-AN-

I hear mountain tops are very romantic this time of year.

-Story Start-

With a heavy but content sigh Ranma lowered himself into the heat of the main bath of his chambers. It was an odd feeling, to have memories of another life but know it wasn't yours. It certainly made things easier for him to adjust quickly. He wouldn't be leading the Phoenix in their day to day lives anytime soon, but it was good to know that he could if there was a reason. Leaning back and draping a towel over his eyes, the nearly pool sized bath was simply exceedingly enjoyable for him to be thinking about any kind of work. All of the walls were carefully carved and painted with depictions of birds in flight or, along the ceiling, a great Phoenix backed by the sun. In the center of the bath was a fountain, again designed into the shape of a Phoenix with it's wings spread wide, water pouring from it's open mouth. High on all of the walls were windows to outside, and he was sure that at night the view was amazing. This was nice he decided. Taking a breath and feeling the energy of the mountain moving with him he concluded that this was indeed very nice.

"Woooh, the bath is huuuuge!" Usa's voice was soon followed by a splash. Ranma however was still covering his eyes with his towel. That he wasn't wearing one did bother him but this was first, his future daughter, and two, a child. Children always got a pass. Plus the water was pretty murky thanks to the natural minerals so it wasn't like she would see anything. Blessed be mountain hot springs. "Papa! It's so nice in here!"

"Yes it is." Ranma went back to relaxing. His daughter technically needed to bathe in the waters as well. Her link wasn't as necessary and at the same time it would be important later in her life. Maybe this was why she was sent back? Laying his arms up over the rim of the bath while relaxing his head back the young king reminded himself he needed to compare this feeling with Usagi.

"Hey this is nice! It's like an open air bath!" Usagi's voice now entered Ranma's ears, well this wasn't good. Because if she had decided to come in that meant the others weren't far behind.

"This be good good retreat. Might have to come often." There was Shampoo, right on time.

"Maybe, except we can't teleport like the senshi can." And last but not least Akane made her voice known to him. He knew all three of them should have spotted him, after all he wasn't far from the door. His hope was the sight of his towel over his face was enough to keep him from getting pounded.

More bare feet slapping on the stone tiles however reached his ears, "I'm sure we could arrange something so we could visit more conveniently." Setsuna now, which in Ranma's mind meant the rest of the Senshi who stayed behind were probably here as well. Taking another deep breath and feeling the room warm just slightly, he figured at least the bath was big. He'd relax for a little bit longer and then leave. Just in case however he raised his voice,

"Not that I mind, but I am in here you know." Why were they giggling?

Feeling the water ripple around him, someone soft pressed into his side, "Oh we know Airen." Her voice was directly in his ear, and he again swore something in her voice activated every piece of his brain. "It okay, we come knowing you here."

Someone else a bit more hesitant, pressed into his right side, "Yeah, we're intruding on you. So you should stay. It's your bath." Yeah that was Akane like he thought, and was there a shortage of towels? Cause very clearly both woman decided they were not necessary.

Feeling both of them however float away the newly minted King released a sigh, "Sure sure. Just remember Usa and Hotaru are here." Let's not traumatize his future kid and the younger senshi please and thank you. However the last addition to the group tested Ranma's patience just a little. Hearing steps accompanied with the scraping of talons on stone, his link telling him it was Kiima, unseen by him she wasn't coming to bathe.

Looking at the assembled group, Kiima stared at the assortment of beautiful women. Most were wearing their hair up either in buns or for the shorter haired ones, down. The only ones she could see with towels were the taller green haired Setsuna, the androgynous Haruka, and the quiet Hotaru. Coughing to gain everyone's attention, the leader of the royal guard bowed. "I'm only here to inform that a feast will be prepared later tonight sire."

Ranma raised a hand and waved, eyes still covered, "Well, I'm not big on parties right now. How about the people can celebrate if they like, but I'd rather eat in private. We're still rebuilding aren't we? I don't want to take food or supplies from the people right now."

Kiima blinked at her lords thoughtfulness. Saffron would not have considered that, "Well, yes, but we have food to spare sire." She mentally noted to make the required changes to the palace schedule however and let the associated people know. There would be some relief that their King wouldn't be expecting something extravagant. She however paused, her duty telling her not to leave her master alone, "Do you require further assistance?"

Shaking his head Ranma kept his rag firmly over his eyes, "Nah we're good. Go about your duties." He knew that without any threats Kiima most likely didn't have much to do, plus he wasn't as demanding as Saffron would have been. She'd have a lot of free time from here on.

Kiima however bowed and turned away, "I'll make sure none of the male guards come this way so long as you and your wives are here. Only female staff for this weekend." And then she was walking away, with a tired Ranma forgetting that he still hadn't corrected that misunderstanding.

Usagi giggled, "She thinks we're married already." A smiling Usa hugged her around her middle and she couldn't help herself but start tickling the younger girl.

Shampoo grinned, "I no mind, it true after all." Floating along in the warm waters, the bombshell was all to happy to be regarded as Ranma's wife, as was proper.

Akane rolled her eyes, "Well I still think we've got some time. Still need to finish school and all." She hadn't said anything against being a wife to Ranma, just that it was early for her.

Haruka raised a hand, "Well I have a slight issue with it."

Michiru giggled, "It's just while we're here. It's not like you're expected to do anything."

Haruka grumbled, "The least he could do if be his girl half if I gotta be his wife."

Ranma wondered about that. The Phoenix people seemed to be more in tune with their transformations that anyone else. Could he control his better now with the addition of magic in his system? He had time, so he started poking around a bit.

Setsuna however had summoned a tray of cups and a bottle of saki from, somewhere, "It is nice to relax once in a while." She wondered if she'd gain any stories for Nodoka while she was here. The woman was fun to talk to over a drink. "Ranma-kun, perhaps a drink would help relax you a bit more. You seem, tense." Pushing the tray to float over towards the young man, Setsuna was happy to push this little drama along.

Ranma of the past never would have even considered it. He wasn't his father and really didn't want to end up like that drunkard. But, getting some help to relax did sound good. Using his chi and not his eyes to get a feel for things, he was able to grab one of the smaller bottles and push the tray off back towards the older woman, "Sure why not. What other crazy nonsense can I get into?" He really shouldn't tempt fate like that. Taking a small drink and enjoying the light peach flavor, he had to admit that the drink was good.

Shampoo however had a slow grin beginning to light her face, "Well this business was quick to figure out."

Akane finally leaned back next to Michiru, Haruka, and Hotaru relaxing into the waters, "For once an adventure doesn't go off the rails right from the get go."

Usagi looked between the three, pouting that Ranma had his eyes covered still, "Do things normally devolve into chaos for you?"

Ranma nodded and took another drink of the fruity beverage in his hand, "Almost every time. Between the rivals trying to double cross each other, magical artifacts, crazy magic users or evil dudes trying to take over some part of the world. I can't remember the last time anything has gone simple for us." Though he did have to think, if he hadn't come back from china that last time more willing to break bones, things now would probably have turned out just as insane. Hmmm, this drink was pretty good, warm too.

Time passed and everyone was enjoying the bath as they could. Eventually as the sun began to dip in the sky, Usagi was getting curious about something now and with Usa floating towards Hotaru to play she began to extend her magic out slightly. Not enough for a transformation, but enough to reach down and gently probe the magical energy of the mountain. Thankful that she was sitting as she was hit with the full force of not just the Phoenix, but by Ranma as well, who's senses latched onto her within a breath. "Oh my." She wasn't fully prepared for the connection like she had thought she would be. With his magic fully unlocked everything was heightened, including his and her feelings. A blush adorning her cheeks she cut the link with a massive effort. If Usa and Hotaru weren't present she wasn't sure if she would have been able to do so. But at least now she had confirmed, Ranma not only had massive amounts of magic now at his disposal, but a direct link to the Earth itself. That was, enlightening.

Ranma took a shuddering breath when he felt Usagi pull away from him mentally. With his hands above water and resting on the bath rim, there was no way for him to cover his arousal without drawing attention to himself. He'd just have to will it down, somehow. Trying to think unsexy thoughts, it was instead thoughts of the various senshi in swimwear that floated through his mind. Shaking those thoughts off only cleared the way for mental images of Shampoo and Akane to materialize. Well that wasn't helping at all.

Setsuna however saw the blush on Ranma's face and smirked knowingly. Ah the vigor of youth. Maybe Usagi was right, maybe she did have a thing for powerful men? Well all in due time. For now she had a job to do. So raising her towel clad form from the water, the older woman clapped her hands, "Little Lady, perhaps we should go find some food to bring back for everyone? It is starting to get late." They had been enjoying the bath for a while now. Turning to the older couple, Setsuna nodded, "Would you like to come and help?"

Haruka shrugged, "Sure sure, the bath is nice but a walk around to stretch would be good now." Taking Michiru's hand, the pair were already walking to where they had stored their towels on benches nearby. Hotaru wasn't far behind, only slightly dizzy from the heat but still relaxed as the others.

Usa pouted slightly, "But the bath is soo nice!"

Setsuna gave Usa a fairly practiced look, "I'm sure it is, but we do need to eat, and you should go to sleep soon. Nighttime is approaching and there is no senshi business here." She wasn't going to mention that the almost adults needed a little time away from children either after all.

"Fiiiine, hurry up Papa! I know how hungry you can get!" Usa finally swam up to Setsuna, both rising out of the water and making their way with Haruka and Michiru out of the bath area.

The four now alone it was a giggling Shampoo who finally reached over and plucked the towel from his face, "This no good, airen should no hide."

Akane however almost immediately wanted to toss something at the other woman, "B-b-b-b-but he can see us!"

Shampoo shrugged, the motion doing interesting things to her chest, "So? Airen have right to see."

Ranma however was still looking at the ceiling firmly. He was not getting pounded by Akane today. Things had been good and he wanted that to continue, "I'm perfectly fine right here, just enjoying the water and nothing else." Suddenly his vision was filled with purple haired amazon.

"You know airen, wife will get sad if you ignore to much." Grinning she leaned forward, "Sometimes we want most for you to look."

Staring into the temptresses eyes and no where else, Ranma did nod however, "I get it. I think. Kinda like when you girls get all dressed up or do your hair extra special. You want to be admired." Taking a steadying breath as Shampoo finally relented and moved back, Ranma finally lowered his head to take in the three girls. "There, I'm looking, happy."

-lime content ahead, nothing explicit, but still, a warning all the same-

Shampoo however struck a pose, "Depends, like what you see?" Shampoo had no shame about putting on a show. She did love Ranma and he knew that. Why would she not bare her feelings as much as herself?

Usagi was blushing now as well. Sure she had said enough times to him that the physical side of things was only a formality for them at this point. To have his gaze on her however so intensely was something different. Nice. She liked it. But different. That she started to gravitate towards him went unnoticed.

Akane only had her head and shoulders above the water but she understood what Shampoo meant. They all had admitted that they had feelings for Ranma, and all of them had come to the conclusion that sharing wasn't such a bad idea. One because it was a regular thing where she was from, and the other because her long life meant she'd eventually do so anyway. Maybe. For herself however, Akane decided that whether she got to live for a long time or a short time, she wanted to live happily however she could. Sighing she stopped curling herself up. She didn't come out of the water completely, but she wasn't hiding anymore.

Ranma tried not to flinch as again Shampoo came to rest at his side, pressing herself into him. Was she always this soft? When a silky thigh travelled up his leg, it took a lot of control not to move his hands, "You're as bold as ever."

Shampoo grinned as she felt his heat, "Wo ai ni, airen." Leaning further into him, she shared a full and mutual kiss with him. Fire coursed through her and more, the love she felt for him she had held back all this time finally had a release. He wasn't pulling away. There was no one interrupting them. She gently wrapped her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss, his own hands finally coming to her waist to hold her. Yes, this is what she had dreamed of! Sure they could go no further here, but it was a start. Hopefully this meant that they could go further when they had the time.

Usagi had finally drifted close enough to end up on Ranma's other side. While she had noticed Akane did not seem ready to take her own step Usagi already had and was much the same thought as Shampoo. So when the two separated, panting and catching their breath, a gentle Usagi put a hand to his cheek, turning his head and sealing his lips with her own kiss. Not as passionate as Shampoo, but the emotional connection still there and building by the day, the Moon Queen was all smiles as they pulled away from each other, "Should I learn chinese too?"

Shaking his head and pulling both young women into his sides, the young king relished in the feeling of having them in his arms for a moment. Shampoo was curves and softness. Yes she had the muscle and form underneath that, but she was very much a woman of beauty. And Usagi was more the gymnast, thin but still regal in her own way. There was no denying both of these young women were in fact very beautiful. This was the kind of thing he'd have to get used to, and mind slightly foggy, he was finding it easier at the moment. He'd blame either the alcohol or the new link to his magic and past lives if someone asked later. "I love you, Shampoo, Usagi. For allowing me time to figure out what I needed to. For letting me be myself for a change."

Akane was making her way over now. While she wasn't ready to be just that close to him yet, she wasn't willing to be left out. So finally coming up to the trio and leaning over Ranma, very conscious that he could see all of her dripping form, the younger girl steadied herself. With her hands on his knees she leaned in the rest of the way and placed a soft kiss of her own on his lips. No tongue involved like Shampoo only she still hoped to convey her feelings as best as she could. When she finally pulled back, the girl was blushing redder than his girl type's hair, "Don't forget me, baka. I love you too."

Ranma however had a smile on his face, "I love you too Akane, I couldn't ever forget you." While he had previously held feelings for Akane the longest, the previous distrust and abuse had made admitting those feelings hard. With time and some actual action to make things right, they both had come together slowly. Still far away from where they probably would like, things would continue to improve.

Shampoo's hands however were beginning to wander, "You know, we have some time before the other's come back."

Ranma was hesistant regardless of what his labido was screaming at him, "Not everyone is ready for that."

Shampoo however exchanged places with Akane, standing and leaning over Ranma's lap, "True, but I am. Akane want to finish school, so does Usagi. But Shampoo have no need. Amazon culture much different after all."

Ranma turned to the now blushing forms of Usagi and Akane, each now wrapped in his arms, "This seems like a bad idea, doesn't it?"

Usagi pushed away slightly to give the amazon room, "Maybe, but you are King. That does come with responsibilities." Plus she had plenty of time and wasn't the jealous type when it came to her friends. This could be something new and exciting.

Akane pushed away as well, a nuclear level blush now on her face, "I do want to wait till after college." She however looked away with what Ranma considered a cute look on her face, "But that doesn't mean we can't have, fun, until then."

Shampoo teased the other girl by poking her cheek, "Now who pervert?"

Usagi leaned in to once more give Ranma a kiss, "I'm pretty sure we're all perverts."

From outside the bath and standing guard as they were ordered, the two women bearing swan features tried not to listen in on their King. However the nosebleeds slowly developing had both of the women steadfastly looking away from the doorway. And as Kiima approached them for an update, both saluted quickly with blushes on their faces.

Kiima however waved them off, "You both are relieved, go back to the garrison and check in. I'll be taking over here." Seeing the girls nod gratefully and rush off, Kiima leaned against the wall with a smirk. It was good to see their King attending to his own duties. They were, unsure, if he would resurrect if he fell in battle. So him seeing to making sure the future was secure was a plus. A light blush on her own face, the woman leaned against the wall and hoped that their future would be as peaceful as Ranma had proclaimed.

-lime ends here. Back to our regularly scheduled story-

Setsuna and the others were all lounging about in the King's main quarters. It was an opulent space with a low table and several sitting mats and fluffy pillows strewn just about everywhere. There were three hallways that left the end of the room to actual bedrooms. Two for guests on either side and one for the king himself. This main sitting room was for entertaining and congregating together. Several high windows let in the clean mountain air, again the heat maintained to give a comfortable temperature through magical means. The table was laden down with food that they were already helping themselves to. While each had been given very comfortable silk robes while they were waiting, their original clothes taken for washing and drying.

It was this scene of their friends eating and relaxing that Ranma and the others walked back to. Ranma was in the middle with a smiling and obviously smitten Shampoo hanging on his left arm. Usagi was on his right holding his hand with a smile while a still blushing Akane brought up the rear. That Akane wouldn't make eye contact with anyone had them raising eyebrows, but it was Usa that helped clear up some confusion.

The girl had a frustrated but cute look on her face, "I knew it, they had cookies without us."

Snorting Haruka had to control her laughter and covered her mouth with a hand, Michiru however was smiling with a bit of nervousness, "I'm sure they wouldn't do that Usa-chan."

Usa pointed at Shampoo, "But that's how she always looks after she get's to have her cookie." Bummed and munching on something fried but sweet, the young girl vowed to see what all the fuss was about one day.

Ranma finally sat at the table with the others, Shampoo still at his side. All four of them where wearing red and gold rimmed robes and silk pants. Well Ranma was wearing pants, the girls considered the robes more than enough with his heat enveloping them. "When we get back I'll make a batch of cookies just for you Usa." While he couldn't currently look at anyone else, for once he was in a state of calm that was normally reserved for right after an intense battle. Hopefully that didn't become addicting.

Shampoo was still out of it, "Good cookie…." That the girl was starting to look like she could fall asleep any second, no one was going to comment on.

Usagi nudged the pigtailed man, "You know, we should check to see if you can teleport now as well." While she wasn't as, fulfilled, as Shampoo, she was still buzzing. Phoenix mountain baths were great and needed to be visited often she decided. Finally paying attention she began to make a plate of food for herself. There seemed to be lots of fruits and fish, probably owing the the bird like qualities of the people here.

Akane however still couldn't look at anyone else. She was a pervert! They were all perverts! But it felt so good, and they did love each other, and it wasn't like he forced her to do anything, and…..

Akane's mind was going in circles, best to let her do that for a while.

Ranma however started going after food himself. A dozing Shampoo now settling into his lap, "Well I actually think I have something else. Can't teleport, but I might have a method for flying. I'll give it a try later." Most likely tomorrow if the women at his sides had a say about it. He still had to bathe in the waters for another day tomorrow after all before his magic fully settled, and he would be making plans with Shampoo's help. She knew the region better than him after all and he wanted to make sure the Phoenix would be okay without him here full time.

Usagi was having a hard time keeping herself from tying her magic to Ranma's own. After that bath and their, baking session, she would have to be really careful. When they were alone however.

Usa was watching her mama and sighed, "Mama's got that 'Usa needs to go to sleep early' look. But we're on vacation! I should be able to stay up and play with everyone."

Setsuna giggled and ruffled the younger girls hair, "Now now Little Lady, I'm sure you will have plenty of time to play tomorrow. Why don't we explore the village and meet some of the children around here? You and Hotaru could make some friends." Getting the girl to agree was easy, and with a wink to the trio of awake teens, she herself went back to her own food.

Haruka and Michiru shrugged while Hotaru worked on a sliced mango, "Exploring would be fun, but aren't we here to protect Usagi technically?"

Setsuna nodded to where several guards were most likely posted out in the hallway and beyond their currently closed doors, "I believe it would be courteous to our hosts to allow them to guard their King. We can guard our princess." Getting nods from the others she returned to appeasing the princess herself who was still muttering about cookies.

Haruka leered over at the pigtailed martial artist, "Say…."

Usagi was already waving her off, "Don't make me warn you like Mina-chan."

Haruka was still smirking, "Is it the same thing if I make the cookies?" A slap to her head was all the answer she needed. Usagi's deadpan look and Usa's cry of frustration made it plenty worth it however.

Ranma relaxed fully and let a hand play with Shampoo's hair. So this was his life. A King connected to multiple women and potentially going to live for a unknowable amount of time. Well, he was already used to chaos so what was a little more. After the afternoon turned to evening with the remaining scouts and the Nerima crew chatting and trading stories, it was with a happy heart that eventually Ranma picked up and carried a still asleep Shampoo to bed while followed by a grinning Usagi and a blushing Akane. Tomorrow would be a new day.

-b-

The next morning it was a tired and sore Ranma that made his way through the halls of the palace. Along the current hallway he walked he was overlooking the valley and the early morning mists. It was tranquil to sit there for a moment. Mind and thoughts drifting with the peaceful morning. Forgetting his now faithful guards following behind him at a respectful distance. It was also nice to have a moment to himself, the girls all tired and deciding to sleep in. A proud grin on his face he decided to help out with some plans so he turned back to the guards, none of which he recognized and pointed with a finger, "Can ya lead me to Kiima?"

One of the guards, more hawkish in appearance and coloring bowed, "We can summon her and have her meet us at the courtyard sire."

Ranma nodded, "Okay, that'll do." That was good because it gave him a chance to test something out. He was still fuzzy on the memories as a night of rest had allowed most to bury themselves in his mind if he actually needed them, but he had an idea on flying. Considering his martial arts school dealt with aerial combat, that was pretty much the grail for him. And as they walked, one guard leading the way now while the other had run off, they both walked out into an open air space. The courtyard was hemmed in on three sides by the palace, while the forth opposite to them was open to the valley below. No stairs as the Phoenix did not need them. He considered that any visitors might however and he'd work on a solution to that eventually. Several other people were out and about already, cleaning or maintaining the grounds. Ranma offered a wave to which many turned and bowed to him with respect before returning to their duties. That would take some getting used to for the young martial artist. As he walked down clean steps and came completely into the open space, it was Kiima who was coming from his right at a brisk walk. Perhaps he had woken her with his summons? He hoped not.

Coming up to and kneeling before her lord, Kiima bowed her head, "What need of me do you have my lord?"

Ranma sighed and motioned for her to stand, "None of that alright, I told you yesterday." Waiting for the captain of the guard to finally stand, Ranma continued, "My, daughter, would like to tour the mountain and meet the people. Possibly some children her age as well. Could you see to it that she has a good time? She'll be with her mother's guards as well, though I'm sure they know to follow your lead."

Kiima nodded quickly, "Of course sire! The people would love to meet the princess." She would have to instruct their guard to keep a healthy distance as well. While Ranma had yet to explain the dynamics behind the other Kingdom he had allied with, it was always good not to step on toes. "Will you need anything else my King?"

Ranma had changed back into his normal clothes and was stretching this way and that. "No, I'm just going to try something out for a minute." Looking over to her, his eyes beginning to shine, he waved her backwards, "Might wanna back up a bit." As Kiima did as he asked, he reached inside himself for that fire he had felt before. More than just the heat of the Phoenix itself, his own chi mixed with the magic of it's predecessors. It wasn't completely his yet so he used his chi to guide it. As it settled into what he hoped would work he then leapt straight upwards with all his strength.

Kiima gasped as Ranma jumped straight upwards and arced towards the valley. Already she was ready to run and fly after him, before everyone in the courtyard gasped. The morning mists above the courtyard were suddenly burned away, the heat that reached them more soothing than burning and they were met with the sight of a smirking Ranma backed with red and orange translucent wings. They beat once scattering energy and chi before Ranma was off, soaring over and around the mountain. All of those in the courtyard felt, something, within them react with joy. A pure feeling that resonated within them all.

Ranma was nothing if not completely pleased with himself. Like Ami had tried explaining to him once, magic was your will given form. So letting his mind envision wings, his chi guiding it as he got used to it, this was the result. He could honest to Kami fly. Giving in and laughing, the man soared above the mountain, unintentionally giving everyone in the valley below a show. He'd have to bring the others along at least once, share this feeling with them. Already several Phoenix were coming to join him, most likely attracted by his own outpouring emotions. This was fine he figured. He'd finish the bathing ritual later on. For now as his wings beat and he corkscrewed around a wide eyed Kiima, he winked and flew off in a challenge. He could absolutely get used to this.

-AN-

Alright ya'll this chapter was a little shorter, but mainly because some content was cut from it. I think what I'm doing to do from here on, is I'll include less explicit stuff here and try to make sure it's for plot or fluff purposes. But more, explicit stuff is going to get a separate outtake story all it's own. I'd just rather not change the rating for this story just for fun smut. But we have progress with the Saotome quadruple? Harem? Eh, gotta solidify somethings. And, certain nations are about to start getting, nosy. Ta ta for now!