Soul's Destiny, Blood's Inheritance

by kokatsu na tenshi

Ok folks, I'm rewriting Soul's Destiny, adding and deleting things here and there. Tell which you liked better, only the prologue has been changed thus far.

14. Chapter 13: Multiple Dates

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the anime's appearing in this fic.

Author's Notes: There's not really much for me to say right now so this will stay blank for a while. Oh, and I realized I forgot something in the last chapter, so it's been changed slightly. It's not really noticeable though. I'm not sure it will make a difference.

Published: 3/12/04

Updated: 3/13/04

'Thoughts' *Flashback*

Soul's Destiny, Blood's Inheritance Chapter 13

Ranma quietly dragged the chaos being to his room, trying his best to heal the wounds it had accumulated. 'How'd you get so many anyways?' Ranma asked it silently. Just as Ranma got into his room, the being opened its eyes, groaning a bit.

"Shhhhhh............" Ranma said softly, "Don't wake anyone up."

Ranma briefly allowed his symbol to flash on his forehead, so that it could see. The being's eyes widened, and tried to stand on it's own to kneel. Ranma frowned, "Don't aggravate your wounds. I need to know what happened when Beryl attacked Nemesis.

The being nodded, "When Beryl attacked, and you were sent off, she took her four most powerful youmas and had them assimilate us. Unfortunately, the assimilation did not go well. It was too unstable, so she crystallized us until we could assimilate something that would stabilize the mixture."

"Endymion's generals," Ranma muttered.

The man nodded, "What is going on my lord? What do you wish me to do?"

"Heal," Ranma said, "The Silver Millenium fell. The princess and her court, as well as we, were reborn in this future. Is there another form you can use until I can get my own place?"

The fire being nodded, and took the form of a bird. Ranma fixed up a makeshift perch, and then got into bed, exhausted.

****************************

Ranma stretched, glad he would be going to a different school that Monday. They had finally gotten all the paperwork finalized and he would show at Juuban high. Ranma grinned, and then scowled as he realized he would have to wear a uniform. Shrugging, he quickly picked up his satchel and high tailed it to his cousin's house. 'I really need to find an apartment,' Ranma thought, 'They're driving me insane at Tenchi's.'

When he arrived, Luna was checking over a few suitcases in the front entry. "Where ya' goin 'nee-chan?" Ranma asked, confused.

Luna smiled at her younger brother. "Dad told me about the resort. Since I have a business head, I am going to offer my services to see if he will allow me to inherit it."

Ranma cocked an eyebrow and wished her luck. He didn't know his sister very well, but then, they weren't making any effort to get to know each other either. He just hoped that she would let him visit the springs for free if he ever wanted to.

Ranma quickly got a shower and changed into a pair of loose jeans and a nice short sleeved T-shirt. Making sure he had his wallet, Ranma opened the door to his bedroom and walked out into the hall.

Ayeka was there waiting for him, "Well, Ranma-sama, shall we go to the fair?"

Ranma frowned, "Sorry, I've got a date."

Ayeka frowned, "I will be your date. You should leave that unworthy girl at home."

Ranma scowled, "I am not dating you."

Ayeka gave him a demure look, "As you are a little older than Tenchi and the son of Yosho's first daughter, you are crown prince of Jurai. That means you are promised to me."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Ranma said, walking away from her.

Ryoko just grinned at her good luck, though she couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Ranma. Tenchi was taking her and Sasami to the fair. Ayeka appeared to be out of luck.

Ryoko grabbed Sasami's hand and headed out the front door to where Tenchi was waiting.

***************************

Ranma grinned as he saw Hikari's house. He was ready for this. It didn't matter that Trista had asked to tag along for the fair, because Hikari would be with him at the ball later.

Hikari opened the door, a smile on her face. She was dressed in a silk, button down, blue blouse, with a pair of denim jeans that reached about mid- calf.1 She called for Trista, who walked outside a moment later in a pair of tight blue jeans and a tight shirt that said, 'What are you looking at?' across the bust in bold letters.

Ranma grinned, and offered an arm to both ladies. Trista snorted at him, but took it, while Hikari giggled. They arrived at the fair like that, and Ranma paid for all three to get in.

After a few rides, Trista wandered off, seeing someone from her job that she knew. "I'll leave you two alone for a while. Meet me at the front gate at 6 Hikari, so we can get you ready for the ball."

**************************

Kagome gave a grin as she dragged Inu-Yasha to the fair, neither realizing they were being followed. She had managed to get Inu-Yasha into some modern clothing and was loving every minute of it. Inu-Yasha was scowling, but he wasn't complaining either.

"This is going to be fun Inu-Yasha, just you wait. Tenchi called and said he was going to be there also and we'll get to meet some of his friends," Kagome gushed.

Shesshomaru frowned, eyes narrowing, hoping he was getting closer to the daughter of Cerberus.

************************

Tenchi grinned as he saw someone he knew. "Trista!" he called out, alerting the demon to his position.

Trista stopped her conversation with a girl he'd never seen before and then waved. After saying something to her friend, she walked over to Tenchi and the girls, a smile on her face. "Didn't expect to see you here, but then I guess I should have. Are these your girlfriends?"

Ryoko latched onto Tenchi's arm, and Sasami blushed. Tenchi rolled his eyes. Suddenly, another person was right beside them, grinning from underneath a baseball cap.

"Inu-Yasha, what are you doing here?" Tenchi asked, surprised at the hanyou's appearance.

Inu-Yasha was about to reply when "SIT!" was heard, and he went plummeting to the ground.

Ryoko tried hard to keep in her laughter, knowing it would probably be a bad idea to piss Tenchi's friends off. Sasami looked a bit scandalized while Trista hid a smile before reaching down to help him up as Kagome walked up, face red.

"Honestly Inu-Yasha, why can't you just stay with me?"

Inu-Yasha scowled, "I was looking for him!"

Kagome then saw Tenchi and Trista and turned bright red. "Sorry Inu- Yasha."

The dog boy snorted, and crossed his arms over his chest. Trista smiled, "We've got quite a large group here. Why don't you introduce your girlfriends Tenchi?"

Ryoko gave the girl a warning glare before standing up straight, "I'm Ryoko."

Sasami stepped forward, "I'm Sasami!"

"Nice to meet you, I'm Trista."

"I'm Kagome, and this is Inu-Yasha," Kagome said, pointing to her friend.

Inu-Yasha snorted, but was quick to pick up on a new smell and was immediately looking around like a kid.

Kagome scowled, "Don't you dare take off again. I swear you're worse than my kid brother."

Inu-Yasha frowned, and suddenly a much more familiar smell reached his sensitive nose. He cursed looking around him wildly.

Sasami frowned and Kagome looked ready to shout sit again when Trista covered her mouth. "We need to get out of here. We can't fight at a place like this."

"I think he's only here for you," Inu-Yasha muttered.

Trista grinned, "Oh I'm so honored. In that case I'll see you all later. He's bound to have seen me by now."

Trista was quick to run, avoiding people and dodging quite a few mini shops. No one could really see her move, except for one, who was following her at equally high speeds.

Tenchi and the rest just watched helplessly. "Do you think we should help her?" Kagome asked worriedly.

Inu-Yasha frowned, but shook his head. "She can handle herself. I don't think Shesshomaru wants to kill her anyways."

Kagome frowned, "How can you be so nonchalant? She helped us out before!"

Inu-Yasha scowled at her but said nothing. Kagome grumbled about him being stubborn.

Ryoko sighed and whapped Inu-Yasha over the head before taking off in the direction she was sure the girl went.

"Where are you going Ryoko?" Tenchi asked.

"As long as she's nothing more than a friend, I don't mind helping out," Ryoko said energy crackling around her hand.

Tenchi sighed exasperatedly and told Sasami to stay near the cotton candy store so that they could find her later. Inu-Yasha and Kagome followed them.

***************************

Trista stopped at a clearing with a pond in the middle, reflecting the afternoon sky. Sesshomaru appeared just behind her. Trista turned, a frown on her face, "Come to finish our fight?"

Shesshomaru studied her through a half lidded gaze, "No. I want to know how you know you are Cerberus' daughter."

Trista rolled her eyes. "Because I've talked to him," she said dryly, "What's it to you whether or not I am his daughter?"

"Nothing really," Shesshomaru said, watching the female dog demon carefully.

Trista narrowed her eyes, wondering what he was up to.

**************************

Kim giggled as she got off the Ferris wheel, Ranma trying to catch another kiss off of her. Ranma for his part was amazed at his boldness around his girl. 'Never thought I would be this bold,' Ranma thought, ignoring people's smiles at them.

"OH HO HO HO HO HO HO! Why Ranma-sama, what are you doing with that tramp?"

Ranma and Hikari stopped, and stared as the one and only Kuno Kodachi made a black appearance. Ranma scowled, pushing Hikari behind him a bit. Kodachi seemed to mistake his pushing Hikari away for something else, and laughed again. 'Kiss yourrr girl,' said a voice from within.

Ranma thought about it a moment, and waited until Kodachi was watching, before turning Hikari's face towards his and kissing her, putting as much passion as he could into it. Kodachi tightened her grip on her ribbon.

"NO! I'll not allow Ranma-sama to be taken from me!"

"You never had me in the first place, Kuno Kodachi," Ranma growled, "I've chosen the girl I love."

He then picked Hikari up and began to run towards the pond, knowing full well that Kodachi would think it some sort of trick.

As he passed, he heard a few comments for his favor. "That's Kuno Kodachi? The delusional gymnast?"

"Is she blind or something? He was totally repulsed by her looks and mannerisms."

"That's one lucky girl that the guy is holding. He's sooo handsome."

There were very few womanizer and pervert comments from the crowd. 'Once more, Nerima shows it's complete and total weirdness on a grand scale,' Ranma thought quickly taking to the trees.

Hikari clutched at him, holding on for dear life, but was clearly enjoying herself. He then heard battle cries from Ryoga and Mousse. Kuno Tatewaki soon joined them all in the chase, realizing who they were chasing but not where they were.

He then saw Trista staring at some guy near the water's edge.

"Trista, catch!" he shouted throwing his girlfriend in the air.

Caught by surprise, Trista nearly didn't catch the girl, whose face was bright with excitement. Shesshomaru turned with a scowl to the man that interrupted him when Ranma was attacked from three sides. Kuno wielded a weapon lined with silver, while Ryoga began to throw bandanas. Mousse was actually wearing his glasses, and was out to kill.

Ryoga began spouting about some wrong doing to Akane, while Kuno went off about the 'foul sorcerer,' telling him to free his loves. Mousse said nothing, but the grim intent could be seen in his moves. Moments later, Shampoo joined the fray, and Ranma found himself hard pressed to dodge.

'This is nuts,' Ranma thought, ignoring the astonished stare of his audience. He had gathered quite an audience too. Spectators from the Ferris wheel and from people nearby who had heard the ruckus were all gathered. Trista was beginning to realize how good her best friend's boyfriend was at his art. Shesshomaru was wondering if he had made a mistake coming here.

Tenchi, Ryoko, Inu-Yasha and Kagome arrived just moments later, hoping that it wasn't Shesshomaru and Trista drawing such a crowd.

Ranma ducked under Shampoo's bonbori, and deflected a cut to his stomach by Kuno. He then leapt over Mousse's deadly chains to be knocked across the back by Ryoga's umbrella. Hikari moved to run to him, but was held back by Trista.

Ranma quickly regained his balance and landed, reverting to a more cat like form. His K-nines grew, and eyes became a yellow green instead of blue grey. People could see the ki forming claws around his fingers as he gave an inhuman growl.

The silver sword was suddenly in pieces, and Kuno unconscious, embedded in a tree that screamed and ran off with him.2 Ryoga was knocked into the water, a piglet emerging on the shore near Shesshomaru. The demon raised an eyebrow. "Oh look, lunch," he said nonchalantly.

Trista couldn't help it, she began to choke on her laughter. A smile also twitched itself onto Hikari's face as she watched Ranma shred Shampoo's bonbori and knock both her and Mousse into the water. Shesshomaru eyed both the waterlogged cat and the duck in the pond, "A chew toy and dessert."

Inu-Yasha and Kagome could not believe that Shesshomaru was making jokes. Ranko then appeared next to them, "Damn, he's not coming out of it. They must have really pissed him off."

Inu-Yasha snapped his head back to Ranma's form, which was growling, and slowly walking forward to the three animals. A strange, annoying shriek then pierced the air. "I will get you for this!" Kodachi screamed at Hikari, throwing her ribbon at the undefended girl.

Ranma was there in an instant, ki flaring around his body, making the ribbon catch on fire. Kodachi dropped it, a stunned look on her face. She looked at Ranma, madness and lust in her eyes. "You are so strong, my Ranma-sama."

That only made Ranma angrier as he swiped at the tree Kodachi was standing on. After a moment, the tree fell into three clean cut pieces, and Kodachi was thrown. Her head hit a root of another tree, and she fell unconscious, bleeding from the head.

Ranma tensed as if going to go after her, when Hikari latched onto him from behind, wrapping her arms around his chest. "Stop Ranma," she said softly, "They're not going to bother you now."

Ranma's aura slowly dissipated as he his eyes with his bangs. He grasped Hikari's hands and loosened her hold a bit before turning in her embrace and holding her tightly. "They'll be back," he said softly, "Kodachi will keep attacking you. She's insane, and possessive."

Hikari smiled up into his face, "So teach me, so I can protect myself."

"I want to be the one to protect you," Ranma said honestly, before bending his head down and kissing her full on the lips.

There was a series of sighs and a round of applause ran through the crowd, accompanied by whistles.

Kagome was one of many girls who sighed, wishing that Inu-Yasha was that romantic. Inu-Yasha nearly face faulted, somehow knowing what Kagome was thinking.

Trista shook her head, and turned to Shesshomaru, silently telling him to follow her. She then bounded off, jumping over Ranko who was placing Shampoo and Mousse in a box labeled for the South Pole. Shesshomaru gave her a disdainful look before following, still trying to figure out what he was after from her.

Ranma ended the kiss, and placed his arm around her and walked over to where he saw Ranko, Trunks, and Tenchi. Mentally cursing his luck, he waved with the unoccupied arm.

Ranko grinned at him, "So when's the wedding?"

Ranma said nothing, thinking he would stick his foot in his mouth either way. Kim rolled her eyes, "When we're ready for it and no time sooner."

Ranko blinked, and then looked at her watch, "Its 5:30, ya'll up for another ride?"

"Which ride?" Tenchi asked warily.

Ranko grinned, "Not a ride actually, more the haunted house."

Ranma raised an eyebrow, "So you can make fun of it o fearless one?"

Ranko perkily nodded, and Ranma smirked, "Oh dear, I could hear her brain rattle."

Inu-Yasha fell over laughing as Ranko scowled at her brother, not thinking of a proper reply before he walked past her, declining the invitation.

Tenchi looked around and sighed, "What happened to Trista and Shesshomaru?"

Kagome groaned as she realized they had lost them.

***********************

Trista led Shesshomaru to a clearing after leaving the fair grounds. She stopped turning to him with a smile. Shesshomaru was startled, but the only thing showing it was the cock of his head as he studied the other dog demon.

"You always do comedic routines like that?" Trista asked, smirking at him.

Shesshomaru didn't answer, and Trista smirked a bit more, "Didn't think so. That was funny though. I haven't really had a chance to laugh like that in a while."

She was suddenly in front of the male demon, looking straight up into his eyes. She dug her right hand into his left shoulder, pulling him down as she did so. Shesshomaru was surprised by a kiss, which he decided was not altogether unpleasant. She then left suddenly with a laugh, "Sorry I've got to go. You've really got to change your opinion about humans. Some are exceptionally strong."

Shesshomaru debated following her before remembering that Rin was expecting him back at some point. He turned towards the direction of the well, fully intent on making it back before Inu-Yasha. He didn't notice his left arm as he ran, too intent on making it back to Rin.

*********************

Trista grinned to herself as she awaited Hikari at the front gate. 'I'm definitely glad Hikari talked me into coming today,' she thought to herself, daydreaming.

A poke on the shoulder alerted her to Hikari's presence. "Does that other demon have anything to do with your good mood?" she asked teasingly.

"That and your performance this afternoon," she said, smirking as Hikari blushed.

Ranma shook his head, "I'm gonna go get ready then. I'll see you at seven."

Hikari nodded, and waved. She then turned to Trista, who gave her a look that said 'Not another word' and the two left.

*********************

Ranma grinned as he reached the house, seeing his grandfather out on the front porch, sipping tea. The old appearing man waved as Ranma went in the house and headed towards his bedroom.

Entering, he looked at the bird resting on its perch, it's red and gold head was resting under a wing. It awoke as Ranma approached and looked around the room before transforming into a winged man. "How was your day, your highness?"

Ranma shook his head, "Coulda been better, but things went well. Don't start saying you should have gone with me Suzaku, I can handle myself."

Suzaku snorted, but said nothing, standing to help Ranma with his clothing, which Ranma scowled at.

"I'm your servant, Your Highness," Suzaku said as he shook the shirt out, "We're supposed to help you with things like this."

Ranma raised an eyebrow, "Things have changed. Nemesis is gone."

Suzaku shook his head, "It just diverged from the solar system. It's somewhere around in the galaxy. You are still prince of it, as well as of that new kingdom Jurai. We are still to serve you, once my comrades become separate from their captors."

Ranma groaned, as Suzaku began to push the subject with a lecture. "Look Suzaku," Ranma snapped, "As long as I don't have proof that I am this Crown Prince or that Nemesis still wanders the solar system then I just want to be Ranma, a human living on earth. I would like you to be one of my retainers if it turns out to be true, but right now I don't want you to be my servant. I want you to be my friend. Not someone that gets up to dress me like a little kid."

Suzaku held the shirt out to Ranma as he thought about what his master had said. As the son of his creator, Ranma was now his master and he was supposed to do what was asked of him. Ranma didn't seem to want a servant though, and appeared to be releasing him from that bond. He then thought about Ranma's other offer.

He looked up to see Ranma fully dressed and looking at himself in the mirror, checking out his outfit. "You look good," Suzaku said after a moment.

Ranma gave a grin, "Thanks."

He then turned to his former servant, and Suzaku studied Ranma before nodding his head. "Friends then, not servant and master," he said.

Ranma smirked, "Good. I don't have that many."

Suzaku concentrated a moment before morphing into a form that looked fully human. Ranma's eyes widened, "I didn't know you could do that!"

Suzaku gave him a grin, "There are lots of things you don't know then. Of course, you were only three or so when we last saw each other."

Ranma rolled his eyes, and then shrugged, "So I'm learning. I'm always learning. You should change back into a phoenix though. Someone's coming."

Suzaku transformed just as Trunks opened the door. He looked slightly rattled, and his hair was sticking out at odd angles. He stumbled in and fell face first on his bed.

Ranma gave a slight grin. "Enjoy the haunted house?"

Trunks snorted and looked at his girlfriend's brother. "They kicked us out because she was comparing things we saw in there to the life before you two separated. That was scaring people more than the attraction. She then proceeded to get into an argument about it with one of the staff, and tried to smack me when I told her to calm down."

Ranma winced, wondering why exactly Trunks had put up with that. Trunks rolled onto his back. "I walked off after that, leaving her behind with an angry expression."

He closed his eyes, "Was that the right thing to do?"

"Dunno," Ranma said, sitting on his bed once more, "She shouldn't a done what she did, though. C'mon, there's no point in worrying about it right now."

Trunks opened his eyes and frowned, but got up and pulled out the fancy tunic and breeches he was to wear to the policeman's ball.

***********************

Ranko huddled in her room in a corner, shaking. She couldn't believe she had tried to hurt Trunks. She knew he wouldn't have been hurt physically, but the emotional trauma seemed to show through his eyes. 'I'm turning back into Mei,' Ranko thought with a shudder.

Her past washed over her, coursing through her mind like a river of lava, burning away her nerves and feelings.

She shook her head, trying hard to face her memories and accept them. She didn't notice the tears coursing down her face, or the knock on the door. She didn't hear Trunks calling her name softly as he opened the door.

************************

Trunks looked at the clock, and then at the clothes. He heard Ranko's door slam, and frowned.

"You've still got time," Ranma said, looking the clock.

Trunks nodded, and walked out, absentmindedly smoothing his hair. Ranma cocked his head slightly, watching his sister's boyfriend, thinking.

************************

Trunks knocked on the door, calling Ranko's name. When there was no answer, he opened it, searching for her. He could feel her ki, and his eyes widened when he heard sobs.

He found Ranko in the corner between a desk and the wall, and quickly pulled her out, gathering her in his arms.

Her eyes were blank, tears coursing down them as her sobs shook her body. He quickly took his coat off and wrapped it around the small girl before pulling her close and resting his head on hers.

************************

A strange warmth flooded Ranko's senses despite her cold memories. She latched onto that warmth, knowing that someone was there for her. Another warmth soon joined, and the memories disappeared to leave a dark space. She turned to see her brother, looking at her disappointedly.

"Don't face this alone Ranko. We're all here for you," he said.

"How?" Ranko asked softly.

Ranma blinked, taken aback. "If you're asking how I got here, that's because of Suzaku. If you're asking how to face what you're dealing with, I told you, tell us and we can help. Trunks already knows about your past, so at least let him help if you won't let me."

The comforting warmth she felt before washed over Ranko twice as strong and she blinked to find herself looking at a familiar chest. She looked up to see Trunks' worried face before bursting into tears again and latching onto him, saying "I'm sorry," over and over again.

Ranma peeked in the room quickly to see Trunks comforting his sister before shutting the door, struggling between frowning and smiling. On one hand, Ranko was his twin and more apart of himself than other twins were. On the other hand, Ranko truly seemed to love Trunks, and she deserved that happiness. Ranma sighed, there was no winning between brotherly protection and wanting her happiness.

Ranma walked down to the porch to see his grandfather still sitting there, the tea having gone cold.

Ranma sat next to him, making no sound as he did so.

"You want to be a policeman huh?" Katsuhiko said, not looking at his eldest grandson.

Ranma sighed, frustrated, "The chief seems to think it's a good career choice for me. He thinks I'll be head of my own division within a few years of graduating the academy."

"Have you given any thought to accepting the duty of a crown prince?"

Ranma frowned, "Not going to think about it if I have to marry Ayeka. She's like a mix between Shampoo, Ukyo, and Akane, the bad mix."

Katsuhiko whapped his grandson over the head, slightly angered, and slightly amused at his grandson's comparison. "She's a very good girl. You just have to get to know her."

Ranma gave his grandfather an odd look, "And the fact that she's my great grand aunt or whatever and more than 800 or so years older than me isn't supposed to bother me? I feel like someone out the American hillbilly stereotype."

That did it. Katsuhiko couldn't help it as he thought about it. He began to laugh, hard. It hadn't bothered him, but his grandson had a point. There were laws against that on this world where his grandson had grown up, and that was bound to throw a wrench in Ayeka's plans.

"Isn't inbreeding a bad thing anyways?" Ranma added as he got up to check the clock.

Ryoko, who had heard that conversation, gave a slight grin. 'I'm so glad Tenchi doesn't seem to mind that I'm over 2000 years old,' she thought as she went to find him.

***********************

Ranma smiled as he saw his sister and Trunks walk down the stairs in their costumes. Ranko was resplendent in an aqua gown and her face appeared to glow and was free of tears.

Trunks was wearing dark gray breeches and a pale blue tunic. The shirt underneath was a darker blue with loose sleeves, concealing the hard muscle underneath. Ranma nodded in approval and motioned for them to follow him. When they arrived outside, they found a limo waiting for them.

Getting inside, Ranma gave directions to Hikari's home, and sat back thinking of his girlfriend, and ignoring the couple sitting with him.

**********************

Ranma eagerly knocked on the door, nodding to Trista when she opened it. Hikari walked down a moment later, wearing a deep red gown with gold on it, complementing her crimped, strawberry blond hair. Her sapphire jewelry complemented her eyes while seeming to blend with her dress, not contrasting as one would think it would.

Ranma quickly closed his mouth and held out his arm with a rakish grin. Hikari took the arm with the air of a princess and gave him a sly look as they walked out the door. Trista gave him a warning look before waving them off.

**********************

Ranma grinned as he saw Chief Kino standing outside, looking for him. He walked up with his princess, and gave a short bow. Kino blinked and then smiled, "I was wondering when you were going to show Ranma."

Ranma shrugged, "I said I was going to didn't I?"

Kino then looked over to Hikari, who was patiently awaiting an introduction.

Ranma smiled as he brought his girlfriend forward. "Chief, this is Hikari. Hikari this is my boss, Chief Kino."

Hikari gave a dazzling smile, "Nice to meet you."

"Pleasure's mine," the chief said, giving a short bow.

Ranko and Trunks walked past, quickly making their way inside, and the chief looked around, "Didn't bring your parents?"

"They're currently getting in some time for them as far as I know," Ranma said dryly, "They haven't had any in a long time. Want to tell me why we are dressed up like Europeans from the Middle Ages?"

The chief sighed, "It's the new head of the Tokyo police department. He invited all the smaller divisions to this ball as well as the Tokyo city police.3 He fancies himself a knight of the Middle Ages."

Ranma groaned, "His surname wouldn't happen to be Kuno would it?"

"Bingo."

Ranma groaned, and Hikari looked at him curiously. Ranma shook his head at her, signifying she didn't want to know. Hikari let it pass, filing it away to ask him later.

Once inside, they found a small orchestra playing a waltz and a buffet table on the far end of the room. There were officers from all different districts, and each looked rather annoyed at the clothing they had to wear. Ranma felt Hikari tighten her grip on his arm and glanced down at her with a smile.

There was a pleasant smile on her face, only the tightness of her grip alerting him to how nervous she was about this.

He looked out to the crowd once more, and was suddenly reminded of the ball just before the final battle. His smile lessened, and a small sigh escaped him. Hikari tugged on his arm, giving him a concerned look, and he turned his gaze to her. Face softening a bit, he led her out into the large ballroom rented for this event.

A good portion of those invited had already arrived, and many were out on the dance floor. A new song started, and Ranma led Hikari out on the dance floor, twirling her as he did so. After a few moments, the dance floor seemed to clear, and it was only the two of them in the entire world.

Hikari looked up to see Ranma's soft smile as he looked down at her. She blushed a bit, and followed his lead, twirling to the music. When she was pulled close again, she found herself held a bit tighter by Ranma as the music played on. When the song was finished, a round of applause was heard from the audience, or not heard, as the couple's case was. They just stood there, looking into each other's eyes before the magic left.

Something stretched in the back of Hikari's memory, and she put a hand to her temple, looking down a moment. The ache slowly faded as Ranma looked at her concernedly. She gave him a small smile, "Sorry. I think I need to sit down for a moment."

Ranma nodded, and led her off the dance floor and to a cushioned couch that lined the ballroom.

Ranko watched them with a smile on her face. She looked up at Trunks, "Care to dance?"

Trunks chuckled, "I'm not much of a dancer."

Ranko grinned, "Neither am I, unless it's a fight."

"Oh! My pig tailed goddess has come to give me her blessings of love! Come, fly into my arms!" shouted a familiar voice.

Ranko scowled and turned with her fists clenched as she made ready to avoid the glomp and attack the pervert.

She was stopped by Trunks, and Tatewaki was stopped by a double-edged sword.

"Tatewaki, your attentions are unwanted," said a female voice. A woman of around forty stepped into the light as Tatewaki paled.

He then straightened and gave the woman a righteous look, "That is my pig- tailed goddess. She has finally been freed of that foul sorcerer Saotome Ranma and come for me!"

Ranko groaned, and the woman gave her a searching look. She smiled a moment with a wink before turning back to Tatewaki, "Last time I checked, there was only one Saotome left, named Saotome Genma, in jail for kidnapping, multiple thefts, and other multiple misdemeanors. There is no such person as Saotome Ranma."

"Now if you please Tatewaki, your pig tailed goddess and I have things to discuss. Girl talk."

Tatewaki straightened and gave a short bow. "As you wish Aunt Michiko. I only do this because I acknowledge your skill with a sword."

Kuno Michiko rolled her eyes, and turned to Ranko and Trunks after Tatewaki had left, amusement in her eyes.

Ranko looked at the woman a moment, "You seem less............"

"Insane?" the woman asked, "Yes, between my brother and me, I recovered better from our father's brutal murder. That is mostly because of my husband. I still have a few quirks I like to indulge in but it is less insane. I am of the Kuno household, my husband married in."

Ranko studied the woman as the sword was sheathed and hung back on the wall. Trunks put a hand around her waist, both waiting patiently as the woman turned back to them. "Part of my brother's, nephew's and niece's problem was that the past repeated itself for them on my brother's wife. They still haven't caught the murderer. My husband means to catch him before it happens again. Kodachi's drugs really haven't helped anything either."

Ranko looked a little sad at this revelation. Michiko smiled kindly at the girl, "It doesn't excuse his behavior so don't put up with it. They wouldn't know true love or hate if it bit them in the butt. I'm beginning to think my brother hired the murderer unintentionally, and he encourages the insanity from the inside."

"Do you know who it is?" Ranko asked.

The woman shook her head, "I do not mean to burden you with all of this, I just thought you would like an explanation. After all, 'One who has a why, can endure any how.' Good luck young ones."

Ranko looked sadly at Trunks, "We never knew."

Trunks gave her a small smile, "She's right though, it doesn't excuse their behavior, because they've never asked for help."

Ranko took a deep breath and nodded, giving her boyfriend a smile. He then led her out to the dance floor and they began to move to the music, just being careful not to run into people or hurt each other. Ranma watched them briefly before turning back to Hikari.

He knelt in front of her, staring worriedly into her eyes. She smiled, "I'm fine now, thank you Ranma. You don't need to worry."

Ranma frowned, "Are you sure?"

She gave an amused, exasperated sigh, "Of course!"

Ranma gave her a look that said he didn't believe her and grasped one of her hands.

"My, should we be preparing a wedding Ranma?"

Ranma stood so fast he nearly left the ground. He turned to scowl at his chief and then noticed the chief's guests. He gave a slight bow as the chief introduced them. "Ranma, I'd like you to meet Kuno Kenji, our new head of Tokyo police, and his wife Kuno Michiko."

Ranma gave a slightly strained smile as he croaked out a 'nice to meet you.' Michiko giggled softly, "You must be the 'foul sorcerer' my nephew mentions all the time."

Ranma had the grace to keep from groaning, "Only because he cannot see that Ranko is my twin and I have nothing to do with the ever angry Tendo Akane."

"Ah, but you used to have something to do with her," Michiko said slyly.

Ranma nodded, "That's past. I still have mixed feelings on the subject."

"Do you still love her?"

Ranma heard Hikari draw in a sharp breath, and gave her a curious look, before thinking about the question. "I can't say I really loved her in the first place," Ranma said, turning back to Michiko, "She was more an ill tempered friend or sister than a love interest."

Michiko studied Ranma a moment, "Is her temper that bad?"

Ranma sighed, "Seems like it. She was spoiled rotten, being the baby of the family, and has a hard time controlling it. Kuno's declaration and the daily mob attacks before I arrived didn't help either."

Michiko's gaze turned stony and she moved to take a sword off the wall. She was stopped by her husband, who turned back to Ranma, "Why didn't the teachers stop this?"

"Who's principal of Furinkan now?" Ranma countered.

Kenji stiffened a moment, and then relaxed. "Wonder if we can sway the school board to get him out of there and into an asylum."

Michiko frowned at her husband, but said nothing, knowing her brother needed help. Ranma turned slightly to see Hikari, who had a hand to her temple again, as if in pain. He frowned, kneeling once more and smoothing her hair. He looked up so he could see her eyes, and was surprised to see tears in them. The intruders watched the scene carefully, and Michiko's motherly instinct nearly got the better of her before her husband silently pulled her away. Chief Kino gave an unheard goodbye as he left also.

"Do you need some air?" Ranma asked softly, confused.

Hikari's eyes focused on him and she nodded, allowing him to pull her to her feet and towards the garden. Her bangs hid her face as she passed through the crowd and she slowly began to get herself under control.

Ranma led her towards a bench just outside a tall hedge maze, and pulled her onto his lap, holding her close to him.

"What were you talking about earlier?" she asked, a waver in her voice.

Ranma frowned, wishing it was something else bothering her, and he mentally cursed the chief for bringing the two Kuno's up at that moment. "A few months before I was born, my mother was kidnapped, and managed to lose her memory in the process. The man that kidnapped her managed to convince her that he was her husband and when I was born, that I was his son. He was supposedly a martial artist, and took me on a training trip as soon as I could actively learn the art. His training methods were............ abusive............ and he engaged his 'son' to a great many different people to feed his stomach. He had also promised his best friend and training buddy that if they had children of the opposite sex they would marry and join the schools."

"I ended up having three fiancées at once and many admirers, none of which I liked enough to really love, but respected enough to not hurt their honor by choosing one. After nearly a year of dealing with it, I got into the Juuban police and they took care of one of my fiancées, bringing the grand total down to two and many admirers. Then one night they called me out and I got shot. They sent me to the hot spring where we met, and my mother found my father, and remembered. You helped with that."

Hikari bit her lip, wondering if what he felt was just gratitude to her. "Ranma, what am I to you?"

Ranma didn't even pause to think as he answered, "The girl I care more about than the world. The girl I'm beginning to love. I don't think I even understand the depth of what I feel right now."

"What will I be in the future?" she asked softly.

'My wife, I hope,' he thought before answering, "I don't know. But I care more for you than I have anyone else. I want to help this grow. Tell me now, what am I to you? What will I be to you in the future?"

"Right now, you are the most confusing person I know," Hikari said, looking up with a smile, though tears still shone in her eyes, "I don't know the future, but I want to see you there with me."

Ranma smiled, "Than currently that's enough," he said softly before capturing her lips with his own.

'This time,' Ranma thought as he felt her give in to his kiss, 'things will work out. Beryl will be destroyed. The princess and her court can do this, and I will help.'

***********************

Pluto looked through the time gates to see this and smiled. She then turned to the shadow floating behind her. "Alright, wait until I give the go ahead. Beryl needs to go first. I've already started him on the path to Jurai. His grandfather was most cooperative."

The shadow's eyes glowed before it disappeared and Pluto looked back through the time gates. "I hope this works. Star, you have no idea how lucky you are."

The gates closed, and Setsuna sighed as she heard little footsteps running her way. A small voice shouted 'Puu!' and she smiled, greeting small lady with sad eyes.

***********************

Tatewaki was growing frustrated. Every attempt to allow his pig tailed goddess to bask in his manliness was thwarted by his Aunt. Why couldn't his aunt see that the pig tailed goddess was made for him, as well as Tendo Akane, his fierce tigress?

Michiko for her part was glad that her nephew hadn't noticed Ranma yet. She hoped Ranma's girlfriend was alright. After all, she didn't mean to cause the couple unneeded stress on their relationship.

************************

Ranko giggled as Tatewaki was stopped once more by the only Kuno she found herself liking. Trunks also found himself amused by the antics as well, but was concerned about his girlfriend. She had told him what the problem was but they didn't get a chance to discuss it as they needed to get ready. She didn't look ready to talk about it either. Trunks sighed, wondering why women were stubborn about things like that, but were equally stubborn about knowing their partner's feelings at the same time.4

************************

Sailor Moon bounced around in a huge tennis ball, wishing she had called for help instead of trying to take the youma on her own. She was grateful when Tuxedo Mask showed up, and began running through the list of candidates for him in her head.

After a short while involving flaming tennis balls and a few rescues, the youma was defeated and Sailor Moon stood by herself, wondering who Tuxedo Mask was once more. 'Maybe he's Ranma, or Motoki!'

**************************

Ranma slowly broke the kiss, and went for another after taking a breath. Hikari accepted it whole heartedly, and hugged him closer. Unfortunately, that was when Tatewaki spotted, and recognized Ranma.

He nearly screamed his fury at not having a sword with him before he realized there was a double edged blade hanging just inside the ball room. He silently stole in and grabbed it without grabbing his Aunt's attention, and stole back outside. Remembering what happened before, he kept silent as he crept closer.

He no longer cared about the people nearby, Ranma needing to die became the sole purpose of his crazed mind. Now was the perfect time to strike while he was occupied by the girl beneath him. Tatewaki knew that the girl would rather be dead by his hand than foully tainted by the foul sorcerer. He could hear her screaming for his help, and idly wondered why no one else heard her pained cries from being ravaged and destroyed by the beast.

Hikari noticed him first, as he had gotten silently behind the bench and stood over them, sword raised. She yelled, and pulled Ranma to the ground with her as Tatewaki smashed the double edged sword into the bench. Ranma quickly got up, and pulled Hikari up with him, pushing her towards the ball room. Hikari followed his silent directions and picked up her skirts, running to get help.

Inside, Michiko noticed one of the decorative swords and her nephew missing, and her eyes went wide as she searched the ball room. Hikari then burst into the ball room, hair slightly mussed and face red from running in a heavy dress. "Someone's attacked Ranma!" she shouted.

Michiko groaned, knowing who it was, and picked up one of the swords hanging on the wall and stalked out the door in a dignified matter. Kenji also rushed out the door to find Ranma dodging Kuno's swings. It helped that Tatewaki was unused to the broadsword. Michiko yelled at Ranma to catch and threw the weapon. Ranma grabbed the hilt out of the air and parried Kuno's attack.

Ranma did something he had never done before, and fought Tatewaki with a sword. Granted it wasn't really Tatewaki's weapon of choice, but Ranma had never had a weapon of choice with the exception of his fists.

Tatewaki gave another clumsy lunge and Ranma stepped to the side, avoiding the blade. Tatewaki quickly got control of himself and swords clashed. Ranma quickly twisted his sword, snaking it around Tatewaki's and put a little leverage in the mix.

Tatewaki's blade flew from his hands and he fell backwards. He looked up to see Ranma's own blade at his throat. His eyes went wide and he paled considerably. "What manner of foul sorcery is this? I the Blue Thunder cannot fall!"

The crowd parted to reveal a fifteen year old girl in a pair of blue jeans and a T shirt that showed her midriff. "Called em like you asked mother," she said, turning to Michiko.

Two medical officers behind her came and wrapped Tatewaki in a white jacket, Tatewaki forgetting to struggle as he found himself unable to come to terms with losing.

Michiko thanked her daughter, who gave her mother a smile before walking away, saying she would take the limo home. Ranko and Hikari quickly ran up to Ranma, checking to see if he was ok. Ranma kissed Hikari on the forehead and reassured his twin that he was fine. He straightened his clothing and turned to the two family members of the Kuno clan.

Michiko sighed, "It was so funny when he was dropped off by a tree after the fair. I didn't think that episode would contribute so much."

"Maybe you should hear what happened at the fair," Ranma said dryly, "He was nearly that bad there. Seemed to think I was a lycanthrope because he had a silver katana in his hands."

Michiko shook her head, "We'll make sure he gets help now. There's no getting around this now."

Her husband nodded, "We're sorry."

Ranma gave a short bow before looking back down at Hikari, who still looked slightly worried. She gave him a half smile, and Ranma grabbed her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. He then turned to the crowd, "I'm afraid I must take my leave. Tonight's events have taken their toll."

Ranma quickly led Hikari out of the garden and made his way to where their rented limo waited. Ranko and Trunks followed, giving Michiko a sad smile. The party resumed with a nervous air after the two couples had left, each wondering about what was going on.

In the car, Ranko asked what had happened. Hikari turned slightly red as she began to explain, starting with the kiss and getting interrupted as she pushed Ranma to the ground to keep the both of them from getting sliced. Ranko, at that point, pushed Hikari forward a bit and checked the bindings on the dress. She let Hikari up and adopted a slightly disappointed look.

"Kuno attacked and you weren't doing anything perverted?" she asked Ranma.

Ranma frowned, "Yeah but he always............... RANKO!"

Hikari also turned red and she whapped Ranko on the back of the head. Ranko giggled and quickly made her way to Trunks' lap who turned a bit red. Ranma scowled and leaned back in the seat, staring out the window.

Hikari raised an eyebrow and Ranko giggled, "Now he's mad because he just realized that would have been the perfect time to........."

"RANKO!!!" Ranma shouted.

Ranko giggled, "I know you don't think like that but hey, payback's a bitch."

Ranma groaned, and Hikari and Trunks laughed. Ranko gave an impish grin.

They soon pulled up to Hikari's house, and Ranma walked her to the door. He gave her a quick kiss, and only left after she was inside. Hikari sighed as she got to her room, and turned to Trista, who now occupied her doorway. "That wasn't a very long date."

"There was trouble," Hikari said frowning.

Trista moved to help her with the ornate dress, "So tell me about it."

***********************

Ranma washed quickly and stepped into the hot furo, relaxing his muscles. Trunks joined him a few moments later, glad the furo was so large. They heard Tenchi, Sasami, and Ryoko walk in the front door moments later, laughing.

"At least someone's night went well," Ranma groused, closing his eyes.

Trunks gave a slight chuckle, "I don't know, it didn't seem you were having too bad a night."

"Neither were you," Ranma pointed out, "but things didn't go as they were supposed to either."

There was no answer from Trunks' end and the two remained in silence until Ranko walked in. She paid the two no attention as their eyes were closed and joined them in the bath, sitting next to Trunks, who turned red after opening his eyes and shut them quickly. Ranko raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Ranma opened an eye and lazily shut it again, ignoring his sister.

Ranko frowned at him, but said nothing. She was surprised when Ranma addressed her.

"Do you want to talk about what happened before?"

Ranko shivered a moment and nodded. She began explaining her past to Ranma, who had yet to hear of it. She then explained what had happened at the fair. As she explained, her memories began to surface once more and began to take over her mind. She shivered in the warm water, and didn't notice Ranma moving over to sit next to her.

Warmth pierced the cold shield her past life had set up and Ranko found the strength to face her memories. She knew Ranma and Trunks were there, supporting her. She slowly began to accept herself, and who she was, starting to make peace with her past life. After a few moments, she opened her eyes, to find Ranma's and Trunks' arms around her. She then realized the position they were in and turned bright red. For all the audacity she had, she was still very embarrassed.

Trunks looked worriedly at her, and she took a deep breath, slowly letting it out as she allowed her tension to leave her.

"Thank you," she said softly, finding herself a bit more at peace.

Ranma smiled and moved to the other side of the furo once more, "We're here for you Ranko. You are strong on your own, but stronger with us around."

"Same could be said for you bro," Ranko said with a smile, teasing him.

Ranma just rubbed the back of his head and told her to close her eyes. She did so and Ranma got out of the bath. Once she heard him close the door to his room, she opened her eyes again and gave Trunks a shy look. He gave her a hug reassuring her.

She returned it, resting her head on his shoulder. They stayed like that until Ranma banged on the door, "Don't be doing anything in there or I'll have to sic dad on you."

Trunks and Ranko turned red and quickly got out of the furo, avoiding looking at each other as they did so. Ranma grinned as Trunks rushed into the room, glaring at him. "It's nice you wanted a bit of payback for earlier, but did you have to embarrass me too?"

Ranma just kept grinning, "All's fair in love and war."

Trunks groaned, and proceeded to get dressed.

*********************

Ranma, Ranko and Tenchi rushed down the stairs, getting ready for school. Sunday had passed too quickly for their tastes, and Monday had come and surprised them. They ate quickly and found their way to Tenchi's high school.

"I'm so glad it's our last year," Ranma muttered as they made it to the bus stop just in time for the bus. Ranko just smiled at him. Their mother, having deemed Ranko intelligent enough, wanted her to go to school with Ranma and Tenchi. Ranko didn't want to but figured her mother's word was law for the moment.

Tenchi just gave the two a mild look as he yawned. They soon arrived at Tenchi's school and everyone stared at the twins, amazed that they had new students. Ranma and Ranko made it to the principal's office, and afterwards were introduced to the entire school. They were surprised when they ended up in different classes, but didn't complain. Ranko ended up in Tenchi's class, while Ranma was sent to a classroom where he knew no one.

Ranma quickly gauged the power levels in the class he was in and for a few of the classrooms around him. Deeming no one of importance, he focused on the teacher, and made a whole hearted attempt to stay awake for the lesson. He almost didn't make it.

The teacher left and he sighed in relief, not sure if he would be able to make through much more of a history lesson. He stretched and cracked his neck, nearly not noticing the note on his desk addressed to him. He looked around the classroom cautiously and saw a girl wave at him, giggling. He looked down at the note and slowly opened it.

He read it quickly and wrote a reply, sensing the teacher coming. He then folded it into a paper airplane and accurately threw it to the girl that had written it. She eagerly opened it up and her expression turned pouty. Ranma got ready to take notes once more as the teacher walked in.

The teacher started class, welcoming the new student and turned to the board. He then noticed one of his students not paying attention and quickly grabbed the note she was glaring at. She gasped at being caught and hung her head as the teacher read it.

The teacher raised an eyebrow and turned to the class, "Sorry ladies, but it seems Inverse Ranma is taken. You'll have to look elsewhere for dates."

There were a series of groans from the classroom and chuckles from the guys. Ranma did nothing, not really embarrassed because he figured it was best he got that out early.

Lunch rolled around, and Ranma quickly located Tenchi and Ranko outside. He had just sat down when Ryoko showed up, leaping over the high fence. She gave the three a look, "Just ta let ya know, your dad's aunt showed and we're taking care of her grandson for a while. His mother's sick."

Tenchi thanked her and Ranko squealed, "We're taking care of the baby?!"

Ryoko nodded, a slight frown on her face. She was trying to figure out how to use this to her advantage. Ayeka had started to go for both boys, which annoyed everyone to no end that she couldn't make up her mind who was going to be crown prince and therefore rightfully hers.

Ranma gave her an encouraging smile, and she left, waving.

"Wonder if we should just split the throne," Tenchi said, knowing what Ryoko's frown was about and not liking it.

Ranma grinned at him, "Yeah, I can just see our kids down the years. 'Unite the Juraian empire! It's mine!'"

Tenchi blanched, "You're right, bad idea."

Ranma laughed, "Of course we wouldn't mean for that to happen but I'm sure we'd be long gone."

Tenchi gave his cousin a grin and the bell rang. Ranma waved, quickly gulping the rest of his lunch and jumping to the second floor window to his classroom. Ranko and Tenchi shook their heads and walked indoors and up the stairs.

***********************

Ranma walked in the kitchen to see Washu making breakfast and grinned. The baby was on her back, happily gurgling. He gently lifted the baby from his carrier and played with it a bit. The door bell rang, and a moment later Tenchi walked in with the child's father.

"Thank you so much for taking care of him for us," the man said, "His mother's better now so we can take him home. Sorry for the trouble."

Washu put on a smile as she waved them off, "It was no trouble at all."

The baby reached out to Washu a moment, saying "Mama!"

Washu's face paled a bit, and she tried hard to hide the sadness from her eyes. Ranma eyed Washu a bit before turning back to the disappearing parent and child.

Washu gave a mournful sigh, "Babies, babies. I had a baby once, before Ryoko. My husband was a man I had met at the science academy. He was a prince, and one day while I was away, they were taken from me because of politics."

"Why does social status and rank matter so much? Why were they taken from me?"

Tenchi gulped, nearly in tears, "That's so sad Washu-chan, I wish there was something I could do-"

Tenchi turned to see that Washu-chan had grown up. He paled as she advanced on him. Ranma nearly choked on his laughter at what was happening to his cousin as both Ryoko and Ayeka got jealous.

************************

Luna phoned their mother from the resort a few days after the baby episode, and Nodoka was very happy to hear from her. Ranma attempted to listen in, but it was hard to follow a conversation when he could only hear one side. Tenchi walked in a moment later, an invitation in hand. His grandfather grabbed it. "How nice of her to invite us back after the mess we made last time. Your break is soon is it not?"

Tenchi nodded, and Ranma's ears perked up. "Invitation to where?"

"A local hot spring we destroyed a while ago," Tenchi said, remembering the incident. Washu gave her daughter and Tenchi a curious look before shrugging.

"May I invite Hikari to come with us?" Ranma asked.

His grandfather shrugged, "Might as well. The more the merrier."

Ayeka growled slightly, and Katsuhiko began to wonder what had changed his cheerful little sister into such a jealous creature.

***************************

Ranma whistled as he saw the damage done to the resort. "My, ya'll don't hold back when you destroy a place do you?"

"No they don't young man," said a pleasant old voice.

Nobiyuki grinned as he saw the old woman, "It's so nice of you to invite us back here."

"You're not here to relax," the old woman snapped, "You're here to fix the mess you've made. It's driving away customers."

Washu stepped up, "I'd be happy to help!"

The old woman smiled, "You and Sasami are not expected to help. In fact, the other four youngins I see aren't required to either. They didn't contribute to the mess. Now why don't you and Sasami go and play while I show the other four their rooms."

Ranma sighed, "I'll help. They're my family after all."

Ranko nodded, and Trunks shrugged, "I don't mind helping as well."

Hikari smiled, and stood next to Ranma, "Tell me what needs doing that I can do."

The old woman was very pleased by the four unexpected helpers and automatically began firing orders. Ranma watched Sasami and Washu walk off, and was slightly surprised to see a ghostly figure overlapping Sasami's.

He paid it no mind and began to get to work, easily leaping to the destroyed roof. Katsuhiko shook his head as he began to hand wood up. A few meters away, Tenchi was climbing a ladder as Nobiyuki gathered up their materials. Trunks was beginning to put one of the walls together, his strength making things easy on him.

*********************

The girls were all pealing vegetables, Ryoko and Ayeka arguing, with Ayeka glaring at Hikari and taking few jibes every once in a while. Hikari never rose to the bait though, keeping her cool.

Ayeka and Ryoko then noticed something out of the corner of their eye, and Ayeka got up to check it out. Ryoko began to steal potatoes out of Ayeka's bowl while Ranko and Hikari giggled a bit at their antics.

Ayeka was surprised to see Sasami walking around alone. "Sasami?"

Sasami turned to see Ayeka, and Ayeka knew something was wrong, "What's the matter?"

Sasami bit her lip and then made to answer when she was interrupted by Ryoko's call.

Sasami ran as Ayeka turned around, saying that nothing was wrong.

Ayeka frowned, but let it slide, knowing she had more potatoes to peel.

*********************

Night fell, and Ranma surveyed the patchwork on the roof. He studied each side carefully and sweatdropped. 'We're going to need to go over this tomorrow,' he thought, looking at Tenchi's work.

Ranma shrugged, and went inside to help with the walls. On his way in, he noticed the same ghostly figure he saw around Sasami walking around. He followed a bit, and raised an eyebrow when it disappeared. After a moment he heard Tenchi complain and turned a corner to see his grandfather and uncle staring out the door. 'Apparently they saw it too. I wonder what that was,' Ranma thought, wondering if he should ask Sasami.

A break was called around half an hour later, and Ranma felt himself called. Unfortunately, Hikari had fallen asleep leaning against him, tired from the day's events. Ranma carried her to her room, and put her to bed, kissing her on the forehead. He didn't notice her open her eyes slightly as he left.

*********************

Ranma found himself overlooking a placid lake, and looked into the water. When he looked down he saw Nemesis, his past. He backed off from the water, frowning, and leaped into a tree. Nemesis did the same with the tree's reflection and Ranma smiled a bit.

Ranma slowly let himself go in his memories, meditating, and wondering what he could learn from them. He was startled out of it by Sasami sitting on the rock beneath him crying. He silently dropped down beside her, and pulled the small girl into a hug. She struggled a bit, but eventually cried into his chest.

"What's wrong kiddo?" Ranma asked softly.

Sasami sobbed a bit more before getting herself under control enough to point to the water. "I'm not Sasami, I'm just a creation of Tsunami's!"

Ranam gently pulled the small girl to the water and looked down. Sasami did the same, and her eyes widened. There were three Ranma's reflecting in the water. One was Nemesis, one was Ranma as a Juraian warrior, and the last was Ranma as he was currently. Ranma gave a half smile, "Looks like there was a part of me I didn't realize."

Sasami looked at Ranma, eyes wide and Ranma gave her a slight grin. He then pointed to her own reflection, which was reflecting Tsunami, and herself. "You are still Sasami. I don't know what happened for you to merge with Tsunami, but I doubt she erased you entirely. All that this means is that the two of you will merge as you get older. Look at my reflections Sasami," Ranma said kindly.

Sasami did so, and Ranma continued, "There are three of me that I haven't truly gotten a chance to accept. If I hadn't of merged with Neko-ken, then you would see a giant tiger there also. But you see, he's within all three personalities."

Sasami saw each had the white striped hair, and green blue eyes, like Ranma did when he partially used neko-ken. He hadn't used it often, but she got the general idea. "One day," Ranma said softly, "I will merge with all three, and use that power all the time. On the right, is me as I am when I'm human. In the center is Nemesis, my past life. On the left is me as I would be as a Juraian warrior. If I accept the responsibilities as crown prince, that would be my future unless I merge all three."

Sasami's eyes filled with tears again and she sat back down on the rock, "It's not the same!"

Ranma shook his head, "If you don't believe me, ask your sister. She will tell you exactly who you are."

Ranma then moved, disappearing from Sasami's sight. He joined Washu in the bushes. "Nice try," she whispered.

Ranma shrugged, "It was worth a shot."

Washu grinned at him, "Now if you'd just let me examine you and all three different powers you control............"

Ranma placed a hand over her mouth as Ayeka walked into the clearing, shaking his head. After a few moments, Tenchi joined the two in the bushes courtesy of Washu. Ranma frowned as he saw Trunks in the distance, and motioned for him to stop. He then moved quietly over Ryoko and Mihoshi and ran to him, not making any noise.

Ranma grinned, getting a brilliant idea, quickly whispering it to Trunks. Trunks agreed, and Ranma gave Washu a series of hand signals. She nodded, and waved them off.

********************

Ranma grinned as Ayeka and Ryoko talked to Tsunami. Tenchi and Sasami were asleep, and the rest didn't notice the goddess floating over the lake. Tsunami gave Ranma a smile and a wave, and he winked, before turning back to his girlfriend, who was giving him an odd look.

He grinned at her, and quickly claimed her lips with his own, to the cheering of his sister, grandfather and uncle. He grinned as he broke the kiss, "I'm so glad mom and dad went to visit Luna this weekend."

Hikari laughed, snuggling closer to him.

*********************

*Omake* *OMAKE* *Omake*

Tatewaki gave another clumsy lunge which Ranma parried with his own sword. He was surprised when both the swords bent. They stopped the duel and wiggled the swords in the air. They bent under the light pressure and Ranma sweatdropped, while Tatewaki appeared to be fighting off a volcanic rage.

"What have you done to these noble swords, foul sorcerer?!" Tatewaki screamed.

Ranma shrugged and punched the kendoist in the face, effectively knocking him out cold.

Michiko grinned sheepishly, "I thought real swords too dangerous to decorate a ballroom so I used rubber ones instead."

****************************

1 What are they called? Petal pushers? Or was it something else? I can't remember. -_-

2 Tsubaka anyone?

3 I'm not sure if that's how it really works and I don't feel like researching it. So don't take my word that this is how things are done because I'm not sure myself.

4 I'm female myself and hope I don't act that way, but it seems that's what happens stereotypically. I hate it when people ask you to automatically know how they're feeling and what they're thinking. It happens all the time.