Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns Ranma ½ and Palladium Books Rifts: Psyscape by Kevin Siembieda.

After the four warriors left the scene of the fight, Aki and Susan suggested that the small group head to their home. Nodoka and Ranma agreed because the Susan and Aki assured that it was private and relatively close. So the veteran Devil Hunter and the upcoming Psi-Warrior were guided the Cyber-Knight and Cyber-Ronin's modest house.

Once inside the two girls started to take off their gear to reveal what the armor was hiding. Susan had on a white shirt and jeans and the only visible piece of Cybernetics was her left arm. It was all the way up to her shoulder, silver in color, had the exact same proportions to her organic right arm and seemed to give her full range of motion. Aki was dressed in a green long sleeved shirt and dark blue pants. From Ranma and Nodoka's point of view they could only make out that her left hand and right foot were Cybernetic. Both synthetic limbs were a golden-bronze color, other than that they could not see anything more.

Knowing the customs of this Japan were very similar to her home Aki spoke first. "Would either of you like some tea?" she offered.

"Yes I would thank you Miss Takata," Nodoka replied. "I find a nice cup of tea calms the nerves after a fight."

"If you will excuse then I'll be back in a moment with the tea," Aki replied. The two remaining female and one male sat quietly waiting for Aki to return at the small low table in the main room of the house. The wait only lasted a few minutes and Aki returned with a tray and four steaming cups of tea. Once she handed the cups out she took her seat next to her partner and friend.

"First we must thank you for your help against the Bone Oni," Nodoka bowed.

"You are welcome it is my duty to help those in need," Susan began. "Now as we did not have time to finish introductions I would like to continue from there," Susan said. "I am Cyber-Knight Lady Sterling Susan and this is my friend and partner Cyber-Ronin Takata Aki."

"I am Devil Hunter Saotome Nodoka and this is my Son Psi-Warrior Saotome Ranma," Nodoka returned the greeting.

"I'm also a Mind Melter," Ranma added.

"I have never heard of a Mind Melter that was also a Psi-Warrior before," Susan confessed. "If I may ask, Mr. Saotome, how did you become a Psi-Warrior? No information we have been able to find would indicate that this Earth has people with the Psionic Level to be either much less the training necessary to become a Psi-Warrior."

"You can call me Ranma," Ranma said. Taking a sip of his tea Ranma made a slight sip as he debated on telling them the full story. But then he remembered that Jake told him Cyber-Knights were people of high honor and would never betray another's trust. "And how I became a Mind Melter and a Psi-Warrior is rather unique. Up until a few months ago I was a Martial Artist on a training journey with my Pop. We crossed over to China and made our way to a training ground. The training ground was a valley of springs called Jusenkyo and the place is saturated with Magic. When a person or animal drowns in those springs they become cursed or enchanted depending on your point of view. After that what ever falls into the spring takes the form of what last drowned there, whether it be physical, mental or spiritual." Ranma took another sip of his tea before he continued, "Seven Hundred years ago a man named Jake a Mind Melter and Psi-Warrior came to this world from Rifts Earth, he eventually made his way to Jusenkyo and fell into the spring. A little over three months ago I fell into that same spring and became what I am. I carry the powers and some of a mental imprint of the original Jake."

"Quite a story you have there Ranma. And feel free to call me Aki," Aki commented. "But what happened to your Father?"

"Indeed he does," Nodoka spoke up, "As to his Father he also feel into a spring and now turns into a Giant Panda when splashed with cold water and back human with warm. At least according to Ranma, we have not seen my Ex-Husband in quite some time. Now what about you're stories? Ranma has briefly told me about a Cyber-Knight but mentioned nothing about a Cyber-Ronin."

"I'm not surprised," Aki replied. "Most people from North America on Rifts Earth do not know about Japan and then its only rumors. Japan on Rifts Earth is kind of unique. Just before the coming of the Rifts some scientists were experimenting with multi dimensional space. The result was that Hiroshima and the surrounding one hundred and sixty kilometers were transported to a pocket dimension. On the outside world three hundred years passed and in that time the coming of the Rifts occurred. Then after everything settled down the land that disappeared reappeared. After some years of unrest everything was finally settled with and the Republic of Japan was formed inside Hiroshima and those one hundred and sixty kilometers. Inside the Republic of Japan there are many Cyborgs and Cyborg soldiers. One of those types are the Cyber-Samurai and a sub-group of them are Cyber-Ronin. I still follow Bushido, well expect for the no technology part of course. And Cyber-Ronin in the Republic of Japan are just Cyber-Samurai that do not have a Master and wonder the land like Cyber-Knights."

"And the difference between a Cyber-Knight and a Cyber-Samurai or Ronin is the fact that Cyber-Samurais often do not have any Psionic Powers and the minor differences in our Codes of Honors," Susan continued.

"If most people of North America don't know about Japan then how did you two meet?" Ranma asked.

"That is a long story actually," Susan answered. "But the short version is we were both caught in a two different Rifts and ended up in another dimensional relatively close together. After we met up and compared stories we decided to travel together and try and find our way home."

It was at this point that Aki voiced a question that had been bothering her from the time they left battle scene. "Ms. Saotome, I've been wondering what happens to all the bodies of dead after a fight like ours. When I searched the World Wide Web I only found stories and vague references about the supernatural. No true honest sightings just rumor.

"The reason you did not find anything other than rumors was because we Devil Hunters are very careful at keeping our activities from becoming public knowledge. In my case I have a ward imbedded into my sword that destroys the bodies of supernatural beings once they are dead." Nodoka answered. "It is an unfortunate reality that humans do not react well to things they do not understand. Some supernatural beings are quite friendly and mean no harm. We keep the general public from knowing what truly happens to keep the friendly beings and ourselves safe."

"We both know that fact all too well," Susan said. "We both have experience with humans that think everything not a human should be destroyed."

"What do you plan to do know that you are here, Lady Sterling?" Nodoka asked to change the subject.

"Well Ms. Saotome, we plan to find a Magic User that knows about dimensional travel and continue our journey back to Rifts Earth. In the meantime we will do what we always do, help people in need."

Nodoka nodded, "I see. We you'll allow us we may be able to help you on both those accounts. Our Clan has experience with Magic Users as well as help in your battles against evil."

"That would be most appreciative," Aki bowed with Susan following less than a second behind. "And if you ever need any help let do not hesitate in calling us."

Nodoka and Ranma returned the bows, "You are most welcome also if you ever need any assistance just contact the Saotome Shrine in Meguro. It is our Family Shrine and anyone there will help you as best they can." Nodoka then stood up saying, "Now Ranma and I must be going. It was an honor and a pleasure to meet you." The three teenagers stood up as well.

"The honor and pleasure was all ours, Ms. Saotome," Susan said back. "And we will be sure to stop by your Shrine."

After escorting the Saotomes to the door Aki returned to the living room to see Susan deep in thought. "What are you thinking about?" Aki asked.

"I'm thinking Ranma was rather handsome, don't you think?" Susan answered. Aki smirked but could not help but nod in agreement.

By the time Ranma and Nodoka made it to the train station it was well into the night. As they boarded both took notice that they were the only ones on the train. Nodoka took the opportunity of privacy to talk to her Son about earlier, "Ranma how are you feeling about killing those Oni?"

"To be honest I'm not too sure," Ranma said. "When I fought guy a couple of weeks ago and killed him I felt horrible. But this time, I don't know if it was because they were wanting to kill you or that they were clearly not human I don't know, I just don't feel all that guilty about killing them."

"I know the feeling," Nodoka said as her eyes took a reminiscent gaze. "When I first took up my sword and made my first kill it was against a Chinese Mystic he was completely human. After the fight I looked down into the eyes of his and I could not help but feel horrified at what I did." She then took Ranma's hand and looked into his eyes, "I almost gave up my sword that night."

'Mom killed a human?' Ranma thought. "Why didn't you?"

"Because I knew what the Mystic was doing," Nodoka answered. "He trying to poison a woman that rejected him and almost killed her for that. Can you believe it? A person using magic to kill an innocent woman just because she would not go out with him." Nodoka shook her head in disgust, "When I saw the woman the next day healthy and necking with her boyfriend I felt it was worth it. I also learned something then, being human is not a state of how one was born but of a state of mind and spirit. After that my duties became easier knowing that I was keeping innocent people like that woman safe from those with the mystical power to harm them, whether they were human or not."

Ranma closed his eyes in thought, 'How petty or for that matter crazy does a person have to be to want to kill someone because he or she won't go out with you? Would I have killed a human if he was using supernatural or magical powers to kill someone?' After several minutes of contemplation knowing what he knows about the world he nodded, 'Yes, I would. Mom's right there's more to being human then what something looks like. Jake told me all about those D-Bees, some were more humane then a lot of humans he came across.' Ranma opened his eyes and looked at his Mom he knew she was trying to say that her duties became easier not because killing became easier, but because she knew what she was fighting for and so did he. "I understand Mom and thanks."

In the morning, after Ranma left for School, Nodoka made her way to the family shrine to inform Nanami what she discovered and discussed last night. After the leisurely walk she came to the entrance of the Shrine. What, or rather who, Nodoka knew she would be getting a headache very soon. The person heard Nodoka walking up behind him and his face light up like Christmas Tree, "Ah Noble Swordswoman!" Kuno called out. "It does the Blue Thunder's eyes great glory to gaze upon you're fierce beauty!"

'I thought he was calling himself the Shooting Star the last time we met,' Nodoka thought with a sigh. "What brings you to our Shrine Young Kuno?"

"I have come to humbly ask for your Clan's forgiveness," Kuno said. "Do to some peasant's ill testimony I became enthusiastic when I met your Son. He mistakenly took offense to my exuberance and now I must make amends. But fear not, Noble Swordswoman! The Blue Thunder shall complete his valiant quest and restore the tranquility between our two Great Houses!"

Nodoka rolled her eyes at the act. "Then I shall not keep you from your task any longer Young Kuno. Good day to you."

"Good day to you Noble Swordswoman!" Kuno called as he left the Shrine grounds. "I am off to seek my destination."

"I see you ran into the Kuno Boy again," Nanami said when Nodoka entered the room. "Well we should not be seeing him for a few months at least. I sent him on a quest to find the hair from a Dragon's beard in Alaska. Now tell me what you found out." Nodoka recounted everything that happened the previous night while Nanami silently took it all in.

When Nodoka was finished she asked, "Do you believe we can find a sufficient Magic User to render them proper aide?"

"Magic is not my expertise by I do know that the kind of Magic needed to cross Dimensions is difficult at best to perform," Nanami answered. "To find someone with the skills necessary will be difficult at best and more than a little time consuming. I will however make some inquiries with our Magic User allies." The old leader of the Saotome Clan then changed the subject, "A couple of days ago a teenage girl came to the Shrine with information on Genma."

"Was it another Marriage Promise?" Nodoka asked. Most Promises were easily taken care of because Genma had no legal right to set them up. Some however were incredibly stubborn and tried to pursue regardless if Nanami canceled the agreement, like that Kounji man from a couple of years ago.

"As a matter of fact yes," Nanami answered. "But the strange thing about this one was that Genma actually planned to carry through with it."

"Oh and who was this girl?" Nodoka asked.

"Her name is Tendo Nabiki," Nanami replied. "Also it turns out that Genma is actually living at her Family's Dojo and making quite the annoying guest."

"So Genma finally showed up there," Nodoka mused. "What are the plans on dealing with him? Genma is more of a creature of habit then most people and his biggest habit is causing problems for us. If we don't take do anything soon then only greater trouble will follow."

"That I will leave to you and Ranma," Nanami answered. "If anyone should punish him it should be the ones that he wronged the most."

"Very well," Nodoka said stroking the handle of her katana. "I will tell Ranma when he gets home tonight and we'll think of something."

"I'm sure you will Granddaughter," Nanami said.

In Ranma's Classroom one of Ranma's Classmates was eyeing him from behind. In his hand was a devise that looked like a cross between a tracking devise and a palmtop computer. Every so often he would point it at Ranma, then type on the small keyboard, look at the screen and finally repeat the process. 'His energy has recently gone up,' the boy thought. 'What ever the source of his energy is I've got to figure it out. The readings I'm getting from him different from the ones I from Misago and Hinako-sensei. This is just too fascinating to pass up! Oh I can't wait to get home and analyze these latest readings!'