-AN-
Trying something new here. I don't think we're done just yet, we have threads to explore and manage.
-Story Start-
Tired, worn out, though absolutely happy, Ranma was dropped off on his mother's couch with a smile from Setsuna and a swat on his ass.
"Buck up, we'll have more fun later."
Ranma groaned, "I'm not sure I'll survive."
Setsuna leaned into his ear, placing a light kiss on his cheek, "Maybe next time we can have fun in front of the time gates?" Then she was gone, leaving him with the mental imagery of that particular scenario. Sore member twitching with some life, he cursed his physical prowess.
Hearing the noise in the early morning, Ukyo was the first down the stairs as she was getting ready to go open her shop. Seeing Ranma laying limply on the couch was not what she expected, but she smiled all the same and wandered over to him. Kneeling next to him, she lightly kissed his forehead, "You alive?"
"Barely."
"She really did a number on you huh? Be prepared, Minako was pretty upset about missing out on her Ranma time."
Ranma rolled onto his back and gazed with half-open eyes at the brown-haired girl, "She'll need to take a rain check. I at least need to eat and take a nap."
Ukyo giggled and shook her head, "You've got a lot more going on besides that. I think rest is the last thing you're going to get." Feeling mischievous, Ukyo leans in and kisses him softly on the lips. Sweet and chaste, she lingers for only a moment before pulling away. "I'll see ya later, Onii-sama." And like that she was gone, fumbling around quietly in the kitchen before soon she was out of the door and into the rising morning sun. Sure their life was chaos but at least it was fun chaos.
Ranma himself just rested and dozed. He could already tell from his chi and magic that the others of the house were all beginning to wake, hopefully, he could get at least a half hour's worth of rest before the world decided to descend upon them. With that hopeful thought, he drifted off to sleep.
Around him the world moved on, some of which had to do with him and the Senshi, while of course, most didn't.
Closer to home the Senshi deal with the fallout as they had to. First was Ami, who had finally found time to sit down with her mother. It was a rare occasion that Doctor Mizuno did not have overlapping shifts are a busy schedule, but her daughter had impressed upon her that this was urgent. It was a rare time her daughter asked for anything, being very self-sufficient. So here they sat together in their high-rise condo. Saeko Mizuno took a sip of her coffee in an attempt to keep awake, having only been home a few hours. Across from her Ami shifted nervously, which led the older woman to sigh. Hopefully this didn't have to do with a boy, though it would be nice to see her normally very studious daughter enjoy life.
"What's wrong dear? You wouldn't have called me just to fret alone."
Ami nodded, thinking about how best to bring up all of her current worries. So many put-off issues were coming to roost all at once. Never mind being a Senshi, but their weekly adventures, the evil beings looking to destroy or enslave the Earth, her friend being a reincarnated Queen, and now the world knowing of their existence? Oh, and her friend's boyfriend(husband?) was a King with neigh unlimited power just like his girlfriend(wife?). Taking a real deep breath to steady herself, she decided the beginning was best, "I have…been keeping a secret from you."
Saeko blinked quietly at that. So it was boy trouble, "Well, I know you are smart and have most likely done your best. So what is the dilemma?" She would support her daughter, hopefully she was a better judge of character than she was herself. Her own dissolved marriage is a sore spot still.
Ami agrees with her words somewhat. "Myself, and my friends, are the Sailor Senshi." Here to add to the truth she transformed, becoming Sailor Mercury for her mother. "We've been fighting crime, destroying monsters, and saving the world for the last 2 and some change years." Seeing her mother stare at her quietly, face frozen with a look of astonishment, Ami launched into a thorough explanation of everything they had done over her time as a Senshi.
As her daughter spoke, Saeko listened though her thoughts eventually settled on one point first, 'Now I wish it was boy trouble.' Watching her daughter, coffee forgotten, she remembered something about a news broadcast some of the nurses were talking about last night. She hadn't the time to check on it. Now she suspected what it was about. "So, you've been lying to me all this time." Voice firm, Saeko honestly couldn't decide if she was angry or not. Her daughter had taken on a great burden and done her best to shoulder it. On the other hand, she had put herself in grave danger time and again. Her being here now safe and sound did not negate that either.
"I…" Ami looked away from her stern mother finally. She knew it would be a disappointment. She couldn't deny that she had lied. Nor could she deny that she could have come forward at any time. "I did what I thought was best."
"For you? Or for others?" Saeko watched her daughter carefully, puzzling out just what she needed to say right at this moment.
"..." Ami started to say something but then stopped. Was fighting alongside her friends something she did for herself? Or was it for them? For the world? At least this was an easier answer, "I fight for my friends, we all fight for each other and the world we wish to protect."
Saeko nodded as it was the answer she expected from her sometimes much too logical daughter. "I am upset. I hope you understand." Ami began to open her mouth and Saeko held up a hand to stall her daughter, putting down her now cold coffee. "Fighting for your friends is noble, defending the world is noble. But you must think of yourself as well. Don't go chasing others' dreams and forgo your own. Look where that got me?" Here Saeko leaned forward, taking Ami's hands into her own. "I want you to do your best and live a happy life. However you see that happening. Don't swaddle yourself in nothing but duty, please?"
"I won't, Mother." Ami finally smiled for the first time that morning. Squeezing her mother's hands in return, "It's…refreshing to be able to be open with you about this finally. Even if it was somewhat forced."
Saeko leaned back finally and nodded, "Well I'm still upset but most of what you've done has already happened. Focusing a bit on some of the later stories, Saeko adopted a thinking pose, "So what's this about your friend's boyfriend you have an interest in?"
Instantly flustered, Ami tried to deny it. "I don't-"
Saeko however wasn't having it, "The way you talk about him and gush about his abilities, I beg to differ. Now, let's come clean shall we?" Having a healthy mother and daughter moment was rare for the Mizunos, but they'd enjoy this time while they could. Saeko had a feeling they wouldn't have this time for very long if Ami's current worries came home to bother them after all.
Across town, Rei was sweeping the shrine steps as the sun was rising in the sky. The city was beginning to wake up, her early start was more related to habit than to any stress. What did surprise her however was a happy looking Makoto jogging up the steps in a cute orange blouse and brown long skirt. Waving to her friend and pausing her sweeping, she placed a hand on her hip as Makoto finally reached her step, "It's a little early isn't it?"
Makoto shrugged and rubbed her head, "Well you were the closest and I wanted to check on everyone else. Not like I have a family to face the music with anyway."
"Ah." Rei had forgotten in all the chaos that Makoto was alone. This one time being an orphan might be a plus. "Well, not much drama here. Apparently Grandpa already knew."
Makoto took a seat as Rei did on the top step, surprise written all over her face, "Seriously?"
Rei sighed dramatically, "In his words, 'no Miko runs around with that much magic without a tap to the planet', his words, not mine. So me coming out as the Senshi of Mars just made him shrug. Of course, I haven't contacted my father yet, but Grandpa agreed with me that he'll probably try to use it to increase his career."
Makoto nods along with that, "Well, at least there's no drama. Have a plan from here?"
"Not now. Wait to see what Usagi wants to do though I get the feeling she'll try her hardest to smooth things out and keep things normal." They both looked at each other before leaning back in unison and looking up at the blue sky.
Makoto said it first, "Hopefully Ranma doesn't go postal on some poor politician trying to make eyes at Usagi."
Rei giggled, "Hopefully it's my dad. Ranma would make him wet himself I bet." She still didn't know what Ranma did to make her dad leave so quickly during his last visit. She'd have to corner him and ask sometime. At least for Rei and Makoto, they could share this moment of peace, at least for now.
Another shift, another home, Usagi is warning her parents about what this could mean while they are doing their best to let her know that they will be ready, as a family, if things get bad. Their conversation however is interrupted by Usagi's communicator chiming.
Ikuko waved her off, "It could be important."
Nodding and answering it, Usagi is met with Minako's face, "Everything okay Minako?"
"Yeah, wanted to check in with you. My folks are long gone, another world trip apparently. They'll probably hear all about it from the news by the time they get back." Minako was used to this, being left alone sometimes for months. Now however was just really bad timing.
Usagi sighed with some relief, "I'm just catching my folks up with the latest drama. You should come over, I don't think it's best to be alone for any of us right now."
Minako nodded, "Sure thing, I'll be there in two shakes of a rabbit ear!" And then she was gone.
Ikuko tilted her head, "Isn't it-"
Usagi shook her head, "It's her thing, we can't fix it." Sighing the young Queen relaxed back into her seat, "Right now the biggest issue is Ranma."
Kenji raised an eyebrow, "From what you've told us, nothing short of a meteor could put that boy down." He still wasn't fully on board with Ranma, but at least he could accept what they had at this point. Sort of.
"Sure, but this isn't a monster to fight or great evil to purify. These are humans, like us, just doing what they think is right and we don't know what that looks like yet. We just, we want to plan for the worst case."
Ikuko nodded, "Well personally I don't believe running away to the moon to be the best choice."
Kenji shrugged, "It is an option though." He wasn't a conspiracy theorist, but dealing with the government for any length of time did not bode well for them.
Their daughter looked down into her lap, "I wish I had some answers. If only that busybody Setsuna hadn't run off."
"Who's run off now?" The dulcet voice of said Senshi of Pluto came from behind Usagi. Said girl shrieked and turned her way.
"You husband snatcher! You could at least use the door."
"Where would the fun be in that? Besides, I thought it best to be by your side along with the captain of your guard Minako when she joins you as well. The next few days may be busy." The time stream still hadn't fully stabilized, but she had a hunch that at least it would be peaceful. Mostly.
"Wait." Kenji was straightening up as a new piece of information had made itself known, "What was that about a husband snatcher?"
Usagi looked like a deer caught in the headlights, "You….you misheard?"
Ikuko sighed, having already had a feeling things had gotten that far, "Daughter…" It was going to be a long morning.
-b-
Eyes slowly opening, Ranma regained his bearings slowly and fitfully. His head was on something soft and he realized after a moment the ceiling wasn't pink, he was in Shampoo's lap. Sighing contently as the girl was working dexterous fingers through his hair, she looked away from the TV to gaze down at him, "Welcome back sleepy head. It's nearly noon."
"Yeah, I was, uh, busy."
Giggling Shampoo nodded, "Learn some new tricks maybe?"
"Maybe." Sitting up slowly, his senses told him everyone was still home, even Ukyo. "What'd I miss?"
Shampoo shook her head as Akane came in from the kitchen to sit on his other side, "Nothing much, someone did come yesterday and asked everyone to stay home today. Mainly you, of course."
"So I guess someone will be here today at some point?" Extending his senses, he frowned as he felt several people watching the home. Just great.
Nodoka was also coming in from the kitchen, sitting in the chair between the two couches, "They actually should be here soon to check-in. We weren't sure when you would be back but we assumed it would be by morning." Being correct, the doorbell rang. "I'll get that." Standing again and leaving, the three teens waited for their mother to return.
Akane leaned into Ranma, "So how was it? You survived."
Ranma just shook his head, "Older women are frightening."
Shampoo giggled again, "Maybe husband needs more training."
"I'll train you if you keep it up."
Striding back into the room, Nodoka was followed by a rather ordinary looking man in a black business suit, directing him to sit across from the teens, Nodoka left to retrieve refreshments.
The man, however, was focused on Ranma, "Good morning Mr. Saotome, I'm sorry we missed you yesterday."
Ranma nods, everyone sitting up straight, "Yeah uh, had a sudden emergency to take care of."
"I can imagine. Well, my name is Tatsuya Ooda. I'm really just a lower functionary for a member of the House of Representatives. But I've been sent to have a quick interview with you before we can set up a real interview between yourself and a member of the Diet."
"That, sounds like a lot." Ranma still did his best to relax. He could flatten cities, one man wouldn't unnerve him. Maybe.
Nodoka returned with tea, pouring Tatsuya a mug that he accepted with gratitude. "Thank you." Taking a sip, Tatsuya turned focused eyes back towards Ranma. "First, truly, I wish to thank you for the service you've provided to the people of Japan. Fighting otherworldly monsters and ancient evil is a task only the most worthy could perform. So before anyone else, thank you."
Ranma nodded slowly as his mother sat serenely at the chair between them, "No sweat. It's a martial artist's duty to protect the weak."
"Well said young man. However, we must address some things. First, you and your father have a rather, interesting past that has been noted across Japan and even some of its islands. Sure most of it is petty theft, a few robberies, however, and many….many upset fathers or head of families."
Blanching Ranma at least kept eye contact, "While my father had done a lot of bad in the past, he has been working towards redeeming himself and making amends. All of that is well behind us."
"Says you Mr. Saotome, but some of these thefts have your name attached."
Nodoka spoke softly before Ranma could, "You'll find anything related to Ranma has already been resolved with all parties. Interestingly that information would be available to you, would it not?"
Tatsuya grinned and bowed lightly to Nodoka, "Of course of course. I just want to impress that there will be questions about his life leading up to now is all."
Ranma was still trying to remain calm, "Sure, the past is important, but I've been doing nothing but protecting this area of Japan since moving here. How are things going to change for my family after this?"
Taking a sip of tea, Tatsuya frowned just slightly, "Well that is the problem now." Placing his mug on the table, purposefully next to a coaster instead of on it, Tatsuya folded his hands together, "You've apparently allied yourself with the Sailor Senshi, another group that has been working outside the law for some time. You are the only Japanese civilian we can contact regarding them. So the first question is such, do you know what their intentions are?"
Ranma shrugs, "Pretty much the same as mine. Living peacefully while protecting the Earth from evil."
"And that palace that was found on the moon before it camouflaged itself again?"
"That, does belong to Sailor Moon." Ranma wasn't about to lie about that, Usagi had at least been clear that Senshi technology was theirs. It would also be their fallback in case things went to pot.
Tatsuya made a big show of sighing hard, "That brings up more concerns. Is there a population of people on the Moon? Every question we could have cannot be answered by you alone. Unfortunately, that means we only have two options before us at the moment Mr. Saotome." Here the functionary stared hard at Ranma, whose own gaze became glacial along with Shampoo and Akane at his sides, "You can either distance yourself from this situation by giving us the secret identities of the Senshi if they have them, or you can submit yourself to the Japanese gov't as one of our assets and links to the Senshi. The fact of the matter is that powerful individuals such as yourself and the Senshi cannot continue to be left alone and unchecked. A Moon Princess with a Palace and potentially a population of people she may rule over? Do they have a full kingdom then? Does that kingdom consider Earth an ally or a subordinate? Are there more aliens on Earth?" Here Tatsuya pauses to gauge what Ranma might say to any of that.
Ranma considers correcting Tatsuya about Usagi being a Queen and not a Princess but figures that would be a bad move. Already he could see this was going to get bad and fast. He had to at least put on a face of being friendly before he could get in contact with someone more knowledgeable about these things, like Setsuna. "You're right, I can't answer all of those questions. Can ya give me a few days to think about things?" It wasn't like they were going to cart him off right away, were they? Trying to be calm or not, Ranma knew that would get messy. Fast.
Groaning Tatsuya again made a big show of thinking things over, before he nodded gravely, "Of course, we can give you time to think over things. It will take time to set up the formal meeting anyway. You'll need to have some type of answer by then however. I did mean what I said Mr. Saotome, we cannot continue to allow powerful individuals to run loose in Japan." Standing, and watching Ranma and the others do the same the man bowed lightly. "It was a pleasure."
Ranma bowed no lower than the functionary as well, "Sure has been."
Nodoka broke her silence, a serene smile still in place, "I'll escort you out."
"I think, three days Mr. Saotome." With a slight nod, Tatsuya was soon gone, leaving the teens alone while Nodoka escorted the man outside.
Akane was the first to break her silence, anger radiating off of her, "I wanted to pound that jerk into the floor. Where does he get off making demands right away like that?"
Shampoo nodded, "If this back with the tribes he would have been beheaded and sent back to his people."
Ranma sighed, finally easing out of the soul of ice he had been using to remain calm, "Yeah I don't like him either. If his boss is anything like that, then everyone is in trouble." His mom rejoined them after a moment, smile still in place, "What do you think Mom?"
Nodoka however held a hand to her cheek, "I've already divested all of my investments into other markets and made plans to ship off anything local to China at a moment's notice. We may not be able to recover our home but that is a small price to pay to maintain our freedom." A very eery and sinister aura began to waft off of his mother that had all three teens backing away slowly, "Threaten my baby will they? Oh no no, this won't do. The Saotome fortune is well outside of their hands already. I'll make them regret ever trying to drag our name further through the mud after all of the work I've put in to reclaim it."
Ranma shivered, "You've, put a lot of thought into this, huh mom?"
Demeanor snapping back into something more pleasant, Nodoka smiled again, "I've had many nights alone to think and plan for any and all worst-case scenarios. One of which, was having to take you and leave the country quickly."
Shampoo shook her head, "Mother very very sneaky."
"You have much to leave my daughters. Now." Nodoka clapped her hands, "Do we have a solid plan as of yet?"
Ranma shook his head, "I didn't want to run, I want to try and work things out first. I don't want to be running away from problems forever."
Shampoo shrugged and hugged the boy, "Where you go, I go Airen. Amazon Tribe flexible, we can hold up for now, and then migrate later if that is what we need. I know Phoenix will be of same mind."
Akane joins the hug, before pulling away, "I got a chance to call my sisters. The Tendo family is willing to go with you too. Since we're all going together, there isn't much holding us here."
"What about Tofu?" Ranma raised an eyebrow at the solidarity from the Tendo clan.
"Kasumi…she's decided she wants to live her life. She can't keep waiting for a maybe anymore." Akane leered at the boy, "Someone helped her see that."
Blushing and looking away, Ranma coughed into a hand, "Guess that just leaves checking with Ukyo and going from there." A puff of smoke and Konatsu was next to the taller boy surprising everyone.
"Lady Ukyo is ready to leave whenever you are, the restaurant can be packed up within an hour." Konatsu was loyal to a fault, and would never leave Ukyo's side.
Ranma's shoulders slumped, "There's a chance Ukyo could still have a normal life here."
Ukyo herself leaned into the room from the hallway, mostly dressed, "Family sticks together! If we're leaving we're leaving. I can set up a restaurant anywhere."
Ranma finally pulled away from Shampoo and started to feel out with his magic, finally deciding on something. "Okay, then I want everyone to start making plans. We've got three days until I have to meet with this Diet member, and I'm sure after that we won't have much time to move or do anything. I'm going to check in with the Senshi and see what they're planning. Sound good?" Seeing everyone nod, he motioned outside, "We're being watched, so don't do anything too out of the ordinary."
Akane grinned, "So we should start a riot and cause tons of property damage? That's our usual M.O."
Ranma shook his head and kissed the cheeky brat, "I'm gonna experiment a bit. I'll be back." He had been connected to Usagi more than a few times during their Senshi Teleport, so he had a general feel of it. Not sure how his magical connection with Earth would work with it but never hurt to try. Plus it would solve his question about how he would move everyone quickly. Saluting everyone, he was gone in a flash of fire.
Nodoka blinked rapidly, "Has he always been able to do that?"
Shampoo shook her head, "He have many surprises stashed away."
Akane walked to the kitchen to get to the phone, "I guess I'll warn everyone at home, think the phones are still safe?"
Nodoka nodded as she decided to go inform her husband in their room of their plans, "Give it another few days before that's an issue. Beaurecrats take time to set up wiretaps."
Several miles away and appearing in a flash of muted fire, Ranma was deposited in the Tsukino family living room. Taking a moment to steady himself, he considered that a job well done, even if he needed some practice. "Woo, well I'm in one piece."
"Ranma save me!" Usagi was suddenly in his arms, spinning them both around before she hid behind his back.
"Uh wuh?"
"You baby snatcher!" Kenji was pointing at the boy ominously. Kenji however missed Ikuko again knocking him in the head with a frying pan.
"There are more important things to worry about dear." Ikuko strode forward and hugged the panicked boy, helping him relax slightly, "Welcome back dear, how are you?"
Ranma looked around and noticed a smiling Setsuna and a fuming Minako off to the side, Minako's gaze trying to bore into Setsuna. "I'm, probably as good as I'm going to get with everything going on." Ranma looks over his shoulder at Usagi, "We gotta talk." Feeling out, he didn't sense the same malice as around his home, so most likely no one was watching them here. Good.
"Sure sure, what's up Ranma?"
Everyone gathers to arrange themselves on the couches for what was likely to be another serious conversation. Ranma however is leaning forward with a focused look, "Getting right to it, I have a meeting with a member of the Diet in three days." Getting surprised looks and a few gasps, Ranma continues, "My current plan, is if things go south, my group is going to pack up and possibly head to the Phoenix or the Amazon tribe first while we stall for time on a more long-term solution. The Amazon's are remote, but even they have run-ins with the Chinese government. The Phoenix are even more remote, but that won't last either."
Usagi sighed and leaned into him, "If it wasn't for me we wouldn't be going through this. I'm sorry."
Ranma shook his head, "You did what you thought was right, and you've protected the whole world even before I came along. It's not right or fair that the government wants to use you now."
Setsuna agrees, "It'll lead to war. Usagi and the Senshi represent a shift in global power. They confirm that magic is real and can be dangerous." Setsuna locks eyes with Usagi. "All your previous adventures that had been caught on tape and dismissed as hoaxes will now be analyzed and combed over. First, they'll use that to narrow down their search to our district, and from there they'll start interviewing people who had been involved."
Ikuko sighed, "Sounds like a net tightening around a school of fish."
"Precisely."
Minako finally focuses on the conversation, "They'll want to use Usagi and her power to bring themselves up as the dominant world players." Everyone stopped to look at the usually bright and bubbly blonde who was currently sifting through ageless memories. "Never mind the power Usagi holds. Any one Senshi could effectively change battlefields. They'll ask more questions. Can magical power be transferred, or bred? We don't want to find out if the second question is what they figure out first."
No one in the room wanted to answer what would happen to a bunch of young magical girls inducted into a breeding program.
Kenji was suddenly awake and very interested in the conversation, "Do you really think the Japanese government would do something like that?"
Setsuna raised a finger, "Japan of today possibly not. But the US? Any other country who deems this worth their time, it's always possible." She had seen the rise and fall of centuries worth of nations all over the world. Each is riddled with its own historical failings. Most all centered around a grotesque lust for power beyond their understanding.
Usagi cleared her throat, gaining everyone's attention, "Maybe. This once, it's better if the scouts retreat on this." Everyone looked ready to argue but Usagi held up and hand while the other held onto Ranma's tightly. "If I try to stay, to hold on to my family and my normal life, I'm just going to drag you all into it. Sure you and Dad might be able to weather it, but what about Shingo? Hounded by the Diet or governments from around the world all looking for me? Or worse, used as hostages and bargaining chips against me. That's. I couldn't bear the thought of that. But…." Tearing up slightly Usagi makes eye contact with her parents. "I could…I could make it like I was never here. Erase your memories of me completely. Let you continue your normal lives as if I was never around. I-"
"Absolutely not young lady!" Ikuko was up, fists clenched tightly as she too was beginning to tear up, "Just the thought of that, erasing our memories of you? How could you even consider that an option?"
Kenji watched his daughter quietly, "It's happened before, hasn't it?" All of the Senshi were somber at that. Usagi had omitted one gross use of her powers over the last 3 years.
"I…after Beryl. After watching my friends die and bringing them back. I just…I wanted to have a normal life again. So I….I reset everything. One year back, like it never happened…" Her grip on Ranma was like a vice at this point and she didn't plan on letting go anytime soon unless he pulled away. Feeling his love and respect through their link however, she at least knew that wasn't going to happen.
Ikuko's fury died down with that admission. She had forgotten for a moment that this daughter of her's had been through a lot more than she could imagine. She had been upset that she hadn't been given a chance to support her daughter through any of it, but now…
"We're not going anywhere. And neither are you." Ikuko strode forward and dropped to her knees, pulling both Usagi and Ranma into a tight hug, "We are going to figure this out. Together. As a family." She pulled away and smiled at them both, "Like you said, we have some time. Let's keep some hope that the worst case won't come to pass. If it does, then maybe we'll see what the view from the moon is like, okay?"
Usagi nodded, teary as eventually she went in for another tight hug with her mother. Behind them, Kenji sighed with some relief and looked up to the apparent advisor of the group, "Any advice on how to handle politicians?"
Setsuna shrugs, "Mine usually involves lots of liquor."
Minako giggles, "My past life enjoyed challenging upstarts to sword duels."
Kenji looked to Ranma, who shrugged, "This is all new to me too. Part of me wants to grab everyone I care about and make a run for it."
Kenji sighed, "Somehow that sounds like the best option son-in-law."
"Wah?"
Kenji's eye's had a glint, "You are getting married to my daughter, correct?"
Ranma rapidly nodded his head, "Yeah of course."
"Then you have my respect. I'll still cut your thing off if I get the chance."
Usagi has pulled away from her mother who herself has returned to Kenji's side. Sitting and laying into Ranma, Usagi looks up at him, "Still no go on bringing the Phoenix to the moon?"
"Thought we wanted to use a planet that could support life without magic? You know, just in case."
"I know, it's just, it sounded romantic."
"We can both teleport. You'll never be without me."
"Oh, you sweet talker you."
"Eh hem." Her mother cleared her through, both teens blushing and looking her way. "So what now?"
Ranma looks up while thinking it over before snapping his fingers as he remembered what else he was coming here to say. "Well for now I have that meeting with the Diet. My house and the dojo should be off-limits to everyone right now since they're being watched by people now. So I guess make minor plans, hope for the best, and we'll know what we're looking at after my meeting."
Usagi leans up and kisses him softly, "Poo, guess I'll be without you for a few days."
Standing, Ranma kisses her hand and grins, "It'll give you time to start really studying. I know Setsuna has been meaning to put you through a Queen's crash course."
Setsuna's grin if anything grew into something sinister, "Oh yes, we have lots to learn and so little time."
Usagi turned watery eyes back to her love, "You wouldn't leave me with that monster would you?"
"With love and a smile my dear." With a wave to everyone Ranma was gone, another flash of fire that damaged nothing.
Minako had a finger to her lips, "That's so cool."
Kenji leaned into Ikuko and groaned, "Just when we thought we had enough to worry about."
Usagi pulled free her communicator, "Might as well start brainstorming with everyone else. We have a lot of work to do." She'd start with Ami, she was way smarter than her after all.
-b-
Appearing in another flash of fire, Ranma was standing on his throne within the Phoenix Palace. Met with startled gasps, Ranma was all grins as he hailed one of the guards waiting there, "Could ya get Jeeves and Kiima? I need them for a bit."
"Yes sir!" Like lightning, they were gone. Leaving Ranma alone to think.
He had noticed something was changing within him, more than acquiring his magic and bonding with it. He was beginning to notice a stronger connection with the Earth itself, the teleport skill was proof enough of that. He shouldn't be able to do that, and yet, he could. Feeling out, he decided to test it out while he waited for the others to arrive. He couldn't remember if he had dived deep into the magical ley lines of Earth after he had gained his Phoenix magic. Closing his eyes to help him concentrate, he cautiously opened a connection between himself and the nearest magical vein, coincidentally laying under the mountain. With a jolt, something else pulled and he was mentally somewhere else.
Opening his eyes at the shock, he was met with a wide open space. Unable to tell where the cloudless blue sky ended and the mirror-like surface of this floor began, Ranma spun around and hoped he didn't just kill himself. Guess he was going to figure out if he revived like the previous Phoenix Kings after all.
A child's giggle sounded from behind him, "You're funny big bro. You aren't dead, Kami can't die."
Ranma turned and met the face of a young green-haired girl, probably no older than Usa had been when she visited. She was dressed in a green sundress with billowed out like a flower. "Oh uh. Hello. I'm uh. I think I'm lost."
Spinning in place, hair splaying out like a halo, the girl pointed out into the distance, "Well, I guess it is the first time you've visited huh? That's okay though! We have lots of time to show you how it all works."
"Show me? Wait, who else is here?"
Another voice appeared on his right, nothing of his senses warning him either, "Well technically everyone is here." A woman, voice low and sultry. Tan-skinned with white hair, this one smiled as she walked by him, "And also no one is here. This is an in-between place." Eyes closed the entire time, she turned to face him fully and placed her hands on her hips. Wearing black pants and a white tank top, she gave off a strange but calming aura to Ranma.
"I was, connecting with the Earth, and then something pulled me here. You said this was an in-between place?" Ranma didn't like what that could mean.
"Yes. You aren't in the Realm of the Kami yet, but obviously, you aren't on Earth mentally right now either. I just got a little impatient is all." The woman still smiled though it was more embarrassed now as the child danced around her. "Just know that, when you have time to yourself, you need to return here. You must learn how to control your powers properly as a Kami."
The younger one pointed at him, "You've been doing great on your own! But you're doing it the hard way! We can make it easier ya know?" Laughing, she grabbed the hands of the older woman and spun her around a bit.
Ranma was beyond confused but decided that maybe that was just his normal. "I….wait. I really am a Kami? I thought that was just, you know, the Phoenix talking up their King."
"You are a Kami." Here the woman turned to face him, twirling the little girl by her hand, "But we'll explain more later. Your subjects await you. Oh, and do please bring your goddess wife with you next time, she hasn't visited us either and she looks so much fun." A single eye opened, revealing what Ranma could only describe as a view into the very heart of a universe, "See you soon, little brother." Without a warning, he was gone, back in his real body. Eyes slowly opening, he was met with 50 or so Phoenix all kneeling before him.
"Uh, sorry, was a little busy there." Above him a ring of fire floated calmly, radiating warmth to everyone in the room.
Jeeves was the only one who could speak up, "Ask of us what you require my Lord."
"Not this again…Jeeves, Kiima, rise." Seeing both of them respond right away, he rolled his eyes, "Things are changing. We may have to take migrate from here soon. The world may be coming for us and our allies."
Kiima firmed her resolve instantly, "We will strike down any and all of your enemies my lord."
Ranma laughed, "I appreciate it, but they have fighter jets and bombs. We have some catching up to do." Looking around, Ranma thought about how he wanted to say this without being callous. "I know this has been your home for centuries. But for your safety, for our future, we may have to move. Possibly to an entirely new planet."
Jeeves didn't bother stopping the curious murmurs from the people behind him. "A new planet my Lord?"
"Yes, but like I said, things are, complicated right now. For now I wished to warn you, I may return with my family and some others. If I do, preparations will begin to leave, understand?"
Jeeves nodded quickly, "Yes my Lord, your will shall be done."
Ranma stood then, smiling, "Cool. Oh, Kiima." Striding down the steps towards her, he clasped her hand gently, "Come with me for a bit." Missing her eyes widen and a blush form, they were gone again in his now trademark flash of fire.
Jeeves slowly turned to the people assembled. "Our Lord asked us to prepare, but there is no reason to panic yet. We shall wait for more information understood?" After getting agreement from everyone present, he overheard some of the guards talking.
"Is Kiima a chosen one? Why would the Kami take her with him?"
"She must be. Did she not join him recently as well during the clan meetings?"
"Does that make her a concubine?"
Jeeves whistled loudly, "No speculations. Kiima is still the captain of the guard and is to be respected for her rank, understood?"
"Y-yes sir!"
"Someone bring me Koruma and Masala, I have tasks for them." Jeeves was going to do his best to prepare what they could ahead of time. Nothing would be hurt with some extra expansions after all.
