"We're ready to move in." Ryoga said as he stepped into the kitchen, where
Nodoka was preparing some tea. He was closely followed by Hinako. "Cologne,
Mousse and Soap will take care of getting everybody together."
Nodoka nodded expressionlessly. "Hotaru and Michiru are here. Haruka was kidnapped while you were in China." She wasn't surprised when Ryoga instantly frowned at that and without further word rushed down the hall. His concern for the Senshi of Silence increased with each passing day, even if he denied it forcibly.
Hinako raised an eyebrow. "Serenity's style alright. Any news on the other Senshi?"
Nodoka shook her head. "Usagi-chan tells me she's the only other Senshi available. They were all attacked and the others don't answer their communicators. It seems like the attack in China was only a distraction."
Hinako chuckled. "We both know the princess is not a Senshi, mother. And even if it was a distraction we killed Artemis. I wouldn't call it a total loss."
Nodoka nodded slightly and took a sip of her tea. "I want you to take over the assault, daughter."
Hinako frowned. "Why not Ranma?" She asked without hesitation. "He's the best one in tactics."
"That may be so. But if I remember correctly someone saw to it that he'll be unconscious for a few days." Nodoka said with a slight trace of amusement in her voice. She smiled when Hinako blushed slightly at remembering the state Ranma was in right now.
Hinako thought about it for a minute. "I'll take the princess and her boy toy with us, as well as Ranma's students. The Phoenix and Musk should be enough to fight off whatever comes while we're gone."
Nodoka nodded. "A wise decision, though you're forgetting a certain someone."
"No I'm not." Hinako said with a smirk. "Setsuna will stay here to protect both you and Ranma. He's in no condition to fight and you'll be spending a lot of energy in keeping the portal open."
Nodoka raised en eyebrow. "They come from the Negaverse?"
"Indeed. I traced the magic signature all the way back to Metallia's castle."
Nodoka shook her head. "Ironic that Serenity would try to raise her empire anew from the very place it was destroyed the first time." She sighed and sobered. "Make your preparations and when the others arrive inform them of your plans. You should also take Saturn and Neptune with you. We are at a disadvantage in numbers."
Hinako nodded seriously, stood up and left the room.
-----
Usagi and Mamoru arrived to the Nova house to find Hinako already out in the yard. The blonde girl walked up to Nodoka's daughter. "When do we leave?" She asked tightly. Finding out her friends were taken, even if it was her mother, had her in a very bad mood. The Nova way of doing things suited her just fine.
Mamoru stood by Usagi's side silently. He knew the Novas well enough to understand Nodoka called them for a reason. Most likely because they found the location of their enemies.
Hinako favored Usagi with a smile. "As soon as Hotaru-chan wakes up. Ranma's students are inside checking up on him."
Usagi nodded and relaxed a little. "If my mother is behind this I'll take care of her." She didn't like the idea of letting someone else fighting for her, and since her friends were targeted she felt this was her battle more than anyone else's.
Hinako normally would frown if someone talked to her the way Usagi just did, but this time she could make an exception. Usagi had good reasons to be upset. She just hoped the upset Senshi and princess didn't mess up during the approaching assault.
-----
"So the fearless leader won't be coming." Taro said trying to lighten the mood in the room. He didn't have much success. Unlike other times when he'd joked like that, this time the situation wasn't to take lightly.
Ranma laid on his back, covered in bandages, with Setsuna kneeling on his right and Soap on his left. Both were looking at him with concern in their eyes. Any man would love to be in his current situation, if it wasn't for the many burns that still covered his body. Ranma's students could feel Ranma's chi was healing him slowly, but it was still weak and the fact that they could feel it spoke volumes to them.
Cologne shook her head. "A good time sensei picked up to annoy his sister." She had trouble believing Ranma took a beating like this one every once in a while. It was almost like he thrived on infinitesimal odds against him. *It seems like some of sensei's traits seeped through to the mask he wore in Nerima.*
"There's nothing that can be done about it." Tofu said from the back. He was leaning against a wall with his arms crossed over his chest. "Ranma- sensei is out of the fight, but we're not." He was Ranma's second student and so he was also the second with the most training. Even if the pigtailed man was out he was certain they could compensate for his absence.
Mousse nodded seriously. "You're right. Regardless of what happens we have to fight. It is something we already decided." He then turned to Kiima. "You can go with Saffron for this fight, Kiima. Ranma asked us all if we wanted to help him, and I'm sure he'd ask you too."
The winged woman looked at Mousse seriously and then turned down to regard Ranma's unconscious body. She remained silent for an entire minute before answering, her eyes still intent on the pigtailed martial artist. "No." She turned to regard the others with determination written on her face. "I'm one of Ranma's students now, so my place is with you." She still didn't like Ranma and his methods. The winged woman planned to make him pay a thousand fold for making her train with that little pervert, but she did want to prove to herself that she was up to par with the others.
Mousse nodded in understanding. Even Soap, injured as she was and with Ranma not participating, wanted to fight by their side. "We're leaving."
Setsuna looked up from her lover. "Be careful. Serenity will be expecting you."
Taro smirked confidently. "Are you kidding? She'll be expecting an attack, but she won't be expecting us."
Mousse opened the door and they started to leave the room, giving Ranma's body a last glance before walking through the door. In the end only Soap remained with Setsuna. The Amazon Master stood up and stared at Setsuna. "Be careful."
Setsuna smiled faintly. "That goes for both of us."
Soap nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her.
The silence that followed was broken five minutes later. "You're awfully certain we're fighting Serenity." Ranma said with a smirk as he sat up.
"Good acting, though I think you didn't fool Soap." Setsuna said dryly as she saw Ranma's 'burns' vanish, leaving behind perfectly healed skin. She still had to wonder how he managed to do so many things that resembled magic without actually being magic. He said it was with chi, but she never expected to see the body's energy be able to do so many things. *He can even create people out of nothing but chi.* She thought remembering Happosai.
Ranma shrugged. "She touched my forehead several times and could tell I was putting up an illusion." He stood up and offered a hand to help her to her feet. "We should be leaving in another five minutes. The others are all gathered in the living room and should be leaving right about... now." He said and Setsuna could feel the magical emanations of a portal. The signature was different to Hinako's, though.
She took the offered hand and stood up. "Your mother?"
"A precaution. This might be a trap and if mother keeps the portal open there'll be no danger of them being lost in another dimension." Ranma said as he opened the door.
Very soon they reached the living room, where Nodoka sat with a cup of steaming hot tea in her hand and a calm expression on her face. Setsuna had the impression that the former queen was not worried in the slightest about the incoming battle. "We're leaving." Ranma said to Nodoka.
The woman in turn nodded. "Be careful, my son."
"Don't worry. We'll be back. All of us." Ranma said as Nodoka opened up a second portal.
Setsuna stared at the signatures and her eyes widened in realization of what was happening.
Ranma smiled at the expression on Setsuna's face and took her hand to pull her into the portal before she could say another word.
Once they were gone Nodoka took a sip of her tea. It helped relax the tension of keeping up two different dimensional portals.
-----
Usagi stared at the familiar landscape with haunted eyes. The last time she was here her friends died one after the other. Even if she was emotionally stronger thanks to the merger the feelings of loss were still strong. Behind her the last of the group walked through the portal.
"Isn't there a risk of someone going through the portal and attacking your mother?" Mamoru asked Ryoga as the men made sure there were no witnesses to their arrival.
Ryoga scanned the surroundings and was satisfied with finding no life around. He knew they would be walking into several traps, but actually arriving to avoid one was a good start. "The portal is a special one. The only ones that can walk back through it are the ones that got here with it."
Mamoru nodded and stifled the urge to shiver. The amount of power to open a dimensional portal and keep it open with those restrictions was well beyond anything Usagi could do without using the Silver Crystal at full power. "So what now?"
Ryoga smirked. "We walk."
Mamoru stared at Ryoga expressionlessly. "We what?"
"We walk." Hinako said as she joined them, after making sure the portal was stable and everyone got through. "We had to open the portal in a place with no magical protection. The castle is too heavily protected to go there directly." The woman explained as she looked east. "It shouldn't be too long a walk. A day at the most."
"Long enough to encounter heavy resistance." Mousse assessed as he led Ranma's students towards the Nova siblings. Following them were a very determined-looking Sailor Saturn and a deadly serious Sailor Neptune.
"True enough." Hinako conceded and turned to Usagi. "You've been here before, princess. Can you lead the way?" Seeing Usagi nod Ranma's sister turned to the others. "Okay, this is the plan. Any enemy we come up against someone stays behind fighting. We have to reach the castle as soon as possible. If we take too long we might give our enemies time to escape." She turned to Usagi. "The princess has to reach the castle. The rest of us can stay behind to fight." The former princess of the Silver Millennium nodded in gratitude.
"If someone falls he or she is left behind. We'll pick everyone up on our way back after the battle is over." Ryoga said as he started walking east. Everybody followed. "Any questions?"
"What about the ones we want to rescue?" Usagi asked.
"We'll bring them back with us once the enemy is defeated." Ryoga said.
Hinako frowned. "If they're still alive."
-----
"They are here." Nabiki reported.
"Are you sure?"
Nabiki nodded. "Yes, your highness. The scouts reported the group is advancing towards the castle."
"I see." There was a long pause before the woman spoke again. "Do you know who is coming?"
"Razt and Hira are leading the group as you predicted." Nabiki said. "Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion are with them, as well as Sailors Neptune and Saturn. The rest is of no consequence. Six high-level fighters."
The woman frowned deeply. "What of Nova's pet?"
"Excuse me?" Nabiki asked with a confused look on her face.
"I believe his name is Ranma."
*Is she some kind of idiot?* Nabiki thought to herself. *The way Ranma moves and takes out soldiers like they were nothing is scary as hell. That and the fact magic is all but useless in locating him makes him more than just a pet.* She wisely kept those thoughts to herself, of course. "No trace of him, Sailor Pluto or Sailor Uranus."
"Very well. Keep my personal guard in the castle and send out the new recruits. When the fights start open the portals and start the attack on Earth. I want Nova's head on a plate."
Nabiki bowed low. "As you wish your highness."
-----
"We've been walking for more than seven hours and still... I don't like this place." Kiima commented, mostly to break the silence that seemed to fill the area. It looked desolate in every direction. Desolate and dead.
"Can't blame you for that." Hinako said conversationally. "When I created Saffron and the Phoenix people I made sure to include life magic in the mix. What you feel is the lack of life." She looked far into the distance. "Seems like the battles taking place here had a heavy toll. There was once life in this planet, but not anymore. The only life left is either twisted by dark magic or the enemies we're fighting."
Kiima nodded but didn't say anything else, uncomfortable with knowing Saffron and her entire race was created by the woman walking next to her. To know beings of such power existed made her feel very small and insignificant.
They continued on for another hour before they caught sight of a human shape leaning against a boulder. The group stopped and stared at the figure, which was easily recognizable to all of them. "The first one." Hinako commented as she extended her senses. Sure enough she could feel the magical emanations from the person. "Corrupted as expected."
Ryoga frowned. "One of us stays here to take care of her. The others move on."
"Can't we just avoid her?" Kiima asked.
"No enemies are left standing behind us." Hinako stated firmly. "We don't want any surprises."
"Who should we leave behind?" Usagi asked with a frown. She didn't like the idea of leaving people fighting behind, it sounded too much like what happened the first time she was here, but she liked the idea of her mother escaping to attack another day even less.
"I'll take care of her." Soap said as she stared at the female figure resolutely.
Mousse nodded. "Join us when you're done."
"And remember. The corruption spell makes it so her powers are proportional to her negative feelings." Hinako said before she started flying again. The others joined her.
Soap advanced with the group until they reached the waiting woman. When they did she charged at her with a quick combination of kicks that were easily avoided, but the attack was meant as a distraction for the others to rush past. Soap found herself standing face to face with the corrupted Tendo Akane, who was glaring at the blonde Amazon Master.
Even if Soap knew she was incredibly more skilled than Akane, she also knew the girl in front of her was magically enhanced. When Akane's arms burst into flames, as well as her legs, Soap knew she was in for a long fight. The expression on Akane's face told her the Tendo youngest daughter was in no mood to talk.
-----
"I feel another one." Tofu commented as he jumped over a boulder. He couldn't see the source of the presence, though.
"It's a tough one." Hinako said as she felt the strong magical emanations coming from the entire area.
Mousse nodded. "I'll take care of this one. You go on ahead." He frowned. "But be careful."
"That goes for all of us." Cologne said as her senses started screaming danger at her.
As one they all had to either jump or dodge to avoid sharp stone spear exploding from the ground. Kiima and Hinako flew up to avoid any further attacks.
"SILENCE GLAIVE SURPRISE!" Hotaru exclaimed as she pointed her weapon forward, a beam of energy emerging from it. The obstacles in their way were vaporized, which gave the group enough time to run and escape the area where the attacks were taking place.
Mousse watched with a sigh of relief as the others ran off into the distance. They could've taken care of the one behind this, but it would've taken time. As the Nova siblings said time was the essence of the assault.
With that in mind he turned to regard the place. The magical aura he felt was actually spread around in the area. The chi aura, though, was focused in a point... He whirled around at the ready. *There.* He caught sight of a woman dressed in black.
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!" The black rose laughed as she regarded Mousse. "You are quite brave to stay behind and fight, but it will do you no good. I'll kill you and then your friends so I can have my Ranma-sama!" She cried out as she glowed black and hundreds of sharp rocks flew towards Mousse.
The black-haired fighter barely had time to jump out of the way and erect an energy shield to protect him from the few projectiles he didn't dodge. "Kodachi." He whispered. *If the magical power of the corrupted is as big as their negative feelings...* He trailed off as he watched Kodachi start glowing black again, an unimaginable power emanating from her.
Mousse summoned his own aura, magic and chi, around him. An aquamarine glow appeared around his body, his hair fluttering to nonexistent winds.
Both glows were the last thing the others saw of Mousse and Kodachi, who were about to start battle.
-----
"Yet another one." Taro said with a frown. "Seems like they corrupted all of them."
"I'll take care of this one." Kiima said as she flew by their side.
"No."
Kiima was startled at the word and turned incredulously at Tofu. "What do you mean? You don't think I'm good enough?" She growled out.
Tofu looked at Kiima seriously as he ran. His eyeglasses glinted with the light. "This one has to be submitted with no harm done to her."
"What?"
"She's sensei's friend." Taro said and then smirked. "Don't ruffle your feathers. If you're so hot to fight we'll let you take the next one."
Kiima glared at Taro. "Ruffle my feathers?! What the hell does that mean, Pantyhose-boy?!"
Taro glared back at Kiima.
Tofu sighed tiredly.
Ryoga growled. "Stop bickering and get serious." The glare he directed her way shut them up instantly. After that he turned to Tofu. "Be careful."
Tofu silently nodded and rushed ahead of the group. He was intercepted by a shadow and sent flying to the side, but not before managing to press a certain shiatsu on his attacker's body that would render her motionless for a few seconds. More than enough for the others to run past Ukyo, who was glaring at Tofu and had her battle spatula crackling with electricity.
Usagi frowned from her place in Mamoru's arms. Running around in her gown was a hard thing to do. "Will he be okay?"
"He'll be, as long as we can destroy the source of Ukyo's power soon." Hinako said, looking ahead.
-----
Ryoga growled when he felt the power of the next opponent. *Damn it! This one is strong. Almost as much as his sister.* He thought before turning to Taro. "Take Cologne and Kiima and try to distract this guy."
Kiima frowned. "You said I could take..."
"Shut up!" Ryoga shouted, making Kiima cringe. Even Ryoga's voice, when he was angry, was powerful enough to take her aback. "Do as I say." He commanded in a calmer tone of voice.
Taro and Cologne looked at Ryoga questioningly as they all stopped to see a male figure holding a gleaming katana in his hands. The clouds in the sky circled around him, strong winds making the black hakama he wore flutter dramatically.
Kiima shook her head and stared at the awaiting figure resolutely. "I'm going." She said just before extending her wings and taking flight.
Cologne and Taro looked at each other and nodded before following after the Phoenix woman.
Kuno's eyes glowed red as he raised his katana to the sky and a hurricane expanded from it. Bolts of lightning descended from the circle of clouds, directed at each and every member of the assaulting group.
Kiima lost control of her flight and was hit by the one directed at her. She screamed in agony before plummeting down.
"Kiima!" Taro yelled as he dodge to the side, just barely able to avoid the attack directed his way.
"I'll go after her. You go get him." Cologne said as she ran towards the falling winged woman.
Hinako conjured a dome of dark energy that protected the rest from the lightning before they took off.
Neptune looked back to see Taro being driven back by a furious assault from that man with the katana. "Will they be alright?"
"Hopefully." Hinako said as she flew forward.
"The castle shouldn't be too far now." Usagi said as she forced her eyes from the storm they left behind.
-----
Soap was breathing heavily as she nursed held her burnt arm to her side. She did have the skill advantage, as she predicted before, but the fact that Akane's arms and legs were burning with fire made blocking and exchanging blows impossible.
Akane wasn't untouched, not by a long shot, but her wounds were healing magically. Soap knew she could win this fight, but it would take more than she imagined at first. Just as she was having these thoughts she had to jump away from a kick.
The blonde Amazon knew reasoning with a corrupted human was useless, Ranma did say so himself, so she instead concentrated solely on fighting her best. She was about to launch one of her many long-range techniques when her eyes widened in shock. "What the...?!" She yelled and turned east, in the direction she felt a power that dwarfed anything she'd felt before. What called her attention the most was something else, though. Something only she could tell by the feel alone. "It can't be. Is it...?" Her words were forcibly silenced by a punch to the face. She screamed in agony and rolled with the fall. Half of her face was burned and she couldn't see through her left eye.
She was lucky to jump to the side just in time to avoid having Akane capture her in a hold, which would result in defeat. She fought down the pain and glared at Akane with her remaining eye. She had to finish this fight.
-----
Mousse stood amidst demolished ground. His eyes were closed as he concentrated on the magic emanations around him. So far he remained untouched, yet Kodachi was as well. Every attempt at closing the distance ended in failure. It was hard fighting against a foe that could control the ground with her will while standing in that very ground.
Kodachi for her part was frustrated to no end. She could feel the others were far away while she was still here, unable to eliminate this peasant.
"Give it up, Kodachi. As we fight Ranma is being tended to by the one he's loved all his life." Mousse said trying to disrupt the girl's concentration.
"Lies! My Ranma-sama is under a spell!" Kodachi cried out.
Mousse inwardly smirked and jumped high into the air, just barely avoiding the explosion of the ground he was standing on. As he descended towards the black-haired girl he batted away several rocks flying towards him at high speeds. *I have you now.* He thought in triumph. All he needed was one attack and that would be it.
Just as he was about to reach Kodachi was when he felt it. A power appearing out of nowhere. A power that made a chill run down his spine.
Mousse was so distracted by it that he didn't react until it was too late. The flaring pain of a stone lance piercing him from side to side brought him back to awareness. *Damn it!* He thought as he stared at the cold eyes of Kuno Kodachi.
How could his near victory turn to such a desperate situation?
-----
Tofu was doing a fine job of dodging around Ukyo's attacks. Even if the chef was corrupted her power wasn't as great as the one of the others. Even ten years of hardship left little negative feelings in the girl. *I can see what Ranma likes about her.* Tofu thought as he sneaked into the girl's defenses and pressed another shiatsu combination that rendered her arms useless. *At least for a few seconds.* Magical healing made it so shiatsu attacks were very ineffective. Yet he couldn't bring himself to hit Ukyo at all. Just like Ranma he'd grown to like the girl.
As Ukyo was growling angrily and trying to have her arms react so she could pick up her battle spatula Tofu turned east. *What the hell is that?!* He thought frantically.
He didn't have much time to ponder on that before he dodged another swipe from the spatula. As much as the power distracted him Tofu preferred keeping that crackling spatula away from his skin. Whatever that was hopefully the others could take care of.
-----
Kiima was sent flying back, again, but a powerful slash from Kuno. Luckily she was able to block with her own sword. Unluckily Kuno's sword electrocuted her again.
Cologne used her staff to strike back of Kuno's knees, making him stumble forward and right into Taro's hands. The combo sent Kuno flying back; only to be picked up by the wind before he could hit the ground. "Kiima?" Taro called out as he assumed a defensive stance. They just weren't doing enough damage for Kuno to feel it, they were just annoying him and throwing him around.
"I'm fine." The winged woman called out as she struggled to her feet one more time. She had to admit, even if grudgingly, she was thankful for Cologne and Taro's presence. If she was alone against Kuno she'd be dead already. As it was she felt her entire body was killing her and only stubbornness was keeping her in the fight.
Taro and Cologne suddenly stiffened as they felt a power appear towards the castle.
"Watch out!" Kiima yelled and knocked Taro out of the way of Kuno's katana, in the process getting another shock as she blocked once again with her sword.
Before Kuno could press his advantage Cologne kicked him away while Taro took the smoking Kiima in his arms and jumped back.
"Is she alright?" Cologne asked with a frown, noticing Kiima wasn't moving.
Taro growled. "She's alive, but she won't be fighting anymore." The prospect of that was really bad. Even if Kiima was nowhere near their skill level she was a distraction for Kuno. "That's it! I'm getting serious now." Taro said as he took out a small vial filled with water.
Cologne didn't know if losing skill to gain power would work in this fight, but she didn't have much time to ponder it as Kuno attacked again.
-----
Hinako felt a portal open ahead of them and an immense power emerge from it. "Ryoga?" She asked after stopping.
Ryoga looked ahead at seemingly nothing, when in truth he was getting a feel of the power just ahead. "It's coming our way."
"This one isn't like the others." Usagi said as Mamoru placed her on her feet. "The power doesn't feel magical."
"Princess?" Hinako asked, still looking towards the power. A series of explosions was heard and felt on the ground as it trembled slightly.
"Yes?"
"Can you take the others and go around the fight? We'll go ahead and fight this one." Hinako said as Ryoga cracked his knuckles.
"Together?" Neptune asked with wide eyes. Neither Hinako nor Ryoga answered her question, both staring at the approaching explosions, which were visible now.
Usagi looked towards the approaching glowing figure and turned to Hinako. She nodded seriously. "Be careful."
Ryoga smirked. "Just make sure you get the job done." With that he started running towards the now visible man, who was flying towards them.
Hinako took off after her brother.
"Let's go." Usagi ordered as Mamoru silently gathered her in his arms again. "We should reach the castle in ten minutes or less." She informed.
They then started to circle around the glowing man, but always keeping him on sight.
-----
When Ryoga was about to reach the man Hinako finally got a good long look at him. Her eyes widened in shock.
The man was tall and had muscles upon bulging muscles. Muscles that were more easily seen because of the fact that he wore black pants and nothing else. What called her attention was another thing, though. The golden spiky hair, coupled with golden aura and pupil-less eyes, gave him away. "Ryoga! Get back!"
But Ryoga was already committed to his attack. Both fighters met, each landing a punch in the other's face, and for the first time in his memory Ryoga was at the losing end of such an exchange.
Hinako watched horrified as Ryoga's head snapped back, a loud cracking sound was heard, and his body followed as he flew back a hundred yards before impacting with a rocky hill that collapsed with the collision.
The second born of the house of Nova cursed inwardly. *Damn it! What the fuck is a Saiyajin doing here?! Beryl killed the last one herself.* She didn't have much more time to ponder that as the Saiyajin turned up and saw her. He flew towards her at incredible speed and all she could do was conjure her shield of energy.
-----
Usagi, Mamoru, Sailor Saturn and Sailor Neptune watched in shock as the golden-haired man punched through Hinako's defensive shield of energy and took a hold of her head. He then kneed her with enough force to make her double over and hit her with a hammer blow, sending her flying down to crash against the ground. The man then started laughing maniacally.
After seeing him take care of Ryoga and Hinako so effortlessly they were frozen in place. "Get going." Saturn said after recovering from the shock.
"Saturn?" Neptune asked hesitantly.
"Get going." Saturn repeated. "Ryoga and Hinako aren't defeated, but they need help. That's a Saiyajin."
While Neptune was confused by the words both Usagi and Mamoru paled. "That can't be true! The Saiyajins were all killed during the Silver Millennium!" The man protested trying to convince himself Sailor Saturn was wrong. In truth, now that she called him for what he was, Mamoru knew it to be true. Even if the truth was too horrible to believe.
"Just go! Save the others!" Saturn started running towards the battlefield. "We'll catch up with you." *If we survive.* She added to herself.
Neptune was about to go after her 'daughter' when Usagi's voice was heard. "Neptune. Let's go. We still need to save the others and stop my mother."
The aquamarine-haired Senshi grudgingly nodded and they started running towards the castle again, forcing themselves not to look back. Something that became easier when they finally caught sight of the castle.
END PART 16
Author's notes: Well, the end of this story is very near. I felt like working on this one and might do so till I finish it, which shouldn't be too long.
Next chapter should cover what Ranma and Setsuna have been up to, as well as what the armies gathered are doing for those that wonder about why they haven't made an appearance.
Hopefully I'll be finishing this story soon, but no promises.
Nodoka nodded expressionlessly. "Hotaru and Michiru are here. Haruka was kidnapped while you were in China." She wasn't surprised when Ryoga instantly frowned at that and without further word rushed down the hall. His concern for the Senshi of Silence increased with each passing day, even if he denied it forcibly.
Hinako raised an eyebrow. "Serenity's style alright. Any news on the other Senshi?"
Nodoka shook her head. "Usagi-chan tells me she's the only other Senshi available. They were all attacked and the others don't answer their communicators. It seems like the attack in China was only a distraction."
Hinako chuckled. "We both know the princess is not a Senshi, mother. And even if it was a distraction we killed Artemis. I wouldn't call it a total loss."
Nodoka nodded slightly and took a sip of her tea. "I want you to take over the assault, daughter."
Hinako frowned. "Why not Ranma?" She asked without hesitation. "He's the best one in tactics."
"That may be so. But if I remember correctly someone saw to it that he'll be unconscious for a few days." Nodoka said with a slight trace of amusement in her voice. She smiled when Hinako blushed slightly at remembering the state Ranma was in right now.
Hinako thought about it for a minute. "I'll take the princess and her boy toy with us, as well as Ranma's students. The Phoenix and Musk should be enough to fight off whatever comes while we're gone."
Nodoka nodded. "A wise decision, though you're forgetting a certain someone."
"No I'm not." Hinako said with a smirk. "Setsuna will stay here to protect both you and Ranma. He's in no condition to fight and you'll be spending a lot of energy in keeping the portal open."
Nodoka raised en eyebrow. "They come from the Negaverse?"
"Indeed. I traced the magic signature all the way back to Metallia's castle."
Nodoka shook her head. "Ironic that Serenity would try to raise her empire anew from the very place it was destroyed the first time." She sighed and sobered. "Make your preparations and when the others arrive inform them of your plans. You should also take Saturn and Neptune with you. We are at a disadvantage in numbers."
Hinako nodded seriously, stood up and left the room.
-----
Usagi and Mamoru arrived to the Nova house to find Hinako already out in the yard. The blonde girl walked up to Nodoka's daughter. "When do we leave?" She asked tightly. Finding out her friends were taken, even if it was her mother, had her in a very bad mood. The Nova way of doing things suited her just fine.
Mamoru stood by Usagi's side silently. He knew the Novas well enough to understand Nodoka called them for a reason. Most likely because they found the location of their enemies.
Hinako favored Usagi with a smile. "As soon as Hotaru-chan wakes up. Ranma's students are inside checking up on him."
Usagi nodded and relaxed a little. "If my mother is behind this I'll take care of her." She didn't like the idea of letting someone else fighting for her, and since her friends were targeted she felt this was her battle more than anyone else's.
Hinako normally would frown if someone talked to her the way Usagi just did, but this time she could make an exception. Usagi had good reasons to be upset. She just hoped the upset Senshi and princess didn't mess up during the approaching assault.
-----
"So the fearless leader won't be coming." Taro said trying to lighten the mood in the room. He didn't have much success. Unlike other times when he'd joked like that, this time the situation wasn't to take lightly.
Ranma laid on his back, covered in bandages, with Setsuna kneeling on his right and Soap on his left. Both were looking at him with concern in their eyes. Any man would love to be in his current situation, if it wasn't for the many burns that still covered his body. Ranma's students could feel Ranma's chi was healing him slowly, but it was still weak and the fact that they could feel it spoke volumes to them.
Cologne shook her head. "A good time sensei picked up to annoy his sister." She had trouble believing Ranma took a beating like this one every once in a while. It was almost like he thrived on infinitesimal odds against him. *It seems like some of sensei's traits seeped through to the mask he wore in Nerima.*
"There's nothing that can be done about it." Tofu said from the back. He was leaning against a wall with his arms crossed over his chest. "Ranma- sensei is out of the fight, but we're not." He was Ranma's second student and so he was also the second with the most training. Even if the pigtailed man was out he was certain they could compensate for his absence.
Mousse nodded seriously. "You're right. Regardless of what happens we have to fight. It is something we already decided." He then turned to Kiima. "You can go with Saffron for this fight, Kiima. Ranma asked us all if we wanted to help him, and I'm sure he'd ask you too."
The winged woman looked at Mousse seriously and then turned down to regard Ranma's unconscious body. She remained silent for an entire minute before answering, her eyes still intent on the pigtailed martial artist. "No." She turned to regard the others with determination written on her face. "I'm one of Ranma's students now, so my place is with you." She still didn't like Ranma and his methods. The winged woman planned to make him pay a thousand fold for making her train with that little pervert, but she did want to prove to herself that she was up to par with the others.
Mousse nodded in understanding. Even Soap, injured as she was and with Ranma not participating, wanted to fight by their side. "We're leaving."
Setsuna looked up from her lover. "Be careful. Serenity will be expecting you."
Taro smirked confidently. "Are you kidding? She'll be expecting an attack, but she won't be expecting us."
Mousse opened the door and they started to leave the room, giving Ranma's body a last glance before walking through the door. In the end only Soap remained with Setsuna. The Amazon Master stood up and stared at Setsuna. "Be careful."
Setsuna smiled faintly. "That goes for both of us."
Soap nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her.
The silence that followed was broken five minutes later. "You're awfully certain we're fighting Serenity." Ranma said with a smirk as he sat up.
"Good acting, though I think you didn't fool Soap." Setsuna said dryly as she saw Ranma's 'burns' vanish, leaving behind perfectly healed skin. She still had to wonder how he managed to do so many things that resembled magic without actually being magic. He said it was with chi, but she never expected to see the body's energy be able to do so many things. *He can even create people out of nothing but chi.* She thought remembering Happosai.
Ranma shrugged. "She touched my forehead several times and could tell I was putting up an illusion." He stood up and offered a hand to help her to her feet. "We should be leaving in another five minutes. The others are all gathered in the living room and should be leaving right about... now." He said and Setsuna could feel the magical emanations of a portal. The signature was different to Hinako's, though.
She took the offered hand and stood up. "Your mother?"
"A precaution. This might be a trap and if mother keeps the portal open there'll be no danger of them being lost in another dimension." Ranma said as he opened the door.
Very soon they reached the living room, where Nodoka sat with a cup of steaming hot tea in her hand and a calm expression on her face. Setsuna had the impression that the former queen was not worried in the slightest about the incoming battle. "We're leaving." Ranma said to Nodoka.
The woman in turn nodded. "Be careful, my son."
"Don't worry. We'll be back. All of us." Ranma said as Nodoka opened up a second portal.
Setsuna stared at the signatures and her eyes widened in realization of what was happening.
Ranma smiled at the expression on Setsuna's face and took her hand to pull her into the portal before she could say another word.
Once they were gone Nodoka took a sip of her tea. It helped relax the tension of keeping up two different dimensional portals.
-----
Usagi stared at the familiar landscape with haunted eyes. The last time she was here her friends died one after the other. Even if she was emotionally stronger thanks to the merger the feelings of loss were still strong. Behind her the last of the group walked through the portal.
"Isn't there a risk of someone going through the portal and attacking your mother?" Mamoru asked Ryoga as the men made sure there were no witnesses to their arrival.
Ryoga scanned the surroundings and was satisfied with finding no life around. He knew they would be walking into several traps, but actually arriving to avoid one was a good start. "The portal is a special one. The only ones that can walk back through it are the ones that got here with it."
Mamoru nodded and stifled the urge to shiver. The amount of power to open a dimensional portal and keep it open with those restrictions was well beyond anything Usagi could do without using the Silver Crystal at full power. "So what now?"
Ryoga smirked. "We walk."
Mamoru stared at Ryoga expressionlessly. "We what?"
"We walk." Hinako said as she joined them, after making sure the portal was stable and everyone got through. "We had to open the portal in a place with no magical protection. The castle is too heavily protected to go there directly." The woman explained as she looked east. "It shouldn't be too long a walk. A day at the most."
"Long enough to encounter heavy resistance." Mousse assessed as he led Ranma's students towards the Nova siblings. Following them were a very determined-looking Sailor Saturn and a deadly serious Sailor Neptune.
"True enough." Hinako conceded and turned to Usagi. "You've been here before, princess. Can you lead the way?" Seeing Usagi nod Ranma's sister turned to the others. "Okay, this is the plan. Any enemy we come up against someone stays behind fighting. We have to reach the castle as soon as possible. If we take too long we might give our enemies time to escape." She turned to Usagi. "The princess has to reach the castle. The rest of us can stay behind to fight." The former princess of the Silver Millennium nodded in gratitude.
"If someone falls he or she is left behind. We'll pick everyone up on our way back after the battle is over." Ryoga said as he started walking east. Everybody followed. "Any questions?"
"What about the ones we want to rescue?" Usagi asked.
"We'll bring them back with us once the enemy is defeated." Ryoga said.
Hinako frowned. "If they're still alive."
-----
"They are here." Nabiki reported.
"Are you sure?"
Nabiki nodded. "Yes, your highness. The scouts reported the group is advancing towards the castle."
"I see." There was a long pause before the woman spoke again. "Do you know who is coming?"
"Razt and Hira are leading the group as you predicted." Nabiki said. "Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion are with them, as well as Sailors Neptune and Saturn. The rest is of no consequence. Six high-level fighters."
The woman frowned deeply. "What of Nova's pet?"
"Excuse me?" Nabiki asked with a confused look on her face.
"I believe his name is Ranma."
*Is she some kind of idiot?* Nabiki thought to herself. *The way Ranma moves and takes out soldiers like they were nothing is scary as hell. That and the fact magic is all but useless in locating him makes him more than just a pet.* She wisely kept those thoughts to herself, of course. "No trace of him, Sailor Pluto or Sailor Uranus."
"Very well. Keep my personal guard in the castle and send out the new recruits. When the fights start open the portals and start the attack on Earth. I want Nova's head on a plate."
Nabiki bowed low. "As you wish your highness."
-----
"We've been walking for more than seven hours and still... I don't like this place." Kiima commented, mostly to break the silence that seemed to fill the area. It looked desolate in every direction. Desolate and dead.
"Can't blame you for that." Hinako said conversationally. "When I created Saffron and the Phoenix people I made sure to include life magic in the mix. What you feel is the lack of life." She looked far into the distance. "Seems like the battles taking place here had a heavy toll. There was once life in this planet, but not anymore. The only life left is either twisted by dark magic or the enemies we're fighting."
Kiima nodded but didn't say anything else, uncomfortable with knowing Saffron and her entire race was created by the woman walking next to her. To know beings of such power existed made her feel very small and insignificant.
They continued on for another hour before they caught sight of a human shape leaning against a boulder. The group stopped and stared at the figure, which was easily recognizable to all of them. "The first one." Hinako commented as she extended her senses. Sure enough she could feel the magical emanations from the person. "Corrupted as expected."
Ryoga frowned. "One of us stays here to take care of her. The others move on."
"Can't we just avoid her?" Kiima asked.
"No enemies are left standing behind us." Hinako stated firmly. "We don't want any surprises."
"Who should we leave behind?" Usagi asked with a frown. She didn't like the idea of leaving people fighting behind, it sounded too much like what happened the first time she was here, but she liked the idea of her mother escaping to attack another day even less.
"I'll take care of her." Soap said as she stared at the female figure resolutely.
Mousse nodded. "Join us when you're done."
"And remember. The corruption spell makes it so her powers are proportional to her negative feelings." Hinako said before she started flying again. The others joined her.
Soap advanced with the group until they reached the waiting woman. When they did she charged at her with a quick combination of kicks that were easily avoided, but the attack was meant as a distraction for the others to rush past. Soap found herself standing face to face with the corrupted Tendo Akane, who was glaring at the blonde Amazon Master.
Even if Soap knew she was incredibly more skilled than Akane, she also knew the girl in front of her was magically enhanced. When Akane's arms burst into flames, as well as her legs, Soap knew she was in for a long fight. The expression on Akane's face told her the Tendo youngest daughter was in no mood to talk.
-----
"I feel another one." Tofu commented as he jumped over a boulder. He couldn't see the source of the presence, though.
"It's a tough one." Hinako said as she felt the strong magical emanations coming from the entire area.
Mousse nodded. "I'll take care of this one. You go on ahead." He frowned. "But be careful."
"That goes for all of us." Cologne said as her senses started screaming danger at her.
As one they all had to either jump or dodge to avoid sharp stone spear exploding from the ground. Kiima and Hinako flew up to avoid any further attacks.
"SILENCE GLAIVE SURPRISE!" Hotaru exclaimed as she pointed her weapon forward, a beam of energy emerging from it. The obstacles in their way were vaporized, which gave the group enough time to run and escape the area where the attacks were taking place.
Mousse watched with a sigh of relief as the others ran off into the distance. They could've taken care of the one behind this, but it would've taken time. As the Nova siblings said time was the essence of the assault.
With that in mind he turned to regard the place. The magical aura he felt was actually spread around in the area. The chi aura, though, was focused in a point... He whirled around at the ready. *There.* He caught sight of a woman dressed in black.
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!" The black rose laughed as she regarded Mousse. "You are quite brave to stay behind and fight, but it will do you no good. I'll kill you and then your friends so I can have my Ranma-sama!" She cried out as she glowed black and hundreds of sharp rocks flew towards Mousse.
The black-haired fighter barely had time to jump out of the way and erect an energy shield to protect him from the few projectiles he didn't dodge. "Kodachi." He whispered. *If the magical power of the corrupted is as big as their negative feelings...* He trailed off as he watched Kodachi start glowing black again, an unimaginable power emanating from her.
Mousse summoned his own aura, magic and chi, around him. An aquamarine glow appeared around his body, his hair fluttering to nonexistent winds.
Both glows were the last thing the others saw of Mousse and Kodachi, who were about to start battle.
-----
"Yet another one." Taro said with a frown. "Seems like they corrupted all of them."
"I'll take care of this one." Kiima said as she flew by their side.
"No."
Kiima was startled at the word and turned incredulously at Tofu. "What do you mean? You don't think I'm good enough?" She growled out.
Tofu looked at Kiima seriously as he ran. His eyeglasses glinted with the light. "This one has to be submitted with no harm done to her."
"What?"
"She's sensei's friend." Taro said and then smirked. "Don't ruffle your feathers. If you're so hot to fight we'll let you take the next one."
Kiima glared at Taro. "Ruffle my feathers?! What the hell does that mean, Pantyhose-boy?!"
Taro glared back at Kiima.
Tofu sighed tiredly.
Ryoga growled. "Stop bickering and get serious." The glare he directed her way shut them up instantly. After that he turned to Tofu. "Be careful."
Tofu silently nodded and rushed ahead of the group. He was intercepted by a shadow and sent flying to the side, but not before managing to press a certain shiatsu on his attacker's body that would render her motionless for a few seconds. More than enough for the others to run past Ukyo, who was glaring at Tofu and had her battle spatula crackling with electricity.
Usagi frowned from her place in Mamoru's arms. Running around in her gown was a hard thing to do. "Will he be okay?"
"He'll be, as long as we can destroy the source of Ukyo's power soon." Hinako said, looking ahead.
-----
Ryoga growled when he felt the power of the next opponent. *Damn it! This one is strong. Almost as much as his sister.* He thought before turning to Taro. "Take Cologne and Kiima and try to distract this guy."
Kiima frowned. "You said I could take..."
"Shut up!" Ryoga shouted, making Kiima cringe. Even Ryoga's voice, when he was angry, was powerful enough to take her aback. "Do as I say." He commanded in a calmer tone of voice.
Taro and Cologne looked at Ryoga questioningly as they all stopped to see a male figure holding a gleaming katana in his hands. The clouds in the sky circled around him, strong winds making the black hakama he wore flutter dramatically.
Kiima shook her head and stared at the awaiting figure resolutely. "I'm going." She said just before extending her wings and taking flight.
Cologne and Taro looked at each other and nodded before following after the Phoenix woman.
Kuno's eyes glowed red as he raised his katana to the sky and a hurricane expanded from it. Bolts of lightning descended from the circle of clouds, directed at each and every member of the assaulting group.
Kiima lost control of her flight and was hit by the one directed at her. She screamed in agony before plummeting down.
"Kiima!" Taro yelled as he dodge to the side, just barely able to avoid the attack directed his way.
"I'll go after her. You go get him." Cologne said as she ran towards the falling winged woman.
Hinako conjured a dome of dark energy that protected the rest from the lightning before they took off.
Neptune looked back to see Taro being driven back by a furious assault from that man with the katana. "Will they be alright?"
"Hopefully." Hinako said as she flew forward.
"The castle shouldn't be too far now." Usagi said as she forced her eyes from the storm they left behind.
-----
Soap was breathing heavily as she nursed held her burnt arm to her side. She did have the skill advantage, as she predicted before, but the fact that Akane's arms and legs were burning with fire made blocking and exchanging blows impossible.
Akane wasn't untouched, not by a long shot, but her wounds were healing magically. Soap knew she could win this fight, but it would take more than she imagined at first. Just as she was having these thoughts she had to jump away from a kick.
The blonde Amazon knew reasoning with a corrupted human was useless, Ranma did say so himself, so she instead concentrated solely on fighting her best. She was about to launch one of her many long-range techniques when her eyes widened in shock. "What the...?!" She yelled and turned east, in the direction she felt a power that dwarfed anything she'd felt before. What called her attention the most was something else, though. Something only she could tell by the feel alone. "It can't be. Is it...?" Her words were forcibly silenced by a punch to the face. She screamed in agony and rolled with the fall. Half of her face was burned and she couldn't see through her left eye.
She was lucky to jump to the side just in time to avoid having Akane capture her in a hold, which would result in defeat. She fought down the pain and glared at Akane with her remaining eye. She had to finish this fight.
-----
Mousse stood amidst demolished ground. His eyes were closed as he concentrated on the magic emanations around him. So far he remained untouched, yet Kodachi was as well. Every attempt at closing the distance ended in failure. It was hard fighting against a foe that could control the ground with her will while standing in that very ground.
Kodachi for her part was frustrated to no end. She could feel the others were far away while she was still here, unable to eliminate this peasant.
"Give it up, Kodachi. As we fight Ranma is being tended to by the one he's loved all his life." Mousse said trying to disrupt the girl's concentration.
"Lies! My Ranma-sama is under a spell!" Kodachi cried out.
Mousse inwardly smirked and jumped high into the air, just barely avoiding the explosion of the ground he was standing on. As he descended towards the black-haired girl he batted away several rocks flying towards him at high speeds. *I have you now.* He thought in triumph. All he needed was one attack and that would be it.
Just as he was about to reach Kodachi was when he felt it. A power appearing out of nowhere. A power that made a chill run down his spine.
Mousse was so distracted by it that he didn't react until it was too late. The flaring pain of a stone lance piercing him from side to side brought him back to awareness. *Damn it!* He thought as he stared at the cold eyes of Kuno Kodachi.
How could his near victory turn to such a desperate situation?
-----
Tofu was doing a fine job of dodging around Ukyo's attacks. Even if the chef was corrupted her power wasn't as great as the one of the others. Even ten years of hardship left little negative feelings in the girl. *I can see what Ranma likes about her.* Tofu thought as he sneaked into the girl's defenses and pressed another shiatsu combination that rendered her arms useless. *At least for a few seconds.* Magical healing made it so shiatsu attacks were very ineffective. Yet he couldn't bring himself to hit Ukyo at all. Just like Ranma he'd grown to like the girl.
As Ukyo was growling angrily and trying to have her arms react so she could pick up her battle spatula Tofu turned east. *What the hell is that?!* He thought frantically.
He didn't have much time to ponder on that before he dodged another swipe from the spatula. As much as the power distracted him Tofu preferred keeping that crackling spatula away from his skin. Whatever that was hopefully the others could take care of.
-----
Kiima was sent flying back, again, but a powerful slash from Kuno. Luckily she was able to block with her own sword. Unluckily Kuno's sword electrocuted her again.
Cologne used her staff to strike back of Kuno's knees, making him stumble forward and right into Taro's hands. The combo sent Kuno flying back; only to be picked up by the wind before he could hit the ground. "Kiima?" Taro called out as he assumed a defensive stance. They just weren't doing enough damage for Kuno to feel it, they were just annoying him and throwing him around.
"I'm fine." The winged woman called out as she struggled to her feet one more time. She had to admit, even if grudgingly, she was thankful for Cologne and Taro's presence. If she was alone against Kuno she'd be dead already. As it was she felt her entire body was killing her and only stubbornness was keeping her in the fight.
Taro and Cologne suddenly stiffened as they felt a power appear towards the castle.
"Watch out!" Kiima yelled and knocked Taro out of the way of Kuno's katana, in the process getting another shock as she blocked once again with her sword.
Before Kuno could press his advantage Cologne kicked him away while Taro took the smoking Kiima in his arms and jumped back.
"Is she alright?" Cologne asked with a frown, noticing Kiima wasn't moving.
Taro growled. "She's alive, but she won't be fighting anymore." The prospect of that was really bad. Even if Kiima was nowhere near their skill level she was a distraction for Kuno. "That's it! I'm getting serious now." Taro said as he took out a small vial filled with water.
Cologne didn't know if losing skill to gain power would work in this fight, but she didn't have much time to ponder it as Kuno attacked again.
-----
Hinako felt a portal open ahead of them and an immense power emerge from it. "Ryoga?" She asked after stopping.
Ryoga looked ahead at seemingly nothing, when in truth he was getting a feel of the power just ahead. "It's coming our way."
"This one isn't like the others." Usagi said as Mamoru placed her on her feet. "The power doesn't feel magical."
"Princess?" Hinako asked, still looking towards the power. A series of explosions was heard and felt on the ground as it trembled slightly.
"Yes?"
"Can you take the others and go around the fight? We'll go ahead and fight this one." Hinako said as Ryoga cracked his knuckles.
"Together?" Neptune asked with wide eyes. Neither Hinako nor Ryoga answered her question, both staring at the approaching explosions, which were visible now.
Usagi looked towards the approaching glowing figure and turned to Hinako. She nodded seriously. "Be careful."
Ryoga smirked. "Just make sure you get the job done." With that he started running towards the now visible man, who was flying towards them.
Hinako took off after her brother.
"Let's go." Usagi ordered as Mamoru silently gathered her in his arms again. "We should reach the castle in ten minutes or less." She informed.
They then started to circle around the glowing man, but always keeping him on sight.
-----
When Ryoga was about to reach the man Hinako finally got a good long look at him. Her eyes widened in shock.
The man was tall and had muscles upon bulging muscles. Muscles that were more easily seen because of the fact that he wore black pants and nothing else. What called her attention was another thing, though. The golden spiky hair, coupled with golden aura and pupil-less eyes, gave him away. "Ryoga! Get back!"
But Ryoga was already committed to his attack. Both fighters met, each landing a punch in the other's face, and for the first time in his memory Ryoga was at the losing end of such an exchange.
Hinako watched horrified as Ryoga's head snapped back, a loud cracking sound was heard, and his body followed as he flew back a hundred yards before impacting with a rocky hill that collapsed with the collision.
The second born of the house of Nova cursed inwardly. *Damn it! What the fuck is a Saiyajin doing here?! Beryl killed the last one herself.* She didn't have much more time to ponder that as the Saiyajin turned up and saw her. He flew towards her at incredible speed and all she could do was conjure her shield of energy.
-----
Usagi, Mamoru, Sailor Saturn and Sailor Neptune watched in shock as the golden-haired man punched through Hinako's defensive shield of energy and took a hold of her head. He then kneed her with enough force to make her double over and hit her with a hammer blow, sending her flying down to crash against the ground. The man then started laughing maniacally.
After seeing him take care of Ryoga and Hinako so effortlessly they were frozen in place. "Get going." Saturn said after recovering from the shock.
"Saturn?" Neptune asked hesitantly.
"Get going." Saturn repeated. "Ryoga and Hinako aren't defeated, but they need help. That's a Saiyajin."
While Neptune was confused by the words both Usagi and Mamoru paled. "That can't be true! The Saiyajins were all killed during the Silver Millennium!" The man protested trying to convince himself Sailor Saturn was wrong. In truth, now that she called him for what he was, Mamoru knew it to be true. Even if the truth was too horrible to believe.
"Just go! Save the others!" Saturn started running towards the battlefield. "We'll catch up with you." *If we survive.* She added to herself.
Neptune was about to go after her 'daughter' when Usagi's voice was heard. "Neptune. Let's go. We still need to save the others and stop my mother."
The aquamarine-haired Senshi grudgingly nodded and they started running towards the castle again, forcing themselves not to look back. Something that became easier when they finally caught sight of the castle.
END PART 16
Author's notes: Well, the end of this story is very near. I felt like working on this one and might do so till I finish it, which shouldn't be too long.
Next chapter should cover what Ranma and Setsuna have been up to, as well as what the armies gathered are doing for those that wonder about why they haven't made an appearance.
Hopefully I'll be finishing this story soon, but no promises.