Chapter 05: Preparations

Genma Saotome awoke at the prompting of an offensive odor. His cuts from the hungry felines stung from the familiar sensation of antiseptic, and he could feel unfamiliar clothes on his skin. Part of him didn't want to stir, but the scent and the sensation of restraints compelled the man to realize that something was wrong. Opening his eyes, he noted that he was firmly held to a chair with shackles and that his hands were in metal mitts that kept his fingers locked in position. The exterior of these mitts were heavily padded, ostensibly to mitigate any punching advantage.

"Like your mittens, Saotome? They were recommended by Detective Nogura in Sapporo. He sends his regards. The prisoner jumpsuit suits you better than that gi did, too." One of the two uniformed men in the room with him, the elder one who had a defined chin and glasses, pulled the smelling salts away from Genma's nose and continued to speak. "You remember Detective Nogura, right? You gave him a concussion and a broken arm two years ago when he arrested you for robbing that collection box. He's still not sure how you managed to use your fingernail as a screwdriver without hurting yourself, but you won't be using that trick to escape custody again."

Genma gave a nervous smirk, trying to appear confident. On one hand, he was clearly in police custody. On the other, they didn't realize he had all sorts of tools and the like hidden in his ki-space. Not that such contraband mattered when he couldn't use his hands. He elected to bide his time for the moment and play along. "Hmm...Nogura...I remember now. He never understood that some of us are desperate to feed our children. So, who are you and why am I here? I'm sure this isn't for reminiscing about one of the times my son almost starved."

The police officer's eyes narrowed as Genma used his son to justify his crimes, just like his file said. "I'm Detective Ito of the Kyoto Prefectural Police, and this is my partner Detective Katsuragi of the same. We've caught you red-handed in the largest animal abuse crime Kyoto's seen in over twenty years. You're also going to face charges for digging a giant pit in the middle of a public space without a permit. If you're a masochist, that's your business...but dragging animals into it is something you'll pay for. You're lucky none of them died from starvation or dehydration. Of course...you've already paid a pretty high price for your crime."

Genma's eyes had narrowed as he listened, but the last part gave him pause. "What do you mean by that?"

Detective Katsuragi, who had thus far remained silent, slid a piece of paper in front of Genma. "This was found at the scene. Apparently, while you were doing...whatever you were doing in that pit, someone abducted your son. The note's apparently from one of the people you've defrauded with a false engagement."

Genma's eyes widened as he read the letter which his son had written, the man soon shaking in rage...

Saotome Genma,

I found your son while on business here in Kyoto. Taking back to my daughter in Kagoshima as per the marriage agreement. Taking your camping gear as interest for the extra years you've had him. He will have a far better life as the heir to the Yamamura School of Martial Arts Volcano Climbing than you could ever hope to provide.

Hideki Yamamura

"Of course, we've called down to Kagoshima. The Yamamura family all seem to have alibis and your son hasn't been found. The handwriting on this note is also a bit unnatural, so we're not sure who actually took your son. We need you to tell us if you remember anything strange. Anything at all." Detective Katsuragi's words fell on deaf ears. Genma wasn't listening. He glared at the note unresponsive before he gave an abrupt cry of rage.

"TORIYAAAAA!"

With the loud battle cry, the metal folding chair groaned and creaked from the strain with Genma's exertion. The man attempted to get free and even managed to stand, warping the chair he was bound to accordingly. Detective Katsuragi gaped for a moment before he slammed an alarm buzzer and police officers rushed into the room to subdue the prisoner. Detective Ito was not as impressed, using a leg sweep to knock the unruly man and his warped burden onto the ground for the officers to restrain.

"RELEASE ME! MY SON! MY SON! RANMAAA!"

Genma was rushed off down the hall and into a padded room, the two Detectives left with very little to work with. Removing his glasses, Detective Ito rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger. It was a common habit for him when he saw the ridiculous. "Tch. Martial Artists. We need to keep digging. Maybe we can get a hold of someone sane who can help us clear up this mess."


The train finally slowed and the wind became bearable enough for Ranma to lower his ki barrier a bit. Ukyo gave a shudder at the removal of the protective warmth. She hadn't managed to manifest her own ki yet, but Ranma had been reassuring and also used it as a means to pass the time for her. Still, she was at her limit.

"Ran-chan...I...can't take any more of this..." She said apologetically, upset at her own weakness. Ranma was able to do such amazing things while she couldn't even keep up. Thankfully, the boy didn't seem angry.

"I know, Ucchan. I need a break too. We're at Maibara Station in Maihara. We'll get off here and rest, okay? Hold on just a bit longer." The boy took careful stock of their situation. By using the cargo train, they'd avoided as many people being around to see them leave as possible. Quickly removing the ropes once the train had come to a stop and stowing away the sheet covering them, Ranma grabbed Ukyo in a bridal carry once more. The station had no roof over the train, and thus Ranma was able to roof-hop directly off of it and start moving across the rooftops of Maihara.

Ukyo would have cried out were she not tired and numb from their trip and her own ki practice. After a few leaps, however, she grew to realize that Ranma knew what he was doing. The afternoon sun was out and it was a beautiful spring day, so she admired the scene stretched out before her while she held her arms around Ranma.

"It's so pretty up here, Ran-chan! C-can...I learn to jump around up here like this?" Ukyo inquired in spite of her fatigue. Ranma's response was to give a small laugh before reassuring her.

"Sure you can, Ucchan! It's all about conditionin', balance, and usin' ki to strengthen your body. Just keep practicin', learnin', and tryin'!" The truth was that he was using more ki than conditioning at this stage. His immense ki reserves had come back in time with him, but he was hemorrhaging power between the use of his ki space, warming and protecting Ukyo on the train, and using it to compensate for his smaller body when moving. Thankfully, there was a small forest-covered mountain a few blocks east of the station. Moving across the rooftops, they soon transitioned to jumping across tree branches. It was a bit longer before they found a nice area to set up camp when Ranma landed with a small groan and set down Ukyo.

"R-Ran-chan! You're still hurt? We need to find a doctor!" Ukyo said in worry as Ranma doubled over.

"C-can't hold it! It's gonna come out!" Ranma groaned as Ranma pulled out the sheet from before and spun it around to cast shadows in a hurry. Ukyo went white. What did he mean? Was he throwing up or was he going to-

In a flash, a bunch of items appeared all around and behind Ranma as he purged his overloaded ki-space through the shadow of the sheet. The Okonomiyaki cart, his and Genma's camping equipment, some clothing, some thermoses of hot water, and assorted other odds and ends. The most surprising thing, however, was when a loud thud resounded immediately behind Ranma and a familiar object was brought to Ukyo's attention.

"Ran-chan, how...why...did you just poop out DADDY'S SAFE?!"


After tending to the lunch rush, Mr. Kuonji had intended to take a moment to place the half-day's take into his safe until he could deposit it in the bank later. Unfortunately, when he opened his bedroom closet door to access the cast-iron cube, he couldn't help but gawk. It was gone. Just...gone. Even the bolts which had kept it attached to the floor were missing.

He spent several silent moments of stunned contemplation trying to decide whether he was angry or impressed. Eventually, however, the former emotion won out.

"GEEENMAAAAA!"

The cry of rage toward the likely culprit pierced through the establishment and beyond, rapidly warding off any would-be patrons who were waiting for a meal.


"KYAAA!" Ukyo charged with a childish cry of anger at Ranma, who impulsively dodged in time to avoid a spatula that subsequently went *CLANG* against the safe. The girl started to chase him around, attacking and flailing in anger as he played keep-away and sometimes used the heavy structure as a shield.

"Ucchan, what's wrong? What'd I do this time?" The boy asked as his tired body protested from the action. The two young martial artists moved quickly, albeit without much finesse in Ukyo's case, before Ranma leapt up into a tree where Ukyo couldn't follow.

With an enraged pout, Ukyo glared up at Ranma. "You stole from Daddy! All that talk about how bad your Dad is and you did the same thing! He needs that safe's money! Go give it back! NOW!"

Ranma blinked before his expression got angry. "Hey! I didn't want your Pop's stupid money! I took it because I had to! That stupid marriage contract's in here! You know, the one that he kicked you out over?" Ukyo's face stayed angry, but she started to shed tears and sniffle at the reminder. Ranma quickly changed gears before she could start to cry again. "But if we have the contract, he can't make you marry me! I have Pop's copy and the safe has your Dad's copy. You're free! We just gotta go get my Mom's help to find out how to fix this and keep him from doin' it to you again! He can get back his other stuff in there later, promise!"

Ukyo was still sniffling, but her posture relaxed a bit. Still sad and wary, but not really angry anymore, she gave a "Hmph! He better!" and turned away, walking to the various items which Ranma had spit out.

"...So, uh...do you need toilet paper?" She asked, hesitant to actually touch anything.

"What? N-no! I didn't...it wasn't in me or anything! It was in my ki-space!" Ranma protested, jumping down from the tree. He approached the camping equipment and began to assemble a tent.

"Ki-space? What's that? Another technique?" She was eventually satisfied as to the items' general cleanliness as she looked over various items. Ranma sure had a lot of stuff tucked away. No wonder it hurt. There were even a couple of weapons.

"Ki-space...well, it's hard to explain. It's like...usin' your life force to make your own little space to store stuff. Like an invisible pocket that's part of you and not just your clothes. You know how girls pull hammers or weapons out of their hammerspace sometimes when guys tick 'em off?" Ukyo stared at Ranma for a few moments after he finished speaking. Sure, her father could do things like that after lots of training, but did he really think that all girls could, just like that? Could they when they got older? There were a lot of things that were already making Ukyo doubt her view of the world.

"I think so." The girl settled on saying, not really able to articulate her racing mind.

"Well, it's like a different version that can be learned and controlled. I just carried way too much stuff." He finished pitching the tent and got a large and a small sleeping bag ready inside. Ranma was surprised to find that the items he had in ki-space before being dragged back in time were still with him. He gave a solid yawn, his six-year-old body having been through a lot over the last day. Ukyo responded with a yawn of her own, stretching a bit before putting a tarp over the yattai and the safe to protect them a bit from animals. She then put a couple of wooden blocks on either side of the wheels to keep it from rolling about. Ranma grabbed up the weapons and a few choice things before putting them back in his ki-space, not willing to simply leave them out for anyone to take.

The kids were soon ready for an afternoon nap, Ranma climbing into the larger sleeping bag he used in the future out of habit and leaving the smaller one he used in this era for Ukyo. "Rest up, Ucchan. We've got a lot ahead of us, but it ain't anythin' you can't handle." He closed his eyes, hearing Ukyo zip up the tent's entrance behind them. He expected her to take the other sleeping bag but was surprised to feel movement next to him. Then warmth.

Opening his eyes halfway, he saw that Ukyo had chosen to join him in his roomier sleeping bag instead of sleeping alone. The girl had nodded off almost immediately, exhausted from the journey.

Ranma's confusion was dulled by his own exhaustion as he slipped into slumber...


*THWACK* Ran's opponent flew off of the log easily, and the girl was internally thankful that the Kiss of Death was a non-issue. That was one good thing about being railroaded into the Joketsuzoku without her consent, though part of her memories felt comfort that she was in the tribe once more. Another Amazon her age jumped up and engaged in combat with a jian, Ran's staff spinning to deflect her strike before striking her in the chin.

This was the ebb and flow. A bit of time teaching what knowledge she had to the scholars of the group, a bit of time restoring her atrophied Mandarin, and a bit of time practicing combat before they started the cycle over again. For the moment, they were working on refreshing her memories of weapons and Chinese Wushu. The fact that Ranma Saotome was typically a hand-to-hand fighter meant that the body Ran currently found herself in needed conditioning to handle weapons with more than above-average proficiency, even if her mind retained the memories of their more nuanced use. The Chestnut Fist wasn't necessary for her to re-learn, but the Breaking Point training would come later.

'Lan!' Cologne called out the Chinese form of her new name, bidding Ran to quickly finish with her opponent. Avoiding a strike from the jian, Ran managed to sweep her enemy off her feet mid-lunge with her staff. This had the predictable effect of knocking the warrior off the log. Even if her real name was Ku Long, Ran couldn't help but think of her as Cologne even with her gestalt memories bidding her to show more respect. The redhead leapt down from the log in the middle of the Joketsuzoku village as Cologne and Shampoo approached.

'It would seem that the warriors in your own age group aren't pressing you hard enough to fully refine your technique. We will have to find an alternative. Thankfully, if all goes well, you will soon have a partner to spar with that has similar needs to your own. Come with me to Jusenkyo. I need witnesses to this, and you are the one who has made what I plan possible.' There was a smug smile indicating that the woman had been handed something she approved of very much.

'Alright. I will come.' Ran said as she restored the staff to the area's training weapon rack, causing Cologne to raise an eyebrow.

'You realize that you are permitted to take a weapon with you, don't you? You are Joketsuzoku, after all.' Cologne reminded her in case she was unaware.

'I have weapons in ki-space. Is why am practicing with staff and pole arm.' When Ran stated this, Cologne gave an approving nod before squabbling was heard nearby.

'Go away, Mu Tsu! Grandmother and I are busy!' Shampoo said, glaring at an approaching Mousse.

'I will come too! I heard the rumors! You're going to another land for training! I can help!' Mousse said, in desperation.

'I'm going so I can be away from you, stupid Mu Tsu! I don't want you there!' Shampoo blurted out in anger before getting into another fight with the boy. This time, however, Cologne wouldn't have it.

'Mu Tsu! You will respect the decision of the Council! Remember that if you continue as you are, you will cast aside your honor and use a forbidden technique in a dishonorable manner. Lan was born from your error, and there is yet one more in the world we must find and make amends to for your future self's arrogance.' Cologne looked to the boy, sternly laying down the law. 'While we do not intend to punish you for something you have yet to do, we must change things to make sure you do not grow up to do so again. That means no more chasing Shampoo outside of sanctioned challenges, which you have burned through for the year anyway. We are going in three days and you will not follow.' Without waiting for his reply, Cologne, Shampoo, and Ran all departed. Ran was the only one who looked back at him before leaving. It was harsh, and Ran felt a little bad for the boy, but it couldn't be helped. A stern shift was needed to keep him from going down the wrong path. With a flash of recollection of Mousse's Wind Tunnel attack, Ran turned away and followed the others.

It did not take long to arrive at Jusenkyo, though a number of others had followed. This included curious members of the council such as Loofah and Lotion, a few guards like Brush in case the Phoenix People caused trouble, and some others. Naturally, the warriors helped make sure no one got too close to the Springs themselves. A spring had been covered with boards and otherwise prepared for the group, but rather than going straight to it, Cologne went to the group of Phoenix People nearby. Kiema was among the group, having been waiting on a response.

'Well, what did your council say, Elder?' Kiema queried, addressing Cologne.

'They agree, though my time and ability to seek out a volunteer has been hindered notably. Fortunately, I have a proposition for you in that regard. One which will suit your needs and fire back a jab at the political enemy trying to sabotage our efforts.' Cologne gave a smile, and Kiema raised an eyebrow. Leaning in when prompted, Cologne whispered in her ear...and Kiema showed a look of surprise and wariness.

'It may work, untested as it is...' The Phoenix Person said, interested. '...and it would probably give us a very good profile for the spring if my presumptions are correct-'

'Hey, you!' Ran blinked on hearing an outburst, turning to see a young child. An even younger Saffron glared at her, wielding the Kinjakan. 'You're supposed to be the one who eventually kills me, right? I don't believe your story! Prepare yourself!'

Moving more clumsily than even his older pre-Rebirth self, the child moved at a speed that still dwarfed that of most of the Joketsuzoku. Ran was not among that number. The girl managed to dive out of the way when he flung the tip of the Kinjakan at her like a fiery discus, but Saffron merely grinned darkly. The tip of the Kinjakan arched back to try to strike Ran from behind, but it was not to be.

Pulled from her sleeve, the girl drew her weapon and a blizzard of ice cold wind struck the offending razor-sharp disk. Steam filled the area until the wind carried it away, revealing the top of the Kinjakan on the ground sizzling...and an unharmed Ran holding a familiar staff with a crescent moon theme.

'T-The Gekkajan! When did you get it?' Saffron asked, his blood running cold.

Ran looked to the child, gripping the staff firmly, before speaking bluntly and calmly. 'Shortly before I killed you.'

One could hear a pin drop, the child shuddering as he found himself now believing the tale. That was no boast. There was no pride or bluster in it. It was a simple response borne of cold, hard fact. The two groups' warriors prepared for a fight...

'You leave no choice. You threatened life of someone dear to me. Made it her or you. You no care for innocent blood on your hands.' Saffron took a stance, preparing to defend...but the attack never came. 'Strangely, have no quarrel or hatred for you. Pity him for warped by people's suffering. Take away suffering with Spring of Ranma. Hope you become better man than he was.' Saffron hesitated, staring at the woman...as she reached forward and patted his head.

'Not afraid of battle, but would be meaningless battle. Not your sin to bear.' The child blushed and stammered at the treatment.

'H-hey, I am a Prince! Know your place, Landling!' Saffron barked in clear embarrassment as he backed away.

'Place where I want to be. Can do as wish. Just wish that child grow well.' Ran wouldn't be bossed around, but she wasn't malicious. Saffron grumbled as he went and reclaimed the tip of the Kinjakan. He was still irritated, but no more attempts to strike at Ran were made. Loofah had honestly hoped for the battle so that her rival's daughter and mission would be lost, but no...it had been defused.

It was then that the procession moved again. They went past the Springs themselves and to the new cavern in the mountain with the Jusendo spring inside that Ran had dubbed the Spring of Ranma. Cologne decided to speak.

'Everyone. As you know, I am responsible for recruiting a template for the new Spring of Drowned Girl. Since I have to use volunteers and have little time, I will only be able to ask once. Are there any who wish to assist in restoring the cure for those cursed by the Springs?' Cologne was influential, but the idea of drowning in a spring wasn't an easy sell for those who believed the curse...and the rest thought the curse to just be a legend. Add that to Loofah's earlier footwork in dissuading volunteers in hopes of sabotaging the elder's efforts and Shampoo's mother being out on a mission to a neighboring province, and no one was forthcoming. Well, almost no one.

'I want to help, Grandmother!' Shampoo's voice called out, to the surprise and even the amusement of some of those assembled. Cologne simply smiled, feeling pride.

'That's the proper attitude for a descendant of mine, Granddaughter. Unfortunately, we need someone older. The day may come when we have need of your aid, but it is not this day.' Shampoo was a bit less enthusiastic about being passed over but seemed to understand. 'If none of you are willing to take the risk, then I'll just have to try the backup plan. It is a good thing the Council gave me permission to try creative solutions.' Loofah wondered what her old rival was planning, but was stunned when Cologne leapt backward and sent her clothes away into her ki-space before a resounding splash was heard.

The group watched in stunned disbelief as the woman who broke the surface of the Spring of Ranma after a few moments wasn't the wrinkled Elder from before. They instead saw a youthful, blue-haired woman rise into view. Ran realized that the Spring brought humans to their prime as well, not just Saffron. Ranma, Ryoga, and Mousse simply wouldn't have noticed since they were already near their prime when submerged in the Spring of Rebirth before!

Wiping the water from her face, Cologne's green eyes opened and regarded those present. She then inspected herself, even grasping her own assets and bouncing them a couple of times in her hands. 'Even better than I'd hoped. Now I can undergo the process myself. I trust that a Joketsuzoku Elder restored to her prime would be a suitable template. With this many witnesses, there can also be no doubt as to my identity or the nature of the Spring later.'

Shampoo was stunned, her grandmother gone and replaced with this woman. But something about her speech and her voice still resonated in the child. 'G-grandmother? Is that you?'

'INEXCUSIBLE!' Loofah cried out in rage. 'Reducing your age with magic! How could you stoop to such vanity, Ku Long?!'

Cologne gave a cold, calculating smile. Without the wrinkles on it, Ran was reminded enough of Nabiki to feel a shiver run down her spine. 'Vanity? Who was it that ensured that I would have as brief a time as possible to make a new Spring, attempted to sabotage any volunteers for the task, and also manipulated the Council to have me chase Happosai immediately thereafter? Between making the spring as quickly as possible and having a form that best appealed to Happosai's weaknesses...this was the best possible option to abide by the Council's decision. A decision you personally proposed.'

Loofah growled darkly. 'You imply that this was for the sake of the village and not for your own benefit?'

Cologne's smirk stayed unhindered by her rival's simmering resentment. 'The best solutions are sometimes those that enrich all. Besides, you did strip me of my other options. Blame yourself, if you dislike the consequences.' Seeing no need to justify herself further, the woman stepped out of the spring and was provided with a towel by the Jusenkyo Guide's amazed wife.

She promptly dried off to avoid Spring cross-contamination and went to the site of the blank Spring. Once the Phoenix People pulled the protective boards away from the top of the small body of water and tied some roles to the elder's waist and wrists, she exhaled and jumped in of her own accord. After some bubbling and tense waiting, during which Shampoo started to sniffle, the young Elder went still. She was pulled back out by the ropes in an unconscious state, as desired, and her lungs emptied of any water. There were tense murmurs as her vitals were checked before the words 'She's still alive!' rang out to the relief of those assembled.

Her lungs cleared and her pulse and breathing strong, the woman was carefully dried off again and placed on a stretcher made of woven wood strips and padding. A blanket was placed on top of her and she was carried back toward the Joketsuzoku village. When Lotion gave Cologne a respectful nod as the latter was carried past, Loofah knew that her efforts had backfired drastically. Cologne had attained a distinct advantage over everyone else in the Council of Elders and parsed it successfully as a sacrifice made for the village.

She would likely outlive them all, and they'd love her for it.