Hikawa Shrine

Rei sat in front of the sacred fire and tried to meditate but she hadn't been able to focus since last week, when her 'father' came by for a visit. Since he came she hadn't been able sleep and wasn't eating right and even she knew she was being grouchier than usual but right now she didn't care. Usagi knew something was wrong but respected her enough to know she would talk about it when she was ready. Problem is she didn't think she'd ever be ready.

(Flashback)

It was the beginning of school break and her father was due to visit for his yearly photo shoot to make himself look like the family man politician they all loved. She really hated election years, smiling for photo shoots showing up at events and fundraisers. She dressed as was expected in one of her best blouses and a very modest knee length skirt. Since her grandfather couldn't stand the man that married his daughter, she had to meet her father outside the shrine on the side walk. Today he was late, not a big deal, he often was. She watched up and down street for her father's limo but was extremely surprised to not only to see her father walking toward her but he was alone without his ever present personal assistant, or his ever present bodyguard that always gave her the creeps for some reason. Seeing her father completely alone just seemed so wrong, see was just so used to seeing him always in the middle of crowd. As he walked down the street she noticed several things about him. One he wasn't wearing one of his ridiculously expensive suits, two his face was contorted into his righteous anger face. The last time she saw him that angry his re-election campaign manager quit to work for his rival. She had a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach that his anger was for her.

"Rei."

Rei swallows a lump in her throat, "Father."

"That's what I thought too, but no."

"What, do you..."

"Your step-mother and I have been trying to have children since we married two years ago. Turns out I can't have children. Your mother cheated on me. Since you are not my child I will not see you again after today and I have removed you from the Hino clan rolls, goodbye Ronin."

(End flashback)

Unable to meditate, because of that horrible memory Rei opens her eyes to a terrible sight. The sacred fire was angry and dark, she had contaminated the sacred fire with her negative emotions.

"Grandfather, Help!" It doesn't take long before she hears the footsteps of her grandfather and Yuuichirou.

"My God Rei what you done? Rei get out of here! Yuuichirou and I will try to cleanse the sacred fire." Rei runs out of the sacred fire room and into her bedroom where she flops on her bed and does not cry, Rei doesn't cry. She does think about how horrible her life is thanks to her father, no, that's not fair he is a first class bastard but apparently like father, like daughter or close enough considering. Her father treats her like crap then she takes out her misdirected anger out on friends. Until finally she had none. That is until she became a scout. It was nice, at least when they weren't dying to save the world. But then her father, former father had to pull the ultimate 'dick move of the day'. Then being like the man that sort of raised her, she takes out her anger and frustration on Ami then the sacred fire. Damn it! If she spread her negative emotions to the sacred fire, then she probably spread them to her friends as well. She'd have to ask them all here for a spiritual cleansing. Having Miko abilities was a pain in the ass sometimes. Rei's grandfather walks into her room, he is covered in sweat and looks exhausted.

"This temple has guarded the scared flames for over 1500 years. 900 years ago the priest allowed the sacred flames to burn the temple down rather than extinguish the flame. But today I feared we might have to extinguish the ancient flame. Rei your Miko abilities are very strong but you MUST control them. You must also be self-aware enough to know when you don't have control and in those moments find help or in the very least stay away from 1500 year old magical flames." He smiles at the end trying to comfort her some.

"Sorry grandfather. You get the flame cleansed?"

"Yuuichirou is finishing up. He should be done in another hour or so. We won't be able to do any fire readings for the next few days while we watch for residual emotions in the fire. Now I have given you a lot of room in making your own mistakes and letting you deal with them yourself. Perhaps I gave you gave you too much room, made you feel you had to be too independent and I'm sorry. But I have never seen you so out of control, please tell me what's wrong." Rei looks at Grandfather and the care and love in his eyes, so unlike her former father.

"Remember when my father visited last week." Her grandfather nods. "He was alone, I guess he don't want others to hear his shame, he walked up to me and told me very bluntly that he and my step-mother have been trying to have kids since they got married. Apparently he shoots blanks because he disowned me right there on the spot and said he had me removed from the clan rolls making me Ronin."

"Oh God, Rei." Her grandfather hugs her tightly. "No wonder your upset, why didn't you tell me this when it happened?"

"I didn't want you to think less of mom, I know you lost her young and she meant the world to you. Your face always looks younger and lights up when you talk about her."

"I could never think less of your mother Rei, she was a wonderful person and a great Miko, she would help anybody and everybody, nobody had a bad word to say about her. What she saw your father I'll never know."

"Grandfather I may have also spread my negative emotions to my friends, they may need to be cleansed as well."

"I was going to ask you about that. Try to gather them all together as soon as possible, the quicker we do this the easier it will be."

"It may not be that easy I may have taken my anger out on Ami. I'm not sure she'll want to talk to me again, ever."

"If she is as good friend as you used to say, she will come when you explain it to her and don't worry about being Ronin. I would be proud to have you join the Imato family, that is if you want to?"

Rei tears up. "To have my mother's maiden name. That would be wonderful, thank you Grandfather."

Cat Café

Cologne cursed herself a fool. The Kuonji girl decided to leave after she did, but she actually got to leave first because she was smart and hired Nabiki to handle things for her. While Cologne in all her wisdom thought to save herself money and do everything herself. While she was saving herself money, the aggravation was nowhere near worth it. She has called the company that she leases their restaurant equipment from and the electric company, Gas Company, water company, Cable Company and the building owner and the only one to get back with her was the cable company. That's one utility cut off. She pinches the bridge of her nose, why it so hard to get stuff like this done. The only good thing is it gave her time to catch up on Shampoo and Mousse's long neglected training. She had Mousse doing accuracy exercises. Shampoo speed exercises. Both excellent martial artist in their own right, but she missed training Ranma. Teaching himself in the Chestnut roasting technique in a week, once he taught himself that fish trick. Cologne had never seen it taught like that in all her years. Learning the Heavenly dragon ascending in a week! It took more experienced warriors 6 weeks or longer just to master the soul of ice, let alone be able to perform a perfect spiral in battle. She wished she could stay in japan just to see what Ranma would get up to. That taming of the cat fist was most impressive. Wonder what other tricks he has up his sleeve, oh well, the responsibilities of an elder cannot be ignored.

Miyagi Dojo

Having rested for a couple days Ukyo was preparing to leave to continue her journey. She was glad she was able to help Kasumi, actually she admired the strength it took to stand up again and again. Ukyo placed her last item in her backpack and cinched it up. She placed it on her back and adjusted it for comfort. She has yet to find a position in which it was perfectly comfortable. She opens the guest room door to leave only to run Kasumi, literally.

"Come on! Another head butt! Really Kasumi! OW!"

"It was an accident this time! OW!"

"Accident or not it still hurts Kasumi. So why were in such a rush that you almost knock us both out?"

"I just returned from an errand and Master told me you were leaving already, I was hoping to talk to before you left. Looks like I made it just in time. Where are you going Ukyo? What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to walk where my feet take me, other than that..." she just shrugs.

Kasumi looks her right in the eyes, "Do you really want that?"

"No, not really but what other choice do I really have?"

"Stay with Mr. Miyagi and myself, I need someone to spar with regularly, someone who is strong. Watching Ranma showed me if I want to get stronger, I got to fight people stronger than me. Mr. Miyagi said your good enough to teach basic karate, we could work together. You could have a place here, Ukyo."

"Why are offering this?" Ukyo's eyes are glossy with unshed tears.

"I talk to Nabiki pretty often, and she told me about what happened. Do you want to talk about it?" Ukyo looks surprised for second and then just turns her head away in shame and embarrassment.

"Not really." Aggravation creeping into her voice. "Has Nabiki always too nosy for her own good?"

"Yes. But that's not the point right now, I want to know about you." Ukyo takes a deep breath.

"I'm ok, just mostly full of regrets. I regret listening to him as much I did. I regret caring for him as much I did. I regret loving him." Tears finally fall at the last line and Kasumi reaches over and pulls her into hug. Kasumi comforts the crying girl with a tight hug and comforting noises until Ukyo calms a little. Without releasing the hug.

"We are a lot like Ukyo. You played the part of Ranma's finance because your father told you that was your part and you played it well. But it wasn't you. I played the part of housewife, because I felt it was my duty as eldest sister. I played it too well. Sometimes I would forget it even was a part. But it wasn't me. Now we're both free from our roles and it's scary, we get to be ourselves, but sometime during our acting I think we forgot who that really is. I completely forgot until Ranma told me to create my own stories, to find my own adventures. Would you like to help me, and I help you. Just because we are finding our stories don't mean we have to do it alone." Ukyo just enjoys the positive human contact for a moment longer before she pulls away and considers the tall brown hair girl in front her.

"I see I have underestimated you in more ways than one Kasumi. Your right I have spent far too much of my life being part of Ranma's story, time to make my own. I wouldn't mind doing it here with you and Mr. Miyagi, mostly just to see what other surprises you were hiding behind that mask of yours."

Kasumi straightens up and puts a mischievous smile on her face. "Wouldn't you like know." Winks and walks out of Ukyo's room. Ukyo just shakes her and proceeds to unpack her backpack. 'It didn't fit right anyway.' She thinks to herself.

Two Blocks down from Alphonso's schools for dance

Akane was confused. She followed the address on the card to what looked like an old abandoned boxing training hall. The windows were dusty and the sign out front that said 'Rocky's' it looked like it was about to fall off the building. Akane shrugs, she's got nothing else to do for the next two hours. She knocks on the door. Through the thick dust she sees a beautiful women in workout clothes wave, telling her to come in. Akane pulls on the door to open it but it doesn't budge. Thinking its locked she yells 'locked' at the women. But the lady just shakes her head and waves her in, again. Akane pulls on the door again, and nothing. She blows her bangs in frustration and looks at the old door. She is surprised at what she sees, the hinges are rusted and corroded badly. See looks on around and sees that the old metal door is rusted on nearly every square inch except for a few random spots of green. Akane yells at the lady, "Is there another way in?" The lady just shakes her head in the negative and waves her in again. Akane thinks to herself 'There is no way princess their came in this door!' Whatever, nobody, not even a door made of solid tetanus is going to stop her from getting special training. She grabs the large metal handle pulls this time using her considerable strength. At first nothing happens, so Akane puts all she has into it and the door starts to groan and creak. Suddenly the ear torturing sound of metal ripping and tearing is heard and the door moves slowly open. Sweating from the exertion Akane moves through the small opening she created.

"Congratulations Akane Tendo you passed the first test to receive special training."

Akane was still was still puffing from the effort. "Did YOU pass through that door?"

"Of course. Everyone in this building opened the door themselves to get in here. Just so you know everyone also SHUTS the door behind them, after all it is rude to leave it open. Since you're not technically a member yet I'll close it for you since you're so tired already and you still have other test ahead." The tall athletic blonde walks up to the door puts two fingers on the edge and shoves it shut with a loud slam. Akane has shivers dancing up and down her spine at the casual display of power the likes of which she can only remember being used by servants of Herb or Herb himself. Then their was the Phoenix King, the self-proclaimed god. Of course the less she thought of that the better. "Please follow me Akane Tendo."

"Where's Alfonso?" Akane ask out of hope in seeing a familiar face which would be nice since she was wading way out of her depth without the safety net of knowing Ranma was around.

The lady spins around with an amazing amount of grace to look at Akane. "I know this might be strange to you, but you get used to it, should you pass that is. Fonsie is a friend but not a member so he is not allowed to be here right now. But don't worry nobody will hurt you here outside of sparing." She spins around again walking further back into the building.

Something about how the lady was moving was throwing Akane off. She had a body of dancer and the strength of 2 Ryogas. Sometimes she moved like dancer other times a martial artist, this lady was very confusing. The lady leads Akane deep into the building where an old but obviously maintained sparing area has been set up with three bored looking people standing around. The lady moves over to where the others stand. She starts introductions, "Akane Tendo we are the four Masters of Ryozanpaku. The man to my farthest to my left is Mikhail Baryshnikov Master of the Russian ballet and Kung Fu Master. Beside him is the man simply known as Saenchai, Master of Ballroom dancing, and world class Muay Tai Master. Next is Carter "Fever one" McGlasson award winning break dancer and the world's finest Capoeira Master. Last but not least, I am Misty Copeland world renowned ballet dancer and Tai Chi Master. If you haven't already guessed we are the very best in our fields of dance. However we all achieved greatness in our chosen fields far too soon to feel any sense of accomplishment. All of us felt something was missing from our art. Fever was the first to find the missing component to our art in the martial arts. I'll let him explain."

"As misty said I was a break dancer first, I had won many awards and was at the top of my field but I knew I could get better that breakdancing could be better. I knew it could be better but I didn't know how to go about doing it. I did everything I knew to do. I visited every expert in the field, teachers, performers, I even approached respected street performers. They all told the same thing, 'There's nothing they could teach that I didn't already know.' I was getting frustrated until by complete happen stance I ran across a You Tube video of someone practicing Capoeira. I knew as soon as I saw it, I knew that was what was missing. A martial art that completed my own art. From the moment I started practicing capoeira my break dancing improved, and improving my dancing improved my capoeira. It was an amazing act of synergy. A few years later I met Misty, our stories were amazing similar. She was the best of the best but she too knew she could be better. Misty found her missing piece in Tai Chi. A few years later we met Mikhail who had the same story. Mikhail then met Saenchai who felt the same as all of us. We would often get together share stories and experiences, sometimes dance, sometimes spar. It was Mikhail who came up with the idea of a retreat, a place to come and train away from everything. Unfortunately we let Saenchai name it, we didn't know he liked anime at the time. Now as to why you are here. Fonsie is a friend of Misty's apparently they go way back. When you came to him he saw your amazing skill and how easily you picked up techniques and complex movements. He contacted Misty, even sent a short video. We all watched it and after much discussion decided to offer you an opportunity. Once you pass two more test, we will offer you the chance to become the first disciple of Ryozanpaku. If you accept of course." Akane wanted to snicker about the name of their dojo but all she could think about was, not one master but four masters of dance and martial arts could end up training her. While dancing had filled a void in her, she had held out hope that one day she might continue her martial arts training. Now she had the opportunity to do both. She steeled herself, she was going to pass these test.

"I'm ready for the next test, masters." Akane said with more confidence than she felt. Misty stepped forward to address her again.

"This test is easy you must pick with one of us to spar, the choice you make determines whether you pass or fail."

Her choice determines whether she passes or fails! What kind of test is that! She has no idea what the right or wrong answer might be. She never heard of test like this at all! She had to be meant to pass, it must be her destiny or she wouldn't be here right now! "I choose Misty!" Misty smiles.

"You pass. It was a test of courage you couldn't be afraid to face us or be afraid to fail if we are to train you. Are you ready for the final test Akane Tendo?"

"Yes Master!" Akane was elated, she was one step closer to a dream come true.

Misty smiles again but not the friendly smile she has been using, this one is more calculating, more cold. "Then ready yourself Akane Tendo, you will spar me and to pass all you have to do is stay on the mat for thirty consecutive seconds." Akane swallowed a rather large lump in her throat at the challenge. If she wants me to stay on the mat for only thirty seconds, she is going to make it difficult. Akane came ready all she had to do was remove the loose shirt she had over a tank top. Apparently Misty was nowhere near ready because Akane waited several minutes for her to arrive. When Misty came from the dressing room she was dressed in a very professional dancer's practice uniform. It was a skin tight leotard that covered her from her feet to her shoulders and it looked like it had toe shoes built into the feet. Akane bowed deeply showing her respect and Misty bowed back. Akane took a quick Kenpo stance waiting for Misty to make the first move. Misty bounces on the balls a couple times before she goes en point and quickly swings her left leg into a devastating spin kick that catches Akane completely off guard. Akane hits the mat so hard that she bounces off and hits the floor, hard. Akane opens her eyes and a wave of dizziness hit her along with blurry vision. Remembering what's at stake she quickly gets back up on her hands and knees, then up on one knee. She rubs her eyes to try and relieve the blurriness. It helps some and she stands and walks unsteadily back to the mat.

"You're going to have to hit me harder to keep me off this mat!" Akane retakes her Kenpo stance and try's to focus everything she has left to staying on this mat. Misty nods in slight respect for Akane getting back and retakes her stance.

Again Misty bounces on the balls of feet but this time on the third bounce Akane rolls forward letting Misty's second spin kick pass through empty air. "You dodged my attack? How?"

"Luck. You attacked last time after the third bounce, I guessed you would do it again. I was right. You are light years ahead me in skill and power. It's easy to become overconfident when there's that big of difference."

"HA! Apparently you didn't rattle her brains as much as you thought you did with that kick Misty. Old Russian proverb, 'Don't try cooking the bear until it is dead.'

"Shut up Mikhail. I know it's not over, till it's over. That was smart Akane. Obviously I underestimated you with how easy I got that first kick in. Don't worry I'm taking you more seriously." Akane thought back to how many times she screamed 'Take me serious' to Ranma. Now she really, really regrets those words. Akane's only warning was a single bounce before another screaming fast kick came in. Akane got a partial block up with her arm, however it did little good when the second kick came in from below her arm which sent her rolling across the mat and off the edge. Akane's arm and shoulder throbbing with pain from the poor block attempt but that was nothing compared to the screaming, mind numbing pain coming from her side where second kick got threw. Then it came to her like a light bulb. All of Misty's attacks have been kicks. She's a professional ballet dancer, of course she would favor kicks! Akane got up with far more purpose this time, with a plan in mind she takes her kenpo stance. When she sees Misty's heel start to rise she springs into action. Akane uses all her available speed to streak in for an upper cut. It is, of course, a feint to get Misty to abandon whatever attack she was readying. Akane quickly puts her plan into action. Akane dives and wraps herself around one of Misty's legs like a shy toddler. The moment was so surreal no one moves for second. Misty stands stunned until she try's kicking Akane off. When it fails she try's punching Akane off. While severally painful Misty's punches didn't hurt near as bad as her kicks.

"Time! Misty stop!" Fever yells. Misty stops but Akane is still holding on for dear life. Misty tries turning Akane's head so she would at her but Akane's eyes are closed. "Akane you can let go you passed, you stayed on the mat 30 seconds." Misty pleads. Akane finally cracks an eye open then let's go falling to mat in a boneless heap.

"Where did you learn such an…odd move Akane." Fever ask.

"Years ago when father still taught, there was this boy that was so stubborn and pig headed. Father challenged him thinking that the master challenging him would make him settle down and listen. However he was pig headed and accepted. Father planned on beating him easily and sending him away. But the little monster did the same thing I just did and father couldn't get him off without really hurting him. So after 30 minutes they finally called it a draw. I only had to hold for thirty seconds so I thought 'why not'."

Mikhail lets loose a hearty belly laugh "HA! Old Russian proverb, 'never try to predict the unpredictable'."

"What happened to this pig headed child?" Fever ask.

"He became one of my father's best students, until father quit teaching."

Negaverse

Malatif was reading a progress report on the new youma Master was having her make. The design was complex but she figured out much of the 'why' things were being built a certain way after thinking back on her fight with the annoying girl. But there was one thing no matter how she looked at it she couldn't figure out what it was for. It appeared to be some kind of intentional energy leak. The way was it set up the leak would use up an astounding amount of energy. Lest the project fail she must bring this up to her master. She gathers her information and starts to walk to her master's chambers. Trooper youma were everywhere now. Malatif hated them, unless you had a massive amount of them, they were useless. Easily destroyed by even the weakest Scout. But if you have 100 attacking one scout, easy win, and they had hundreds but she still didn't like them. Malatif knocks on her Master's door and waits.

"Come in Malatif, what is it?" Malatif flinches at his brusque manner.

"Master I think there might be a problem with the special youma design."

"Really what problem would that be?"

"There seems to be some kind of energy leak built into it that will use most of its energy…." Malatif stops as a bolt of dark flashes into existence in Jadeite's hand.

"You remember I made those youma plans don't you?"

"Yes! Yes! Master of course. I only wish to see the success of the mission, Master. That's the only reason I bring this up. Please Master I only want to serve as best I can." Malatif's quick word play seemed to help a bit as the dark energy blast dims, slightly.

"I believe you, for now. What is this problem you think you found?" Jadeite lets the energy dissipate completely.

"There seems to be an energy leak built into the youma, master." The dark energy bolt springs back to life and Jadeite fires it at Malatif blowing off her right arm.

"You disturb me for this!? I designed it like that on purpose because our Ki adept can sense energy. The tainted energy coming from the youma should feel like something slimy rubbing against her soul, she'll come flying right into our hands. If that is all you had you just forfeited your right to live."

"No master, if, if the youma had a way to shut off the energy leak after engaging her it would increase our changes greatly!" Malatif hoped her quick thinking just saved her life. Jadeite tilts his head ever so slightly considering her words.

"Your right, fix your arm and get to work on it immediately."

Honda Household

"Are you sure this is necessary." Nodoka ask very unsure about this.

" 'Doka-chan were you serious about rebuilding a relationship with Ranma?"

"Yes, mother." She replies with some resignation

"Don't be ashamed sweetheart, you idolized your great-grandfather, and he saw a therapist quite often you know. The war left him with a lot scars."

"But I haven't been to war, you and father just say I have an unrealistic view of reality, which means you think I'm crazy." Nodoka states which great indignation. Sally leans over and with great compassion explains.

"Oh sweetie, we're all crazy, just some more than others. We just want to bring your crazy closer to ours, so we can enjoy each other's crazy." The sincerity in which her mother explained it halted any further argument. They waited in silence until it was there turn to see the therapist.

Mizuno household

Ranma cracks her eyes open to see the azure blue eyes of Ami staring back her.

"Thank God, your both awake! What happened?" Saeko ask with great worry.

"Not sure, it was really weird. Ami and I shared our life experiences. Ami used my Ki to break the technique and we're back here." Ranma says as she sets up. Saeko looks to Ami for a more thorough answer. Ami just looks at her mother and shrugs, saying no idea.

Saeko puffs in frustration. "Next time I ask you to try something new with Ki just remind me of this and say I have no idea about Ki rules ok? You both ok? When the yellow energy covered you both you passed out and glowed an intense yellow for several minutes. Until Ami glowed a brighter and even more intense shade of yellow for several minutes before a weird symbol appeared on your foreheads that faded right before you both awoke.

Ranma was shocked by Saeko's words. Ami glowed? Ranma assumed that Ami used Ranma's Ki through the connection she created with the healing technique. But if Ami was glowing that would mean that the Ki she used came from herself? That made no sense. Ami had no Ki training at all, she would have seen it in her memories. The Ki technique must have had some unforeseen side effect.

Ami was shocked by her mother's words. A symbol on their forehead's? Not good, not good at all. The scouts' planetary symbols often flare when they are under extreme stress. But she said BOTH their foreheads. Was Ranma from the Silver Millennium?

"That sounds weird, Mom. What did the symbol look like?"

"It was predominately heart shaped with a v at the top and a cross at the bottom. Why?" Saeko asked concerned.

Ami paled at the implication that they both had the Mercury symbol show up. They had to talk to Setsuna NOW. She was the closest thing to an expert they had. Think Ami, I need get us both to Setsuna.

"Ms. Mizuno do you know of a Dr. Ono Tofu in Minato. I think he moved to this district but I don't know exactly where. He's kind of a Ki expert, he might be able tell me what went wrong and if we can expect any side effects?"

"No I don't but the hospital keeps a registry of all the doctors in the area, I'll go call. You two, yell if anything changes or if you feel strange." Saeko runs down stairs to use her cell phone to call the hospital. As soon as Ami hears her going down the stairs Ami turns to Ranma and whispers.

"Ranma we really need to see Setsuna, before even your Ki expert."

"Isn't she that Pluto chick? And what's so important? We really need to find out how you were generating your own Ki."

Ami was little taken aback by that last comment, but she forged ahead. "Mom said you had the Mercury symbol on your forehead, only I should have that." From the look on Ranma's face she obliviously wasn't grasping the implications. "The symbol marks you as a magical girl Ranma." She knew that would get it threw to her as Ranma's eyes got huge and she turns a tad green around the gills. "I'm sure she'll have some answers for us Ranma, let me call her." Ami gets out her communicator and presses the symbol for Pluto. It gives her the alerting tone for several minutes. A bedraggled Setsuna finally answers.

"What is it Ami?"

"Setsuna we have a big problem, Ranma here had the Mercury symbol flare on her forehead, we were hoping you could help us out?" Ami Hoped she hadn't over sold Setsuna to Ranma. She wasn't always as helpful as she hoped in the past.

A sleepy and annoyed Setsuna came to full attention when her fogged mind finally grasp what Ami said. Setsuna quickly shut the communicator off.

"That wasn't helpful at a…." Ranma wasn't able to finish her sentence until a bright light engulfed them, followed by a wave dizziness and disorientation.

"Sorry about the teleportation but I needed to get you here ASAP. Welcome to the Time gate, don't wonder around unless you want to get lost in the eddies of time forever. It's going to take a few moments for me to catch up on the last few days of both your lives, so if you won't mind standing their quietly for a few minutes." Setsuna no sooner finished then she turned her attention to the ancient magical device.

"She always like this?" Ranma ask still trying to get her nausea under control.

"Actually this rather friendly for her." Ami responds only doing slightly better than Ranma from having experienced teleportation before.

"You realize I can hear you right?" Pluto says without ever turning her attention away from the gate.

Both girls are embarrassed, Ami pushes past it to ask, "My Mom is going to worry about us missing. We need to get back Pluto."

Sigh "We are outside time here, I'll be able to send you back seconds after you left without her ever being the wiser. Now shush! You have no idea how hard it is focus a device that controls time and space on a single individual."

Ranma gets very fidgety after a few minutes never being one for patience. She leans into Ami tries to whisper quietly.

"Didn't they say in school Pluto wasn't a planet anymore?" Ami just smacks her forehead. Why did Ranma have to bring that up? It was a real sore spot with Setsuna. Setsuna is suddenly hunched over looking extremely depressed. Ami steps forward pulling Ranma with her.

"Don't listen to that stupid Neil deGrasse Tyson guy Setsuna, he don't know what Pluto is really like and no body but us knows that all of the planets used to support life. We all told you before that we will work hard to bring Pluto's status back." Ami turns to Ranma trying to get him to back her up.

"Yeah Pluto must be planet don't hear of no sailor asteroid or nuth'n." A dark aura starts to surround Setsuna.

"If I ever see Neil deGrasse Tyson it'll be the last time. Oh Crap! Ranma did you surround yourself and Ami in a Ki field?"

"Yeah."

"Did you see the key events of each other's life that makes you who you are?"

"…yeah" they both answer. Setsuna pinches the bridge of her nose for several minutes before she starts rubbing her temples while pacing. Ami and Ranma look at each other dumbfounded at the eldest senshi's behavior.

"Where do I begin?! First thing is Ranma, never ever under any circumstances use your Ki such a manner again. Had Ami not been compatible with your Ki you would killed her instantly. Second Ami, congratulations, you've done something that has only happened one other time in all of recorded history. You shared a very tiny piece of your Senshi star seed with Ranma here."

Ami's sharp intellect kicks in. "The Mercury Knight was the last time wasn't it?" Setsuna simply nods, expecting Ami to somehow have read ancient Silver Millennium lore. "Why wasn't this part listed with the other data about the Mercury knight?"

"Simply because of how powerful the Mercury Senshi and Knight became when they linked. They didn't know it at first but somehow, when a powerful magic user and a powerful Ki adept trade tiny portions of their souls it creates a link between them that increases the effectiveness of both their attacks and defense. Also something about this link causes the recharge rate of Ki and magical attacks to shorten. Before you ask, they never found out why but the prevailing theory was that the link allowed Ki and magical fatigue to be shared between the two of them."

"What's the draw back? Something that good doesn't come for free." Ranma states.

Setsuna nods raising her respect for the redhead slightly. "Which brings us to the reason for making this process a top state secret. The process that linked The Mercury knight and The Guardian of Mercury was never replicated and ended in the death of all the volunteers every time they tried. When the death of last couple was brought to Queen she ordered the research destroyed and all information pertaining to the knight and guardian sealed. You two were very lucky to have survived but know this, you are bound together, mentally, spiritually, emotionality, and physiologically. Also one rather sever side effect is you two cannot venture very far from one another. If you get to far apart you both will fall very ill and it was never confirmed but you will probably die. I'm sorry I wish I had better news. Of course we now have the added complication of Ranma being female and having a tiny part of your star seed Ami."

"You think Ranma might be able to transform?" Ami ask curious for her new friend.

Setsuna runs her hands through her hair and drops her hands in frustration. "To be honest Ami, I have no idea, like I said this only happened one other time in history and then the Ki adept was male so we are treading new ground here."

Ami and Ranma look at each other before Ranma says, "Guessing you don't know about my curse then, you see I'm only a girl when you add cold water, hot water makes me a guy again."

Setsuna looks at Ranma blinks and looks at her again before see turns back to the Gate of Time for several minutes she does nothing until suddenly breaking out in a string of curses that causes Ami's ears to a very dark red. "So you're a victim of a sacrifice reactor transformation magic?"

"If that's a fancy way of saying the cursed springs, yeah." Ranma replies not really sure of what Setsuna said.

Again Setsuna rubs her temples with considerable force. "This couldn't have come at worse time. I'm working on a huge problem right now. I don't need to worry how blood magic will interact the white magic that Senshi use." Setsuna lapses into incoherent muttering while pacing. Ami and Ranma can pick out words every once in a while. Mostly they hear 'inconceivable', 'stupid Tyson', and 'Jack Daniels'.

Ami braves the Pluto breakdown train. "Setsuna. Setsuna! Do you any recommendations before you send us back?"

"Huh? Yes. Ranma if you think you can transform or it looks like you can, DON'T! I have no idea what would happen if you did. Nothing could happen but it's also possible your magic's could interact in a catastrophic manner and vaporize you instantly also killing Ami or the Mercurian magic might just lock you as female trying to 'fix' the curse. So just don't, ok?" Ranma nods her head violently not liking any of those scenarios. In another flash of light Setsuna is alone again the bubble of infinite space/time. She takes the time to absorb the new complication in her life by banging her head softly against the time gate. Why didn't she just say no when the Queen offered her the honor of becoming the time gate guardian. Young and stupid, young and stupid are her thoughts before she gets to work trying fix the future she saw for her friends if things continue the way they were. Plus she had to make sure Ami's soul mate didn't die due to the white magic she/he now possessed. She was glad she didn't let that part slip, no need to add the pressure of being soul mates to the two youngsters. They already had way more on their plate than any one person needed.

Back in Ranma's room there are two flashes of light before two girls are dropped midair onto Ranma's bed. They bounce twice causing one them to hit the clock/radio on the night stand causing The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and The News to play. Hearing the noise Saeko comes running back up the stairs to see two girls laying haphazardly across the bed.

"Ami what have I told about jumping on the bed!" She yells with a great voice of authority. "Always tell me so I can join in!" she says as dives between Ami and Ranma causing them all bounce several more times as they all laugh and giggle and play for several minutes just enjoying the moment. They finally stop after Ami gets off the bed to turn off the radio after a really annoying American pop song comes on.

"American music sure is weird, 'What does the fox say?' really?" Ami just shakes her head.

"I'm with you Ami, what are they thinking over there, if this is a hit with them?" Saeko just didn't understand Americans. "Well, that's enough goofing we need to get you two over to Dr. Ono Tofu's place. You sure have some friends in odd places Ranma-chan. You know he was absolutely refusing to see us because he said his schedule was full until I mentioned it was you, Ranma, then he nearly demanded I bring you two over immediately. I never worked with him before but apparently he has a stellar reputation with hospital. How do you know him Ranma?" Saeko ask as the three switch their house slippers for their shoes in the genkan.

"He is the only doctor I trusted before met you Ms. Mizuno." Ranma said not wanting to go into detail. Setsuna's warning was still ringing in her ears. To be vaporized just because she had two conflicting magics isn't how a martial artist should die.

Saeko was touched that Ranma trusted her already. If Ranma trusted this doctor, Saeko was willing to bet he was one other doctor to worry Ranma being abused. Maybe she could compare notes with him.

Ami was getting worried about Ranma, it almost felt like she could feel his worry and….disappointment?

The ride over in the car was a quick one. Apparently they were meeting Tofu at his new clinic in Minato and it was just a few blocks from the apartment. Standing outside the clinic is a man in a brown gi wearing thick glasses.

"You must be Dr. Mizuno I have heard of your work, you're an amazing trauma doctor. Hello Ranma, what trouble are you in this time and who is this lovely lady?"

"Oh you know Doc, same ol', same ol'. This is Ami Dr. Mizuno's daughter. They were nice enough to patch me up, twice. But then they caught me using my healing technique and Ms. Mizuno ask if I could use it on others. I never thought about it but I tried to heal a cut on Ami's hand but I have no idea what I really did."

"Experimenting on people with untested Ki techniques, I'm disappointed Ranma. Come on in I'll need to give both a standard examination, along with a Ki reading. I'll need to do both your forms Ranma."

"Don't be hard on her, I ask her to do it and what do mean both 'forms'?" Saeko ask feeling like she was missing something.

Tofu flinches, "Sorry Ranma I didn't mean to out you."

"Its ok doc, I was planning on telling her today anyway." Ranma turns to Saeko. "I hope you don't feel like I was lying to you, but I'm not really a girl. This is a curse from I take when cold water hits me, I turn back with hot water." Ranma always hated this part waiting for their reaction. He almost wished some people would react quicker, the waiting killed her.

Saeko looked from Tofu to Ami to see their reactions to this strange confession. Tofu just seemed concerned as he seemed to move behind Ranma to lend support. Ami was standing to Ranma's other side watching her very closely. Ami didn't react which means she already knew.

"I believe in magic Ranma, hard not to with demons and Senshi running around this district but I've never heard of a water based gender curse. It just seems… unlikely." Saeko hedged not wanting to hurt Ranma's feelings by disbelieving her.

"It is very true Dr. Mizuno I will vouch for Ranma and we will demonstrate in a moment but let's get them situated in the exam rooms first, if you don't mind?"

"Yes of course." They get Ranma and Ami in exam rooms. Saeko takes Ami and Tofu takes Ranma just for quick physical examinations to make sure nothing is wrong. They check heart rate, breathing, circulation, eye, ear and throat. Saeko is rather disturbed at some of her findings. The two doctors meet back in the hall while the teens are putting on their shirts.

"Dr. Ono I am extremely worried about Ami, her heart rate was 28. But her circulation seemed good. The only person I know in the world with a normal resting heart rate is Miguel Indurain, a five-time Tour de France winner and Olympic gold medalist. The article about his amazing fitness was exceptional in The New England Journal of Medicine. But Ami struggles with her phys ed class."

"No Dr. Mizuno," Tofu says matching Saeko's professional manner, "You know two people with that extremely low heart rate, three counting Ami, Ranma has a low heart rate and respirations due to her amazing training in the art. What where her respirations?"

"Ten per minute but 99% O2 saturation. I don't understand it." Saeko says getting frustrated.

"I don't either but I think I'm getting a clearer picture. Want to help me get out to EKG machines?" Tofu ask

"Sure." Saeko ask wondering where Tofu is going with this.

Tofu gets Ranma and Ami hooked up side by side and they see something extraordinary. Ami and Ranma's heart rate, respirations were in perfect synch. Ranma looks at the EKG machines between him and Ami watching them beep in perfect harmony. He just lays his head back on the cot looking at Ami he says "What's the big deal?"

"The big deal is Ranma is that there are no two people in the entire world who should have perfectly synchronized heart rates. Differences in age, height, weight, even oxygen levels in the blood, or iron levels in the blood can effect heart rate. So two people might be in synch for at best a few moments before their differences cause them to fall out of synch."

"Oh." Ranma says.

"Well said daughter." Saeko says proud of her daughter for understanding all the nuances of the situation.

"Brilliant explanation Ami, but I think we have learned all we are going to learn from convictional medicine. Ranma do you mind standing against this wall and relaxing your Ki." Tofu ask.

"Sure Doc." Ranma gets up and relaxes her Ki by using the breathing exercises she was taught.

Tofu focuses his Ki to his eyes to give himself a clearer view of Ranma's aura. He didn't expect to see what did in a million years. Oh he saw what he normally did. Large bands of yellow running threw her aura showing her confidence. Then there was blue streaks of skill just behind the blue were the dark brown of the cat fist. Tofu looked on and saw the large pink bands of loneliness that where often interlaced with anger and sadness. Seeing the pain of someone he considered a friend almost knocked him out of his center, he had to take deep breathes. Now to examine the new addition a large pool of white aura floating right in the middle of Ranma's 5th chakra. It pulsed in a mesmerizing way. Tofu tried to probe it with Ki senses but it was like it wasn't there. He shook his head, interesting but staring won't garner any more answers. "Ranma I would like to read your aura with your other form if you don't mind."

"Ok doc. Ms. Mizuno would you hand me the tea pot and I am sorry for not telling you sooner. If you want me to leave after this I understand." Ranma says looking at the floor.

"Boy or girl you needed help and have proven to be an exceptional young person who has had a difficult life. You are welcome in my apartment for as long as you need Ranma." Saeko says with confidence.

Ranma gets hopeful look in her eyes while Ami looks at her mother proudly. She pours the hot water over head and nothing happens she has a shocked and scared look in her eyes for moment until she smacks herself in the forehead and removes the locking necklace that Cologne gave her. "Sorry forgot magical necklace." She says nonchalantly and starts to place it in her pocket, when Saeko stops her.

"That's no way to take care of a necklace Ranma it'll tangle or break in your pocket let me hold it ok." Ranma nods and pours the hot water over her head instantly changing her red hair to black and gaining height. Ranma looks up to Ms. Mizuno still worried about her reaction despite her earlier words. Saeko takes a couple steps forward and reaches a shaky hand out to touch Ranma's hair to check the reality of it. Once she touches his hair, she brushes a lock back that got loose from his pigtail and reaches around him quickly to bring him into a hug.

"You poor boy, its hard enough being a teenager without being a teen a girl as well. OH my goodness have you the 'talk' about your girl body needs?"

"MOM!" Ami yells in embarrassment.

"It's important that she um…he whatever, know these things." Saeko says in full doctor mode.

"Yes." Ranma answers in a very quiet voice completely beet red in the face.

Tofu clears his throat to get things back on track. "Yes well, I'm glad you finally took my advice about learning about your female body." Tofu says red in the face himself. "Let's continue." Tofu does the same as before, and gets the same result except for the new addition to Ranma's aura, it seemed dulled somehow. "Ok your turn Ami." She steps up to the place that Ranma occupied and tofu starts his reading. He really loved reading new peoples auras it was always so interesting and there always something new to see. Like this time, Ami's aura was very unusual. It gave off a strong feeling of cold water for some reason. Where Ranma's aura was mostly yellow, Ami's was white. But as everybody does, she had streamers laced threw out showing different facets of her personality. A massive band showing her intelligence, another caring, gentle, and loyal, as well as slightly insecure. Amazing what the aura told you about a person. Just like in Ranma her 5th chakra was a different Ki, but Tofu recognized the Ki immediately, it WAS Ranma's! A large ball of pulsing yellow Ki right there in Ami. That means the ball of pulsing white Ki was Ami's! "You can sit down Ami." Tofu says as turns and sits on an available stool. "I am surprised, don't know why I am, since it's you Ranma, you do surprising things hourly. I see what happened but I don't believe it."

"What's wrong Dr. Tofu?" Saeko ask worriedly.

"Nothing is wrong except for Ranma and Ami breaking every rule of Ki theory that I know. Somehow Ranma traded 5th chakras with Ami. Now Ranma's 5th chakra is inhabited by a self-sustaining white Ki that appears to be Ami's. Ami's 5th chakra is inhabited by self-sustaining yellow Ki that appears to be Ranma's. Which having any Ki besides your own in your aura should be deadly and definitely not sustainable but breaking rules seems to be Ranma's thing these days." Tofu runs his hands threw his hair roughly.

"Will there be any negative effects we should worry about doctor?" Saeko wonders.

"To be honest Dr., I don't why they are both not dead right know. I have no idea how having foreign Ki in them will affect them." for The second time that day Ami and Ranma listened to dire news about their current situation and everyone felt really unsure where to go from here or what to do. That is until Ranma's stomach growled loudly. Causing Ranma to look red in the face and Ami and Saeko to laugh and Tofu to smile.

"Seems like the beast needs another sacrifice, I know a good place nearby would you like to join us Dr. Ono?" Saeko said with some hidden hope.

"Call me Tofu please, any friend of Ranma's is a friend of mine." Ranma and Ami look between the two adults and smile a small smile. They end up at a small Chinese place called "The taste of wok". Ranma watched Tofu and Saeko get involved in doctor small talk while they ate. It quickly went over his head so he watched Ami enjoy her spicy pork buns. He thought it was really cute the way the spice made her cheeks flush.

"Ranma!"

"OMG, Ami you heard that!?"

"Yeah, and, and I think your cute too." Ami wasn't sure where she finally confidence to say it but she was glad she did. Ranma turned beet red of course.

"I like you Ami but you saw what my relationships with girls were like before, I don't know if I know how to have an even close to normal boy/girl relationship and I don't want to hurt you Ami." He heard Ami giggling and was hurt she would laugh at him.

"I not laughing at you Ranma. Please know that I don't want to hurt you either. I'm laughing because you said 'normal'. Ranma I'm a magical girl from a kingdom 10,000 years dead. Whose last real relationship was with a dark general from the negaverse? Any relationship I ever have will not be normal, it couldn't be if it was to have any chance to survive. Honestly Ranma I like the fact you're not normal, it makes you interesting and complex. You've been in my mind, Ranma do you think I would honestly be satisfied with some simple man that had nothing more to him than wanting to get a promotion at his locale office? I like you Ranma, if you like me, give 'us' a chance. I will go slowly, as slow as need to feel comfortable. I have patience." Ami felt bold more bold than has ever felt in her life and it felt good. Was this the way confidence felt?

"Thank you Ami. I think your right, it never felt right, never felt this good hanging around the other girls. This must be something and I think I would like to find out what it is."

Tofu and Saeko had stopped talking some time ago in favor of watching the odd behavior of the teens. "Ranma what's going on? Ami and yourself have been staring at each other and smiling for several minutes. Are you two okay?" Tofu ask rather concerned for their odd behavior.

"What do you mean? Ami and I have been talking just like you two were." Ranma says confused

"You weren't making a peep, Ami either." Saeko says

"But we were talking plan as day I don't why you didn't hear us." Ami says. A thought full look came over her face for a second. Then she gets a notepad out and hands it to her mother. "Mom write something down on this and show it to Ranma but not me. When mom shows you the note pad, Ranma, I want you think about what is written their and look at me please." Ranma just shrugs his acceptance. Saeko writes something then passes the notepad to Ranma facedown. Ranma reads it puts it back and looks Ami in the eyes. After a second Ami rolls her eyes and says "Kill la kill. Really mom an anime name? It appears Ranma and I share a telepathic link as well, that is so smooth and easy that we didn't even notice. Amazing." she laughs "No I don't think it would Ranma."

"What is she talking about Ranma?" Tofu ask.

"I was thinking that she could die a red streak in her hair like the main character of kill la kill and it would be really cute." Ranma said kind of shyly, never been really comfortable trying to tease people.

"He's right Ami it would look good with your face and hair style." Saeko quickly agreed.

Ami felt ganged up on until a wicked thought came to mind. "Tell you what Ranma you let me put a white streak in your red hair and I'll put a red one in my blue hair." Ami did think it would look really, really cute on Rama-chan.

Ranma thought about it and why not came to mind. It would fade in a few weeks and he really wanted to see Ami's like that. "Okay, but you'll be really, really cuter." Ami starts at that and Ranma only points at his temple causing Ami to blush really deeply.

Ami was wanting to talk to Ranma about a few things before it got too late. "Mom you to think it'll be okay if we go ahead and walk back to the apartment?"

"Sure sweetie, I'd say be careful but Ranma's with you so I'll say if anybody bothers you try not to hurt too badly Ranma." Saeko says.

"I won't Ms. Mizuno." They step outside the restaurant onto the street. The street lights were already starting there slow warm up before it got dark. They walk for bit in companionable silence until Ranma says.

"What did you want to talk about Ami?" Ranma ask

Ami shakes her head this telepathy is going to take some getting used too. Which made her wonder. "Don't you mind the telepathy thing Ranma, I find it a little disconcerting."

"Naw not at all in fact I kind like it. I'm not good with words or explaining myself well. This way you can feel the intention behind my words. Like I did with you earlier, you didn't suggest I die my hair to belittle me or make fun of the fact that I turn into a girl. You suggested it because you didn't want to do it alone and you sincerely thought it would make my girl side cuter and I felt the joy you would get from that. If dyeing my hair would make you smile I'll do it gladly. You have a cute smile that makes my day Ami."

Ami blushes fiercely at Ranma's words. "Thank you Ranma. You are such a wonderful guy, I don't know why nobody saw it in Nermia." Ami feels Ranma's anger and frustration rise at the mention of Nermia. "Sorry I brought up bad memories." Ami says quickly.

"No it's ok, not your fault they didn't see me as nothing but a prize, a thing. Sorry Ami. Can we talk about something else?"

"Sure." Ami says quickly trying to think of something, but why is it when someone says 'think of something' your mind goes blank. Then she sees it. "Look Ranma the park is open again! The last Senshi battle really tore it up, I thought it would take them longer to fix it. Mind if we walk in the park for a while?"

"Sure I love parks, great for camping." Ami punches him arm and drags him to the park entrance. They walk around taking in the freshly repaired sidewalks and fountains. They even added the latest playground equipment for children to play. They walk towards a small pond and watch the koi jumping out to catch bugs for several minutes. "This is what I want Ami, this is why I left Nermia. Just this moment of peace here with you was worth everything I went through to leave."

Ami hugs Ranma as tight as she can. She wanted to do something to make this as good memory as possible when she remembered one of Ranma's memories. She smiles to herself. "Want some ice cream before we go back. My treat." She is surprised how much Ranma's eyes light up at the suggestion. She watches him carefully reach down to the pond and splash some water changing genders. She looks at him, now her oddly.

"It taste better as a girl." She says as explanation.

"Really? Like what." Ami ask fascinated by this unique opportunity to study gender differences in taste. Ranma tries her best to explain how texture and sweetness are affected by each form and is assisted by their telepathy. As Ranma reaches for thee handle to the ice cream parlor, she freezes.

"Feel that?" Ranma ask through their link

"Yes is this the Ki drain you felt last time?" Ami ask back.

"Yes, call your friends I bet they aren't going to let this one go as easily as the first." Ami discreetly hits the all call button on her communicator and activates the locater beacon on it. Then they head to the narrow alley so Ami can transform. When Ami transforms Ranma fills an almost violent rush of power filling her. When Ami finishes, she fills the power of Mercury in Ranma as well. They just nod to each other before they take to the roofs tracing the source of the life drain.

Negaverse

Malatif runs to her Master's chambers as fast her youma legs will carry her. She barges in the door knowing the info she has will be plenty to earn her forgiveness.

"Master! One of the trooper youma I left guarding the collectors just reported in. The Ki adept with a single Senshi is heading straight for a collector as we speak."

"Is the special youma ready?"

"Yes master finished charging just moments ago."

"Ha ha ha! Then it begins Malatif our first step to defeating the Senshi and claiming this world as my kingdom starts today! Gather 50 trooper youma, 5 battle youma and the one for the Ki adept. Port them in as close you can to the collector. Make sure to have the troopers attack innocent people, injure, don't kill they are still our living batteries after all. This drives the Ki adepts crazy and will severally distract the Senshi as well. I want you there as well, cloaked, do not engage. Even with overwhelming numbers we may not win. These damn Ki users are annoyingly resilient. If we don't win you will report in detail everything you saw. Understand?"

"Yes Master."

Thanks to all my readers.

I appreciate all the reviews.