Untitled Document

Splitting Heirs
By Jeffrey Vasquez

Disclaimer:

All characters portrayed in this story are owned by their respective
creators and companies. All others belong to me.

********

There are certain sounds that send terror racing through the soul: the
proximity alarm of a submarine with a hull breach, the scream of a nuclear
weapon falling from the heavens, or even the whistling charge of a Tutherian
anti-matter device.

All of these would have been preferable to Washuu, in place of this specific
alarm that she had set against her mortal nemesis. Then again, anything
that heralded the apocalypse of every being within ten galaxies would have
that effect on a person; wouldn't it.

Despite the impending doom, the crimson haired genius walked at a sedate
pace. More intriguing yet was the fact that she was wearing a smile on her
face. The gesture could have been from the fact that Washuu was fully
confident in her abilities to fend off the disaster, or it could have been
from the image of her hands around Mihoshi's neck.
Either way, this was Washuu, so what did it matter?

*****
Splitting Heirs
Chapter Five

*****

Mihoshi, and the small black piglet at her side, punched, pulled, and,
twisted every button in sight; hoping beyond hope that one of their frantic
actions would stave off the inevitable. Both wept openly at the avid
display of galactic destruction that a small, holographic Washuu was
illustrating on the floating screen in front of them.

True, they couldn't understand a word the chibi-cartoon was saying; but the
very life like animation of a galaxy of stars collapsing in on itself made
the lesson very clear.

Mihoshi had experienced being sucked into a black hole before; while it had
demonstrated to her that Tenchi really did care for her, she was very
reluctant to repeat such a scary encounter again.

Ryouga, who had never come anywhere near the thought of total oblivion in
his life, rightfully began to panic. This of course involved massive amounts
of destruction as he desperately sought for a way to stop the looming doom.

Washuu's Gravometric Spatial Accelerator never stood a chance. It quickly
fell in line with the Quantum Flux Balancer, on the soon to be deceased
list.

When she finally arrived on the scene, Washuu was amazed that the giant
machines actually seemed to be in one piece. A quaking mass of twisted
metal ten stories tall, yes, but it still looked functional to some degree.

Of course this whole image was shattered when the GSA promptly shuddered and
imploded soundlessly. The QFB on the other hand went the opposite route,
exploding outwards at the exact instant that the GSA imploded.

Time itself seemed to freeze and slowly start up again in slow motion, as
too very different event horizons formed in opposition of each other. Time
and space literally mingled, and for a brief instant, something akin to a
mini-universe was born.

Washuu yawned. Been there. Done that.

The mini-universe began to slowly break down as time began to accelerate
again. The red headed scientist was tempted to let Bubble Head get sucked
into the baby black hole that was forming, if for no other reason than to
teach her a lesson. She could always retrieve her later.right?

Washuu shook her head once and sighed. Time began to distort, and everything
seemed to stretch as the tiny black hole began to extend outwards. Mihoshi
screamed and Ryoga squealed, but the sound became drawn out as well through
the time distortion. One note seemed to last forever.

Strangely though, Washuu seemed unaffected by any of the disastrous effects.

There wasn't enough time to wait for the blonde to get pulled into a
time/space rip, not and save everyone else while she was at it. Besides,
Pig Boy was there, hanging by the seat of Mihoshi's pants no less, and he
hardly deserved such punishment. He had only trespassed after all, and
accidentally at that.

No, she would have to be satisfied with the leverage of saving Mihoshi's
life; it might be enough to keep her out of the lab for a week at least.
More than enough time to research a new security system. Washuu began
laughing maniacally, fortunately for everyone present all of the sound in
the room was being distorted and drug into the ever-growing hole that the
GSA and the QFB had occupied.

******

The house shuddered once, to everyone's great discomfort.well, everyone
except Kasumi that was.she was still thinking about the Gingerbread Men.
Tenchi stood, layered in as much goo from the monster as his cousin had
been, and walked over to where Ryoko and Ayeka were laying.

Careful examination of the pair relieved his tension, especially when they
started growling at each other. He lingered by them for just a moment
before moving over to where Akane stood. The destruction of the culinary
monstrosity seemed totally anti-climactic, yet the unfolding drama between
Ranma and his fiancée held a certain appeal for Tenchi.

Ranma seemed so much better with women than Tenchi.well, bolder at least.
Tenchi hoped that he might be able to pick up some pointers from the brash
young man. The fact that Ranma had stood up for himself was inspiring.
Tenchi had always wanted to do something like that, to take control of his
life back from all the insanity around him, but he knew that someone was
going to get terribly hurt if he did.

Maybe someday, he would find a way to find the peace that he yearned for;
without having to pay the high cost that was associated with his dream.

The lingering smell of the Jell-O monster dampened that notion however.
Somehow, he knew that his problems would loiter very much like this stench.

"I'm going to get cleaned up." He said finally, feeling the weight of the
world on his shoulders.

Ryoko brightened immediately and made a beeline for Washuu's lab. If she
could somehow convince her egocentric mother to make the bath more communal,
then she would be that much closer to her goal.

Her mind wrapped around the idea of burying her prissy rival under the
mountain of love that she would give Tenchi. She lost herself in a little
fantasy involving her would -be lover, never realizing that her forward
momentum had ceased.

A very incensed Ayeka, who could readily read her rival's drooling
intentions, clung resolutely to the back of Ryoko's dress. There was no way
in Hell that she was going to let this.this.succubus near her Tenchi!

Had either woman been paying attention, they would have seen Misaki's eyes
sparkle with joy. For Ayeka, the signs would have been clear; and even
Ryoko would have realized that something unhealthy was playing out in the
Queen's sparkling eyes.

Misaki's high-pitched squeal was more than enough to get everyone's
attention; including the comatose Ranma, who bolted to his feet and into a
fighting stance even before his eyes opened again. Ryoko and Ayeka found
themselves clutching each other in abject terror as the blue haired queen
wrapped each in an enthusiastic hug.

"Oooooh! A bath sounds delightful!" Both women paled at the implications,
and did their best to break free of the woman's iron grip. Misaki's eyes
were so teary that she barely registered the frantic struggling of her
captives. "I haven't bathed with my babies in sooooo long!"

Ayeka nearly fainted in mortification as Misaki produced her favorite
childhood bath toy presenting it for all to see. The long necked violet
swan was rather cute with its large rolling eyes and goofy smile.

Ryoko would have laughed, had she not known the terrible consequence
involved.

**************
Emperor's flagship
Orbiting Earth

"Detective First Class, Kiyone Makibi reporting for duty. Sir!" Kiyone
saluted crisply before the Juraian Grand Admiral. She had never been on the
bridge of the Emperor's ship, Ashigi, and felt more than a little
overwhelmed.

"At ease Detective." Grand Admiral Obeyimi saluted absently, motioning for
the young teal haired woman to sit across from him. "Tea?"

Kiyone nodded thankfully and melted into the soft cushions.

"How was your trip." The Grand Admiral asked politely.

"Faster than I expected." Kiyone admitted, accepting the tea a staff member
poured for her. "The Academy's new Fold Drive is amazing. Akubi made the
trip in a matter of minutes."

The Grand Admiral nodded quietly, trying to hide the frown that would voice
his displeasure. Every time technology like this was achieved, someone
ended up abusing it; leaving people like him to have to clean up the
aftermath.

"I am pleased that you were able to arrive so quickly, Detective. I will
assume that you have read the initial briefing?" Kiyone nodded, allowing
her face to settle into her business mask. She liked the Grand Admiral's
style: brief pleasantries, then straight to business.

"Good. Good. Now then, I would like you to ignore everything that you
read."

The Detective's eyes bugged, before she was able to control herself. The
light of Hope blossomed fully in her eyes as she looked at the Grand
Admiral.

"You mean, that I won't." She choked up with emotion at the thought of a
dream come true. ".I won't be assigned to that.that Menace?"

The Grand Admiral winced and coughed once into his fist.

"I am truly sorry Makibi-san. That is the only part of the assignment that
remains in effect." Kiyone slumped as the fires of Hope were gutted.
"However, you and your new partner will be receiving a promotion."

The Grand Admiral was glad to see that this assuaged Kiyone's broken spirit
some. She lifted her tea to her lips and sipped, obviously trying to
prepare herself for whatever charity that the powers that be had tossed her.
The Grand Admiral smirked knowingly.

"But once you accept, there will be no turning back. Do you accept?" He was
pleased that she nodded without hesitation. He nodded, pleased with her
decision. "Welcome to the Royal Guard's Special Forces." Kiyone did what
any normal person would do; she sprayed her tea all over the Grand Admiral.

"I'm so sorry Admiral!" She immediately grabbed a napkin and began cleaning
the liquid from his face.

"Quite alright Detective. Quite alright." The Grand Admiral smiled wanly and
fought off her attempts to mop his face. He had expected something like
this to happen. Anyone that had been Mihoshi's partner for that long, had
to come away scarred.

Soon, the mess was removed, and the Grand Admiral settled. Kiyone however
was puzzling over the new assignment trying to make sense of it. Obeyimi
watched the woman fitting the pieces together, but unable to come to any
logical conclusion. She finally looked up at the Grand Admiral and sighed.

"I'm honored Grand Admiral for the appointment, but I have to ask: why me?
The Royal Guard is strictly a Juraian outfit, and I am not Juraian. Neither
is Mihoshi for that matter."

Obeyimi nodded and motioned for her to be silent. He looked around him and
motioned for her to stand. "Walk with me."

Kiyone followed the Grand Admiral's lead and soon the pair found themselves
on the Grand Admiral's ship, Myun. The lavish organic surroundings were
nothing in comparison to the Emperor's ship, but Kiyone still felt a little
uncomfortable.

"Please detective." Obeyimi motioned for his guest to seat herself in the
comfortable couch across from him.

"Thank you." She said absently as she sat on the edge of the couch.
"Permission to speak freely sir?" He nodded his consent. "Is security so
bad?"

"Times such as these are never easy Detective." Obeyimi frowned and sighed.
"Since the Council read a certain report filed by your partner, Jurai has
never been the same."

"Report sir?" Kiyone was confused. She thought that she had read all of
Mihoshi's current reports. It had been mind numbing, but Kiyone hadn't read
anything out of the ordinary.

The Grand Admiral stood turned himself slightly away from Kiyone. "Myun,
please display Lord Tenchi's battle with Kagato."

Kiyone frowned at the mention of "Lord Tenchi". She hadn't heard of anyone
in court by that name, let alone his name in Mihoshi's report about the
Kagato incident. A large movie began playing itself out with characters
that weren't familiar to her. It was a magnificent battle, and remarkably
one sided. Kagato had the upper hand, and when all had been lost.Kiyone's
eyes bugged.

"No way!"

"That's exactly what I said." The Admiral said. "The boy was totally cut
off from Tsunami, and yet he created the Light Hawk Wings." Kiyone could
only boggle as the boy on the screen won the duel, and apparently instantly
regenerated a fatal wound. The fact that the Souja had been cut in twain
wasn't lost on her. She sank back into the couch and put her hand to her
head.

"What's this all got to do with me?" She said hoarsely.

Obeyimi smiled as he returned to his seat. "I've been authorized to tell
you this, but you must understand that it cannot leave this room." Kiyone
nodded and sat forward again.

"The Lady Funaho has received various reports that a coup is being staged."
The former Galaxy Police Operative cursed under her breath. "Most of the
information is hearsay, but when you put enough information together it soon
becomes a cohesive whole."

"How many people know?" She asked.

"Five. You, myself, the Emperor, and his wives." The Admiral said gravely.
Kiyone again wondered why she had been assigned to this detail; and, as if
he had read her mind, Obeyimi smiled. "You've had an exemplary career to
date Detective. And with your familiarity with Detective Kuramitsu's
operating procedure will make you a valuable asset to this assignment."

Kiyone grimaced, as if a bad taste had entered her mouth. "And just what is
this assignment?" Her tone couldn't hide the displeasure she felt, just as
her body couldn't help but shiver at the serious look that the Admiral gave
her.

"To guard Lord Tenchi, the Crown Prince of Jurai."

Kiyone felt a faint tremor of fear pass through her. What in the world was
she going to protect a kid that could generate his own Light Hawk Wings
from? Somehow, she had the intense feeling that it was Mihoshi..

**************
The Dimensional Baths
Masaki home

"I must say Yosho, I'm impressed."

If there was one thing that the former Crown Prince of Jurai had not been
expecting, it was the honest approval in his father's voice.

"Father?"

"Ranma." Azusa said simply. "The boy's a formidable warrior, in spite of
your neglect." Yosho frowned but allowed himself to sink into the warm
water a little further, rather than rise to the veiled insult. Azusa wasn't
intent on being so passive. "Why haven't you taught him yet?"

"There was no need." Yosho said calmly. "Tenchi was the one bearing the
burden of honor, and I felt it best to let Ranma live his own life."

Azusa snorted. "Some life."

Yosho looked ashamed but hid it behind a thoughtful mask.

"Indeed. It made him what he is today." Yosho said pointedly, effectively
dousing his father's steam. For a long time the pair refused to speak at
all, until finally Azusa broke the silence.

"Why Tenchi?"

Yosho shrugged. "Convenience I suppose. Nodoka and I did not part well;
seeing Ranma was difficult at best." The silence dragged on longer this
time around. "Why do you hate the boy so much?" Yosho finally asked.

Azusa mimicked his son's gesture. "Convenience I suppose." He smirked at
his son, and then laid a warm cloth over his eyes. "He wasn't you. He was a
child that I'd never met, who was more powerful than any king in the history
of Jurai. How would you react?"

Yosho could only look at his father in shock. Never had he dared to admit
so much. It stunned the former Crown Prince; so much so, that the pair
simply sat in uncomfortable silence.

**************
Washuu's lab

"Well Bubblehead, it looks like your fat's out of the fire." Washuu turned
to regard the blonde haired wonder, only to find that the flighty menace had
disappeared along with the little black pig. A sudden fear gripped her
heart, as she thought about Mihoshi loose in the rest of the lab.

"Computer track Ryouga's bio-signature." The red haired genius walked
calmly through the fantastic lab.

[Unable to comply Washuu-chan. Anomalous bio-signature associated to life
form designate: Ryouga, is no longer present within the confines of the
laboratory.]

Washuu tapped her lips and smiled, intrigued. "Scan the house and grounds
please."

[Anomalous bio-signature associated to life form designate: Ryouga, is no
longer present within the confines of the house proper, or the surrounding
grounds.]

"Hmmm. Twenty five mile radius on the scan, and nothing turns up.." Washuu
was thoroughly intrigued now. Could the kid have teleported? Unlikely.
Could Mihoshi have teleported? Washuu didn't think that Mihoshi had the
technology to teleport that far.

Yukinojo was at the bottom of the lake again, affecting repairs.and Ryouga
would have been picked up on the scan at that close of range..

"Full cycle scan please. Inform me when you have a match."

[Yes, Washuu-chan.]

Poor Ryouga. Washuu clapped her hands together and said a prayer for the
kid. Knowing the Galaxy Police operative the way she did, Washuu knew that
the boy was going to need all the help he could get.

No sense in crying over spilt milk. She had guests to attend to.

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

Ukuyo tried her best not to cry. Really. But when a loud speaker starts
blaring "Mihoshi you idiot!", in a tone that is anything but comforting; you
start to worry. When a screen appears above your head and starts to
illustrate just how you were going to die.coupled with a rapid countdown to
said death..

Well, Shampoo herself had broken down and started crying. Not that the
Amazon turned cat would ever admit it.but hey, it happened.

"Hi there!" A cute voice said cheerily. "How are you feeling?" Ukyo's
eyes bugged as Washuu's face suddenly appeared in her restricted vision.
She bucked against the restraints, in a frantic attempt to free herself, but
was unable to budge her bonds.

"Pretty scary, huh?" The scientist asked as a holoterminal appeared.
Shampoo meowed indifferently, but Ukyo could only quiver with fear. "Well,
nothing to worry about. The danger's all in the past now."

From the looks that Ukyo and Shampoo shared, neither felt that this was
true. Washuu pressed some buttons on her terminal, and Ukyo's bonds
disappeared.

"There you go! All better!" Washuu said cheerily.

The okonomiyaki chef could only blink; for fear that this was a dream. More
buttons were typed, and Shampoo's little prison disappeared; then the small
purple cat was virtually drowned by a deluge of hot water.

"Aiya!" The purple haired Amazon grew to her normal proportions, naked but
grateful to be free and mobile again.

"Feeling better?" Washuu asked with a grin. Shampoo nodded, yet couldn't
help but shiver. Her host took one look at the sorry looking pair and
tapped another key on her terminal, producing two piles of clothing and a
pair of buckets filled with bathing accessories.

Ukyo finally mustered the strength and courage to speak. "Wh.why are you
being so nice to us?"

Washuu looked at her and shrugged. "I tried being nice from the start, but
someone had a potty mouth and wouldn't listen to reason." The chef bristled
but found the restraint to keep her mouth shut. "Everything else was
routine. I can't have foreign germs running amuck in my lab." She paused
to tap her lips thoughtfully.

"The last time that happened, a whole star system was wiped out. Mutant
viruses are fun only so long as they're controllable." She winked at
Shampoo and smiled roguishly. "Especially when they turn someone's skin
blue, and can tattoo 'I love Washuu-chan' across someone's butt!" There
were members of the Royal Academy that still hadn't figured out how to
remove the sentimental graffiti from their posteriors.

Shampoo grimaced, and swallowed.

"Now then, do you guys want to get cleaned up or not?" The pair started to
follow their guide up a large, sloping ramp that opened up to be a wide
balcony over looking an immense botanical garden.

"It's beautiful." Ukyo said in awe. Shampoo could only nod her head.

"Thanks." Washuu said, preening herself.

"Hey! Where Pig-boy?" Shampoo asked when she finally noticed that the Lost
Boy was missing.

Washuu shrugged. "Last I saw of him, he was with the Bubblehead. From
there, I can only guess." Ukyo shrugged, and stared down at the garden
longingly. Shampoo's reaction was much the same, only less concerned. The
scientist noted that this news neither unsettled nor surprised her guests.

"Well, come on. The bath's likely to be crowded tonight, and if we don't
hurry Ryoko will drink all the booze."
Shampoo watched the red head walk away, and immediately grabbed Ukyo's arm.
There was no way that she was going to be stuck with this woman alone. No
way in Hell!

**************
Thystys, Port of Kings
Jurai

Admiral Tozin debarked from the Johei amongst his retinue and moved forward
towards the quay. His magnificent ship dwarfed the small cruisers that lay
docked around it. It was a sight that filled him with pride, and sorrow as
he moved away from the jetty and into the main thoroughfares of Thystys.

Come this time next week, Johei would be dead along with the rest of the
Juraian fleet; and with that fleet, so too would fall the Royal trash that
had ruined Jurai. Tozin smiled grimly as he entered his favorite
restaurant. He scanned the crowd until he found his unwitting operative,
seated of all places at the Admiral's customary table.

The fool.

The Admiral watched as a waitress calmly addressed the man. Empty bottles
were strewn everywhere in front of him, and clattered noisily as he jostled
the table. Tozin had to admit that he appreciated the show that the man was
putting on; it made everything so much easier.

The man at the table roared incoherently and stood drunkenly, sending
bottles in every direction. People, alien and otherwise turned to regard
the scene with mixed interest. The poor waitress squealed, but to her
credit held her ground. It was time for Tozin to take the matter in hand.

"Is there a problem Kei?" His deep voice was quiet and controlled, but it
managed to cut through the drunk's rage quick enough. The waitress bit her
lip in frustration and curtsied to the Admiral.

"I'm terribly sorry Admiral." She said, bobbing again. "I tried moving him
but he insisted that it would be alright with you."

"Not to worry Kei. I know the man from Court. Bring me my usual and
something stiff enough to clear Lord Segota's head here." Tozin smiled at
the young woman with what little warmth that he could muster before sending
her away.

"I like my h.head thish way." Segota slurred.

"Then, dear old friend, if you wish to keep it I would suggest that you sit
down and shut up." Tozin growled under his breath. Segota fell sloppily
into his chair, whether by designed obedience or simply spirit-induced
vertigo, Tozin didn't know.

"The ol'bashtard had a dreem Tozhin." Segota said moodily. His voice was
hushed and filled with shame. "Shaid tha' I be.betrayed Jhurai."

Tozin frowned and laced his fingers in front of his mouth.

"Have you?" He asked softly.

"NEVER!" Segota cried as he shakily took to his feet. A hundred pair of
eyes turned on him and the former son of Gotan quieted self-consciously.
"Never!" He hissed as he sat down again.

"The why the drama?"

Segota fell into a deep silence; a look of utter defeat filled his eyes.

"Why Tozhin? Why'd you take the virus?"

Tozin felt something akin to fear well in his heart.

"What are you implying Segota?" The Admiral's eyes narrowed meaningfully.
"Are you accusing me of theft?"

Segota reached across the table and grabbed the Admiral's shirt. "Don' toy
wi' me Tozin! You were th' only other person tha' knew 'bout the virus! Now
tell me wha' you did wi' it!"

Tozin's steepled hands didn't move, but a smile did grow on his face in
spite of Segota's foul breath. With a headiness that he hadn't felt in
years, the Admiral answered the scientist's question.

"I'm giving it to Tsunami dear boy."

Segota's face drained of color, but his body reacted to a sudden welling of
rage. Tozin went flying as Segota called upon his royal heritage. Energy
danced around him angrily as he rounded on the fallen foe.

He was given no opportunity to follow through with the rest of his attack
though, as the Guard made themselves known. They rushed him, forcing him to
lash out viciously as he made good his escape through the kitchen.

Tozin frowned and wiped the blood from his lip. A loose end was dangling,
but if Tozin had his way, then Segota was as good as dead. The guards
helped the Admiral to his feet, and helped clean him off.

"If what the man confessed was true, then Lord Segota has committed a great
act of terrorism against Jurai Captain. Worse than the Pirate's raid! I
want him arrested and brought before a tribunal before the night is out to
determine the veracity of his claim.

The Captain saluted crisply and pushed out onto the street. Tozin smiled to
himself knowingly.

Phase one and two; complete. Time to move forward with the next step.

**************
The Baths
Misaki Home

"Scrubby! Scrubby! With all my lovey!" Misaki's cheerful, sweet, voice
echoed throughout the floating baths causing four of the women to grit their
teeth and regret their decisions to join in on "the fun". Nabiki
especially. This was one of those "never do again.ever.no matter how much
they try to pay you!" moments.

Poor Ayeka had to giggle inanely as her mother thoroughly scrubbed her hair.
The look on her face was flat and lifeless though, despite the veneer of
happiness that her she voiced. Sasami on the other hand, winced, dreading
her turn to be tended to. Ryoko just looked ill.

Akane wasn't sure how to react. She had snickered once, but the frantic and
terribly fearful look that Ryoko had thrown her, silenced the humor
instantly. So here she was, soaking in the mammoth.pool, and trying to get
a handle on the surreal turn that her life had taken.

She had to smile at that.

Ranma had done it to her again. Just when she had gotten used to the status
quo, he had to go and change all the rules again. He wasn't Ranma the
Uber-annoying Martial Artist any more; now he was Ranma the Alien Prince.and
her "fiancée" to boot. Did that make her a princess?

She supposed it did at that. Go figure. How many would-be princes had
kidnapped her? Only to find out that the rough and tumble Jerk that she had
been saddled with was a prince all along. Prince Charming.under her nose
all along!

The irony made her want to chuckle.

Now if the Putz would only act like a prince, everything would be perfect.
Her earlier confrontation with Ranma drifted through her mind as she soaked
in the much-needed warmth. She could see how and where things had gone
wrong, but she couldn't see how she could have approached the situation
differently.

"How are you feeling Akane-chan?" Funaho's voice cut through Misaki's
caterwauling surprisingly well. Akane lifted her eyes up to meet the gaze
of the First Queen of Jurai.

"I'm fine your Majesty." Akane said, hurriedly composing herself in what
she hoped was proper decorum. She'd never bathed with a Queen before.

"Please, Akane. You may call me Funaho when we are not in the public eye."
Funaho smiled warmly as Akane relaxed. "You are thinking about Ranma, aren'
t you?" The question was more of a statement.

"I guess." Akane said self-consciously.

"He frustrates you."

Akane couldn't help but laugh in response to the question, drawing the
attention of everyone in the room.

"And yet," Funaho continued. "You cannot help but love him."

The youngest Tendo blinked at the statement, and then she started to fidget
uncomfortably. There was no escaping the pointed statement, or the truth
for that matter. Akane knew from the heat her face was giving off that her
answer was already plastered on her face.

She just wished that everyone would stop staring at her.

"Well?" Ryoko's crass voice broke through the uncomfortable silence,
demanding a response.

"Mind your business monster woman." Ayeka, bless her heart, came to Akane's
defense. "Lady Akane's love life is no concern of yours!"

"What love life?" Ryoko ribbed. "From what I saw, lover boy wanted nothing
to do with 'Red' here. Who'd want to be nagged to death anyway?"

Akane looked up at Ryoko in shock, and not for the first time felt her heart
clench in fear. She was right after all. Who in their right mind would want
to be nagged? Akane's face fell as she started to realize what she had been
doing to Ranma.

"That is quite enough Ryoko!" Ayeka shouted, slipping out of her mother's
grasp.

"Hey! Ease off Princess! I'm just making an observation." There was no
way that the former Space Pirate was going to pick a fight with Misaki in
the room.

"As if you were one to be giving advice!" Ayeka sneered.

"Like you ever could! At least I've made it to Tenchi's bed!" Ryoko
countered. Every ear seemed to wiggle in anticipation of hearing more
details.

"You threw yourself on him when he woke up you slut!"

"At least I'm not afraid to make a move!"

Sparks were literally flying, causing a great deal of concern for those that
were in the water. Ayeka and Ryoko were tossing insults back and forth
so liberally, that no one noticed a tearful Akane start towards the other end
of the pool. Nor did they notice that the door had admitted a very naked,
and very confused...male Ranma.

Well, one person noticed.

"Ranma!" Nodoka's elated voice cut through the noise, silencing the
escalating battle. She had never hoped that he would be so bold as this!
Her son was such a manly man!

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

Ranma blinked in shock and tried to cover himself with his wash bucket.

Everywhere that he looked, there was another naked body. He tried to step
back and open the door, but for some reason it wouldn't open. Fear settled
in the pit of his stomach as he caught sight of Ayeka and Ryoko glaring at
him.or was angry leering more appropriate?

He started kicking the door, hoping to break through the barrier and run to
safety.

He looked back and noticed Nabiki lick her lips. Oh, crap! The last time
that he'd seen that look was when the economics club had told Nabiki that
she was a two-bit fleece. She'd taught them proper respect, and it had only
cost them two years of service and one year of allowance. Ranma had a
feeling that this was going to cost him a whole lot more than he could pay.

He whimpered as Kasumi scowled at him. She would make him eat Akane's
cooking! He just knew it! But the one thing that made Ranma want to cry
was the cold, neutral look in Akane's eyes. Had she been crying? That was
the worst. It wasn't his fault that she was half way out of the bath! It
wasn't his fault! He had gone in the right door! It had plainly said "Men"
. He had read the freaking sign three times!

Oh, he was sooo dead! She was going to pound him!

Why him? Why did this always happen to him?

Damnit! He had gone through the right door!

Providence seemed to smile on the poor fool, as the door opened. Escape was
a step away and Ranma acted quickly to take it. Unfortunately, as the
frantic martial artist tried to make good on his getaway, he collided with
three women coming into the bath.

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

Akane planted her face in her hand as Ranma collided with Washuu and two
shadowy figures. The result was rather dynamic as the bodies rolled further
into the bath, rather than out of it. Towels and bathing supplies were
thrown about wildly as poor Ranma did his best to escape the inevitable.

She had seen the look of confusion on his face, and could see the mistake
was genuine. She watched the rolling figures edging closer to the warm pool
of water, and decided that she might as well help drag his carcass out of
here when everyone inevitably beat the tar out of him.

"Jackass! Watch where you're grabbing!" Akane jolted when she heard that
familiar, yet unwelcome voice.

"Aiya! Pervert no touch there!" The second angry voice made Akane wince.

"Oh! Ranma!" Washuu squealed. "You naughty boy!"

The room seemed to halt as the knot of rolling bodies stopped at the edge of
the bath. Akane growled, as all three young women seemed to dominate a
whimpering Ranma. Everyone seemed to be naked as the day that they were
born.

Shampoo cried out her joy and glomped the object of her affection, earning
her a solid hit from Ukyo that sent her flying into the main bath with a
loud splash. Her desperate teary-eyed face took Akane back for a moment, as
Ukyo smothered Ranma with kisses, thanking him for coming to her rescue.

But the youngest Tendo began to glow visibly as Ukyo gave Ranma a rather
lengthy.award-winning kiss. Washuu and the others sensed the danger and
somehow managed to huddle together at the far end of the pool.even Ryoko.

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

Ukyo was in heaven! Her Ranma had come to save her from that wicked mad
scientist! He was naked, which was a curious bonus that made the
okonomiyaki chef wonder if this was all some surreal dream.

Which made a certain amount of sense. Washuu was just too unreal to be
real. Even after everything that Ukyo had seen in her life. And if this
was a dream then she could indulge herself a little right? Mmmmm. Yes. She
could almost feel Ranma's heart beating faster as she kissed him.

Wait a minute! She could feel his heart beating faster! Ukyo's eyes flared
opened, and took in Ranma's catatonic.yet strangely blissful stare. He was
really here! It wasn't a dream! A little squeal of pleasure sounded from
her lip lock with Ranma, as she re-doubled her efforts. The cold shadow
that fell over her suddenly changed the heavenly dream into a living
nightmare.

Ukyo reluctantly came up for air and looked at the hazy blue aura that
surrounded Akane and almost begged for mercy. Almost but not quite.
Instead, she wrapped her arms around Ranma possessively, clutching him like
a life preserver.

Akane mouthed one word that sent shivers down the chef's spine.

"Mine."

**************
Emperor's flagship
Orbiting Earth

Knohet emerged from the Galaxy Police shuttle, in the form of a harmless
gas. He had finally made it to his destination unchallenged, and in a few
hours time Azusa would be dead and Washuu would be on her way to Tokimi.

The gaseous cloud began to solidify, becoming a small insect that could
easily slip unnoticed into a transport beam. All that the megamorph had to
do was wait for someone to transport down to the planet.

And if they didn't.he would send himself.

**************
The Baths
Masaki Shrine

The men's bath seemed to rock with a tremendous blow, causing Tenchi to fall
off the small stool where he was soaping himself. Smaller explosions seemed
to happen in rapid succession, making the water of the bath splash over the
rim of the pool.

He looked to his grandfathers as he scrambled for his towel, and noted wryly
that both were staring at something near the door. Tenchi tracked their
gaze and found himself looking at a very nubile, and very naked young woman
with red hair.

She had heavy bruises decorating her body, and her fiery red hair was
definitely smoking. Most surprising of all were the many slap marks layered
on her face. Tenchi clutched his nose to stem the flow of blood that
threatened to come.

Ranma-chan slowly turned to face the leering faces of her grandfathers.
Tenchi shivered and tried to look away without blushing too much. Such a
small act, but one that saved him a world of hurt in the long run.

If only Yosho hadn't asked Ranma for a date, then the bath may have
survived.

**************
Dawn
Masaki home

The night passed uneventfully for all involved, save for the small, yet
explosive altercation in the men's side of the onsen. Ranma took exception
to being oogled by a bunch of dirty old men, and had made that point very
clear.

It had been a long time since Azusa had been on the receiving end of
anything remotely painful, and his respect for his grandson's.er, daughter'
s.uh, person's prowess went up another notch.

"He's something isn't he?" Funaho's soft voice drifted to Azusa's ears on a
gentle breeze. The scent of Hymeron tea followed soon after.

"Hmmm." The Emperor nodded, looking out over the quiet lake, from his seat
on the dock. The herbal pack on his eye was doing wonders for the swelling,
but the black eye was going to be there for a while; unless of course he
braved going back to his ship. The thought of trying to explain this to the
Royal Physician was enough to help Azua endure the bruise.

"I was hoping that he would truly manifest, instead of just tapping the
well." The King of Juari looked at his wife askance, and realized that she
wasn't joking! "Everything happens in it's own time I suppose. Still, I
was sure that Washuu was going to have an episode then and there. She kept
going on and on about the boy's readings, and cursing that her bath would
need to be rebuilt."

The smile in her voice belied the tension that they both felt. She settled
down beside her husband and set the tea service down next to her, then
poured her husband a cup. "The poor woman didn't know whether to hug Ranma
or spank him."

"It was just energy, Funaho." Azusa said grumpily. "There's nothing to say
that Ranma will turn out to be like Tenchi." He sighed as he took the cup
and inhaled the rich scent, allowing it to easy the tension from his
shoulders.

"The fact that the boy is focusing such high concentrations of energy,
without the need for a focus means." She started enthusiastically.

"Nothing." Azusa cut his wife off, earning him a cross glance. "For all we
know it could be something else entirely, an energy form unique to this
planet. The youngest Tendo girl displays an incredible amount of energy."
Azusa was intent on proving his wife wrong. He knew that she was right, but
couldn't bring himself to accept it.

And for the life of him, he couldn't understand why.

"So test him." Funaho said coolly. "It's obvious that you like the boy.
Take him up to the ship and get him away from the planet. Bond." she made an
idle gesture with her free hand. "Or whatever you want to call it."

"We just met the boy. Don't you think that it's a bit soon for all of
that?" He sipped his tea again, leaning his head against one of the dock
posts. "He's just learned of his heritage, and after the display that he
showed last night with the Tendo girl." Funaho was silent for a time,
watching the dancing waves play across the lake's surface.

"Good heavens man! The boy is a younger version of you all over again!" She
said in exasperation. "It's like watching Misaki and I all over again. And
like it or not Ayeka and Ryoko treat Tenchi the same way. You make excuses
for not supporting Tenchi on the throne, and now you flounder with Ranma."
Funaho sighed and looked out over the lake, trying to calm her frustration.
"Make up your mind."

Azusa actually chuckled. "They're both have my irresistible charm don't
they?"

Funaho snorted and then fell silent. The sound of a cricket sounded nearby
breaking the tenuous peace.

"Auspicious is it not?" She said at last. Azusa looked at his wife from
the corner of his eye.

"How so?" He knew where she was taking this, and tried his best to act
ignorant; out of sight, out of mind.that was the best attitude to adopt now.

She leveled him with a look that immediately set him on edge. "We have two
young men, both in direct line for the throne now that Yosho has abdicated.
One can generate the Wings of the Light Hawk, and the other could
potentially be just as powerful. The timing is terribly suspect."

By the blank look on her husband's face, Funaho knew that the man was
feigning ignorance. She would play his game, but only so far. Plausible
deniability was well and good in some circumstances, but their current
dilemma was fragile at best. Too much was at stake for her to let Azusa's
pride to run unchecked. "Do you mean to tell me that you haven't read this
week's reports?"

"Well.uhm, that is to say." He hemmed.

"AZUSA!" She wasn't sure if he was playing now or not.

"What! I've been busy!" He backed against the dock post.

"Planning on how best to get our son back on the throne no doubt!" Her eyes
narrowed dangerously. He wasn't playing! He hadn't read the latest
reports! "Really Azusa! How could you dump this mess on Yosho and the
boys!"

"I'm not dumping this on anyone!" He countered. "I've all but lost the
Senate, and the Guild Congress has all but declared themselves independent.
The PLF is becoming a force that will rival even the Navy's power. These
are dark times Funaho!" He threw his hands up hopelessly. "We need a
miracle.something to inspire the people again; something that will restore
confidences." Azusa sighed and turned back to watching the lake. "You know
as well as I that if someone doesn't unify them, the Empire will crumble.
They loved Yosho."

"But he abandoned them." She replied.

Azusa sighed and set his teacup aside. "Yes, he did. And Ayeka and Sasami
too. I can't help but feel that all of these problems revolve around their
departures. The people have lost faith in us. And it is all because I wasn'
t a good father."

Funaho laid her head on her husband's shoulder and hugged his arm. She had
no words to offer him that would comfort the weight he carried, nor ease his
fears. All that she could do was hold him, and pray for the best.

Azusa hoped, no, prayed that Ranma and Tenchi could do what he and his son
could not. Tsunami had chosen them, and she would support them, but Azusa
was afraid of what this would do to the Empire.

***********

Misaki had suggested that Nodoka take blankets out to Azusa and Funaho,
while sasami and Kasumi finished up breakfast. Naturally Ayeka had
volunteered to help, and it had nothing to do with the warning looks that
the First Princess of Jurai was receiving from the other women.

Not at all.

She just needed to escape her mother's good intentions for at least a little
while; she might even be able to keep her sanity intact until Ryoko woke up.
She hadn't expected to walk in on such a revealing conversation.

"You know as well as I that if someone doesn't unify them, the Empire will
crumble. They loved Yosho." Her father's words shocked her so much that her
forward momentum halted. Nodoka made as if to leave, afraid of
eavesdropping further, but Ayeka halted her niece.

"But he abandoned them." Funaho replied. The comment cut Ayeka's soul, for
she knew it to be true. Yosho had selfishly run away from his duty.

Azusa sighed and set his teacup aside. She could see the way that her
father's shoulders slumped, and somehow she knew what was coming. She
wanted to run, rather than hear those words, but some perverse need held her
rooted to the spot.

"Yes, he did. And Ayeka and Sasami too. I can't help but feel that all of
these problems revolve around their departures. The people have lost faith
in us. And it is all because I wasn't a good father."

Ayeka's voice caught in her throat as she remembered all of the wonderful
things that her father had done for her. All the demons that he had slayed,
real or imagined. He had liberated so many worlds, and brought peace to
countless others. Her father.the gruff man that had always made time for
her when she was troubled.

A sob escaped her lips, drawing the attention of her parents.

"Ayeka?" Azusa looked up in surprise to see his baby girl hide her face in
shame.

"I.I am.I am sorry Father!" She sobbed uncontrollably and dropped her
blanket, to hide her face from the man that she had so selfishly betrayed.

"Ayeka." Azusa stood quickly, and reached for his daughter.

She couldn't stand the love that, even now, echoed in his words. She had
betrayed her family and her people, all because of some lovesick quest! How
could she have been so blind! How many had suffered these last seven
hundred years because of her?

"Ayeka please.try to understand." Funaho tried to soothe her stepdaughter's
anguish. "Things aren't as bad as they seem."

Ayeka pulled her hands from in front of her face and bit her trembling lip.
The pain that she felt was raw on her face. "Please Funaho, don't lie."
She couldn't face them any more; their sad, pitying eyes were just too much
to bear. So she turned and fled, leaving Nodoka alone with her
grandparents.

"Ayeka!" Azusa started to follow, but was pulled up short by his wife. He
looked at her in frustration, hoping that she would relent. Funaho shook
her head once then looked to her granddaughter. Azusa followed her gaze and
looked at the young woman before him.

Nodoka bowed deeply before the Emperor, and held that pose. "Forgive us
Grandfather. We thought the air by the water would be chilly.. We didn't
mean to eavesdrop on your conversation."

Funaho nudged her husband forward when he didn't immediately acknowledge
their granddaughter. He looked at her askance, then stepped forward and
placed his hand on Nodoka's shoulder. Funaho motioned him forward
impatiently as she took off after Ayeka.

"There is nothing to forgive Granddaughter." He placed an arm around Nodoka
's shoulders awkwardly and led her back to the dock. "Problems of state are
always a minefield, that must be navigated cautiously. Goddess willing,
everything will be fine."

Nodoka wrapped the blanket that she had been carrying around Azusa's
shoulders, before settling down next to him.

"And if everything is not alright?" She asked tentatively.

Azusa frowned, unsure of how to respond. "Let us speak of happier things
granddaughter. Tell me about yourself." Nodoka began hesitantly, speaking
of her son almost exclusively, but soon Azusa had steered his son's daughter
to speaking about her past. She regaled the Emperor with wild tales about
her childhood, and growing up with her mother and sister.

For a time, Azusa was transported into the past, to meet the daughter-in-law
that he had never met. He decided that she was the type of woman that he
would have approved of.

**************
The Hall of Trees
Jurai's Royal Palace

Kagumo had been head of the Royal Garden for nearly fifteen thousand years.
He was old and grouchy, but well loved by all. His family had been
entrusted with the care of the young, un-joined trees, as well as for
Tsunami for as long as he could remember. It had been Kagumo that had found
Princess Sasami after the Pirate's Raid. And it was he that had carried her
to her mother's arms.

The Royal Trees loved Kagumo for his loving heart, which is why he had lived
as long as he did he supposed. When questioned about his relationship with
the Trees, the old man would simply smile and make a comment about a good
pair of broken in boots.

Good things don't last forever. The gardener knew that better than anyone.
He'd married six times over the course of his life, and unfortunately
outlived every one of his wives. And today, on the anniversary of his first
love's death, he felt each of those fifteen thousand years weighing him
down.

Hello Kagumo. Tsunami's voice was sweet and filled him with a wonderful
sense of peace.

"Hello Goddess." The smell of her bark hit him even as he materialized on
her platform.

How are you today?

"Tired Goddess. Very tired." He smiled weakly up at the tree and sat down
beside her trunk. He sneezed once, and knuckled his nose slowly. "I think I
may be coming down with a cold."

You should rest Kagumo. Tsunami said fondly. Her leaves rustled softly as
the man closed his wrinkled eyes.

".rest.sounds.nice."

Would you like to see them again Kagumo? Nana? Jhu? Rhes?Yuko?

The old man smiled and chuckled deeply. "Don't forget Tomi and Fuu." His
breathing started to become more labored. "They'd.they'd kill me if.if I
forgot.them.." He sighed once, and then his spirit left him.

One after the other, the trees exploded with light signaling the passing of
one of their favored sons. The light pierced the heavens and all of Jurai
seemed to glow, mourning the death of Kagumo.

In the port of Thystys, Tozin smiled cruelly into his drink. Phase three
complete: the package had been delivered. Soon, the old chapter would come
to a close, and a new one would begin. All he had to do was wait patiently
for Segota's virus to begin its work.

**************
End Chapter Five