The Forgotten Primarch of Chaos

by Montymouse

The Emperor created twenty Primarch Generals to lead the Imperium, one was created in secret but was thought to be lost until now.

26. 24 Repercussions II

Ranma1.2/Warhammer 40K/Sailor Moon/Tenchi Muyo Crossover Fanfiction

Fanfiction Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2, Warhammer 40K Sailor Moon, or Tenchi Muyo OVA. Ranma 1/2 belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Warhammer 40 000 Universe belongs to Games Workshop. Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi. Tenchi Muyo OVA 'Ryo-Ohki belongs to Kajishima Masaki. This story was created solely for non-profit entertainment and fanfiction purposes.

The Forgotten Primarch of Chaos

By Montymouse

Chapter Twenty Four – Repercussions (part two)

XXXXX

"My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny."

XXXXX

The Past . . . Horus Heresy . . . .

"Prepare to teleport. We will take the battle to the enemy."

These words were the final command from the Emperor. He was the master of mankind by the will of the gods and master of a million worlds by the might of his will and his inexhaustible armies.

This was the turning point in the history of the Imperium where the Emperor's most favored son turned against him. Horus has sided with the ruinous powers of Chaos to extinguish last hope of Mankind. His command was understood clearly and carried without pause or hesitation in a final desperate attempt to overcome the tides of darkness that had fallen on the Imperial Empire of Mankind.

The Emperor of Mankind would lead the strikeforce himself. The strikeforce that would bring the battle to the heart of the enemy was the strongest the Emperor could assemble. Compact, fast, led by two Primarchs of the Imperium, Rogal Dorn of the Imperial Fists and Sanguinius of the Blood Angels and comprised of Space Marine warriors that excel in close combat in confined spaces, it was nonetheless far from certain that the strikeforce would succeed.

"Sire, we are ready." Rogal Dorn hailed loudly.

"Teleportation Co-ordinances reeled in and locked, sire," Sanguinius confirmed.

The Emperor smiled faintly and raised his holy power sword high in the air.

"For Mankind and the Imperium!" shouted the Emperor as he and the strikeforce were consumed in vivid blue light.

XXXXX

Insane voices gibbers and ranted madly inside his skull. Whispers of seduction and enticement reached his ear. Raucous laughter echoed throughout the twisted ship. Screams of the damned trapped within the metal walls. Transparent veins bearing rivers of blood along the conduits in the floor. These visions would swamp a lesser man's mind in madness, but the mind of the Primarch of the Blood Angel was built around a core of faith and sheer willpower. Where others had doubt, Sanguinius had faith in the Emperor was the only path to be taken.

The winged Primarch of the Blood Angels through grits and determination resisted the warping influences of chaos, which broke against Sanguinius' mind like waves against rocks. The Space Marines had tried to keep pace with their Primarch fierce charge through the ship long and twisting corridor. Many of them had fallen from vicious Daemons appearing out of nowhere, some were dragged into doorways never to be seen again. Others clashed with their traitorous brothers.

Sanguinius was determined to reach the Warmaster first before the Emperor and Rogal Dorn, to claim his head for the betrayal he had inflicted.

The mass teleportation of the strikeforce had gone wrong. Interferences with the signal had caused Sanguinius, Rogal Dorn, and the Emperor to be separated from each other in another part of the ship. Even so, Sanguinius pressed on, his goal was the command bridge of this inferno battle barge. Horrendously mutated things that were or might once been human staggered through the archways of bone and slime towards Sanguinius and his warriors. Sanguinius his will onto his space marines psychically soothing their fears and reinforcing their courage and determination to carry on through the overwhelming hordes of Chaos.

Sanguinius knew it was trap; there was no doubt about it. A cleverly laid trap conjured up by a master strategist in battle as they were slowly prodded and push towards the command bridge. Sanguinius knew there no way out of it but to enter the trap that awaited them. Seeing the mass horde descending towards them, Sanguinius raised his twin linked inferno pistol and watched as searing bolts of incandescent flame strike the hordes. Screaming bolter shells flew passed the Primarch and punched through the horde. Cutting swathe into the daemonic creatures as miniature explosions occurred as the bolter shells struck heads, throats, and torsos again and again. Sanguinius and his remaining Assault Space Marines stood in a tight knot whilst Terminators tried to clear a path for them. All around them lay the bodies of fallen brothers and traitorous Space Marines, some of the bearing the iconic marking of the once proud and noble Lunar Wolves underneath the mass corruptions of Chaos.

'How the mighty has fallen, so this is the price of chaos,' thought Sanguinius as he assesses the situation.

Sanguinius knew he had to press on, no matter what the cost was. Many of his warriors had fallen along the way as they were ambushed by scuttling skull faced things in power armor. They fought off hordes of mutated daemonic beasts and bloated chaos spawns, resisted the false words of chaos until only Sanguinius and a handful of warriors was left to enter the domain of the Warmaster.

There, the traitor stood on the raised platform, heavily surrounded by his elite bodyguards of the corrupt Lunar Wolves Space Marines. The traitorous Warmaster had his back turned against him as he gazing down at the tortured Earth on the bridge view port. Raging space battles between the Imperial fleet and the vast Chaos armada lit up the darkness of space. Flashes of energy lances, heavy weapons batteries, and streaking torpedo salvos could be easily seen. Hundreds of ships lay shattered or heavy damaged. As if the traitorous Warmaster had just sensed Sanguinius presence in his domain, he slowly glanced over his shoulder with a bemused grin on his face but did not turned around to face him.

The Warmaster of Chaos returned his attention back to the view port as if Sanguinius arrival meant nothing to him. Scenes of slaughter and war, his armies marching to battle and besieging the Emperor's Palace and the sighs he was witness were pleasing to him.

The Blood Angels Primarch felt his pulse quicken, feeling the inner rage within him at his ignorance of the situation. As soon as Sanguinius took another step, his Terminator bodyguards closed around him in a protective circle.

"You already know the reasons behind my actions," the Warmaster said.

Sanguinius remained silent, his actions said more than anything he had to say to him.

The Warmaster chuckled in amusement.

"Nothing to say, Brother?" he said.

The ship shook violently as heavy torrent of battery fire struck the void shielding, causing no damage to ship. The Warmaster stood firmly still on the platform whilst other tried to regain their balance.

"Your fate was sealed the moment you arrived to your doom. You have foreseen it, you have anticipated this moment in your visions but still you came. I admire that. Your willingness to meet your fate is admirable but . . . foolish, Brother Sanguinius."

The Warmaster turned around to face him. Sanguinius was unsettled as he saw the hate and malice in his eyes, the madness of chaos had completely consumed him. The insidious influence of chaos was deep. Sanguinius knew what he had to do. Only the death of the Warmaster would bring an end to this rebellion and redemption in his mind.

"The Emperor is weak. I am strong. I have harness the ultimate power that our father was too afraid to use. I have done what our father had thought impossible. I have become the Master of Chaos which I shall use to bind humanity to my will!"

Sanguinius mouthed a silent prayer to the Emperor as he prepared himself for the final showdown.

He was not afraid. The Emperor himself had decreed that a Space Marine shall know no fear. Sanguinius drew his master crafted power sword from its scabbard on his back. The Powersword was blessed by the Emperor which he drew much strength from it. The blade leapt into life, its power field calibrated to disrupt the very essence of Chaos and render any form of physical protection useless.

"Brother Sanguinius," The Warmaster stepped forward. Retracting his right lightning claw with a metallic rasp, the Warmaster raised his fist in an open hand gesture. Sanguinius became extremely wary of his intentions.

"I am giving you a chance. A simple proposal I am offering to show you that you can avoid your predetermined fate. To prove we as gods are not bound to a higher master or destiny. Join me and I shall reward you with a position of power in the new order I will create!"

The Warmaster gestured towards the port screen of the raging battle on tortured Earth. "Or join them to their fate!"

"The decision is yours, Sanguinius."

Sanguinius mouthed a final silent prayer and charged. Crackling arcs of energy snapped from the blade, he was going to strike him down, to end the chaos once and for all.

The Warmaster's brooding eyes focused on Sanguinius, sheathing his lightning claws in anticipation.

XXXXX

The Present . . . .

Sanguinius awoke with a slight start. It took for him a single moment for him to become aware of his surrounding. Sanguinius closed his eyes, allowing his surrounding to infuse him with its serenity and majesty. The air was clear and refreshing, the scent of native vegetation invigorating his scenes. The fading vision of Horus Heresy banished to the deepest recesses of his mind for the time being. Sanguinius rested his head against a large tree he had been sitting under, his hands clasped in prayer in a meditative state. Sensations flood through him as memories came tumbling over themselves, one in particular reaching up from another part of his mind. The first encounter with the Emperor on Baal, his presence and authority in which he presented himself etched into his mind forever.

Sanguinius ran his fingers through his long blond hair then moving towards his next and throat, tracing the deep scar beneath his collar cloth, a deep reminder to him that even a near godlike being could feel death. For a fleeting moment, the great winged Primarch dare believed it had all been a dream. The Emperor of Mankind still walks and breaths amongst his people. Horus, the first Primarch and close ally was still loyal and faith to the Emperor's vision. The Imperium was mighty and that all of Mankind was united under one Empire.

Sanguinius shook his head as he chucked quietly as he should know better. The memory that has transpired was real. The Emperor never made the mistake of underestimating the threat of Chaos, and in order to meet the threat that it posed, he had put the best scientific minds on Earth to work. Once the Cult Mechanicus, or Cult of the Machine acknowledges the Emperor as the Master of Mankind. Weapons, War Machines and Spacecraft poured out of the Martian factories to bolster beleaguered forces throughout the galaxy. The Emperor's most long sighted plans to counter the insidious effects and influences of the Ruinous Powers were the creation of the Primarchs. These were genetically engineered superhumans with godlike powers. The Emperors intention was to create a whole race of these superhumans from the genetic blueprints of the Primarchs. By making them loyal and strong, he hoped that they prove immune to the malign psychic influences of Chaos.

The Primarchs were to be the shining examples of humans freed from the taints of corruptions. The energy of the uncorrupted warp would flow through them as if it flowed through the Emperor himself, invigorating them and conferring special powers. Like the shamans of the old had did to the Emperor.

But there was a flaw . . . a weak link . . . .

The Ruinous Powers of Chaos had succeeded in corrupting and turning one the Emperor's most strongest and powerful Primarchs where it thought to be impossible, that Primarch was . . . .

Horus, Primarch of the Lunar Wolves and Warmaster.

Sanguinius closed his eyes. The price was paid in full. Horus was defeated. The Imperium was shattered ending the Golden Age of Mankind forever. Things would never be the same again. However, the Imperium was stubborn refusal to die beneath the weight of heresy, secession, alien aggression and daemonancy was a glimmering hope for Mankind.

The Blood Angels Legion had been at one time, pure and stable was now forever tainted by the terrible psychic feedback at his near death. His life was thought to be extinguished at the traitorous hands of Horus, yet somehow; the Emperor was able to retrieve his immortal soul back from the clutches of the void. The raw energy that flowed through him has given him a second life was starting to fade. Sanguinius knew his life was limited. It wasn't a question of where or how his life would end. He already glimpsed it; it was merely a question of when. Sanguinius opened his eyes and gaze quietly towards his surrounding. It was really a matter of what he was going to do with life.

No one really knows why the Blood Angels Chapters lived longer than any other Chapter. Perhaps it may have something to do with almost perfect genetic structure where deterioration in the body as they grow with age was dramatically kept to a minimal. The benefit of the longevity allowed Sanguinius to appreciate the little things in life, it allowed him to appreciate the beauty and serene of the landscape, the vast lust green forest, the clear clean water and wide mountain range. It was a sharp contrast to his homeworld of Baal.

Familiarity was returning back to him. The Blood Angels Primarch remembered, he was in the Okayama region of Japan and had sought out a quiet spot on the other side of the large lake, which the Masaki residence preoccupied. His unexpected arrival via his personal Thunderhawk Gunship was indeed a shock to most with the exception of fledging Primarch, Ranma Saotome and the Shrine Priest, Katsuhito Masaki. Indeed after the shock of his sudden arrival had passed, Sanguinius was mildly surprised to be welcomed with open arms by everyone which he returned in kind by withdrawing his bodyguards escort and Thunderhawk back to the Battle Barge to show he meant no threat or harm.

Right now, Sanguinius needed some time to think and reflect about the current situation on Earth and the fledging Primarch. Adjusting to accommodate his large pure white swan like wings against the tree he was under, Sanguinius sat in quiet contentment. It had been awhile since he was temporary stasis for unknown centuries; it was now that he had the chance to fully relax without having to be on his guard. As he was adjusting himself, he felt something falling of his lap. Picking up the object, Sanguinius let out a small smile.

"Hmm . . . Brother Ranma would find this an interesting read, perhaps even beneficial to his limited knowledge in warfare and tactical battle," Sanguinius commented as he remembering he was studying it during his time of reflection. Although he agreed with most of the points raised, there was some that he disagreed with.

The book that Sanguinius was referring to was actually a holo-book and in his personal opinion wasn't a very good book but many centuries before, some members of the high Lords of Terra had painstakingly transcribed it from the original source, adding luridly colored marginal illuminations two or three times every page. Sanguinius felt that he should at least respect the unknown individuals endeavor by forcing himself to read on until the end even thought he had already seen and studied the original transcript in which it was copied and extracted from.

The book was a very pale comparison to the original tome, the Codex Astartes. Sanguinius chuckled light at what Guilliman would have made of this holo-book. The Codex Astartes was the great prescriptive tomb comprised by Roboute Guilliman, one of his most influential works done within his lifetime. The tome was vast and detailed as it laid out the groundwork of the basic organizational and tactical rules for the Adeptus Astartes Space Marines. Subjects as diverse as religious instruction and strategic supply were all covered in great detail within its thousand of holo-pages. It wasn't enough just to read it, which would probably take an entire human lifespan. You needed to embrace and understand it completely, not just the text but the hidden meaning and wisdom that Guilliman had inserted into the many pages.

The Primarchs who remained loyal to the Emperor since Horus Heresy had reacted differently when the Codex Astartes was indoctrinate into their Space Marine reorganization. Legions such as the Imperial Fists and the Ultramarines regard the Codex Astartes as a holy text and stick rigidly to its contents, regarding any deviation as tantamount to heresy. Other Legions such as the Dark Angels, Space Wolves, and Blood Angels introduced their own variations, which meant that their chapters would differ completely from the rigid dictates of the Codex Astartes. It was mainly the Space Wolves under Leman Russ who voiced their protest the most.

Sanguinius gazed at the holo-book in his hand before placing down beside him, next to his master crafted power sword, which once activated would generate a disruptive energy field around the blade. An ancient relic retrieved during the Great Crusade on a forgotten lost world. Attracted the hilt of the power sword was a silver ring with a couple of colored feathers.

Sanguinius paused and gently touched the feathers, a reminder of the reason why he was here. The welfare of a certain female guard of the Elite Phoenix Guard had unexpectedly become a priority in Sanguinius mind. He relieved when Sanguinius when he was informed by Washu that she would make a full recovery without any permanent damage. For some reason, he could help the nagging feeling that she was more interested in HIM than her patients. Perhaps it was the sparkling glint in her eyes or maybe the others warnings NOT to participate in any of her 'requests.'

Shaking his head, Sanguinius needed to reaffirm some of the reports he had received. Looking at the sky, it was beginning to get late now; there wasn't much light left judging by the position of the sun. It was a rare moment for him to behold, as there were very words within the Imperium as many of the worlds similar to this were either devastated by the forces of Chaos or Xenos species such as the Orks for their own selfish gains or simply to have dominance on the fragile universe.

Sanguinius began to speculate if this world was similar to ancient Terra before the Age of the Strife and the Golden Age of the Imperium. According to data infiltration and scouting battlefield reports on the Japanese Self Defence Force, there seemed to be a lack of modern bases technology used in this world, relying on primitive weapons such as non explosive tipped projective bullets/shells and rocket propelled explosive missiles, quite unlike the standard armaments used by the Imperial Guard or the Adeptus Astartes Chapters. Laser technology such as the Lasgun and explosive tipped bullets weapons such as the Bolters were non existent, which could prove a serious problem when dealing the forces of Chaos in the long term especially the difficulties penetrating the power armor used by the traitorous Chaos Space Marines.

Recalling the reports he had seen, it was revealed during the early stages in the Nerima battle that conventional weaponry used by JSDF was highly ineffective in piecing the heavy ceramite plated power armor used by the traitorous Chaos Space Marines or the invisible chaos auras used by the Daemons. The JSDF paid a heavy price for their ill preparations and underestimating their foes. What did bother Sanguinius was the media suggesting that a powerful Japanese heavy industries releasing plans for an anti gravity engine, similar to the agile and maneuverable superior Land Speeder. Sanguinius was suspicious and had a feeling of who it might be.

Sanguinius knew for sure that the heavy skirmish in Nerima was just the beginning of an endless war but he wasn't sure who would be victorious or if any of them would survive 'till the end even with his ability to see into the future. He knew that a price was to be paid in blood and human souls but to what extent. For now, the Ruinous Chaos Gods would wait for their next opportunity to strike, they were licking their wounds, and it was just a matter of when. The Daemon Primarch Angron and the Daemon Prince of Tzeentch M'Kachan would not rest until this world was conquered and its people enslaved to their respected Dark Gods. The next battle on this world would make the invasion in Nerima look like a puny skirmish but when they do attack, he just hoped that they would be ready otherwise a veil of darkness would envelope the world for all eternity. The trail of thought bought up the question of Ranma Saotome, which bothered Sanguinius.

Where did Ranma Saotome fit into the Emperor's vision?

What significant did he had to play in the crusade?

What was so important to ensure he did not fall into the spell of Chaos?

Sanguinius clutched his head, trying to make some sense that he could understand. Ranma Saotome was indeed a skilled, agile, and intelligent in a fight but the same could be said for all the other Primarchs. He displayed no innate psychic ability, any traits that stood out from the crowd amongst billions of warriors. Although initial impression by his actions in Nerima, to Sanguinius it wasn't anything unique or special he hadn't seen a thousand times but there was something about him he just couldn't quite grasp.

Ranma at first glance didn't seem to have the visionary tactical awareness like Rogal Dorn of the Imperial Fists or Roboute Guilliman of the Ultramarines. If he had, Ranma would probably become a powerful leader of this world, or at least carved an Empire to rule under by now.

Nor the prowess in battle or a leader of men like Leman Russ of the Space Wolves or Lion El' Jonson of the Dark Angels. No military record of battles he took part in or insignia of his rank in this world according to sources. He didn't seem to have an army or followers to follow his cause. It seems that Ranma was nobody in the world except in Nerima and Asia.

Ranma's experience in hardship was nothing compared to the harsh life. Corax of the Raven Guard was raised in a slave mining world on a desolate moon of Lycaeus. Vulkan of the Salamanders was raised in unstable dangerous world of Nocturne and Ferrus Manus of the Iron Hand was even worse. The world of Medusa was a harsh realm of perpetual gloom, situated right next the Eye of Terror.

Ranma seemed to always relish the chance of taking on someone stronger and powerful than him without taking steps in ensuring victory. In doing so he severely lacked the wisdom that Jaghatai Khan of the White Scars possessed, no wonder this Cologne seemed to run rings around him in that department. Sanguinius shook his head, what Ranma needed was strong guidance and training but deep down he knew that alone wasn't going to be enough for Ranma to survive. As Primarch of the Blood Angels and envoy to the Emperor, Sanguinius needed to make a decision.

Bowing his head down, Sanguinius took a moment to think. As he was just about to make a decision on what would quite possibly determine the fate of this young Primarch, he happened to look up and Ranma and Tenchi appearing out from the woods at far end of the lake. The receding light made no difference to Sanguinius enhanced vision enabled him to see anything clearly through dark and light.

Sanguinius smiled. He knew what he had to do. He needed to test him before making his final decision and he knew just how to do it. Before he could implement his plan of action, he needed to know more about the situation with the Masaki family Ranma seemed to have adopted as his family especially Katsuhito,

Sanguinius' mood darkened, as he knew something else he did disclose with Ranma. The Blood Angels Primarch knew there was an Emperor's Decree on the young Primarch. It stated that should the last Primarch if found, showed any association or under the influence of the Ruinous Powers of Chaos. If proven the decree ordered was the complete termination of the Primarch. This knowledge was only known Sanguinius, Leman Russ, and Jaghatai Khan.

Pocketing the holo-book in his robe pocket, he was about to reach for his master crafted power sword when he felt someone approaching, the aura which he was sensing was extremely strong for it to be any mortal being. His suspicions was confirmed when he saw who it was in the corner of his eye. Her long purple hair and elegant attire confirmed this. Sanguinius feint ignorance, pretending he was unaware of her approach. Gazing at the lake, he waited until whoever it was within few feet away from him.

"Excuse me, Lord Sanguinius. I am interrupting you?" an elegant voice said respectfully.

Sanguinius slowly turned to face the stranger who had approached him. His stern gaze fixated at the young purple haired woman standing with her hands clasped together. She bowed respectfully as soon as she made eye contact with him.

The winged Primarch simply nodded, gesturing to her to sit down.

"Not at all, Princess Ayeka, I was just mediating my thoughts," his deep voice containing authority and strength but there was gentle subtle edge, which Ayeka was surprised to find.

"Do you require an audience with me?" Sanguinius inquired, getting straight to the point.

Ayeka nodded, "I do."

"Very well, an audience you shall have, Princess Ayeka," said the winged Primarch.

"Thank you, Lord Sanguinius," she said and bowed respectfully. She walked around him and took an empty space opposite him. She took the time to adjusting her robe edge to make herself comfortable.

There was a moment of silence until Ayeka broke the brief silence.

"Miss Washu has informed me to tell you that Kiima has made a full recovery and regain consciousness without any serious or permanent injury."

"That is good to hear, Princess Ayeka," Sanguinius gazed down at her, "I do not think you took the time to see me just to inform me of this news, I sense there another reason for you seeing me. Tell me, what is on your mind, Princess Ayeka?" Sanguinius inquired.

Ayeka slightly blushed and forced herself to look away. It only took a moment for her to regain her calm composure, which Sanguinius found it to be amusing for such a delicate flower in appearance to have such a strong aura.

"Lord Sanguinius, I haven't had the chance to thank you fully for saving me so from the bottom of my heart, Thank you," Ayeka got up and bowed respectfully. "You have my eternal respect."

Sanguinius nodded gracefully and smiled gently. "Princess Ayeka, your gratitude is accepted. Was there anything you want to discuss?"

Ayeka clasped her hands together as she sat back down. "There is something I need to know, and I thought you would be the best to answer my query, it's about Ranma Saotome."

Sanguinius nodded, he already had a feeling this would pop up, earlier than expected.

"What do you want to know?" he said, encouraging her to carry on.

"Is it true that the bestial beast Angron and you were related to Ranma Saotome on a genetic scale?" Ayeka inquired.

"Your point is?" Sanguinius asked.

"Well, what confuses me is how Angron looks a complete monster whilst you looked the complete opposite, I was wondering how does Ranma fit into this, he looks human, a genetically altered enhanced human but still human, could you please clarify for my own curiosity?"

Sanguinius paused for a moment. "I had expected for this to be asked, Princess Ayeka, and yes, all three of us are brothers. All that I can say is the Emperor was a visionary and creator who intentions were to reunited the fragmented human race so in order to do so, he created us, the Primarchs. Unfortunately the chaos had influence more than half of us to turn against our father in open revolt. Let's say that things have never been the same."

"Just be thankful that Ranma never grew in that environment otherwise he may be different from what you know him as now."

"Lord Sanguinius, you still haven't answered my question about Ranma."

"I was about to get to that." The Blood Angels Primarch replied with a hint of annoyance.

Ayeka bowed her head down, "Sorry." Sanguinius expression softened slightly.

"Don't worry . . . to answer your question, Angron had sold his soul to Blood God, Khorne and was elevated to the status of Daemon Prince, which is why he is like that today. I would call my appearance as a gift from the Emperor rather that a mutation of my genetic code and have never doubted that."

Sanguinius paused to think on what he was going to say about the other person in question. "Ranma on the other hand, I'm not sure . . . there is something about him, something to do with his special ability to manipulate the flow of the warp to his own desires."

"But . . . wouldn't that make Ranma . . . err . . . one of them?" Ayeka asked fearfully.

Sanguinius shook his head and gestured to her not to overreact, "No, Ranma, I suspect still possesses the Emperor's Gift and is immune to these effects, he is still has a long way to go if he is going to reach his full potential."

"You mean that Ranma hasn't reached his full potential yet? But what about his display in Nerima, I thought that he is already trained." Ayeka inquired.

"Physically, he is halfway there to his potential and I am quite impressed on how far he has achieved. Mentally, he is still a novice and the display of power he had shown is a mere fraction to what he is really capable of. He needs to be carefully monitored in a controlled environment and trained in the ways of the psykers of Adeptus Astartes. Unfortunately, the training is very brutal and harsh and makes his training trip in China look like a simple exercise. This rigorous discipline is necessary if he was to confront some of the Chaos Gods most powerful creatures."

Sanguinius didn't mention that the training has another purpose but she didn't have to know about this now. He then gazed into Ayeka's eyes with a serious expression.

Sanguinius took a small deep breath, gazing at the lake for a moment. "I would like it if Ranma was not to hear about this, he is not ready to know, he will eventually but not now. I would like this to be kept between us."

"I see, well, thank you for telling me," Ayeka said quietly, "What has transpired here will be kept between us, I promise, Lord Sanguinius."

"I keep you to your word, Princess Ayeka," he said, still gazing across the lake.

Ayeka in turn, looked across the lake, a cold breeze started to pick up and the trees started to rustle.

"As I have answered your questions as truthfully as possible, I would like you to indulge me in my own curiosity if you wouldn't mind. There are a few questions I would some answer to," Sanguinius inquired. "A trading of information you might call it, you have my strictest confidence, Princess Ayeka, and you have my word as Primarch of the Blood Angels."

Ayeka nodded slowly. "Of course, Lord Sanguinius, what is it that you need to know?"

"I am aware you are not from this world or native of this planet in fact, your aura is far too high for just an inhabitant so tell me where do you come from and why are here?" Sanguinius inquired calmly.

Ayeka was at first taken back by the bluntness of his inquiry, hesitating for a moment before deciding to answer it as best as she could. It could ease the tensions between them if she did correctly.

"As you have requested, Lord Sanguinius," Ayeka cough slightly and continued. "I am Ayeka Jurai Masaki, First Crowned Princess of Jurai. I am from a planet Jurai of the Juraian Empire and so is my sister," Ayeka stated formally which Sanguinius listened with keen interest.

Meanwhile across the lake, Ranma Saotome and Tenchi Masaki were returning back from the shrine grounds and were now enjoying a cool glass of juice kindly bought to them by Sasami Jurai. Tenchi had noted the brighter outlook on Sasami's face rather than the sombre expression she had in the past few days. It seemed to him that she was returning back to her normal self. It was clear to him that something had happened between Ranma and Sasami when he wasn't here. After serving the refreshments, she then took a place next to Ranma whilst Ryo-Ohki hopped off her shoulder and sat on her lap.

Ranma sighed a little. The arrival of Sanguinius was beginning to play on his mind, why was he here? What was his intention and did it involved everyone here? Catching Sasami's brief glance at him, Ranma smiled to show that nothing was bothering him. Sasami returned the gesture and started talking to Tenchi about how his day. Ranma turned his attentions back to the winged Blood Angels Primarch.

"Hey, is that Sanguinius over there?" Tenchi asked as spotted something across the lake.

"I don't see him, where is he?" asked Sasami.

"Over there you can't miss him," Tenchi pointed, drawing her attention to general direction of where he saw the winged Primarch.

"It's him all right, he isn't alone," Ranma added. His eyes narrowed and focused on the winged Primarch. His enhance abilities allowing him to see it clearly across the lake unaided. Ranma mentally wondered what SHE was doing over there.

"It's my sister," Sasami said enthusiastically which caused Tenchi to look down at her with questioning look. Sasami simply grinned.

"It's definitely Ayeka," Ranma confirmed Sasami statement. "It's appears that they discuss something, can't actually work what it is from here."

"What?" Tenchi exclaimed and began to joke, "you can lip read them all the way from here."

Ranma raise an eyebrow at him, a smirk appeared on his face. Tenchi blinked incredulously at him for moment until Ranma chuckled lightly.

"Tenchi, I'm good but not THAT good," Ranma said and winked at Sasami.

Tenchi sighed, missing Ranma's wink. Sasami giggled and smiled.

"I wonder what they are talking about." Tenchi wondered out loud.

Ranma simply placed his glass down and thanked Sasami for the refreshment. He grinned when Sasami suddenly had slight red hue on her cheeks. She then realized that the food in the oven would be just done and got up on her feet and walked over to Tenchi to claim his empty glass.

"It beats me," Ranma replied as he looked to see what was going on between Ayeka and Sanguinius.

'Why do I have uneasy feeling for him being here,' Ranma thought quietly to himself. Sanguinius' motive for his unexpected arrival was remained unclear; so far, he had shown a friendly outlook to him and his friends. Ranma shook his head, as he had no reason to be suspicious of his actions . . . not yet anyway. Ranma shook his head again as he was beginning to act like a certain Fallen Angel.

"You feel all right?" Tenchi asked, concerned about his friend's shaking of his head.

During their training and quick sparring, he notices that Ranma seemed preoccupied.

"Huh?" Ranma replied, "Oh, yeah, I'm fine, Tenchi. I was just ridding myself of some bad moments."

Tenchi nodded in understanding as he too was having problems.

"Just take as much time as you need, it's been one of those days." He said, patting Ranma on the shoulder with his hand.

Ranma gave a weak smile. "Thanks."

"We done quite a lot on our training, don you think?" he said in attempt to change the subject as he felt uncomfortable.

"Yeah, I suppose you went lightly on me like you always do," Tenchi said dejectedly. He almost had him but made the crucial mistake of overextending himself.

Ranma chuckled lightly to himself.

"What is so funny?" Tenchi asked, slightly annoyed as he thought that Ranma was mocking him.

Ranma saw Tenchi reaction and calmly waved his hand in a peaceful gesture.

"Actually, to be honest I wasn't going lightly on you," Ranma rubbed his chin in a scholar like fashion, "quite the opposite, you have gotten better since we fought each other. You might not know it but you are actually a very good fighter, maybe Katsuhito's training has finally paid of. Now what you need now is confidence in your own abilities."

Tenchi blinked, not actually quite believing what Ranma had said, did he actually compliment him on his fighting skills. A small smile appeared as he tried to actual casual about it.

Yeah, I suppose you're right. Maybe I can finally be better than you." He said.

Ranma shook his head slightly.

"Try not to get over excited, I just said you have just gotten better. I didn't say you were better than me." Ranma smirked at Tenchi.

Ranma close his eyes for a few moments, focusing on something topic in order to clear his mind. Ranma and Tenchi sat in quiet contentment, staring out at nothing in particular.

"I wish that Ryoko was all right, I would like to see her," Tenchi whispered and looked at the ground, feeling a little dejected. Ranma quickly glance at him with one eye, pretending not to notice or care. His superhuman acute hearing easily heard what he just said.

Ranma was about to say something to him that is until he saw a certain red hair scientist appearing around the corner with an all knowing look. Ranma nodded towards her before she disappeared back into the house.

"Be careful what you wish for," Ranma smiled in his usual manner.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Tenchi said in a confused tone.

"Oh, Tenchi!" a very sweet familiar voice was heard. Tenchi immediately stood up and looked everywhere for the source of the voice.

"Err . . . Ranma, isn't that you know . . . Ranma?" Tenchi said nervously, looking around for him.

Ranma was nowhere to be seen. Tenchi sighed as he felt two arms wrapped around him in a bone-crushing hug. Deep down, he was kinda glad and relieved. He looked up to see a pair of golden eyes and smiled nervously.

"I've found you!" she said in husky voice.

"Oh, hi Ryoko," Tenchi whispered in shy tone.

XXXXX

"That's how we ended up staying here together," Ayeka concluded as she finished shortened edited version of how she ended up on Earth.

"Hmm . . ." Sanguinius rubbed the temple of his forehead as he thought about the implications of what she had told him especially about the true nature of Ranma friendship with Sasami Jurai and Tenchi Masaki.

"Is anything wrong?" Ayeka asked, fearing that she might have upset or annoyed him in someway.

Sanguinius shook his head and gently smiled at Ayeka.

"No, there isn't anything wrong." He said to dismiss her concerns. "Thank you, Princess Ayeka, that's all I wanted to hear right now."

Looking at the Princess emotions playing across her delicate features, he sensed there was one more thing that was bothering her. Ayeka stood up, brushed her dress down, bowed politely, and turned to leave.

"Princess Ayeka."

Ayeka stopped and slowly turned around with an apprehensive smile.

"Yes, Lord Sanguinius?" she asked.

"Please be careful on your way back."

Ayeka was slightly confused at first but she quickly regained her posture and smiled with a slight bowed. "Thank you for your concern."

Sanguinius nodded and watched Ayeka until she was out of his vision and sensory range.

"Now it makes sense now," he whispered and glanced up at the starry lit midnight sky. "The path is clear now."

Sanguinius closed his eyes as mentally focused on the next task on hand.

Brother Calistarius, hear me Sanguinius mentally commanded.

The telepathic link shared amongst only the strongest psykers amongst his chapter ranks was the quickest and securest way of ensuring that his will was carried out.

I hear you clearly, sire. a familiar voice greeted him. Your orders sire

Inform the Admiral Tabris of my personal coordinates with the immediate teleportation of my personal guard on standby

Sanguinius wasn't sure but he had a feeling that something was going to happened within the next few days.

Have you found something to warrant such action? Calistarius inquired.

Simply as a precaution The Blood Angels Primarch stated. Have we received any communications from our advance party in China?

Nothing from our advance party has been picked up. We have received confirmation that Captain Garus has arrived at Mount Phoenix and started establishing a forward firebase, Lord Sanguinius

Sanguinius grinned.

We wait for our eternal nemesis to make the first move. Simply monitor all communication and media frequencies for signs of chaos incursions until then. No further actions with my authorization

As you wish, sire, the Emperor protects the voice responded.

That will be all

Sanguinius concluded his short telepathic communication. He opened his eyes and looked up at the sky as he was searching for a sign or answer. Sanguinius knew that the Emperor's gift bestowed in him was beginning to wear thin but he still had time.

"The Emperor protects," Sanguinius had a wistful grin. "Indeed he does."

The next day . . . .

It was a warm sunny day at the Masaki residence with no chance of rain, which was good news for a certain pigtailed young man. It seemed that today, everyone was doing something. Washu was in her subspace pocket laboratory, she was busy scanning the news channels and so far, no reports of any further chaos incursion were detected so everyone decide to use this time to taking relax and enjoy the peacefulness while it lasted. Also with the release of her daughter and that young white haired winged woman from her care, it finally gave her time to do what she does best. A cold shiver ran up the spines of Ranma and Tenchi Masaki but the newcomer to the Masaki residence, Sanguinius wasn't put off by these sudden premonitions of dread and fear.

For some, like Ranma Saotome and Tenchi Masaki were using this opportunity to kick in some additional training matches as they prepared themselves for what would be a long and arduous future. They knew that they had to be ready if they were to protect their loved ones and those under the protection. Sasami Masaki was busy at household either doing some household chores or cooking up a storm for everyone. Ryo-Ohki was in her child like form helping out. Ryoko and Ayeka were off to do some shopping in the city; both of them had their own agenda to pursue.

At the Masaki Shrine, Katsuhito was sitting quietly on the wooden steps of his temple house. The atmosphere was peaceful and quiet at this time of day. He was drinking his herbal tea when he sensed someone approaching. He knew it wasn't Ranma or Tenchi. Their familiar presence would be too well defined and unique. He didn't have to wait long as a powerful gust of wind swept the shrine ground of all its leaves and debris.

Katsuhito placed his cup of herbal tea down beside him. He wasn't surprised who have arrived at his shrine house. Ever since his unexpected arrival, he had a feeling that he would visit him. Katsuhito raised an eyebrow when he notice that came alone. He was expecting Kiima to be with him as he heard that she was discharged from Washu's care after giving her to green light. It could possibly signify the seriousness of the visit, Katsuhito thought as he rose to his feet, brushing down his robes and walked to greet his guest.

"Welcome," Katsuhito greeted, "and, what bring you to my humble shrine."

"Katsuhito, we have things I want to discuss with you, if you don't mind," he said, getting straight to the point.

Katsuhito nodded and push his glassed up slightly.

"Does this concern my grandson?" he asked seriously.

Sanguinius nodded. "It concerns everyone."

"I see, it would be better if we were to take this mater inside in private, there is more than enough room to accommodate your wings," Katsuhito gestured towards his small shrine house.

Sanguinius nodded and accepting his invitation, walking directly behind him a few steps. "Very well, lead the way . . . Yosho."

Katsuhito stopped immediately upon hearing a name he had almost forgotten.

"Have you told anyone?" he said without turning around to face Sanguinius.

"No . . . your business is your own for now." Sanguinius stated.

"I see," Katsuhito replied with a little relief, "how much do you know?"

There was an uneasy pause between them.

"I have known since I first encountered you. The person in front of me is a young man probably in his twenties with long black hair. From what I have watched during the skirmish in Nerima, your fighting style is unique and deadly along with Princess Ayeka's version of your story, it didn't take long for me to understand the situation." Sanguinius explained. "Like I said your business is your own."

"Thank you," Katsuhito said.

"There is no need to thank me," Sanguinius stated. "The longer you keep this up, the more difficult it will be to undo what you have started."

Katsuhito nodded. "I keep that in mind, shall we be going?"

"Of course, Yosho," replied Sanguinius.

"Please, don't use that name, Katsuhito is my name now." he stated rather than requesting it. He turned to face the Blood Angels Primarch with a stern look.

Sanguinius didn't reply as he simply brushed past him towards the shrine house. Katsuhito resumed walking, he actually was curious in what the great Primarch had to say.

Meanwhile not far from the Masaki Shrine, in a large forest clearing, Ranma and Tenchi were once again sparring against each other. Both of them, trying to out do each other with various techniques and stances. They were both dressed in white Martial Arts uniforms. At the far end of the forest clearing was a broken fallen tree, which in closer examination of the tree suggested that Ranma had used his Moko Takabisha judging by the damage and impact. Ranma had wisely decide to refrain from using his long range Ki attacks just to reduce the damage to the forest, he knew that Katsuhito wouldn't be pleased at all.

"Ready?" Tenchi shouted as they began their weapons training. Obviously, Tenchi had chosen the sword as it suited him more and had more experience than any other weapon.

Ranma on the other hand decide to opt for the quarterstaff as it gave him a long reach than the sword so long as he kept Tenchi at a distance because as soon as he got past his guard, it would be very difficult to counter or block due to the length of his staff. Since the brutal skirmish in Nerima, Katsuhito had wisely decided to advance Tenchi's training further than he would normally do.

"Of course," Ranma smirked, taking a step back in a defensive stance. Tenchi groaned inwards as it very difficult to read Ranma when he was in this mood. On the outside, Tenchi looked more confidence in his own abilities.

"Tenchi, don't disappoint me," Ranma shouted encouragingly.

"I will try my best!" Tenchi responded out loud, edging out forward to face him, holding his sword in both hands.

'I won't lose this time!' thought Tenchi. He was sure that he had Ranma figured this time considering the amount of training and sparring they had done since his arrival.

Ranma smirk grew into a grin. He was glad that Tenchi was feeling more confidence in own abilities, rather than doubting them like he before. Ranma held his staff in an offensive stance with the end held pointing up, by doing this he could easily switch from offensive to defensive stances and vice versa when required.

"I just hope it's enough to beat me," Ranma said just to keep him on the edge and partly to taunt him into losing his focus.

"Show me what you got, Tenchi. Don't hold back otherwise . . . you will be in a world of pain if you do. Trust me, it be more beneficial for the both of us," Ranma warned but it went unheard as Tenchi charge forward and swung his sword in an upward arc.

Ranma reacted at the last moment as he took a step back and raised his to meet the strike. Effortlessly blocking the strike, Ranma swiftly countered with a rapid triple strike followed y a low sweeping arc, sending dirt and leaves everywhere. Tenchi saw it coming and evaded, parried and hopped over each and every one of Ranma's counters. The two continued to exchange a few more strikes, probing each other's defenses like they did before.

'Tenchi has certainly improved, he learning to adapt to my attacks like I do with my opponents,' Ranma thought as he turned and twisted his body to evade Tenchi's attacks rather than block or parry them, using one of his strengths, his natural agility.

"You have to do better than that to beat me," Ranma taunted as he feinted fatigue and take a few steps back to reconsolidate his next move. Ranma had subconsciously hoped that Tenchi wouldn't take the bait but he did.

In Tenchi's mind, he saw the opportunity to gain the upper hand and pressed on his attacks. Ranma leapt back to put some distance between them, still feinting fatigue.

"I got you now," Tenchi exclaimed as he leapt to close the distance between them with his training sword held high.

Ranma couldn't help but smirk as he unleashed a technique that he was attempting to prefect.

Tenchi saw the knowing smile on Ranma's face, he couldn't help but feeling that he was walking into a trap. It was too late as Ranma shouted out loud.

"Hiryu . . . Shouten . . ." Tenchi managed to hear but not the last two as Ranma completed his special attack.

XXXXX

Elsewhere in world, trouble was brewing in China . . .

The once grim and imposing façade of the Musk Dynasty Citadel looked as though a gigantic sledgehammer had taken a few swing at it. The entire west face had caved in exposing the stone and concrete slabs. Huge meter wide cracks stretched from ground to roof and giant holes gaped in the building sides. Casualties within the Citadel were high and the compound was chocked with rubble and dust. Musk warriors pulled or dug their wounded comrades from the rubble whilst the rest started to tackle the fire. Musk trained physicians were attending to the wounded within the compound.

Prince Herb, Lime, and Mint of the Musk Dynasty Clan stood atop the northern wall.

"It's Chinese People's Liberation Army," Mint informed the Prince Herb. The initial surprise attack had caught the Musk Dynasty at a disadvantage.

"The Chinese Government have finally decided to get rid of us in the name of progress and expansion," Mint mused as he survey the battle.

Mint could just make out the silhouette of Chinese Artillery and Armored Division on the horizon against the darkening background, waiting for the order to advance on their citadel. The initial surprise barrage attack from Chinese Artillery was the clear indication of their intentions. For now the artillery barrage had stopped but the damage had been done as one can survey the carnage around them.

"Let them come," Lime said confidently and crackled his hands in anticipation of the eventual battle rumble. "Why are you so worried, Mint? We have fought off the Chinese before, we can do it again!"

Mint sighed heavily at the Lime's lack of intelligence and awareness. Fortunately, his brutish size and strength made up for his shortcomings.

"Lime, sometimes I wonder about you." Mint sighed again and started to explain the seriousness of the situation. "Times are changing, this time they have tanks and machine guns not swords and spears, they outnumber us five to one and . . . ."

Prince Herb knew the importance of the surrounding area in which the Musk Dynasty. The lands were fertile and deep within the mountains were huge deposits and threads of ore and minerals. Prince Herb stood in silence as he tried to make sense of the events of the last few minutes. The Citadel was in ruins, and Lime had tried to fathom how such a disaster could have occurred. Prince Herb had listened to his scouting reports carefully. Explanation and retribution could come later on why they have decided to attack, if there was a later Herb reflected.

A small chuckle escaped Herb's lips, which caught the attention of Mint and Lime.

"Is something wrong, Prince Herb?" Lime asked, switching his full attention from Lime to Herb.

"Sire, what is wrong?" Mint inquired.

Mint knew that it was imperative for them to get their Lord out of here when danger threatens. He was an important symbol to rally around and the last hope for the future of the Musk Dynasty. Cut off from reinforcements and stunned at the horrendous casualties they had suffered so far, it would not be long until the palace was overrun.

"Nothing, everyone is just fine," Herb replied to his associates.

He then took one last glance, grinned, and marched down towards the compound. Mint and Herb looked at one another with a confused look before following their Lord.

XXXXX

Meanwhile back in Japan, someone's luck had just run out . . . .

"I knew it wouldn't last," Ranko complained and stepped into the Masaki household. She took the time to carefully take off her dirty wet slippers and placing them on nearby shoe rack.

The reason for his distress was that she was now in cursed form all because of a sudden downpour of rain. These days, Ranko wasn't really bothered about her curse, as she had gotten used to it. She was just relieved that she didn't transform in Nerima or things might have gone a bit awkward. Ranko knew that Sanguinius would eventually find out about the curse one way or another. She just prayed that when time comes, it wouldn't in one of those awkward moments like with Akane or Ukyo in the past.

"Welcome back, Ranma," said sweet voice. She was unfazed by Ranma's appearance, as she knew already the true nature of his curse due to her links with a certain Goddess.

Ranko looked up and saw Sasami standing next to the stairway with a bright smile. Ranko then notice in her hands was a towel and neatly folded bathrobe.

"How did you . . . ."

"I know how much you like to train outside and it was raining so it wasn't that hard," Sasami said, beating him to the punch as she walked up to her.

"You're soaking wet, you changed quickly before you get a cold," she pointed out in a concern voice.

Ranko smiled cutely as she responded for her kind thinking.

"Thanks, Sasami," Ranko said and took the towel off her and flung it over her head.

Sasami returned the smile with even brighter smile. "Where is Tenchi?" she asked, as she knew that he was in a similar situation.

"Oh, he just back to check up on grandpa to see, he said he would be back soon," Ranko replied, remember the look on Tenchi's face when he transformed right in front of him. She could blame him for being amazed at the unique transformation from a battle hardened fighter into a cute buxom beauty in a blink of an eye.

Sasami nodded and handed her, the rest of the items in her hands to Ranko.

"Well, I'll better wait for him. The bath is ready, just go in." Sasami said as she turned towards the kitchen.

"Err . . . Sasami," she asked in a hesitant voice. Sasami turned around. "What is it, Ranma?"

"Is Sanguinius around?" she asked.

Sasami paused for moment to think, making Ranko a bit anxious, as she didn't want Sanguinius to see him or her in this form right now.

"He went out," Sasami responded. Ranma breathed a half-sigh.

"He didn't say where he was going, hasn't been back since, oh, that winged girl, she gone out shortly before you came back," She added.

"Is something wrong, Ranma?" Sasami asked, tilting her head at him.

'Kiima is all right, that's a relief' Ranko thought quietly and saw the look on Sasami's face.

"No, nothing," Ranko replied in reassuring tone of voice. "Thanks once again for the towel and bathing robe."

"Think nothing of it," Sasami said as she remember the things that Ranma had told her back then, it made her happy and reinforce her feeling she was doubting in the past few days. Ranma was unaware that his kind words have started the ball rolling for their relationship with Sasami/Tsunami in the future.

"I'll be off now," She said and skipped happily towards the kitchen leaving a slightly confused Marital Artist/Primarch.

'Did I miss something here?" Ranko shook his head and headed to his room.

A moment later, Ranko was dressed in the white bathing robe that Sasami had kindly given. She heard Tenchi enter the house and was told that he could wait so that Ranma would be able to use the bathroom first. As Ranko was making his way to the bathroom, he remember the reaction's on Ayeka and Ryoko's faces when she told them that she wasn't interesting in Tenchi in that way. Ranko then reminisce a bit back of the first time that Ayeka and Ryoko was 'introduced' to a red haired female, almost mistaking Ranko as Washu if it wasn't for their unique different hairstyles. It wasn't the best of moments; they almost tried to kill Ranko on the spot with barrage of wooden logs and energy weapons.

Ranko grinned and was about to pass through the outside door that led to the bathroom when he notice someone standing guard.

Ranko stopped and turned to look down. "Oh, hi Ryo-Ohki, I almost missed you."

"Miya!" the Cabbit responded with a cheery tone.

Ranko smiled and patted light on its head. The Cabbit responded with a few more meows.

"Standing guard are you?" she inquired when she saw that she had the occupied sign between its paws. The Cabbit nodded.

"Mrow! Miya Myow!" Ryo-Ohki responded.

"You know about that?" Ranko said, slightly embarrassed. The Cabbit nodded again.

"Miya! Meow! Mrow!" Ryo-Ohki stated.

Ranko looked at the Cabbit understandingly.

"So Sasami told you everything that I told her," Ranma asked a slightly serious tone.

"Miya," Ryo-Ohki looked hesitantly at Ranma, hoping that it didn't ruin their relationship.

Ranko shrugged her shoulder as a gentle smile appeared. "Don't worry, I'm not mad, besides you and Sasami, I can trust. I would have done anyway," Ranko winked and patted the Cabbit on the head.

Ryo-Ohki was ecstatic that she didn't alienate Ranma/Ranko and meow happily.

"You keep on eye out, okay, do a good job and a bag of carrots is yours," Ranko said to give the Cabbit some incentive.

Ryo-Ohki responded with a loud meow and switched the vacant sign with the occupied sign. Then turning around, acting like a watchdog for anyone remotely heading into the bathroom. Ranko couldn't help but smile at the friendship between the members of this household unlike those in the Tendo household. Shaking her slightly head to dismiss the memory, Ranko opened the door . . . .

"This is weird," Ranko whistled in amusement at what she looking at. "This is definitely Washu's work, I expect."

Ranko had expected to see a normal bathroom but instead was looking at something completely different, much larger, and fancier facility with cascading waterfall including beautiful lush greenery and exotic flowers. The whole place was quiet and dark, illuminated only by lamps that were dotted around the whole facility. Ranko slowly slid closed the door behind her and started to remove the white bathrobe revealing that she had on a light top and swimming trunks, she wasn't taking any chances. Another reason for her choice was that it made life easier due to the nature of his curse, for example, it would be very awkward and uncomfortable if she decided to wear a bikini costume and was forced or accidentally changed back to his male form. The only exception was that if she managed to get hold of some magical soap.

Ranko walked over towards the deep lagoon of water and dived straight into the cool water. She swam a lap or two around the lagoon and then floated on her back, looking up at the starlight filtering in through the circular window in the dome roof.

'Definitely Washu's work,' Ranko thought as she gently floated.

'I wonder where I am,' Ranko paused, 'better not think of it.'

Ranko sighed deeply as she relaxed. The training she had done under close supervision from Katsuhito was proving a much better workout than he had hoped. Tenchi was a quick learner as he had become better at adapting to his attacks. Unfortunately, for him; Ranko was always one step ahead. The modified Hiryu Shouten Ha she had used on Tenchi kinda worked, as it didn't require a lengthy circular chase as it setup. Ranko reminisce when she recall the first match he had with Tenchi before the devastating chain of events in Nerima.

Flashback

Ranma settled back into a casual stance, lowering his training staff slightly. Tenchi stopped in his advance and did so likewise.

"What's wrong?" Tenchi asked, wondering if Ranma was hurt or something.

Ranma shook his head and grinned.

"Hmm . . . shall we make this interesting especially for our new audience?" Ranma pointed out to the gathering crowd at the far end of the field.

"Huh, what are you on about . . . oh," Tenchi said when he looked towards where Ranma was pointing. Tenchi grew a large sweat drop.

There standing was indeed a crowd of people. Sasami was playing the role as always, the hostess as she began to serve out cold drinks and snacks to everyone. Washu was sitting next to Cypher trying to pry out some of the STC technology in a nice friendly manner for once. For the look on Cypher's face, she didn't seem to have much luck in succeeding. Ryoko and Ayeka were sitting a little to the right of where Cypher and Washu were.

Tenchi's sweat drop grew larger. Ranma simply grinned.

"Err . . . what do you suggest on doing?" Tenchi wondered, now that he was fully aware of the audience watching him.

"Shall we make the next fight interesting," Ranma suggested.

"How?" said Tenchi, having no idea on what he was getting at.

"You still got your Tenchiken sword?" Ranma asked.

"Err . . . no, not on me right now," Tenchi replied. Ranma was about to look disappointed when . . . .

"Tenchi!" a shout was heard, followed with another shout. "Catch!"

Tenchi managed to turn around to see his grandfather and had promptly thrown something at him. Tenchi caught the object without thinking and saw that it was his Tenchiken sword. Ranma grinned and waved towards Katsuhito for his assistance.

"All right!" said Ranma. He was clearly excited by something, Tenchi had noticed.

"Why do I have a feeling that you want me to fight you with this," Tenchi said, holding the Tenchiken by his side.

Ranma smirked. "A simple duel, you will use your Tenchiken and I will use . . . this."

Ranma slowly reach out into his subspace pocket and retrieve the fable Lion Sword, once belonged to Lion El' Jonson, Primarch of the Dark Angels.

"Are you sure about this?" Tenchi asked, slightly worried about using the Tenchiken against him. Normally energy and solid based weapon don't mix.

"Why not," Ranma was responded.

Tenchi sighed, "Oh all right but don't blame me if I cut that sword into pieces." He warned which didn't faze Ranma at all so either he knew something or that he didn't listen to a word he said.

"So Tenchi, do you accept my challenge?" Ranma said out loud. "First one to submit to defeat, loses, okay."

Tenchi reluctantly nodded, as he didn't want to lose face especially with the audience watching him.

"Challenge accepted," Tenchi said, "just give a moment, okay."

Ranma nodded and turned around to see Cypher waiting with his arms crossed plus the expression on his face kinda told him what was to come.

"Are you sure this wise, Lord Ranma?" Cypher inquired.

"Oh, not you too, why not?" responded Ranma.

"Using the Lion Sword is matter not to be taken lightly. It should be respected and used in times of dire need." Cypher pointed out, eyeing the Lion Sword in Ranma's hand.

"You think I am going to break, don't you." Ranma said.

Cypher shook his head. "It's going to take more than an energy weapon to break the Lion Sword. It just seems a bit of overkill if you use this weapon, what I mean is that it was foretold it had the power to kill Greater Daemons with one hit. You can even parry or even block phase and energy weapon according to historic texts."

Ranma grinned, even more determined to use the Lion Sword. "Well, better time than anywhere to test out it out."

Cypher seemed to sigh as he gave in. "Nothing I will tell you will change your mind."

"Nope," Ranma grinned. "I'm going to try this badass weapon out."

"Just use it sparingly," Cypher said as he turned around. Ranma nodded to heed to his final advice.

Ranma turned around to see that Ayeka had also walked up to Tenchi to give some support and had managed to sneak in a quick kiss on his cheek for luck before backing off in embarrassment. Her face had gone awfully red. Ryoko wasn't happy and immediately teleported next to Tenchi and kissed him on the lips and she was about to have another. That is until Ayeka pulled her away from him. Ranma was amused when they started to argue between each other. Fortunately, Katsuhito managed to sort it out before things got out of hand with his reasoning, either it shut up and watch the fight or leave. Neither wanting to miss the match between Ranma and Tenchi, they agreed. The red hair scientist was furiously typing on her transparent computer.

Ranma sighed and shuddered when he thought about what she planning for him, one thing for sure; it wasn't going to be pleasant especially what Tenchi had told him.

Ranma smiled nervous whilst suppressing a chilling shudder when he thought about what she planning for him, one thing for sure; it wasn't going to be pleasant based on Tenchi's statement.

Ranma snapped himself back to the fight, concentrating his attention on his opponent, Tenchi had made his first move in a earlier fight and now it was his turn to be on the offensive as he leapt to cover the distance between them and swept the Lion Sword in a upward diagonal strike, checking the arc of the blade by following it through. Years of training with his grandfather enabled Tenchi to instinctually activate his Tenchiken and bought the energy blade to parry the strike, energy sparks appeared as the two weapon clashed together.

'So the rumors are true, the sword is truly is blessed,' Cypher observed closely.

'I knew that boy was special,' Katsuhito observed whilst appearing to pay attention to his tea.

'I have got to get my hand on that sword,' Washu thought as the reading she was getting made no sense.

Tenchi couldn't understand how Ranma got so good the last time they met, as he evaded some of his best strikes and move sets with such casual ease and regard. Tenchi checked the direction of his sword with a reverse strike. Ranma blocked the strike, parrying the Tenchiken away and opened up with three rapid punches to his chest area.

Tenchi staggered back, clutching his chest.

"That was good, now that the warm ups are done, shall we begin," Ranma smirked.

Tenchi glower at him and immediately rush forward, wielding the blue energy blade in a fury of strikes and slashes. Ranma smiled as the fight had now become interesting. His battle strategy seemed to be working, a little too well as Ranma was force to take a few side steps to evade some of Tenchi attacks. Ranma's keen observation on his opponent saw that the frustration was beginning to intensify. Ranma thought about using his Hiryu Shouten Ha but refrained from doing so as he really wanted to have a good fight. Tenchi had the skill and strength within him. To Ranma it was clear that Katsuhito training had paid off on him.

Meanwhile, both Ayeka and Ryoko were showing their encouragement to Tenchi in their own different ways. They were impressed by Tenchi's swordplay but were secretly impress and awe at Ranma skill. Sasami and Ryo-Ohki decide to be part of Ranma's support crowd. Ranma's skill and Martial Arts amazed Sasami and Ryo-Ohki. Katsuhito definitely could easily see what Ranma's strategy was and surprising enough, it seemed to be working. Tenchi was so determined to outwit Ranma at his own game that he had seemed to forget about own strategy. He was heavily relying on his skill and speed alone.

Normally this would defeat most of the opponents that his grandson has fought but Ranma was different, his natural ability to evade and counter at an incredible rate while conjuring up new combinations of strikes on the spot was just amazing.

Back to the fight, Ranma took a quick side step to evade a sword thrust as he shifted the grip on his Lion Sword from left to right and bought his sword in a downward arc. Tenchi easily parried the blade away and took a step back to avoid the reverse strike. Ranma twirl the Lion Sword in his hand and switched hands back to his natural sword arm.

Ranma cocked his head to one side and smirked.

"You have to do better than that if you are going to beat me . . . same old Tenchi."

Ranma then thought of something that might get Tenchi to lose his concentration and focus, a distraction of the mind was a tool in any fight. On the other hand, it could get him in serious trouble with two certain females.

'Oh, what the hell, I know I'm going to regret this. I just hope that I survive long enough to apologize to them before they kill me. At least they aren't half as bad as Akane,' Ranma thought darkly.

Tenchi advanced as Ranma decide to go along with his change of strategy.

Ranma laughed which caused Tenchi to stop and look at him curiously.

"Am I missing something here," Tenchi wondered out loud.

"Just thought of something," Ranma replied with a chuckle.

"Which is?"

"It seems to me that having Ayeka and Ryoko constantly pampering you around has made you a bit of softy. If you going to get better, perhaps they should take a break form mothering you like a pair of old women," Ranma suddenly felt two intense glares aimed squarely directly at him from the crowd, followed by screams of outrage followed by the sound of muffled gags. Ranma saw in the corner of his eye that Washu had somehow managed to tie Ayeka and Ryoko up, bound, and gagged. Washu turned around gave the thumbs up, Ranma couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as it seemed that he owe her one. Katsuhito was going to have quiet words afterwards.

"You take that back!" Tenchi glowered as his Tenchiken glow more vivid and brighter than normal.

"Make me!" Ranma exclaimed and he bought his sword up to parry the quick strike.

Tenchi turned and deflected his counter strike and follow up. Ranma circled again, and blocked another strike and evade another as he tried to find a gap through Tenchi improved defenses after than taunt. It was at that point that Ranma caught in the corner of his eye, Sasami smiling sweetly at him.

'I have him now!'

Tenchi quickly took advantage of Ranma's momentary distraction and struck out with the flat end of his blade across his chest. Ranma's Martial Arts and superhuman reflexes started ring alarm bells and almost bent over backwards in order to avoid it. Sasami blushed in embarrassment for almost making Ranma lose his sparring match but seeing that him recovery from it, she continued to cheer him on.

Cypher saw the cause of Ranma's momentarily loss of concentration; he quietly noted this for future reference rather than pass the information on as he saw Ranma made his final move.

Without warning Ranma took the initiative as he rushed forward, pulling back his Lion Sword and leapt into the air when he was a meters away from Tenchi. It took a moment for Tenchi to register what Ranma had just did and quickly raised his Tenchiken up in a attempt to block the downward strike.

Ranma seems to hover in the air for a second or so before coming down towards Tenchi with an overhead strike. Tenchi was pushed back as he successfully block the aerial attack, but he was unable to recover from it as Ranma turned and side kicked Tenchi squarely in the chest the moment he touch the ground. Tenchi was forced back, clutching his chest and was immediately put under pressure as Ranma continued with his assault. More than a hundred quick sword thrust and swipes were used in the follow up strike, which caught him at a disadvantage. Ranma smirked when he combined his Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken combined with the potent energy of the Lion Sword. He deliberately missed him, as he really didn't want to hurt Tenchi, just wanted to create a screen for his next move. Once he had Tenchi on the defensive, the pigtailed Martial Artist paused in his momentum to lure him in. Ranma timed his actions. It worked as he took the bait and tried to hit Ranma with a decisive strike. Ranma ducked and performed a three hundred and sixty-degree leg sweep, tripping the Juraian Prince to the ground before he leapt back to his feet.

"What the hell did you just do to me?" Tenchi shouted as he felt his whole body completely paralyzed, the moment he was on the ground. He couldn't even lift his sword, as his arm was numb.

"Oh, it's just a couple of pressure points I learnt from annoying Amazon old witch."

Ranma levelled his sword at Tenchi's throat, "Give up?"

Tenchi glared at him for a moment before sighing in defeat in reluctance.

'Beaten again' Tenchi thought. "All right . . . I give."

Ranma smiled and quickly tapped the relevant pressure points on Tenchi body. Tenchi could feel his body coming back to life and in control. Ranma sheathed his Lion Sword, completely convinced that the myth of the true extent of the Lion Sword power was true.

"Hey, don't feel so bad about it. You almost got me," Ranma said as he helped his friend to his feet, "Maybe next time."

End Flashback

Ranko opened her eyes slightly as she drifted on the shadowy waters.

"Heh, you almost had me back then," Ranko thought in content.

She knew that she would be hard pressed to beat Tenchi if he were to master completely his power that was within him. After a minute or two, she folded at the waist and cartwheel down under the water. Submarine noise roared in her ears and surfaced again. Ranko then decided that enough time had been spent here and started to swim towards the other end where the water was shallow and climbed out of the pool. It was at that moment that Ranko suddenly realized she wasn't alone. Thinking it might be the red hair scientist; she called out her name.

"Washu, is that you?" Ranko shouted.

A slight chill ran up her spine, as the last time Washu was here. Washu wanted to Ranko to help with her tests she was currently running. That wasn't the worse part, it was when she dressed in a nurse's uniform and was carrying a rather large sharp needle that Ranko was scared. Luckily back then, Cypher was there to pull him out of these situations but this time, Cypher wasn't here to help him out. Although Washu intentions were sorta for scientific purposes, Ranko couldn't help feel that Washu was up to something kinky. Ranko immediately got out of the water and grabbed the bathing robe, putting it on hastily.

"No, silly," a soft innocent answered followed by a childish giggle.

Ranko breathed a sigh a relief. She recognized instantly who it was by the distinctive blue hairstyle as the person stepped out from where was hiding. Her identity revealed by the light of one of the orb lamps.

"Oh, Sasami, it's only you, don't scare me like that," Ranko said in mock panic as she sat down. She also notices that Sasami was carrying a thermo in her hands.

"Is that for me?" Ranko smiled.

Sasami nodded and walked up to her, handing over the thermo of hot water. Ranko thanked her as she tipped the thermo over her head. Sasami took a step back as the amazing transformation began in an instant, growing taller and more masculine.

"Miya Meow!"

The now male Ranma leaned to the right of Sasami to see a small humanoid furry person standing behind her.

"There you are Ryo-Ohki," Ranma said as the Cabbit walked towards him and handed him a white towel.

"You done a good job," Ranma knelt down and patted affection on her head with his hand. Ryo-Ohki responded happily at the attention she was getting.

"Miya Meow . . . Miya!" Ryo-Ohki said in an inquiring tone.

"It's fine, really good, Ryo-Ohki," Ranma responded, seemingly understanding completely what the Cabbit had said. At that, the point Ranma noticed the questioning look in Sasami's eyes.

"Ryo-Ohki just asked me how the swim was," Ranma explained as he turned his attention towards Sasami.

"Oh," Sasami said quietly. Ranma notice that she was a little downcast and jealous due to him being able to understand the Cabbit and she couldn't.

"Yes, Ranma," Sasami asked when she felt Ranma warm hand on her shoulder. She felt a slight hue of redness on her cheeks when she saw the smile on Ranma's face.

"Do you still remember the promise I made when we first met?" Ranma asked. 'I'm probably going to need a certain red haired scientist.'

Sasami thought for a moment before giving a slight nod.

"Just give me some time. I think I can do something about it. I just need to figure out how to transfer the ability to you, it shouldn't be too hard to do so."

"You mean it?" Sasami said excitingly

"Yeah," Ranma replied honestly. 'I'm definitely going to need Washu's help on this one.' He thought mentally.

There was a brilliant smile was on Sasami's face as she hugged him. Ryo-Ohki was happy at the thought of having Sasami understanding her more. Ranma couldn't help but chuckle at their happy expression.

"Thanks you, Ranma."

"Meow Miya!" exclaimed Ryo-Ohki.

"Come on, it's getting late now," Ranma said. Ryo-Ohki and Sasami nodded as he just realized the time and headed towards the dimensional bathroom door.

XXXXX

At the Masaki Shrine, things were getting complicated . . . .

Katsuhito Masaki was standing outside the small house he resides in when he was at his duties on the shrine ground. Taking off his wire frame glasses and breathing on them, the shrine priest cleaned them with the edge of his robes as he looked up at his guest. Although Katsuhito could see perfectly without his glasses, his vision clear and crisp, he needed them purely for cosmetic reasons. He happened to notice it was a full moon on this quiet silent night, he had lost track of time with his guest, maneuvering around his guest's inquires and question whilst at the same time, prying into his guest's private agendas for being here. His guest was quite unlike Ranma Saotome. He was different as he showed no dishonesty or deceit when he stayed with them in his mind. Although questions were raised about his companion, the enigmatic Cypher, there was something about him, he wasn't quite sure but he did gain a unique insight into him when they were in Nerima.

Katsuhito finished cleaning his glasses and placed them back on his face, pushing the glasses up slight along the bridge of his nose.

"Lord Sanguinius, I assume you have some of the answers you seek?" Katsuhito inquired, his expression controlled and calmed, completely unfazed by the sheer presences of the Blood Angels Primarch.

Sanguinius gazed down at the shrine priest. He had slightly underestimated the resolve and willpower to answer his questions that he was searching for. He would have spent more time prying more information from him but time was factor.

"Yes, for now, Katsuhito, perhaps we shall continue our little talks at another time," Sanguinius suggested.

Katsuhito nodded. "Yes, I would like to continue our little talks. It was interesting." He said and bowed respectfully.

"I expect you have other duties to attend, Katsuhito?" Sanguinius said in a satisfied tone and returned the gesture by a slight bow.

"I hope your stay here will be of a pleasant one, I trust that the accommodation meets your satisfaction?"

"It was kind of you to provide accommodation on such short notice," Sanguinius said with a softer tone. "The room is satisfactory and spacious, please accept my gratitude."

"Nonsense," Katsuhito gave dismissive gesture. "You are welcome to stay, we have plenty of rooms. I hope you stay here will be of a pleasant time." Katsuhito said and bowed. Sanguinius accept his departing words and just as he was about to turn around to leave.

Katsuhito watched the Primarch leaving the shrine ground until he disappeared from his field of vision. He was slightly surprised to see him leaving by conventional method and wondered why he didn't just fly out of the ground considering the large wingspan he possessed. Katsuhito release the breath he had been holding and unclenched his jaw. The meeting felt like an interrogation rather than a little talk. Katsuhito was able to hide his surprised at the strength and tone of authority in his voice. Katsuhito took off his glasses, cleaning them again and starred up at the sky, knowing full well there was a battle barge orbiting over him.

Katsuhito sighed deeply. "Things have just gotten complicated," he muttered under his breath and turned to head back into his shrine house.

XXXXX

The Blood Angel Primarch wasn't able to learn very much from the old priest. The way he seemed to always avoid answering his questions directly was intriguing yet slightly frustration at the same time. It was clear that Katsuhito also known as Yosho was very good at hiding and manipulating the truth to people including those who close to him including his own family. At least in Sanguinius' mind it wasn't a wasted trip because he too was skilled and was able to get some answers to his questions with a bit of persuasion and tactical maneuvering. All very interesting to know for future reference.

Sanguinius was about halfway down the steps when he suddenly heard the rustling of leaves. The Blood Angel Primarch feinted ignorance as he continued down the steps. Sanguinius made no attempt to reach for his master crafted power sword or pistol. He then heard another rustling of leaves, which Sanguinius decided it was time to face who was trailing him. Not facing any particular direction, Sanguinius stopped.

"Whoever is there, come out now or face the consequence," Sanguinius warned in a dangerous tone. The response was the subtle sound of rustling leave and strong breeze.

"Lord Sanguinius, I've finally found you," a voice was heard.

Sanguinius looked up to see someone standing on a branch of a large tree. The moon in the sky silhouetting her figure, her flowing white hair and Phoenix guard attire gave supernatural impressions as she smiled down at the Primarch. She would have appeared human if it wasn't for the pair of large dove like wings protruding out from her back. She wore a long white light armored dress along with pair of bracers, gauntlets, and boots that she normally wears. Her piecing brooding brown eyes slowly transformed into a look of affection. She remembered how he saved her from that terrifying adversary before she lost consciousness. Kiima then leapt off the branch she was standing on and floated down into front of Sanguinius.

"Lord Sanguinius," Kiima bowed respectfully, her eyes gazing down at the ground. "Have you come to see me?"

Sanguinius slowly reach out and touched the side of her cheek which Kiima was startled but accept his gesture. It was rare gesture for Sanguinius to perform and for him to do so now, please her greatly at the sentimental action. Kiima knew she already had fallen for him but was afraid if he felt the same or would return the sentiment in her heart. Kiima slightly leaned into his hand with a slight blush.

"Lord Sanguinius," she whispered.

"It's been long, hasn't it, Kiima. I am genuinely relieved to see you have made a full recovery." Sanguinius spoke softly and withdrew his hand away from her cheek.

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Sanguinius," Kiima replied. She reached out and took his right arm. She then turned his hand so his palm was facing up and, she traced the outline of his hand, noticing the roughness and toughness of his skin, indicating to centuries of battle. She then kissed his palm gently.

"A gesture of my appreciation," Kiima smiled before Sanguinius had the chance to reply or inquire about it. "It is a traditional Phoenix gesture of my eternal gratitude, Lord Sanguinius."

"Oh . . . I see, Kiima," Sanguinius simply responded. He slightly lost for words at the moment.

"Will you accompany me on this fine night, Kiima," Sanguinius offered to continue the moment.

Kiima smiled as took her place beside him, "of course, Lord Sanguinius."

As the two winged beings journey down through the woods, Sanguinius decided to let Kiima know some of the things he was planning whilst he was on Earth.

"Ranma Saotome is likely to challenge me." Sanguinius said.

Kiima interested perked upon mentioning the young warrior's name.

"How so?" inquired Kiima and looked up at him with a curious look. "What makes you think he will challenge you?"

"He will." Sanguinius said firmly as he regained his focus and composure.

"Why?" Kiima asked. "There is clear difference between you and him in terms of power and abilities. He surely must have a death wish if he going against you."

"It's in his nature to do so," Sanguinius replied.

"What if he doesn't challenge you? What then?" Kiima enquired and looked up to see he had a knowing look on his face.

"He has an ego a size of a small moon plus his youthful confidence and determination, there is no way he could resist the temptation of challenging someone stronger than him." Sanguinius explained. It was clear to her that he had him figure out.

Kiima took a moment to think about. He had a point there. Ranma had always strived to be the best. By seeking out strong opponents so that their strength and weaknesses can be determined. In her experience, in order to do this you have to beat the best there is. She had observing for a short time from a distance, Ranma sparring with the young warrior, Tenchi Masaki and seen the clear improvements as they fought each other. Of course, she had confident that Sanguinius will beat him hands down as she remembers clearly the astonishing fight between Sanguinius and Saffron on Mount Phoenix.

"I suppose he will, Lord Sanguinius," she glances up to see a small smile on his face. "Do you know when?"

"Very soon," Sanguinius said in knowing manner.

XXXXX

The Masaki Residence . . . .

"Oh hell, someone is talking about me, I just know it," Ranma grumbled and heaved a deep sigh. He had just sneezed out of the blue, which in his long experience, it would normally indicate or suggest someone was talking about him.

Ranma Saotome was having trouble sleeping which was odd. It was rare for him, as he would normally sleep soundly during an earthquake or typhoon. That was before Cypher told him that he was a Primarch and events leading around to this sudden revelation and the sudden attack on Nerima. Looking around his vantage point on the roof of the Masaki residence, Ranma suppressed a yawn as tried to clear his mind on this peaceful night. Normally Ranma would dream of becoming the greatest Martial Artist in his generation and participating in the ultimate tournament to reach his destiny. Now, his dreams made absolutely no sense at all and on occasion very disturbing, unfortunately as soon as he woke up, he would have no recollection of the dream except the lingering disconcerting feeling.

Placing his face in his hands, Ranma shook his head, trying to make heads or tails of the dreams he was receiving. What did this all mean? Why was this happening to him now? Would he ever going to get a good night sleep?

"Meow, Miya."

Thinking it was Ryo-Ohki wanting to see him, Ranma turned around to greet the Cabbit. He was surprised when it turned out not to be the brown furred rabbit like cat but a black and grey tabby standing before him with a large smirk over his face. The moon like crest on his forehead shining just a bit indicating it was no ordinary cat.

'Heh, gotcha!' the tabby was amused at Ranma startled look.

"Felix!" Ranma said as he recognized the cat anywhere. "What are you doing here?"

The moon cat tilted his head slightly as to look at him oddly.

"There isn't anything wrong is there?" Ranma asked in a worried tone.

"I should be the one asking you the same, Ranma Saotome," Felix replied, taking on a serious look. "I know something is bothering you, and it isn't your fear of cats."

"What do you mean?" Ranma said trying to hide the fact that the recent events had troubled him. "I'm just having trouble sleeping that's all."

Felix sighed quietly which quite hard to do when you have the feline facial features.

His eyes narrowed slightly at him, which made Ranma slightly nervous.

"You're lying, Ranma. You were never good at lying so tell me what is bothering you." Felix accused, he already knew what was bothering him but wanted to Ranma to tell him.

Ranma was unaware he was psychically bonded to the moon cat assigned by Queen Serenity. The link was similar to the one imposed on certain couple during the Silver Millennium. The difference with this particular link was that both parties would benefit for the psychic link. Ranma would benefit the most when his innate psychic abilities would awake where his psychic signature would be greatly amplified and controlled. The link also acted as a suppression of his psychological damage inflicted when Ranma was a child, which was one of the guarded secrets that Felix kept. In Ranma's mind, his first encountered with Felix Acarya Ramirez was when he met him during that time on the astral plane.

In truth, Ranma's actual first encounter was in China. Felix was amongst the dozen of cats that was used in the NekoKen training. Felix failed to prevent the Slaanesh ritual from happening, allowing the daemonic spirit from inhabiting Ranma's body. Felix was able to seal away the daemonic spirit from completely taking over his body and mind, but it was only a temporary measure as it wasn't strong enough when Ranma's fear reached it critical peak. Felix had already bore the failure of his mission and was determined to make up to Ranma by being there when he needed it. Felix was act as his eyes and ears on the immaterial plane.

Felix was in essence, Chaos. He was unlike the Daemons of the Ruinous Powers, which draws their powers from the warp. He was able to draw his power from unique source. When Felix entered the material universe, he assumes a definite form of a cat, and had slept countless centuries searching the void for someone to bond with. Queen Serenity had assigned him as a member of her court, advisory role like Luna and Artemis did. Although he served her well, he never mentally bonded with her and the fall of the Moon Kingdom, meant that Felix would search for his master although he spent some time on the astral planes with Serenity, he continued his search. Felix was drawn to Ranma chaotic aura. It was at that point Felix knew that he had found his kindred spirit and established the link. Unfortunately, the sealing away of such a powerful daemonic spirit had almost destroyed him, and has taken him up to now to finally recuperate his strength in order to enter into the material realm and meet up with his chosen one. Ranma didn't know about all of this yet, but in time he would. For now, he would try to prepare Ranma as best as he could.

"It's nothing, you wouldn't understand," Ranma grumbled and turned away, staring across the lake.

Felix carefully walked beside Ranma and sat down quietly.

"You know Ranma," Felix paused, "you can't deal with this by yourself."

"You saying I'm weak that I can't handle this," Ranma said in an accusing tone. "I show you and everyone that I can do this. I don't need you or everyone telling me what I should do."

Felix shook his head. "I didn't say that."

"What then?" Ranma glance briefly at the cat.

"I'm just saying there is strength in numbers." Felix paused, noting the silence, he continued on. "I know you are afraid . . . ."

"I am not!" Ranma retorted quickly. "I stood up to every challenge, every duel, every competition, I have never back down from a fight so don't accuse me of being afraid!"

"Let me finish, Ranma Saotome," Felix countered calmly. Ranma realized his sudden burst and looked regretfully at the moon cat.

"Ranma, I am not saying that YOU are afraid. You are afraid of drawing others that you care about into your struggle. Ryoga, Tenchi, Cypher, Sanguinius . . . Sasami," Felix whispered the last name so quietly that Ranma also failed to hear it.

"But . . . ."

Felix looked up at Ranma with a serious glint in his eye. "The universe, well it might not seem it, DOES NOT revolve around you. You think that you and only you can defeat the Ruinous powers of Chaos whilst being able to protect those you care about but guess what . . . it isn't going to happen."

Felix closed his eyes and breathed in gently. He could sense the emotions building up within the young Primarch and decided to diffuse it.

"Ranma, there are allies willing to help you, you just don't see it. For example, Tenchi, you're old friend and training partner. He definitely on equal par with you with his Juraian powers and would definitely aid you. Ryoga who was once your rival is going to back you up all until to the very end and Cypher, well he may seem a bit of an enigma but I betting he going to go with you to hell and back. These are a few examples although you are going to face much tougher and dangerous opponent. You are not an alone in your struggle."

"I don't know," Ranma whispered in negative mood. "As a fighter, I know my place, as a leader . . . I just don't know . . . ."

"And what if I fail?" Felix stated.

"Huh?" Ranma said. Felix simply looked up at Ranma with a faint smile.

"That what you are about to say wasn't it, what if I fail? That negative attitude will get you nowhere, you are Ranma Saotome, and I bet there no one like you in this universe or the next. You are beginning to sound a little like Ryoga."

"Hey!" Ranma protested but when he saw the grinning look on Felix face, he knew that he was kidding. "You're right, Felix. I am taking this a bit too seriously."

"Ah, there the Ranma I know." Felix said. Both of them chuckled quietly, hoping not to awake the other residents of the Masaki household.

"Ranma, do you want to hear a story?" Felix offered, trying to lighten the mood.

Ranma looked at Felix with a curious look. "Oh yeah, what is it about?"

"Nothing too serious," Felix replied. "It's about a game."

"What kind of game?" Ranma asked curiously.

"You want to listen to it or not?" Felix said. Ranma nodded.

"Once upon a time," Felix remarked conversationally, a trace of a smile twitching his mouth. Ranma's eyebrow started to twitch. "The 'Gods' themselves invented a game, and the game that they invented they called Life. The game of Life was played on a vast board, which they called the universe. The game was a very complicated one, as you can image," Felix paused to look up at Ranma, "or maybe not." He said in quieter tone.

Ranma's eyebrow started to twitch again. Was he mocking him?

"Anyway, the Gods found it difficult to remember all the rules and to hold in their minds the rapidly shifting configuration of play. The 'Gods' find very few things difficult, and so they were captivated by the challenge of this game. In the infinity of time, which they had at their disposal, they planned their strategies and they countered each other's offensives, and they saw themselves win and lose. Everything was set for the game to be played, time, space and the massed minds of humanity and the dozens of alien species that had yet to play their parts. The whole universe was like a game to them. Then one of them, can't remember who it was, realized that the game was restricted because all the movements of all of the pieces were prescribed and predestined. Although the rules were very complicated, they were still there and they were fixed and they were rigid."

Felix paused ever so often to make sure that Ranma was not lost in his storytelling.

"The game of Life was made up of an enormous pattern, and like any other pattern it had recurring themes. Soon if billion years can be called 'soon', the 'Gods' learned to recognize those themes, and the game of life became predictable to them and boring. That is until the introduction of souls into the pawns of the game. Now the moves and destiny of these pawns can no longer be directed by the minds of the Gods, the pieces themselves could choose what they wished to do next. These souls have implanted in us, human and alien species alike. Unfortunately these souls are like bargaining chips to these 'Gods' as they wager these souls to make the game interesting for them. Whoever had the most 'chips' would gain influence over the game rather than the whim of the minds of the 'Gods'."

"Now there wasn't a pattern to the game of life, no perfect method of winning and ever since introduction of souls, never once has the pattern been repeated. Yet there's a patter there, for all that, only it's a pattern without any boundary. Endless you might call it. A pattern woven across of the universe that no one can finish. Felix stopped speaking. Ranma looked at him. It seemed as if he were somehow obliged to say something to make some form of response.

Eventually, Ranma responded which was the correct one that Felix was hoping for.

"The game of Life . . . it hasn't ended. They sill playing it aren't they."

"You wouldn't be here, if they finished." Felix answered.

"Anyway, over time, some of the 'Gods' were knocked out of the game of Life and new 'Gods; have joined in. These 'Gods' have lost all their stakes and they've had to retire . . . forever." Felix said relating to the fall of the Eldar Gods. "Now there are just five of the 'Gods' left in the game, these are Slaanesh, Nurgle, Khorne and Tzeentch, and so the game was pretty much . . . ."

"Wait a minute," Ranma injected. "You said there five of them, you only mentioned four. Who is the fifth?" he asked.

"Heh, did I?" Felix feint ignorance, "it must have slipped my mind."

"Well, who is the fifth?" Ranma asked.

"You already know who the fifth is. I don't have to remind you." Felix said in a serious tone. "Anyway in truth . . . there are only two players in the game of Life despite the complications and rules. The first is Tzeentch; he is the real driving force behind Chaos and motive behind their actions. The second . . . well, you know that too." Ranma nodded understandingly but something bothered him.

"Why are you telling me this story?" Ranma asked.

"It's nothing really. Just something for to keep in mind, there are still lots for you to learn about the game." Felix responded with a cheerful tone. "Once you get used to it, I'm sure you get the hang of it.

"What do you mean?" Ranma asked. "I thought you already told me what going to happen in the game of life?"

Felix chuckled. "What is so funny?" Ranma asked, slightly confused.

"Ranma, my boy . . . I haven't told you anything about the game you are playing now."

It took a moment for Ranma to realize what Felix was implying to.

"You mean . . . that I . . . am . . . playing . . . a new game?" Felix nodded acknowledging.

"I don't know what's going to happen, neither does Tzeentch. If the Gods knew everything then they know what the outcome of the game would be and that wouldn't be any fun at al to him. It's all a game. You and countless billions of souls are the one that is going to determine the final pattern of the game."

"But we're on the good side," Ranma commented.

"Good?" Felix looked at Ranma for a moment like he misunderstood him. "Ah, yes, the concept of good and evil devised by the people with souls. An interesting point you raised, my boy."

"Yeah, and those who served the Chaos Gods are evil," Ranma added.

Felix chuckled quietly, shaking his head. "Did I say something funny?" Ranma asked.

"No," Felix replied and looked towards the sky, "it's just that the concept you just mention is well . . . flawed." Felix quickly glanced at Ranma to gauge his reaction.

"Good and Evil are the qualities that people use to understand their purpose in life, from the people and animals to the insects of the world. To the 'Gods' it's meaning is lost to them as it is simply a label to divide the pieces of the game. To be honest, the concept of good and evil is merely invisible tags, nothing more and nothing less. The only difference is the person's perspective view of the game."

"I'm beginning to understand what you are saying, Felix." Ranma said in convincing tone.

"You see . . . humanity was born into the universe and given the choice as to whether it wanted to create heaven or hell. If there were no Gods then life was an irrelevance but if Gods existed and were as all powerful as they paint them to be, then humans would have a purpose, an ideal to further their evolution of their kind. Unfortunately, the Chaos knew this and prey on the weak minded to further the influence in the universe causing mayhem and carnage, as they grew stronger and stronger.

"But didn't you say you served under Queen Serenity, isn't she good side?" Ranma asked. "So does this make you part on the good side.

"Why do you ask? You know that the concept is meaningless to me." Felix inquired as he thought he had explained to him clearly.

Ranma smirked. "As a matter of principal, just take my perspective for moment, and pretended you understand the full meaning of good and evil."

"Oh, very well, Ranma Saotome," Felix sighed.

"Hmm . . . about Queen Serenity, it's depends on your perspective. Queen Serenity did kept order and peace within the solar system can be seen as doing what's best for her people. On the other hand her methods of keeping 'order' might be view as oppressive kinda like a dictatorship, ruling with a iron fist and eliminating all her oppressions. In end, nothing last forever and her reign ended. So you see . . . it really depends on your take on the situation."

"You didn't answer my question, are you good or evil?"

"You're not wholly good, are you? And at times, you can be such an asshole but nevertheless, your hearts in the right place. I'd wager a kilo of catnip that there've been things you've done even in your life that wouldn't bear repeating." Ranma shudder for a moment. "As for me, here I am, chosen by Serenity to become your advisor so that she hopes her moves in the game can triumph over evil. So yeah, for time being, I'm one of the good pieces in the game."

"There, that wasn't so hard, wasn't it?" Ranma smiled.

Felix feinted annoyance and looked away.

"By the way, did Serenity send for you?" Ranma asked.

"I haven't been in contact with her for some time now. I assume there is a good reason for her doing so, she hasn't summoned for me. Besides talking to you is a little more productive than just wandering around the void."

"Uh, thanks," Ranma said sarcastically.

Felix grinned. Silence passed between the two companions as they took in the silence, enjoying the tranquil surrounding.

"What do you know about Sanguinius?" Ranma asked casually.

Felix paused in his slight grooming of his fur.

"You have your doubts and suspicions about him."

"No . . . well, maybe just a little." Ranma admitted. "There a lot of things I don't know about him and yet he seems to know a lot about me so you can't really blame me for thinking like that."

"Ranma . . . Sanguinius could have joined Horus but he didn't and do you know why he chose to fight for the Emperor?"

"No, but I have a feeling you going to tell me." Ranma asked eagerly.

Felix took on a serious look.

"How the heck am I supposed to know?" Felix replied casually as he watched suppressed the urge to face fault off the roof. "Everyone has a choice and Sanguinius made his mind up on the fact, you ask him the next time you meet him, perhaps he might even tell you but withhold your final judgement of him until you understand how his mind works."

"What are you trying to say?" Ranma said.

"Just this, you have to remember that you are who you are because of where you come from. You had it easy compared to what the other Primarchs had to go through. Do not judge Sanguinius by your own standards until you have been in his position. This world here is your home and this world is under threat. You will encounter a lot of enemies along the way but keep this in mind you will find allies that will suppose you on your path." Felix said in a serious tone of voice.

Ranma nodded respectfully. "Thanks, I keep that in mind."

"I am only here to give you some advice and guidance, the rest is up to you. Just don't screw it up, okay, Ranma." Felix added.

"Thanks for the vote of confidents," Ranma said sarcastically.

"Ranma, there is something I need to know which is the utmost importance for the future of the universe which I need for you to answer." Felix said in deadly serious tone, which caught Ranma's full attention. "It's been bothering me ever since you're duel with Lion El' Jonson on the Astral Plane."

"Err . . . I tried my best to answer as best to my knowledge." Ranma said nervously as he never seen this aspect of him before . . . well, not as serious as before.

"So . . . have you already chosen?" Felix asked like it was most important question in the world.

"Chosen what?" Ranma asked, completely throw off by the question. "You mean who I will become?"

Felix shook his head. "What then?"

"I mean have you made THAT choice yet." Felix said.

It took a split second for realization to what Felix was implying to. "WHAT!" Ranma immediately clamped his hand over his mouth as he realized where he was and what time it was.

"Felix, how should I know? You expect me to choose someone considering my track record. I haven't even put serious thought into it yet." Ranma whispered. Felix smile suddenly turned into an evil grin.

"Who are you going to choose as you're official fiancée?"

Ranma suddenly had a blank expression. Felix simply grinned.

"Are you deaf or something, I don't have time to choose right now, besides the engagement with the Saotome and Tendo families and all the arrangements made by that stupid Genma are void. Ukyo I don't know how to break to her and Shampoo, I don't want to think about it. You expect me to choose between the three, right here and right now."

"No," Felix simply stated. Ranma sighed in relief. "Your honor is intact so you are free to choose who you want to be engaged to."

"I know, I know," Ranma said, thinking it was end of the topic.

"Well, you got some time before you have to make a decision." Felix commented quietly. "I do think you should 'look' somewhere else before you make a final decision."

Ranma somehow seemed to miss what Felix was trying to get at between the lines.

"By the way . . . erm . . . you don't suppose you seen Tsunami?"

Felix paused and looked curiously at Ranma. "Oh."

Ranma blushed slightly. "It's not what you think."

"You like her?" Felix asked innocently.

"What? No, I mean yes, I mean . . . ." Ranma sighed, "yeah, you're right but don't tell anything I said that."

"I thought so, my lips are sealed." Felix shook his head. "I haven't seen her for sometime, but I have a feeling you going to meet her soon."

"Huh, what do you mean? I don't she lives here." Ranma asked.

"You still don't know?" Felix had a hint of surprised etched on his face.

"Know what?" Ranma replied.

Felix simply sighed inwards. It seemed to him that Ranma Saotome still didn't that Tsunami and Sasami were going to be the same person in the future and second in line for the throne of Jurai to whomever she weds. It could be safety assumed that Tsunami appearance was going to be Sasami's adult form when she grew up. Felix decides to give the poor boy a break. He was going to have his arms full of complication in the future.

"Ranma, sometimes I really do wonder about you so I going to tell you something important you should know and . . ." Felix paused suddenly.

"Err . . . Felix, you were saying?" Ranma asked.

"Oh, look at the time." Felix looked at his paw, imagining there a watch attracted to his paw. I'll better start moving now."

"Wait," Ranma called out, "You were about to say something important to me."

Felix shook his head and gave a reassuring grin "Oh, it can wait. Looks like you going to have some company any moment right now."

With a mischievous wink, the cat vanished into nothing leaving a slightly confused Ranma staring at the spot where he had disappeared.

"That was weird," Ranma said and shook his head slightly.

"I wonder what has gotten into him all of the sudden." Ranma shrugged his shoulders and turned around to facing the lake. The beautiful Goddess of Jurai, which hovered slightly on the roof, immediately greeted Ranma with a smile.

"Can I sit here, Ranma Saotome?" she asked. Her voice calm and gentle and she moved closer towards him. Ranma couldn't help but be impressed with the amount of energy she possessed.

Ranma gestured to spot next to him. "Sure, go ahead. You aren't interrupting me. Just getting some air and quiet, you know." Tsunami smiled and sat down.

There was moment of tense awkward silence.

"It's a beautiful night, isn't it, Ranma," Tsunami commented.

"Yes, it is," Ranma replied quietly and gazed at her for a moment. "Not as beautiful as you."

Tsunami flashed him a brilliant smile. "Thank you."

Meanwhile Ranma couldn't believe what he just had said to her. Normally he would say something stupid to break the moment or getting smashed into lower earth's orbit. From there, the two started talking about everything, catching up on things since the last time like two close friends should do. Tsunami listened to everything to what he had to say, and she did likewise.

Ranma sighed inwards and looked at her with a faint smile.

"Is something wrong, Ranma?" Tsunami asked, sensing something was bothering him.

"Tsunami, do you think I am coward?" Ranma asked. Tsunami took a moment to assess him to why he suddenly asked her that question. "I mean . . . I feel like things are going to fast, like I'm leaving things unfinished." Ranma gazed down at the foot of the roof and sighed.

Ranma lifted his head to look up at her and started to panic upon her expression. "Ack . . . it's nothing to do between me and you. What I mean is what been happening in Nerima." Tsunami smiled softly.

The normal calm, collective and confident Ranma that she knew and loved was still there but there was a dark cloud over him. He needed some reassurance and a shoulder to lean on. From what she had heard from her sister, Ranma's unique genetic structure allowed the immense and potent chaos energy to flow through him without suffering the ill and usually fatal consequences, one may have. This meant that, Ranma possessed certain powers like being able to resist most psychical and magical attack and being able to manipulate the warp to his own desires to a certain degree just like the dark minions could however better but only when he had mastered his own psychic abilities first.

One of the Ranma's key aspects was that he was near immortal and would stop aging in his early twenties; it seems the chaos energy sustains his body with new vitality and strength. The closest Primarch that was able to have this ability was Sanguinius and one other. This pleased Tsunami greatly; as she knew that she and Sasami would eventually assimilate as one and would stop aging at that point. From what she could understand from Sasami point of view, she could see that Ayeka and Ryoko already took Lord Tenchi and that her affections towards him was like a sibling relationship and it was just a first crush on him. Ranma on the other hand was completely different, since risking his life to save her and Ryo-Ohki from those hellhounds.

'Ranma Saotome, you are different from the men on Jurai and on this world. Willing to give up everything to make everyone you care is safe and happy. You are not ruled by material possession; by your ego or greed but by what you think is right and your heart. You have lived a difficult hard life and it is time for someone to take care of you.' Tsunami thought as right now, rather than pursuing him, Ranma needed someone to reassure him that what he did was right, which it was, and a gentle shoulder to lean on.

"Ranma, you must know that this isn't your fault. You have given your best and this is all that everyone expects from you. No one here thinks you are dishonorable or selfish in your actions, more the opposite." Tsunami said softly to him.

"I know," Ranma answered, still saddened at the recent turns of events, "it wasn't enough."

"Stop blaming yourself, Ranma," Tsunami placed her hand over his, "You prevented the forces of Chaos from achieving total victory on two separate occasions and hundreds of lives were saved from a fate worse than death, all thanks to you."

"But . . . I wish that I could have done more and . . . " Ranma's current trail of thought was halted completely when he registered her hand on his and looked up slowly towards her face. Ranma's mind had to restart again when he saw how beautiful she was in the moonlight and was struggling with complete sentences.

Tsunami could only smile at Ranma, "I know that everything you went through was alone, but this time, you aren't alone. You have around you, a fine group of friends and allies to help you, ready to support you, no matter what happens. Take for example, your brother, Sanguinius who have waited for centuries for you who had left his Legion behind and home world behind to join you to repel the forces of Chaos and he had only known you for a few days but still he believes in you strongly. I think your already know that you can count on Tenchi and us for support including myself."

Ranma could only smile at the Juraian Goddess, pushing back the dark feeling. "Thanks, Tsunami or should I be calling you Sasami." He said with a grin, his morale and confidence rising after that.

Tsunami was slightly stunned but was greatly relieved that Ranma had already made the connection between her and the Juraian Goddess, he wasn't what he was perceived to be, but she did wonder how he knew.

"How do you know? Did Tenchi tell you?"

Ranma shook his head. "I figured it out just now."

"I'm sorry for not telling the truth between me and Sasami, I hope you aren't offended, it was necessary that the secret was kept." Tsunami said with a slight pleading in her voice.

Ranma nodded and smiled which caused Tsunami to blush a little, "Of course not, I understand your situation and besides I should be the one to be sorry. I should have known earlier that you and she were the same one. Ranma answered and turned to see that Tsunami was sitting almost within touching distance between them and that she was leaning forward towards him.

'With the exception from a certain smart mouth cat,' Ranma thought.

Suppressing the urge to go on the defensive that he usually does around most girls, Ranma decide to go with it as it felt more natural and leaned forwards to meet her.

They were almost there by an inch or so when . . . .

Something fell from the night sky at incredible speed like a shooting star. The only thing different was that it seems to be heading towards the Masaki Shrine. The object slammed in the lake creating and a powerful wave of water headed towards Ranma and Tsunami where sitting on the roof the house. Ranma shielded Tsunami from the tide of water with his body but was unable to defend himself, as he was now a red hair girl and could only sigh deeply whilst Tsunami giggled quietly. Tenchi, Sasami, Katsuhito, Washu, Ayeka, and Ryoko rushed out in the sleeping clothes. Near the entrance of the Masaki household was Sanguinius and Kiima.

"Hold your weapons!" Katsuhito shouted out, "It's only her."

Sanguinius lowered his weapon and gestured to the others, "You know them?"

Tenchi sighed, "Yeah, we definitely know them," He said and looked up to see Tsunami and Ranma in his girl form and called out to them, "Hey, what are you doing up there?"

"Nothing," Ranma and Tsunami chorused at the same time and then looked at each other for a moment before bursting out with laughter. Sasami who was holding Ryo-Ohki smiled brightly at the couple. Tenchi nodded, a bit confused, and looked out at the lake to see a soaking wet figure emerging from the lake.

"It could only be her, only her." Ryoko commented as if she had seen it before. Washu poked her head out of the window and went back in, seeing that it wasn't important.

"Mihoshi!" chorused everyone who knew of 'her.'

Sanguinius on the other hand was more intrigue at the two young women sitting on the roof the Masaki Shrine with Ranma nowhere in sight.

XXXXX

Location: Japan, Juuban District.

The long shadows of evening had darkened and melted into each other, and a few evening stars shone from the clouded sky. Usagi Tsukino strode down the deserted street. Suddenly the clouds departed and the street was illuminated with an eerie glow. The light of the full moon cast shadow down the dark alleys that branched off the road. Usagi was making her way back home and was almost there, roughly a block from where she was. Her face looked distant and serious as her mind was clouded with thoughts. Her friend, Minako Aino stayed at the hospital with the strict instruction to contact her if there was any change in Rei Hino condition. Plus the fact that she looked ragged and disheveled after spends the past day or so in the hospital reception room that Minako pointed out that she need to go home, have a shower and rest. Usagi resisted at first but after a few persuasive arguments she agreed but reluctantly.

Besides Usagi's mom had phoned her, stating that she needed to come home and that it was urgent to do so as soon as possible. There was a family meeting was the reason for the call.

Usagi couldn't help the nagging feeling she got after the phone call. A scuffling behind her broke her train of thought and she turned to face the source of the noise. A shadow darted into an alleyway, disappearing into the darkness.

'Probably a cat,' Usagi thought as she laughed at her own nerves and slight paranoia. Still she was close to her home now and would welcome the warmth of her house and a comfort of a hot shower.

Suddenly a loud beep was heard which made Usagi jumped slightly. After a moment to realize it was her communicator, she looked around briefly before slipping down into an alley to answer it. A familiar blue haired girl appeared on the small view mirror screen.

"Ami, anything to report?" inquired Usagi in a low voice.

Ami shook her head. It is as I feared, there nothing here. Something totally trashed the place. The shrine house is completely destroyed plus there is a heavy police presence outside the temple. Makoto is trying to find some clues without alerting them.

Usagi sighed, slightly dishearten by the news.

Usagi, there is something you should know . . .

Usagi perked up slightly. "What is it?"

The computer analysis the energy signatures around the temple, through filtering and compiling the data, I have picked some faint energy signatures.

"Does it match anything we encountered, perhaps the Dark Kingdom, we haven't heard from them for a long time."

I haven't completed the analysis yet . . . I let you know as soon as possible. Makoto and I are going back to hospital to meet up with Minako. We will meet up with you once you freshen up and had some rest. We can discuss it further then.

Usagi nodded understandingly. "Sounds like a plan to me."

Usagi, your mom called, she says its okay for you to stay at the hospital as long as it takes with us. Don't you switch your phone off or something? Anyway she going pop over and brings some clothes later and . . . by the way, Usagi, where are you? Ami said abruptly as Usagi was about to switch off her communicator.

"I'm making my way back home just like mom told me to . . . ." Usagi's eyes widened as she realized something, the nagging feeling she had with the phone call that sent shivers down her spine. It was like something clicked into place.

Usagi, what's wrong, tell me! Ami pleaded as she saw the look in Usagi's eyes.

"No time to explain! Get everyone to meet me at my house now!" Usagi said and closed her communicator before Ami could say anything.

Usagi sprinted down the street as fast as her legs could go, thanking her good luck and combat experience gained that she didn't bump or crash into anything. Her home was nearby and as she rounded the corner, her heart sank. There before her the door to her home hung loosely from it hinges. The lights in her home were off except for a faint glow emitting from her bedroom. Taking a deep breath, Usagi stepped into the broken doorway and through the hallway. From the scenes in the living room and kitchen it looked like there was some sort of struggle as the evidence suggested. Usagi stared up at the landing, she could hear someone humming a soft melody that she couldn't quite work out, but it was definitely coming up from the second floor most likely her bedroom.

So far her worse fears hadn't come true yet which was a slight relief as there was no traces of her brother, mom or dad. Usagi started to climb up the stairway towards the second floor, hearing the seductive melody louder and clearer which meant that she was getting closer towards the source. Quietly crept through the upper hallway as quietly as she could, fearing the worse, Usagi held her transformation henshin pen tightly in her hand as she reached her bedroom door. She then notice something on her door which bough revulsion and fear in her as on the door was some strange rune traced in dripping blood. Usagi prayed silently that it didn't belong to anyone of her family.

'It's now or never,' thought Usagi.

Usagi pushed the door with her free hand and saw that there was definitely someone in the room. She just made out in the pale moonlight the silhouette of a young woman facing away from her. By the length of the figure's hair, she guessed it must be a female. She was wearing fitting black attire inlaid with lavish gold filigree and lining and swirling around her were folds of a voluminous scarlet scarf by the cold draft from the open window. She resting on the edge of the bed, her long smooth legs stretched languidly across the floor without a care in the world. The girl's hair was fashioned in similar style, as Usagi twin ponytail except the stranger's hair was pink rather than blonde. Also on the bed rested a long black staff right beside her. It was about two foot long and at one end was a large red orb bearing runic marking that Usagi had seen before.

The female intruder was gazing out of the window and seemed unaware of Usagi's presence as she continued to hum the seductive melody she heard earlier downstairs. Usagi summoned all her courage and pushed the door open wide and entered.

"Who are you and where is my family!" Usagi demanded in a threatening tone. Normally she would go through her normal super heroine routine but this was serious and personal as it involved her family.

The young woman seemed to ignore her as the melody stopped. She slowly rose up and picked up the black staff of the bed. She turned and greeted Usagi with a fiendish smile. At that point, Usagi knew that she had to keep her wits about her. Her large pink eyes glittering playfully which Usagi's gut reaction was of revulsion. She didn't need her Senshi powers to sense the evil radiating off her to tell her that she wasn't here just for a friendly chat.

The intruders lips pursed together in displeasure. She titled her head to one side, her beautiful features twisting into a sneer of contempt as she looked at Usagi Tsukino from head to toe. The female intruder went slowly around the bed while swaying her hips in seductive fashion until she stood only a meter or so in front of her. Usagi could feel her pure soul under attack just by the proximity of this dark intruder. Usagi tried to speak out but the words wouldn't come.

The young woman's crimson lips pulsed together and the next few words that came out, felt like an icy cold dagger to her heart.

"Hello, mother," she said with smooth and sultry voice along with malice glint in her eyes.

XXXXX

Author Note:

Character Profile: Fabius Bile

"The Dark Gods and their slaves have nothing to offer me now, but I have far more to offer them."

Fabius Bile is a renegade even from his own Legion. He held the position of lieutenant commander of the Emperor's Children at the time of the Heresy. But as the Emperor's Children dedicate themselves to Chaos God Slaanesh, losing themselves in sensuality Bile left the legion in pursuit of his own agenda. He calls himself 'Primogenitor', claiming that he has unlocked the secrets of the Emperor's work in the creation of the Primarch and first Space Marines. It is noted that Fabius Bile continually experiments on his own body, in a similar way a chef taste his own food before he serves it to his customers.

The Chirurgeon is a complex part magical, part technological device which is attached to Bile's spine and extends its spidery limbs over his shoulders. It could be said that the Chirurgeon is Bile's life work, or that the Chirurgeon works to keep Bile in life. The life giving black ichor that it pumps around Bile's body is charge with the immortal energy of the warp. Fabius Bile has an abiding interest in pain and the daemon forged Rod of Torment amplifies the slightest pin prick into a raging weal of agony.

(Source: Games Workshop® 1996 Chaos Codex 2nd Edition)

Special thanks to Hiryo, HolyKnight and Random Tasking.

The Administration will accept and process all reviews, comments, and constructive criticism. The Inquisition will purge all flames with righteous fury.

Version 1.2 01/10/06