Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2 or Sailor Moon or other characters that may be noted from time to time in the author's notes as originating elsewhere. This piece of work is purely for entertainment purposes.

Minako's Story
by Lerris Smith

-«Previously»-

Ranma awakes, renews an oath with a clear mind, thinks about the past and the future, and begins to plan for the later. Ranma awakes, renews his commitment to Minako and then goes to talk to the mother of his third child, and they come to a simple agreement. Ranma and the Senshi led by Minako reforge a special heart crystal for the castle that promises to be of help to them, in at least subtle ways in the future.

-«Chapter 14: Prelude to Change part II»-

Author's Notes: This is almost a direct continuation of the last chapter.

-«oOo»-

The gathered Senshi slumped in their seats as they recovered from their expenditure of energy. Many looked to the unconscious pair clutching the new hearthstone. They were silent for what seemed like a long time when Ami's tired voice finally broke the silence with, "This place needs some cushions."

Makoto nodded as she fought off a yawn and said, "I'll have to make some later."

Usagi fought her own yawn as she let the silver crystal gently fall from her hand to the table. She then folded her arms to make a pillow for her head as she looked on Minako and Ranma's unconscious forms.

Ami looked up from her laptop and then over to the sleeping rulers, before saying softly, "Whatever happened is over. They are just sleeping now." She pulled out her communicator and fiddled with the settings for several seconds before a male voice could be heard saying, "Your Highness is everything alright?" to which she responded, "Yes, everything is fine. Just let us sleep for a few hours."

As Ami said those words the others slowly began to use the legs of the one closest to them as impromptu pillows including carefully yet sluggishly repositioning Ranma-chan and Minako. The stone was hard, yet they managed to get at least somewhat comfortable.

-«oOo»-

A gray haired yet still seemingly fit older man stared into an image of Sailor Mercury on the thin monitor that set on the edge of his desk. He said, "As you say highness," as he watched the other Senshi get themselves settled. It was kind of a chaotic display as Ami lazily stretched while holding her communicator before finally making herself comfortable. The important thing is that he saw them all, and they were all okay. Of course, it would have been nice if where the princess dropped her communicator allow him to keep watch over the queen, but it did at least show the king, and, if he was not mistaken, it also showed the Queen's foot and the beginnings of what he thought might be the princess of Jupiter's hair. He typed a short message and clicked send. There was, after all, no need to worry the palace guard excessively. Kethra was quite annoyed that the castle itself would not let the guards into the sub-level where they were, but patience was often part of a guard's duty as well. On a final note, he sti ll found it quite odd that their king sometimes was sometimes in a body that was quite so well built. Still it didn't matter, although he vaguely wondered what rumors might come out, if the general public ever learned of the kings alternate identity.

-«oOo»-

The Senshi woke up a bit stiff as they let their transformations fall and stretched. Minako yawned as Ranma and herself placed their hands on where the door was causing it and the part of the bench they were on to vanish. Minako almost fell when half of what she was sitting on disappeared, but Ranma almost without thought reached out to her to steady her. A few of the other Senshi, particularly Rei and Makoto looked on with what appeared to be a bit of envy, but the moment was fleeting.

They made their way up the stairs only to practically run into Kethra and several other guards as the door opened. After a brief few moments to assure Kethra that everyone was fine, Minako asked her to radio in a request for some food to be delivered to her study. Along the way Ranma found some hot water and returned to his birth gender.

After drinking half a glass of something remarkably similar to black tea Minako and Ranma described the brief encounter they had with those inside the crystal while Ami typed quietly into her computer.

Afterward Ami said, "I think they form a node in the protection web for this planet. The web as it was before likely helped with everything, from assuring the integrity of the magical matrix that keeps the planets biosphere intact to more subtle things like perhaps discouraging a rat that was carrying a disease from entering areas near the node. In fact, I'd say it acts as a subtle probability modifier that benefits those living near the nodes. For instance, if heaven forbid, little Nodoka would fall from her crib, the odds of her being hurt in the fall would be slightly less here now."

Usagi said, "I just wish the people didn't have to be trapped."

Rei said, "It is their choice though."

Ranma said, "They are just trying to make up for their failure in not being able to defend their world."

The others turned to him suddenly before reluctant agreement showed on their faces. The moment ended when Rei said, "Even so, that too is their right and their choice. We must respect it and honor their wishes by helping the others."

Makoto asked, "But how? I mean there seemed to be no ill effects of using that crystal this last time, but isn't it supposed to be insanely dangerous?"

Ami said, "It is simple enough. We just repeat what we did here, taking a month or two between attempts so that we can recover. As long as we do the exact same thing each time, not try to have any of us as the focus for more than one, and make sure we each fully regain our strength between attempts it should be, well if not safe then no more dangerous than it was the first time." She pressed a few more buttons before saying, "While I can't be completely certain I think the one linked should spend the majority of their time at that place, both before and after for as long as they can."

Usagi asked, "So, are we all going to be Senshi of Venus then?"

Minako said, "No, save Ranma who is my knight and the king, but then you can sense it can't you?"

Ranma let his senses expand to touch the others in the room and the world around them. Seconds passed before he said, "The planet welcomes Mina and I as its children and the others as dear friends come to visit." In a melancholy tone he said, "I hadn't really thought about it so much before, but the Earth is no longer my home."

Rei, as if to change the mood said, "Friends with benefits, if what I'm sensing from Minako is correct."

The others blinked at her before Usagi got a sly look on her heart shaped face. Ami pressed a few more keys and looked at her screen for a moment before saying, "What Rei means, I think, is Minako's potential is now slightly higher since the ceremony and she expects our own will be advanced a little as well, although not nearly to where we were before coming here, or at least I think that is what she meant."

Rei blinked and smiled but refused to comment further, not even to Usagi's half whispered comment of, "Meanie."

Minako yawned and said, "Let's get some rest."

Ranma added, "Training begins in the morning."

-«oOo»-

Morning was hell, or at least that was Makoto's determination. Oh sure he had let everyone else off somewhat easy when they had pleaded exhaustion, but no, not her, she was not going to give up. The scariest part was when he explained, as if he was making perfect sense, that since their Senshi forms allowed them to heal very rapidly they could train much faster than he did while growing up. Of course, when he first said that she thought that they would be training in their Senshi forms, but no, they had to stay untransformed so their bodies would build up real endurance. Sadly Kethra and Tilan, the palace guards in charge of the safety of Minako's children, had each both kicked her arse. It was humiliating. About the only consolation she had was that Larad, who had just arrived that very morning to learn the skills to protect Neri and his family had basically no combat skills. At first, it was quite puzzling to see Ranma spend the majority of the time with him, painstakingly showing him the very basics and helping him to get each and every step correct, but then she remembered Larad's promise. Larad had promised to protect Neri's unborn child who was also Ranma's child.

Ranma's training lasted about three hours before he called a stop to it. He didn't even bother to transform to heal his injuries since all he had was a couple of bruises, yet the others all did. Their strains and stresses on muscles and their general fatigue would recover with rest, yet this was much faster. Additionally, Usagi offered to cast her healing spell to which Larad, Tilan, and Kethra quickly agreed.

On their way in to wash up Ranma asked Usagi, "You can accept energy from others for your spells right?"

A somewhat tired Usagi looked into Ranma's eyes in confusion before saying hesitantly, "Yes."

"Good. Later today after practice I'll lend you my power to cast the spell if you need to."

Usagi blinked and said, "but I don't mind being a little tired."

Ranma said, "I do, and of the people here I can most afford to spare the energy. If you are too tired you will not be able to learn very fast."

Usagi said, "Oh, okay." She yawned and walked on, muttering something quietly that sounding like, "Meanie slavedriver."

Minako a little distance away, smiled as she listened to the conversation and Usagi's complaints. She rubbed the side of her right leg carefully. The transformation still had not healed it, but then it would in an hour or so. It seemed that Ranma was taking her father's request very seriously, but then he had intended this even before they had talked. It would require far more than mere martial prowess of course, yet they had time to improve that now, while the rest of her world was still too busy rebuilding and recovering. She wished that she did not have to miss the afternoon's session to attend to her duties, but they were her duties.

Larad being here did have one benefit beyond just letting him learn from Ranma. He and Ami could work together and perhaps with some input from his grandfather begin to outline their plans for the future defense of their world. They may have been saved from total disaster by the grace or perhaps the whim of a pair of kami, yet they would not rely on hoping they would always be there. Besides, perhaps the fact that the kami involved had not saved but half her people was a reminder that, in the end the protection of her people was the job of her, her friends, and her people.

-«oOo»-

That afternoon Ranma caught Devan eating lunch in one of the small conference rooms by himself. He was almost surprised to see him here, but as one of the most prominent doctors left on the planet it seemed he traveled often. To reassure himself he asked, "Is everything okay?"

Devan looked up from his soup and after the moment it took to recognize Ranma puzzled out what he meant. He said, "Everything is fine in Anfala if that is what you mean. I tend to bounce around the world a bit to handle cases that turn up where I can help out. I'm here today to speak at the opening of the Academy. It is not actually done of course, yet they have had a few classes for some months now. Still, today is the official reopening."

"The Academy?"

"It was the greatest center of learning on Venus before Beryl began lobbing asteroids at our cities. Arnaeth is teaching there when he can, among others. We lost so many irreplaceable people that day. Hey, why don't you join me there? I don't think they have anyone near your skill level teaching there yet."

"I can't today. I promised to help improve the Senshi's and the guards martial arts ability. We plan to be ready should another Beryl ever come along, and they have a long way to go."

Devan nodded and said, "You could bring them along. It might be a good way to recruit for the guard, and it generally won't hurt for the people to see those in power working hard to be prepared to protect them. I'm not saying you should teach a regular class or anything, but perhaps one day a week you could do something."

Ranma considered. It would be an excellent opportunity to begin the other part of his plan, yet he wondered if he was ready. Still, this kind of thing couldn't be avoided entirely and meet his own goals. A handful of people, even if they would be capable of wonders, was just not enough. Should he get Minako to come? No, not this time. The others would be more than enough distraction. He said, "When?"

"Is about ninety minutes okay? That would give me time to get together some people to watch."

Ranma nodded and said, "I'll see you then."

-«oOo»-

The Academy of Venus lay near the west most quadrant of kasan. It consisted of two vertical spirals, each with eight massive steel and concrete supports. The top of the spiral connected one half the building to the other part. One could walk along either the inner or the outer walkway all the way up to the top of the building, on the right across the walkway, and finally back down to the ground floor of the next. The spiral walkways themselves were largely empty save grass and the beginnings of trees and the occasional building situated at seemingly random intervals throughout the structure. The top most floor of the structure was perhaps three-fourth the size of the lowermost parts of the structure. The connecting part between the tops of the two sides was perhaps two hundred feet in length. It narrowed in the middle to half its original width. People could be seen walking on the two lower levels, but past that point the intricate bright silvery railing obscured most people from view, unless they stood right at the edge as a few did.

The gathered senshi stared in wonder at what was said to be the greatest center of learning on the planet. Makoto's mouth just kind of hung open for a bit before she said, "They call this incomplete?" The others tried to make out more details even as they continued walking. One of the guards that accompanied them said, "Yes. The workers are quite proud of all that they were able to rebuild so far, but the real reason was the automated construction systems could recycle the material from the previous building. If we had to collect all the raw materials again it might have taken years to get this far."

A tall black haired woman guard said, "Still, they really only have a dozen or so of the buildings in place on the spiral, yet classes are already being held. One day we hope it will serve the many thousands of students, including providing dormitories like it did before."

Usagi turned back and smiled at the guards before saying, "I'm sure it will," and then with an impish smile she said, "Race everyone there?"

They all took off save Ranma and the guards who seemed on the edge of doing something, just as soon as they figured out what. A few looks passed among them before a half dozen of them ran after the departing Senshi.

Ranma said softly, "She did say everyone."

A few of the other half dozen guards swallowed, but the woman from before said, "It is our duty to protect you."

Ranma let out a nearly inaudible sigh. He was torn between proving he did not need any protection and his duty to act like the leader he was now, and leaders did not ignore their guards, if for no other reason that doing so endangered both himself and his guards. Finally, he shrugged and ran after them at his top speed. Even starting late he managed to beat Rei, but only just, and of course he got there before all of the guards.

-«oOo»-

The practice area they were using turned out to be nothing more than a small and obviously incomplete stadium that set on the bottom between the two spiral towers such that with the natural taper to the spirals people on the spiral walkway facing the little open air stadium area could see both the levels below them and what was going on in the stadium.

As Ranma and the Senshi walked into the building he spotted Devan talking to an older gray haired woman near a group of what must be four or five hundred people of varying age, yet most looked to be high school or perhaps college age. Many wore pale yellow shirts with dark green piping, yet some were in apparently random clothing.

As Ranma and the others approached he couldn't help but noticed the stares, for the other Senshi as much as himself. He guessed they had instructions, since none of the crowed moved towards them. A couple minutes later they met up with Devan and the older woman who introduced herself as Ann, the director of the physical education department at the academy. After some awkward introductions Ann directed the crowd to use the one set of bleachers that was complete, while Ranma turned to the assembled Senshi less Minako and the outers who were still staying at Neri's castle. He asked, "Why don't you guys go find someplace to transform."

Makoto asked, "Can't we just transform here. Everyone already knows who we are."

Ami said dryly, "I think what Ranma means is most of our transformation sequences leave us momentarily nude and as there is no emergency and the rest of you still don't know how to invoke the transformation directly."

Usagi blushed, but she and the others turned and headed towards the door Devan was pointing to, save Ami who had simply let her transformation shift in place while she was in the middle of the others.

Ranma said softly, "showoff," to which Ami grinned. Ranma then turned to Larad and the guards before saying, "Why don't you guys find a spot to watch. Ami and I will start the show."

As they departed he said in an aside to Ami, "No water attacks." Ami let out a quiet yet almost musical laugh as she nodded.

Ranma then walked to the middle of the field and part way to the audience before pulling out a folded piece of paper, unfolding it, and saying in a loud yet clear voice, "I debated how best to spend this time, or what exactly I was trying to accomplish here. Not long ago a great tragedy came to this world and while I wish I could have been here and done something, I cannot change the past and now everyone is working hard to rebuild and recover. I commend everyone for all their hard work. This place and all the other wonders brought about by your hard work are a great beginning, but not all that needs done."

The other Senshi transformed and walked over beside Ami who was standing behind Ranma. Ranma continued with, "One of the things that needs done is for us, the leaders of your government to work hard in preparing defenses. We fully intend to protect this world no matter what may come. That will require the help of a great many people, but that is only half of the solution." The audience seemed poised on his words, yet other than a very low murmuring they were also nearly silent as they waited on each.

"The other half of the solution is you." This caused the students to quickly exchange confused looks before Ranma continued with, "Many times when I was growing up I heard that the duty of a Martial artist is to protect the weak, but now I believe it is the duty of all those who are able. This is my home now, and I challenge all the people of my home to learn to defend it and those in need of defense."

Gasps were heard in the crowd as if he had asked for something ridiculous or at the very least unheard of. Ranma thought a few of those gasps were from behind him. He quickly continued with, "That doesn't mean anyone should stop doing all the important things they are doing, but just that everyone do what they can. It is a good way to stay fit, and should it ever be needed, well.." Hushed whispers flitted among the crowd as many of them exchanged half or even firm nods. Ranma thought he had them. He had been helpless a few times in his life, the moxibustion for one, and he knew how much he hated it. Finally he said, "To show you what is possible I will not be drawing on the power Venus has graced me with. This is purely the result of hard training since I was very small, yet perhaps it can give you some appreciation for the possibilities. I have asked my friends here to use their powers so that they may increase their speed and strength, but not to use any of their destructive attacks, since this is just sparring. Now let us begin."

Ranma turned to the gathered Senshi and again said softly, "Remember no water," and then more loudly, "Ready guys?"

Ranma danced around the Senshi's fast yet comparatively clumsy punches and kicks as he landed punches and kicks of his own. Many of them were enough to throw the Senshi dozens of feet, but he didn't think any of them were hard enough to even bruise given their transformations. Of course, without either their transformations or his training the hits would likely have broken bones, but then he would never have hit that hard were that the case.

Ranma winced as Makoto got yet another punch on him and was reminded once again that even his extensive training didn't make one immune to their transformed power. Fortunately, he was excellent at dodging. Unfortunately, dodging four super powered and fast women at once who were used to working together was taxing even his ability. He tried employing some of the aerial moves the Saotome school of martial arts was know for, but while jumping twenty or more feet in the air got surprised cheers from the crowd it didn't help him much, for they did not separate, and while their attacks were no where near as graceful as his own, they did work smoothly together, even strangely enough, the seemingly bumbling of their leader. It was not that he couldn't win, but winning without hurting any of them would be nearly impossible. Correction, he thought, a battle without the restrictions of sparring, and without his own boosted skills as a knight of Venus could easily go either way. Well he intended to change that, and while he was sure that his own skills would continue to improve, when he was done with them he firmly expected not to be able to hold his own against two of them, let alone four.

The crowed cheered wildly, yet Ranma barely noticed as his body went through nearly automatic reactions while his mind focused on strategy and his future training plans. The minutes dragged on to over an hour and while the Senshi were visibly slowed, Ranma was even more so. Then, suddenly Usagi's apparent clumsiness forced him to change his direction too late which then allowed Ami to sweep his legs out from under him and knock him into the ground, which was swiftly followed by Makoto aiming a punch to his face and the words, "I yield," from Ranma. He still couldn't believe it, he had been taken out by Usagi tripping. He was sure, well fairly sure, it was accidental, yet they had smoothly taken advantage of it. Still, this had given him a greater appreciation for what they had gone through saving the world so often in the past than from Minako's stories or from the training they had done so far.

Makoto grinned and changed her position from being about to punch to offering him a hand up, to which he forced himself to graciously accept. The crowed clapped and cheered as they formed a rough sort of line facing the audience. The cheering ended as Ann walked up to them and held up a hand for silence before asking, "So can I sign you up as an instructor?"

Ranma hesitated. He had thought about something similar to the little speech he gave since not long after he was cured, but hadn't really thought about all the details. Right now he really didn't have time to teach more people. Usagi stepped forwards a couple steps and said, "Sure, he'd love to."

Ranma started to glare at Usagi before Ami saved him with a, "Perhaps we could hold at least some of the training sessions here, or perhaps people could watch while you train others in the palace. Even if you don't have the time now to teach more people, others could probably learn if they could watch."

Ranma gave her a small smile of thanks before saying, "Ami is right. It is bigger here which will help. I'm afraid I can't take more students now, but several of those I'm teaching that are learning from the basics, and a few of my students are more advanced than others so perhaps we can teach each other?" The last was said in a questioning tone, yet Ann smiled her agreement before suggesting, "Tomorrow morning at eight?" to which Ranma nodded.

-«oOo»-

After Ranma and the Senshi returned to the palace those gathered to watch their demonstration split up into several different groups. One such group had gathered in one of the newly built classrooms and was passing around a selection of drinks, fruit, and baked fish after haphazardly arranging the seats into a circle.

A short brown haired woman of perhaps twenty said, "Does everyone think that the king truly was doing all that without magic?"

A black haired man with a slight hook to his nose and of about the same age said in a dangerous voice, "Are you questioning the honor of our king?"

The woman glared at him before saying, "No, of course not. Still, such abilities seem so much beyond ordinary people. He was jumping twenty feet in the air and throwing punches faster than I could even make out, not to mention almost winning against four of the Senshi at once!"

A medium height white haired woman with a perfectly flawless complexion and simple silver rimmed glasses said softly, almost timidly, "It's true."

The others looked over at her, and she swallowed once before continuing in a clear, yet still faint voice, "My father works for the palace guards. When I was eating lunch with him the other day I saw the king practicing transformed in the courtyard. His transformation is much more than just a dark blue silk costume with a unicorn on the back. He was even faster then, and when the queen joined in his practice session it was like a dance. I swear if others weren't around it might have turned into a completely other form of combat."

The white haired young woman seemed to be lost in her own dream until she noticed the others staring at her and continued hurriedly with, "My father says that if all the guard was trained as well as the king then things might have turned out differently." The white haired young woman words trailed off as if uncertain how to continue. The faint blush to her cheeks revealed that she had noticed her own slip up. She was relieved to hear only a couple of faint snickers before a blond haired green eyed young woman asked, "How would all the guards being trained fighters protect the world from getting asteroids lobbed at cities?"

The brown haired woman said absently,"Well, if our military had people trained that well, then could Beryl have stood against them? They could have landed on Earth, and just killed her if need be. It wouldn't be a substitute for warships and such, but if we had the warships it could definitely make a difference."

The others nodded as they contemplated her words for several seconds before the white haired young woman said hesitantly, "That is only part of it. I haven't seen it myself but my father says that our king knows how to make energy blasts and that anyone that trained for enough years could learn it." With obvious eagerness she said, "Just think, if an asteroid was coming everyone could go outside and blow it up together!"

The black haired young man said, "I doubt it will be that easy. The king said it was hard training, and I bet not many of us could get that good." His voice kind of faded away at the end as he thought about the prospect.

The brown haired woman said, "It doesn't really matter does it? The king asked his people to prepare. Can anyone think of a better way to protect our home than for us to be willing and able to defend it?"

The young man said softly, "I was just leaving Kasan on foot for a trip into the countryside for some time off the day the news report came over the link warning of the asteroid. It was all a panic then. Everyone ran, yet most still died. I helped treat a few of the them before they were moved to outlying towns. I even set one of the funeral pyres in the days that followed. So yah, I think I will learn what I can, and I think that our King is right we should all learn what we can. I won't be helpless anymore." He paused for a moment and then continued in a questioning tone with, "Someone got a recording of that earlier right?"

A blond haired man held up a small white crystal and the black haired young man said, "Good. I think it is something everyone should see."

-«oOo»-

In Anfala, Michiru and Haruka were lying asleep in each others arms in the little cave that Neri had hid in for all those months when Neri walked into the entrance and smiled at the sleeping pair. She had showed them this place a few days ago and were not surprised that they had taken advantage of it. While it was true that of the pair only Michiru could breathe underwater like she did, she didn't think Haruka minded too much having to use the breather, not when the compensation was being truly by themselves without any worries in the world. Still, given what she had learned she felt the need to speak with them.

She said softly, "Michiru, Haruka, could you wakeup please?"

Michiru blinked her eyes open, and when it was obvious that Haruka was not going to be wakened so easily, got up which did wake her lover. Michiru asked, "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is fine. I just came to talk with you about something."

Haruka said, "You found out what we asked the nurse didn't you?"

Neri nodded. "You were right. As part of normal procedure Devan did store the rest of Ranma's donation, in the event that the procedure on me had to be repeated, but I had it destroyed." She hesitated a few moments, but then went on with, "I regret some things, but felt that it was important. Ranma having one child that he may never be able to acknowledge is enough."

Haruka said angrily, "So it is alright for you to have a child, but not for us?"

Michiru took hold of Haruka's hand to calm her.

Neri said, "At the time I did not know about you. I certainly have no right to complain about someone wanting to have a child, or even to have the best child possible. Just ask him. He may even agree."

Michiru said, "We can't ask him. Oh sure later he might have figured it out, but then it would be over and we would have a healthy child that would have his and my genetic legacy and magics. But no, we cannot ask him, not that. We could not ask him to betray Minako."

Neri asked, "What do you plan to do then?"

Haruka said, "I was considering Ranma's curse. If I..."

Neri could hear the distaste in Haruka's voice, yet it was equally obvious she was willing to go that far. Neri cut her off by saying, "I know another way."

"What?" Neri and Haruka asked almost simultaneously.

Neri grinned and said, "On my home world, couples such as you, while not common, do exist, and do sometimes want children. If we could ever return there, the technology exists there to allow one of you to bear a child that is the genetic legacy of both of you." Neri could see the hope in their eyes, but they too knew that there was, as yet, no way to go to Neri's world. Neri continued with, "Of course, the child would have to be a girl, unless you also had a sample from a man..."

Michiru asked, "They can do that?"

Neri nodded and said, "Whatever you want, within reason. It is not a thing done lightly, and it is not something we want widely known."

Michiru said, "We would be happy with a child of either gender, but I think if it can be just from us then yes we would love to have a girl."

Neri nodded and Haruka said, "Now, we just have to get there."

Neri said, "We will someday. Someday I will return home, even if only for a visit."

Michiru and Haruka said nothing. Baring accidents they could wait for years or centuries if need be, but they had no idea if Neri, even with her people's magic could wait that long, and wisely didn't ask. Of course, they had not wanted to wait, but it didn't look like they were going to be given any choice in the matter.

-«oOo»-

It was two weeks later and Ranma had been teaching at the Academy for over an hour that day, yet dawn was still almost half an hour off. It was only a few of the most promising Academy students, and he didn't really have time for even that on top of everything else. Fortunately, it seemed that he no longer needed quite as much sleep, since Minako had recreated the castle's hearthstone. Still, this was pushing it, even if it was for a good cause, even if, as they insisted, their recordings of their sessions would eventually be used to teach others. He didn't really like the idea of learning from a recording, but there was only one of him.

He yawned as he half looked back at the door hoping that the tray of food one of the students had promised to bring to the little office he had claimed at the academy would hurry up and get here. He was more than a little surprised to hear the knock at the door followed by Devan bringing two trays of food in.

The more he talked to Devan, the more he reminded him of Doctor Tofu, well a Doctor Tofu that did not go insane in front of a certain pretty young woman at least. He glanced around and then nudged the door shut. Like Doctor Tofu he instinctively believed Devan would not repeat anything you said to him carelessly, and one thing that had concerned him was the compulsion he was under.

Before he was cured, Devan hadn't really commented on it. Of course, it wasn't as if he could really talk about it with anyone besides the few that knew. The fact that he was ever under such a thing, or even the fact that Neri's people had any magic beyond their peoples ability to breathe underwater, was a well kept secret. Of course first there was a more pressing matter.

Ranma practically drooled as he looked at the food Devan was carrying. The new cook at Academy even put the royal cook at the castle to shame. He half thought it was some plot to get him to spend more time here, not that he needed more reasons, but well, it was really good food. As sad as it was to say, it made even Kasumi's cooking seem, well ordinary which was something he would have thought impossible. Still, that brought with it a worrisome thought. For some reason, the people from the nearby farms made sure that the kitchens here and at the castle had the very best, even without being asked. He didn't like being treated special, and yet he knew there was no helping it, and the food was really good.

Of course, it might have helped that they seldom gave the chefs here or at the castle instructions beyond seeing that no food went to waste. Since this equated to pretty much all the staff getting from time to time to eat the best the kitchens could produce, it only serve to endear them to the staff at both places, and that staff came as much as anything from the nearby farms and villages that had survived.

As Devan and him sat down to eat, a page brought in two trays of okonomiyaki, or at least the closet they had been able to make from the description Ranma gave them. It was actually quite good, yet still quite different from his memory. He supposed they just didn't have the right ingredients.

A few minutes into breakfast, after more casual things were discussed, Ranma said, "I still don't get it. I mean, I have been drugged, magicked and everything else to try to get me to fall for one or another girl who thought they had a claim on me, yet now, out of nowhere one works?"

Devan considered the pony tailed man in front of him. His hair had grown quite a bit since he first met him, yet the longer hair that just touched his shoulders suited him as well. He asked, "Hmm, did you feel for any of them like you do for Minako now?"

"Well, no," Ranma said softly and then after the words set in he said, "You mean, it worked because I loved her anyway?"

Devan shrugged before saying, "Perhaps, although you must first remember that Neri's people are experts at this kind of thing, and have apparently been using it for a very long time without it failing. It is certainly not surprising that you weren't the exception. Of course, you have also missed one important thing."

"Huh?"

Devan smiled his best enigmatic smile as he munched on a piece of okonomiyaki. Unfortunately, even though he had reached middle age, he still looked quite young, and the smile came off more as mischievous than enigmatic. He said, "The activation of the second link with the magic had several possibilities. You could have just ended up magically in love with Neri, but I'd tend to think that would be unlikely, unless perhaps after the two magics fought it out the newer one won out, and even then that part of the magic would have been weakened in the process."

Ranma nodded. This was not a particularly new thought.

Devan's grin continued as he said, "Now the idea that everyone missed, and even I missed originally, was that Neri never said that this magic makes one love only one person."

Ranma nodded and in an uncertain voice said, "Even while I was under its spell, I still loved my children. It was muted some, but it was still there."

Devan said, "Exactly, so the predictable outcome, if your own feelings meant nothing, would be for you just to fall magically in love with both. Of course, if one of them ever asked you to do something that hurt the other, things might have been different, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that the most likely reason why that didn't happen is some part of you fought it, and kept it from happening."

Ranma said, "Why that little minx. She could give the amazons lessons."

Devan shrugged, "She wanted to go home. Failing that, she accepted her responsibility but still wanted a child, and to her a child should have a father. Oh I don't think she planned that exact outcome, but I rather suspect she at least considered the possibility."

Ranma sighed and said, "Never mind that. If nothing else it really was the only shot we had at the time. Minako is happier now, and Neri has Larad." He paused for a moment and then said, "So your saying the fact that I didn't end up magically in love with both of them proves my feelings for Minako were true regardless the whole time?"

Devan shrugged and said, "Only you can answer that, but ya pretty much. After all, your feelings now are free from influence and you still love her and only think of Neri as a friend right?"

Ranma nodded and several seconds later asked, "How is her child?"

"It is too early to tell much, but everything looks good right now."

"That's good."

-«oOo»-

The god who had taken on Ranma's form waved his hand negligently and the image of Ranma finishing his meal faded. From his wicker chair he said, "I think it is time."

The goddess who had taken on Minako's form and sat in her own wicker chair beside him said, "For you to return them you mean?"

The god grinned and said, "No, not quite. I wish to let this play out for awhile longer."

"Then what?" asked the slightly annoyed blond.

"It is all quite simple really. We skip over the boring bits."

"Boring?" exclaimed the goddess before continuing in an almost normal tone with, "Ranma's actions alone are likely to inspire a martial tradition on Venus that puts the society Mars had to shame. Plus there is all the potential intrigue that could get out if the people knew about his curse or that he had fathered Neri's child. You call that boring!"

"Well, maybe not boring, but let's just say I want to be surprised."

The goddess thought about it for a moment and then said, "You have a point. So, when do we see how it all turns out?"

The god smiled and said, "Tomorrow morning I think. The link between now and then is a delicate one and cannot be rushed too much."

"True." She stretched and yawned before saying, "It should be interesting. Rebuilding a world that never knew much strife is one thing. Once Earth finds out about their new, or rather old neighbor things should get interesting, and then of course there is the reason Setsuna sent them away."

"Yes, there is that. Well, as kami we never promised them a life without struggle. A future for some now exists beyond that, even should the worst occur. We have done enough."

The goddess nodded, yet the sadness never quite left her eyes.

-«oOo»-

In the darkness between the stars an intergalactic survey ship hurdled the vast distances through hyperspace on its way home from their yearly trip to monitor Earth. The ship was vast, and unlike many ships had never touched the soil of a world, for it had a design feature most intergalactic vessels lacked. It had a vast simulated ocean environment that many of the crew would spend time in, be it playing games, sleeping, or even the occasional date between similarly ranked crew members. The lack of being able to land the ship itself due to its massive weight was not a huge drawback though, for it contained several shuttle craft that served that function admirably.

On the bridge a lone computer monitored their course while the captain lay on the point of sleep as he listened to soft flute-like music. On the screen of the computer the border of the display became red as the words, "Warning. Unexpected gravitational flux detected. Altering heading and drive systems to compensate." As the words flashed, the first snores could be heard from the captain.

-«oOo»-

Author's Notes: As you might guess, it may be a little while before I get time to complete the next chapter. I still intend to finish this story first, and while I know the basic direction of things, it is difficult to completely foresee to what depth different things will eventually be explored, which of course means I don't know exactly how many chapters are left.

A couple have commented that the other inners are somewhat boy crazy and would logically be after Ranma too, and I will admit that is a fair interpretation, but I simply don't think, that in this story, they would want to risk hurting Minako by going after her husband. As expected by the previous section the story will skip some interval of time in the coming chapter, yet there are still stories from that interval forthcoming.

Well, that concludes another chapter of Minako's Story. Don't forget to let me know what you thought of it. I confess to sometimes being surprised where a story goes, even when I'm the writer, which is part of the fun of it.

Glossary

Academy: Shorthand for the Academy of Venus. The greatest center of learning on the planet

Anfala: The country of Anfala sits on a peninsula in the southeastern corner of the main continent of Venus. Castle Anfala sits at the far southeastern corner of the continent.

Ceras Tree: Blue green trees unique to Venus. Their wood has magical properties, including the ability to retain magic applied to it.

Devan: A middle aged physician that originally worked in the capital city and was fortunate enough to be on vacation away from the city when it was destroyed. He helps Neri earlier in the story.

Duke Trenan: Ruler of Anfala. He has a daughter named Neri.

Kasan: The capital city of Venus. It is situated in the just south of center of the main continent on Venus. Beryl destroyed it just before the end of the silver millennium.

Kethra: Leader of the homeguard in charge of insuring Minako's first child ( Jeran's) safety. She has long teal hair and pale green eyes. She is second in command of the homeguard after Ranma.

Nara Wynneth: Neri's mother, wife of Duke Trenan. She was killed by the Duke prior to the beginning of the story.

Oceana: Planet of the oceans. Neri's homeworld. Due to the limited land masses a great many cities on the planet are built under the ocean near the coasts. The people have the unique ability to breathe underwater.

Ojousan: A polite form used to address someone elses daughter.

Sandar: Court Mage in Anfala.

Tilan: Leader of the homeguard in charge of insuring Minako's second child (Nodoka's) safety. He is third in command of the homeguard after Ranma and Kethra.

homeguard: Those elite knights chosen to guard the royal family. They had three commanders, one each to act as the head of the others to guard the queen, the king, and the princess.