took the flowers.

"Oh my, thank you Doctor Tofu these flowers are beautiful, let me go put them in a vase before we go." She said taking the flowers from Tofu.

Akane glared at both her older sisters and stared longingly at Tofu. She had hoped to turn his gaze from Kasumi but in that dress, his eyes were glued to her now. She looked at Nabiki and frowned with jealousy as she and Kasumi looked sensuous in their dresses. She looked down at her sundress and felt like a six year old on the way to the park with her parents for the day.

Kasumi went to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with a vase and the flowers, she set them in the center of the dining table, then turned to smile brilliantly at her escort. Tofu with several beads of sweat rolling down his face, smiled back at her. Doctor Tofu fought to keep control of his emotions as he walked up to Kasumi and taking her arm, he announced.

"Sha...Shall we go th...then?" The Tendos and their guests left the house and headed for the business district of Tokyo, for a fun filled night on the town.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ran Koh's uncle pulled her and Ryoga toward the small party, she saw Xian Pu and Ku Lon being given hugs and kisses by the people. She noticed that La Si had joined them, to stake her claim on Ryoga. With a firm grip on his arm, she glared at any pretty girl who headed in their direction. Mas Cra was standing next to her great granddaughter trying very hard not to laugh.

Hiroshi smiled at an elderly couple. Ran Koh could see the resemblance as her uncle ushered her toward them. The older man had black with some gray hair, he was as tall as Hiroshi was, and had the same blue eyes that she once had. He was dressed in a black business suit and wore a stern expression. Ran Koh gulped a little at the emotionless face he put forward. The woman was just the opposite her hair was also gray but had streaks of the original red running through it. She was just a little bit shorter then Ran Koh, and her eyes were a dark chocolate brown. Where her male companion had a stern countenance, she had one of joviality. She smiled happily and it was a true smile for her happiness could be read in her eyes.

When they reached the couple Hiroshi was standing behind Ran Koh with his hands on her shoulders, it almost seemed as if he was trying to keep her from bolting. Although, they both knew that if she wanted to leave only two people could stop her and even that was an iffy proposition. When the couple turned to see their son and the beautiful white haired girl, Hiroshi started to speak as he grabbed Ryoga's arm and pulled him from La Si to stand with Ran Koh.

"Mother, Father, this is _Ran Koh_ Takashi formerly Ranma Saotome. This is her friend and soul mate Ryoga Hibiki. Ran Koh and Ryoga this is my father Keitaro and my mother Taji. The man behind them is my older brother Hayashi. Our sister is off training and should be back in a few days." They looked at Ran Koh as Hiroshi made sure to include Ryoga, as part of his niece's life.

The couple looked at the young girl skeptically, they were not sure if they should believe what the old Chinese women told them. Then when Hiroshi had begun to introduce Ran Koh a man about the same age as Hiroshi turned to pay attention to the conversation. He eyed Ran Koh critically as she glared at him with the same look. Then the golden side of her Tao symbol glowed, and soon female Ran Koh was now male Ran Koh. The elderly woman nearly collapsed if it was not for the young man behind her catching her, she would have hit the floor. The change brought the first sign of emotion to the face of the older man, but instead of shock, rage glowed from his eyes. Ran Koh looked to Ryoga who nodded, and he bowed his head as he changed back to female.

The other guests started arriving to the grand opening Ku Lon closed the drapes on the Takashi private reunion. While Hiroshi kept Ran Koh busy this afternoon Ku Lon had told Ran Koh's immediate family everything that had happen to her, with the help of Ryoga about their travels after they left the Amazons in the cave. She shook her head that even after seeing Ryoga's curse she was surprised that cousin Taji still nearly fainted.

Ku Lon smiled as she saw an older version of Ran Koh. That was before the final guest approached the restaurant, wearing a traditional kimono in light peach with a dark peach sash. She motioned to Mas Cra to take over greeting their guests.

"When the Tendos arrive put them in the private dining room next to the Takashi's." Ku Lon told her counter part as she moved on.

Mas Cra raised an eyebrow at this but before she could respond however, Ku Lon had pogo up to meet the mother of Ran Koh, Nodoka Saotome. She reached out and took her arm, then led her to the private dining room. The Joketsuzoku Elder watched as they disappeared behind the curtain. She looked up in time to see the Tendos arrive. Mas Cra grinned evilly as Genma went pale and tried to bolt, but Soun Tendo grabbed his arm and led him into the restaurant. Cy Sin led them to the private dining room Ku Lon indicated.

(l(l(l)l)l)

In the alley across from the 'Joketsuzoku Village' a pair of glowing hallow green eyes watched the unfolding of Ran Koh's meeting the Takashi clan. The eyes watched the addition of the auburn hair woman to the party. The family must be important to this story as they were placed near the other party. A feral grin was seen in the eyes as they watched the heavy man cringe and pale at the site of the old woman.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Mas Cra watched as Cy Sin showed the Tendos to their table. She turned back to be confronted by a gajin girl of about eighteen. She was five feet five inches, with an athletic build. Her hair was brown, which hung just below her shoulders. Mas Cra stared transfixed at the young woman's vibrant hazel eyes. The girl was petite she probably weighed no more then one hundred pounds.

"May I have that table over there, please?" The girl asked with a British accented Japanese.

Mas Cra looked to see where she was pointing; it was the table nearest the room, the Takashi clan was occupying. It was also a table out of the mainstream of the restaurant. Mas Cra nodded and summoned Che Ri to escort her to the table. Mas Cra watched her leave and noticed the cat like grace with which she moved. She was soon called back to her duties as more people continued to show for the grand opening.

(l(l(l)l)l)

When Nodoka was shown into the private dining room she stopped, in shock and nearly dropped the cloth bound bundle that she was carrying. She looked around the room she saw four young people she did not recognize. The other four people in the room she did. As the old woman, that escorted her into the small room, she pogo over to the four teenagers. She stood behind the young girl with the most exotic golden white hair and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Nodoka looked from the teenagers to her family. She had not understood what was going on. She could only stand there mouth agape. A man two inches taller than Hiroshi stood, he had the same twinkling blue eyes, but like Nodoka, his hair was auburn, but about two shades darker then hers. He walked toward the woman. When he reached her, he wrapped her in a huge bear hug.

"It is good to see you sister. When little brother called and said you would be here tonight, I just had to be here. It has been to long my little No-Chan, too long." He told the top of her head as he hugged her.

He gently pushed her away to the full length of his arms, keeping his hands on her shoulders. He stared deeply into her pained blue eyes. He gently wiped away the tear that rolled down her cheek.

"Hayashi, _wh...what_ are you doing here, I came...!" The surprise was evident on her face.

She began then stopped as she saw her older brother shaking his head. Hayashi led her to the table. He then sat her between him and Hiroshi, after bowing deeply to her parents and to the young teenagers in the room. Ku Lon sat between Ryoga and Ran Koh once everyone was seated their dinner was served. The conversation was kept light.

Nodoka learned that Hayashi refused taking over as patriarch of the Takashi clan because he wanted to devote his time and energy to the family martial arts. Hayashi felt he was not good enough in business to run the finances, as Hiroshi felt he was not good enough at martial arts to keep the family art alive. Their mother just balked at them both saying they were just as good at what they did not believe they were. They just wanted different things out of life. Nodoka watched her father covertly, and was puzzled why he continually stared at the young white haired girl then glared angrily at her. She was beginning to feel uneasy.

She could hear that the restaurant was filling. The sounds of happy people filled the room as the people were enjoying the grand opening of the Nekohanten. She then bowed her head, as she feared this was a wild goose chase and her son was not here to meet with her. Che Ri came in and began to cleaned away the dirty dishes, everyone watched as Hiroshi followed her every movement. When Che Ri left Nodoka looked at the old woman, with a stern face.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The Tendos were having a wonderful time the food was good, Doctor Tofu was staying sane and no one had ticked off Akane. Genma was sitting against the wall to the Takashi dining area when what he heard caused him to go even paler then when he saw the old Amazon at the front door. He recognized the woman's voice as that of his wife's as she talked to those in the other room.

"Cologne, where is my son, you told me he would be here with me tonight. Yet I do not see him?" Nodoka asked as she looked around the table.

[Ranma is here. Now I can make that insolent boy fulfill the promise, so I can live off his hard labor.] Genma leaned closer to the wall between the two private rooms.

He listened closely for when to tell Ranma was there. He did not have long to wait, as he barely heard his wife whisper. He did not notice the stunned shock in her voice or the twinge of anger. He did not care he wanted his slave back he wanted a life of leisure and the boy was going to get it for him. He would marry a Tendo and that was going to be final. Nodoka would have no say as she had none in the last ten years of the boy's life.

"Ranma?" Nodoka's whispered voice shouted a myriad of emotions.

Genma jumped to his feet and grabbed Soun by the arm pulling him behind him, Soun had not even had time to scream, the Tendo sisters hurried behind the men, with Doctor Tofu bringing up the rear. Genma threw open the curtains to the Takashi's private dining room.

"Ranma my boy, now that you're here _you will, marry_ a Tendo!" Genma shouted as he looked around the private dining room for his son.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Four people strolled through a quiet park, in Greece, near a series of fountains each with a Greek god or goddess in its center. There was a young woman of twenty-seven and three men. The woman was exotic, with thick black hair that went down to her mid thigh, which she wore in a thick braid. Her eyes were deep and fathomless as they were as black as nothingness. She had a soft medium brown complexion with a small red dot in the middle of her forehead. She was five feet eight inches tall, about one hundred and fifteen pounds with a slender build. Walking closely next to her was a man of thirty-three with an olive complexion. He seemed to be acting as tour guide for his friends. He had deep brown eyes and thick short wavy black hair. He stood at six feet, he was lightly muscular, and weighed around one hundred seventy five pounds. He smiled at the young woman as she laughed at one of the myths he had related about the Greek gods.

"=Alex you are making that story up!=" She said to their own private tour guide.

The other two companions were chuckling as they watched her standing there glaring at her soul mate with mock anger. Her small fists planted firmly on her hips and her deep and inviting black eyes flashing with a fiery red. Alex the brunt of her play ire just laughed a deep hearty laugh, and with a Greek accent, he responded.

"=Sorry Taj, but that was one of the myths of these ancient gods, whether you believe it, is your choice.=" Alex told her a loving smile on his face.

One of their friends stepped forward between them he was young around sixteen. He stood around five feet ten inches, and had long black hair down to the middle of his back. It was hard to tell what his build was like because he wore long white flowing robes, with black Kung Fu pants and slippers. His eyes were smoky gray, and he wore a pair of thick glasses on top of his head, although he did not seem to need them.

"=Come on guys we have one more to find before we can hook up with the others.=" The two combatants looked at their friend with pouts on their faces, as they complained, both at the same time.

"=AW, Mousse, you're a spoil sport!=" The two whined with big sad puppy dog eyes.

Mousse smiled at them shaking his head, he looked to his other friend for help all he did was to shrug his shoulders while trying not to laugh. The last member of the party was, about twenty one, he stood at five feet eleven inches, he had black wavy hair that went down to his shoulders, his eyes were full of mischief and were a deep vibrant green. He too had a light olive complexion, with a medium muscular build, and seemed to weigh around one hundred and fifty pounds.

"=Oh, thanks a lot Roberto, you're a _big_ help!=" Roberto tilted his head at Mousse and stuck out his tongue.

Mousse complained as Roberto continued to shake with silent laughter. Soon all four were laughing as they continued to walk through the park. Taj, stopped suddenly, grabbing both sides of her head, she collapsed to her knees taking deep labored breaths. Alex rushed to kneel next to her worry and concern crossing his face.

"=_Taj_ are you alright? What's wrong?=" He asked her as he put an arm around her shoulder.

Taj just knelt there with her head bowed, her breathing still heaving, but slowing. She raised her head and Alex noticed her eyes were blank and distant. He looked to his other companions for help the two men stepped forward, as they reached out, each planning to take an arm. A coppery red aura flared around Taj driving all three of her friends back. The men were watching her with some concern when Roberto called out in surprise.

"=HEY LOOK ALEX IS GLOWING TOO.=" Mousse turned to look at his friend with worry.

Although Alex was still standing, he was glowing, a bright coppery red. His face was filled with shock, rage, and disgust. Roberto and Mousse gasped when both Alex and Taj's aura flared even brighter, then as suddenly as it appeared it disappeared. When the auras were completely extinguished Alex fell to his knees next to Taj, who had wrapped her arms around herself, she rocked back and forth, mumbling, with tears streaming down her cheeks.

"=Such pain, such anger, how could she live like that?=" She gasped out repeatedly.

Roberto knelt next to her then placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. She turned and stared at him blankly for a moment. Then recognition came to her face. Her tears flowed in torrents as she threw herself into his arms and continued to sob. He slowly wrapped his arms around her and made soothing noises to try to calm her down.

Mousse went to Alex and helped him to his feet. When he looked at his friend's face, he took a step back. He was shocked at the sternness, and determination that he saw there, but what made him the most nervous was the full-blown rage glowing in his deep brown eyes. Roberto and Mousse looked at one another with confusion, for in the months the four of them had been together they had never seen them act like this. Alex finally was able to rein in his emotions some. He turned to his friends, and through clinched teeth, told them.

"=We are going to Japan, our final team member is there with the leaders of the Tiger sect.=" His rage still evident but he was slowly getting a more tighter hold on it.

Taj slowly stopped her crying and removed herself from Roberto's embrace. He helped her get to her feet, she stumbled a little, but Roberto steadied her. She took a deep breath to calm herself, then turned and headed back toward their hotel, with Alex right behind her. Mousse looked to Roberto who shrugged and followed them. Mousse shook his head and took off after his friends.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Everyone in the dining room turned to face the interlopers, Nodoka gasped as she recognized her wayward husband.

"Genma?!" Nodoka's voice turned icy.

Genma ignored his wife, but the small bead of sweat rolling down his cheek told the others he could not ignore her completely. He faced his son, with mock righteous indignation.

"Ranma my boy, now that you're here _you will, marry_ a Tendo!" Genma glared at his son daring him to go against him.

Ran Koh-Kun stood. He faced the man he once called father, his eyes glowing with lavender fire. Genma gulped but refused to step back. Ran Koh turned slightly. To the Tendos he quietly mumbled under his breath. The Tendos began to fidget under Ran Koh's gaze, all except Kasumi who smiled sweetly and replied.

"Oh, my!" Her usual statement of shock escaped her.

Soon the fire left his eyes Ran Koh turned to the patriarch of the Tendo clan, and made his announcement, as he bowed to the Tendos.

"I am sorry, but Ranma Saotome is dead, he died in China _killed_ by the stupidity of his father. Even if he was alive he would not except any arrangement made by a man who was too drunk to make a decision such as that." Ran Koh paused to let that information sink into the daughters, it had not taken long when all three burst into flaming auras as they turned on their father and Genma, Soun began to wail.

"My daughters have no honor; they won't uphold the family's honor!" This did not have the effect Soun had hoped for, as his daughters started to advance on their father, they stopped when Ran Koh spoke again.

"Although I would love to watch the coming fight, _this_ restaurant is our home and I won't have you destroy it!" Ran Koh-Kun's voice spoke softly but the meaning was clear.

The two older Tendo daughters had the good sense to look embarrassed. Akane however crossed her arms over her chest and snorted her disgust at the whole debacle. Ran Koh-Kun raised an eyebrow at her response but let it slide as he turned to Soun Tendo again.

"Even so Mr. Tendo, Genma Saotome had cancelled the promise between the two of you." Genma looked nervous as Soun narrowed his eyes and glared at his _friend_.

"Tell me boy, how did he do that?" Soun asked through clenched teeth.

Ran Koh-Kun looked at Genma, as if giving him a chance to redeem himself and show he had some honor left by confessing all, but it was too much to hope for as Genma was looking for a way out. Ran Koh-Kun looked at him with disgust, as the rest of the people in the dining room waited eagerly for what Ran Koh-Kun was going to say. Nodoka toyed with the bundle she was holding glaring at her husband. Ran Koh-Kun told Soun what he wanted to know.

"When Ranma was six just before the Neko-Ken training, Genma engaged Ranma to a six year old girl named Ukyo Kounji, he cemented the deal by taking her dowry, and abandoning her by the side of the rode. If I am not mistaken your daughters _still_ have their dowry?" He looked questioningly at Soun, who reluctantly nodded Soun opened his mouth to say something when Ran Koh cut him off, and continued.

"I am not finished _Mr. Tendo_, there were five other girls where Genma Saotome had stolen their dowry, not to mention the twenty or so times he _sold_ Ranma into marriage for a small pittance of food. So, Mr. Tendo, are you going to tell me your honor is more important then the honor of those other girls? Are you going to tell me it is alright what Genma did as long as he fulfilled the _drunken_ promise the two of you made?" Ran Koh-Kun asked glaring at Soun, he gulped and started to feel nervous as he noticed he was the center of the rooms attention, he was about to answer when it was Genma who answered for him.

"It is a matter of family honor that you marry a Tendo, _boy_, show your mother that I raised you to be a _Man among men_ and live up to your responsibilities." Genma almost regretted saying what he did, almost.

Ran Koh-Kun turned to face his father rage filling his eyes. Ryoga gasped, as he had never seen Ran Koh this angry, using his empathic connection he felt a rage building in his friend one that could become deadly. He looked to Ku Lon, she nodded her understanding, and started to inch her way toward her niece, turned nephew, when Ran Koh-Kun spoke his voice was as cold as arctic ice.

"_Don't interfere Aunt Ku Lon_!" The meaning was clear as the Ancient warrior stopped.

Ku Lon stopped next to Ryoga; the two of them stared at Ran Koh-Kun with fear briefly passing through their eyes. The other members of the Takashi family noticed the exchange; they quickly closed ranks to be able to strike if Ran Koh-Kun needed help, but allowed him to handle the problem. Ran Koh-Kun 's voice showed none of the emotion playing across his face as he looked at Genma with open disgust.

"What family honor are you talking about _old man_, you have dragged the Saotome name through the mud, you are wanted all over Japan for theft, lying, cheating, and who knows what else. You engage me to so many girls that I would never have any peace! You laid a debt so big at my feet that whom ever I marry we would be indentured to pay it back for DECADES! That is if you don't steal the money first to feed your fat ass! Well it isn't going to happen when I merged completely with the spirit of my great grandmother Ranma Saotome ceased to be. You are now responsible for everything that happened; I accept _NONE_ of the engagements you had set up! I accept _NONE_ of the debt you racked up and put in my name and at the feet of the family I marry into! I accept _NOTHING_ you did under my name! You will have to fix your own problems old man, because I won't!" The barely controlled rage began to show around the young sorcerer as a dark red.

The Tendo family stared at Genma with rage the angriest was Nabiki as she realized the only reason Genma was pushing the pact was to get a hold of any money his son and daughter-in-law made. She turned and moved a step or two from her family and made a phone call she spoke quickly and told the person on the other end what she wanted. Then she hung up.

Genma was too angry to be afraid of what Nodoka might be thinking of what her son had just said. He did not care he always knew how to get his wife to capitulate to him. Just as he did with his son, he knew his buttons how, and when to push them. Right now, he was not going to let his son's defiance stand. He needed the boy under his thumb and he was not going to take away his life of leisure. He clenched his fist and stepped toward his son growling out his challenge.

"_You_ will obey me _boy_, you have _NO CHOICE_! Your mother _gave_ you to me to do with, whatever I want, I _OWN_ you and you will fulfill what _ever_ promise I tell you to fulfill!" He spoke without thinking threw his rage.

Nodoka gasped. Then her eyes narrowed in unbridled rage, as she pulled out the family katana, from the rice cloth. Genma tried to ignore the gleam of the sword, while he stared down his son. Unbeknownst to Genma, he struck Ran Koh-Kun 's hidden well of anger. A well that over the years when he had gotten murderously angry with his father he would push that anger deep into this well, but things had changed and he was no longer doing that. The entire room backed up several steps as Ran Koh-Kun 's aura burst to life. Although something was wrong, Ryoga knew what it was, as did the other Amazons.

"The Neko-Ken!" Ryoga gasped as he took a step forward, feeling a rage from Ran Koh so strong that he feared for his friend's sanity and his own as he felt the rage building in him.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Anna sat and watched as the drama unfolded before her, she shook her head and sighed heavily.

[And I thought _I_ had a dysfunctional family!] Her heart went out to the young man, as she could almost understand what he felt.

She watched as the argument became even more heated, she decided she was starting to dislike Genma and Soun immensely, although Soun not as much as Genma. Soun just had no backbone Genma was just plain _stupid_! Anna's eyes widen as she saw the young man with long black hair as he flared his aura with not a golden white light as she suspected but a purplish black aura streaked with forest green, and golden white. That, however, was not what shocked her the most; it was the fact that the aura had taken the form of an angry cat around the boy. She watched, as everyone stepped back. She barely heard the other boy whisper the word Neko-Ken. She was not sure what that meant but she planned on finding out. She continued to watch as the glowing boy lunged at the big idiot swiping at him before he was even near him. She gasped as did the others watching as claw marks appeared on man's chest and his gi was ripped away. A young man with glasses tried to step toward the glowing boy. His progress was stopped when a sword was placed in front of him by one of the serving women, the one with cyan hair.

"You _will not_ interfere this is an Amazon matter, _outsider_!" She told him disgust evident that he would dare to interrupt a battle of honor Tofu cringed at the tone of the word 'Outsider' it made him shiver.

"_HEY_ leave him alone!" Yelled Akane as she took a fighting stance, Cy Sin looked at her over her shoulder and snarled at her.

"Stay out of this _little girl_ you are way out of your league!" Cy Sin growled as she stared down the youngest Tendo.

Anna barely watched as Akane screamed and charged. In a blur of movement Akane could not even hope to follow, Cy Sin switched her sword to her left hand keeping it in front of Doctor Tofu then with her free right hand grabbed Akane by the front of her dress. Using Akane's momentum against her, she lifted her up, over her and Tofu's head, and into the wall at the back of the private dining room. Akane collapsed into unconsciousness as Nabiki and Kasumi rushed to her side.

Anna barely noticed the confrontation between the Amazon woman and Tendo girl as she was focused on Ran Koh-Kun and his father. She rose and began to glow a coppery red.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Genma stepped back from the swipe, which was why, the damage was not any worse. He looked down at his front then back at his son, and he saw the feral anger on his face and knew that he was in big trouble. He however, could not let Ranma win. If he did, everything he had worked for would be lost. He decided to take the fight to his son and charged him preparing too use a forbidden technique of the Saotome School of Anything Goes. However, Genma found himself on the floor with the maul of an extremely large, very angry coppery red lion, in his face. This was the biggest lion he had ever seen he had never realized they got as big as full grown horse. Genma gulped as the lion lowered its mouth closer to his exposed neck.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ran Koh-Kun stopped momentarily as the giant red copper lion landed on his father, he then felt several of his pressure points being pushed. He turned to glare at his aunt as the anger he released began to drain away. He looked around the room and saw Cy Sin with a sword in front of one of the Tendo guests, he nodded in her direction and she pulled the sword away and left the room. Doctor Tofu rushed to help the Tendo sisters with Akane. As Akane got to her feet with the aid of her two sisters, she glared at the retreating form of Cy Sin, but said nothing. Ran Koh-Kun walked up to his father and the lion.

"We have nothing more to discuss Saotome, you are not welcome here or in my life if you try to interfere again the next time they _won't stop_ me! Come it seems we have much to talk about." Ran Koh-Kun directed the lion to follow him, as he and the lion left.

The whole Tendo party gasped as Ran Koh-Kun shifted into a white hair girl and the lion transformed into a brown haired one. Ryoga followed the two girls out. Mas Cra joined him as he left. Ku Lon turned to the Takashi clan, as the Tendos listen in.

"I thank you for coming please feel free to finish and enjoy your stay, but an Amazon matter has come up that needs my attention." She then looked to Nodoka, with a sad smile, but her eyes denoted her disgust at what Nodoka had allowed to happen.

"You can learn what has happen to Ran Koh from your family, although they are now full members of the Amazon tribe and have a say as to what happens. _You do not_, we cannot condone your allowing a man of _his_ caliber to take control of raising your child. You have much to think about Nodoka Saotome, but do not forget to put the blame where it belongs, _on yourself_!" The shock was evident on Nodoka's face followed closely by guilt.

With that, Ku Lon left the dining room La Si and Xian Pu followed closely behind her. Ku Lon motioned for the two young Amazons to continue working as she went after the other four people. She turned one more time toward the Takashi family and nodded to Hiroshi, who excused himself from his family and followed the Chinese matriarch of the Takashi clan out of the restaurant.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Nodoka reeled from Ku Lon's accusations. She watched her child disappear, followed by her brother. Her heart was twisting in her chest. She realized what Genma had cost her, and what she had thrown away. She stood with her head bowed, her hands clenched into fists, and her body shook with pain filled sobs. She then caught movement out of the corner of her eye and turned, to see Genma being helped to his feet by Soun. Her heart burned with such an intense rage, she had never felt this much anger, it overwhelmed her, coursing through every fiber of her being, even deep into her soul. Nodoka wanted satisfaction. She wanted restitution for her wasted life and that of her son. She turned to walk toward her husband, sword drawn and ready for use. Her eyes burnt with the fire of pure rage. Genma started to sweat as Nodoka drew near, her sword raised for the killing blow.

"You _will honor_ the pact you signed, you _BASTARD_, for _destroying_ my son!" She seethed as her anger came to the visible range as a black red aura.

Nodoka drew the katana back its razor sharp edge glinted red as if the blood the blade had tasted was still there and waiting for more. With tears overflowing, her teeth clenched, and her mouth in a vicious snarl. She brought the katana forward with killing force and speed. There was a collective gasp as the katana headed for a paralyzed Genma's neck.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Michael arrived at the Nekohanten in time to see a coppery red glow, and then a giant lion landed on some fat bald person trying to attack Ran Koh-Kun. He watched the scene, taking in the fact that Cy Sin had another man at bay with a large sword. He was too far away to hear what was going on but by the cat shaped aura around Ran Koh and the rage emanating from most everyone in that group; he could guess it was not good. He then watched as Ran Koh-Kun walked up to the downed man, spitting out what he could only guess was a threa. He then watched as he left, turning female, and with the lion behind her. Michael watched as the lion turned into an eighteen-year-old girl with shoulder length brown hair. He decided dinner could wait and followed the two girls. Michael heard the tapping of a staff behind him and knew one of the Joketsuzoku Elders was following him. He then noticed movement and saw as Ryoga came up beside him.

"What happened, Ryoga? Who was that man that tried to attack Ran Koh?" Michael inquired while they continued onward Ryoga looked up to where Ran Koh was leading everyone then he glanced at Michael.

"It is a long story that will need to be discussed when Ran Koh is ready to tell it." He told his fast growing friend.

Michael looked to the white hair girl as she traversed the stairs. He nodded absently, and then continued in silence. Michael picked up the sound of another staff tapping on the tile floor and a set of heavy footfalls. He glanced back to see Ku Lon and a man of about thirty-five, bringing up the rear.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ran Koh led the party to the third floor conference room that they used for their living room. She directed everyone into to the room. She made sure everybody had a place to sit, once everyone was settled. She shut the door. Then turned to face a room full of stares, some friendly some confused, and some angry. Bowing her head slightly, Ran Koh sighed then faced the newest person in the room.

"Welcome to the 'Joketsuzoku Village', these two ladies are the Elders of the Amazons, Ku Lon and Mas Cra, they are our advisers during this monk business and yes it is because they _REALLY, REALLY_ are a lot older then they look." She smiled slyly at the two old women, ducking under the two incoming staff hits.

Then a thud was heard when two staffs hit the floor, however, the intended target was no longer standing there. In a blur of motion, Ran Koh was now on the other side of the room. She stood giggling behind her uncle; he just sat there shaking his head, while trying to hide the smile on his face. Ran Koh then turned back to her guest to continue the introductions. Placing her hand lovingly on the shoulder of her uncle, he reached up and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Ku Lon is also the head of the Chinese Takashi Clan. This gentleman is Hiroshi Takashi; he is the head of the Japanese Clan. Finally, those two gentlemen are Ryoga Hibiki and Michael Sanders. They are a part of what the monks are setting up. I am Ran Koh, I too am part of this _situation_." Ran Koh smiled at the girl as she gave her a soft smile.

Ran Koh finished with a bow to the young woman, when she straightened, she gave the girl a look, which seemed to say; 'now it is your turn.' The young girl looked from person to person in the room. She took a deep breath, and slumped into the sofa.

"I am Anna Smyth, I saw you and um...Ryoga, in the park this morning and followed you back here. I didn't know where else to go. I knew you were part of this stuff, I saw your symbols, but I don't know how to find the rest of my group. I am so tired of running, but with a curse where you turn into a lion, and now I am as big as a horse, it kind of makes it hard to live safely in one place for too long." She spoke quietly her shoulders sagged so deeply the rest of the room thought it might have hurt.

It seemed that all her emotions had finally found a release as the tears stream down her face. Ran Koh walked over to her, kneeling in front of the young girl. A soft sincere smile of concern adorned her face. Ran Koh took the girls hands in hers and gave them a comforting squeeze. Then smiling reassuringly, she told Anna what she needed to hear.

"Don't worry Anna, you can stay here, the rest of your group knows where to find you. How long have you been cursed?" Ran Koh tried changing the subject and hoped to get more information on the rest of the other teammates.

Anna looked skeptically at the young woman, and then smiled timidly, taking a deep breath, she wiped the tears from her red puffy eyes, and she could not seem to help but like this girl. They seemed to be kindred spirits. Although her life was not as bad as Ran Koh's it was still a hardship. Anna then looked up and stared determinedly into Ran Koh's eyes. The Amazon matriarchs and Takashi patriarch looked suspiciously at Ran Koh.

"That's just the problem I had been cursed for over three years, but this monk business started only a few weeks ago. These changes have been hard to deal with alone, never knowing when those damn monks were going to show up. Then there was that strange dream the other night. It really gave me mixed emotions, I freaked when I began to understand what I would need to do, but I also felt relief because I wouldn't be doing it alone. If it wasn't for that dream though, I would not have known to follow you and him." Anna finished with a sigh as she pointed to Ryoga.

Ran Koh handed Anna a box of tissues that she used to dry her eyes and blow her nose. Anna sighed deeply, again. Trying to relax then looked to the others in the room still a little nervous. Mas Cra leaned over and patted the young girl's hand as she framed her question in her mind.

"Anna, child, from what we gather in the dream only those of your team were visible to you, could you tell us who to look for as to your leaders and the other cursed people?" Mas Cra waited for the girl to reply.

Anna thought for a moment, then when she was about to describe the others, she froze as both sides of her Tao symbol flared brightly. Everyone looked away from the bright coppery red light. When the light dimmed, they looked back and Anna was sitting there with her eyes glazed over. Mas Cra was about to shake the child to consciousness when Ran Koh grabbed her hand and shook her head no.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Anna thought about her dream getting the faces and cursed forms in her mind. Then when she was ready to tell the others, she froze. As a deep, male voice spoke to her in her mind.

{Anna, _do not_ tell them anything about us just yet, Ran Koh is correct we are on our way. We will be on the plane arriving from Greece the day after tomorrow. Please bring the three members of the Tiger Sect with you when you come to meet us at the airport.} Anna finally felt safe she felt she belonged and could finally be happy.

Anna was vaguely aware of her symbol glowing, while she listened to the voice in her head. She tried to digest what was going on when she asked the voice.

{Why can't I tell them? I am sure they will tell me of their group. Aren't we supposed to work together?} This time a female voice answered Anna; the voice was soft and had motherly concern laced through it.

{Yes Anna, we are suppose to work together, but we are able to sense the great pain and rage from Ran Koh a moment ago and we want to assess her in person before revealing too much.} It seemed to make sense but Anna was not so sure.

Anna paused before responding, she became vaguely aware of two bright golden white lights. She shifted in her seat since she understood what was coming next.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ran Koh watched Anna, she could sense the communication between Anna and her leaders, and she turned to Ryoga who nodded that he felt it as well. They then flared their symbols, while most everyone in the room looked on with confused awe. The two Tiger leaders entered the conversation; they heard Anna being told not to say anything. Ran Koh then offered her opinion of the situation.

{Do as your leaders bid you Anna, Ryoga and I will keep the others from pressuring you. Your leaders have a right to be concerned, but you have no fear from Ryoga or me.} Ran Koh put in as an effort to stem Anna fighting with her leaders.

{Thank you for understanding Ran Koh, we will see you at the airport in two days, please come with Anna alone, but bring Michael with you also. We know about your elders and we will explain all to them but we need to speak with you and your co-leader alone first.} The male voice broke through the last part seemed more frantic in nature.

Ran Koh listened to the deep male voice and contemplated on what needed to be done, while she thought, she felt Ryoga's supporting strength, taking a deep breath she responded to the invisible voices.

{Very well, it won't sit well with them, but we agree.} She sighed heavily but it was Anna's leaders right.

With that, the link was broken and the three came out of their trance, to look at a room of concerned and curious faces. Ran Koh stood, taking a protective stance in front of Anna. She took a deep breath, trying to get ready to explain what just happened. Ryoga moved next to her, as if drawing an unseen battle line. Anna stood next to them adding her support. Michael although curious and a little confused, felt the empathic emotions of his leaders. He sensed their concern and even a little fear. He rose and joined the group of altered Jusenkyo victims.

"I am afraid that Anna has been commanded by the leaders of the Phoenix sect not to answer any questions. The four of us will be meeting them in two days at the airport. They request that Ryoga, Michael, and I go with Anna alone for the initial meeting." Ran Koh paused as she watched the faces of the others.

She could see the play of emotions across the other's faces. The Takashi patriarch and matriarch looked both disappointed and suspicious. While Mas Cra looked ready to explode in rage. Ran Koh sighed deeply then tried to head the explosion off.

"I don't know why they request this, but as Anna's leaders it is their right. The only indication they gave was concern for the rage they sensed when I was confronted by Genma, they didn't explain much as to why the private meeting first. However, they did make it clear they will come back to the Nekohanten, for a formal meeting with all of you. I am afraid you will have to settle for that at this time." She opened her mouth to continue, but was stopped.

Before she could say, another word there was an urgent knocking at the door. They all turned in surprise, and then Ryoga went to answer the knocking. When he opened the door, a harried Che Ri was standing there. She whispered to him and he stood aside to allow her to enter, closing the door behind her.

(l(l(l)l)l)

While three men and a woman got on a plane in Greece, heading for Japan. Two people at the Ireland airport were also boarding a plane for the same destination. One was a redheaded woman. The other was a tall black man. At that same moment a group of five people were boarding a plane in an airport in South America, also heading for Japan. This group consisted of three women and two men. One of the women a young girl of sixteen seemed to be torn between anger, concern, and fear.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Genma stood transfixed while he watched the gleaming sword coming toward his unprotected neck. In Genma's mind, everything was happening in slow motion, but try as he might he could not find the strength to move. Sweat was pouring from every pour, Soun stood trembling, his eyes wide as he, held his breath. His daughters and Doctor Tofu were frozen with disbelief and fear, while they watched as Nodoka swung the katana at her husband, using a decapitating blow.

Genma fainted when the blade stopped just when it touched his neck. The others let out the breath they were holding, and looked to see a strong hand on Nodoka's preventing her from fulfilling a decade old promise. The tears never stopping still flowed freely down her cheeks. She tried to pull her hand free to finish the task, but the hand would not let go, and she broke down crying in anguish.

"_DON'T STOP ME_ I have the right, I have the right!" Nodoka repeated dropping the katana.

Her body shaking with sobs, she turned into the waiting embrace of her father Keitaro, and he glared at the unconscious Genma. His son Hayashi threw cold water on him. Genma woke screaming in pain as he transformed into his panda form, he tried to steady himself, when he heard the purple haired Amazon as she spoke to the group.

"Panda-man, have Amazon punishment, we changed curse for what he do cousin, only Amazon council can remove, but _won't_!" She told them.

She smiled menacingly, at the now cringing panda. Then she turned back to the group. She smiled sweetly at her new family then turned and left, bouncing off to take care of the customers. Doctor Tofu walked up to the panda and examined him. He stood and shook his head.

"She is right I might have been able to remove the pain from the change but there are shiatsu points that have been triggered. Ones I never knew existed." He said looking at the slowly standing panda, they all jumped as an angry voice answered behind them; they turned to face an angry Amazon with long orange red hair.

"_WHAT_ right do you have to try and end his justified punishment, _outsider_? If _you_ had removed his punishment it would have been tantamount to _declaring_ war on the Amazons to which you, your entire family and any who stood with you would be _killed_!" The whole group looked shocked at the beautiful Amazon, as she continued.

"He was justly punished for his crimes against an Amazon. It is _not_ an outsider's right to determine if the punishment had been fulfilled. You would not let loose a criminal your courts convicted, so why would you try to release _him_ from his rightful punishment." Che Ri finished pointing to the now standing panda, most of the others contemplated what she had said, when the panda held up a sign.

/Why punish _ME_ I was just trying to fulfill that stupid promise Nodoka made me sign!/ Genma blamed his wife forgetting she was there to tell the truth.

Nodoka screamed and tried to lunge at the panda, her fingers ready to claw at him, but her father kept a tight hold on her. Genma cringed and took a step back. Nodoka cried as she told her side of what happened ten years ago.

"_NNNNOOOO!_ I nev...never made you sign a th...thing. I wen...went shopping for din...dinner when I returned, y...you had st...stolen _my son_, and left that da...damn promise in h...his place. I d...did not want a _man among men_ I wan...wanted a happy child." Nodoka cried as she tried to tear the heart out of her husband.

Genma began to sweat even more looking around for a way to escape; Nodoka turned and buried her face in her father's chest. He glared with rage at the panda before him. Che Ri looked at the crying woman with shock, she turned and left the restaurant. The Tendo daughters looked on in disgust at the man who could do that to someone. Soun patted his friends back. Genma looked at the expressions of the people in the room, he gulped as he tried to figure a way to turn this to his advantage. Still unsteady on his feet he stumbled slightly as Soun helped to steady him. He then grinned, a panda grin while he held up another panda sign. His eyes shone with a malicious and an evil panda smile on his face.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Che Ri in an effort to reach her elders jumped from landing to landing by-passing the stairs totally. She made her way to the third floor living space. When she reached the third floor, she headed for where the meeting was being held. She knocked urgently on the door. She waited impatiently for someone to answer. Soon the door opened and Ryoga was standing there.

"May I help you Cherr...I mean Che Ri?" Ryoga was still not comfortable with pronouncing the Amazons' names correctly, but he was trying. Che Ri looked at him for moment snorted a mirthless laugh, then asked.

"I must speak with the elders it is important." Ryoga looked at her for a moment then stood to the side and allowed her to enter.

Once Che Ri was inside he shut the door. He then went to stand next to Ran Koh while she watched Che Ri talk quietly but franticly with the two Amazon elders. She and Ryoga became very nervous as they felt the elders' power levels grow with rage.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Everyone in the room watched in confusion as Che Ri talked frantically with the Amazon Elders. The people watching took a step back when the auras' of the old women flare brightly. It was the brightest Ran Koh had ever seen Ku Lon's aura. She looked to Ryoga, who just shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. Finally, the three warriors turned to the assembled group. Ku Lon looked directly at her Japanese counterpart of the Takashi Clan.

"I am afraid we must apologize to you and your sister, cousin. It seems that when Genma signed the seppuku pact and tricked Ran Koh into putting her handprint on it, her mother knew nothing of it. We now know that Genma _STOLE_ Ran Koh, he left the signed pact, then took his son and disappeared. Nodoka did not know anything about it." Ran Koh looked at her great aunt.

Her face filled with a combination of anger and confusion. As the implications of what Ku Lon had said filtered through her muddled brain, her aura burst to life around her. As her eyes narrowed, she growled out as she asked her aunt.

"Then why did I not get that bit of information from him when I read his mind?" Ku Lon thought for a moment then tried to explain, to the confused sorceress.

"I believe Genma had buried the true events so deeply that his own lie had taken its place. When Ra Koh read his mind, she was still weak from being awoken, and only took his surface memories. She was probably so appalled by what she found, she was unable to dig deeper. _BUT_ cousin Hiroshi as long as Nodoka stays married to Genma _she_ will not be an Amazon...!" Ku Lon told the young patriarch.

Ku Lon stopped talking as Ran Koh stormed out of the door. Her aura flared even brighter, and began to darken. Ryoga followed close behind, he felt her anger rising and feared she had reached the levels she had earlier. Close behind them, was the remainder of the party.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ran Koh entered the Nekohanten her party following close behind her, Ryoga was getting nervous as he noticed her aura was continuing to darken to the same purple black of before only now it was blacker. The restaurant was almost empty. As there was a lull before the next group of diners began to show up. She saw her mother being held tightly by her newly found grandfather. She also saw her mother was crying. Ran Koh looked to the panda and noticed the sign he was holding. Her eyes narrowed while her aura began to change its shape.

/It was _necessary_. _You_ would have made him weak! He is now on his way to being the greatest martial artist of his time! He _owes me_, I am the one who made him great, I made him a _man ABOVE men_, and heir to the Anything Goes Schools. He _must_ marry a Tendo to combine the schools and _HE WILL DO JUST THAT!_/ Genma had not noticed the party as they returned.

Ran Koh clenched her fists. Her aura getting even blacker as she immersed herself deep into that black pit of anger she had kept buried. Her aura finally exploded again into her Neko-aura, she then screamed at her father.

"_NO! I WON'T!_" Everyone turned to see the white haired girl encased in a black cat aura.

She then let loose with a ball of chi that hit the panda in the center of his chest knocking him back into a wall. Ran Koh stormed forward in her hand was something that made Michael shudder. The Tendo daughters watched with wide-eyes filled with fear. Nabiki however was trying to figure how to use this to her advantage. Ran Koh bent down and grabbed the panda by the gi he still wore. She then hauled him to his feet. She shook the panda vigorously; she wanted him awake for his destruction.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Genma felt himself having the living daylights shaken out of him, he opened his eyes to see he was caught in the vice like grip of his child. When she had his full attention, he noticed her bringing her other hand into view. Genma almost passed out again, but Ran Koh was there to keep him awake.

"This _old man_ is chifire, it is one of my more lethal attacks. One I save for those that hurt my family and friends. Guess what, _old man_? You fit _both_ categories. This time I am going to finish the job at hand." Genma's panda eyes opened wide with fear at his child.

Ran Koh's eyes glowed with lavender fire. Genma tried to break free from Ran Koh but he was unable to move. He felt as if heavy chains bound his limbs. Genma could do nothing but watch while he waited for the pain to start. He watched his _son's_ facial features pass from pure rage, to disgust, to unbridled pain, then on to berserker rage. Genma gulped, and then sweat began to pour down his furry face. Everyone watched closely while the pair interacted. When suddenly Ran Koh began to growl and Ryoga stepped forward. The hand of Ku Lon stopped him.

"No, great nephew, she must handle this, she must show mercy on her own, not that he deserves it." Ku Lon told the soul mate of Ran Koh but he knew something they did not.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ryoga looked back at Ran Koh with a look of fear and sadness, he knew something Ku Lon did not he knew unless he interfered there would be no mercy. Ryoga called up his battle aura its bright forest green with purple and golden white flashed blazing brilliantly. The others around him stepped back. He then empathically connected with Ran Koh. He felt the rage, he explored its depths, and it was beyond anything he had ever felt before. He let the rage wash over him. He let it consume him totally. Those around him watched while Ryoga's aura darkened, and grew. They watched in horror as it changed shape and became the shape of a cat. The two matriarchs gasped and started to usher everyone away from the soul mates.

Ryoga growled, and leapt for his friend and her torturer. When he entered the private dining room, a blackish green flash exploded behind him. Nodoka screamed and broke from her father's grasp running toward her child. Ryoga hit Ran Koh full force pushing her into the panda, knocking the chifire from her hand. The spell flew across the room then exploded, filling the room with the spell. The room glowed and crackled with the power of the spell.

(l(l(l)l)l)

On a plane in route to Japan, a redheaded woman was sleeping fitfully while her companion a black man watched over her with concern. Suddenly the woman's emerald green eyes snapped open as she bolted up gasping for breath. She felt like her lungs were being seared from the inside. Her friend turned to see if he could aid her when he suddenly went stiff then doubled over in excruciating pain. The woman followed suit not long after. They could feel the burning, as it slowly washed over their bodies, they bit down hard to keep from screaming out, the pain making everyone of their nerve endings raw. The other passengers summoned the flight attendants. The young couple tried to wave them away, since the pain began to ebb slowly, but they still searched the plane for a doctor. The man slowly looked up into the pained eyes of his friend, the same pain showing in his eyes. They slowly settled back into their seats, sweat streaming down their faces. They felt the fear and worry mingling with the pain.

(l(l(l)l)l)

On another, plane a group of five friends laughing, talking, and enjoying each other's company. Then two of them bent over in pain. A young Japanese girl with long brown hair tied with a white ribbon, of sixteen, and a young man of Native American descent, their friends came to their aid. An ash blonde woman of twenty-three, with her hair cut in a short pageboy, reached out and touched the girl. When she made contact, their empathic link became stronger. The woman cried out in pain as she felt the raging fire course over her.

The others reached out to help their friends when they began to feel the pain through the empathic link with their three friends. The pain washed over them like a tidal wave, leaving them all gasping for breath and swimming in sweat. Five flight attendants arrived and against the protests of the weakened five, helped them to the first class lounge, which was empty. They then summon a doctor that was on the plane heading home to Japan. The five friends tried to say they were fine but the attendants would not take no for an answer. They introduce Doctor Takashi Mirako, who had been training abroad in more unconventional medicines. She examined the five passengers, and gasped when she realized the implications of what was happening to them. While the five friends began to relax, the pain slowly receded to a dull ache.

(l(l(l)l)l)

On a third, plane the one that carried the four friends from Greece. They were discussing what they would do when they reached the airport, how they would handle the meeting with the others. Then Alex and Taj collapsed with great pain. Mousse and Roberto came to aid them, when they succumbed to the pain being felt by their two friends. They felt the fire consume them, tearing through their bodies, much like a raging firestorm through the forest. The flight attendants came to them but they were turned away as the four friends began to feel the pain fade. The pain did not completely go; this began to worry the travelers. They feared they might be too late, when they arrived in Japan.

(l(l(l)l)l)

"_RANMA NOOO!" The frantic shout filled the restaurant.

Nodoka screamed for her child, having broken free from her father, she ran toward the dining room. She was unable to go very far, because her older brother grabbed hold of her. She could do nothing but struggle against the iron grip of her oldest brother. He caught her before she could enter the private dining room filled with a black, green, and purple aura. Soun stood there watching, tears streaming down his face as he wondered if his friend would survive. La Si like Nodoka struggled against the grasp of Che Ri which was preventing her from entering the chifire that filled the small dining room.

Ku Lon stood nearest the room stretching her senses checking for her great niece and nephew. She was frantic with worry and despair, for she had come to care very deeply for the two soul mates. Mas Cra came up beside her old friend and placed a hand on her shoulder. Ku Lon shook her head. They heard Nodoka as she screamed again then she collapsed against her brother.

"NNNNOOOOO!" That scream was all she got out before the soul wrenching sobs claimed her.

It was then, that two forgotten people came to the edge of the room. These two people knew what the others did not. With Tao symbols glowing one of bright white and gold the other of copper and fiery red. They entered the chifire before anyone could stop them. Cy Sin rushed forward only to be stopped by Ku Lon. She reached out and pressed pressure points on the young Amazon causing her to lose the use of her legs. Xian Pu then picked her up with the help of Dou el and placed her at a table near the group, watching over her closely. Xian Pu kept a reassuring hand on the older Amazon's shoulder. The group stared at the dining room and waited for the spell to dissipate, so the bodies could be recovered. There were many in the room left crying for the imprisoned friends. Nodoka, she had lost her child again. La Si and Cy Sin for the men they had begun to care for. Ku Lon grieved the loss of her new family and old family.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The Tendo daughters stared with wide-eyed terror, while watching the scene unfold before them. Kasumi trying to be a comfort for her younger siblings, but the tears still streamed down her face Doctor Tofu stood behind her with his hand on her shoulder giving her the added strength to hold her family together. She reached up with one small delicate hand and placed it on his to let him know she was glad he was there. Nabiki stared transfixed her eyes glued to the private dining room. She had never seen anyone die, not like this. When her mother died, they had kept the sisters out of the room. This sight was causing cracks in her _Ice Queen_ façade, as she trembled at such raw power. Akane stared with disbelieving shock coursing through her. Soon the shock turned to awe at the ability of those martial artists, and then it turned to jealousy when she realized, that they were better than she was. She then got angry when she began to comprehend, that she was no longer the premier martial artist in Nerima.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Nodoka struggled against the grasp of her brother, Hayashi, but could not break his iron grip. She watched in terror as the chifire burned brightly, she wondered why it did not leave the small private dining room. She stared horror struck when the two gajins walked up to the room. The man began to glow a golden white and the woman a coppery red then they push through a barrier that became visible as they made their way through it. It was a blackish forest green in color, once they were behind the chi wall the barrier had disappeared but was still containing the magic spell. While tears stream down her cheeks she prayed quietly to herself praying to the Kami-sama that her child and _his_ friend was all right. Nodoka reached out toward the room she could see the coppery red glow and the golden white glow of the two young people that went looking for her _son_. She again tried to break free, if her child must die then so shall she. She could not live any longer without her baby.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Taji stood with tears streaming down her cheeks while she watched the destruction of her missing grandchild. She turned her face into the chest of her husband Keitaro. He held her tightly giving her the comfort she needed. He stood ramrod straight staring icily into the small dining room. Although unshed his eyes brim with tears. Hiroshi walked up beside them, his blue eyes burning with rage and promised vengeance against Genma, and Soun, that was if Genma was alive. Hiroshi watched mutely while his family was torn apart at the loss of a young girl they just met but cared deeply about. He watched fascinated as the blackish purple green mass began to lighten slowly to a medium purple green. He could now make out the movements of Anna and Michael while they moved through the burning room glowing brightly. Silently he prayed that his niece and her friend were still alive.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Keitaro's anger raged, his grandchild finally found some peace and a family to support her, when that moron had to do this. He watched as his granddaughter's, glowing friends' move through the now purple green chi, wondering how they were able to move through it without being killed. His mind working overtime in figuring a way for the Takashi's to claim vengeance on this Soun Tendo and especially Genma Saotome. He could not believe what Cologne had told him, until he had seen with his own eyes Ran Koh changed shape back to Ranma. Genma effectively killed Ranma at Jusenkyo, and with the final merging of Ra Koh and Ranma. His grandson was no more. He wanted to know this new child that rose from the life that was Ranma. He hoped; he got that chance, to know that new individual. Now that he knew his daughter was not dumb enough to have agreed to that stupid promise, his family may now have a chance to heal _but_ without the presence of Genma. His attention was pulled back to two glows as they stopped moving. The golden white glow grew brighter than before, but he could still see nothing definite.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Michael and Anna watched as the small dining room filled with the powerful magic of Ran Koh and Ryoga, while her mother fought with Ran Koh's older uncle. Michael walked toward the magical chi barrier he knew Ryoga had formed a magical and chi barrier around the dining room to contain the chifire. Anna sensed what he was planning and joined him at the door to the room. Michael flared his golden white aura. He used the maximum possible strength, with Anna following suit. Then before anyone could stop them, they entered the room. They needed to push through the barrier left by Ryoga, once they got past the field they could feel the intense heat of the chifire, trying to break through their auras. They began to head in the direction of where they last saw their friends. Michael reaching out with his empathic sense hoping to detect them, hoping beyond hope that they were still alive. Michael felt Anna's hand touch his arm; he looked up at her and saw she was pointing at something. He turned to see what it was. His eyes went wide and he froze with shock almost causing him to lose his protective aura. He and Anna hurried to the object; they bent down to examine it as tears streamed down their faces. They then flared their auras even brighter and the golden white aura flared even brighter still.

(l(l(l)l)l)

On the plane coming from Ireland, two friends looked at each other with fear and worry. The woman's long red hair fell to just below her waist, she had a slight muscular, athletic build and stood at five feet eight inches, her eyes were a deep emerald green, and she was a young twenty-two. Her companion was a black man of six feet, with short black hair, deep brown eyes and very muscular in his build. He was stocky without being overweight. His skin was a dark brown but not black. He was four years the junior of his traveling companion. They took each other's hands and closed their eyes. They reached out with their senses, as they reached out their Tao symbols began to glow a golden white. The man's, the same as Ryoga and Michael's while the woman's matched the symbol on Ran Koh and Anna though not in color for her. The passengers around them began to fidget while they watched the two travelers warily. The other passengers tried hard to be afraid of the power the two generated but they could not the empathic feelings of calm and strength permeated them and kept the passengers calm as well.

Their minds just touched the mind of another, they felt his worry, and they felt his shock at what he was seeing. The couple pushed their link to him passing their strength to him. Giving to him the help, he needed with what he had to do. The more power they pushed to their comrade the brighter they began to glow. The flight attendants watched from the galley, while deciding who was going to go talk to them. None of them wanted to go near the glowing couple, so they stood there just staring in awe.

The sweat rolled freely down their faces while they continued to push their strength and power through their empathic link to their comrade. They could feel him, when he responded with appreciation. They moved with him in their minds feeling the power of the spell he was walking through, feeling his anger, at what had brought it to this. They gasped when they felt his urge to kill the one, which was destroying the lives of those around him. They surged more power through him trying to calm him, trying to push that thought from him. They felt his excitement build when he saw something; the tears flowed down their faces when they felt his anguish at what he found. They felt his despair and depression, growing when he neared the object. They sensed his tears when he lowered to the object, they gasped in pain when they felt as he pushed their power with his around it, trying to protect it repair it, he tried to make it whole again. They worked with him trying to help him accomplish his goal. Suddenly the link was broken and they collapsed back against their seats. The glow slowly dispersed, while they fell into a much-needed sleep. The flight crew relaxed, but kept a wary eye on the couple.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The family and friends watched as the golden white light faded back to what it was when Michael entered the room. They noticed a brighter flare of copper, then nothing. They all strain to see what was going on through the now medium purple green chifire. They could hear curses coming from the room but could not make out who it was or what was being said. They jumped when they heard the roar of a big cat. Since the restaurant was now closed, Ku Lon had some of the Amazon warriors to move the tables together so they could put the bodies on them, they all noticed her unshed tears, and listened to the quiet sobbing of Nodoka and her mother. Mas Cra released the paralyses points on Cy Sin so she could help in the preparations. Hayashi and his father tried to lead Nodoka and Taji out but they refused to leave. They stood holding tightly to the men, watching the glows in the room, for any sign of hope.

The Amazon's moved enough tables together for Ran Koh and Ryoga. They however, did not care what happened to Genma. Soun watched with a little anger then started to make a place for his friend. All work stopped when they heard as Nodoka and Taji gasped. Nodoka called out in surprise.

"Look the lights are moving this way." She pointed toward the encased dining room.

They all turned and saw it was true. Michael and Anna were heading back to the main room. They were moving rather slowly and with jerky movements as if burdened. The few moments it took for them to reach the barrier seemed like a lifetime to those waiting for them. Nodoka broke free of Hayashi and ran to the edge of the barrier waiting to see if her child was still alive, praying that her child still lived. Hiroshi walked up behind her and placed a soothing hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry No-Chan, Ran Koh is a survivor she will be fine." He tried to comfort the nervous mother.

Nodoka turned with hope blazing in her red puffy eyes. She gave him a small smile then turned back to the room to wait for them to exit. The room stopped breathing when the party walked through the barrier.

(l(l(l)l)l)

On the plane, coming from Ireland two sleeping people smiled slightly, while a doctor the flight attendants found onboard was examining them. He stood a tall six feet one inch, and he had a medium build. His hair was a salt and pepper color, which complemented his gray eyes. He was wearing a pair of casual khaki slacks, with brown loafers, and a light green polo shirt. He stood and faced the flight crew.

"They are sleeping peacefully now, I don't want to wake them, I will stay with them I am curious as to what happened to them. They are the only ones that can give me those answers." He told the attendants who all breathed a collective sigh of relief, as they were no longer responsible for the scary couple.

He turned back to his patients and continued to take their vitals. He had already given up trying to separate their clasped hands since it was obvious that they would not let go of each other. The flight crew went back to taking care of the rest of the passengers, not noticing a three year old girl who came up to the sleeping couple and watched them. She stood next to the seat the redheaded woman sat in. Her tiny hands rested on the arm of the seat and she then rested her chin on the top of her hands. As she, stared up at them both, with inquisitive crystal blue eyes. The doctor smiled at the little girl but did nothing to shoo her away. She stood just under two feet and had blonde hair done up in pigtails. She was wearing a pink jumper with a white tee shirt under it. She had pink tennis shoes on with white lace socks. Her mother came and tried to pull the little girl back to her seat but she refused to leave, and climbed into the lap of the redheaded woman.

"Mary, come away from there and leave those people alone!" Her mother scolded.

Mary grabbed hold of the redhead's neck and refused to let go. Suddenly a pair of deep emerald eyes stared directly into a pair of blue ones. The woman smiled at the little girl as she smiled mischievously back at her. The woman speaking with a thick Irish brogue asked the little girl her name.

"'Ello, wee one, an' what might yer name be?" The little girl scrunched up her nose then a small smile spread across her face.

"You talk funny. My name is Mary what's yours!?" The woman laughed as her laughter sounded like the tinkling of crystal.

Her laughter woke her companion. As her, laughter broke through is unconsciousness. She then looked to her friend with a relieved smile and then back to the little girl. She reached up and gently stroked the little girls blond hair as she played with a small medallion around her neck.

"My name tis Megan, Megan O'Riley, and my sleepy friend 'ere is Joshua Thomas." She told the little girl her eyes sparkling with the mirth she felt.

The little girl looked from the smiling black man back to Megan then jumped into Joshua's lap and gave him a big hug. Then she climbed down and ran down the aisle as she waved bye to her new friends, all the while her mother chased after her, with a look of frustration on her face. The two friends watched her go chuckling under their breath. They turned back to face a very stern faced doctor.

"Now you can answer some questions." The two friends looked at him as they gulped and sunk deep into their seats, hoping the flight was going to end soon, very soon.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Michael looked down at the pile of bodies. A tear slowly traveled down his cheek. He turned to Anna and motioned for her to go into her lion form. She nodded and transformed. Michael then leaned down and tried to remove the top most body, Ryoga by the looks of it, but it seemed when he lifted Ryoga the smaller body underneath came with him. He worked gently to pry them apart but could not without damaging them. Shaking his head, he just sat the two of them on top of Anna. He then turned to the seven-foot body, which was undoubtedly Genma, he was tempted to walk away and leave him in the spell aftermath but he could not as much as he wanted to, it just was not in him. Michael leaned down and grabbed the collar of the panda-man's gi. He turned to walk out when Anna glared at him letting out a roar of disapproval. Michael shook his head and pointed toward the restaurant.

They walked slowly with Michael dragging Genma; he also kept a hand on Ryoga and Ran Koh to keep them from falling. They were half way across the room when the couple on Anna's back began to slip. Unceremoniously he dropped the panda, and grabbed for the couple. Anna stopped and waited for him to reseat her passengers. When he was satisfied that they were not going to fall he bent over and grabbed Genma's collar then lightly tapped Anna on her back to let her know she could start moving again. When they got nearer to the barrier they could just make out two people on the other side, they knew everyone was there but it was hard to see them through the chifire. They finally reached the barrier, and both he and Anna again try to get more power from their Tao's so they could safely step through, because this time they need to protect more then just themselves.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Nodoka stared intently into the purple green mass watching the glowing figures of the gajin girl and man as they came toward the barrier. She gasped when she saw the lights stop for an agonizing ten minutes about half way out. Hiroshi grabbed Nodoka's arm keeping her from bursting through the barrier. When they started moving, again everyone in the room let out a breath they were all holding. The duo finally reached the barrier; they stopped for a moment. While those on the restaurant, side of the barrier backed away from it when they saw the auras grow even brighter. Hiroshi dragged Nodoka away from the barrier as she strained to get back to it.

A lion and Michael stepped through the barrier, on the lion's back was Ran Koh wrapped tightly in Ryoga's arms. Michael was dragging a badly burned panda which he threw to the side near the Tendos; he glared at Soun, when Soun looked about to complain about the treatment of his friend. The amazing thing was that there were only a few burns on the soul mates. Nodoka ran toward her child when Michael stepped in her path. Anna growled at the others when they tried to take the soul mates from her back.

"_Don't_ anyone touch them, they are surrounded by Ryoga's magically enhanced aura! It is the one he used to block the private room, when he went into the chifire." The two Amazon Elders stepped forward, and started examining the two soul mates.

Anna lowered herself to the ground so that they could have a better look. Ku Lon turned to Michael and asked him.

"Would you place them on that table, since you and Anna seem to be the only ones with protection strong enough to touch them? I don't think our auras would protect us. #When they get better I am going to find out when great nephew started doing magic!#" Ku Lon asked Michael as she whispered the last sentence to herself with determination.

Michael nodded and went over to the lion his aura flaring around him while he gently pulled Ryoga and Ran Koh from Anna. Anna reverted to human then flared her coppery red aura and helped Michael lift the teens to the requested table. The other Amazons noticed the gajins moved them together were caught by surprise but quickly pushed the two separate tables together.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Nodoka watched while the two rescuers put the teens on the tables, she jerked away from her brother, ran, and knelt by the table, tears streaming down her face. Through the blackish green energy, she could make out the beautiful face of her child.

"Ranma wake up child it's me your mother, please Ranma wake up!" Ku Lon hopped next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder; Nodoka looked at her scowling then blushed with embarrassment when she saw concern in the old woman's eyes.

"You must get use to the fact that Genma _killed_ Ranma at Jusenkyo, this child is now two souls merged as one, and goes by the name Ran Koh. Call to her using that name child pull her back, from where she is, and Ryoga will follow. For they are soul mates and where one goes the other will always be. Show _her_ you want to be her mother as she is now." Nodoka stared deeply into the pained eyes of the elder; she bowed her head and turned back toward her child.

Ku Lon stepped back; Nodoka watched her closely mulling over in her mind what the woman was telling her. She knew there was more to learn of her child then her brother Hiroshi had told her, but to call Ranma dead. She did not know and this child in front of her, could she love her, could she be the mother to her that she needed. Nodoka looked to her own parents her mother with tears streaming down her cheeks. Her father gave her a slight nod. Nodoka swallowed hard then looked back at the glowing teens. Nodoka had indecision written on her face while she stared with confusion and despair at the sleeping form of her child and friend no more than friend her soul mate.

Nodoka bowed her head, teardrops pooling on the floor in front of her. She then felt the loving hands of her brothers as each took a position at her side. She made her decision, she wanted her child whether it was Ranma or Ran Koh they were both hers and she wanted them back. Nodoka leaned as close to Ran Koh as she could without touching the chi surrounding them. She whispered desperately to Ran Koh her voice horsed from the crying she had been doing.

"My darling _daughter_ don't leave me again, I cannot survive if I lost you a second time. Please come back to me; let me get to know my beloved child, let me get to love the child I lost ten years ago, and to meet the child that has come home to me. Please my darling Ran Koh you and Ryoga come back to us...to _me_. One way or another I will be with my child if that means I must follow you in death I will!" Her voice was raspy as she gasped praying her daughter heard her.

Tears poured freely from Nodoka's eyes, only her brothers heard what she was saying, they turned to their parents with looks of concern, for they knew their younger sister was capable of following through with her promise to follow Ran Koh into death. They turned back when they heard her as she started speaking again with a cracking raspy voice.

"Ran Koh don't let that _bastard_ win now, you fought for the right to come home to me. Please child wake up and let me hold my baby. Let me caress your hair. I need to hold you and tell you I love you. Please my daughter, allow me to do this, allow me to help you grow into the new person you are. Please Ran Koh I...I love you, let me be your mother again." Nodoka's heart sank as no response came from the cocoon of chi.

Nodoka put her head on the table and sobbed uncontrollably while the others watched. No one noticed the movement in the green mass; no one noticed the lightening of the blackish green to forest green. No one saw the small delicate hand with burns, which reached out to touch Nodoka until she gasped with fright.

(l(l(l)l)l)

On the plane coming from South America, five friends breathed a sigh of relief when they sense the end of the horror they felt, and the fact that two of their number were on the road to recovery. If only they were there then Sam could cast his healing spell on them. Doctor Takashi was also relieved, as it seemed this group of strangers were going to be associated with her and her family, and if what they told her about this Ran Koh was true then she was glad for her sister. She watched as they slowly fell to sleep checking each one to make sure they were fine. She then took a seat in the lounge near a window, staring out she contemplated what she had learned. Mirako like her sister had auburn hair, but instead of their father's sapphire blue eyes, she had her mother's soft warm brown eyes. She was the same height as Nodoka, but about five years younger. Slowly sleep over came her and she dreamt of childhood fantasies.

(l(l(l)l)l)

On another plane coming from Greece Alex and Taj told their friends that the crisis seemed to be over, they could not tell how bad the damage was yet but maybe with the help of the leaders of the Dragon Sect they could help speed the recovery. Roberto and Mousse breathed a sigh of relief, at the same time making a silent vow to exact revenge on the pompous ass that was causing all these problems. It was amazing to them how they could feel protective about the members of the other sects without ever having met them. It must be because of the empathic and telepathic links. The four were finally able to sleep.

(l(l(l)l)l)

On the final plane coming from Ireland, two friends slept soundly as they felt the relief from their teammate, as they felt the life returning to those who were too be their leaders. They could still feel a small amount of pain but that would subside, and they would be ready when the time was right, they would win this time also. Watching them sleep was the doctor, he stared at them with disbelief, but at the same time, he believed them. He had already made the necessary changes to his schedule, for he felt he would be needed elsewhere for a more important reason.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Slowly the aura around the teens faded, Ran Koh heard the pleas of her mother. Embraced in Ryoga's arms, when she opened her eyes she saw her mom with her head bowed on the table crying. Ran Koh reached out and gently caressed her mother's cheek. While tears formed in her eyes. Nodoka jumped back with a gasp, startling the young girl, she then pulled back into the embrace of her soul mate. The sudden movement caused Ryoga to wake. He looked around angrily as he could feel Ran Koh shiver slightly in his arms. His gaze turned to Nodoka and through his empathic link with Ran Koh knew she was the cause of the sadness welling up inside the young sorceress. He narrowed his eyes at her and bared his fangs while Ran Koh stared sadly at her mother. Nodoka tried to ignore the young man, as she reached out to her child. Ran Koh was unsure of this and backed up slightly deeper into Ryoga's protective arms.

She watched her mother closely, she was unsure of the older woman, she had been hurt so many times; she did not want the pain any more. She wanted it to go away, but she did not know if she could reach out to this woman. If she could trust this woman not to hurt her as Genma had. Ran Koh felt a hand placed on her arm she turned and saw Ku Lon, the old Amazon smiled sadly at her and nodded her head. Ran Koh turned back to her mother; Nodoka held her arms out to the girl, Ran Koh again looked back at Ku Lon who waved her forward. She slowly scooted across the table toward her mother. Ryoga glared a warning, not to hurt his little _sister_.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Nodoka cringed inside when she saw as her child backed away from her uncertain, and distrusting, she tried hard not to lunge for her daughter. The fact the boy Ryoga was sending threats toward her with his eyes made her wary. She then noticed the old woman, Cologne, pat Ran Koh's arm and gave her a nod toward Nodoka. The young girl looked first to Nodoka then back to the Amazon again. Nodoka was silently thankful for the encouragement for the child to come to her. She watched; her arms out stretched as Ran Koh slowly scooted toward her. She smiled and tried to put an entire decade of missing love into it.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Ran Koh still unsure but seeing all the love she wanted but never had as it filled her mother's eyes she could not hold back any longer. She sprang into her mother's embrace, holding her tight for fear this was nothing but a dream, which would turn to a horrible nightmare. She felt the tightening embrace of her mother as both of them began to cry. Nodoka leaned back and cupped Ran Koh's face, scanning every inch; it was almost as if she was trying to memorize it. She then pulled her forward and began to put motherly kisses on her forehead, cheeks, chin, and eyes. Then she started kissing her all over again.

"_Mmmoooommm_ you're embarrassing me." Her whine came through the kisses.

As Ran Koh whined with a huge smile on her face, Nodoka stopped and looked again at her child then pulled her into another tight embrace. Tears flowing down her face, she had not cried this much since Genma stole her baby from her.

"I am never going to let you go again, _oh_ Kami-sama thank you for bring me back my child." Nodoka whispered as she held tightly to her baby.

Nodoka whisper to her daughter, while they stood there in a loving embrace the rest of Ran Koh's family came up and it became a huge family hug. Ran Koh pulled away from the group and walked over to where Ryoga stood watching sadly, she reached out, took his hand, and pulled him toward her new family. She got behind him and pushed him toward her mother. Nodoka looked confused then Hiroshi whispered something to her and she smiled brightly. Taking Ryoga into a tight hug, she smiled slyly at him, and asked him.

"Ah, my son welcome to the family, when will you and Ran Koh be married?" This caused all kinds of commotion, from La Si as she drew her sword, Soun standing with his mouth open ready to protest, but it was Ran Koh who spoke, for herself and a shocked Ryoga.

"We are _not_ getting married mother, Ryoga is my soul mate by our choice, not my life mate. To me he is the brother I never had, and besides there is another he cares for deeply and I will not hurt her. I want Ryoga to be a son of the Takashi clan, since he is my soul mate. Aunt Ku Lon has accepted him as my brother and her nephew. Will all of you do so as well?" Ran Koh asked as she looked at each member of her family still holding Ryoga's arm.

Nodoka was about to speak when Hiroshi placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head. She bowed her head and stepped back to allow him to come forward to face the two fighters. La Si breathed a sigh of relief, Mas Cra raising an eyebrow at her antics. Hiroshi then addressed the two teens.

"Ryoga, great Aunt Ku Lon has told us of what you have done for Ran Koh, how you have been with her even though only for a short time, but have been more of a family to her then anyone in her entire life. Ku Lon also told us that our common ancestor Ra Koh called you her grandson. As patriarch of the Japanese clan of Takashi Amazons, I extend to you the right and privilege to call yourself a Takashi. I know that you have your true family, just know that there is always a place here in clan Takashi if you need it." Ran Koh smiled as the Takashi Clan all bowed to Ryoga.

Hiroshi bowed deeply to the lost boy, who stared at him with wide-eyed wonder. He then felt someone pinching his upper arm and snapped back to face the Takashi patriarch. He bowed deeply to him, and then straightened while responding.

"I Hibiki Ryoga am proud and honored to accept your offer, though I have my true family, Ran Koh and the Takashi's will always mean more to me then life itself. With Ran Koh, I found acceptance, friendship and love. I thank you for honoring the memory of Ra Koh and allowing me to be a member of your clan." He told them Ran Koh's smile beaming throughout the room.

He completed with another deep bow, he stood and shook Hiroshi's hand and was about to turn to bow to Nodoka and the others when he felt pain inside his head and a telepathic cry from Ran Koh. Ryoga turned in time to see a very badly burned panda with an unconscious Ran Koh slung over his shoulder and a broken table on the floor. The panda made a dash for the door with his prize. Soun acted as bodyguard, for the thieving panda, what they did not expect was the wall of Amazons blocking the door. The warriors that arrived with Mas Cra intermixed with the four that came to Japan with Ku Lon. Behind them they felt a searing heat when they turned they saw Ryoga glowing a bright forest green, they gulped while watching his aura as it turned blackish and it took the shape of a cat. They also noticed next to him three Takashi males in fighting stances with katana drawn and glowing blood red.

"_Hold_!" The cold voice of a warrior resounded throughout the restaurant.

The men turned and faced the Amazons, the redhead being the one that spoke to them. They looked to one another than at the front window deciding to make a break with Ran Koh out the window. They came to a screeching halt when they were confronted with a coppery red lion the size of a horse, baring its fangs, and an eagle the size of 1-year-old pony. They looked for another exit then suddenly they collapsed to the floor. Ran Koh was removed from their grasp before she too hit the floor. They looked up and saw Doctor Tofu standing over them looking very angry, while holding the unconscious girl. Soun swallowed hard, and stared while Doctor Tofu gave Ran Koh a quick examination with the help of Kasumi, as she glared angrily at the men. This caused both men to cringe in fear, from the eldest Tendo daughter. Once Tofu satisfied, himself that there was no damage, he turned and handed the girl to Ryoga who calmed and dispersed his aura so that he could take her from him.

"_NO_ Doctor Tofu he belongs to us he is the fiancé of one of my daughters, _HE BELONGS TO US!_" Soun cried out ignoring the glares of death from his daughters.

Ryoga nodded to the doctor then very slowly and painfully turned to leave the restaurant. Nodoka and her mother followed the lost boy, while he carried the sleeping girl. He paused looking lost when La Si came to him and led him to Ran Koh's rooms. He smiled bashfully at her, and mouthed 'Thank you' to her.

(l(l(l)l)l)

La Si guided Ryoga and the others to the top floor where Ran Koh and Ryoga had their rooms. Being careful not to touch the burn marks on Ryoga's arms, she led him slowly. The two Takashi women followed them. Taji told Nodoka the _highlights_ of Ran Koh's life. With each step, Nodoka got angrier and angrier; she raised her hand to stop her mother, since she could take no more of this horror tale. She then asked her mother, her fists clenched at her sides.

"Mother, could father get me released from Genma and make sure I keep custody of Ranma?" Her mother scowled at her daughter and shook her head; she then tried to explain.

"Nodoka, Ranma is dead, legally, and truly as if we had buried him. Ku Lon gave the Japanese and Chinese government proof of that fact. Both governments are satisfied that Ran Koh is a true Amazon who is under the custody of Ku Lon her great aunt. Daughter the sooner you come to terms with these facts the better it will be for you and for Ran Koh. She needs you. She needs you to help her come to the decision as to how she will live. She does not need you forcing _Ranma_ back on her." Her mother finished as her brown eyes flashed red with anger.

Nodoka looked at her mother tears welling up in her eyes. She then glanced to the back of Ryoga, while he was carrying the white hair girl to her rooms. Nodoka sighed, then nodded, and turned to follow her new daughter. Her mother smiled at her as she left. Then Taji hurried to catch up to them.

They reached Ran Koh's room, when La Si opened the door a small blur jumped out and landed on Ran Koh's chest. The sleeping girl moaned quietly as the little fur ball landed on a burned area. La Si shook her finger at the kitten scolding her (Dani: Calico cats are almost always female especially tri-colored ones), while the kitten batted at her finger as she chastised her.

"You bad Ran Koh kitty, Ran Koh hurt, now get down play with momma later." The young Amazon told the little kitten still playing with her finger as La Si started to wiggle the finger more to make the kitten happy.

La Si lifted the kitten gently and sat it on the sofa. The little calico watched with a look of confusion. She followed them into Ran Koh's bedroom. The little kitten jumped upon her pillows and stared at her mistress, distress gleaming in her eyes. She watched Ryoga place Ran Koh on the bed next to her and the little calico snuggled up next to her neck. As she placed her small head on Ran Koh's shoulder. The calico watched the unconscious girl for any sign of movement. Then Taji tried to remove her but stopped as she hissed and swiped at her.

"Leave her Aunt Taji, she will not hurt Ran Koh." Ryoga gasped out, Taji nodded then noticed how pale the boy was.

She led him to the living room and placed him on the sofa. La Si came in with a blanket and covered him up, knowing he would not leave until his soul mate woke up. They all started with surprise, and then stared at the door when they heard a loud scream coming from downstairs. Nodoka arrived quickly at the bedroom door. She had a look of fear and confusion on her face.

(l(l(l)l)l)

While downstairs in the Nekohanten, there was less a scene of concern and more a scene of a battlefield with sides drawn. Doctor Tofu siding with the Amazons, as did Kasumi. Akane sided with her father only because she did not like the fact that Cy Sin was able to defeat her so easily. Not to mention she was not going to side with a pervert. Nabiki on the other hand stood apart from both groups planning ways she could play them against one another to make a profit. Ku Lon returned from the kitchen with a boiling kettle of water and poured it on the panda.

"GGGRRRROOOWAAAAHHHH!" The scream came from Genma as he collapsed to the floor.

She smiled evilly at the painful transformation. She then turned and pogo over to the other Amazons. She turned and faced two temporarily paralyzed men. Akane had knelt next to her father glaring daggers at the Amazons and betrayal at the doctor. Her feelings of betrayal increase when it was Kasumi who spoke.

"_Father_ I am _ashamed_ to acknowledge you as such! What would mother say if she knew what you were trying to do to that poor girl?" Kasumi scolded, as her father looked guilty if only for a moment.

"_THAT IS NOT A GIRL_ that is my son a _MAN AMONG MEN_, I _trained_ him to be a _MAN_!" Ku Lon snorted in disgust, then had pogo up to the downed man and looked him straight in the eye, then spat out.

"_You_ trained him to be a thief, a liar, and a cheat until he was old enough to understand those things were bad and quit doing them, you trained him to be your meal ticket, someone _you_ could sell for a quick meal. There are six girls out there with a better claim to _Ranma_ then this weak excuse for a man. You not only dishonored the Saotome name you dishonored the Tendo name, as well as these three young girls!" The elder spat out at the cursed fighter.

Ku Lon turned away from him before he could say anything. She then gave a signal to the Amazons and they picked up Genma and Soun. They then carried them outside and left them in the street outside the restaurant. The two younger Tendo daughters started to follow, when Nabiki turned and looked at her older sister.

"Aren't you coming, Kasumi?" Kasumi shook her head no, and then held up a hand as her two sisters were about to argue with her.

"I cannot in good conscious come back into the house with that man there, not after what he and father did to poor Ranko. I will be staying at Doctor Tofu's. He has a small apartment over the clinic I can rent. I will pick up my belongings tomorrow. Goodbye and take care of each other." She walked over to her sisters; with tears streaming down her face, she hugged them tightly she whispered to them so only they could hear her.

"Please understand, leaving you two is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, I cannot abide by that promise father made, nor could I condone what they tried to do tonight. I will always be there for you two, and love you dearly, but I must move on and find my own way. Please come and visit when you can." She breathed quietly to them her eyes filled with unshed tears.

She leaned in and kissed them both then turned and ran over to the doctor as she threw herself into his embrace shaking with sobs. The doctor trying not to go over the edge put his arms around the woman he loved and held her tightly. Akane stared at them scowling then stormed out. Her face filled with jealousy. Nabiki followed, with sadness slipping through the _Ice Queen_ façade. Mas Cra locked the door behind them and watched as they dragged home the two old martial artists.