'Get Set'

Ranma Saotome, Sensei and Head of the Saotome School of Martial arts jogged easily down the morning Nerima streets. He was a big man. Years of training had covered him with thick slabs of muscle. Yet for such a big man, Ranma moved as lightly and gracefully as a man half his size. He wore his hair in a long pigtail that bounced as he jogged. He wore an expensive red and black jogging suit with the Saotome emblem on the back of the jacket. On his head he wore specially made helmet and he wore pads on his elbows and knees. A small pack was strapped to his back.

Jogging on his right was his wife of fourteen years, Akane. She was an attractive , lithe almost wiry woman with short blue black hair. Her lithe and graceful form exuded a sense of power. She wore a matching jogging suit as did everyon else jogging together. On her back was strapped a a short staff in a holder. Around her hips a wide belt that held a number of pouches and a water bottle. She too, like everyone else wore a helmet and elbow and knee pads.

The woman on Ranma's left was rounder but no less attractive. This one had brown hair that she tied with a bow. Her curves suggested strength and she moved as gracefully as a gazelle. Her name was Ukyo Kuonji and she carried a similar staff and holder on her back as well. She too had a similar wide belt.

Jogging just behind the three were three boys; Fifteen year old Hayaima , Ranma's eldest son by Ukyo, a second slightly younger boy, thirteen year old, Akama, Ranma's son by Akane and a third boy, Fifteen year old Tagaki Kasamura, the son of Yuchiko and Kenichi Kasamura and Akama's best friend. For more than a yearTagaki had become a frequent house guest and more often than not, Tagaki spent his weekends with the Saotome's. All three boys were muscular and fit and all three had their hair in pigtails.

"News truck, Pops." Hayaima called.

"Visors down." Ranma ordered. He reached up to his helmet and pulled down an opaque plastic shield that obscured his features but still allowed him to see.

"Kinda silly, Pops." hayaima said. "They know who we are."

"True, Haya." Ranma replied. "People in Nerima know who we are, but it isn't Nerima residents I worry about." He said seriously. "The longer we can protect our identities, the more we can protect...ourselves." He said. "Now, drop the visor." He ordered. Ranma waited until Hayaima dropped the identity concealing face plate before turning toward the approaching newsmen.

"Sensei." The lead man, obviously the reporter, called. "A moment of your time." He asked hopefully.

Ranma sighed. "A moment." He agreed. "Tomboy, get everyone to the roof." He ordered. Akane nodded her visored head and in moments Ranma was standing alone in the middle of the sidewalk. "Good morning." He said to the reporter.

"Good morning, Sensei." The reporter replied. "That visor is new." He observed. Ranma nodded but didn't reply. The reporter cleared his throat and faced the camera. "Good morning, this is Hiroichi Masahara for Morning in Nerima." He said in a professional speaking voice. "I'm standing with Sensei Ra..." He stopped at a warning note from Ranma. "I'm here with The Sensei." He amended. "Sensei, you and your...associates have become a familiar and welcome sight for the morning and evening denizens of Nerima." He said. Ranma nodded. "Your presence is as I said, welcome, but there is one question on nearly everyone's minds. "And that is...How do you do what you do?"

Ranma chuckled behind the visor. "Magic." Ranma replied in a half serious voice.

"Sensei." The reporter said reprovingly.

"Best I can really do." Ranma replied. "We've been poked, prodded and tested to the limits of modern science and they're as baffled as we are." He said mostly truthfully. "Magic is as good an explanation as anything else." He said with a chuckle. "Now I really..."

"One more question please, Sensei." The reporter pleaded.. "There have been some rumors of you running for councilman." The reporter stopped when Ranma began to laugh. "Sensei?"

"I'm just a martial artist." Ranma said. "That's all I ever wanted to be." He said. "Now, if you will excuse me." With a short bow, Ranma leaped into the air. He soared straight up and landed on the roof of a nearby three story building.

The reporter turned to the camera. "The Sensei." The reporter said simply.

Once he joined the rest of the morning 'joggers' on the roof, Ranma led the group back home much to the vocal disappointment of Hayaima, Akama and Tagaki. Ranma chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, I know." He said as they entered the Saotome home. "I hate it when we have to cut our jog early too." He agreed. "Okay boys, hit the showers."

"We don't have showers, Pops." Akama teased. "Just a bath."

"You know what your father meant, scamp." Akane said. "Shoo." She said. "Now, where is Meg?"

"Probably the kitchen." Ukyo said.

"Probably." Agreed Akane. "Ranma, go wash up."

"Okay, Tomboy." Ranma replied and walked walked away.

Akane smiled wryly. "Okay, let's go see what your...daughter is up to." She and Ukyo walked into the kitchen. As Ukyo predicted, Megumi was standing next to the stove and stirring the contents of a pot. "Good morning, Meg." She said in greeting.

"Good morning, Daughter." Ukyo said at the same time. "Did you sleep well?"

Megumi smiled. "Yes, Mother, thank you." Megumi replied. "Good morning, Auntie." She said to Akane. "Tea?" Even as Akane and Ukyo nodded, Megumi was walking over with two tea cups. She pointed to the small television on the kitchen counter. "You were on television again." She said.

Ukyo and Akane nodded. Ukyo sipped her tea. "All is well, then?" She asked with some concern in her voice.

"Very well, Mother." Megumi replied cheerfully. "Haya is a very good boyfriend." She giggled. "Even if I do have to nag him to study."

Ukyo sighed at the subtle dig from Megumi. Hayaima normally a C student, at best, had slowly been pulling his grades up. A trend that had started with Megumi spending more and more evenings at the Saotome home. Hayaima's grades were going up and Megumi's grades, normally A's, were staying put. "Yes, well..." Began Ukyo. UIkyo sighed again. "Just as long as everything is well."

Megumi smiled. "I think the boys should be done bathing by now." She said.

Akane and Ukyo exchanged rueful looks. "Hopefully they left some hot water." Akane said. She and Ukyo walked out of the kitchen. "Why couldn't they be eighteen?" Ukyo grumbled. "I'd settle for sixteen." She added.

"Just be happy it's Meg." Akane said.

Ranma quickly washed and walked over to the Saotome home's one true luxury, the oversized furo. Large enough for three adults or, in this case, three teenged bous...and Ranma. "Move over Haya." Ranma said as he entered the tub. "We got five minutes tops before Momma A and Momma U get here." He said as he sat down. "And I want to get in a good soak." The three teens laughed.

"How are you boys feeling?" Ranma asked after he soaked for a good minute.

"Strong Pops." Hayaima replied. Akama and Tagaki made sounds of agreement.

"Good." Ranma said approvingly. "That was good control Akama." He said.

"Thanks Pops." Akama replied in pleased tones.

"Hey Pops." Hayaima said. "Do you think I could, you know, take Meg with me, I mean us, on a run one morning?"

Ranma laughed. "Why don't you first try taking her around the block first." He said in teasing tones. "Or have you already done that?"

Hayaima ducked his head but not before Ranma could see a blush form on his eldests' face. "Carrried her home from school yesterday." He admitted in a mumble.

Ranma laughed again. "Not bad, Haya, not bad." He admitted good naturedly. "So things are good with you and Meg?" He asked.

Hayaima nodded while still looking down. "Yeah, Pops."

"Good." Ranma said gently. Hayaima looked up. "I know it's...difficult...but...it's okay." He said. "Okay?"

"Thanks Pops." Hayaima replied honestly. "Meg is...special."

"Hey, we want to bathe too." Akane called through the door and interrupting any further conversation.

"You heard the lady." Ranma said. He stood and exited the tub. The three teen aged boys followed. Ranma grabbed a towel and quickly dried off while the three boys did the same. He wrapped the towel around his waist and slid his feet into house slippers before opening the door. "It's all yours." He announced with a smile. "Come on boys." Ranma said. Three teen aged boys trooped out behind hiim.

Akane rolled her eyes. "I'm feeling decidedly outnumbered." She said. "Now I know how daddy felt." She said in rueful tones. The two women entered the bath and quickly stripped down. "Turn around." Akane said as she and Ukyo sat down on stools before the water taps. She quickly soaped up a cloth and started washing Ukyo's back. She filled a bucket and rinsed the soap off Ukyo''s back before turning around to let Ukyo wash her back. A few minutes later the two women were soaking in the tub.

"So." Ukyo said conversationally. "When do we leave for China?"

"As soon as Nabs finishes making all the negotiations." Akane replied after a moment. "Nabs says they know a little about us and what they do know..." Akane shrugged. "Not to mention where we want to go is not exactly...on the approved list of places we may be able to go." She said. "To make it...more difficult." She said after a pause. "Nabs thinks stories about us may have reached official sources."

"Kind of think that's a given, Tomboy." Ukyo commented. "Even I would have thought of that."

"I think Nabs meant the stories have reached people who may have reason to believe they aren't just stories." Akane said. "And she meant official Japanese people."

"Ah." Ukyo said in understanding.

"Nabs says she's been getting unusual difficulty with our visas." Akane continued. "From both countries."

"Ah." Ukyo noised again. "We may have waited too long, then?" She asked in concern.

"Maybe." Akane said. She stood. "I'm hungry." She said. Her stomach gurgled in agreement.

Ukyo laughed. "You get more like Ranma every day, did you know that?"

"Complaining?" Akane teased.

"Hell no." Ukyo replied in firm amusement. She stood as well."Let's see what my daughter has prepared this time." She grabbed a towel and threw it to Akane and then grabbed one of her own. She began to dry off. "Was Kasumi like that?" She asked.

Akane nodded. "Oh yeah." She said. Akane's expression fell. "Kasumi had to grow up very fast when Mother died." Akane said. She slipped on her robe and belted it closed and slpped her feet into her house shoes. "Sometimes I look at Meg and I see..." Akane paused. "I see what she might have been." Akane chuckled. "Not always sure which way is better."

Ukyo chuckled in response and the two women walked out of the bathing area and to their bedroom. A quick selection of clothes. Jeans and a t-shirt for both of them, they headed toward the door. Ukyo stopped in front of a full length mirror and looked at her reflection. "I know lots of women in their twenties who claim they look the same as when they were teenagers." She said softly. "But...I think I'm beginning to look more like Haya's big sister than his mother."

"Ono thinks it should stablize soon." Akane said. "I'd hate to have to go through puberty in reverse."

"I wasn't complaining." Ukyo replied with a laugh. She looked at Akane with her Ki sight. She looked at Akane for almost a minute. Finally she nodded. "I think he's probably right." Ukyo turned around and wiggled her rear end and looked at herself over her shoulder. "Housewife, huh. I don't think so." She said. Ukyo turned around and looked into the mirror. "And the Tomboy's tits don't sag, neither." She said to her reflection. Ukyo turned her head and looked at Akane. "Hey." She said. "You never know."

Hayaima walked into the kitchen. Megumi had her back to him as she busied herself over the stove. Hayaima walked over to Megumi. He put his arms around her waist from behind. "Good morning, Meg." He said.

Megumi giggled and turned in the circle of his arms. "You already said good morning." She said with a smile. She ran a hand along Hayaima's chin. "I think you need to start shaving." She said. Megumi leaned forward and rubbed her cheek against Hayaima's. "Maybe tomorrow." She said after a moment.

Hayaima smiled. "I'll remember." He said.

Megumi leaned forward and kissed Hayaima lightly but affectionately on the lips. ""Good." She said as she wrapped her arms around Hayaima's neck and looked into his eyes. They looked into each other's eyes for a long minute before Megumi dropped her eyes. "Am I a good girlfriend, Haya?" She asked.

"The best, Meg." Hayaima replied with a hint of concern in his voice. "You know that."

"I sometimes..." Megumi began. "Sometimes waiting is...difficult for me too." She said.
"Just a little longer, okay?"

Hayaima lifted Megumi's face with a finger. "You're the best girlfriend. Ever." He said. "I don't care how long I have to wait..." He grimaced. "Well that's not true." He admitted. Megumi giggled. "I want to all the time." He said. "But I want it to be...I dunno...right." Megumi nodded. "So..." He stopped when Megumi kissed him.

"Go sit down, Haya." Megumi said quietly.

Hayaima leaned down and got another kiss before he let Megumi go and with several backward glances exited the kitchen. Megumi started transferring items into serving bowls and plates. The kitchen door opened again.

Ukyo walked in and looked around. "I'm starting to feel unneeded." Ukyo said with a smile.

"Maybe for breakfast." Megumi replied pleasantly. "I don't think I'm up to doing anything more challenging." She said. "Though I really would love to know how to make tempura."

Ukyo nodded in understanding. "Maybe you could help me prepare it next time." Ukyo replied. She walked over and picked up a large bowl of rice. "In the meantime, we better get some food on the table before they start eating each other." She smiled as Megumi giggled.

Since it was a Sunday morning, the rest of the day was spent with different members of the growing Saotome household doing various things singly or in groups. Ranma was sitting in the house's main room reading Happosai's manual. Akane and Ukyo were sitting on a nearby couch knitting.

Hayaima and Meg were at the family table going over some homework. While Tagaki and Akama were on another date with the Kobiashi twins but they had to be home by two in the afternoon. Akane suspected they'd either be back early and go to Akama's bedroom to ... 'study' or late from 'studying at the library'.

Reading Master Happosai's manual was an on again, off again project for Ranma. The main reason was Master Happosai's handwriting. it sometime could take days to figure out a single sentence. Some sentences he had given up trying to decypher, others were more fully translated. Ranma puzzled over a particular character. "Hmm." Ranma noised.

"Something interesting, Ran-chan?" Ukyo looked up from her knitting.

"Depends." Ranma said. "I think this section is about putting Ki into the something called the Five Elements." He said somewhat doubtfully. "I think it says that you can ... store Ki in one or more of the Five Elements...and again I'm sorta guessing...either to save it or do something to one or more of the Five Elements."

"Do something, like what?" Ukyo asked in interested tones.

"I think Master Happosai says that you can use Ki to make one of the five elements stronger." Ranma said. "I think." He repeated. Ranma blew out a breath. "I just wish I knew what five elements he was talking about." He complained.

"Maybe he was talking about the Chinese Five Elements, Uncle Ranma." Megumi piped from the main table. "I think they were, Fire, water, wood, metal and air."

Ranma blinked. "Of course." Ranma exclaimed. "That would make perfect sense." He said. "Master Happosai spent a lot of time in China." Ranma snapped a finger. "Hey Tomboy, do you still have your Bokkens?"

"Maybe." Akane said doubtfully. "If it's not in the Dojo then..." Akane stood. "Be right back." She walked away. She came back several minutes later holding two wooden practice swords. "Attic." She said. Akane placed the swords on the floor in front of Ranma. Akane sighed. "I used to love Kendo." She said in regretful tones. Akane shook off the mood. "So, what are you planning to do?" She asked Ranma.

"Try to put some Ki into one of them and see what happens." Ranma replied. Ranma looked around. "Hmm, maybe not in the house." he said after a moment. "Just in case." He stood and left the house followed by Akane and Ukyo.

Megumi watched the adults leave then leaned over to Hayaima. "I think we've studied enough today." Megumi said quietly. "I think a nap would be nice." She said. Megumi giggled when Hayaima jumped to his feet and picked Megumi up. He started running toward the stairs. Megumi's giggle echoed throughout the house.

Hayaima did not stop running until they had reached the guest room. He gently placed Megumi on her feet. Or attempted to but Megumi didn't seem to want to be put down. Hayaima looked down at the girl in his arms. He smiled as Megumi puckered her lips for a kiss.

Ranma led Akane and Ukyo to the grassy area between the house and the dojo. "I guess this'll do." he said. He placed one of the bokkens on the ground and held the other in his hands. "You might want to stand back." He said in caution. "I have no idea if this will work or what will happen if it does." Akane and Ukyo backed up a few paces.

Ranma held the Bokken in one hand and looked at it with his Ki senses. To his surprise the Bokken had a faint but unmistakable Ki signiture. Ranma made a mental note and then concentrated and tried to infuse Ki into the wooden sword.

"I think it's working, Tomboy." Ukyo said in a quiet aside. Akane nodded. To the Ki sight of Akane and Ukyo the Bokken began to glow and, in a way not describable to someone who could not see Ki, become more solid. "I think that should be enough, Ran-chan." Ukyo called.

Ranma nodded and stopped 'pushing' Ki into the Bokken. He examined the Ki infused wooden sword with his Ki senses. "It seems to be holding.' He said after a moment. Ranma looked around. "Tomboy, you mind if I test this on that old stone lantern?" He said pointing to a particularly beaten up looking stone lanttern, one of several in the yard.

Akane nodded. "Go ahead." She said. "I've wanted an excuse to get rid of that one anyway."

Ranma chuckled. He walked over to the stone lantern. "Well, here goes ... something ... maybe." He said and swung the wooden sword at the stone lantern. There was a 'whoomp' and Ranma found himself staring up at the afternoon sky. "Wha..wha..whoa." Mumbled Ranma dizzily. He sat up. "What happened?" He asked no one in particular. "Tomboy, Ul-chan." He called. "You guys okay?" Not hearing an answer Ranma looked around. Akane and Ukyo were both lying on the ground. "Oh shit."

"I'm okay, Ranma." Akane levered herself off the ground and shook her head. "What the hell was that?" She demanded. "You okay, Uk-chan?"

Ukyo shook her head dizzily. "Yeah, I think so."

"Well that was a spectacular...failure." Akane said.

"I wouldn't go that far, Tomboy." Ranma replied. He held up the Bokken and poiinted to the stone lantern. The lantern had been reduced to pebbles while the bokken appeared untouched. "Look at it." Ranma said waving the bokken. "Not a scratch on it." He said. Ranma looked at the bokken with his Ki senses and almost dropped the wooden sword. "Damn." he exclaimed. "It's alive."

Both Akane and Ukyo examined the Bokken with their own Ki sense. "I see what you mean, Ran-chan." Ukyo said with a touch of awe in her voice. With her Ki Sense she could see Ki flowing through the wooden sword. "It does almost seem alive." She agreed. "Weird."

"Weird is right, Uk-chan." Ranma said. "Hmm, I wonder." Ranma concentrated.

"Hey, the Ki is leaving the bokken." Akane exclaimed. There was a cracking sound. "What the...?" Akane's eyes widened when the bokken suddenly broke into pieces.

"What I figured." Ranma said. "Putting Ki into the Bokken made it stronger, taking it out..." He shrugged. "Okay, so wood can absorb and hold Ki." he said musingly. "What were the other elements?"

"I thnk Meg said they were; wood, fire, earth, water and..." Ukyo paused. "What was the last one?"

"Metal." Akane supplied. She barked a laugh. "If you can shatter stone with a ki infused wooden sword, could you imagine what a Ki infused real sword would be like?" She laughed again this time in anticipation. "I can't wait to try."

"When you do, make sure Akama isn't around." Ukyo cautioned. "You know that boy has no sense." She smirked. "Just like her mother."

"Hey." Complained Akane. "You'll pay for that, Uk-chan." She threatened. "Even if it is true."

"What are you going to do?" Ukyo asked playfully. "Spank me?"

"Yeah." Akane replied.

"Okay." Chirped Ukyo.

"And you guys call me a pervert." Ranma said.

"Well you are a pervert." Akane replied. "Oh don't worry Ranma, I'll let you watch." Akane griinned when both Ranma and Ukyo laughed.


Ranma Saotome opened the door to his home. A wide welcoming smile appeared on his face. "Kenichi!" He greeted Tagaki Kasamura's father. "You made it."

"Made it?" Laughed Kenichi. A tall man, athletic in his youth and still athletic looking despite a small pot belly. "My boss insisted." He exclaimed.

"Well of course, Kenichi." The mousy but still attractive woman at his side said. "Ranma is a very important man." She said. "Where are the girls?" She asked with a chipmunk grin.

"In the kitchen, waiting for you." Ranma replied. He grinned when Kenichi's wife, Yuchiko, gave Ranma a quick peck on the cheek before she entered the house, making a bee line for the kitcheb. "Ranma laughed. He clasped Kenichi on the shoulder. "Glad you could make it,"

"Me too." Kenichi replied.

Ranma led Kenichi into the main room where Tagaki and Akama were doing their homework. Tagaki looked up. A grin appeared on his face. "Hey Dad." He made to get up but Kenichi waved him back dpwn.

"Hey, son." Kenichi replied and walked over to his son. Kenichi bent down and hugged his son briefly. Kenichi sat down next to his son. "Your Mom showed me your report card." He said in approving tones. "Good job."

"Thanks Dad." Tagaki replied.

"Mr. Saotome said you were...out with those girls again." Kenichi said in somewhat smug tones. "The twins, right?"

Tagaki laughed. "Yeah, Dad."

"Girlfriends can be expensive." Kenichi said in cheerful warning.

Tagaki and Akama exchanged somewhat pained looks. Tagaki returned his attention to his dad. "Yeah." He admitted. Then he grinned. "But it's worth it." He said in triumphant tones.

Kenichi grinned. "Well since you've upped your grades." Kenichi said. "Your mother and I have agreed to raise your allowance." He reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. "As of last week." He announced. Kenichi looked at Akama. "Your father tells me that you're the one who makes sure Tagaki studies."

"Well Pops nags me, so I nag Tagaki." Akama replied with a grin. "Sort of to spread the pain."

Kenichi laughed in response. "Well, thank you anyway." He said. Kenichi shook his head in amusement. "Twins." He laughed. Kenichi stood. "Back to work." He said fond gruff tones. Kenichi walked back to Ranma. "Twins." He said.

Ranma chuckled. "Twin cheerleaders." Ranma and Kenichi exchanged high fives. "We got us some manly boys." Ranma said proudly. "I don't know where they got it." Ranma said as he and Kenichi walked over to a wet bar. "Your usual?" Ranma asked. Kenichi nodded. Ranma nodded as well and started making a drink. "Not from me." He admitted.

"Who are you trying to kid, Ranma Saotome?" Kenichi replied. He wagged finger. "Didn't you once have three girlfriends?"

"One girlfriend, one fiance and a rich bitch." Ranma replied in disagreement. "I had to give up the girlfriend for the fiance." Ranma said in mildly regretful tones. "And you couldn't pay me to date Kodachi Kuno." Ranma shivered. "That bitch was crazy."

"Wouldn't know." Kenichi replied. "I just know what Yuchiko tells me she reads in the magazines."

"Trust me." Ranma replied. "They're being kind." He hand Kenichi a glass. "Your drink."

"Thanks Ranma." Kenichi said. Kenichi took a deep swallow. He cradled the glass in both hands and looked at it. "Yuchiko tells me..." He trailed off as he felt what coould only be described as a 'touch' and somehow he knew it was comiing from Ranma. Then the touch vanished. "That was..."

"That wasn't it." Ranma interrupted. "That was just to let you know that it's real." He said. "Yeah, buddy." Ranma said. "It's real." He grinned. "But I'm not gonna be the one to do it." He said. "Buddy boy, you're going to be thanking me later." Ranma said cheerfully. "I'm gonna let the Tomboy and Uk-chan give you a...call it a massage." He leaned over. "Of course, I get to give Yuchiko her massage." He said with a grin. "So we're even."

"You make it sound like we're swapping wives." Kenichi said in slightly nervous tones.

"Ain't that far off, buddy." Ranma said. "Aint that far off." He gave Kenichi a smirk. "And you're getting two for one." He said. "And they both volunteered." He said. "Loudly."

Kenichi laughed. "I'm looking forward to it." He said. "Whatever it is you're doing, it certainly agrees with Mouse." He said with a quick look toward the kitchen. Faint laughter could be heard through the closed door. "I swear she looks the same as she did in college."

Ranma nodded in agreement. He heard the doorbell ring. "I wonder who that is?" He said. "I wasn't expecting anyone." Ranma shrugged and walked to the door and opened it. "Nabs?" He said in surprise.

"Sorry we didn't call." Nabiki replied. She wore a form fitting white business suit. She waved to the blond next to her. "You remember Kimi?"

"Of course." Ranma said. "Hello Kimi." He greeted the blond.

"Hello, stud." Kimi Ota responded with a grin.

Ranma laughed. "Thanks." He replied. He looked at Nabiki. "Running or staying?" He asked. "Ukyo always makes extra." He said.

"Staying." Nabiki replied. She turned to Kimi. "I keep telling you Kimi, it's Akane that's the stud in this house." She grinned sharklike at Ranma.

"Don't start Nabs." Ranma warned. "And I wouldn't talk if I were you."

"Meow." Kimi said. "Cat fight." Kimi laughed. "Sheath the claws girls." She teased. "We got your Visas approved." She announced as they entered the main room. Kimi waved to the two boys at the table and walked directly over to Kenichi. "Hi, I'm Kimi Ota." She chirped and haded Kenichi a card. "Call me."

Kenichi looked at the card. "I already have a lawyer." He said in regretful amusement.

"Who said anything about needing a lawyer?" Kimi replied.

"Exactly what did Kimi do before she was a lawyer, Nabs?" Ranma asked in suspicious tones.

"I never asked." Nabiki replied easily.

"That wasn't the question." Ranma replied.

"Sorry, priviledged information." Nabiki replied in much cooler tones.

"So's our sex life." Ranma replied testily. "Visa?" He prompted.

Nabiki waved a hand. "The good news is we got your visas approved." Nabiki said. "The bad news is that you'll have an escort."

"What kind of escort?" Ranma asked warily.

"You're going through some rough country." Nabiki said. "The valley you're heading for is one of the more remote." She said. "You'll have to travel through a no man's land of swamps, tigers and bandits for three days before you get there." She pointed out seriously. "So in addition to you guys, the Onos' and the kids, there will be members of the Chinese Intelligence accompanying you." She said. "Oh they 'll say they're Chinese Army but they will be intelligence."

"Three days?" Ranma asked.

"At least." Nabiki nodded. "The first part of the trip will take three days alone." She said. "They have trains most of the way." She said. "For the last part of the trip you're going to have to convoy it." She said. "I've already made some arrangements."

They entered the main room. "Auntie Nabiki!" Exclaimed several young voices in greeting. Four young teens hurried toward her. "Hey guys." Nabiki said in greeting. She bent down for her hugs. Though not as far as she used to, and in Hayaima's case not at all. Nabiki reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out some red envelopes. She passed out four of them and put the rest back in her pocket. "use it for whatever." She said with a smile. "I know what it's like to be a teen and have no money." She looked at Megumi. "How's Mitsi?" She asked.

Megumi smiled. "Mitsi is fine." She said. "I spoke to her earlier today." She informed her aunt. "Actually I think she enjoys being the center of attention at home." She confided.

"No doubt." Nabiki agreed. "Looking forward to China?" She asked.

"Oh my, Yes, Auntie." Megumi replied cheerfully. "Mother is getting us all new wardrobes for the trip." She smiled. "I think I'll look good in khaki." She said.

Dinner at the Saotome home used to be a private almost quiet affair. Ranma and Akane would speak no more than necessary, though they both did dote on Akama. With the introduction of Ukyo and Hayaima into the household, the dinners became cheerful affairs full of laughter and chatter. Laughter and chatter than only increased when first Tagaki Kasamura and then Megumi Ono became dinner regulars. And increased still more when there were guests, such as Tagaki's parents and/or another family member. In this case Nabiki Tendo and her friend and associate, Kimi Ota.

"I'm sure you must have told others." Yuchiko said to Kimi. "But how did you and Nabiki meet?"

"In prison." Laughed Kimi.

"Prison?" Gasped Yuchikio.

"Don't miind Kimi." Nabiki said. "She enjoys shocking people." She said. "Kimi wasn't in prison and neither was I." Nabiki said. "We just met there."

"Spoil sport." Kimi grumbled good naturedly. "It was our...sophomore year at Tokyo University." Kimi continued. "There was an introductory course in criminal justice. Which I took." She said. "Part of the course was a trip to a local correctional facility." She nodded her head toward Nabiki. "Nabs took the same course." Kimi laughed. "The trip was to a woman's facility and some...jerk made a comment."

"Kimi and I took turns tearing into him." Nabiki said. "Pretty much been friends ever since." She and Kimi exchanged shark-like smiles. "Smartest woman I know." Nabiki said in praise. "Except where men are concerned."

"You're just mad I stole Tatewaki away from you." Kimi teased. Kimi laughed. "Which is one of the reasons I dumped him." She confided to Yuchiko. "Any man dumb enough to cheat on Nabs, is too dumb for either of us."

"Dumb, yes." Agreed Nabiki. "But not for dating you." She replied. "It's the third most intelligent thing he's ever done." She said with a laugh. "The first being going into partnership with me."

"And what was the second most intelligent thing he ever did?" Yuchiko asked in amused tones.

"Dating Nabs, what else?" Kimi replied. "Don't let Nabs kid you." Kimi continued. "She still has a soft spot for Tatewaki." She said. "Not that I blame her, Tatewaki is sweet." She said. "Nabs always called him the perfect man." She said. "Handsome, rich and educated."

"He's still dumb as a box of rocks." Nabiki said.

"Like I said, the perfect man." Kimi responded.

Ranma looked around the table. The wide, happy smile on his face only slightly marred by a tear that ran down his cheek. It was a bittersweet, regretful tear. 'So many years missed.' He mused. 'So many laughs that might have been. So many smiles that never were.' He wiped his face.

"You okay, Ranma?" Akane asked in concern.

"I'm fine Tomboy." Ranma replied quietly. He leaned over and gave Akane a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks." He said.

Akane raised a hand to her cheek. She gave Ranma one of her better smiles. "That was nice." She replied in the same quiet tones. "But if you don't give Uk-chan a kiss, I may get cross." She mock threatened with an impish grin. Ranma laughed and leaned over to Ukyo to give her a quick kiss. "Better." Akane said in approval. "No one gets left out."

After dinner and after Nabiki and Kimi had left. Ranma sent the various teens off to bed. While Akama and Tagaki would sleep in Akama's bedroom as usual. Tagaki's parents were staying over for the evening and would sleep in the guest room. After some thought, Hayaima and Megumi were, although reluctantly and a quiet word to Hayaima, given Nabiki's old bedroom for the evening. The two young teens have been restrained so far and everyone had to admit the relationship had been good for the two teens. Still this would be the first time they were unsupervised.

They gave the Kasamura's the chance to bathe and change into house kimono, Kenichi it turned out was a bit of a traditionalist and usually changed into the more comfortable house clothes at home though the house Kimono was well made and well cared for, the pants looked well worn. Yuchiko on the other hand had obviously gone out and bought a new outfit. A peach colored night gown that she wore under a matching kimono styled robe.

"Do I look alright?" Yuchiko asked in slightly anxious tones.

"That's a little...bold for you, don't you think Mouse?" Kenichi asked. "You don't dress like that at home." He frowned. "Exactly what's going to happen again?"

Yuchiko laughed. "You sound jealous." She teased. She wagged a finger. "If anyone should be jealous, it should be me." Yuchiko looked up eagerly when there was a knock on the bedroom door. "Come in." She called.

Into the guest room walked Ranma, Akane and Ukyo. Ranma was wearing a red robe over red pajamas while Akane and Ukyo were wearing matching red night gowns covered by a translucent red silk robe. "Oh Mouse that's such a cute night gown." Akane greeted Yuchiko.

"Looks good on you, Mouse honey." Ukyo agreed. "Don't you think so, Ran-chan?"

"If I tell her she looks good, which one of the three of you will hit me first?" Ranma asked with a grin. "Oh what the heck, you look really cute, Yuchiko."

"Thank you, Ran...Ran-chan." Yuchiko said daringly. She elbowed Kenichi. "Well?" She said expectantly. She rolled her eyes at Kenichi's blank look. "Tell Akane and Ukyo they look nice."

"I think Ranma had the right question." Kenichi said slightly nervously. "What's going to happen again?" He asked plaintively. "Exactly?"

"Like I said, Kenichi." Ranma said with a grin. "Think of it as a massage." He pointed to the bed. "Now you two just stay right there."

"Not until you tell Akane and Ukyo they look nice." Yuchiko solded Kenichi. "It's the least , the very least, you can do...considering." Yuchiko gave Ranma a shy look before turning a more stern countanence toward Kenichi. "Go ahead, Kenichi."

Kenichi gave his wife a confused look, then shrugged. A lopsided smile appeared on his face. "Oh, what the hell." He excalaimed. "Tonight's already better than some of the daydreams I've had recently."

"Daydreams?" Ukyo asked with a slight giggle in her voice.

"Okay, fantasies." Kenichi admitted. He turned to Yuchiko and raised his arms in surrender. "Just fantasies, honey, you know that." To Kenichi's relief, Yuchiko giggled and waved a hand toward Akane and Ukyo. The two women were looking at each other and giggling like teenagers. Kenichi waited until they returned their attention to him. He opened his mouth to speak.

"Hang on." Akane interrupted. She gave Kenichi her best smile. "One question?" She asked. Kenichi closed his mouth and nodded. "How many of those...fantasies had me and Mouse in them?"

"Don't answer that." Yuchiko said quickly. "Honestly, Tomboy. " She scolded in a laughter filled voice. "Now tell them they look nice." She said.

Kenichi nodded. "Really cute." Kenichi laughed. "Really, really cute."

"Good." Yuchiko said in approval. She gave her three friends a smile. "And you matched." She said in flattered tones.

"Ran-chan's idea." Ukyo said.

"Really?" Yuchiko almost cooed her reply. She gave Ranma a smile then took Kenichi hand in hers. "Okay, ready."

"Hang on, Ken-chan." Ukyo said. She wrapped an arm around Akane's waist and Akane placed her arm around Ukyo's. The two women gave Kenichi a smile and then Ukyo's hair started to writhe on her head and faintly glow. Akane's eye's also began to take on a faint glow. "Not too bad, Ken-chan." Ukyo said. "Just a little tweak here."

"And a little tweak there." Akane added.

At first Kenichi didn't feel anything. Then he felt he could only describe as being touched, yet the touch wasn't physical in any way yet real just the same. There were two of these touches and Kenichi was certain he know which one was Akane's and which was Ukyo's. The touches were gentle at first but with each touch Kenichi felt a sudden tiny burst of sensation, as if a muscle that had been cramped had suddenly relaxed. Kenichi couldn't help but gasp in relief. "Oh." He almost moaned as one particularly large 'cramp' suddenly 'relaxed'." "Whoo-hoo-hoo." Kenichi shuddered. "Whoo...whoa...whoo...oh...that...oh...my...god." He screamed.

Kenichi's scream was echoed by a similar one coming from Yuchiko. Both Kenichi and Yuchiko began to pant as the Ki massage continued. They fell back onto the bed and Kenichi pulled Yuchiko into his arms as the two began to shudder.

"How much more should we give them?" Ranma said with a grin. "If we keep this up any longer they're going to not care we're here."

"I think they just passed that point, dummy." Akane said. She pointed to the bed with her chin. She grinned at the pair on the bed. "Okay, guys, we're stopping." She told the embracing couple.

Kenichi took a deep breath. He took another and then sat up. "That..." He said and stopped. He helped Yuchiko sit up. "Close your top, Mouse."

"Aww." Moaned Ranma and Akane in chorus. Yuchiko giggled before rearranging her night gown and hiding her exposed breasts. She gave Ranma and Akane a shy smile as she did so.

"Perverts." Yuchko scolded in fond tones.

"You just noticed, sugar?" Ukyo asked with a laugh. "How you doing, Ken-honey?"

"Whoa." Kenichi panted. He swallowed. "I think...I don't know what to think." He said. Kenichi blinked. "My back doesn't hurt." He announced quietly. "I haven't felt this good in years." Despite his words, Kenich frowned. "What did you do?"

"It'd take too long to explain, my friend." Ranma said. "The short answer, the girls sorta reversed some of damage life, stress and too much beer, have done to you." He chuckled. "And in case you're wondering, the...um...sensations are a ... side effect."

"You're kidding?" Kenichi said in surprise. Ranma shook his head. "Do you realize how much..."

Ranma raised a hand. "Don't say it." He said. "Yeah, but could you imagine how people would react if they knew?" He said. "We kinda like our privacy, you know."

"So, why...us?" Kenichi asked.

"Because you and Mouse are the best friends we ever had." Akane said firmly. "Besides It's kind of...intimate." Akane said. "The sensations aren't exactly one way." Akane said with a blush. "There's sort of a feedback effect." She said. "And it's actually easier for me and Uk-chan to work on you, while Ranma works on Mouse." She said. "Darn it."

"She's incorrigible." Yuchiko said. She gave Akane another fond smile. "Give her a ... kiss for me, later." She said to Ukyo. "Okay, Uk-chan?"

"It's not exactly a kiss the Tomboy is going to want, Mouse honey." Ukyo replied with a laugh. "But, I'll do my best."

Ranma stood. "We should let you guys rest." He grinned. "Or something." He said. "We need to ... rest too." He said. "Like the Tomboy said; there's sort of a feedback." He gave Kenishi a short bow. "You're a lucky man, Kenichi." He said. He smiled at Yuchiko. "Very lucky."

"Coming from you Ranma." Kenichi said, nodding as he did toward Akane and Ukyo. "Means a lot."

"Uk-chan and I think Mouse is pretty lucky too." Akane said. "Though I still think Mouse would have preferred me ..." She stopped when Ukyo placed a palm over her mouth.

"She really is incorrigible." Yuchiko rolled her eyes. "Two ... kisses ... for me."

"You got it Mouse." Ukyo said. "Night guys."

Author's Notes: Okay everyone start a chorus of 'On the road to China' cause that's where they're going next. Couple points about In Dreams. You have and will see many OC's introduced in both CT and QR. It's an alternate, alternate reality. And, because there was no magic prior to the Nanban Mirror incident, Ranma and company have to learn how to manipulate their Ki on their own. Also, despite being able to do a few unusual things; the Turbo Boost, the force shield, and the like, they are actually no where near as powerful as the Ranma and company of either QR, CT or even the canon Ranma. Hope you're having fun.