It didn't take long for the group to reach the Tendo compound. What surprised Ranma was the condition of the household. They lived in traditional feudal-oriental mansion with clay tile roof. Further more they did not have any servants. Compound consisted of one main building in the center and two smaller building in north-western and south-eastern corner. Eight feet tall stone wall surrounded the compound separating the household from its neighbors. At the main entrance, finely crafted sign hung at the wall, which read Tendo dojo. Another sign on the wall asked all challengers to use the back door.
"Father, I'm home!" Kasumi shouted as she rushed down the hall. Ranma and Xian Pu followed few paces behind. They watched on as Kasumi rushed into a room, instead of sound of rejoicing and excitement, they heard nothing. As they neared the door, they could make out what sounded like sobbing Kasumi.
Ranma entered the room to see Kasumi kneeling down beside a bed. On the bed lay a figure of human, covered in white sheet. Across of Kasumi was elderly man that seemed to be in his late forties. "She recently passed away. She fought so hard, hoping that you'd return Kasumi." Ranma could see that the man was barely hanging in there, trying to not break down into sobbing wreck.
Ranma walked over to the bed and uncovered the sheet. Pale and yet once beautiful woman lay in bed, the dampness of the sheet indicated that she was alive until just recently.
"What do you think you are doing young man?" Elderly man shouted moving put the cover her up once more.
"I take it that this is your mother?" Ranma asked Kasumi, who simply nodded back in response. "And he be your father?" once more she only nodded.
"I see, you wanted the ring of three wishes to wish your mother well." Ranma closed his eyes, rubbing his temples lightly. "It would have been easier to just hire some healers."
"She was suffering due to cancel, we found out about the symptoms too late. We took her to best healers we could find, but it was no use." Another figure said as she walked into his room. She looked to be a teenager, bit younger then Kasumi.
"It is really too bad, if great war did not happen, all the gods would not have withdrawn from our worlds. Clerics would have been able to cure her with out any problems; it is too bad that clerics can no longer use there divine powers." Ranma stated crossing his arms. "Kasumi Tendo, if you had the ring of wishes, what would you have wished for?" Ranma asked.
"I would wish for my mother to be revived." Kasumi stated.
"I see, if you would have made that wish, depending on the ring, your mother may have returned to the world of living as a zombie. Or entirely different creature." Ranma replied. "Wishing items doesn't always work as you have intended."
"It doesn't masher anyhow, this man named Happosai is responsible for stealing the ring." Kasumi whispered.
"Did you just say Happosai?" Elderly Tendo asked with tone of surprise. "Then it really is lost, that demon wouldn't return such value able items for anything."
"…… there is a way." Ranma said as he scratched his chin. "But it is quite pricy."
Kasumi looked up at Ranma, her eyes asking him to continue on. "It'll cost around seven thousand platinum pieces."
"We don't have that kind of money." Elderly man said hopelessly.
"You might not have the money in cash, but you sure do have them in assets." Ranma said with a smirk.
"What?" Elderly man asked intelligently, not fully understanding what he heard.
With a heavy sigh, Ranma repeated him self. "What I mean is that, you have enough assets to sell, so that you can get that kind of money."
"I'd give nearly anything to have my wife return to me once more."
"Good, sell your daughter to me." Ranma said as he took out a ring with three rubies attached to it.
"What, you don't mean, I will not sell my child!" He screamed in outrage as another teenage girl walked into the room, to check upon the commotion.
"Don't even joke like that Ranma, I have seen slave traders buying and selling slaves. No slave is worth hundred platinum pieces much less seven thousand platinum pieces." Kasumi said spitefully.
"You are talking about Regular slaves my dear, if I wanted a random slave with broken will, I'd go buy one at slave market. No, what I want is you Kasumi Tendo." Ranma gently lifted Kasumi's chin, looking directly into her eyes. "Choice is yours." Ranma said as he kissed Kasumi. Kasumi froze in shock, not knowing how to respond, but returned the kiss subconsciously. Ranma walked out of the room, leaving Kasumi dazed, giving her some time to think of his offer.
'Mother, why must I do this?' Ranma said within his mind. 'Why must I do this, you know as well as I that, I do not like living as a human.'
'We have no choice, you are a chosen one my child, you must endure this trial or all is doomed to fail.' Feminine voice replied back, emitting her thoughts into Ranma's mind.
'How did I become a chosen one?'
'Because I didn't feel like doing it and your father is busy. We couldn't rely on anyone else so, we picked you. So you were chosen.'
Ranma couldn't help but stumble. 'YOU ARE TELLING ME I'M DOING ALL THIS BECAUSE YOU TWO ARE LAZY!'
'Hush son, don't yell like that. I may be old but I can hear you fine dear.' She replied in chided tone. 'Besides, you weren't doing anything at the time.'
'But why her?'
'Because I like her.' It was simple and yet effective answer.
'As you wish, mother' Ranma said with heavy sigh.
"Kasumi, don't do it. There is no way a man like that would have that kind of money. Who knows what that man might do to you?" Elderly man said as he put his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't trust that pervert sister, all men are perverts." One of the teenager said crossing her arms.
"Akane, I have only traveled with that man for couple of weeks, but I know that he is anything but a pervert." Kasumi paused, thinking of her journey. "Ok, maybe he is mildly perverted, but his not a bad person at all. Besides, if he wanted any woman, all he has to do is flirt a little. He has ability to get within any woman's heart."
"He is very handsome, I'll give you that, but his not that handsome." Nabiki stated off handedly.
"You are only saying that because he is not dressed in fancy rich cloth. It's not his looks alone Nabiki, it's his presence when he wishes to be noticed. It's majestic." Kasumi replied, spacing out, thinking of Ranma blazing with blue energy.
"Besides sis, how do you even know if he has that kind of money? You can buy entire kingdom for that kind of money."
"Nabiki, he doesn't need the money to revive our mother. The ring that he took out….. that ring…… that was the ring of three greater wishes. It's even stronger then the ring I was searching for."
"Aye ya, you be wrong." Xian Pu said interrupting their conversation. "That be ring of true wish. Wish never go wrong with it. Very very powerful ring, grant any wish."
"What does she mean?" Elderly Tendo asked Kasumi, not having much information on wishing object.
"Normal ring of wish, depending on way the word is phrased, could grant your wish in a way you wouldn't want. If I wished for my mother to be revived, normal ring of wish could revive her as she was right before she died, so she would die again from disease. Greater ring of wish is more accurate, it is not so random and picky of words. True ring of wish always grants the wish as if it was intended, it will never go wrong. Only two rings were made in this entire world, one is owned by queen serenity of the moon kingdom, other was lost. Ring of wish we could buy for seven thousand platinum pennies, ring of greater wish is around seven thousand platinum marks…… ring of true wish is…….. Priceless."
Ranma walked around the compound. He found out that smaller building was a dojo and storage shed. 'They really don't live like nobles, I've seen peasants live in better house.' After getting bored of randomly walking around, he decides to practice his art.
Kasumi stood on the porch, watching Ranma's fluid motion. It seemed so much like a dance. He moved so gracefully, like stream of water, never stopping and continuing with the slow yet fluid motions. 'For some reason, I think I can trust him.' "Ranma Saotome, please save my mother."
Ranma stopped with his dance and took a deep breath. "And?"
Kasumi couldn't say it out loud, so she nods her head instead. Ranma walked over to her, putting his hands on her cheek, and gave her a genuine smile. Kasumi couldn't help but brush, Ranma was very handsome young man with deepest grey-blue eyes she had ever seen. Ranma lean forwards, kissing her passionately.
"Then it is settled." Ranma said breaking the kiss. "Go on, I'm sure you'll want to join in."
"Mother!" they both heard two feminine voice shout from the room. Kasumi ran towards her mother's room, opening the door with such force that it nearly broke off its singe. She didn't even notice Xian Pu being slammed by the door and into the wall.
"Why that" Xian Pu said heatedly, moving her long sleeve up her arm as if she was bout to fight her.
"Just forgive her this one time Xian Pu, after all, it is day worth celebrating. I have never seen her smile like that in our journey, relatively short journey, but still." Ranma put his hand on Xian Pu's shoulder, guiding her out of the room. "Come, let's leave them alone, I can't stand this melodramatic cry of joy stuff."
"Ranma, why you waste wish for them?" Xian Pu asked. "You could wish for better things, like world conquer."
Ranma smiled slightly at that. "I didn't waste a wish Xian Pu, by saving her mother, now Kasumi will follow us on our journey. Reason why wishes like world domination will not work is for the fact that some people have strong will. Or another group of faction could try and assassinate me and what not. Wish does not affect the will of people, great sages who created the rings made sure of that. That is why slave traders break the will of their slave by physical or mental beating."
"Aye ya, than how come some people's wish to marry others come true?"
"That is usually due to bewitchment, not by wish. Instead of changing the feelings of the other person, wish changes the wisher. So that wisher would be person of that other person's dream."
"So complicated, I didn't understand." Xian Pu said shaking her head.
"You will someday, here, read up on this book. Word by word, front and back side to side if you have to. We are going to begin your training to be sorceress."
"I can't allow that at all!" Soun shouted in outrage as Ranma and Kasumi readied them self for new journey.
Ranma narrowed his eyes, starring dagger at Soun. "You sold your daughter to me, old man. I paid fair price for it. Are you trying to break our deal?"
"No, just hear me out here." Soun said waving his hands around. "She is already engaged to the emperor, if she does not show up at the imperial throne in her wedding garb on her twentieth birthday, our family will be wiped out."
"Then, send one of your other daughters." Ranma said angrily.
"They already know what she looks like. Emperor him self choice her." Soun was now whispering.
"Fine, then I will take her to imperial throne on her birthday." Ranma said angrily walking off. Xian Pu followed suite while Kasumi hugged her mother.
"I'll miss you." She said.
"I'll miss you too." Her mother replied back. "Visit us anytime ok?"
"I will, I just hope our next visit will be more pleasant." Kasumi stated.
"You better hurry, or your master will leave you."
"Mother, now you are just teasing me. Ranma told me to take as long as I wished; I'm meeting him at the tavern just down the street from here."
"I still say he got ripped off, even I don't think you are worth seven thousand platinum pieces." She said jokingly
"Mother!" Kasumi shouted feigning shock. "Why you are absolutely right, ring of true wish is priceless artifact. So that means I'm worth more then million platinum pieces." With a snort, she walked out of the building, following after Ranma. "See you later Mother, I'll write when ever I can."
"You never told me you where engaged." Ranma said before he downed a tankard of ale.
"You never asked." Kasumi stated simply sipping on her drink.
"Oh well, we'll just stop by the castle. It's been a while since I was last there."
"I'm surprised they even let you into the castle." Kasumi said in surprise.
"Why wouldn't they?" Xian Pu asked. "He is war wizard, he can do anything."
"She keeps calling you war wizard, what is war wizard?" Kasumi asked.
"I'm no war wizard so it doesn't matter. But war wizard is type of wizard that can use all sides of magic. Light wizards are efficient with magic of light but can't use dark, dark wizards are efficient with magic of dark but can't use light, grey wizards can use both but only middle ground spells. War wizards can use them all and then some."
"And then some?" Kasumi looked up quizzed.
"Some ancient magic that is lost to mankind." Ranma stood up, putting some coins on the table. "We must get moving if we are to get you to the throne room within a year. I still hate that idea."
"Oh my, is that you Ranma san?" A beautiful woman in blue traveler's cloth asked as she walked up to the group. Following her closely behind was a man in black shirt and pants. She looked to be in her thirties and had uncanny resemblance to Kasumi.
"Belldandy?" Ranma said as he stood up, his mouth agape, staring at the woman in surprise. "Why I haven't seen you in years!" Ranma said as he hugged her. Holding her at the arm length, he stares at her forehead intently. Then looked at her companion. With a smirk Ranma stuck his hand out for a shake.
Man in black clothing also looked to be in his mid thirties. His hair was tied in pony tail. He clasped hands with Ranma. "It's been a while Ranma."
"Where are my manners. This is Kasumi and Xian Pu, my current companions. Everyone this is Belldandy and Keiichi, my old companion." Ranma said introducing everyone. Xian Pu simple stared at the two in shock. She wasn't elite Amazon for nothing.
"What are you guys doing here?" Ranma asked.
"We are currently looking for an artifact." Keiichi replied as they set around the table.
"It must be important if you are after it personally." Ranma said as he narrowed his eyes.
"I'm afraid it is Ranma san, this sector of galaxy's future depends on us succeeding this mission." Belldandy stated her cheery expression disappearing as she said this. Only to return once more when her tea arrived.
"If I may ask, what artifact?" Ranma asked.
"You probably know of it Ranma, It is counter part of stone you have."
Ranma stood up abruptly, slamming his hand on the table shattering it and roared. "WHAT THE HELL WAS QUEEN SERENITY DOING?"
Everyone in the tavern stared at Ranma, everyone knew of Queen Serenity. After all, she was the leader of lunar alliance.
Looking around the tavern, Ranma glared everyone down. Perhaps his clenched fist sizzling with electricity stopped everyone from retorting. Tossing some coin onto the counter, Ranma walked out of the tavern.
"Do you know who or what stole it?" Ranma asked once everyone was out side.
"We believe that the thief is at earth. All our clues so far lead to one of Earth's ruling houses."
"Let me guess, Queen Berry or King Diamond." Ranma said with a sigh.
"Err, actually, we think its King Darken." Keiichi stated with a sweat drop.
"Oh, in that case I'll help you." Ranma said cheerfully. "I have bone to pick with that man. Not to mention you will have to get King Endymion's permission to cross the bolder."
"I know, I'm just hoping Endymion is not helping Darken." Keiichi said with a sigh.
"Don't worry about that, Endymion's son Mamoru is madly in love with Usagi. Besides Darken and Endymion has been waging war against each other for forty years now." Ranma said with chuckle.
"By the way, do you want to use our old disguise?" Ranma asked looking at the group.
Kasumi and Xian Pu stared at each other, not knowing what was going on. "Hmm, how will it work with this two?"
"I think that is wonderful idea Ranma san, you are so cute in that form, it is absolutely adorable. Kasumi san can be your sister, and Xian Pu san can be…." She paused tapping her chin.
"Student." Xian Pu stated. "I am Master Ranma's student."
"Hmm, in that case, you can be Keiichi san's student." Belldandy said with a smile. Xian Pu only nodded in return.
"What are you talking about?" Kasumi asked clueless.
"What are you talking about, sister?" A child like voice asked behind Kasumi, making her turn around. She didn't see anyone until she looked down to find a child around age of five. He was very handsome child, showing great promises of his looks when he grew older. But currently his face was cute and adorable. His eyes showing innocence only child could have. Kasumi had to resist the urge to say "oh how cute."
"Wait… Ranma?" Kasumi asked looking surprised.
"Who else would it be sis?" Ranma said with his trade mark smirk. "Papa, do you still have the wagon?"
"Of course son, it's parked at the inn. We will leave at the crack of the dawn." Keiichi stated.
"Come on, it's time for bed." Belldandy said with a smile, holding Child Ranma hand and walking with him."
"Let's go or they will leave us behind." Keiichi said offering his arm to Kasumi.
Kasumi took his arm and said. "Let's go dad."
The wagon Ranma spoke of looked just like a fancy carriage. Small bench in the front allowed two people to sit rather comfortable. Ranma opened the door to the carriage and walked in, followed by Kasumi and Xian Pu. Belldandy and Keiichi decided to sit on the bench to steer the horses.
Xian Pu looked around in awe. As soon as she entered the door, she felt a tingling sensation. There was a house inside the carriage.
"How?" Xian Pu asked. Kasumi simply looked around in surprise. Not voicing anything.
"This is called pocket dimension." Ranma said walking into the house. Taking his shoes off near the door. "Come in and relax. If I remember correctly this place has three rooms and three bathrooms. One of them is for Keiichi and Belldandy, other one is my room and last room is for guest."
"Xian Pu can use the guest room. As for Kasumi, you can either share the room with me or Xian Pu."
In front of the door was the living room, size of thirty by thirty feet. Right of the living room is a door to the kitchen while left of the living room is three doors leading to their respective room. First door had a sign that read Ranma, second door sign read Kei+Bell, and third door sign read others.
"Would anyone like some tea?" Belldandy asked appearing from the kitchen, with treys of cups and kettle.
"Ye ye ye yes please." Xian Pu said as she stuttered her words out. She wasn't having much luck at hiding her nervousness. She reached for the cup, only to knock it over in her nervousness.
"Oh my, you should really relax a little." Belldandy stated as she pour the teas before walking back into the kitchen.
Xian Pu seemed to calm down a bit as she picked up her tea.
"Is anything wrong Xian Pu? I never knew you could get so … scared." Kasumi asked, setting her twin Katanas to her right.
Xian Pu stared at Kasumi incredulously. "You don't know who she is?"
"No, should I?" Kasumi asked raising her eyebrow. "I know of most nobles' faces, she isn't one of them. I'm pretty sure I would recognize anyone that looks so much like my self if they were in some types of book or another."
"She is" Xian Pu stopped abruptly.
"Why don't you relax Xian Pu?" Ranma asked. "We have long days ahead of us. Not to mention what they are after is probably most important artifact in Lunar. Besides, Belldandy doesn't bite, she might mother you a bit but she doesn't bite."
Kasumi decided to check out the kitchen, only to find Belldandy missing. "That's odd."
"What's odd?" Ranma asked from the living room.
"Belldandy isn't here." Kasumi stated looking in the oven to find freshly baked cookies.
"She probably went to see how Keiichi is doing, they are near inseparable." Ranma said with a shrug. "By the way, could you grab some cookies in the over for us?"
"Are you sure we can have them?" Kasumi asked. "I wouldn't want to intrude.
"Don't worry about it. By the way, now that we are traveling with Keiichi, would you like to train a little?"
"Train? What kind of training?" Kasumi asked.
"Fighting of course, we can travel around certain runes and caves and what not. Keiichi has this sphere that allows us to travel there in blink of an eye you see. After training we can just teleport back here."
"I see that those make it rather convenient." Kasumi said as she set trey of cookies down on the table.
"Yea, it really does." Ranma said with a smirk. "Shall we?" With that, bright white light engulfed the group. When the light faded, they were no where to be seen.
Two guards stood in front of the iron gates of cemetery, looking around impassively. Guard duty was usually boring, all they ever did is stand around and not let anyone but priests to enter the cemetery. Not that any locals would ever want to go in there.
They were caught surprised when brilliant white light suddenly pop into existence before them. Gawking at the light in complete surprise until their wit returned. One of the guards drew his sword and shield, standing in defensive stance. While other stood in offensive stance with out a shield.
Light slowly begin to fade, revealing three figure standing before them. Two women and one man.
Ranma looked around his surrounding, making sure they were at right place. "Is high priest here?"
"He is not here." One with out the shield replied.
"Oh do put that away, it is rather annoying talking to someone when they are holding a pointy object in front of my face." Ranma stated rather casually.
Kasumi and Xian Pu seemed to snap out of sudden change in scenery. Noticing the guards for first time, they stiffened their body, ready to spring into action.