Ranma opened his eyes and panicked momentarily, seeing that he was alone in the Old Ghoul's back room. "Se-Chan?" He whispered half terrified that it had been another dream.
I'm here Ran-chan, I won't ever leave I promise.
A relieved sigh escaped Ranma as he grabbed the kettle of now cooled water. "Can you handle all this Se-Chan I just…it's too much…Too much girl."
Of course Ran-Chan, you just take a break.
Ranma dumped the cold water over his head and Serenity shook her head. "Thankfully I now have your memories and experiences Ran-Chan." She paused as she stood up. "However, it is still going to take time to get used to this." She tapped her chin "I really would like to get some less masculine clothes. If only for the times where there is no chance of you and my switching." She smiled as she felt her brother shiver "Don't worry I will not transform you into a what is it called Fem-Boy?"
Better not Mom and Pop are already gonna lose it.
Serenity's lips thinned as her eyes narrowed "Yes, Mother and Father are going to be… upset there is no doubt to that." She allowed her shoulders to slump as she glanced into the mirror and cocked her head. "Well, my birthright has returned to its proper position. Would you be against my undoing the braid that you have our hair in?"
I uh? Sure, you aren't planning to wear those super long pigtails are yeh?
"No, for one I don't think we even have the length of hair necessary." She paused undoing the holder. "Also, I imagine that it would not look as impressive on a boy." She brushed the red locks out with her fingers smiling as she heard Ranma chuckle in agreement. "I would like to start growing our hair out though if that'd be alright." She sighed without a brush this was the best she'd be able to do.
Yeah, I don't care, let me guess eventually our hair is gonna be in those super long pigtails ain't it?
"I cannot lie to you Ran-Chan but I do promise to work out a way that our hairstyles won't transfer between forms." She paused and took a deep breath "At this point I really am stalling aren't I?"
You said it not me Se-Chan, but the Old Ghoul, Shampoo, and A-Akane are likely still outside the door.
Serenity saw and felt the blush that bloomed on her cheeks when Ranma said Akane's name. "Oh my, I did not realize… Though it is honestly not that much of a surprise…" She trailed off.
Wait a sec! You… Se-Chan do you feel about Akane like I do I mean, do you?
"Love her?" Serenity finished as she hugged herself in shock. "Yes, Ran-Chan I love Akane as much as you do." She shook her head "It makes sense, while we are two separate personalities we are still the same heart, the same soul."
Yeah, spose you're right Se-Chan.
Serenity gathered herself "Breathe Serenity, you are the Queen of an entire Kingdom. You can handle seeing Akane." With a firm nod, she opened the door and walked into the Nekohanten proper.
Akane looked up at the door opened and beamed "Ra—" She froze at the sight of the redhead coming towards them. At first glance, it had looked like Ranma but as she looked again there was too much difference. Her hair was untied falling down her back. The movement had nothing of the masculine posture she had always seen. And then there was the gold upside-down crescent moon almost shining between where the girl's red hair parted on her forehead.
Cologne bowed her head reverently. "I felt it best that only we three should be here when you finally came out. Your Majesty."
Your Majesty!? What did she do, put an old Amazonian matriarch in Ranma's body? What about Ranma!?
"I appreciate it Elder Kuh-Lon." The redhead girl nodded and took the offered chair. She looked at Akane and smiled.
Akane was unable to return the smile as she squeezed her hands into fists. Her fingers turned white as she searched for anything in the redhead which was Ranma. Then she saw it. The redhead was smiling but it was a very familiar smile tiny, nervous and hopeful. It was Ranma's smile.
"Ranma?"
"Yes, and yet no. It… is complicated but while I am in girl form I would ask you to call me Serenity." Serenity focused her attention on the beautiful girl who sat before her. And you call her a tomboy? Really Ran-Chan?
Yeah, I was an idiot okay? You don't got to rub it in Se-Chan.
After a moment she reached out a placed a hand on top of Akane's for now trusting Kuh-Lon could control the jealous Xan-Pu. "Akane, It's alright. I'm still Ranma. Just another… facet of his personality shall we say. Ranma is still here in me. In fact, I was just teasing him a bit."
"Ah, good then Son-In-Law did survive the melding, I was a touch concerned," Cologne said after a moment of Akane silently staring into Serenity's eyes.
A mirthless chuckle escaped from Serenity as she glanced over to Cologne "Elder Kuh-Lon, while I am still in debt to your awakening me. That debt only goes so far. Understood?"
Akane watched in shock and almost horror as Cologne nodded quickly.
"Yes, of course, Queen Serenity, I would never…" She trailed off as Shampoo finally could not handle being ignored any longer. This woman was not her Airen! That was the only thing Shampoo knew for certain. But whoever she was she scared her Great Grandmother.
"What is happen!? Airen arrive with Violent Girl puzzled but still Airen! This no Airen! Who is you!?"
Serenity turned her attention to the young woman who she was not certain what to think about and opened her mouth to answer when she paused. Someone was watching her…
That's the same thing I felt this morning Se-Chan do you got any idea?
I have one.
She turned to Shampoo and smiled "There should be a woman outside with long dark green hair. Invite her in and you will have your answers."
Shampoo turned to her Great Grandmother who simply nodded causing Shampoo to get to her feet and obey. What else are you to do when the sky turns green and the grass blue? She blinked as she saw the woman that Serenity had described "Aiya you woman! I am to…ask you come in."
Setsuna smiled and followed Shampoo inside. Summoned it is then. She paused at the sight of the red-haired teenager who looked over at her as she came inside. The door had barely shut behind her before Setsuna fell to her knees.
Serenity pulled her hand back from where it had been laid on top of Akane's still clenched fist. She walked over to Setsuna where her oldest and best friend was staring at the floor her body trembling. She kneeled before her and delicately raised her chin "Set-Chan, How I have missed you."
"Serenity!" Setsuna was unable to contain herself as she embraced the teenager in front of her holding her tight and sobbing. She had never, never thought that she would see her Queen again. Her greatest friend.
Serenity held Setsuna close and cooed in her ear as she gently ran her fingers through Setsuna's green tresses.
Makin sure but she's not in love with us is she?
No more than we are in love with Ucchan, She is my, our oldest greatest friend.
"No! Airen is Shampoo's! No, let new girl take Airen love!" Shampoo was no longer in shock she was furious. She did not care who this Serenity was!
"Xan-Pu! Control yourself do not speak to Serenity like that!"
Not for the first time in her life Shampoo ignored her Great Grandmother as she stormed over to the two women and went to slap this Serenity who had taken over her Airen's body. To her utter shock, her wrist was grabbed firmly before it could make contact. She looked down to see the dark green-haired woman had a hold of it.
"I do not know who you are. But you will never strike Serenity am I understood?" Her voice was quiet but filled with such power that the amazon felt fear run down her spine.
Shampoo glared at the older woman before her shoulders slumped. "Shampoo understand." She said head bowed. When her wrist was released she rubbed it knowing bruises shaped like the woman's fingers were already forming. She quickly backed off defeated.
Serenity shook her head she felt sorry for the girl but, also thankful that Setsuna had not been transformed. She likely would have broken her wrist if she was.
Yeah, I remember, think she'll be okay Se-Chan?
Serenity considered before finally sighing. If she can't handle Setsuna untransformed I worry how she'll take meeting the rest of the Senshi. Not to mention…
Our daughter. Yeah, good point. Er, you still got this?
I'm fine Ran-Chan. You just stay back and watch.
Serenity stood up and offered her hand to Setsuna who took it with a grin which Serenity returned helping her to her feet.
"You, are one of the Senshi Serenity told me of aren't you?" Cologne breathed out in shock. Never had she seen her Great Granddaughter injured in such a manner and so quickly. She watched as the taller woman glanced down at Serenity who gave a small shrug and nodded.
"I am Sailor Pluto. Guardian of The Gates of Time. Forever sworn to my Queen." She smiled "While I'm like this however please call me Setsuna."
"R-Ranma what is going on… please you said it's you but I… Ranma?"
Serenity jerked and turned back to Akane she looked so scared. "Oh, Akane…" She went back to the table and sat back down knowing Setsuna would follow. She once again placed her hand on top of Her's "Akane I am Ranma, I have every one of his memories and feelings. I am…" She sighed "This is so difficult to explain. But…"
"Ranma is the reincarnation of Queen Serenity," Setsuna said as she stood behind Serenity. "They are the same soul, the same heart, but Serenity has awoken within Ranma's body."
"Then Ranma…H-he's…" A tear rolled down Akane's cheek. As Serenity frantically shook her head.
"No! Believe me. Had things worked as they should have then yes but." She frowned and shook her head. She needs to see you and hear your voice Ran-Chan
Yeah… But only for a few minutes okay? This is still just so.
Just a few minutes I promise.
"Elder Kuh-Lon I need some hot water. And a glass of cold as well." Serenity turned to Cologne who nodded The old woman seemed to consider sending Shampoo to fetch said items but realized sadly she could not be trusted not to do something to the water. She hopped off to retrieve the items herself and a moment later returned.
Serenity smiled and took the steaming kettle and turned to Setsuna "It's alright, it doesn't hurt." She then poured the water over her head.
Ranma sputtered a bit as he wiped away his soaking wet bangs "You're right, there has gotta be a better way to do this." He shook his head and grinned at Akane "Hey Akane, I see you've met Se-Chan."
"Ranma!" Akane could not contain herself as she flew into his arms lips going to his.