The Changing of Isis

by Dani Yanega

Ranma has a higher purpose then to be a slave to Genma. But because of Genma he has to do it as a female but she has lots of help.

7. Chapter 7

Ranma 1/2 – Oh Mighty Isis

The Changing of Isis

Crossover Alternate

By: Dani Yanega

(Dani: Legend is listed in Profile. My profile is also where I will address specific questions or issues that readers ask about.

I do not own many of the Characters in this story though some are mine all the KNOWN characters belong to those who originally created them. Thxs.

Please also NOTE I write Alternate Universe (AU) stories whether they are crossover or not. The AU applies to ZALL characters. Thus this will make them OOC to the original Story and I like it that way. So if you plan to comment that Akane is not like that sorry I write her like I like to. This goes for all the characters it makes the story more fun for me to write that way. Got to have some antagonist and some friends :D)

Chapter Six

The council of elders and remaining Isis Generals finally finished adding the recent attacks to their map of the ley lines. They also created ley line maps using the extra ones Ric brought back from his ship. They then copied all the attacks to them they had enough to give one to the librarian of Isis and the generals. They also had a couple extra left over just in case something happened to the originals. When they finished it was well after dark.

Nodoka stayed near the door watching for their missing team members to return. Nodoka was concentrating so hard on watching for them she did not feel Ric as he approached her. When he wrapped his arms around her waist, she jumped slightly but kept herself from screaming. She leaned back into his arms as she kept her gaze in the direction of Jusenkyo.

"Come away from here Do-Chan they will let us know when they are returning." Ric said as he kissed her behind the ear.

"I should have gone with her!" Nodoka said as she worried about her daughter.

"Do-Chan you can't crowd her like that! You will push her away. She is an adult and needs to grow and find her own way. You need to be there if she needs you but you can't push your way in on everything she does." Ric told his fiancée, he frowned as he felt her stiffen.

"She is...I need to be with her!" Nodoka was getting angry but she calmed when she remembered she and Ric promised each other to always tell each other the truth whether they wanted to hear it or not.

"I know you do my love but she is an adult and will now make her own decisions she will listen to your counsel as she does with the Amazons and Isis but she will make her own decisions. Genma prevented that ability in her and now that she has it she won't let anyone, not even you take if from her." Ric said with a quiet whisper in her ear.

"*SIGH* I know but I can't stop wanting to protect her." Nodoka whispered under her sigh.

"Well we will both protect her as will the rest of the generals. Not to mention Mr. Tabbs though I got a sneaky suspicion there is more to that cat then meets the eye." He told his love with a chuckle in his voice.

"Yes I do as well but I guess Kalya will tell us when she is ready." Nodoka said as she spotted the cat playing with the hair of Sapphire.

Ric led her back to the rest of the generals and elders as they continued to go over the maps and make sure they were correct. When they finished the maps, they had six new additional maps. The new maps included both the ley lines and attacks of Seth. The main topic of the conversation was his under the ocean attacks; along with a way, they might be able to stop them.

The two lovers worked on getting everything ready for when the four Isis Warriors and Musk Lore Maser returned. As they worked, Nodoka and Ric noticed they were not the only ones worried about their missing comrades. Suddenly all the generals perked up and looked toward the door of the council chambers. Jasmine was the one that approached Meran.

"What is it?" She asked the Phoenix warrior.

"It is hard to tell they are almost outside our range but I sense confusion and anger. They are heading back now and should be here shortly." Meran told the elder but refused to say any more even though Kalya told them what happened she did not want them discussing it until they got there.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The five warriors landed at the edge of Jusenkyo they all stared transfixed as the setting sun colored all the springs. Kalya sent Mousse to the guides hut to prevent him from startling them while they were over the springs. Thyme pulled out his journal and quickly flipped through the pages. He stopped for a few moments, read then continued on. When he was satisfied, he handed his journal to Mousse as he returned, so he could hold the book for him while he worked.

"Ok what I think happened was when the casting circle blocked Seth from entering through Jusenkyo they might have created a pinhole opening. This is what allowed him to send his minions after you Kalya and is allowing him access to the world through the ley lines. The nexus here is chaotic even more so than it should be. That is because of Jusenkyo." Thyme told the people with him.

"So when they forced Seth's minions back with the magic spell it left an opening?" Ryoga asked his anger started to grow.

"Calm down Ryoga let's, hear him out." Kalya told her general as she put a hand on his arm.

"Yes and no Ryoga. The spell did its job it was not the spell that created the pinhole." Thyme said as he looked at his journal then he turned to his ki sight and began to examine the springs.

All the Isis Warriors with him did the same thing. He sensed it then started explaining what they were looking for and as he explained they did not notice as the Jusenkyo guide came up next to him. With him were the O'Leary brothers. They were about to speak when the guide stopped them. They just watched as the group scanned Jusenkyo Valley.

"I am trying to locate the pinhole as you can see the ley lines show up as red lines no larger than a single human hair. We need to find where that pinhole is if we hope to close it but I think the damage may already be done." Thyme spoke with an air of a teacher teaching his class.

"You want to look for a disruption in the ley lines. It will be hard since none of you have ever seen a ley line but look at all the lines before you then look for one maybe two they might be close together that does not look right." Thyme said as he continued to scan the springs.

"The pinhole is under the spring hidden under to two impressions in the mountain side." They all turned with surprise to see the two men that had been at the village a month or so back.

"DON'T *GASP* DO THAT!" Kalya screamed at them.

"What are you doing here the Amazons told you to leave!? Ranma no longer lives Genma is who you want and you will find him in jail." Kalya said as she narrowed her eyes and glared at the man that spoke then her eyes opened wide as she waved her hand in front of his face and got no response.

"What is wrong with him?" She turned to Sean and asked her eyes filled with worry.

"We are descendants of the ancient Druids. Each generation one or two of us have inherited the Druid magic. Only the last Druid priestess died before she could teach another how to use their gifts. Ebon is talking to the springs. They told him when we left what was happening and how Seth is still using Jusenkyo. He came here to plug the hole but your friend is correct it is too late." Sean said as Thyme moved to Ebon.

"How far down is the pinhole?" Thyme asked as he looked at the glassy eyed man.

"It is under the boulder that killed the first Isis Warrior. It is everywhere when the boulder hit Isis." Ebon told them as he moved to step among the springs.

"No we will go to it. We have already fallen into that spring. We will look for it. Once we find it Thyme how do we close it?" Sage asked as he put his strong hand on Ebon's shoulder.

"Using your ki sight you must look for what is keeping it opened and remove it. Seth has already made openings at other nexuses but if we close this one, he will lose a great deal of power to use to open any more. #I hope#." He explained whispering the last sentence.

"Alright let's go we have to block Seth from Jusenkyo. It won't stop him but it will slow him down." Kalya took off toward the beginning of her new life and landed under her and Mousse's impressions on the mountain, as did the three males with her.

"How are you going to get in?" Mousse asked as he bent down and tapped the ground where everyone fell in.

"I will request Isis-momma to give us access!" Kalya called out to the air, as everyone stared, their mouths agape as an image of the goddess appeared over the spring.

"Very well daughter." Isis waved her hand and the over growth disappeared.

"Thank you momma!" She said as she began to glow blue and jumped into the spring.

She swam to the bottom of the pool where she found the boulder that had killed the previous Isis Warrior fifty years ago. She picked it up and threw it from the spring. She watched as the boulder splashed from the spring she smirked as her three generals got another bath.

{"Heads up someone catch the rock and chuck it somewhere!} Kalya asked her crystal bell like tones sounded with a chuckle.

She then turned back and began to search her ki sight working overtime. She scanned every inch of the spring and was just about to give up when she spotted something that did not fit. She moved closer to the wall of the spring and found a small fragment of the medallion worn by the other Isis to gain the goddess' power. As she stared at the fragment, she had just made out a small opening around the fragment.

Kalya scowled as the evil elf without knowing had created an entry back into this world for her master. Kalya reached up and grabbed the fragment, her hand reached for the shard. Then a bolt of black lightning struck her in the chest. It knocked her back into the far wall of the spring. She slid down to the floor of the pool and fought to stay conscious. She looked up as the water in the pool began to spin and the sediment from the bottom clouded the water.

She then felt three pairs of hands help her to her feet. They had not taken her from the pool, as they knew she still had to close the pinhole but now together they could do it and prevent Seth from stopping them. As the other three looked around the pool, Kalya pointed to what she had found. They all looked to where she was pointing. They realized it was the opening they, were looking for.

{"Ok so what is the plan?"} Sage asked as he moved for a closer look but did not touch it.

{"We can't just remove it Seth has a protection spell on it. He must need this link to Jusenkyo. Sage go up and ask Thyme why Seth might need this opened after he has set up links elsewhere?"} Sage nodded and did as she asked.

{"He says that the power of Jusenkyo is what is allowing Seth to connect to the other nexuses. Without this link, he would not be able to access any more links. He can through the ones he opened but without the power of Jusenkyo behind him it will be more difficult."} Sage said as he sent a telepathic message back down to his growing friends before he finally returned.

{"Well I say let's destroy his link to Jusenkyo."} Ryoga said as he cracked his knuckles.

{"It is not that easy Ryoga. Thyme reminded me what that Druid guy said. There might be more then one pinhole in this spring and we need to close them all."} Sage said as the others looked at the Musk warrior.

{"Since Kalya found the first one we can use it to find the others. Thyme said that each of the pinholes had been linked to allow him to control the energy pulled through them to him. Now that we know what to look for if we stir up the sediment, we should be able to see the lines of his power linking them together. Just switch to ki sight and let's get this going. I am getting cold."} Sage finished as the others tried not to chuckle so as not to drink the water.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Akane had finally finished her courses at the local community college. She had accepted the scholarship from Tokyo University. She however decided to go to the main campus in Tokyo to get away from her family. She wanted to be on her own and to become a more, well rounded person so she could take Tofu from her sister. As she entered her home, she smelled something good cooking it almost smelled like Kasumi was cooking dinner. She entered the living room and found Tofu sitting with her father at the dining table. She jumped slightly as she heard her sister behind her.

"Akane-Chan welcome home! How did your classes go today?" Kasumi asked as she brought a tray of cookies and tea to the table.

"Mrs. Konita had a family emergency so Tofu and I will be staying here for a few days until she returns. I will do the cooking in-between classes but you will need to help me by keeping the house clean." Kasumi smiled though Akane thought she saw anger behind her eyes.

"Sure onee-Chan I will help." Akane told her older sister.

"Thank you Akane-Chan. Father says you will be starting Tokyo University next semester?" Kasumi asked, Akane marveled at the light of excitement in her big sister's eyes.

"Yes I finished the preliminary courses at the community college so I can devote all my time to my major." Akane explained to her sister and brother-in-law as she reached for some cookies.

"So I will see you around campus. Maybe the three of us can do lunch together?" Kasumi seemed to prattle on in Akane's mind and in her mind Tofu seemed to be angry with her.

"No, that won't be possible. I am going to college in Tokyo. I will be heading there next week to find an apartment near campus." Akane told everyone as she watched only Tofu.

"Really!? Father never told us that. Akane I don't think there is enough in your college fund to do that?" Kasumi spoke earnestly as she looked at her sister.

"Actually yes there is I checked the balance before I decided. I have a full scholarship so all my classes and books are paid for. The money I save on that can support me while I am at college. However, it might be tight. Once I get comfortable with my schedule I can get a part-time job to help out with the finances." Akane had it all planned she was not going to the branch campus she wanted away from her family especially Nabiki.

"I am so proud of you Akane-Chan you are growing up and becoming an independent young woman. It is going to be hard but you will do it I know you can. Oh you might want to check into a laptop they are very helpful for taking notes and research." Kasumi told her little sister as she gave her baby sister one of the first genuine smiles she has seen on Kasumi since their mother died.

"Thank you, onee-Chan, when I go apartment hunting I will check into it." Akane said as she ate another cookie and watched Tofu with sideway glances.

Akane watched as Tofu wrapped his arm around Kasumi's shoulders and pulled her toward him. In Akane's mind, though he was staring at her with smoldering eyes. Eyes that told her he made a mistake and she was the Tendo sister he should have married. Akane felt if she could get him to her apartment alone she and he could become lovers and then he would have to divorce Kasumi and marry her. Akane's fantasy burst when Tofu kissed Kasumi passionately as they rose to leave.

"Where are you going aren't you staying here?" Akane asked as she thought she might be able to seduce him here so everyone would find out faster.

"No Akane. I made dinner it is in the refrigerator you can just warm it up in the oven the instructions are on the stove. _Do Not_ add anything or change anything. Slowly follow the recipe." Kasumi scowled at her little sister until Akane nodded she understood.

Akane and Soun walked the Onos to the door and waved goodbye as they walked out the gate. Soun moved back into the house as he closed the door. He put his arm around his daughter and led her back into the house. They sat down at the table and Soun started talking.

"How come you did not tell me you decide to go to the main campus in Tokyo?" Soun asked his voice low and depressed.

"After all you are my heir and you need to start preparing to take over the dojo." Akane cringed, since there was no dojo to take over as she stared at the dojo that they re-boarded after Kasumi's wedding.

"There is no school daddy. Remember the Dojo Destroyer took it from us because I didn't know our school." Akane told him, as his eyes grew red with anger.

"You will take over the dojo and when you marry Ranma the joined schools will open under the Saotome name!" He growled as he slammed his fist on the table.

"WHAT!? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!? I WON'T MARRY SOME PREVERT SO YOU CAN HAVE YOUR DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR! DON'T FORGET RANMA IS DEAD GENMA KILLED HIM! YOU PROMISED TO DO AS MOM ASKED AND NOT FORCE US TO MARRY THAT JACKASS! LET US NOT FORGET HAPPOSAI LOCKED AWAY ANY TRAINING I HAD AND YOU DID NOTHING!" Akane shouted so all of Nerima heard her as she stormed off to her room Soun waited a few minutes as he braced for the slam.

*SLAM* Soun sighed his heart breaking but Akane would marry Ranma and together the Anything Goes Dynasty will be started, Soun showed where Akane got her ability to hear what she wanted to hear and rewrite the rest to fit into her world.

Soun looked up as a thought had just struck him. He had not seen his master since Saotome had first showed up. He wondered where he had gotten. Then he thought of Saotome and wondered where he had gone. He hoped he came back soon he missed his old friend. The revelations of the true nature of his training partner forgotten since his blinders were now firmly in place.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Akane fumed as she sat on her bed. She was not marrying that pervert. She remembered what Ukyo had told her and she knew it was Ranma that had left her at the side of the road. She like everyone Nodoka had encountered that fell to Genma's greed seemed to forget Ranma was but a child. Akane rose from her bed and went to her desk. She had been buying Tokyo papers to look for apartments.

She pulled out the classified ads for the day's paper and began to look through them. She smiled, as there were over a dozen available apartments near her college. There were some further away but if she needed, she would check them after all she could use the longer walk to exercise. Akane took all the classified ads with the apartments she was interested in including the ones further from the college. She grabbed her purse and left her room. She paused at the door and turned to her closet. She pulled out her backpack and fillied it with some clothes and necessities in case she stayed over but she probably would not.

As she came downstairs, Soun turned to watch her. His eye arched as he spotted the newspapers she carried under her arm. His eyes narrowed as he spotted the backpack she wore. He watched as Akane put on her street shoes then left the house. He stared dumbfounded at the closed door then jumped slightly at the slamming of the gate.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Akane ran to the train station. She bought a ticket then waited for her train. She did not have long to wait. She boarded her train and took a seat in the commuter department. She sat near a window and watched as people milled around the station meeting people or leaving and saying goodbye. She frowned as she spotted Nabiki as she boarded another train. She had not known she was in town. She then spotted Kuno and she quickly buried her face in her newspapers as she watched him as he followed Nabiki onto her train.

Akane sighed in relief as her train pulled out leaving Nabiki and Kuno behind. She continued through the classifieds. She wanted to check whether any other apartments that would work for her. She found some that were not listed in the paper she checked. After checking the three newspapers her expectations grew as she had added another ten apartments to her list.

Akane folded up the papers, sat back, and watched the scenery as the train moved toward Tokyo. As she got closer to Tokyo she started feeling a bit frightened she had never been away from home before and she wondered if she could handle it. She took a deep breath and put on a determined face. She was a woman now and she would show her family she could handle it. She really wanted to go to college after high school but her dad made such a huge scene she gave in and took all her required classes at the community college.

However, it worked out better for her. Now she could concentrate on the classes she needed for her major. She also thought now she could take a few electives that interested her. As the train moved into Tokyo station Akane rose and left the train. She then picked up a map of the streets and headed out of the station. She spotted a café near the station and headed there to find where she needed to go. As she walked toward the little dinner she spotted a computer store and smiled, they were having a sale. She knew enough from Nabiki the sale was to get rid of older stock to have room for the latest and greatest.

She entered the dinner and took a seat. When the waitress arrived she ordered a sandwich since she would not be home for dinner and a pot of tea. She then took out the map and the classifieds and began looking how to get there from where she was but also how to get from the apartments to campus.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Akane entered the computer store she began to look around she found an inexpensive desktop model but she really wanted a laptop. Since she was a student, it would suit her better and would be able to be used in her classes to take notes and work on assignments. She frowned as it was overwhelming and she really wished Nabiki were here. She sighed as that thought caused her to stop. Was she sure, it was a good idea to be so far from home? She shook her head violently. She needed to grow up she needed to start doing for herself.

Akane moved through the store when she found the laptops she started looking at what they offered she was getting confused when a young man came up beside her. She noticed his nametag and assumed he was an employee at the store. She began to ask him questions and he answered them quickly and decisively. He explained what the differences were between the ones she was interested in and what each could and could not do. When he finished he headed out the store and she watched him leave. She blushed as she realized he was a customer but his knowledge helped her to decide which one she wanted.

Akane left the store her new laptop bag crossed over her shoulders as she headed to the first apartment. It was uncomfortable because of her backpack but she just kept shifting it until she was satisfied. She decided her first priority was to find an apartment she really liked and could afford. After four hours, she was heading to the last apartment near the campus. So far, all of them would have worked great but she noticed the closer she was to campus the more expensive they were. This apartment was the furthest but still within walking distance where she would not have to get up extra early to get to classes.

She headed to the building she liked how it looked it was done in red brick and had a porch that looked like it went around the entire building. There were eight floors beside the first floor. The apartments in the front of the building actually had balconies. She wondered if the backside apartments had them also. She then frowned as she thought it might cost more because of the balconies. The yard and garden was well kept and she liked all the pretty flowers. She stopped as she saw lilac bushes at the edge of the property. She stared wide-eyed, as she did not know they came in red and white as well as purple. She took a deep breath and prayed she got an apartment here. She would love waking up to the smell of lilacs in the spring.

She entered the building through the double solid oak doors. She looked around the community living room and smiled as some of the residents looked at her. She spotted the building manager's office and headed toward it. She paused outside the door took a deep breath and knocked. As she waited, she looked around the community room. It was bright white with a sapphire blue deep pile rug. There were little conversation groups of two to four chairs. There were also some long sofas and coffee tables. The furniture was done in sky blue and the tables looked like marble with wrought iron legs. Before she could take in any more she heard a muffled voice on the other side of the door.

"Come in!" Akane took a deep breath, opened the door, and entered the office.

Though the office was painted semi gloss white the lights had a yellowish tinge that made the office appear dark. There was only one window but the curtains were closed against the setting sun. Akane moved toward the desk where a plump middle-aged woman sat. Akane waited as she was looking for something in her filing cabinet. When she found the folder she wanted, she brought it out and turned to look at Akane a warm smile on her face.

"Hello dear please won't you sit down. I take it you came about the apartments I have listed." She asked Akane, as shock read across her face, she had not realized there was more then one apartment available.

"Yes ma'am." Akane quickly answered as the woman opened the folder to show it was filled with leases.

"Well first I am Mrs. Taakia Jubei I own and manage this building. I have set rules that will need to be followed or I will evict you. Everything is spelled out in the lease. First, though let us go look at the last five apartments available. I have already rented three of the eight I had available." Mrs. Jubei stood and grabbed a large ring with what looked like hundreds of keys.

Taakia Jubei stood five feet three inches though she was no more the twenty pounds overweight she looked to be heavier then she was. Her hair was as black as onyx and was worn in a ponytail that started at the top of her head. The ponytail ended at the small of her back. She had an hourglass shape that she defined well with the business suit she wore. Her face was round and soft. Her eyes were amber and sat on either side of a straight short nose. Which ended over a pair of full lips? She looked to be in her late forties early fifties. Her suit was a dark purple double-breasted suit and the skirt was 'A' line design to just past her knees. Under the jacket was a pale gold jacquard shirt. On her feet were bright red pumps with a one-inch heel, with a gold and purple bow on top.

"Now dear are you interested in a studio style that is one room or would you prefer a bedroom?" Mrs. Jubei asked as they moved toward the elevators.

"I don't really know can I look at all the different types you have available. In addition, do you have stairs? I could use them as part of my exercise routine." Akane asked as she followed the plump woman into the elevator.

"Of course dear I will show you where they are later." The woman smiled at Akane but Akane never noticed, as the smile never reached the woman's eyes.

The two women exited on the third floor and walked to the end of the hallway. There were apartments on both sides of the hallway but there were no offshoots. The apartment building was a large rectangle and there were apartments at the front and back of the building. There was also an apartment at each end of the hallway. Akane assumed that would be the largest of the apartments. Mrs. Jubei stopped at the third door from the elevators on the back portion of the building and opened the door. She then ushered Akane inside.

"I have only the studio styles along with one and two bedroom apartments. You will not want a two bedroom would you?" She asked the young girl as she looked around the studio apartment.

"No I would not want a two bedroom but thank you for asking." Akane said as she smiled at the woman as they entered the studio apartment.

"This is the studio as you see there is a small dais you can use as an office or bedroom. Many of my tenants like to put up curtain rods to block it from the rest of the room." Akane looked and smiled she liked that idea as she followed the landlady to other features.

Akane noticed there was a set of French doors behind the dais that opened onto the balcony. She followed the manager as she showed her the kitchenette on the left side of the apartment, a walk-in closet to the right of the door, the bath with a shower, and linen closet was on the right side of the apartment. There was no coat closet so Akane would have to set aside a portion of the walk-in for them she decided that would be ok.

The walls were white and instead of carpet, it had wood floors done in the color of cinnamon. She liked that if she could afford it she could use an area rug. As they, left Mrs. Jubei told her the monthly rent for the studios and that there was one more available studio on the eighth floor. She then continued down the hallway to show her the one-bedroom available on the third floor.

When they reached the apartment, she opened the door and Akane entered. Again the room was white with cinnamon hardwood floors. This apartment had a galley kitchen to the left of the door to the right was two doors. This room also had the French doors to the balcony. The living room was not very big it looked to be twelve feet square so not to small. Mrs. Jubei showed her the coat closet just to the right of the entrance. She then moved to the other door and entered a dark bedroom. There were no windows in this room, which kept it dark.

This room was ten feet square with a walk-in closet there was a door on the left side across from the closet was the bathroom door with a walk-in shower. There was again no window. Akane was not sure if she liked that but the way the building was set up she could understand it. As they finished with the tour of the apartments, they headed back downstairs. Mrs. Jubei showed her where the stairs were just to the left of the elevator bay. Mrs. Jubei also told her how much a one bedroom was and Akane felt the extra money was not really worth it for the bedroom since it was only her that would live there.

They reentered the building manager's office and went over the rules of the building and the contract. Akane did not plan to do any partying she wanted her degree and then to move on. She did not do drugs or smoke so she was doing fine. Mrs. Jubei said she allowed overnight guests but they were permitted to stay only a week. As the studio and one bedroom was zoned for single occupancy. Akane did not mind that either. She agreed to everything and she asked for the studio on the eighth floor. Mrs. Jubei agreed. Akane wrote a check for the security deposit and first and last months rent. As she stood up Mrs. Jubei, finished filling out the contract handed it to Akane to sign. She then made a copy and gave Akane a copy and a recite for the money she paid. Akane put them in her computer bag.

"You can move in anytime after your check clears. I will give you your keys then. The eighth floor apartment overlooks the front of the building and it is the last apartment before the end apartment." The woman said as she put the contract in a folder, wrote Akane's name on it, and put it in the file cabinet, Akane smiled, as it would put her right over the lilac bushes.

"Thank you Mrs. Jubei. I start at Tokyo this coming semester but as soon as I can I want to start decorating and getting my furniture in. Oh is there a service elevator or can I use the main elevator to get my furniture up to the eighth floor?" Akane asked quickly before she left.

"Yes we have a service elevator for people to use when they move in and out. Otherwise it is off limits since we only have the one." She told the young girl.

"Thank you I will wait for you to notify me when my check clears." Akane bowed to Mrs. Jubei and then followed her out of the apartment.

Akane then used her map where she had marked the path from each of the apartment buildings to the college. She timed herself at a normal pace to see how far she would be. When she got to the college, she frowned slightly as it was at least fifteen minutes. She shrugged her shoulders as she could run it faster then walk. However, if she had enough time she might like the nice walk to think and relax before and after classes.

She headed off toward the station Mrs. Jubei had said it would take about three to five days for the check to clear it just depended on how fast the bank moved. As Akane went through the business district, she looked at the shops and restaurants around her apartment. She was not far from the station about ten to twenty minutes again depending on her speed. She liked that she was that close but still far enough away not to be bothered by the noise. She spotted several grocery stores. She entered and checked what products she could get and could not get. She checked prices and found all three were priced about the same.

As she moved closer toward the station, she found a scratch and dent store for furniture and appliances. She did not need any appliances as her studio came with a refrigerator and stove. Mrs. Jubei said each floor had its own laundry room there were three washers and dryers and were coin operated. It was located on the other side of the elevators. Akane went in just to get an idea on what prices they were charging so she could compare to a regular furniture store.

She wrote down what she wanted and how much she then looked for the imperfections and how large they were. She was surprised that some had the 'dents' were so small it was almost negligible. She left after she checked on the cost of delivery. Once she had, what she wanted she just hoped the items were there when she moved in if she decided to go with the scratch and dent store.

Since Akane was in no big hurry to go home, she moved on to some of the regular furniture stores and nearly had a heart attack at the mark up. She left quickly and headed back to the 'scratch and dent' store. She put a down payment on everything she wanted and explained she was waiting for her check to clear. The proprietor was, fine with that but would not hold it longer than two weeks. She felt it would not take that long and would call as soon as she could move in to set up a delivery date.

Akane felt she could get a futon mat to sleep on until the furniture arrived then she could use the mat for guests. As she moved back toward the station, she really did not want to go home. She found a small motel and entered. She requested and received a room. She went upstairs and went into her room. She was glad she had thought to bring some clothes just in case she had to stay over.

Akane opened the door to her room. As she entered, she closed and bolted the door. She turned on the lights and looked around the sparse room. She headed to the desk and found an Internet hookup. She unpacked her new laptop and plugged it into the Internet connection. She was finally glad to remove her backpack as carrying them both was not comfortable. She sat her backpack on the floor next to the desk. Though, she had wireless access she was not, sure it was available here at the motel. As the laptop booted she sat down at the desk and called home.

*RING RING RING*

"Moshi moshi!" Her father's agitated voice answered the phone.

"Daddy it's me. I ran late on my errands. I will be home tomorrow. Don't forget to eat the meal Kasumi left the cooking instructions are taped to the fridge. Bye!" She was about to hang up when her father's voice stopped her.

"Akane where are you!" Soun's voice was both worried and angry.

"I am in Tokyo classes are starting soon and I had to get an apartment. And order furniture for it." She said as if it was obvious to everyone where she went.

"YOU'RE WHAT!" Akane held the phone from her ear as her father shouted.

"I have a full scholarship at Tokyo University and decided I wanted to be on my own so I am going to the main campus. There is nothing else to say about it daddy it is all settled and done with." Akane worked hard to keep her temper under control she had to now, or be evicted.

"NO IT IS NOT ALL AND DONE WITH I FORBID IT! YOU DON'T NEED COLLEGE YOU AND RANMA WILL RUN THE DOJO!" Soun had forgotten Ranma was dead but he held on the hope that Happosai would find him and bring him back to fulfill the pledge.

"No daddy I will not! I am of legal age and my life is mine to do with as I please. We have no school thanks in part to me for thinking I was good enough but also because of you for not training me properly!" Akane was shocked at her ability to control her anger and talk rationally.

"That was my fault as well since I could not control my anger and just used what I did know to bully people to get what _I_ wanted. Well no more I have a big reason now to stay calm and I will not lose what I have started. I will not allow you, Kasumi or especially Nabiki to ruin my life any longer! I will be home tomorrow or the next day to start packing but I will not be a pawn for you to live high on the hog on my and this DEAD Ranma's hard work!" Akane hung up the phone she wondered where the common sense she had never had came from.

Akane sat at the desk as she stared blankly at her laptop screen as it waited for her to start using it. She thought about the last three years. She thought on what was different during that time. First after Nabiki and Kuno left school, she became a kind of pariah not even her long time friends wanted anything to do with her. She let her tears fall as she realized they were only her friends because Nabiki probably blackmailed them to be. Then there was father refusing to allow her to leave for college, as he did not want to 'lose his baby'. She was furious but again Nabiki interfered though it worked better for her that she did.

(o)(o) FLASHBACK (o)(o)

"I WILL GO TO COLLEGE I HAVE A COLLEGE FUND FOR JUST THAT PURPOSE! I WILL NOT LET YOU RUIN MY LIFE LIKE YOU DID KASUMI'S BY MAKING HER A SLAVE!" Akane screamed at her father after he told her she would not be going to college.

Akane did not see the pain on Kasumi's face but Nabiki did. She scowled at Akane but in anger, the youngest Tendo had hit a nerve. Kasumi had dreams of being a doctor but again their father prevented it with her as well. It was her duty to take care of his responsibility not his. Nabiki narrowed her eyes and actually for the first time produced an aura.

"Well daddy you really can't stop Akane from going to college. I have an idea. Akane can go to the local community college to take the required courses that does not really have any bearing on what she might want to do. This way she might be able to get a full scholarship and use her college fund to help support her during the years in college. This will also shorten her college career, as she will only be taking classes that pertain to her major. I also think Kasumi should do the same thing." Nabiki told her angry father.

When Nabiki got in Soun's face a thin red line around her body and the shark like stare and grin on her face he coward back from his middle daughter. He nodded once and sighed deeply when the frightening visage of his middle daughter disappeared from his view.

(o)(o) END FLASHBACK (o)(o)

Now here she sits building her own life away from her family that she really truly loved but was tired of their manipulations of her. She sighed and as she rose, from the desk chair, her new laptop forgotten as she headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. As the door closed behind her, her sobs filled the small room.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The five Isis warriors finally returned to the village. The Isis Warriors were not carrying Thyme any longer. The Amazons raised an eyebrow at this. Especially since Thyme was flying next to them. They landed near the Council Building and the elders could see that Kalya was angry.

"What is wrong or do I need to ask?" Rouge asked as she came up and put a gentle hand on Kalya's shoulder.

"It is a long story the short version Thyme jumped into the spring while we were trying to close Seth's access to it." Kalya glared at the Musk warrior who had the decency to look guilty.

"Come we will talk about this in chambers." Lotus said as she led the way into the Council hall.

The elders took their seats at the table. They all glared down at the Musk Lore Master and he tried not to look at them because he was not thinking it was not a good idea to force the issue of his being a real Isis Warrior. He just looked at his hands as if suddenly something about them both shocked and fascinated him.

"Start at the beginning daughter." Jasmine said as she stared not at the Musk warrior but at her adopted daughter.

"Well when we got to the springs Thyme felt there was a pinhole created when the casting circle banished Seth and his minions. It was located in the spring Isis was using to create the generals. I went in to look around and found a shard from the original Isis' amulet. I tried to remove it so I could force the small opening around it to close." Kalya stopped as she smiled as Margarine looked like she wanted to ask a question and she did.

"You should not have done that daughter if you don't know how to close it safely it could have caused a tear in that pinhole and opened a portal we can't close." Margarine said as she wagged her finger.

"Well Seth did not want it removed he had put some protection magic around it. I found out the hard way when a lightning bolt hit me in the chest. Ryoga, Mousse, and Sage joined me in the pool. I showed them what I found then Sage went out to talk with Thyme. When he came back, he said Thyme agreed with the O'Leary Ebon in that there were more pinholes caused by the shards in the spring. That Seth was using the shards from the amulet to create them to link to the other Chaotic Nexuses around the world." Kalya said as she stopped to get her words together but did not have to as her generals took turns to continue the tale.

"So we had to first find all the pinholes Kalya had us stir up the sediment in the bottom of the pool. We used our ki sight to follow the ley lines around the pinhole she had found. Seth had used all the smallest shards to open the pinholes in that spring. He was using Jusenkyo's own magic and mixed it with that of the elf and first Isis warrior to open more pinholes and to pull the ley lines into his domain." Mousse told the enraptured elders.

"He then used that power to put pinholes at the other nexuses so his minions could go through and start trouble. We each started looking everywhere in the pool for the other shards. It was difficult because many of them were barely larger than the head of a pin. We however found them all and we marked their location with small pebbles from the bottom of the spring." Sage told the Amazons and the rest of the Isis Warriors that were there.

"We could not touch them because of Seth's protection spell then Mousse mentioned using the Hiryü Shöten Ha. We decided Kalya would do the whirlwind under water it should pull all the shards even those used by Seth from the pool. As it forced the water from the spring the three of us would use the Kachuu Tenshin Amiguriken and remove all the shards." Ryoga told them as it got back to Kalya.

"Mousse gave everyone a bucket and we brought all the shards back with us. It was when the water started to adhere to gravity. That Thyme dove through the pools water. Though Isis told me it was only temporary she was not sure how long it would last. She had depleted almost all the magic in the pool making my generals. Then when we removed the shards the last bit of the first Isis' magic went with them. So after his stunt any others trying to gain the magic may end up being the new spirit in the pool." Kalya finished as she looked at the shocked face of Thyme he did not want to lose the new magic he gained and he wanted to be a real general of the Isis Warrior.

"Damn, I should have drunk some of the water!" Thyme whispered but those that stood near him heard what he had said and smiled sadly at him.

"Isis also wanted me to give you each one of these. There was just enough magic in the spring to restore some of what you lost in the casting circle. I am afraid it won't bring back your youthful appearance but it should bring back some of your magical abilities. Well at least Isis thinks so." Kalya handed each elder a four-ounce bottle of stagnant looking water.

She then stood in front of Happosai and handed him a bottle as well. She smiled at the aged master, as he had been hard press to keep his curse under control. Kalya then handed him a second bottle. She smiled at him with her head tilted cutely to one side. He looked at the bottle confused then when he touched the bottle he felt the goodness that came from it. He looked at her with a shocked confused look.

"Isis said it would alleviate some of what the 'Spring of Drowned Pervert' had done to you but not all of it. However, you need to drink it." Kalya told the aged master.

Happosai looked at both bottles the goddess was allowing him to get back some semblance of a life that included his magic. He then looked at his soul mate and watched as she drank the water from the pool of Isis. He too drank that water. He then looked at the other bottle. Did he want to give up his life of 'little darlings'? Then he remembered Kalya said it would only lessen his perverted tendencies. He felt if it would bring him and his beloved together, again it was worth it, and he drank the bottle down in one gulp.

The room watched as they drank the dirty water. They all stood shocked as the elders began to glow a golden white. Happosai glowed the golden white but he also glowed midnight blue. When the glows finally left it looked as if they all had gotten a bit younger but they still looked like two and half foot tall mummies.

"Thank you daughter and thank Isis for us as well. Now with some of our magic restored we will be able to help better in keeping Seth from our world." Jasmine said, as she and her fellow elders knew they would have to test how much of their magic was given back to them.

"She says you are welcomed. What you all drank was the last of the residue from the spring. It is now empty and ready to accept a new spirit into its depths." Kalya told them with a slight frown as they all nodded.

"There is one more thing. We have two new warriors for the battle. It seems the O'Leary brothers found out what is happening and want to help." Kalya started as an explosion came from the council table.

"WHAT! DON'T THEY KNOW TO STAY HERE IS DEATH FOR THEM?" Chiffon shouted her anger rose, as did her aura.

"Well they are a part of our fighting force now. It turns out they are descendants of the Ancient Druids. The one called Ebon is their generation of Druid magic users. The only problem is many generations back the last priestess to use the magic was killed before she could teach anyone else the secrets. Therefore, he has unconscious control of his magic. He also is able to talk to Jusenkyo. His brother Sean though not magical learned everything he could in the hopes of helping Ebon to use his magic. He believes Druids are who created the 'Springs of Sorrow'." Kalya told a shocked audience as a voice by the door drew their attention.

"Sean is right Lady Kalya the Druids did create Jusenkyo though they did not mean to create the cursed springs. Like Seth they wanted to use the magic that was inherent to the valley, the springs were an accident." Ebon said as he was led in by one of the guards from the gate.

"That is not possible it would be in our three thousand plus years of our recorded history!" Marjoram growled as she slammed her tiny fist on the council table causing spider cracks on its surface.

"Well now Marjoram that is not accurate. As the Lore Mistress of our tribe it was never said how the springs came into being. I have gone through our history books for centuries trying to find when the springs came into being. It is not there the only passage was when our village was created there was a mention of the valley and the guide that guarded it." Spray said as she placed a light hand on the shoulder of the black robed elder Marjoram's black eyes flashing red.

Spray like Marjoram and the rest of the elders were no taller then two and half feet. They were well over three hundred and plus years old. They all had long white hair that pooled at their feet when they were not balanced on their six-foot staffs. The only way to tell them apart was by the color of their robes and their eyes. Spray wore orange robes. She had beautiful ice blue eyes that unlike most on the council sparkled with mischief and gayety.

"Are you sure Spray?" Jasmine asked as her dove gray eyes narrowed to tiny slits of confusion.

"Yes I am. Nor was there ever a mention of the Druids, though that does not mean they were not here. One never knows where they are it is their way of protecting themselves." Spray said as she tried to recall some of the very few encounters the tribe had with the ancient race.

"Then Li-sensei while you are looking through Isis-momma's library could you check for books on the Druids and their magic? I think there was at least three maybe more. I did not copy anything from those books because I did not know we would have Druids on our side. Though I can remember some of what I read Ebon, Sean, and I will go over that it might help unlock his magic." Kalya said as she turned to the grandmaster of the Soul and Emotions.

"Of course my dear I will make copies of all that I find. There is one thing though. Would you train myself and the other scholastic team members in your speed reading and writing? I know once we start reading and writing we will get faster and neater but we need basic training first. No since re-inventing the wheel." Shen Li said as he smiled at the young girl glad she still had Ranma's voracious appetite for learning.

"Sure we can start tomorrow and if anyone else wishes training you may join us." Kalya said not seeing the proud smile on her mother and uncle's face.

"Li-san please also include the true history of the Druids I am sure much of their history is lost to them. It would be nice to return it to them." They turned to see the owner of the voice.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The room jumped slightly at the deep baritone voice that emanated from the doorway of the council chamber. The room turned all the Amazons face faulted, as their visitors were ones that never left Phoenix Mountain. Kalya though and all her generals turned to the new comers and bowed with great respect. When they rose from the bow, Kalya slowly walked toward him watching the female that had come with him.

"Welcome King Saffron, to what do we owe this honor?" Kalya said as she stopped six feet from him at the glare of the white haired woman next to him.

"OH STOP IT KIIMA!" Meran shouted as she glared back at her cousin.

Saffron turned and glared at Kiima and her disrespectful attitude then turned back to Kalya and smiled. Saffron stood six feet five inches tall. He had shoulder length blond hair with silver highlights and deep brown medium sized eyes with flecks of gold. His eyes sat on either side of an aquiline nose that ended over full lips that were affixed in a permanent frown. His features sat in a face with a square jaw but instead of being hard there were soft angles to it. Saffron was very muscular in his build with strong leg muscles he could probably win a Mr. Universe contest. His wings are black with gold and silver stripes. He wore a ringlet crown of braided gold and silver with a diamond teardrop that hung from the center of it. As the rest of his people, his hands had a claw like appearance and his feet ended into the talons of all birds of prey.

"It is alright Lord Saffron it is Kiima's job to protect you we understand that." Mousse said as he stepped forward and bowed to the King of Phoenix Mountain.

Kiima was tall she stood six feet with short white hair. She was very beautiful as her face was a soft oval with high cheekbones that held lovely features. Her eyes were bright emerald green and were large and almond in shape. They were perched on either side of a thin perky nose that sat over full sensuous lips. Her body was athletic in nature but still feminine. She had beautiful white wings starting two thirds of the way down was a black-green stripe of one inch followed by a two-inch stripe of the white. Then came a four-inch stripe of the black green followed by another two inch stripe, of white ending with the last one inch stripe of black green then the last four inches of wings was white.

"Please come in Lord Saffron." Jasmine request as a chair was brought for the monarch of Phoenix Mountain.

"So why have you come?" Cologne asked Kalya's question again.

"I have come to meet the New Isis. My young adviser and protector did not permit me until now. I like the Musk prince am afraid not indispensible. I however will as then send the best of my army to join you. I understand Seth has chosen another place of magic elsewhere?" Saffron asked as a way to let his people at the village know he was not happy they were not keeping him abreast of what was going on.

"No Lord Saffron he is not trying for another entry as he did before. The magic he planned to use to enter our world fifty years ago was his catalyst to enter our world. He will not do that again as we did fifty years ago others with magic could stop him again." Thorn spoke to the birdman her emerald eyes flashed as she looked at Kiima.

"I see so what if I may ask is going on?" Saffron did not like coming to beg for information but he wanted to meet the Isis Warrior and let his resident subjects know he wanted to know what was happening.

The council filled in the Phoenix King and answered all his questions. As they talked, Kiima wrote down what they had found out and what they had figured out as to where Seth might attack. When they finished and answered all the questions Saffron asked. The king rose to leave.

"Lord Saffron we have several maps where the ley lines have been drawn in and the nexuses plotted. They also include where Seth has already attacked. We can give you a copy then if you send a messenger every day around noon he can join us as we plot any new developments." Kalya spoke softly but her voice was firm as the elders were about to protest.

"Thank you Kalya. I would appreciate that very much. I will have Calcoridan come, as he will be the one back at the palace that will be monitoring Seth's movement. We however do not need the map as the Amazons and I am sure the Musk we also have a map with ley lines marked. Calcoridan will be here at eleven tomorrow to update our map." He told Kalya with a warm smile.

"You know I did not get to meet the first Isis Warrior. But from what I have seen and heard I feel the Goddess has found a perfect replacement." Kalya blushed as Saffron uncharacteristically bent down and kissed her cheek then turned and left leaving all of Jusendo valley in shock.

As they, all broke up and headed back to their homes Ebon and Sean were staying at the guesthouse. The council asked Thyme to talk with Prince Herb tomorrow to send a messenger for the noon meeting but have them show up tomorrow at eleven to update their maps with all that was found out. He nodded his agreement and followed his teammates to the guesthouse. Once all the Isis warriors left, the elders sat down and stared at each other.

"So that is what he looks like!" Chiffon said with a wistful smile.

"Yep he is quite a good looking male!" Sapphire said as she licked her lips longingly.

"Oh well if only we were as young looking as we were fifty years ago. Though Isis was not sure we wouldn't get back some of our youth." Rouge said, as she looked down at her hands to hide the pain only the others understood.

"Yes that is true but she did not feel we would but we can always hope." Snow Pea said as she patted Rouge's hand as the others nodded as they felt the same pain.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Akane walked home her several days away from home relaxed her a great deal. She however still wore a small frown. As she waited for her furniture to be delivered to her new home she thought about her life and she did not understand why except maybe she was growing up. She realized much of her problems were her uncontrollable rage. She had started to do some meditations but she found it so boring. She decided she would just work hard to keep her anger in check, especially since it could get her kicked out of her apartment.

She thought back over her life at high school and her frown deepened. Her problem with the hentai squad was definitely Nabiki and Kuno's doing, she realized since she really did not contribute much to their home life but destruction she would let that slide since it brought money into the house. She however, was beginning to wonder what Nabiki had on Yuka and Sayuri. She told them her deepest fears and desires.

Akane paused outside her home and stared at the Tendo sign she was no longer the heir to the Tendo School there was none. She could blame that on her father for not continuing her training but when she tried the memory of the day he stopped came forward. Akane shook her head, as she did not want to remember that day. It was the first time she showed her dishonor as a martial artist, as a person and as a sister. With a deep sigh, she entered the compound and headed to the front door.

"Tadaima!" Akane removed her shoes as Mrs. Konita poked her head out of the kitchen with a smile.

"Welcome home Akane-Chan go sit at the table for cookies and tea." Akane smiled at the middle-aged woman and nodded.

"Hai Mrs. Konita." Akane moved into the dining room and found her father reading the paper and Nabiki had come home for a visit, Akane's frown got deeper at the sight of her older sister.

"Hey sis how goes the move? Do you need help?" Nabiki was thinking she could move in with Akane and get the status quo back in making money.

"No I do not. I will be packing my things and moving into my apartment by the end of this week. I signed up for some extracurricular classes and they start next week. Since I have the money in my college fund available for my room and board I thought I would also use it to take some things I would like to learn." Akane said as she held tightly to her purse as she glared at Nabiki.

"Well if you need help let me know. So what type of laptop did you get? You should have called I could have helped you get a great deal." Nabiki told Akane as she noticed the laptop bag.

"I had help and got the deal I wanted. Don't think you can move in with me Nabiki. It is a one occupancy apartment and my landl...lord has strict rules for the tenants to follow and your side business would get us both kicked out!" Akane snarled as a thin red line appeared around her surprising Nabiki and Soun as Happosai had blocked all her access to her abilities in the art.

"Thank you Mrs. Konita. How is your daughter doing?" Akane asked as Mrs. Konita brought in a plate of cookies and tea.

"She is much better. The baby is just beautiful. I will be going back in a few days after she gets home. I won't be staying long though just to help her and the baby to get settled." Akane smiled at the woman with a warm caring smile at her excitement.

"I don't suppose you have a picture?" Akane asked with sincerity as she ignored the shock on her sister and father's faces.

"Oh yes I have several." Mrs. Konita pulled out her cell phone and began to show Akane the pictures.

"This is one of my granddaughter with her mother, here she is with her father." Mrs. Konita explained as she scrolled through the pictures on her cell phone.

"My son-law took this one of me and the baby. His family had not yet arrived they are due in tomorrow. The nurse took this one of all of us. This one is just the baby. This one is the baby and her parents." Mrs. Konita pointed out she tried to show the pictures to Nabiki and Soun but they did not seem interested.

"Have they thought of a name yet? She is beautiful!" Akane said as she looked longingly at the photos thinking of what her children would some day look like if Kasumi had not stolen Tofu from her.

"Yes they have her name is Niokia." Mrs. Konita gushed happily, as she retrieved her cell.

Mrs. Konita stared at the picture of her daughter and her growing family. She could not wait for when she would go and help get them settled in when they got home. It would be just in time for her son-in-law's parents to arrive. She would then visit every day after work. She smiled happily but Akane noticed an undertone of sadness in her. Mrs. Konita looked up at the gentle hand on her arm.

"He knows, he is watching over you and your daughter and her family. As my mom watches over us he is watching over you." Akane said softly not seeing as the shock grew on her father and sister's faces.

"Thank you dear." Mrs. Konita said with a small smile as she patted Akane's hand.

"Oh before I forget here this is for you and the baby." Akane reached for a shopping bag and handed to Mrs. Konita.

"Why thank you dear you didn't have to do that!" Akane was sure she did, as the excitement bloomed all over the woman's face.

Mrs. Konita sat down and unpacked the presents. First, there was a beautiful photo album covered in white lace and deep burgundy silk roses. The roses surrounded a center oval that had a piece of cross-stitch material Mrs. Konita could embroider something special. Mrs. Konita looked at the book and opened it and it had protective photo sheets that held three by four photos and some that held eight by tens. She then moved to the other package for her granddaughter and she pulled out a white soft plush unicorn. It had a silver horn with a quarter inch diameter copper spiral around the horn. On its neck was a collar of red, yellow, and blue flowers. When Mrs. Konita hugged the gift, the unicorn played 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart'.

"Oh thank you so much Niokia will love this and I love the baby book. I will give it to her on the day she has her first baby." Mrs. Konita told Akane as she hugged her tightly.

As the housekeeper left Akane took a saucer full of cookies, rose then started to head upstairs. She was stopped by her father's hand on her shoulder. She looked at him and did not like the look in his eyes. It spoke of his need to keep his daughters' bound to him but she would no longer do that and her eyes spoke volumes as to that effect but he did not see it.

"Daughter I want you to give up your apartment and go to the same satellite Tokyo University as Kasumi and Nabiki." He was not asking and he felt she would do, as he demanded.

"Actually daddy I don't care what Nabiki has been telling you I am going to the main campus and if Nabiki causes me any problems I will turn her in to the Dean and cost her the dreams of being a CEO of some big company with a good reputation." Akane jerked free of her father and headed up the stairs to her room she did not look back at her sister or father.

(l(l(l)l)l)

The Isis Warriors were up early they quietly left the village. They followed their leader as she took flight to where she wanted to have a private conversation. She had found a glade some five miles from the village. There was a small spring and many trees to protect them from prying eyes. As they landed, Mousse set up the camping stove and started the tea. Kalya, Dolphin, and Ryoga disappeared into the forest when they had returned Kalya brought a pail of fresh water and six dressed rabbits along with a pail of wild berries and nuts. Ryoga followed in with seven dressed quail and an armload of firewood. Dolphin returned with more wild berries, truffles, and ten dress fish dangling on a long thin rope.

Hayashi took the wood and started a fire in the pit he and Ric had created. As the fire began to burn Nodoka and Meran with the help of Kalya and Dolphin started preparing the food. Kalya first made a nice glaze with the fruit, nuts, and spices her mother brought with her from home. She then began to glaze all of the cooking meat. As Meran, mashed much of the berries, nuts and truffles together. She used it for compote. Kalya grabbed a small piece of truffle and ground it into the glaze.

They all enjoyed the early morning meal and chatted about everything but Seth. They savored the quite bonding they were doing. When the meals dishes were cleaned up they set the dishes by the fire to dry. They then all turned a mass toward Kalya expectantly. Kalya signaled for them to sit. Once all were comfortable she began. She told them of her time with Isis and the gifts she was given she brought forth the Sword of Osiris. As she pulled it from the scabbard that held it, she and it began to glow in a rolling fog of colors.

She explained the protection on the sword and that only she was permitted to wield the weapon that Seth feared. She then showed them the ring that would magically take her to Isis. She then pulled out the two foot by four-foot bag of holding of gems for them to use to fight Seth. The last thing she brought out she told them were gifts from the goddess for them. They looked into the small chest and saw the medallions of Isis' Disk.

As if on instinct, the general took the medallion that signified the element of earth that was to be their domain. The last medallion belonged to Kalya. They all sat down with their gifts but did not know what to do with them. Kalya helped them out.

"First place the medallion over your heart. Don't worry it will stay there." As she finished she placed the medallion of Isis over her heart and was soon followed suit by her generals.

"Next stand and say the onetime phrase, 'Oh Mighty Isis'!" The glade erupted with the phrase and a rainbow of color.

Everyone looked in shock as no one any longer looked like himself or herself. The women were a bit embarrassed at he shortness and transparent nature of their dresses. The men were not happy with the loin clothes and bare chests as they looked down at their outfits. Meran and Niitmin had the most drastic change, as their wings were gone. Before they could go into hysterics, Kalya continued.

"This is our alter ego. Our decision here is whether we will have secret identities. Isis-momma does not think Seth will tell our secrets I personally think he will use it against us and our families." They all looked at Kalya and tried to soak in what she was saying.

"We are not like the original Isis fighting bad guys to save innocents as she did we are fighting the war that took her life. We will help if we can but our top priority will be Seth. Meran, Niitmin I know you two are not going to like this but I think you should use your altered form as your original form. Let me explain. Outside Jusendo valley, you are a missing link that others will try to exploit or take captive for experimenting on. The same is true for Lord Saffron's army. Until I get you all protection from that, he should not send his soldiers." Kalya told them. The two Phoenix warriors thought hard about it then nodded their assent.

"Now the Musk and Phoenix also have magical abilities I think your Calcoridan should check their tomes for illusion spell. This way the army can move freely and only fight as Phoenix Warriors during battles. I however will not force this on you we must all decide do we have secret identities and risk exposure by Seth or someone else trying to bring us down or fight as us." Kalya asked her generals and they all started to sit but stopped and stared at Kalya with a bit of anger.

"How do we return to our normal selves?" Li sensei asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Just think of your true from. Notice your medallions are gone. They have merged with you. We no longer need to say the magic phrase. Nor do we need to use the incantations the first Isis Warrior used to access her powers. We do it by thinking of what we want to do." Kalya said as she returned to her normal self.

As each general returned to their normal forms they sat down. Niitmin and Meran also returned to their Phoenix forms, as they preferred it. They sat down to hear what else they needed to know that was for them alone. Kalya poured herself a cup of tea then sat down to continue with what her generals needed to know. She sat down and pulled out six of her journals.

"Now we will have access of both our magic from Isis and the elf. Therefore, we need to practice. If you want to fly as Hayashi and Dolphin found out it is instinctive with the elf's gifts. These were copied from the books of Isis with the help of Kalya the elf spirit. Elves have gifts that are inherent to them.

"They all send and receive telepathic messages. Kalya though had some others, which varies from elf to elf. She was empathic as we are all. She also had flight, which would be better to use in battle so as not to deplete our magic. She also was able to communicate with the spirit realm, and healing touch. I just wish she had invisibility but we can't have everything." Kalya said with a lopsided grin that was returned by her generals.

"Now if anyone wants to read the synopsis of the elf books I copied I will loan them to you and you may copy them. They are not verbatim but give us enough information to understand the gifts we got from Kalya." Kalya said as she looked up and saw everyone had their hands raised.

"Ok just pass them along to the next general when you are done but only generals." Kalya told them.

"Kalya are the gifts you mentioned the only ones we have?" Dolphin asked as she watched as the journals were passed around for a quick look.

"No you can read about them as you go through the journals. Also if any general would like to telepathically send as they read it will make it easier to keep everyone up to par and when they get the journals they can go over for a refresher if you like." Kalya said as she took back the journals and put them away.

"Now I offered speed reading and writing to the council chamber but I think I need a little help in teaching the large number I am sure will show up. So here, you each take a tome and we will get you started. It will take a bit to get the speed up but it should not take long. Here is a notepad and pencil to practice to write what you read." Kalya handed out the tools they would all need and began to give them a crash course.

(l(l(l)l)l)

Li Shen learned the quickest, as he understood the benefits of his ki and chi abilities so once he got the hang of it he got up and helped Kalya help the others get up to speed. When they headed back to the village, Ric, Nodoka, Dolphin, and Hayashi went to Ric's yacht to recharge their phones and get the daily Seth report.

When the generals entered, the village there was panic, as no one had known where they had gone. Kalya smiled as twelve ghouls on a stick, read her the riot act for not letting them know where they had gone. Seth could have captured them all and cost earths its only salvation. When they took a breath Kalya spoke loud and clear.

"So did anyone go into the house and look around?" The question confused the elders but the generals knew what she meant.

"We knocked we didn't go in, no." Lotus said as she had a sneaky suspicion that they were going to be sorry.

"Well if you had you would have seen a large chalkboard next to the door telling you I needed to talk privately with my generals and we stayed close to Jusenkyo since Seth can't harm us when we are near it." Kalya told them as she had started walking to their home.

The elders followed behind the generals. When they entered the house the first thing they noticed was the chalkboard on an easel with the message Kalya had told them about. 'Having a private meeting with my Generals will be back in time for the twelve o'clock, Seth report'.

The elders started busting out laughing at the last part of the message a bit more then they really needed, as it really was not that funny. Kalya just let them go on, as they needed to relieve the stress they had been under. They turned at the clearing of a voice it was then they realized they had not shut the door.

"Hi Frosta you don't have to stand on ceremony here!" Kalya said as she smiled at the exotic beauty before her.

"I am here on official business. Calcoridan and Citrus have arrived. We put them in the council chamber so they could start copying the maps." Frosta told them, as she knew where they needed to be.

"Are they there alone?" Rouge asked a bit perturbed.

"No Cinnamon and Perfume are with them." Frosta told them.

"Then we had better go receive our guests. I don't see four of your generals I assume they have gone to get today's news?" Chiffon asked as she scanned the generals.

"Yes they will be back shortly." Ryoga answered for Kalya who did not seem the least bit perturbed at him though the elders showed theirs with scowls.

(l(l(l)l)l)

"DAMN!" The shout was heard throughout the port where the yacht was moored.

"Take it easy brother we knew he would get more insistent in his attacks. I do think we will need to make our move hopefully we are _all_ ready." Nodoka said as she placed a hand on Hayashi's shoulder.

"His powers must be increasing with each new nexus he connects too. I hope Thyme is correct and we have slowed him enough that we can get into position." Ric said as he wrote down what they heard and made the new markings on the map.

"When we go what will you do with your yacht? We can fly were we need to go faster then taking the boat and carry the part of the Isis Warriors that don't fly?" Dolphin said, as she liked coming to the yacht with Hayashi and his sister and Ric.

Since her receiving of the Phoenix Princess curse, she had lost all her friends none wanted to be associated with her and those that did not want to be ostracized for being her friend. She smiled slightly as being the only other Amazon to be selected by the goddess gave her a slew of friends including her brother. She had found out they really did have a lot in common aside from being lonely they loved to read and learn. She frowned when she remembered his telling the true reason he lost his sight and if their mother were still alive, she would not be now.

"I think I have everything for today. Don't forget Dolphin it is not only the lore masters but also all the amazons that we must transport as well. Now I can't transport all of them but the council, Frosta, Minuet, and maybe a couple more can use the yacht. I can show them how to use it they can then meet us at our destination." Ric said as he paused at the announcement coming over the radio.

He listened and decided it did not affect them and turned it off to get ready to leave. As he turned, he was faced with his friends being restrained by three of the six drunks that they met when they arrived along with the leader and another four men with swords. They were all just as smelly and grimy as the original six men that attacked them on their arrival. He smiled as he heard the message Nodoka sent to Kalya.

"=Oh man you are as stupid as I thought=!" Ric said as his eyes narrowed to tiny slits.

"=Big words from someone that is about to die! You I will enjoy torturing before I take pleasure with your woman=." The leader said as he stroked Nodoka's cheek.

Nodoka pulled her face from his touch and doing as Kalya told them this morning tapped into her Isis powers. As she pulled the shadows and darkness around her, the temperature lowered about thirty degrees around her and the man holding her jumped back when he felt something go through him. The others began to shiver as the coldness began to seep into them. The leader turned and scowled when he saw his toy had vanished.

"=WHAT THE...OOF=!?" He stopped when a palm strike hit him in his solar plexus knocking the air from his lungs.

{Kalya was right just think of what you want to do!} Nodoka thought to the others as the shadows grew around the intruders.

{Mom is right try combining your attacks, into one. We will need to start practicing that. We are almost there!} Kalya's voice came to them filled with pride in their efforts and abilities.

As Nodoka began to summon more shadows and darkness Ric slowly became translucent, he held out his hands, and using spirit energy sent bolts toward their aggressors. He freed Hayashi and Dolphin. Hayashi added to the coldness of the darkness his sister created with the freezing of space and in the shadow areas, the oxygen began to become the vacuum of space. Dolphin not to be out done summoned the water from around the yacht it came crashing through the doorways and headed into the darkness Nodoka and Hayashi maintained.

The four of them shuddered at the screams of the men. When the screams gurgled to silence they all stopped their attacks. They stood back surprised and horror struck, as all the attackers were encased in solid seawater their mouths opened in screams of pain. As Ric approached, Nodoka turned and buried her face in his shoulder.

"They're not dead!" He whispered as he used his spirit powers to check for their souls, crossing over.

"Wh...What!?" Nodoka lifted her head and turned to look at the pain and horror on the men's faces.

"He is right mom they are not dead. You can control the amount of power used against an attacker and since none of you wanted them dead, they did not die. You might however, want to open a hole near their faces before they drown." Kalya said as she and the last of the generals entered the yacht's bridge.

Her uncle nodded, with a thought just below their necks an opening appeared, and the seawater poured out. Dolphin used her powers to shift the waters from her and the yacht and back into the sea. Kalya smiled at her and her uncle. She then moved in front of the leader of the attackers. His eyes filled with lust for the garnet haired girl then a movement caught his eye and he watched as Frosta came into view and the look became even more perverse.

"=You are lucky my generals have the soul of a martial artist well accept for Dolphin as an Amazon she was born and bred to be a warrior or the lot of you would be dead. As soon as the authorities arrive, you will be hauled off. Consider yourself lucky that the Elders of the Amazons did not come as they wanted to=." She watched as all the men's eyes opened wider with fear and since their clothes were already wet no one noticed when several relieved themselves.

"=I take it the Elders' reputation is well known=?" Kalya said as she looked at the three Amazons in the room.

"Yes, very much so." Frosta said in prefect Japanese an evil smile on her face that both frightened and sent the captives deeper into lust.

"=Well I guess the next time I am going to let them come with us they don't get out of the village much and the change of scenery and exercise will do them good=." Kalya said as she watched the horror grow on the faces of the attackers.

"=Please do, it will save us from having to do the paperwork=." The group turned to face several police officers as they glared angrily at the frozen men.

"=I promise, do you wish my uncle to release them now or do you want to let them thaw naturally=?" Kalya asked her voice sugary sweet.

"=HHHUUUMMMM! Let me check=." The lead officer turned and looked out to the dock.

"=Leave them frozen we can load them into the wagon this way it will be easier to transport them and keep them under control. Hopefully this time they won't get off=." The office scowled as the leader overcame his fear and smirked at the police man.

"=He knows someone=?" Ryoga asked as his eyes narrowed in anger at the frozen criminals.

"=Yes his uncle is the bailiff for the local judge. The evidence keeps disappearing or the witnesses refuse to testify=." He said as the anger grew on his face as he stared at the smirking leader.

"=Well now then I refuse to release them to you=!" Ric stepped forward his eyes flashed red with rage.

"=HUH? Wha...Why not=?" The officer asked his face both hopeful and confused.

"=Did you not notice the flags flying on my vessel=?" Ric asked as if that was enough.

"=Yes I saw them but I don't understand=?" The officer did not understand the meaning of the many flags Ric had hanging on his yacht.

"=This vessel has treaties in all those ports except of course China. I still have not received the paperwork. Therefore, they have invaded my territory and since we have no treaty I refuse to allow you to take them. I will take them to a port of call where I do have legal rights and they will be tried there=." Ric watched as the officer began to smile then it turned evil.

"=The Amazon Elders=?" He asked hopefully.

"=Yes it will be to us they will bring them as they attacked Amazons=." They all turned to see all twelve of the elders and behind them the rest of the generals.

"=I see they came for you=?" Kalya asked Cologne as she pogoed into the cabin and glared at the frozen men.

"=Yes they did. Officer we will take them back with us there is a group of Phoenix warriors outside with a traveling basket to carry them. Do not expect them back. If they however do come back they will not be as they are now=." Cologne signaled and the officers nearly collapsed as eight Phoenix Warriors swooped in and each took one of the attackers the last two were taken by Hayashi and Ric.

The officers ran to the edge of the yacht and watched as they placed each man into the 'basket' they brought with them. It looked like a trailer. The Warriors secured each man then picked up the rope and took flight back to the Amazon village. He turned to face the Amazons and Isis Warriors. He fell against the brass railing and slumped as he shook his head.

"=The stories are true then! What will happen to them=?" He asked though he was not sure he cared.

"=It is quite simple officer they not only attacked Amazons, they attacked the generals of the Goddess Isis. The people of Jusendo valley are their protectors and their soldiers. They will face the fury of the three tribes. It was the Isis Warrior that died fifty years ago that saved the world from Seth. We of the valley are her loyal troops. Tell that to the bailiff that insists on aiding Seth's minion=." The officer stared confused then remembered hearing of the battle in Jusendo Valley fifty years ago.

Like everyone else in the area, they all knew it really happened but wanted to pretend it did not. However, if the tribes of the valley had failed an evil so foul would be ruling their world. He did not know when he awoke this morning that his whole world would have been shattered. That the local lore he had believed was drunkenness or lnsanity has turned out to be real. He looked toward the Jusendo valley and saw the specks of the flying warriors. He pushed himself from the railing and bowed to the elders.

"=Though we truly wanted to believe the stories we were told of what happened fifty years before it was folk lore and myth. I am forced now to realize that it was true. You now tell us he is returning! I don't know if I can live in a world where it is ruled by an entity of such evil=." He spoke truthfully and was backed up by his shocked fellow officers though it was not the elders that responded.

"=It is those actions that will allow him to win! It is the duty of every man, woman, and child to fight against him. Even at the cost of their lives! We will not stop until he is banished or killed but we will not run and neither should you! You will be needed to protect your families, friends, and villages. You will also need to protect the world by fighting him=!" Kalya said as she placed her delicate hand on the man's shoulder.

He looked up into her sapphire blue eyes with gray and brown flecks. He then looked at the people the elder called the Isis Warriors and saw they agreed with her. He could not hide under a rock because he would be found. He would shame his family and ancestors. He bowed to the young woman and then to the group of generals. He then smiled and left the boat. They watched as he and his fellow officers headed toward the center of town.

"Come we must get back. We have much to go over!" Cologne said as each of the amazon elders was picked up by an Isis Warrior and headed back to the village Kalya carried Jasmine and Cologne.

(l(l(l)l)l)

*RING RING RING*

"Moshi Moshi?" Mrs. Konita answered the Tendo phone.

"Yes this is the Tendo residence. *PAUSE* Yes just a moment." She laid the receiver down next to the phone and went to retrieve the requested person.

Mrs. Konita headed back into the kitchen Soun entered the hallway. He picked up the receiver he watched until the woman was gone from view. He then looked around to see if Nabiki was anywhere around. When he was satisfied, he put the receiver to his ear. He took one more, quick look around before he spoke.

"Saotome is that you?" Soun asked as he had hoped he was correct.

"Yes Tendo, you gotta help me I am in jail! Nodoka had me arrested for entering my own home!" Soun's face filled with shock.

"What do you want me to do? I cannot afford to get you out! Not to mention my daughter has threatened to kick me from the family and she can very well do it!" Soun said as he tried to figure what he could do to help his old training partner.

"Has the master returned with my son?" Genma snarled, as he knew he could get Ranma to trade places with him and take responsibility for everything Genma did during the training trip.

"No old friend he has not. As a matter of fact we have not seen him since he left those many months ago." There was a long pause on the other end of the phone as if realization came to Genma then he pushed it down the deep hole of denial in his brain.

"Then he must have found the boy Tendo old friend! He probably took him on a training trip to teach him the entire school!" Genma chortled happily to Soun.

"Old friend how can he find your son Ranma is dead!" Soun asked and the gay laughter on the other end of the phone stopped the voice then turned to anger.

"NO HE IS STILL ALIVE! Those old Amazons did something to him and me! Ranma will come back and he will join the Tendo and Saotome schools of Anything Goes!" Genma snarled to the man on the other end of the telephone.

"I have no school any longer old friend." Soun told him flatly, as Genma's antics brought back the memory of the day he arrived and the fact Soun realized the depth of his desire to control Ranma to allow him to bilk the schools to support his gluttonous ways.

"That is alright Tendo old man we put the school under the Saotome name or better yet how about the Saotome/Tendo School of Anything Goes. That gets around the Dojo Destroyer and allows your school to be remembered." Genma's mind worked feverously on a way to protect his school if they lost to the destroyer again.

"Keep your pipe dreams Saotome! If and I say _IF_ Ranma is still alive he is not marrying any of my daughters. I will not allow you anywhere near my school or home. I am afraid Nabiki has seen to that. I will teach Ranma so my school can continue on but it will not continue at this compound!" Soun hung up the phone and headed upstairs to his bedroom.

Mrs. Konita stuck her head out of the kitchen and watched as the slumped shouldered man slowly walked up the stairs. Mrs. Konita felt the depression that came off the master of the Tendo-Ryuu. She watched as he walked the last mile to his execution. When she heard his bedroom door shut quietly, she jumped slightly when the click of the lock tumblers was set barring all from entering. Mrs. Konita frowned sadly at the upstairs hallway. She turned back into the kitchen and shook her head sadly, as she returned to the kitchen.