Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma. I don't believe in slavery of that type, but if I could rent him for a bit...

Chapter 24 A new hope?

Happosai walked back into the dojo, shaking his head at the antics of Soun being torn into by his daughters. It was actually interesting to see Akane being the least forceful for once. Happosai understood that it was because Akane had been helping Hinako with her treatments. They still had about a week to go, but it was already forming a change in Hinako. Happosai smirked to himself as he thought about the last part of the treatment, the part that would hold Hinako in her adult form. He knew that Akane, Soun, and Hinako would be mad and assume that he was lying, but hey, he wasn't the perverted master of his Art for nothing.

Happosai came out of his thoughts as he saw Genma and his wife return so that the Tendos could have some family time to discuss Hinako and Soun's potential relationship. Happosai nodded and called the dojo and it's occupants to order.

"Everyone, we now understand the situation fully I believe."

Happosai turned to Ling Pi as he asked his next question.

"Is there anything else that we need to know about the Amazons that are coming?"

Ling tried to think of what she could. She knew that this situation in Nerima was not what the Amazons were expecting, and in fact it now seemed in the Amazons' best interests not to interfere. With all the knowledge on the situation she now possessed it seemed the situation was now as follows by Amazon Law:

Ranma Saotome, confirmed greatest martial artist of her generation had been promised in marriage to-

Akane Tendo, who with her sisters were actually Amazons and actually from Ling's own family. They were-

Lost Amazon Sisters, they had proved their value and dedication to the Art and the ways of the Warrior. The laws on Lost Sisters stated that their worth be judged and be reinstated into the tribe.

The Kiss of Marriage and Kiss of Death were both invalid on all accounts because, as fiancée to an Amazon (even a Lost Sister), he was NOT considered an outsider. Instead he was an-

Ally To The Tribe, and was one that was by Amazon right already considered an Amazon upon Ranma and Akane's consummation of their engagement.

Ranma had defeated Akane in a Challenge of Skill when he first arrived. Ling had been told the story and found it amusing that they had followed an ancient Amazon marriage arrangement tradition, even if they did it for the same reasons as it was first established. Ranma proved his skill and worth as a Warrior to Akane.

In short, Ling knew that The Amazons that were coming were actually coming to attack their own, and that was forbidden. Ling didn't bother voicing this, because she knew that both Chu Li and Koh Lon would both already know all this.

She was thinking of the Amazon's and remembered something her grandmother had said before she had left.

Happosai was a little surprised to see Ling suddenly start to smile. The girl had taken lot of mental hits since she had arrived earlier that day. For the first time since this had all started, Happosai found hope to avoid a war that he had already set in place the winning move for. A move that would destroy his wife's people and the people of his daughter and granddaughter.

Ling only said three words. Their effect was little at first, but soon the eyes and faces of two elders of the Amazons lit up as they had finally found hope.

"Fung Ti is coming."

It only took one look into the face of the woman he had loved for centuries for Happosai to realize that this was somehow the one chance that they needed, the one chance he had been hoping for for over two years now.

Cologne decided to ask the obvious, to her at least, question that was on the two elder women's minds.

"Why is your Grandmother bringing her worst enemy here for this. I would assume that she would want no one to oppose her."

The puzzle pieces were falling into place in Ling's mind, and she could see the same pieces coming together in her elders', or elder's and future great grandmother in law's, minds. Ling knew that it was now a show to explain everything to the allies assembled here who knew nothing of the politics or lives of the Amazons. Ling knew what to say. She hoped that she would be impressing her Airen's family.

"Fung Ti is the elder who has opposed my Great Grand Mother Xien Mao on the council of elders on all things except when the village is threatened. Their opposing points are encouraged as they and other rivals help insure that a democracy and vote of popular opinion is followed. Grand Mother convinced Fung Ti first of the danger of Ranma Saotome first when the visions came. They showed Chi's world and when no elder could prove that the vision was a fake, they believed that Ranma's death was the only option. Grand Mother brings elder Fung Ti to show that there are no other options."

Ranma was beginning to understand, but he was wondering what exactly this meant. He noticed many there looking at him and realized that they were looking for him to voice their self same questions. He stepped towards Ling as he spoke.

"Alright, I got it that your grand mother is bringing her rival here to show some sort of unified front, but how does this help exactly?"

Everyone was surprised to hear Cologne start laughing. It had not been lost on anyone that Cologne had been taking events rather hard and that she had been rarely seen lately. To see the happiness in her Great Grandmother's face and hear joy in her laugh, Shampoo felt herself tear up in relief she didn't know she needed to feel. If anything could bring them assured victory right now, it was seeing the life return to her eyes as she explain things, after she controlled her laughter.

"Ranma, Fung Ti will take any chance to prove that Xien Mao was mistaken and not working in the best interests of the Amazons. They are not Rivals, they are enemies in all manner of the word. They have not tried to kill each other for two reasons. One is they both believe that they are working for the best interests of the Amazons, and Two it is forbidden for Amazons to take each other's lives.

"The Elders saw a future that, unfortunately, can not be changed. If we can prove that another way exists under Amazon laws and that there is a mistake, then Fung Ti will lead the other Elders to hold and consider what is going on. In short Ranma, if we can convince Fung Ti that there is a misunderstanding, then there will be no reason to fight."

Chi almost snapped his neck as he turned to Cologne so suddenly at her words. He had been answering questions about his friend Kenzan and what little he actually knew about him.

Here was hope. For the first time in years, Chi thought back to the Ancient One that had guarded the pool Chi had used to power the Mirror which brought him here. Words such as balance and how the old one had hinted at Chi stopping the deaths of more than one Ranma Saotome. The deaths of the Amazon Nation itself.

They had a chance.

An aura was suddenly felt in the room. It's source took a moment to be discovered from it's various sources. Akane quickly returned to the room when she felt her Ranma's aura. Nodoka turned to her husband as she felt relief/joy/determination start to roll off him. Ling Pi and Wing Tsu stared at the young man who would be their son as his aura started to glow. Shampoo was shocked and Cologne was smiling evilly as Happosai radiated such unstoppable power.

The Masters of The Anything Goes School of Martial Arts turned to each other. The looks in their eyes showed that they were thinking the same thing. A Master of Anything Goes never truly loses, all they ever needed was a chance ... and they had found it.

OOOOO

Several miles outside Nerima, many Amazons hiding as they camped out, suddenly felt strong chills roll down their backs. A couple of the younger warriors cowered in fear at this feeling.

Xien Mao narrowed her eyes as she turned towards the direction of Nerima.

Fung Ti glanced towards Nerima before returning to her work. They would be in Nerima in two more days. She reestablished her link with the elders left at the village to ensure things were going well. She wasn't happy to hear of the sudden silence from both the Musk and The Phoenix People. The children of the Dragon and the Phoenix suddenly going quiet at a time like this was too much of a coincidence when so many elders were away.

Things did not bode well for the next few days.

OOOOO

Ranma had quickly explain to Akane what was learn and she was over joyed. Akane turned from hugging her beloved to see Shampoo approach. Akane started to raise an eyebrow, but her eyes went wide when Shampoo knelled before Akane.

"Shampoo wish forgiveness for her crime against Lost Sister's family. Shampoo no mean to break Amazon law and dishonor Akane as Shampoo did."

There was a dual "Huh?" from both Ranma and Akane at this. They would be soon thankful for Mousse and shocked at his words as he approached them to explain.

"Shampoo broke Amazon Law when she gave Ranma first the Kiss of Death, and then the Kiss of Marriage."

Ranma's mind went sightly tilt as it seemed more Amazon laws and complications were about to be forced down his throat. Akane decided to lead this questioning session.

Many people pulled up chairs and someone passed the popcorn.

"Mousse, what the hell are you talking about. We read that law book Shampoo brought with her when she came. Ranma defeated her as a female and then as a guy. She was stuck and even left the tribe so she could be free of the Amazon laws."

"Akane Tendo, while it is true that Shampoo was defeated be Ranma, the kisses she gave were, and still are, both invalid and illegal by Amazon law."

Akane could feel her temper at not getting an understandable answer.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"

Mousse got back to his feet and cleared his ears before he decided to explain.

"Akane Tendo, do you accept you mother's heritage as an Amazon?"

"Yeah..."

"Being your mother's daughter, you and your sisters are known to the Amazons as Lost Sisters. An Amazon can only stop being an Amazon if they are banished, either by the council or by choice. But their daughters would be considered lost sisters and official Amazons if they accepted their mother's past. This means that by Amazon Law, you and your sisters have always been Amazons."

Ranma could feel the gears turning, but he still felt that he was missing something. Akane continued asking questions, but she thought that she could see where this was going.

"But how does me being an Amazon mean that Shampoo broke the Law?"

"There is a very old tradition of Warriors families arranging marriages. It is a sacred traditions with many laws that bypass other laws. When your fathers arranged your marriage, and your mother didn't object, Ranma was no longer considered an outsider. He became, effectively, your property under Amazon law. Shampoo basically dishonored your mother's memory by giving Ranma the kiss of death and actually declared challenge against your entire family, here and those in the village like Ling Pi, when she gave him the Kiss of Marriage. She effectively was trying to steal what was rightfully yours. She has two options, either fulfill the challenge or accept your judgment."

Ranma was still confused, but noticed that many people were watching Akane and wondering what she'd do. Ranma decided to ask a question that he still didn't understand.

"How does it still matter? Shampoo chose exile, and anyways she didn't know I was engaged to Akane or that she was a lost sister or something."

Mousse pulled himself to his full height. Shampoo needed him now. The looks she had been giving him as he had been talking told him of how she needed this to be understood for how serious it was. They needed someone who could be taken completely serious when they spoke. Shampoo understood that her Japanese was horrible, but knew that Mousse had master the language as well as many others in his attempts to impress her, to prove his worth to her. This moment alone proved to her that all his work for her would be needed now.

Shampoo smiled up to the man she loved. He always hoped for a chance like this. He was going to love it when she asked him to give her lessons. She would learn this language if it killed her.

"Akane Tendo, Shampoo chose exile when she believed that the Kiss of Marriage was valid and she broke Amazon law when Ranma rejected her. Since the Kisses were invalid, so was her reasons for being forced to chose exile. If you do not wish it, then you can ask for a fair judgment from Shampoo and approach the council with their circumstances. This situation is rare, but it has happened in the past. The council can revoke her exile if you so choose and you speak for her."

By now was not only Shampoo in tears being thankful for her beloved, but Akane was now in tears as she understood what was being asked of her. Shampoo quickly discovered Akane's arms around her and Akane was seen nodding into her shoulder. Shampoo could barely speak before she became over come with her own tears.

"Thank you."

Although it was quiet, there was not a person who did not hear the thanks.

OOOOO

Soun looked into the dojo at those assembled there. He looked over to Akane as she held Shampoo and destroyed a rivalry that had existed for years. He looked to Nabiki and watched as she spoke with her fiancée, her new sword in her arms and it looked strangely right in her arms. He looked towards Kasumi and blushed quickly blushed as he watched her make out with her beloved, hidden in the back of the dojo. Finally he turned to the masters of his art as they discussed this new chance they had found, the man who had trained him, the man who he had suffered with in training, the man who was basically his son in law already, and the young man from another time.

And he realized that he no longer belonged among them. Akane had found her reason to live and had accepted the future that he hoped would take care of her. Nabiki had finally come out from behind her mask and found not only love, but a strong future and a best friend who shared many of her passions. Kasumi had broken her mask fully and was finally releasing everything that she had kept bottled up, Soun would never deny her anything especially happiness.

Soun walked into the house as he thought about the last four. There was once a time when the challenge was all he needed to charge into battle and fight for those that needed him. To protect justice and the weak. To support those who had fallen and lift them back up.

Soun looked into a mirror as he passed it and saw for the first time, truly saw, that he had become one of those fallen. Over his reflection's shoulder he saw a picture that was on the wall behind him. It had been taken just after Nabiki was born. Soun stood with Kasumi in his arms as his wife held their second daughter.

His wife had followed him and married him, not only for the strength of his body, but also for the strength of his spirit. They had come here with nothing, and they had both worked hard. Soun had been over joyed when he had gotten the loan for the dojo and had paid it off in record time. He had built their future together, but it had been Soun that had taken their futures by the hand and worked for his loved ones.

Soun had never told their daughters of their mother's wilder days when Soun and Kimiko had first arrived. He knew that his wife did not oppose Soun being with other women. Soun had remained loyal, but could never tell his daughters of their mother's urges. She had been raised in a village of strong women and strong female bonds. Such memories would scandalize his wife's name, but Soun knew that Kimiko wouldn't care.

Kimiko loved Soun. She wouldn't want him alone, either in his bed or his heart. Soun smiled as he thought about his wife's ghost actually dragging Soun to Hinako's ... and probably asking to join in. Soun could just imagine his daughters' reactions. But they had to wonder were Kasumi learned the behavior she was only now just displaying. Soun said a quick prayer for the young doctor.

Soun looked himself in the eyes. After a few minutes he saw what he was looking for. It was still in there. It was the fire that had captured an Amazon's heart. It was the passion that had driven him to continue his training in the art. It was the confidence that had swayed a banker into deciding to take the risk on a young martial artist so that he could build his dream. It was the confidence that had lead him through most of the worst times of his life with his head held high. For the first time in years, Soun Tendo found Soun Tendo staring back at him.

Soun found his future before him for the first time in years and for the first time in years found the power to control it. Soun didn't even spare the dojo another glance as he made his way towards the door to his home, put on his shoes, and left.

OOOOO

Goucho Saotome looked into the eyes of the woman before him. He had contacted her for many reasons beyond the one he had claimed.

Sakura Kuno smiled the slime that had once tamed madness itself and could turn men's hearts to jelly. She knew that there were more reasons to be here beyond the deal that was being made regarding a certain new medical miracle. A medical miracle that had come to her from a certain time traveling martial artist.

"So, am I to assume that you find these final terms agreeable Mrs Kuno?"

Sakura casually glanced over the paperwork again. This merger between her family's investments and the Saotome empire would go a long way to increasing everyones accounts. She decided to call the game early though.

"I find it acceptable. Now, what do you really want from my family?"

Goucho smiled. It seemed that his information had been right on this matter. He decided to return the courtesy.

"Your son Tatewaki will be attending Tokyo University next year and will major in business. His roommate for his freshman year is a young man who father is very high in the Government. He will receive his Bacholer's degree after six years and will then accept a position here with his by then wife who will also be attending Tokyo U under a full scholarship and major in the same field. Her roommate will also offer similar chances for future business contacts. They will be an asset that will quickly drive my company and prepare it for my grand daughter's three years later. After a few more years I will then retire, leaving my grand daughter to head the company with the support of those she sees as family by her side."

Sakura blink as she took in all that this man was suggesting. It seemed much of it already followed plans that her son and his beloved were working towards, but some of it sounded like wishful thinking. Before she could voice her opinion, Goucho accepted a folder from the young man behind him, Goucho's son and renowned surgeon Kanji Saotome.

Sakura took the folder when it was offered to her and began to read. Slowly her eyes began to grow wide as she realized what was in her hands. She was holding the very documents that would make this man's goals reality.

Tatawaki's and Nabiki's pre approved acceptances to Tokyo University. A copy of both their room assignments next year. Official confirmation of the full scholarship for "Academic and Scholastic Excellence". There was even a copy of the proposed employment contracts predated over six years in the future.

Sakura looked up into the eyes of the man before her.

"Why?"

Goucho took a deep breath and released it. He was glad that he had convinced his son to be here for this.

"Because I could have done just as I said and never let on what was happening. I have learned from my mistakes the hard way and fate has given a second chance at my dreams. I will not make the same mistakes I have before. I am not giving any orders. I am simply offering a possible future. Your son and his fiancée can turn down any part they choose. Please, discuss this with them. If you wish to call them now I'll wait or we can arrange another meeting if you like."

Sakura paused for a moment. She slowly started smiling. There were times she loved her life lately. She pulled out her phone and dialed a number she had made herself memorize. After the phone was answered, she spoke and surprised Goucho with who she had called.

"Hello Nabiki. I have some paperwork that I'd like to read off to you. Are you busy?"

"We're all gathered together at the moment, but I have time to talk. What do you need?"

"I'm currently holding your acceptance letter to Tokyo University, your room assignment to share with Umi Shitori, daughter of Hikari Shitori, freshman year, and your employment contract after you acquire your Bachelor's in Business. It seems to be a vice executive's position, starting out at least. Well my dear?"

Sakura heard the phone hit the ground, followed quickly by it being picked up before Nabiki responded.

"How?"

"It seems that there are similar papers in my hands for my son, and your employment contracts seems to list your name as Nabiki Kuno. I was just finishing up some business with Mr Goucho Saotome. I believe that he's Genma Saotome's Grandfather and -"

-click-

Goucho smiled as Sakura put her phone down, singed the medical contract, and left.

"Well pops. That's one down."

Just then the intercom spoke up announcing the next appointment was there. Kanji smiled at the mirth in his mother's voice as she directed the next person in.

Goucho Saotome stood up and walked to the man with his hand extended trying to be as friendly as possible.

"Ah, Mr Kuonji. I'm so glad you could make it today. I feel that we have so much to discuss, as I'm sure you're aware."

Goucho smiled as his son discreetly shook his head in amusement. Sometimes it paid to be a manipulating bastard.

OOOOO

The Tendo dojo over the years had been the place for many thing, both weird and mundane. The sight that had just happened and was still before them had many people currently searching for other signs of the apocalypse.

No one quiet understood what had happened, what had been heard, and what they were currently looking at.

It seemed easily enough to follow. Nabiki Tendo had received a phone call on the new phone Kodachi had given her as a gift. Suddenly it happened, Nabiki appeared to drop her phone in shock. Oh she recovered quickly enough and returned to speaking to someone on the other end.

What happened next would not be soon forgotten by anyone that was there. Nabiki had rounded herself on Genma Saotome, hung up her phone, and pounced.

Yes, pounced.

With a cry of,

"I LOVE YOU!"

Nabiki had launched herself across the dojo and was currently demonstrating her Amazon heritage as she held Genma Saotome in a glomp that had both Shampoo and Ling Pi staring in mild jealousy.

Genma just stared down in shock at the young woman that was currently surgically attached at his waist. Nodoka frowned slightly when it seemed that Genma wasn't attempting to dislodge himself. She frown a little more when she saw why, and considered it unmanly of her husband not to cop a free feel. Genma was suddenly grateful when Tatawaki Kuno removed his fiancée from Genma's body.

"Nabiki dear heart, What is the meaning of this?"

"Yes Nabiki, Why did you leap from my brother's side to hug my future father in law?"

Nabiki turned to her beloved Tatawaki and whispered into his ear her talk with his mother and what it meant. Ranma then had flash backs to a nightmare that he had hoped long forgotten when Tatawaki Kuno himself glomped Genma.

Tatawaki then found himself planted in the floor with a severe headache. Genma stood with his foot on the fool and stared down Nabiki, questioning her with his eyes.

"I'm sorry Mr Saotome. I kinda lost it for a second there. Kuno baby's mother seems to be in a meeting with your father. She was given paperwork that basically has my college and business career set for life. I'm ... I'm going to be rich ..."

"Oh goody. I was hoping Grandpa would help."

Nabiki turned to the owner of the voice and realized that Kurumi wasn't surprised. Nabiki blinked and walked over. Her fiancée was just being a drama queen acting like he was seriously injured with his body half threw the floor.

"Kurumi, what do you know about this?"

Kurumi thought back for a moment. She remembered the family dinner well and had become quite fond of her grandfather rather quickly.

"Well, when Grampa told us about how he works for a big company, I told him about me and Ranma's test scores from school and he asked if I wanted to work with him. I said I'd like that very much and asked if he'd want you too work for him as well. He seemed to know about you and sounded thrilled at the idea. He said he'd even try to help you out a little."

Nabiki just stared at the girl who had once called herself a Tendo. She blinked as she realized how much Kurumi's grandfather might have down played how much he had offered to Kurumi. Kurumi had then turned and asked for the same power to be offer to Nabiki. Nabiki stared in shock for a moment until the part of her mind that picks up little details replayed the words test scores and Ranma's reaction out of the corner of her eye.

"Um, Kurumi, what test scores exactly?"

Ranma cleared her throat and made a shushing motion, but was stopped be Akane. Ranma quickly began excuses.

"Come on Akane. Principal Kuno asked me and Kurumi to keep our scores a secret. It was some puzzle test or something like that. I think he said it was an AQ or something."

Nabiki interrupted right here.

"You took an IQ test and the Principal wanted it kept quiet? Why, What did you two make?"

No one heard what was mumbled next except Nabiki and Akane. Akane looked on in shock. Nabiki fainted. Nodoka wanted to know her children's results and decided to call and have the others tested as well if possible.

"My son, what was that you said?"

"I said that Kurumi got a 238 and a got about a 257."

The silence was deafening. The only sounds were a couple in the back behind the curtain, with undertones of panties being removed.

Ranma Saotome, Heir to the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts, and center of all that is chaotic, suddenly found his life returning to normal as Chaos Erupted.

"WHAT!"

"Oh my son is so manly!" (One guess)

"That's my boy." (insert glory stealer)

There were many other things being said and done in the hallowed hall of martial learning, but let us pull out a bit. Farther still, we slowly see the dojo disappear in the distance. Eventually, we come to the form of one Soun Tendo as he arrives at his destination.

OOOOO

Hinako was a little upset. Akane had missed today's session. Hinako didn't know what kind of harm this could do, or if it would mean starting over. There was suddenly a knock at the door and Hinako jumped for it, hoping that Akane had finally come for her treatment. Hinako opened the door to her apartment and froze.

"Hello Miss Ninomiya. May I come inside? I'd like to speak if you'd like."

Hinako could only take a step back in silence to allow the man in. Her eyes were locked onto his. She could see a strength and power that had only been hinted at before. It took all of her self control not to loose it to the man who was like a god to her. She was slowly starting to feel humble by the power he was generating. She had only felt a touch of it previously and fallen for the man, now ...

Soun had all of his information about the woman confirmed by the look in her eyes. He could see the fear, the desire, the lust, and even the love that was the essence of her soul. Soun stepped inside and the door slowly closed behind him.

OOOOO

A/N:

How goes all? I have had this up and been working on it for over a year. I am finally reaching the end. I hope that I still have a few surprises left for you all. Oh well, Until next time.

I will also be taking suggestions on what story to concentrate on after "After the fall of Giants."