-An-

I needed a recharge, sat at the park and wrote this one. I can't say that influenced this chapter or not. Maybe.

-Story Start-

Ranma decided this week might just be cursed. Monday was a failed night of trying to tell Usagi's family she was sailor moon. Tuesday was him and Rei sitting before the fire being shown more and more of their potential future together, or at least the raunchy bits along with a child. Now Wednesday and getting ready to walk away from the dojo for the evening, everyone else finally gone and headed home, Shampoo bounced at his side. This would be a good night right? Nothing could influence this.

Shampoo herself was smiling brightly with stars in her eyes. She was finally going on a date with Ranma in the city! It was so exciting. It wasn't monster thrashing but she was sure she could get a different thrashing later. "Where Ranma want to go first?"

Ranma shrugged and hooked a thumb over his shoulder. "I figured dinner first, pops says there's a place not far from here that serves donburi that's pretty good, and you know him and his stomach."

Shampoo giggled as they started walking, "Really is a panda man yes. Let's go let's go!" Pulling him lightly the girl still marvelled slightly that he wasn't pulling away from her. Years she had been chasing him now. The fights, the rivals, the adventures. And now when she had accepted just being a friend, of letting go of her feelings, here he was accepting her love. It made her giddy.

Walking along on the sidewalk on the car side Ranma pulled her into his side, "Are ya ready for this weekend?"

Shampoo nodded, "Another weekend in China with Amazons and the Phoenix? Too too good time." She made eye contact with him, "Maybe after meetings we have really good good time as well."

Feeling her squeeze him just a little tighter he shook his head, "You're just as bad as Usagi. Maybe I should call you a bunny girl too." Of course that meant getting the mental image of Shampoo in a bunny suit. That didn't help things at all. Com'on stomach focus on food!

Shampoo shrugged, "Husband too too good at what he do. You spoil us." While it was harder at the his home to do anything fun, she was determined to change that one way or another. Soon. They continued their walk, passing other couples and weaving their way through the foot traffic as they got closer to restaurants and social based businesses. Allowing Ranma to pull her down a slightly less packed alley, they walked by multiple stands and bars. Shampoo couldn't explain the feeling, but it felt like home almost down this alleyway. It was much more intimate here.

"All it's missing are trees and the nature smell, little alleyways like this are great sometimes." Ranma was smiling as they pulled into a small restaurant. Having to wait for just a moment, a hostess directed them to a table along the far wall. A little more quiet this far back, it gave off very cozy vibes to the pair.

Shampoo was looking around with slight awe, "This is nice. Good choice."

Ranma nodded himself, "Seeing the bar, I can see why dad picked this place. But it is nice in here." Being handed a laminated menu, they both took a few moments to read it over while their hostess walked away with a smile.

Shampoo mentally made a note to try out some of these recipes before deciding on her food. Something with lots of rice and pork was the name of the game tonight. She'd need the energy. "Ranma, I've wanted to ask something for a while."

Ranma nodded as he finished deciding on three different bowls he wanted, appetite still super large. "Sure, ask away. You're probably one of the few people on the planet who I'll be completely honest with."

Shampoo thought quietly about how she wanted to say this, before just locking eyes with him and dropping her menu. She had always been worried about time, how much she had, could she capture his heart soon enough, would the village wait any longer. Now though a different time contraint worried her. "The senshi are going to be long lived, yes?"

Ranma focused a bit more, getting a feeling this conversation was a little more important, "Yeah, something about their magic keeping them young as they connected deeper with their planets."

Shampoo sighed, "You as well, going to live a long time?" Ranma wasn't entirely sure about that part but nodded anyway, "But I don't have that. I might live long like grandmother, but that maybe a few hundred years. They talk about thousands. One day, you forget me."

Ranma reached over the table slowly, taking one of her hands into his, "Somehow I get the feeling, no matter how many years pass, I'll always remember you and think of you fondly." Smirking the boy tilted his head, "Even if sometimes it'll be with a little frustration too."

"I make sure to drown out irritation with good memories then." Enjoying the feel of his hand in hers, she looked down, "I just, want to enjoy all our time together as much as possible."

Agreeing with her he squeezed her hand, "Seize everyday we can. But I promise, until the stars burn out, I won't forget you." Hearing someone cough, they both looked up to their blushing server. She was a shorter girl with purple hair and stormy blue grey eyes with a athletic build and long hime cut hair drawn back into a ponytail. She couldn't have been older than their age though for sure she looked younger at the least. "Oh uh, sorry, we're ready to order I think." Refusing the let go of his girl's hand however they both gave their orders and watched their server bounce away with an even bigger blush on her face. .

Shampoo made plans to sneak Ranma away somewhere quiet before the night was over, there were lots of empty rooftops in Tokyo. "Wo ai ni, airen."

"Love you too, Shampoo." Relaxing a bit and enjoying the atmosphere for a minute, Ranma ignored the blip on his chi senses. It was Tokyo, there was bound to be at least some chi users around here. "I've never asked but I just assumed, you're being trained to one day take over for your grandmother as the council leader right?"

"Yes, big big honor. One day I lead whole village. That why it must for my husband to be just as strong or stronger than me. Must be able to lead group of women just as well as me."

Ranma frowned, "Wait, you're whole society is matriarchal right? You let men lead?"

Giggling the Amazon waved her hands, "Of course. We value the strong. It just that Amazon men not usually very powerful. But when men strong we respect. If good leader we listen. Tradition say women lead, only because men who were leaders were not good enough to be repected or hold positions of power. You being you has changed our minds more recently."

"Hmm, but I guess men like Mousse set it all back at the same time."

Shampoo sigh and leaned back, "Yes. Men like Mousse common. Yes strong, but stupid. Pigheaded. Unwilling to listen or learn. No repect in the village." Shampoo smiled, "Strength and skill are needed yes, and someone like Mousse will find a wife. But for a leader, need more, much more."

Ranma was going to respond only their food was delivered. Same blushing server as before, she smiled and bowed to both of them without saying a word. Ranma raised an eyebrow as Shampoo's eyes lingered on her a bit longer than normal, "Something wrong?"

"She move like amazon."

"You don't recognize her?"

"No. She no amazon I know. More like, move like someone trained by amazon outside of village. It, familiar but not." Shrugging Shampoo put it out of her mind, she didn't get the feeling the girl was a threat at the least. "Food looks good."

Ranma nodded, "It does. Let's dig in." Both falling into silence for a while to eat, the boy himself wondered as well. Now that Shampoo had brought it up, he did notice to that the girl's eyes seemed really familiar. He'd just have to keep an eye out he guessed.

Being fighters used to having to drop everything in a moment, they were quickly finished with their meal and chatting about some of the latest classes while they waited for their check. Ranma had suggested a movie after this and they did have time to get there. Maybe a slow walk along the street would waste some time instead of their typical roof hopping. Their server noticed they were finished and bringing their bill, Ranma settled on her eyes again.

"I'm sorry, but have we met before?" Blue met blue before the girl looked away. Idly Ranma fished out the necessary yen while the girl quickly and efficiently handed him his change back.

"No, not yet." Voice quiet, the girl bowed and walked away to disappear behind the bar.

The couple looking at each other before shrugging and standing to go, it was a reassuring Shampoo that squeezed Ranma's hand, "It's okay, she no threat."

Ranma himself was still slightly paranoid, "If you say so. My senses tell me that as well, but something is still throwing me off."

"Maybe blind spot?"

"Blind to what though?"

Shampoo hid a smirk from him as she had his own idea, "Who know." Pulling closer to him and enjoying the night air, the young woman was ready to enjoy the rest of her night. "How far is movie theater?"

Ranma pointed to the end of the alley where they could see multiple people clogging the sidewalk, "We're gonna take a right at the street and walk for maybe 5 or 10 minutes. Not to far really." They might be a little early but that was okay. Shampoo would always enjoy some alone time with him.

As they meandered along and weaved through the crowd, Shampoo was a happy girl as she laid her head on Ranma's shoulder. This was exactly what she had hoped for, just some time alone with the man she loved without interruption. Yes, she loved their time with Akane and Usagi as well, but time alone was always the most enjoyable. Enjoying the warmth he unintentionally put off, she could forgo the movie and just enjoy walking around the city with him. It was always a sight she admired after all. She knew Ranma loved the outdoors and the open road but having grown up there she could appreciate the wonder and ingenuity of the city life. So many people and so much noise! It was all so alive in a way the Chinese wilderness couldn't be. That she could experience it now, here, with the man she loved? Squeezing him again, she just giggled and gave thanks for her life.

Seeing and feeling the woman on his arm just radiate joy, he smiled weakly at some of the knowing looks a few older couples gave them. However he was happy that he could make her happy as well. He was sure on some level she still wanted alone time with him, even if the relationship they all found themselves in was spearheaded by her in the first place. Everyone liked attention however and she was no exception. Lowering his arm to have it around her waist they made slow but decent time to the movie theater.

Coming up to the ticket window the couple was hit with a sense of deja-vu as a girl looking much like their server from the restaurant they had just been in greeted them with a bright smile, "Hello! What movie are we seeing tonight?" While the hair was different, pulled back into a long braid with short bangs framing her face, everything else was just about exactly the same.

"Uh…didn't you just?"

Blinking quietly, the girl nodded and bopped a fist into her palm, "You probably saw my sister, we're twins! She's the quiet one." Bubbly nature and easy smiles, they could tell this one was much more outgoing than the other.

Nodding slowly Ranma did his best to ignore his senses again telling him something was up, "Sure uh. Two for Lupin the III: Dead or Alive" Figuring they could use something fun to laugh at, and cartoons were usually safe bets.

"Sure thing!" Printing out the tickets as again Ranma handed over some yen notes, the girl handed back his change and the tickets. "Enjoy your evening!"

"You too." Turning away still feeling confused, Shampoo had a bemused smile on her face as they walked away and into the theater itself. "I'm not crazy right?"

"You no crazy. Let it go and let's have fun."

"Usually ignoring things leads to fights."

"You literal Phoenix god, you be fine."

"It's my luck that I'm worried about." Finding seats and preparing themselves, the couple put everything else out of their minds as they cuddled and settled in for the movie. Which after several touches and what should have been innocent kisses in the dark, after a while both teenagers could admit that they probably watched half the movie at best. Still they enjoyed it and had a good laugh a the film, which once was over they returned to the outside world the streets were much more empty.

"Well that was fun."

Shampoo was a blushing mess but agreed completely for a different reason. Many jokes going over her head, but some of the female leads were inspiring. Now all she wanted was to drag her love off somewhere quiet so they could finish what they started in the dark space. Body tingling and feeling like everything was on fire, holding onto her man was not helping in the slightest. "We go home now." It was not a question.

Ranma smirked, "I'm pretty sure everyone else is home to."

"No care, I want my cookies."

"I'm never living that down ever, aren't I?"

"Blame daughter." Hearing shuffling and sudden screams from behind them, both martial artists frowned as thei chi senses went haywire.

"Cookies! Why we love cookies! Can we join?" Several hissing voices appeared behind the couple who both sighed and turned back to the small group of youma in the middle of the deserted street. Several of the other movie goers already running away and disappearing into alleyways and side streets. "We take your life energy and-"

Ranma was not in the mood for interruptions at the moment and with the street now empty he didn't have to worry about witnesses. Using his magic for the first time in a fight, he let it build in his lungs and mixed it slightly with his own hot chi. Feeling the fire build up he turned fully and released a blast of fire with a roar. Quick and intense the nearly white fire reduced the gathered youma to ash within moments. Scorching but fleeting the fire dissipated within a second and the street was left smoking but with no other damage. Satisfied that the threat was dealt with Ranma turned back to see Shampoo watching the street with wide eyes. Looking between him and the street and back, she was suddenly reminded that she was in fact married to THE Phoenix King now.

"Uh, sorry, I know that probably ruined the night and-" Ranma could not finish as he was pulled down into a very passionate kiss. Shampoo's arms wrapped around his neck and he fell into the kiss himself within a breath. When she pulled away however Ranma was still slightly confused. "Uh…"

Shampoo was panting for who knew what reason really. "You, me. I don't care where, but in 1 minute I rip clothes off and have my way with you."

Shoulders drooping the man sighed, "We're in public."

"55 seconds."

Taking this as now a very real threat, Ranma scooped Shampoo up and began roof hopping away as she began trailing kisses along his neck and chest. There had to be something to his magic doing this, cause there was no way he was going to be able to keep up with these girls. Stumbling only slightly as she found a very sensitive spot along his shoulder to suck on, he made for the park. He didn't feel any chi or life force there, and it was probably good enough for the lust filled girl right now. Oh the woes of a King.

-b-

The next day found Ranma yawning as he worked through the evening martial arts class. Idly correcting Makoto's form as she sparred with Haruka, he tried not to smirk at the slightly limping Shampoo not far away working with Minako and Ami. While the women in his life might initiate most of the things around them, he was more than happy to finish it. Demonstrating the correct method for redirecting a straight thrust, Ranma let the two girls get back to their spar while he himself took a step back to just watch the class and his assistants for a while. This was something he was building, something he was willing to go to great lengths to protect. Being a Phoenix King was nice, but leaving behind a real legacy was going to be even better he figured.

Class eventually coming to an end, his father heading home as his mom was giving him a chance to correct his ways, Ranma finished closing shutters and locking up to the sight of the senshi again getting ready for studying and gossip. The inner group was at least, the outer's were gearing up to leave and patrol, "Huh, something to worry about?" Kiima herself was sitting quietly while waiting on Usa and Ranma.

Setsuna shook her head as Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru all transformed behind her, "No, just want to perform a patrol for the night. After your description of the youma from yesterday, we thought it best to patrol a little more often."

Nodding Ranma and the others waved and said goodbye as the outers teleported and were gone into the city. Just about everyone able to perform short range teleportation now with the increased control and advice from Usagi. Said young Queen was sitting between Minako and Ami while both were trying to hold her attention. Ami using her computer to show data from the Moon and their technology while Minako was holding up notes from their actual school. Usagi looked ready to blow a gasket but she was trying hard and that had Ranma smiling.

Bringing Ranma out of his musing, Usa was next to him and pulling on his hand, "Papa?"

"Hmm, yeah Chibi?"

Beaming the girl pointed to the roof, "Any chance we can work on my Phoenix magic?"

Thinking it over Ranma couldn't find a reason not to, plus the street would emptying out soon enough. Not seeing a reason to refuse, Ranma pressed a buttom on the wall to open the skylight and grinned. "Ami-san would you mind locking up when you all leave?"

"Not a problem Ranma-kun."

Nodding to her, Ranma turned to Kiima, "Go ahead and head home. Check on my mother for me. We'll meet you there."

"Yes my lord."

Turning back to Usa Ranma was still grinning, "Let's go." Hopping away, he'd do his own school work later. Usa transformed herself and was jumping after him within a moment.

On the roof Ranma stood before the excitedly bouncing girl. "Really getting into the bunny mode, aren't we?"

"I'm gonna fly!" Even with the training she had received in order to defend herself and become a senshi, flying was something every little kid wanted to try at least once.

Ranma nodded and motioned for her to calm herself. "Alright, so. I'm sure you know, magic is pretty big on your will and your intentions. It isn't enough to just imagine wings on yourself or imagine wings connected to you. You have to know you have wings. You have to know you can fly, the magic will move and adjust from there. But you have to believe fully and completely that you in fact have the ability to fly on your wings." Giving his own example he let his magic well up and burst free from his back. Trying to mute the fire, his wingspan was still about 3 times as he was tall. Giving a flap before they folded behind him, his daughter was watching with stars in her eyes. "Okay, you give it a go, I'll watch and give advice where I think you need it." Opening his mental senses, he did do just that, following the flow of her magic and chi as she worked through it in her mind.

With more practice using magic in general it was easy enough for her to find it and latch on. The harder part was using just her Phoenix magic and not have her moon magic attempt to join in on the fun. It was odd how both magical sources within her both tried to feed on and amplify each other at moments. Maybe this was how her parents magic mingled together when they fought? She'd ask in the future. Willing herself to accept that she'd always had wings, that she could always fly just as her papa told her, her eyes closed as motes of pink and red light began to collect at her back.

Somehow expecting her to get it pretty quickly, he grinned as within a few minutes red and pink wings burst in existence behind her. Keeping the same ratio as him and being three times as wide as she was tall, he couldn't help but feel some pride for the girl. She picked up techniques and abilities quickly much as he did. Willing his wings to move, they flapped and began lifting him into the air. Since she seemed to be so much like him, maybe a little trail by fire was the way to go. Removing the mask to disguise himself from his stuff space, he put it on just in case. Gaining a little altitude as the girl underneath him looked at her own wings in wonder, he called down to her. "Welp, now here's the task for the night."

"What's that papa?"

"Gotta catch me!" Flying straight up with several strong flaps of his wings, he knew at this height he'd be visible for probably miles at this point. Not to concerned since Juban was so used to youma and magical girls fighting bad guys, he did just hope no one mistook him for said deamons. That would suck. Watching as Usa gave a few experimental flaps of her wings, he smiled as she started to gain altitude and speed to catch up with him. Waiting until she got within 50 meters of him, he turned and raced off with the pink themed girl hot on his trail. Hearing her laughing behind him he luxuriated in the feeling of being free in flight. Diving to pick up some speed he twisted and rolled through several buildings before banking back towards the dojo, gaining height and leaving a blazing trail of light in the sky.

Usa herself was focused on catching her father now, laughter still occasionally bubbling out of her as he pulled off tricks and moves she couldn't help to pull off just yet. However the trick was that without meaning to flying was slowly but surely becoming second nature to her. The Phoenix and Moon magic coming to some sort of harmony within her as she flew. Her wings gaining a light crystalline sheen, she came within meters of catching her father.

Ranma himself still had a competitive spirit however and a boost in his magic sent him up and away from the girl before he folded his wings and dive bombed back towards the earth and passing her up. Laughing all the way he enjoyed the surprised look on her face. Over buildings and parks, around skyscrapers and even the Tokyo tower eventually, the pair finally started making their way back home. Allowing Usa to catch up, they both ended up landing in a park nearby the dojo as Usa bounced around and laughed.

"I can fly! I can fly!" Letting her wings disappear into lights and colors the little girl bounded up to her father and hugged him around the middle. Wings curling around them, Ranma had to dispel his own with a thought. Light level dropping in the park to more normal levels, the pair turned as they felt someone coming upon them.

Setsuna was alone as she walked out of the shadows towards the two with a bemused smile on her face, "You just love causing trouble don't you?"

"It's part of my charm." Taking off his mask and stowning it away he focused for a moment. Seeing an odd look on Setsuna's face and realizing finally that she was alone, Ranma sighed, "Gonna tell me it's time for her to go?"

Usa latched onto his hand tightly as Setsuna shook her head, "Not yet, in a week however yes she will have to return home." Seeing Ranma nod, Setsuna turned to resume her patrol, "I believe some of her siblings will be coming to retrieve her." Waving over her shoulder, the older woman was gone and over the rooftops in a few bounds.

Usa sighed, "I guess I can't complain, I did get lots of time with everyone."

Ruffling her hair, Ranma stared them walking down the park's pathway, "Don't worry. With time travel being what it is I'm sure you'll be able to visit again. Though I'm a little upset with older me if I haven't been able to spare the time for you."

Usa shook her head and clenched his hand, "Maybe. It's not future-papa's fault. I was, being selfish."

Confused the older boy tilted his head as he looked down on the girl, "I don't think it's very selfish to want to help your parents to save the world."

Usa again shook her head, "But I'm not here to save the world."

Ah, there it was. With Rei unable to find anything and Setsuna not mentioning a threat either, Ranma had a feeling something else was going on. Glad that the girl felt ready to come clean he squeezed her hand in what he hoped a reassuring gesture. "Well, let's hear it."

"I….with so many siblings, I don't get a lot of one on one time with my parents. Future-papa tries really really hard. So does mama. But, for the last 50 years they've been dealing with some other empire that wants to expand and it gets really really frustrating."

Not currently able to relate, he could understand the want of a child who needed their parent. "So of course, you understand what they're doing is important but you still want time with them." Seeing the girl nod, Ranma picked her up in one arm to carry her. Letting her wrap her arms around his neck and bury her face in his shoulder, Ranma gave a pat her to back, "I say feel free to come visit whenever you need. I won't mind."

"Okay." Voice watery, Usa was quiet the rest of the way home. Ranma himself wanted to say he would make sure future him wouldn't neglect his kids. But he couldn't make that promise. As they eventually reached home and he put the young girl to bed he was met with Ukyo with an unreadable expression on her face. The woman was in pajama shorts and a t-shirt with hair wet from a shower, leaning against the wall she struck an interesting figure.

"Hey Ucchan, what's up?"

Grinning the girl looked over his shoulder, "You've been pretty busy lately, we haven't had time to talk at all or catch up."

"Yeah sorry, between becoming a King and the Senshi business and Usa. Yeah, it's all been so hectic."

"I'll say. Got some time now?"

Ranma motioned down the hall, "Sure, just let me get changed." Still somewhat in father mode, he missed some signals.

Ukyo followed after him, the urge to tease rising, "You know, you and Shampoo should remember these walls aren't that thick."

Blushing the boy at least attempted to seem chagrined, "Yeah uh, sorry." Opening his door and seeing Shampoo there in a lavender nightie upon his bed, he was starting to realize he might have been set up. As Ukyo closed and locked his door, he realize he absolutely was being set up. "Uh…you're my sister now, ya know."

From behind him Ukyo had her hands on his shoulders and was leaning into his ear, "Maybe I'll be moaning onii-sama before the nights over." Pushing him, Ranma gave up. Between Shampoo and Usagi, he was going to be labeled a cheater whether he wanted to be or not.

The next morning found Ranma at his dojo and exchanging goodbyes and plans with several of his students. Morning classes having just ended, he was now turning to his father to leave him with parting words.

"I know I did this last time, but you better be good to my students, I'll skin you alive if you mess this up."

"Ranma my boy you worry to much, it's not good for someone so young!"

Usa, Kiima and Shampoo coming out from the back to watch, Ranma scrubbed his head, "I mean it pop."

Genma nodded, "I know boy, now get going. Things will be fine here."

Akane burst through the door, "Am I late?" Shool bag over her shoulder and holding a gym bag in one hand.

Shampoo bounced over to hug the girl, "You good, haven't left yet."

Kiima sighed, "How are we going to get to China within a day sire?"

Ranma shrugged, "I figured we could fly. I'll carry Akane and Shampoo. You watch after Usa. She can fly but still needs a little practice."

KIima nodded, "That sounds burdensome my lord."

Usagi was among them in an instant in a flash of light, thankfully no one besides them and Genma were in the dojo. "Woo, made it!"

Ranma sighed, "Uh Usagi, don't you have school?"

"Yeah uh, we can talk about that later." Grabbing hold of everyone, she welled up her magic, "So let's get going!" Everyone disappearing in a flash of light, the next moment they were back in China appearing in the Phoenix palace courtyard.

"Usagi, do I wanna know why you were in such a hurry?" Ranma only sighed as he waved off several people and Kiima went to inform Jeeves and their local garrison.

Usagi giggled, "Uh….I just thought it'd be best to get out of Juban for a few days?"

Usa hugged her future mother tightly, "More time with mama is always good time."

Shampoo and Akane had to take a moment to regain their bearings. Both however just sighed and turned to the Moon Queen, "You know, I no mind. It'll be fun."

Akane sighed but nodded, "I brought my bag so we can catch up on school work in our spare time Ranma, you still wanna graduate right?"

Ranma nodded while turning and heading back to the throne room, "Yeah I do. But today is figuring out how we'll get to the Amazons from here and settling in at the village. I don't know if we'll have the free time once we get there."

Akane shrugged, "We'll figure it out." Walking forward and taking one of his hands into her own, Akane led the way back to the throne.

Usagi and Usa danced around the group as they came to the throne room, "This'll be a good time, we need this."

Ranma turned back to the girls, "I still wanna know why you decided to join us 'Sagi-chan."

Winking the young woman nodded, "Later. Promise, scout's honor."

Would things go as smoothly as Ranma hoped? Doubtful, but it wouldn't be boring at least.

-AN-

And here we are, back in China and getting ready for a meeting of the major factions. Will the Musk and Amazon's accept Ranma as the Phoenix king? Will there be violence? This is Ranma we're talking about.