-AN-

Nothing here today, shop has been slightly busy so writing has slowed down. This is more of a set up chapter than anything else.

-Story Start-

Ranma and his group moved through the palace with no resistance. Even with Akane pulling him along Ranma had an easy time waving off lower level functionaries and servants while the girls weren't bothered at all. Reaching the throne room and passing through it, they made quick time to his main quarters before everyone started to get situated in the front chambers. Seeing both Akane and Usagi eye him with calculating gazes, the man himself sighed as he heard talons scraping along the floor.

"Don't get to comfy, something tells me we might be busy." Feeling out with his magic, the mountain seeming to greet him in return, he confirmed that is was Kiima on her way to them. Nodding as she walked in through the main hallway flanked by her subordinates Masala and Korma, all three of them took a knee and bowed before Ranma.

"Sire. To update, Jeeves is on his way with information about the meeting."

Ranma nodded, "Okay thanks. Is there a chance we can get a move on to the Amazon village today?"

"Yes sir, preparations are being made now."

"Uh. Good, go back to your duties, we'll keep things packed up then." Watching the captain of his guard stand and smartly turn to leave, Ranma turned back to his group. Eyeing his 'wives' and daughter, he still wanted to poke Usagi about why she was here. He wouldn't have the time at the moment however. "I'll be right back, relax for a bit I guess."

Shampoo saluted and grabbed Akane and Usagi, "Can do airen."

Turning away and missing whatever the girls were about to do, Ranma had a sudden thought and turned back to Usa. "Would you like to come with me?"

Usa was immediately up and racing forward, "Absolutely!" Grabbing onto his hands and spinning around with him, Ranma turned a smile to Usagi who shrugged herself.

"It's okay, we have some girl talk to get done anyway." Waving the two off, the three women were already seated at the table and whispering.

Ranma sighed as he retreated back down the hall, deciding he probably really didn't want to know. Usa was watching him however, "Don't worry papa."

"Oh, why shouldn't I worry?"

Usa adopted a matter of fact pose while trying to hold onto his left hand, "Cause any time mama get's with her friends you always have a smile on your face later. So it'll be okay."

Not wanting to voice that he should absolutely worry, Ranma and Usa were soon back in the throne room and ascending to the throne. Extending his magic and getting a renewed feel for things, he could feel Jeeves headed his way. Seating himself while Usa sat on the arm of the chair, they were just getting comfortable as Jeeves made his way into the space. Several other Phoenix citizens were with him as well, but they all kept a distance as he himself reached the foot of the stairs and bowed.

"My King, we are grateful and delighted at your return."

"Honestly I missed it here. So I'm glad to be back." Breathing deeply, Ranma got to business. "So Kiima tells me you have information for me."

"Yes sire, the Musk and the Amazons have gathered at the amazon village and await your arrival."

"Well that's good. I'll grab Usagi and we can teleport there with a group."

Jeeves however raised a hand, which had Ranma himself sitting back. "If um….if I may sire?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"Well sire, you are the KIng of the Phoenix people. A Kami that blesses our world with your presence. It would honor us greatly if you would allow us to pay that it's proper respect." Not wanting to offend but wanting to make sure the people's feelings were heard, Jeeves lowered his head just a tad more.

Ranma thought about it. Right away he wanted to throw anything that put him on a pedestal out the window. He didn't want to be a burden after all, or for anyone else to make a fuss about him. He did however have to think that he was their King. That deserved some showing off and grandstanding. It wasn't just what his people expected as well. The other tribes would be expecting it too. Nodding Ranma waved a hand, "Ok, that's fine. What did you have in mind? Nothing to crazy I hope?"

Jeeves stood and wiped some sweat from his brow, "No no, nothing outlandish. At the minimum we will bring a full guard along with serving staff and the palanquin. You, the princess, and your wives will ride while the guard fly formation and serving staff attend to you. The journey will be less than an hour, maybe only half with good wind."

Ranma thought it over before diving into his older memories and realizing that they were in fact doing the minimum here for him. Saffron had demanded much more at one point. Taking what he could while appeasing his people, Ranma agreed, "I don't have a problem with any of that. However, Usa just recently learned how to use her magic and wings. She may want to fly on her own while we are underway. She will not be denied that." The kid just wanted to be a kid for a while and he would make sure she could get that. She didn't have much time left after all.

Jeeves nodded quickly, "Yes sire. Give us half an hour and preparations shall be completed. Kiima will retrieve you when we are ready."

Ranma nodded and stood, "Got it. Best get to it then, we'll be in my quarters unless there's other business." Seeing Jeeves shake his head, the group left while Ranma tugged Usa back towards their rooms.

"Papa, are the Amazon's good people?"

Having to think that one over for a minute, Ranma decided that yeah they were in their way, "They are. Morals and values are a little warped compared to most city folk. Or just most folk in general. But it's protected them and helped them through all this time. They're good at heart, at least that's what I think is important."

"What about the Musk?"

"That….is a little more complicated. I don't think they're bad, but they could definitely use some basic schooling." Reaching his chambers again Ranma was greeted by the girls who were all still chatting at the main table. "Speaking of basic schooling."

"I didn't do it!" Usagi responded almost automatically, looking up at Ranma who only had his hands on his hips and was tapping a foot.

"Uh huh. So what did you do?"

Usa was grinning, "Oh, that's daddy's 'you're in trouble' face." Shampoo reached over to pull the girl down between her and Akane.

"You pay good attention."

"Have to, keeps me out of trouble. Mostly."

Usagi however was beginning to wilt under his gaze. "I uh, it's not my fault?" Technically the truth.

"What's happened 'Sagi-chan?" Still standing and still tapping his foot, he started to reach out with his magic. He was willing to fight dirty if needed. And merging magic with her in order to connect and read some surface thoughts was well within the range of what he'd do.

"Oh fine. So, remember how we went to tell my parents I am Sailor Moon?" Seeing him nod the girl continued. "Well they know now."

Walking forward and dropping to the table Ranma frowned, "First, how did that happen, second, why're you here then?"

Chuckling the girl scratched her cheek, "SO, the news picked up you and Usa flying around Tokyo." Oops. "They got a pretty decent photo of you as well. Then they matched that with your masked self helping us fight youma too. And my parents were watching the broadcast and Shingo made a comment about the pigtailed blonde one had hair like mine and then because you don't really have a disguise field it was easy for them to see that the guy fighting with Sailor Moon looked an awful lot like the guy I was dating." Pausing to catch her breath, Usagi dropped the final nail, "So I panicked, told them I was Sailor Moon, and transformed for them a couple of times."

Everyone else at the table was blinking slowly. Ranma couldn't believe his luck really. Guess he really wouldn't be visiting the Tsukino's anytime soon. "So uh. Guess they didn't take it to well?"

"Well daddy wants to ground me for the rest of my life. Shingo wants to tell everyone he knows but all of us convinced him that was a bad idea. Wouldn't want a youma to hunt him down after all. Mom is mad, mostly cause I lied and you know, risked my life over and over again." Usagi bounced her knuckles off of her temple, "So about as well as I expected really."

"And you're here because?"

"They may also be a little mad at you because you're my youma hunting boyfriend turned Phoenix King that didn't clue them in when you first met?"

There is was. "Right." Well at least it wasn't some Earth shattering threat, family drama he could almost deal with. "So we're gonna have to talk to them properly later then, right?"

Usagi sighed and playing with the edge of the table, "Yeah. I mean. I told them where I was going. They didn't like it but I needed to get away. Mom at least somewhat understood but made me promise to come back with you by Sunday. I've been doing this for years now, I'm not just gonna stop because my parents don't like it."

Ranma gave her another hard look, "I think it's more that they're worried about you. They're your parents after all, it's part of the job."

"Yeah…" Eyes traveling to Usa, Usagi herself nodded, "You're right. I get it. No phones around here huh?"

Ranma leaned back on his hands and shook his head, "Some of these people have never even heard of a phone."

Chiming in now, Shampoo leaned forward, "We can all go together and talk with parents. Show united front?"

"I should probably grab the rest of the Senshi if I was going to do that. Though my parents might try to ban my friends from ever setting foot in the house again. Since they've been with me since the beginning."

"Well you know you have all of our support if you need it." Ranma reached forward to hold one of her hands with a smile.

Now it was Usagi's turn to switch tracks. Trying not to think about her family or the bomb site she would be returning to later, "Well I wouldn't mind some fresh cookies?"

Usa groaned while the other girls laughed, "Can I have some this time? I love sweets just as much as you!"

Ranma opened his mouth to say something but Shampoo hugged the girl around the middle, "When we get to village, I introduce you to different sweets. Maybe better than cookies."

Usa was only slightly mollified, "I guess. I still wanna know what all the gossip is about daddy's cookies."

Akane rubbed the girl's hair, "One day kiddo."

Ranma wanted to say something again but sighed as he felt Kiima approaching. Flanked by her subordinates and face carefully neutral, the three bowed before the group, "My King, your palanquin awaits."

"Palanquin?" All of the girls behind him chorused at the same time while Ranma just stood and nodded.

"Yeah, gonna have to put up with the Royal treatment for a while. Let's get a move on." Watching everyone gather what few things they brought, or in Usagi's case nothing, the group followed Kiima down the palace halls. The girls went back to chatting while Usa came forward to accept her father's hand again. Smiling down at the girl as they passed through the throne room and into another hallway Ranma voiced a thought, "You're free to get in some flying practice while we're in route. But if we call you back you gotta listen, kay?"

"Got it." Eyes sparkling the girl was going to entice one of the guard to a race. She'd get good enough to catch her papa, just wait.

Coming out into the courtyard the group was met with a palanquin that was rather massive to them. Easily 20 meters in length, it reminded Ranma of pictures of old sailing ships. Only there were no sails here, but along the masts many long poles that if Ranma thought about it, probably was for the Phoenix to latch on and carry the construction aloft. At it's bow was a likeness of a Phoenix head, mouth open as if about to call out. Sighing Ranma turned to Jeeves who was directing what looked like the last of the staff coming with them on board.

"This, seems a little excessive."

Turning in surprise Jeeves bowed lightly, "My King my apologies." Looking up at the vessel the older man nodded, "Is it not grand? We built it with the idea that you might bring all of your wives with you. But that is okay, next time maybe. Now, will you come aboard so we can make way?"

Looking back at his group and getting no support there, all of them looking at the Phoenix themed red wood construct with awe. Ushering them forward, they raced ahead while Ranma looked at all of the assembled Phoenix guards and lower staff. "I'll be using some of my magic to support this, got it?" Voice not exactly threatening, but they all got the message it was non-negotiable. Seeing them nod, Ranma climbed aboard.

Kiima leaned over to Jeeves, "Our King is unnecessarily kind."

"That is why we should endeavour to keep him happy. Let's not end up with another Saffron, or worse, his predecessor." Turning his head and raising his voice, Jeeves clapped his hands, "Alright everyone! Let's make way! Guards, to your stations!" Two dozen of the guards shouted and took to the air, alighting upon the masts and beginning to work on lifting the vessel. Ranma watched it all with a critical eye. The girls had been ushered below deck to his room, which left him free for a moment. Walking the bow of the ship and looking out over the valley, he closed his eyes as he settled his hands on the base of the Phoenix's neck. Breathing deeply for a moment as he felt the ship lift slightly from his guard's efforts he reached into his magic and felt his connection with the Phoenix. At first he thought to just lend them the extra energy but he got an idea to make it a little easier overall instead. Feeling the steps being pulled on board and the last of the Phoenix coming up, he let his magic extend outward. He tried to image the ship as part of himself, trying the same method for how he would produce wings for himself. Only now he was only aiming to lighten the load somewhat, not do the work for them completely.

Kiima and the others watched at their King began to glow. Work along the deck of the ship stopping as everyone's attention was drawn to their King. A red sheen covered the ship starting from him, and as they pulled away from the courtyard and made way out over the valley, large red and orange wings burst from the sides of the craft. Flapping once before straightening, they extended out to give them a 10 meter wingspan and with a huff, Ranma pulled away from the bow and turned back to see all of the people watching him.

"What?"

Kiima leaned into Jeeves, "It's easy to forget he's a Kami, isn't it?"

Jeeves whispered back, "Very much so." Seeing all of their palanquin bearers looking around in awe, obviously not having to work as hard as they originally thought, the began making good time towards the Amazon village. Walking up to their King who was leaning against the guard rail, he bowed and heaped praise. "This is beyond our comprehension sir. Truly you are a Kami descended to bless us."

Ranma waved him off, "I just saw no reason for them to work so hard, but I understand that you'd feel cheated if you didn't have to work at all."

Jeeves however raised his eyebrows, "Could you….could you lift the palanquin by yourself sir?"

Ranma thought about it, feeling his magic interact with the world around them. Alternating hot and cold currents along the wings was making it pretty easy to move them along. "Yeah, I could probably fly this alone if needed."

Deciding not to question his god, Jeeves bowed and turned away, "We will surely be before the Amazon within the hour sire."

Ranma watched as his group reemerged, Usa producing her own wings and flying off, Kiima panicking and flying after her. "No sweat, I'm sure we'll find plenty to entertain ourselves. Seeing his people look on in wonder as their princess flew among them, Ranma chuckled at the harried look Kiima had. It was nice for a change to watch someone else stress out.

-b-

Cologne sighed as she watched her Amazon sisters run about finishing preparations for the Phoenix visit. Before her was a large tent that they hoped would be enough to house all three tribes and their assorted peoples and attaches, but space had been made for personal dwellings in the mean time. While just outside of the village itself, she looked to her left and spied the Musk camp that had been constructed temporarily by the men while they were waiting for the Phoenix. Herb himself was walking towards her with Mint and Lime flanking him. Sighing and waving off one of her warriors who asked if she would need assistance, the aging woman balanced herself on her staff.

"Herb, it's good to see you this afternoon. What do I owe the honor?" While the Musk leader had mellowed out some, Cologne still believed he needed a little more time around normal people. Maybe convince him to take a trip to Japan. Still arrogant and brash, his people still obsessed with women, she was looking forward to these talks being over and done with.

Herb sniffed and raised his head and tad, "Old crone. When shall the Phoenix arrive, we grow bored of this waiting."

"I assume you would like to send a messenger to tell them to hurry then? That should go over well." Cologne would enjoy the chaos a move like that would make. Plus the hilarity that none of them truly knew where Phoenix mountain was. Getting a messenger lost in the wilderness for a King's impatience would be the height of Musk logic.

"You're only so smug because the message labeled the meeting place as among the Amazon. You would not feel the same if it had been with the Musk."

"Perhaps. But I like to believe the Amazons have more patience than you."

Shrugging the man crossed his arms and tapped his fingers along a muscled bicep in a rhythm, "Do you think the Phoenix will continue their isolationist ways? I for one would not like a change in current dynamics."

Cologne chuckled at that, knowing that with Ranma no matter what anyone wanted things were bound to change. "Depends on what the Phoenix truly want, doesn't it? Cooperation could be a good thing."

"What could we have to gain from them? The birds have been secluded for so long they likely have nothing to offer."

"We'll just have to wait and see won't we." Hearing a flap of wings and commotion from her people, Cologne turned to see a Phoenix tribe member coming in to land not far from them. Standing and bowing slightly at the waist, the effeminate man in bright green and yellow colors kept his face neutral.

"I am looking for the leaders of the Musk and the Amazon." Having heard about the animosity between the two tribes, seeing separate members so close to each other without coming to blows made it a good guess these were his quarry.

Herb stood up straighter, "And you've found them."

Cologne sighed and nodded, "I am Elder Cologne, this is Herb the Musk King."

Bowing again the boy swept a bright green wing across the sky, "My god and King will be arriving shortly, I was sent ahead to mark our place to land."

Cologne summoned a sister to take the boy towards a cleared area on the opposite side of the main tent from the Musk. "She will guide you, shall you require any assistance?"

The boy shook his head, "Any I require shall be provided by our god." Walking away behind the taller more muscular woman, Cologne and Herb turned to each other.

"Sounds brainwashed." Herb did not mince words.

"I would say they might know something we don't." However with both leaders being curious they followed after the boy. It was slightly comical to see the 6ft tall Amazon woman tower over the Phoenix boy who just barely made 4 and a half feet. Cologne wondered how their warriors would stack up against them. Beyond the obvious flight advantage, what did hand to hand look like with them?

Herb however passed the boy off as a non threat and a showing for just what their people most likely were. Why send such a weak excuse ahead for such an important meeting? The three tribes had never met all at once before. It was almost insulting.

However as the boy was shown to a large empty space, roughly football pitch square, the boy released a loud and shrill whistle. The sound echoing somehow through the valley. Following that and hearing gasps, Cologne looked to where some of her people were pointing and had to hold back her surprise as well.

Rounding the rolling hills, a ship out of fair tales appeared. Trailing fire and flapping massive wings, they almost missed the two dozen Phoenix who were either helping guide and carry the ship, or flying around it as guards. The forward scout was waving a hand while whistling, helping the ship find it's way. Massive wings flapping and producing winds and almost managed to blow some of the assembled away, while the ship slowed and gently lowered itself to the ground with a groan of wood. Red tinted wood delicately carved and stained, greens and yellows painted in to accent the image, it was a beautifully build craft Cologne considered. As stairs were unfolding from one side and guards with spears began lining the way, an elderly man made his way down and forward. Bowing and then raising his head, his chest puffed out as another more finely plumed warrior woman stood next to him.

"Presenting our God King, the Rising Dragon and God Slayer himself, Ranma! Beyond him comes the first Princess of the Crystal Wings, Usa, and following further are his wives!" Having to come up with the titles on his own, he hoped his King found them at least slightly worthy.

Ranma however sighed as Usa took his hand and made his way down. Because of course Jeeves couldn't just keep it simple. Behind him Shampoo, Akane, and Usagi had all changed during the trip and followed after them. Each where wearing his colors, black and red silks that were flowing numbers that caught the eyes. Shampoo was the only one armed as per her Amazon traditions with her chui. Descending the steps and coming up to the waiting Elder and Musk leader, Ranma smirked.

"It's been a while."

Cologne chuckled and nodded, "You've got yourself into more trouble haven't you son-in-law? It's good to see you." Bowing and receiving one in return, the Amazon leader couldn't help but smile at the boy.

Herb however couldn't help but laugh loudly, "This is the Phoenix King!? My my what a surprise." And it was genuine as well. Not holding hard feelings towards his previous adversary, he however wouldn't mind a rematch one day. "Say King Ranma, how about a rematch sometime soon?"

Ranma shrugged as his people watched on, "I'd say it'd be fun, but I'd have to leave my magic out of it to be fair."

Remembering how close the fight had been before, Mint and Lime bristled and took offence for their lord, "Bird brain must be a corrupting trait." Lime grumbled out.

Ranma turned glacial eyes towards the towering man, "You're welcome to come find out. I don't mind." Raising a hand to wave off Kiima and the rest of his guards, they instead nodded and let their King handle this.

Herb himself shrugged, "I think it would be in bad taste to allow that."

"He slighted you my lord, to think some bird trash could be stronger than you is unforgivable."

Kiima lost her own temper, "You insult a God you peasant, hold your tongue!" Raising her blades she grinned, "Or shall I relieve you of it?"

Mint and Lime looked at each other before cracking various joints and stepping forward, "We'd be happy to put some airborne bitch in her place."

Cologne caught the irritated look the crossed Ranma's face and decided to step in. Raising her chi and towering over the two Musk men, she frowned, "That is quiet enough here. You are all guests of the Amazon tribe. Act like it."

Lime and Mint backed down immediately, Kiima already had her weapons away with a prim look on her face. Ranma shrugged and looked at Herb directly, "I see things haven't changed much."

Herb shook his head, "They're very over zealous still. Never seen the need to reign them in."

Ranma could understand that except this was about relations between the tribes and even he could understand one misstep could lead to dire consequences. "Might wanna work on that. I won't put up with random attacks anymore." Chi senses spread out now, just in case, he turned back to Kiima, "Spread the word, by the way. I don't want to hear a word about the Phoenix attacking anyone first."

Kiima and the rest of the guard bowed deeply, "On your word my King."

Cologne turned to head towards the tent, "I'll assume since we all know each other then that we can get these talks underway? Please, everyone follow me." Bouncing along and into the long tent, the group came upon a large space evenly distributed with short tables and sitting mats. Though in the center of the space was a large table. Though only one chair sat on each side, there were seating arrangements and separate tables to accompany each group and their followers. Alighting upon the table at one side, Cologne motioned to a random Amazon and bid her to come closer.

"Please spread the word, the counsel will begin shortly." Bowing to her leader, the woman raced off.

Herb, MInt and Lime all convened on another side, closest to their camp. With a wave of his hand Mint was off, racing back to gather their tribal members.

Ranma reached out with his magic instead, touching each of the Phoenix with him and alerting them to head for the tent and set up spaces for themselves. Seating the girls behind his side, Ranma stood next to his chair as he faced the other leaders, "Definitely feels weird to be in this space."

Cologne nodded sagely, "You get used to it sonny."

"That a King would express doubt is unbecoming."

Ranma turned lazy eyes to Herb, "How's that curse of yours fairing?"

Herb coughed into a hand, "Ah, yes, well met." The space behind them all beginning to fill, Cologne turned to Ranma.

"You are the guests of honor, your chamberlain can make the announcement I believe."

Sighing Ranma turned to watch his people making their way inside, some looking disgruntled about the enclosed space but making do all the same. Jeeves was already walking forward as their gazes came together, "I'm sure he would just love to."

"He does have a way with words. Though that's Rising Dragon title, I might have something to say about that."

Ranma shrugged, "Not going to complain about God Slayer."

Raising a hand before stalling and thinking about it, Herb now had more questions, "God Slayer?"

"I defeated the previous Phoenix Lord. Saffron. They believed him to be a god, and I struck him down. Now I hold his soul and all of the previous Phoenix within me. Magic just loves to mess with me."

Cologne gave thanks to another Amazon who brought her a seat cushion so she could be on par with the table. Taking her seat gratefully she cleared her throat. "Should we start this officially then?"

Ranma looked around as the space was beginning to really fill, Mint coming back to stand behind Herb's shoulders as the Musk filled their own corner. Turning to Jeeves, Ranma gave instructions, "Go ahead and announce the meeting is underway. Put on your flair."

Jeeves bowed, "Yes sire." Turning and waiting for the space to fill, Ranma raised an eyebrow as Ling-Ling and Lung-lung took up spots on either side of Cologne.

"Long time no see you two."

"Ah, husband! You've been good to Shampoo yes?"

"We start get ideas if you haven't."

Chuckling Ranma waved over his shoulder to Shampoo who looked up and saw the pair. Waving frantically back, Ranma gave what news he could, "You could say she's been very happy recently."

"Oh ho, do I hear little Amazon feet running around already?" Cologne began to cackle while behind her the girls giggled and Herb himself looked disgruntled.

"That you would cross that threshold first before me is, vexing." While the Musk were, attending to their issues surrounding women, it was slow going. His own impending marriage still on his mind.

"Come to Japan, it'll desensitize you pretty fast." Either Japan had a plethora of beautiful single women or they all seemed to find him. Anyone he could get to take some of the heat off of him would be great.

Seeing the space fill up, the Phoenix long ago situated before the others, Jeeves cleared his throat and amplified his voice with a little chi. "Good evening everyone!" Hearing the general din of voices calm somewhat Jeeves began to walk around the table. "Tonight is an momentous occasion! For the first time in recent memory the three major tribes are seated together for discussion. While disputes have come between the Amazon and the Musk in the past, the Phoenix have generally kept to the mountains and away above it all. This is no longer the case. Our leaders are here to talk, get the new lay of the land, and perhaps broker new agreements and deals. So rejoice everyone, mingle about the tribes and let's all celebrate a new era!" Hearing some cheers among the groups, Jeeves bowed to the tribal leaders and moved away back to the various functionaries with the Phoenix. Kiima herself had joined her King at his left shoulder.

Ranma leaned back, "So much pomp and stance about all of this. We pretty much wanted to just tell everyone we're gonna stay peaceful and maybe expand our numbers in our mountains a bit, nothing crazy."

Cologne nodded, "Truly, but you must remember, the people sometimes need excuses to party a bit."

"Joyous occasions are important. Even if we must stand on ceremony for it." Herb looked over at Ranma's own guard, "You seem one short, by the way. Does the Phoenix lack military might?"

Ranma held up a hand to again stall Kiima's irritation, "Yeah considering one of my wives, military might is the least of our worries."

Cologne raised an eyebrow, "Wives?"

Ranma nodded, "You can thank Shampoo for that one. Something about battle sisters and sharing. They all agreed apparently." Much to his exhaustion he didn't add. Feeling a blip of magic, he felt out with his own and reveled in the shocked looks that crossed the other's faces, "Ah, and this is Senshi Pluto, one of my Queens guards." Holding up a hand to his right, Setsuna was standing their with her time staff held tightly at attention.

"My apologies for my lateness, I hadn't been aware Usagi meant to attend." She herself was in fact enjoying this immensely. It was rare she got to surprise more than just the senshi anymore.

"No sweat, 'Sagi-chan has been in good hands. Besides, this is mostly ceremonial."

Herb covered his surprise and leaned back in a more relaxed fashion, "I'm seeing a lot of women in your ranks. Much like the Amazons it seems. A merger perhaps?"

Cologne shook her head and hoping not to give off the wrong ideas to the younger King, "A partnership in the future maybe, but the Amazon and Phoenix are still very separate."

Ranma nodded, "Like I said, we plan on keeping to the mountains. I would like to expand our space but not much else."

Herb however thought about the mountainous passes, "Is there a chance for some trade there? You'll be mining out the mountain then for space, perhaps metals or rare gems?"

Cologne herself now perked up, "Hmm, trade would be good. Amazon's can offer more land intensive supplies. Rice and silks specifically. Also medicinal herbs and medicines."

Ranma thought that one over as it wasn't like they had started his particular project, "I wouldn't be against it." Setsuna leaned down to his ear to whisper.

"I can have Ami scan the Phoenix mountains later to give you an idea of what is available. The Moon Palace does have powerful and fully functional scanners."

Ranma nodded, "Yeah that'd be good." Setsuna standing again, he focused back on the others, "What about the Musk and the Amazon. What plans do you have?"

Herb leaned forward now, seeing the elder matriarch not responding after a moment. "The Musk would, appreciate, some immigration. Our population has been rather stagnant of late. Plus our region is more hardy and farmland is in short supply."

Cologne nodded, "Perhaps changing your ways and making it more attractive for women to live within your village would help."

Herb shrugged, "The Musk are the Musk for a reason. While I greatly appreciate and acknowledge your long history, it would be jarring for my people to suddenly change their ways."

"Even you know now that viewing woman as weak is gonna bite ya in the long run. Might as well rip that band-aid off and get it over with." Ranma chimed in with his own minor wisdom.

As the three leaders talked back and forth, Shampoo, Akane and Usagi all watched it go on with varying thoughts. Usagi leaned forward, "Should we be worried at all?" She shouldn't have been surprised that Setsuna showed up but that meant the others probably knew she'd made a run for it.

Shampoo shook her head, "Nothing to fear here, this just chance for us to mingle with the other tribes and maybe foster relationships. And party."

Akane sighed, "Should we worry about getting into random fights with Amazons?"

Shampoo shook her head, "We introduced as Ranma's wives. Anyone attempting to fight for our hand would be making major misstep. Could be killed on the spot." This however reminded her that Mousse would likely ignore that. She hoped for his sake that he would not try anything. Looking around and not seeing the boy she hoped he was occupied elsewhere.

Several smaller Phoenix coming to their table bearing pitchers of fruit juices, trays of food and what also looked like a jug of wine, the girls were soon served and waited on by an attentive staff. Some of which fawned a little extra on Usa, she was their princess after all. Usagi grinned, "Well this is nice."

Akane felt their new reality sinking in, "We are royalty, aren't we?"

"Sure are, get used to it." Shampoo smiled and couldn't wait for the talks to be done with. She wanted to show her home village off to the others who hadn't been here before.

Usagi however picked at her shirt and wondered briefly at how easy it was to come off, "Where are we sleeping?"

"Depends on talks. Either here or back at Phoenix mountains. I'd like to stay at least one day."

Usagi could agree with that, time away wasn't bad after all. Hmmm, alone time with Ranma would also be nice.

Usa looked up and sighed, "Daddy's busy mama, you can't go drag him off somewhere." Seeing the others look at her she pointed at Usagi, "She'd always get that look on her face and then her and daddy would disappear for a while."

Akane sighed as Shampoo began to grill Usagi and Usa went back to sampling sweets. This was looking to be a long weekend. Probably fun, but long all the same.

-AN-

Not gonna lie, this chapter was a little harder to write. And I feel like I'm missing some action. Soooo, maybe something coming in the next few chapters. I've finally got an outline together for the major conflict to come.