-AN-
Today is a great day. You're alive, here with us, able to think and feel and dream all your own. Life might not be perfect, probably has it's issues, but today gives you opportunities. I hope you're doing your best, and tomorrow, we'll give it another go.
-Story Start-
Ranma was again chest deep in the bath while he rested and mingled his magic with the magic of the mountain itself and it's people. It was still a very humbling feeling to do so, to feel that even though he had all this power, these people relied on him. Without them as well, he would have nothing, they needed him and he needed them. Like the karmic circle they brought balance to each other. Today found just Usagi in the bath with him as Shampoo and Akane claimed they wanted to explore a bit but would join them later. Usagi was lazily lounging into his side while they sat quietly and shared skinship. After yesterday and last nights activities Ranma could say at least he was more comfortable.
Usagi however sat up straight for a moment while a thought crossed her mind. "I'm going to have to tell my parents soon. I think….all of the senshi are."
Ranma raised himself a bit in order to bring his arms up and over the rim of the bath, "Why's that? You've been hiding it so well up till now."
Usagi nodded, "Yes but…." She worried at her thumb for a moment, "Thinking about it, while we had some enemies that would think to come after our families, most could do so already anyway. We just never gave them the chance. And now that our powers are growing stronger and we're getting closer to some major changes and well." Here she leaned back into him, "It's probably for the best that we start telling them. They'll be mad for sure, but it'll be better to get it out of the way. Not like we're going to never tell them after all."
Ranma couldn't say he understood fully, his parents were always in the know about the chaos of his life. He could however understand wanting to protect your loved ones from problems. That included the headaches that could bring as well. Leaning over to kiss the younger girl's forehead he smiled in he hoped a reassuring way, "If you need help, just ask. I'll be right by your side."
Usagi was thankful, "I appreciate it. I'm sure my mom will get it, dad will probably blow his top…gotta convince my brother he can't go screaming to everyone he knows that I'm sailor moon." Hmmm, maybe telling everyone I'm bonding to a Phoenix King will be enough of a distraction."
Sighing and tickling the woman, Ranma looked up to the ceiling, "I'd like to mention I was still normal until a day ago."
"You're Ranma Saotome, there's nothing normal about you." Usagi giggled at his pout. They both knew she wasn't wrong however. Magic mushrooms, chi vampire teachers, perverted masters, ghosts, at this point Ranma could probably make several movies just based on the last couple years of his life.
Ranma himself was smiling as well, "You know now that I think about it, everything started changing for me once I defeated Saffron. Now that I know I had absorbed his energy even then, maybe that's what was behind my change. I had a lot less patience for the rivals, and even less for my pops."
"I can say from experience, as I gained more memories from princess serenity of the past, I've found some of my actions and emotions affected."
"Are we still ourselves then?" That was one thing Ranma was concerned about. Was everything that was happening because he chose it? Or because some influence from Saffron was forcing him.
Usagi linked one of her hands into his own while leaning further into him, "We'll always be ourselves. Sure we have the memories, but it's still us that makes the decisions. Sometimes we need the extra experience to open our eyes to things we had previously been ignoring." Briefly mingling her magic with his own, the Queen stared at him through her eyelashes.
Blushing but yielding, Ranma leaned down and kissed the woman softly. She would be the one to know all of this and what she had said didn't feel wrong. He still felt like himself in the end. He just had more experiences to pull from now, though they weren't his own. Sitting back and once more just enjoying the peace of the bath, he tried to ignore the sound of footsteps coming their way. That Usagi lowered herself further into the water clued him in that he should probably pay attention.
Jeeves was walking towards the bath, but stopped before fully coming into the space, bowing to the floor, "My apologies my King, but I had one urgent message to bring to you."
Ranma nodded and Usagi sank further out of view, "Okay, well what's up? And you can stand just turn around, don't want 'Sagi-chan uncomfortble." Seeing the elder hasten to obey, Ranma smiled as the woman in his arms came up a bit.
"Yes well, um. Again my apologies. However, we've received a message from a scout not long ago. Apparently the Musk and the Amazons have gotten wind that we have a new King, and would like a meeting soon, to discuss our intentions." Jeeves had known the other tribes would want to posture and attempt to gain favor, but he was not entirely sure how his new King would react.
"Herb and the Amazon council huh. Wonder if Cologne will come. Well, let them know I will meet with them in a week at the Amazon village. Give's everyone time to prepare and the like." Plus realistically there was no way for the others to reach Phoenix mountain properly, the stairs they had been given before had been a trap after all.
Jeeves nodded quickly, "Who would you like to attend with you sire?"
"I'll figure that out, but I may just take Kiima. I want the rest of the Phoenix here. Like I said, we have rebuilding to do correct?" Seeing the elder nod, Ranma went back to relaxing, "If that's it, best go on then."
"Yes sire, I'll spread the word and also let Kiima know your intentions." With that the chamberlain was gone and the two in the bath could go back to relaxing completely. Or at least that was Ranma's intention.
Usagi however decided to try working her magic both in a literal and metaphorical sense, "Sooo, think we have some time before anyone else makes it back." She probed and poked with her magic as well while Ranma attempted to dance away from her.
Ranma gave her the side eye, "I was sure you'd be tired out by now."
Usagi turned and stood over him, hands on his shoulders, "Magical Queen."
Rolling his eyes Ranma nodded, "Hai hai, all arguments are invalid." He however was completely in tune with the mountain and its people and felt people coming. "We don't have that time however."
With a whine the blonde splashed backwards, floating away while sticking out her tongue, "I'll get you later."
"You're insatiable."
"I'm a bunny, get used to it."
"What's this about bunnies?" Setsuna was leading the group as Usa and Hotaru chatted animatedly between all the adults. Spotting her parents however had the princess bounding her way into the bath, splashing and giggling as she landed on her mother.
Ranma however was back to covering his eyes with a towel. He'd look at his, wives, with little to no problem. But their friends were a different matter. "Welcome back. Did ya'll have a good time?"
Usa nodded from where she surfaced, "Oh yeah! One of the Phoenix guard, um…Kiima! She took us flying! Even said maybe one day I'd be able to fly too!"
Ranma nodded at that, remembering his own impromptu flight this morning, he'd have to teach her that sometime. "I'm sure you'll be able to with some practice."
Hotaru was slightly less as energetic but was still excited. "The homes they had built into the mountain and the way they decorated everything is so pretty!" Both girls spent the next few minutes describing everything they had seen and done. Usa described how they even were able to play with some of the children, though Ranma noted many of their games centered around flight. Solidifying his want to teach her how to fly their own special way, he tilted his head slightly.
"What about you three, have a good time?"
Michiru nodded though she noted he couldn't see her, "The culture is fascinating and rich with history. And their music made me wish I had brought my violin."
Haruka pouted, "A little uppity though. Especially that Kiima."
So Kiima had a soft spot for kids even if they were land dwellers, Ranma would file that in his head for later, "You should know, the Phoenix are very reclusive. In fact, until recently even the Amazon and the Musk didn't even believe the Phoenix existed."
Setsuna nodded, "With a population this small, it'd be easy to disappear." That did however give her ideas.
Ranma himself had his own, "Yeah, I'll have to see if everyone is happy about this. We're peaceful sure, but what if we made some space to grow a bit?" Maybe he could help hollow out some of the neighboring mountains, make some expansion room. He did pick up the breaking point technique from Ryoga after all and that would be pretty useful.
Usagi was still pouting but now had a more mellow feel about her, "It is, odd, to know you have actual people to worry about."
Ranma motioned with a lazy hand, "You have the senshi and super advanced technology to manage."
Usagi crossed her arms under her bust, the water still supporting her on her back as Usa pushed her around the bath, "Sure. I guess it's that you have normal people to worry about. They aren't fighting demons or ancient enemies from your long lost kingdom. They're just living their lives as best they can."
Setsuna however chimed in before Ranma could attempt to reassure the young woman, "Do you not worry and make decisions for your friends that could impact their lives? Do not compare the quantity of worries between you two." They had time of course to worry about kingdoms and citizens.
Usagi was now spinning slowly while a giggling Usa helped her pick up speed, "I guess. It's just an odd feeling. Not bad really." Rolling her eyes the blonde rolled and submerged herself in the water, ending Usa's fun. She did however drag the younger girl under to be tickled relentlessly. Everyone ignored the thrashing water and the bubbles.
Michiru was hugging a tired Hotaru to her chest, "Ranma-kun, I had a question about the cursed springs."
"Sure sure, go for it."
"Well, because of the failed ceremony of the previous Phoenix King, the one you thwarted, weren't the pools flooded?" Michiru paused as Ranma nodded, "Does that mean there's no chance for a cure for you?"
Ranma shrugged, "Honestly I'm not sure. Something tells me after some time the pools will return to normal. Though if their magic will be the same as before is a different matter. I'll have to ask the Jusenkyo guide to know for sure." That he still had a hunch he could control his curse himself was something he hadn't had a chance to experiment with yet. Well there was no time like the present, so he started poking around with his magic. Not far from him Usagi and Usa finally came up for air while laughing and catching their breath.
Haruka put a hand to her cheek, "Oh no, we'll just have to live with Ona Ranma from time to time, so tragic."
Hotaru was smiling through dozing eyes, "Haruka-papa, you're gonna get smacked again."
Ranma however was grinning as he got a feel for the magic within him, "Hey Haruka?"
The blonde turned to look his way as did everyone else, "Yeah what's up?"
Directing the magic to do what he wanted, he felt the tell tale signs that the curse had activated, "What do ya think? Ona Ranma look good in a bath?" Feeling with his chi the various reactions of the others, including a curious one from Usagi, he himself grinned.
Haruka's jaw dropped as the red head appeared before them. Arms still draped over the rim of the bath, but bountiful chest just popping above the water while their peaks stayed hidden below. She had to do some work to fight off the nosebleed. So she turned to Michiru instead who already had a hand raised, "It's not my fault! He changed without warning and-and-and look at him!" Haruka pointed both hands at the lounging King, "Even you see it right?"
Michiru sighed, "Ranma-kun some warning would be nice." That she was blushing herself wasn't commented on, though she was making plans to be a bit more attentive to her lover later.
Ranma was satisfied as he shifted back to his male form, locking it that way for now, "Looks like I can shift back and forth at will now. I'll have to practice with it, could come in handy."
Setsuna had summoned her saki again, "So it's a functional cure then?" Taking a drink she relaxed fully into the water.
"Yeah, still feels like it might bug out if I don't become a woman after a certain amount of time, but that's easy to get around." Sweets and the like always tasted better as a woman anyway, and it was a natural built in disguise. Ranma began focusing on his breathing and connection to his people. That was what he was in here to do after all. Idly he used his chi to mess with the water around him, building a lazy current that moved the water around the fountain.
Usagi noticed and returned to floating on her back, Usa joining her, "It's like a lazy river in a water park."
Usa floated along just behind her, "This is nice."
Ranma spoke up in a detached tone, "You should be using your magic to explore your connection as well chibi." Feeling Usa begin to do the same he went back to dozing.
Bare feet and quiet converstaion ushered from the hallway before Akane and Shampoo walked into the space. Clad in towels they quickly ditched them on a waiting bench before sinking into the water on either side of Ranma. Akane watched Usagi and Usa, "That's a neat trick."
Ranma took a sage like tone, "Ancient Phoenix secret, art of lazy water." Shampoo smacked him lightly in place of Akane, "I thought it was funny."
"It was daddy!"
"Thank you Usa-chan."
Shaking her head, Akane sunk further in the water, "You know, when the Phoenix aren't trying to kill you they're a really kind people to be around. Or can be, at least." She could tell that their treatment was something like what a customer might receive from a host. They still didn't like land dwellers, but they would put up with them while they were here.
Shampoo leaned into Ranma while she rested her head on his shoulder, "I hear we going to Amazon village soon."
"My what big ears you have."
Shampoo giggle, "My job. You take me and Akane yes?" Ranma nodded without replying, "Good. Grandmother most likely already on way there."
Akane let her own sore muscles relax in the soothing waters completely floating on her back in a calm state. Eventually allowing the current to carry her away with Usagi and Usa, "Seems quick don't you think?" This was nice.
"Grandmother head of council, must be there for important meetings." Shampoo looked up to Ranma, "Meeting leaders of other tribes very important."
Ranma was still familiarizing himself with his magic, eyes hidden behind a cloth, "Well this'll be fun. I just know the old bag is going to be smug the whole time too." He hadn't had a chance to ask Jeeves, but he wondered where the Kinjakan or the Gekkaja were. It might be useful to have the weapons on call. Breathing out slowly, he started to play with his fire.
Haruka was watching as a thin stream of fire left Ranma's mouth, forming a long twisting dragon in the air, "That's…..not normal."
Michiru blinked owlishly as well, "This is his home now, magic would be a lot easier to use here."
Setsuna herself was grinning as she finished off her first bottle, "Wait until he has full control of it." While she hadn't looked at specific events in the future, her main focus on Crystal Tokyo, she could guess at what the young man would be capable of just from looking at his past till now. It was, exciting. Huh, Usagi might have been on to something. Picking up a second bottle she let her mind roam.
Usa watched as her papa spun the fire dragon through the air over their heads, making it dance and weave in intricate ways as she mingled her own magic with the mountain itself. She hoped she had time to practice with him before she had to go. However she had the feeling that her time was almost up. Eyes sparkled as the dragon changed into a much more detailed Phoenix and Usa hoped she'd be able to come back if her time was indeed coming up.
Ranma's mind was tuning everyone out however. He had so many ideas to try out. He'd make sure to get plenty of practice in on the local youma when they returned to Japan.
-b-
Later that evening Ranma and the rest of the group were standing in the throne room while Jeeves, Kiima and most of the Royal guard stood by waiting. Jeeves was bowing to the young KIng as they planned to leave.
Ranma bowed back lightly, "Remember I'll be back by the end of the week to meet up with the other tribes, and then I'll be back and forth between here and Japan for a while. I still have a life there after all."
"Of course sire, we shall carry out your will while you are away."
Kiima stepped forward to join their group, having splashed herself with cold water to take on her cursed appearance, Akane. "I will stay by your side. Masala and Korma will watch over the palace while we are away." That Ranma had tried to convince her to stay and failed wasn't questioned anymore. Some battles weren't worth the fight. Kiima stepped forward as the magic users all joined hands and circled the non-magic users.
Ranma gave one last order, "Remember, take a poll, I want to know if the people want to expand the village a bit. There are other mountains close to us we can use. Sure I'm King, but I want the people's opinion." Seeing Jeeves agree and bow one last time, the senshi and himself summoned their magic and with a slight jolt, they were gone.
With some momentary vertigo, the group reappeared on the roof of Ranma's dojo. It was well into evening in Japan now and the group took a moment to look around and feel out for people.
Setsuna and the rest of the outer senshi stretched, "Well I believe it would be wise for us to return home. Monday tomorrow means school and work."
Hotaru was groaning about school while Haruka and Michiru bowed to the rest of the group, "Till tomorrow!" Haruka gave a salute and the 4 senshi were bounding across the rooftops, leaving Ranma with 4 women and a child.
"Guess let's head home, see how mom and pop are doing."
Shampoo bounced on her toes as the group started to roof hop away, "Mother will be thrilled when we have chance to talk."
Akane sighed, "With you at least."
Shampoo pat her friend on the shoulder, "You make big step, very good. Battle sister will catch up soon."
Akane nodded before turning to her doppelganger, "That is still so odd that you're using my form as your cursed form."
Kiima shrugged, "Can't change until springs are no longer flooded. Could be months or years until then. And as my King has said, I cannot go around in my true form while here."
Ranma nodded while giving Usa a piggyback ride, "Yeah I'm not up for dealing with a freak-out from normal people seeing a literal bird person. Though maybe you can change up your look, make it easier to tell you two apart." As they roof hopped away from the business district and reached the suburbs, the girls were quietly discussing things among themselves. This left Usa to whisper to her father.
"Papa, will we be training this week?" She had never had the chance to use Phoenix magic and was curious how different it was the senshi magic.
"We'll have to, can't let you leave without having at least some control over your magic." That he needed to gain proper control over his own magic was unsaid. He had learned though that sometimes teaching a subject helped one better understand it. So maybe helping Usa would help himself as well. Taking a deep breath and enjoying the night air, he felt his magic sing in his blood. Though far away from the mountains of the China outlands, the very Earth itself seemed to call to him. Even in this closed off city. As they got closer to the house, he could feel the girl beginning to tire out and doze off. She would most likely be out in 15 minutes or so. Probably for the best because he just knew his mother was going to want details.
Reaching home and everyone gathering in the backyard, Ranma walked forward to knock and then open the back door. "Mom, pop! We're home!" Holding the door and letting everyone else inside, Ranma walked in last and let Usa down. His mother was already bounding out from the living room with a wide smile on her face.
"Welcome home everyone! And…" Pausing seeing the Akane double the woman tilted her head, "How'd this happen?"
Kiima bowed to the woman, "Well met, mother of King Ranma, I am Kiima, leader of the Phoenix Royal Guard."
"Wuh?"
Ranma came forward rubbing the back of his neck, "We've got some explaining to do, sorry mom."
Nodoka however motioned everyone to the living room, "Well um, please come and explain everything. I want to hear it all." Turning she led the way.
"Uh mom, where's pop?"
"At the Tendo's, I still haven't forgiven him. So he commutes."
"Ah." Taking the couch, Shampoo and Usagi sat on either side of him. Akane squeezed in on the other side of Shampoo with a sigh while Usa wiggled into Usagi's lap. Kiima stood behind the couch while Nodoka sat in the recliner chair with wide eyes.
"You all seem, much more comfortable." The urge to whip out her fans was rising by the second. He son was sitting before her surrounded by women, this was perfect!
"Yeah, about that." Ranma began telling his mother about their weekend, his ascension to Phoenix king and mingling magic with his people. Then his plans to meet with the other tribes this upcoming weekend and potentially plans to expand the Phoenix people, though that wasn't set in stone.
Usa yawned and snuggled into Usagi, and Ranma looked back to Kiima, "Can you take Usa to bed? Upstairs, first door on the left."
Usa half complained as she was pulled away from Usagi, "But I'm…..not sleep-" She was completely out of it by the time Kiima made it to the bottom of the stairs.
Shampoo took the opportunity to squeeze the boy's arm into her cleavage, "Now we tell mother good good news yes?"
A fan was already in her hand, "Good news?"
Usagi and Akane were blushing while Ranma was having a hard time making eye contact with his mother. The nervous grin on his face wasn't helping, "It was an, eventful weekend."
A second fan joined the first, "Eventful?"
Shampoo sighed theatrically, "Ranma good good husband."
Akane sighed, "Perverts."
Usagi giggled and leaned into him as well, "You're one of us Akane-chan. Just as perverted and….loud."
Self control gone, the older woman was dancing about the living room, "My manly son! I knew this day was coming soon! So proud, I'm so proud!"
"We broke her." Ranma groaned but smiled all the same. Sure his mom was odd but she was happy, that was all he could ask for really. He wanted to keep his self made promise of making up for all of her time alone. "Yeah mom I've been, uh, rather manly this weekend."
Stars in her eyes, she was holding his hands in her own in an instant, "Grandbabies? More grandbabies?"
"Uh, maybe? I don't know." Things did get a little fuzzy there in the first night.
Shampoo nod, "If not, we try again." Repeatedly and often if she had a say in it.
Usagi was still giggling, "I may need to wait a bit, at least until school is over." She still wasn't decided on college, but if she was going to become a real Queen, she should probably learn everything she could. She had to remember to start studying more with Ami.
Akane nodded, "Yeah uh, after school for me as well mother." That she was accepting things as they were at all still had Nodoka nodding along with enthusiasm.
"Of course dears it's completely understandable. Why all of your being pregnant at once would be very difficult for first timers, but one at a time allows everyone to help out. Very good thinking." Already she was up and bounding away, fans waving, "I simply must make preparations. We should think about a bigger home. Or should we move to your palace? But it's so far from the city and city life has it's advantages too." Falling into muttering the older woman was lost into mental planning and dreaming.
Ranma sighed as Usagi finally stood, "Yeah, we've lost her completely now." Looking up to the blonde Ranma accepted a kiss from her all the same, "What's up Usagi-chan?"
Usagi winked, "I do need to head home myself. But um, maybe tomorrow you could come with me? I, think I'm ready to talk to my parents about the senshi."
"Okay, just let me know and we can leave from the dojo." Usagi waved and then in the next moment she was gone. "So weird to watch happen."
Akane scuttled over and landed on his other side now, "All of you with magic are weird."
Ranma pulled the girl into his side while they watched his mother dance and make plans all on her own, "Do you need a lift back home yourself?"
Akane shook her head, "I'm okay, I should actually get going myself since I actually have to take the train." Thinking it over, the girl sighed before leaning over and kissing the young man on his cheek, "Don't over do it while I'm gone. I'll try to visit a couple of times this week."
Ranma nodded as Akane stood and walked to hug his mom, "Don't overdo it yourself. I know that's a lot of traveling." Getting a nod from the girl, she then hugged Shampoo and was out of the door soon after with a wave. Kiima was now returning to the living room with a grumpy Ukyo in a bath robe,
"I feel like I missed a lot this weekend. Anyone wanna catch me up?"
Shampoo turned to lean over the back of the couch, "Ranma Phoenix King now."
Blinking with wide eyes the resident chef looked between Ranma, Shampoo, and a dancing Nodoka. Finally she turned to who she thought was Akane, "I really missed some important stuff huh Akane?"
"I'm Kiima actually."
Ranma waved over his shoulder, "Might as well come out here and I'll explain everything again. Cause yeah, you missed some stuff." It was going to be a long night, but honestly he could say that he was happy at the moment. Things were working out for him, even if not how he had intended.
-AN-
Spent longer on this chapter than I would have liked, but it's been a busy week. Time to start involving the parents, and with changes to the timeline, something new is going to start peeking it's head over the horizon.
