Last time Toro was inducted into The Shadow Riders, while Stormy attempted to make Kodatchi her mind-slave. Kodatchi resisted when Stormy stamped her forehead with the mark of The Shadow Riders, but how long can she resist the enchanted mark on her forehead? On with the show!

Chapter 19: No Need for a Blood Oath

Back on Earth, Bloom had just finished explaining the situation to both Ryoga and Ukyo. "So those aliens," said Ryoga, "The one's who took Kodatchi, they're magic users?" "Right," said Bloom, "Icy, Darcy and Stormy are witches of the worst kind, while that Malaketh is no doubt a warlock."

"You two seem to be taking this rather well," said Sky, "In fact, you all are." Sky was speaking of Ranma (who had turned back to normal with the use of some hot water), Akane, Shampoo, Mousse, Ukyo and Ryoga. Tatewaki was still somewhat depressed with the abduction of his sister.

"After all the weird stuff that happens around Tokyo," said Akane, "We've come to expect the unexpected." "So what now?" asked Ukyo.

"Now," said Tenchi, "We go after Malaketh, those witches and that Toro creep and rescue Kodatchi," he looked towards Stella, "You said your cousins had a fast starship?" "A very fast starship," said Stella, "And I'm sure there's plenty of room for everyone."

"Then it's settled," said Ranma, "We're going after Kodatchi." "But first we need to wait for that black stone to work it's way out of Mousse," said Brandon, "If The Shadow Riders wanted it, then it must be important." "We don't have to wait," said Mousse. From out of his sleeve he produced the black stone.

"How Mousse do that?" asked an amazed Shampoo. "A good magician never reveals his secrets, Shampoo," bragged Mousse as he handed the stone to Bloom. "Oh, he just palmed it," said Ranma, "And made everyone think he ate it." "Ranma you jerk!" exclaimed Mousse, "You always ruin everything!"

"Grand-Master Cologne," said Riven, "I'm curious, how did you know that Malaketh creep?" "It's a long story, young warrior," said Cologne, "In summary, he came here about 100 years ago in search of ancient tomes of magic that were hidden long ago. We met by pure chance and fought. I defeated him easily, yet I let him live, with the promise that he'd never set foot on Earth again. Now I regret my decision."

"You did what you thought was right," said Bloom, "I would have done the same thing." "Young Bloom," said Cologne, "You still have much to lean, both in the was of magic and people. I feel that a great journey lies before you and your friends. Yet if you stand by your friends and loved ones, I'm sure you shall emerge victorious."

"Thank you, Grand-Master," said Bloom. It was at that time when Tatewaki grunted in sudden pain. Bloom looked up to see that Tatewaki had cut his palm with a small blade. "I swear," he said, "I swear, by both the pain in my hand and the blood flowing from my veins, I shall find my sister and bring her home, or die trying."

"Kuno," said Akane, "You didn't have to do that to your hand." "I had to, Akane Tendo," said Tatewaki, "For should I ever doubt my resolve, I just need to look at my hand to remind myself what I must do." "Well before we go looking for Kodatchi," said Ranma, "We should get that hand healed before it bleeds to death." Fortunately, Ranma had a first-aid kit with him.

"Saotome," said Tatewaki as Ranma cleaned the wound on his hand, "Thou should realize that thou art partly responsible for this. My sister told you to hold onto the stone, if you hadn't lost possession of it, the enemy might not have taken her." "Maybe not," said Ranma as he applied a bandage to the cut, "But what's done is done."

"Thou should show more concern," said Tatewaki, "My sister does love the so." "She doesn't love me," said Ranma, "Kodatchi only likes me because I saved her life that one time. If she does love me, then why does she keep hitting me with various paralyzing agents? I'm telling you that your sister is certifiably insane!" It was then that Akane slammed another mallet onto Ranma's head. "You are suck a jerk, Ranma!" exclaimed Akane.

"So when do we leave?" asked Ryoga. "The question is," said Riven, "When can we leave?" He then called The Night Rider on his cell phone, "Hello, Beauregard? When can we break orbit?" "As soon as Amanda gets the hyper drive working again," said Beauregard, "It conked out on us." It was then that Riven heard on the other end of the line a loud stream of obscenities that seemed to come from Amanda, "You no good, rusty piece of crap!" Clang! "I'll have you melted down and recast as a bedpan!" Clang! "You big!" Clang! "Piece!" Clang! "Of!" Clang! "Crap!"

"Um," said Riven, "So how long until the hyper drive is working again?" "I'd say about six hours," said Beauregard, "Assuming Amanda ever calms down." "About six hours," said Riven as he hung up. "We can use that time to get ready," said Ranma. "I can also make good use of that time," said Bloom, "Sky, I think the time has come for you to meet my parents." "I was afraid you'd say something like that," said Sky.

While Ranma, Akane and the others got ready, Bloom and Sky teleported across the Pacific Ocean to Gardenia, California, where Bloom grew up. Showing Sky to the apartment where she lived for so long, Bloom introduced him to her adopted parents; Mike and Vanessa.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," said Vanessa, "Bloom has told us so much about you." "And she's said so much about you both," said Sky who was doing a great job trying not to be nervous. "Just between us men," said Mike, "If you do anything to hurt Bloom, I'll hunt you down and castrate you."

"Dad!" exclaimed Bloom, "That's not funny!" "I don't think he's trying to be funny, Bloom," said Sky, "I can assure you, sir, I would die before I do anything to hurt her."

"So," said Vanessa, "Have you two thought about your future?" "We've decided to wait until after graduation before we take things further," said Bloom, "That reminds me, Mom? Do you remember when we visited Japan and met Kodatchi Kuno?"

"I remember her," said Vanessa, "She was a little crazy, but in a good way." "She's in fact very crazy," said Bloom, "But in a healthy way, but that's not he point. What is is that she's been abducted by warlocks and my friends and I are going to save her." "Okay," said Mike, "Just come back safe." "I have every intention of coming back safe and with Kodatchi," said Bloom.

The conversation moved onto small talk for the next four hours. Bloom then checked her watch and realized that it was time to get back to Tokyo. "I'll bring back souvenirs from the stars," said Bloom as she and Sky got up to leave. "Be safe, dear," said Vanessa. "Oh and Sky," said Mike, "If anything happens to Bloom, I'll be coming after you with a chainsaw." "Dad!" exclaimed Bloom.

With the goodbyes complete Bloom and Sky teleported back to Tokyo. "You know what, dear," said Mike to Vanessa, "We're good parents. We raised our Bloom right." "I hope so," said Vanessa, "I've got this feeling that while Bloom is going to come home safely, she'll go through something terrible first."

The end of chapter 19. Next chapter our heroes head into space to find Kodatchi. Reviews will be rewarded with cream filled cupcakes. See you next time!