Chapter One: Time Marches On


Sailor Mars saw a pair of youma about to attack a child and her mother. Her black hair was tied into a ponytail. Her black eyes surveyed the moon on the outer territories of the Silver Millennium Empire. She wore a white body suit with a red neck and a short red skirt.

Sailor Mars's outfit had a ruby bow with a red jewel in the center covering her breasts and she wore a ruby bow on the back of her outfit. Two white gloves covered her hands, and small red heels were on her feet. A golden tiara fitted with a red gem sat atop her face. She had a ruby choker around her neck.

Each youma had a feminine face with long black hair and black eyes. Each wore a short black dress that fell to her knees. Each youma wore socks and high heels. One carried a spear and the other had lethal sharp claws.

The little girl had brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a purple dress that fell to her knees. She wore white socks and sneakers. Her mother's brown hair was tied into a ponytail. Her brown eyes were panicked trying to save her daughter. Her black dress was torn near her belly button. She wore socks, and her high heels were on the ground nearby.

Sailor Mars ran and pushed the little girl and her mother out of the way. The young, magical warrior hit the ground very hard. One of the attackers clobbered her spear through Sailor Mars's heart, and it went through her back.

Sailor Mars grimaced in pain just as the other youma's claw slashed through her abdomen. Her vision blurred, and she didn't even see her enemies pull out their weapons. Her head crashed into the ground and bounced back as blood foamed out of her mouth. Sailor Mars breath shortened, and her vision began to go dark.

"Rei," Sailor Mars cried out as she began dying. Her heartbeat slowed down. "I am so sorry little sis. I won't be able to…"


Twelve-year-old Rei Hino opened her eyes. She took several breaths and was drenched in sweat as her long black hair hung behind her. Her purple eyes looked around her room. She held her right hand over her heart as it beat faster than usual. She wore red nightwear.

Rei heard the footsteps of her mother walking down the hallway towards her room. She closed her eyes, sat up, and took another deep breath. She didn't hear the door to her room open, but she didn't need to; she felt her mother take long strides towards her bed. Her mind remained focused on the horrifying reminder of the loss that happened many years ago.

Slowly Rei opened her eyes, and she saw her mother. Queen Hino's long black hair hung behind her. Her black eyes smiled at her youngest daughter. She wore a red royal dress that fell to her feet. The red royal dress had symbols representing Mars and the Silver Millennium Empire. She wore red socks and high heels. She smiled at her daughter.

Although Queen Hino appeared roughly eighteen years of age like all the other citizens of the Silver Millennium Empire, she was far older, wiser, and more powerful than one would guess. She kneeled, hugged her daughter, and whispered several calming words into her ear.

Rei disengaged the hug and sat up. She looked towards a picture on a desk in the room and did her best to smile; in the picture was a younger Rei of five years old in a red dress that fell to her feet. Next to her an older girl with black hair in a ponytail and black eyes, her sister, clothed in her usual red blouse, and skirt. The two sisters were smiling.

"Another nightmare of when Tephra died Rei?" Queen Hino finally asked. Rei looked at her mother, tears filled her eyes as she nodded. "I know how much you miss her. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her."

"If only I had known, I could have warned her, and she might still be alive," choked out Rei as she wiped away multiple tears.

"Dear that was long time ago. You were just a little girl whose powers to Mars were still forming," Queen Hino replied as she took a deep breath. "It wasn't your fault. Now isn't it time you got dressed? Queen Serenity has summoned you."

(We are making progress, if albeit slowly. She was more adamant before in believing that Tephra's death was her fault.) Queen Hino thought. (If only I could get her to take it easier. but still, Queen Serenity must have some kind of plan as well.) She stood up and helped her daughter stand up.

(Well, whatever it is I hope it works.) Queen Hino thought. (I would love nothing more than to see my daughter smile more.) She gave Rei a firm nod.

"Alright mother," obeyed Rei. She walked to her closet and began to look at her clothes to wear for her meeting with Queen Serenity…


Many years later, in the Silver Millennium Empire's Palace on the moon. Sailor Venus, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Mercury stood next to each other. All around them soldiers and youma were locked in battle as they held their tactical meeting.

Sailor Venus's long blonde hair flowed to her back with a red bow in the back. Her blue eyes surveyed the Moon Palace ballroom. She wore a white body suit with an orange neckline and a short orange skirt.

Sailor Venus's outfit had a blue bow with a yellow jewel in the center covering her breasts and she wore a yellow bow on the back of her outfit. Two white gloves covered her hands and small orange heels were on her feet. A golden tiara fitted with a yellow gem sat atop her face. She wore an orange choker and two small orange earrings in her ears.

Sailor Mars' long black hair fell to her ass. Her purple eyes looked worried as she glanced around looking for Princess Serenity every few moments. She wore a white body suit with a red neck and a short red skirt.

Sailor Mars's outfit had a purple bow with a red jewel in the center covering her breasts and she wore a red bow on the back of her outfit. Two white gloves covered her hands, and small red heels were on her feet. A golden tiara fitted with a red gem sat atop her face. Two red earrings dangled from each of her ears and a red choker around her neck.

Sailor Jupiter's chestnut hair was tied into a ponytail. Her green eyes shook in rage as she saw the moon palace shake from the destruction happening. She wore a white body suit with a green neck and a short green skirt.

Sailor Jupiter's outfit had a pink bow with a green jewel in the center covering her breasts and she wore a pink bow on the back of her outfit. Two white gloves covered her hands, and small green heels were on her feet. A golden tiara fitted with a green gem sat atop her face. She wore a pair of pink gold rose earrings and a green choker around her neck.

Sailor Mercury's short blue hair moved slightly in the rising wind being created from the battle. Her blue eyes focused on her supercomputer as she took readings of their precarious situation. She wore a white body suit with a blue neck and a blue skirt.

Sailor Mercury's outfit had a light blue bow with a blue jewel in the center covering her breasts and she wore a light blue bow on the back of her outfit. Two white gloves covered her hands, and long heeled boots were on her feet. A golden tiara fitted with a blue gem sat atop her face. She wore three blue studs on each ear and a blue choker.

"Any information on this attack?" Sailor Venus asked as she looked at her team.

"It's the Dark Kingdom," replied Sailor Mercury as she looked up from her supercomputer. "Senator Beryl from Earth has now called herself Queen Beryl and is leading the attack against us," as she trembled. "Prince Endymion's four guards the Shitennou have also turned against us."

"Where is Princess Serenity?" Sailor Mars asked.

"I saw her last. She was with Prince Endymion outside the ballroom," replied Sailor Jupiter as she saw everyone begin to panic.

"I'll find Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion, and lead them to safety," explained Sailor Venus. "Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Mars assist our guards in keeping Queen Serenity safe," as she took a breath. "She is fighting Queen Beryl. We need to keep the youma off her at all costs," as her team nodded and each left to their assigned task…


Sailor Mars was fighting a youma. The youma had a feminine face with long black hair. Her eyes were black. She wore a short black dress that fell to her knees. She wore socks and high heels. Sailor Mars sidestepped the youma's punch and kicked her enemy in the face.

"Fire Soul," Sailor Mars called out. A small fireball appeared on her hands, and she fired the attack off towards the youma. The flames formed a spiral before the attack struck her target, and her enemy turned to dust.

Sailor Mars looked over at her friend Sailor Mercury who was engaged in a battle against two youma nearby. She saw one of them strike Sailor Mercury. She fell to the ground from her many wounds, but before Sailor Mars could reach her fellow team member, she saw Jadeite.

Jadeite's short blond hair gushed slightly from the wind. His blue eyes glimmered joyfully as he laughed at his prey. He wore his usual grey Shitennou shirt and pants. He had red lines on his uniform. He wore long red boots.

Sailor Mars saw Jadeite slash the unconscious Sailor Mercury with a wakizashi and she was too distracted, so she didn't sense the youma sneak up behind her. She felt pain as she felt a youma's sharp claws inside her stomach. Her eyes grew wide at the shock from being the next victim about to die.

"Any last words Sailor Mars?" The youma evilly asked.

"I am sorry Queen Serenity, Princess Serenity," weakly wept Sailor Mars. "Forgive me," as a few tears fell from her face.

"Enjoy your death girly," the youma said. She removed her claws from Sailor Mar's stomach, and the wounded Senshi of fire fell to the ground. She saw Nephrite.

Nephrite's long brown hair clung to his back and his brown eyes looked joyfully at his fallen prey. He wore his usual grey Shitennou shirt with yellow shoulder pads and pants. He had yellow lines on his uniform and a blue belt. He wore long blue boots. Lastly, he wore yellow stud earrings in his ears.

Nephrite smiled evilly as he walked over to Sailor Mars. He carried a uchigatana in his hand as the Senshi of fire passed out…


Queen Serenity sat down, sighed, and cried. Her long gold twin earrings dangled from her ears. Her silver hair was in a long odango style hung behind her as her blue eyes shimmered softly with her tears. She wore a long silver dress with silver socks and high heels. A half-moon was upside-down above her eyes.

Queen Serenity saw the corpse of Prince Endymion of Earth. His short black hair was stained with dirt and blood. His dark blue body suit covered his body, and he wore a navy breastplate. He wore a black cape on the outside with red inline.

On Prince Endymion's feet he wore navy blue lined boots. On his waist was a sash with a hilt that housed his sword; however, his blade was nearby his corpse. His blue eyes were closed. His dead hands held his lover Princess Serenity's hand. She was also dead.

Princess Serenity lay next to her lover Prince Endymion. Her long blonde hair in an odango lay above her head. She wore a long white dress. On her shoulders were two white shoulder pieces. On the top of her white dress gold hoops covered her breasts.

On the back of Princess Serenity's dress pink bows flowed to her back. A large wound remained still bleeding near her heart. Her right arm holding her lover, Prince Endymion as her blue eyes remained closed.

Queen Serenity turned her head away from the corpses of her daughter Princess Serenity and her lover Prince Endymion. She cried as she looked around at the smoldering battlefield. She saw the ruins of her once magnificent castle on the moon. She looked around and saw the corpses of the four Inner Sailor Senshi.

Queen Serenity gulped as she saw Sailor Venus, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Mercury. Each girl laying on the ground, their young hearts no longer beating as blood covered their dead bodies. Queen Serenity cried as tears flowed down her cheeks. Luna and Artemis her advisors from the planet Mau walked over to her. Each cat did their best to be strong.

"My Queen," cried Luna with her red eyes. The half-moon on her face was near her mostly flat ears. Her black hair was drenched in blood. "Have you stopped our foe?"

"If your Majesty would like to know," added Artemis as he raised his right white paw. His blue eyes shimmered proudly even as he cried. The half-moon above his eyes was near his perky ears as he tried to stay strong. "The Inner Sailor Senshi fought their best."

"Yes, I know," Queen Serenity replied. "I was proud of the Inner Sailor Senshi," as she saw their corpses again. She grew sadder. "I have sealed the Dark Kingdom away, but the cost was too high. My daughter and her guardians are dead. Prince Endymion of Earth is dead."

"What's the plan, my queen," began Luna as she frowned at her queen.

"I'm certain you are already planning something," added Artemis as he saw Queen Serenity nod in agreement with his assessment.

"My empire is in ruins," snapped Queen Serenity as she saw both Mau nod in understanding with her assessment.

(My daughter must have really loved Prince Endymion to kill herself when Queen Beryl killed him.) Queen Serenity thought. (I have...)

"There can only be one choice now," explained Queen Serenity as she stood up. She brushed off her dress.

"If you are thinking of doing," began Artemis as he saw his queen nod her head.

"No, my queen if you…You'll die," sniffled Luna. "Surely there is another route that we can go down…"

"Luna, Artemis," began Queen Serenity. "We know what must be done," as her advisors nodded in understanding. They grew determined. "We have little recourse," as she pulled out her royal phone…


Queen Serenity made a call on her royal phone, and she saw Sailor Pluto appear on screen. Sailor Pluto's long green hair flowed nearly to her knees as her red eyes glowered with seriousness and worry at the same time. She wore a white body suit with a black neckline and a short black skirt.

Sailor Pluto's uniform had a black bow with a red jewel in the center covering her breasts and she wore a black bow on the back of her outfit. Two white gloves covered her hands and long heeled dress shoes were on her feet. A golden tiara fitted with a red gem sat atop her face. She wore two red earrings on her ears and a red necklace around her neck.

In Sailor Pluto's right hand, she held a silver staff with a heart shape on the top of it. Imbedded were two ruby jewels on the top and bottom of the heart shape on the top of the staff with a smaller second heart near the top red jewel. The long shaft of the staff was key shaped at two different points of it.

Sailor Pluto stood next to Sailor Uranus who had short blond hair and blue eyes. Sailor Uranus wore a white body suit with a dark blue neckline and a short dark blue skirt. A yellow bow with a light blue jewel in the center covered her breasts and she wore a dark blue bow on the back of her outfit.

In addition, Sailor Uranus's outfit consisted of two white gloves covering her hands and short heeled dress shoes on her feet. A golden tiara fitted with a dark blue gem sat atop her face. She wore a single dark blue earring on her left ear and a dark blue choker around her neck. Sailor Uranus stood next to her girlfriend Sailor Neptune. They held each other's hands.

Sailor Neptune's wavy teal hair fell to her shoulders tied into a ponytail. Her deep blue eyes shared calmness while also concern for her fallen comrades of the Inner Sailor Senshi. She wore a white body suit with a teal neckline and a short teal skirt. A dark blue bow with a teal jewel in the center covered her breasts and she wore a dark blue bow on the back of her outfit.

In addition, Sailor Neptune's outfit consisted of two white gloves covering her hands and short heeled dress shoes on her feet. A golden tiara fitted with a teal gem sat atop her face. She wore a pair of teal earrings on her ears and a dark teal choker around her neck.

"Hello Queen Serenity," soothed Sailor Pluto as she took a deep breath. She tried to stay detached to not get emotional.

"We can drive back the attacks," added Sailor Uranus with a lot of enthusiasm as she could muster in her words.

"The Silver Millennium Empire has fallen," stuttered Queen Serenity as the Outer Solar Sailor Senshi all gasped.

"My queen," began Sailor Neptune as she sighed. "Isn't that presumptuous?" She saw the steely gaze resolve of her queen. "I see my queen. We took too much damage," as she wiped away a tear. "We Outer Solar Sailor Senshi know our duty. What are our orders?"

"Awaken Sailor Saturn, and have her drop the Silence Glaive," Queen Serenity ordered in a tone that brook no arguments.

"Are you sure?" Sailor Uranus asked. "This choice as you know is the final drastic option, my queen." She took a deep breath.

"I would rather destroy my empire than have it fall under our enemy's hands," cried Queen Serenity. "I am going to send the souls of my daughter, her guardians, and Prince Endymion to the future," as Sailor Pluto gasped. "In addition, all the other lost souls as well…"

"My queen," whimpered Sailor Pluto. She saw her friend nod and she failed to stop herself from shedding several tears. "I…"

"I know Sailor Pluto…I know," began Queen Serenity. She took a deep breath and faced the Outer Solar Sailor Senshi again. "After you awaken Sailor Saturn, my spell will also send you two, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune along with Sailor Saturn to the future," as her friends gave her a nod. "With luck you nine young souls can live ordinary lives."

"It's been an honor, Queen Serenity," praised Sailor Uranus as she bowed. "You should know if the need arises. I'll take the mantle of Sailor Uranus always."

"As well I," added Sailor Neptune and she bowed. "Always," as she faced her lover and gave her a solemn nod. Sailor Uranus gave her a wink and the same nod.

"I pray that such a need won't be called upon," sobbed Queen Serenity as she faced Sailor Pluto, her oldest friend. "Sailor Pluto. I'll have to ask you to watch time at the Gates of Time," as she gave her a smile.

"Yes, my queen, but in your condition, you will die," pointed out Sailor Pluto. She saw her queen's steel look and gave a slight smile.

"I know," observed Queen Serenity. "I have lived a long life. My daughter and her guardians each had their lives taken from them," as she also gave the other Outer Sailor Senshi a nod. "It would also be unfair to make you all wait for the passage of time," as she took a deep breath. "I'm sorry Sailor Pluto. You are still needed at the Gates of Time."

"It's alright, old friend," giggled Sailor Pluto. "I always knew that things could end up like this," as she smiled at Queen Serenity. "Being the guardian of time can be a lonely one, but ultimately needed."

"When do we activate the three talismans my Queen?" Sailor Neptune asked as she took a deep breath.

"In three minutes," replied Queen Serenity.

"Yes, my Queen," obeyed Sailor Pluto as she gave a nod to her allies.

"We understand our duty," affirmed Sailor Uranus as they bowed before their queen. They saw her nod back as the call came to an end. Queen Serenity put her royal phone away.

"Luna, Artemis," began Queen Serenity as she faced her advisors. "I am sending you two along with Prince Endymion to the future with my daughter and all the Sailor Senshi besides Sailor Pluto," as Luna and Artemis paid attention. "Please assist them. While their memories of this life will be forgotten for a time. You'll have all your memories intact."

"Yes, my Queen," replied Luna with a curt smile. "We understand our duty as well," as she gave a nod to her friend Artemis.

"You can count on us," added Artemis as he saw his queen begin to cast her spell…


In the distance a formless being covered in shadow and darkness floated in space. The evil was imprisoned by a giant sphere with seven domes, and he radiated pure evil. The evil being known as The Fiery Soul witnessed the fatal attack against the Silver Millennium Empire.

(They must not revive with their full power intact.) The Fiery Soul thought. His body remained formless, cast in a long shadow, a short distance away. (Good thing I can exploit the Valtelia Soul Barrier. Their failure to calibrate it to my powers can be used to my advantage.)

(Yes, I have enough power to curse one of them.) The Fiery Soul thought once more. He inwardly cackled. (Instead of being born female I'll curse one of them to be born male.) He focused his energy as he built up what little power he had. (Without one of their own to aid the team. Surely the Sailor Senshi shall not awaken to full power and then they shall fall...)

"Hahahaha," the Fiery Soul laughed as he focused a curse on Rei Hino's soul. Her soul vanished into the future along with the souls of Luna, Artemis, Prince Endymion, and Princess Serenity. In addition, the souls of Minako Aino, Makoto Kino, and Ami Mizuno also headed into the future.

(Now even if somehow that boy becomes a girl again my curse will eat away at her body, soul, and her entire essence till she dies.) The Fiery Soul thought as he chuckled.

"This is too great," laughed The Fiery Soul.

(All to do is wait. Wait to see my handiwork, and the chaos it will create...) The Fiery Soul thought as he felt his energy fall slightly. (Soon. I shall enjoy the chaos that befalls Earth, and I will enjoy every minute of it.)

"Bwhahahaha," laughed the Fiery Soul as he closed his eyes and began rest his energy usage. "I wonder when they shall awaken. I can't wait…"


Queen Serenity sat on the ground as her spell came to an end. She looked into the sky of the moon as she saw nearly the last of the souls depart for the future.

"Sailor Pluto, Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, and Sailor Saturn," joyfully called out Queen Serenity. "I leave the rest in your hands." After she sent her loved ones into the future, she felt her life energy leave her body, and she collapsed…


Sailor Saturn awoke her black hair was in a short bob. Her dark violet eyes focused on her mission at hand. She wore a white body suit with a purple neckline and a short purple skirt. A dark brown bow with a teal jewel in the center covered her breasts and she wore a dark brown bow on the back of her outfit.

In addition, Sailor Saturn's outfit consisted of two white gloves covering her hands and long purple boots on her feet. A golden tiara fitted with a white gem sat atop her face. She wore a pair of purple earrings on her ears that resembled the planet Saturn and a purple choker around her neck.

In her left-hand Sailor Saturn held a long silver scythe with a long sharp hook on the right side and shorter flat edge on the right side.

Sailor Saturn nodded to her allies Sailor Pluto, Sailor Uranus, and Sailor Neptune. She bowed before them and with a look she let them know the end was upon them.

Sailor Pluto nodded to her allies, bowed, and returned to the Gates of Time. Sailor Saturn dropped her Silence Glaive and thought about the end.

A shockwave of pure magical energy engulfed the Silver Millennium Empire that once stretched across the Milky Way Galaxy. Each of the planet's castles crumbled, shook, and vanished under the might of Sailor Saturn's move. The only planet to remain unaffected was Earth. In mere moments Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, and Sailor Saturn perished as well.

An instant later the souls of Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, and Sailor Saturn were sent into the future as the Silver Millennium Empire became dust…


Time as much as it is marched on, and in a blink of an eye ten thousand years passed. Queen Serenity's magic played its part, and more than several family lines on Earth housed the powers of the once mostly forgotten Silver Millennium Empire.

To the joys of several family's children were born unknown to them was the fruition of an ancient spell long since cast. In addition, an ancient curse tied to it fulfilled its casters wishes, and then…

Seventeen long years passed by. Unknown to a certain family, a vile curse began to affect the boy whose soul housed Rei Hino when a trip to Jusenkyo turned into disaster. When the boy named Ranma Hino fell into Nyannīchuan, otherwise known as the Spring of drowned girl...


Outside the Tendo household a girl with long black hair that fell to her ass glared with her purple eyes at a panda. The girl wore a Chinese red shirt and black pants. She wore black socks and sneakers. She saw the panda with white and black fur and black eyes had written something on his sign that he carried. The girl carried a red backpack on her back.

[You must meet them, boy.] The Panda wrote on the sign.

"Fine Pops," the black-haired girl yelled out in response to the panda's written message. So overcome with her rage the black-haired girl didn't hear the door to the Tendo house open and four people began to walk out. "I'll go and say hi. No promises on anything else."

"What was that?" Akane Tendo asked. She touched her short black hair in confusion. Her black eyes exercised confusion. She wore a yellow Gi with a brown belt. She had black socks and sneakers on. She stood next to her older sisters Nabiki and Kasumi. Their father Soun Tendo followed behind. They saw a black-haired girl glare at a giant panda.

Nabiki giggled as her brown hair in a bob style blew slightly in the wind. Her brown eyes jiggled with excitement. She wore a green tank top and green shorts. She wore white socks and sneakers.

"Well. Well. Well," chuckled Nabiki as she smiled. "Isn't this exciting? I wonder what will happen next."

Kasumi stood next to her sisters. Her long brown hair fell to back. Her brown eyes glimmered confusion as she watched the scene unfold before their eyes. She wore a blue dress that fell to her knees. She wore socks and high heels.

"Oh my," gushed Kasumi. "What's going on," as she took a deep breath. "I didn't plan on having a panda as a guest."

Soun stood next to his daughters as he looked on in slight horror, shock, and fear. His black hair fell to his back. His black eyes darted back and forth between the panda and the black-haired girl. He wore a brown Gi, white socks, and sneakers.

"What's going on?" Soun asked as they saw the panda clean up his sign and write something new.

[You promised to meet them boy and that you'd be on your best behavior.] The Panda wrote on the sign.

"Yes, I did," agreed the black-haired girl as she glared with her purple eyes, "after we got back home. Mom has been waiting for us to get back home from our training trip in China," as she touched her chest and took a deep breath. She saw her father clear his sign.

[One little side trip won't be so bad.] The Panda wrote on his sign once more.

"We've been gone for nine days," lightly coughed the black-haired girl. "You also promised I could rest before I saw them. You know I have been feeling sick the last week since Jusenkyo," as the panda once more cleared his sign and began to write once more on his sign.

[That does not matter boy.] The panda signed. [You agreed to meet them and marry one of them.]

"I agreed to meet them," yelled the black-haired girl as she sighed. "Not to marry one of them. Don't try to twist my words around."

"Marry," gasped out Kasumi. "What's this about?" She saw the black-haired girl grow red in the face and she turned to face the Tendos.

"Oh, I am sorry. I'm Ranma Hino," giggled Ranma as her blush slowly faded. "I just turned seventeen a week ago." She pointed to the Panda. "That's my pops Genma Hino. He's fat, lazy, and doesn't consider any other's feelings."

(Wow.) Akane thought. (She's the same age as I am.) She stared in fascination as once more the panda cleared his sign and wrote again.

[Come on boy.] The panda signed. [Be nice. You are embarrassing us.]

"Of course," mocked Ranma as she raised her hands in the air. "I wanted to go home. You won't even listen to me."

"Then does that mean the panda is my friend," cried Soun. "How did this happen?"

"Pops took us to Jusenkyo where we were cursed," explained Ranma as her breathing got heavier. "We've had nothing but problems since. He tried to send a postcard which I stopped."

"Why?" Akane asked. Her confusion apparent.

"What's this about?" Nabiki asked. She shook her head as the novelty of the panda clearing his sign and writing began to wear off.

[You must marry one of them boy.] Genma Panda signed. [Honor demands it.]

"Your honor maybe," sighed Ranma. "Not mine," as she saw her father once more, clear his sign, and write again.

[Just like your mother boy.] Genma Panda signed. [Stubborn.] Genma put the sign down. He ran to Ranma and threw a punch which Ranma dodged. She jumped in the air and kicked Genma into a wall. Ranma landed on her feet as Genma stood back up.

"Are you a martial artist?" Akane asked as she smiled.

"Yes," replied Ranma as she took several deep breaths.

"Want to spar?" Akane asked. "After we introduce ourselves," as she saw Ranma struggle to catch her breath. The black-haired girl touched her hair and…

"That works for me," replied Ranma. "Hello again. I'm Ranma Hino. Nice to meet you," as she bowed. She pointed to the panda. "As you have seen this panda is my father. Ugh. Why me?" Genma picked up the sign and began to write again.

[Be kind, boy.] Genma Panda signed. [Anyways. I am Genma Hino.]

"Now, now," chuckled Soun with a smirk. He took a deep breath. "I am Soun Tendo," as he saw Ranma nod. He pointed to Kasumi. "My eldest daughter, Kasumi." He pointed to Nabiki, and she smiled. "My second daughter, Nabiki," and lastly, he pointed to Akane. "My youngest daughter, Akane."

"Nice to meet you," gushed Kasumi with a smile. "Would you like tea soon?" She saw Ranma nod and smile. "Great. I'll go make some." She walked back inside.

"Well, this ought to be fun," laughed Nabiki. "About time we get something new and exciting I say."

"Ready to spar?" Akane asked with a happy smile.

"Sure, I guess," replied Ranma as she took a deep breath. "I'd like to spar," Akane smiled. Ranma followed Akane into the Tendo Household.

"Great," cheered Soun. "I'll talk to my friend." He walked over to the panda. "How can I help?" Genma began to clear his sign and write on it once more.

[I need hot water.] Genma Panda signed. [It will turn me back to a human and my own dashing self, old friend.]

"Ah," cried Soun as he had a river of tears. "I see," as Genma followed him into the Tendo household.


In the dojo, Akane and Ranma bowed to each other. Their socks and shoes off. Ranma's backpack was off to the side. Akane threw a punch, which Ranma easily dodged. Akane threw a few more punches. Ranma evaded each one as she struggled to catch her breath.

"What are you doing? Fight me," Akane said angrily. "Why aren't you attacking me?"

"Not bad," praised Ranma as she ducked under another punch. She jumped over a kick and rolled away from another attack. She grew slightly dizzy as the spar kept going.

Ranma continued to avoid Akane's punches. Akane eventually threw a punch, that hit Ranma in the chest. She flew to the ground and righted herself up a moment later. Ranma dashed behind Akane and poked her. The two burst out in laughter after which Ranma clutched her chest and sat down.

"Are you okay?" Akane asked with concern as the embarrassment of her fight with Ranma faded from her mind.

"I'm not sure," replied Ranma as her face turned slightly pale. "Ever since Jusenkyo I've been feeling weak."

"Jusenkyo?" Akane asked as she looked confused.

"I'll explain," Ranma began. "But for starters grab me hot water, cold water, and a towel for me please?"

"Um sure," Akane replied as she left the room. She returned with hot water, cold water, and a towel. "Now what?"

"Pour the hot water on me," instructed Ranma. Akane splashed her with hot water and Ranma turned into a black-haired boy with black eyes. His hair was tied into a ponytail.

"Whoa," muttered Akane as her eyes blinked in shock. "Is this the curse you mentioned earlier? The one from Jusenkyo?"

"Yes," replied Ranma. "I was born a boy when splashed with cold water I turn to a girl, and back to boy with hot water," as he took several deep breaths.

"I see," muttered Akane.

(Why did I need to bring the cold water?) Akane thought. (I am so confused. Maybe Ranma can help explain it to me.)

"I'm still confused," Akane began as she saw Ranma struggle to breath grew more difficult to do with each passing second. "Why bring the cold water?"

"Go ahead, and splash me with the cold water," ordered Ranma as Akane did so and once more she saw the black-haired girl with long hair and purple eyes. "Can I have the towel please."

"If you were born a boy," Akane began as she handed Ranma the towel. "Why go back to the girl?" Ranma began to dry her body off.

"I'll answer that, but first can I change into my spare clothes in the washroom?" Ranma asked as Akane nodded. She led Ranma to the washroom. Ranma closed the door, put down her backpack, and changed into her spare Chinese red shirt and black pants.

Ranma hung up the wet towel Akane let her use to dry off with. She placed her wet clothes in a plastic bag and placed them back into her backpack…


Ranma left the washroom. She smiled at Akane and took a deep breath. She gave a bow before her host and took another painful breath.

"Thank you," gushed Ranma as she smiled. She followed Akane back to the dojo. "I don't understand, but lately I can't stand any wet clothes. Ever since Jusenkyo to be honest."

"No problem. That is sure strange," muttered Akane. "What is going on and why do you prefer to be a girl?" She saw Ranma sit down on the blue mat. Akane sat down next to her.

"Can you keep a secret?" Ranma asked as Akane smiled and gave a nod.

"Yes," replied Akane with a serious face.

"Ever since I can remember," began Ranma. "I've never felt comfortable about being a boy. I feel like I was born in the wrong body," as she lightly began to cough more.

"Is that why you switched back to a girl?" Akane asked as she saw the girl continue to struggle with her breathing.

"Very much so," agreed Ranma. "I've had images of a life as a girl. The memories feel scattered. I can't explain why," as she held her head with both of her hands. She winced in pain and took a painful breath. "Ouch. Now my head is hurting."

"I see and what is going on?" Akane asked. "You seem to be in a lot of pain."

"It's okay," deflected Ranma. "Just feeling a bit under the weather," as she gave a curt smile. "I'll be okay."

"If you say so," observed Akane with worry in her voice. "Perhaps Jusenkyo is a blessing. Maybe you are meant to be a girl?"

"Perhaps," agreed Ranma as she took a breath. "If I didn't start getting sick after I fell into the Nyannīchuan, otherwise known as the Spring of drowned girl." She paused. "Things wouldn't be so bad," as she clutched her chest in pain. "Ow. Now my chest is hurting too."

"Are you okay?" Akane asked with a worried look on her face. "This amount of pain you are feeling, and your shortness of breath is most concerning. Perhaps we should…"

"I'll be okay. I hope," interrupted Ranma. "I talked to the Jusenkyo Guide hours after we both fell in," as she clutched her painful head with her right hand. "I shouldn't be sick at all. It doesn't make sense...Pops isn't sick at all. Perhaps..." Ranma fell to the floor as she passed out.

(What is going on?) Akane thought. (She needs my help. What do I do?) As she got up, she began to pace back and forth. (I got it. Nabiki may be able to help.) She left the room. (For some reason I feel I can't trust Ranma's father.) She took a deep breath. (I got to help Ranma. Something is telling me that I got to move quickly. Ranma is worse off than she wants to admit.)


Akane walked out of the dojo inside the Tendo Household. She took a deep breath as saw that Kasumi was the only one downstairs. She walked over to the kitchen.

"Kasumi," Akane called out as she saw her older sister in the kitchen. "Where is Mr. Hino and father?"

"Out for drinks," Kasumi replied.

(Perfect.) Akane thought. (This will give me time to help Ranma.) She lightly frowned and walked closer to her sister. (It's clear to me that she's hurting in more ways than one.)

"Kasumi. Ranma passed out," Akane said with worry. "Please go and check on her," as she wiped sweat off her forehead. "Something is wrong. She's in the dojo."

"Of course," replied Kasumi with a worried look on her face as she grabbed some towels. She left for the dojo.

"I'll go talk to Nabiki," Akane quickly shouted as she walked up stairs, down the hall, and to Nabiki's room…


Meanwhile, Nabiki sat on her bed. She was lost deep in thought. She giggled as she took a deep breath. She began to scheme. She stood up and walked over to her chair and sat down.

{Knock. Knock.}

"Come in," called out Nabiki. Akane walked in and saw her sister sitting in her chair. Nabiki gave her a huge smile. "Akane, how can I help you, little sis?"

"I need your advice, sis," replied Akane as she took a deep breath.

"How so?" Nabiki asked. "Also, as you know. My help doesn't come free."

"Of course," Akane replied as she looked thoughtful. "Help, and you can have my new smartphone. How about that?"

"Deal," agreed Nabiki as her eyes glimmered with all kinds of plans going on through her mind. "Fill me in."

"Okay," Akane said. "Here's what..." Akane filled Nabiki in. "…That's about it."

"…I see," murmured Nabiki as she looked thoughtful. "How interesting. Perhaps I do have a friend who can help," as she snapped her fingers. "A seer. She's really far away though. It also sounds like we'll need Doctor Tōfū to look her over too. He can meet us there."

"Okay," Akane replied. "I'll meet you down there. Kasumi can get the car ready."

"Right," agreed Nabiki as she stood up. "I'll make a few calls and grab a few things. Be right down."

"Of course," exhaled Akane as she left her sister's room. She took a deep breath and grinned happily. She walked down the hallway.


Akane walked downstairs and smiled when she saw that her father and Genma were still away drinking. She took a deep breath and walked into the dojo and saw her older sister checking on Ranma who remained passed out.

"Kasumi," called out Akane as she saw her elder sister checking Ranma's temperature. Kasumi looked up and shook her head. "How is she doing?"

"She's not doing well. She's having trouble breathing," replied Kasumi. "Her temperature has risen a degree," as she put the thermometer away. "She seems to be in a lot of pain, Akane."

"Thanks for looking her over," Akane said as she tried to remain calm. "I just finished talking to Nabiki."

"I see," replied Kasumi as she smiled. "What's the plan?"

"Nabiki thinks a seer may be able to help. She also suggested Doctor Tōfū look her over too," explained Akane. "What should we do with Ranma's wet clothes in her backpack?"

"I'll take care of them," gushed Kasumi. "I'll hang them up to dry before we leave."

"Alright," giggled Akane. "I suppose that is our only option," as Kasumi nodded. "I wonder if Nabiki has made the phone calls."

"I've already called them," exhaled Nabiki as she walked in. She was carrying a pink backpack on her back.

"What's in the backpack?" Kasumi asked.

"Clothes," replied Nabiki as she grew serious. "We should get going before our father and guest get back," as she frowned. "You two saw it. Neither would help and both will interfere with what we have planned." She shook her head. "Normally we should leave father a note or something, but I think we should not this time."

"Right," agreed Akane. "Nabiki help me carry her," as she bent down. "Do you think we should temporarily block daddy's number from calling us?"

"Yes. Of course," agreed Nabiki. "This is a fluid situation, and he'd just get in the way." They picked up the black-haired girl gently. They began to carry her to the front of the house.

"I'll hang up her clothes," chirped Kasumi as she grabbed the red backpack on the floor. "I'll get the car to the front after," as she left the dojo…


In the black car that Kasumi was driving Ranma remained passed out. Nabiki sat in the passenger seat and behind her sat Ranma. Her eyes were still closed. Behind Kasumi on the other side of Ranma sat Akane as she tried to distract herself from worry. By looking out the window.

Minutes passed into hours as the black-haired girl remained unconscious. Her fever rose, her breathing continued to get harder for her to do. Eventually, to Akane's relief she saw the black-haired girl begin to awaken.

"Ugh where am I?" Ranma asked as her eyes opened. She looked around, and saw she was in a car. "How long have I been out?" She looked at her surroundings.

"You've been asleep for seven hours," Akane replied as she looked at the sick girl.

"That long," weakly replied Ranma. "I seem to be getting sicker."

"Don't worry," Nabiki replied as she turned her head, and faced the black-haired girl. She smiled at her. "We are on the way to meet a seer. A doctor will meet us there too."

"Okay," Ranma said. "Sorry about this," as she scratched her head.

"No need to apologize," soothed Kasumi. "By the way. I hung up your clothes in your red backpack in our washroom and threw away your plastic bags so they wouldn't mold," as she made a right turn.

"Thank you," giggled Ranma as she smiled and took a deep painful breath. "I just want to know why this is happening to me…"

"Ranma?" Akane began as she gave Ranma an apologetic look. "I am sorry." Ranma faced her with a confused look on her face.

"Why?" Ranma asked as she took a deep breath and winced from her searing pain.

"I told them your secret," Akane replied. "You passed out, and I needed help."

"It's okay," gasped Ranma as she blushed red, but nodded in understanding. "I need help. So, thanks."

"You are welcome," Akane replied as she looked outside the car window. She saw that they entered a small village in the middle of nowhere.

"Akane," began Nabiki as she faced her younger sis. "Offer her the backpack? I think it may help her mood."

"Oh right," Akane replied. "In the pink backpack next to me is a pink bra, panties, a skirt, blouse, socks, and high heels," as Ranma lightly stared at her, "you said you feel like a girl. Perhaps dressing as a girl will make you happy." Akane handed her the backpack which Ranma picked up with her left hand.

"Wow," Ranma replied. "Thanks. I think it will," she said beaming.

"We can stop here at this gas station if you want," Kasumi added. "The stop is just ahead," as she followed along the road in the small village.

"Works for me," replied Akane. "I got to go the bathroom myself," as she looked at Ranma's face and saw her joy.

"I'd like that," added Ranma with a cute smile. "It will certainly brighten my mood," as she took another deep painful breath.

"In the meantime," began Akane. She opened the backpack and pulled out a bra and showed it to Ranma. "I'll show you quickly how to put a bra on," as Ranma paid attention…


At the same time, Soun and Genma walked into the empty Tendo house. Genma's bald head was covered by a white bandana. He wore glasses and a white Gi. He sat down alongside his friend and took off his socks and sneakers. Each man was drunk over sake, and they smiled until they heard no sounds.

"Where is everyone?" Genma asked as he looked around.

"Everyone's gone," observed Soun. He walked over to his driveway and saw it was empty of his car. "What is going on?"

"Old friend?" Genma asked as he saw his friend grow upset.

"My car is gone," Soun blubbered as he began to cry. "I just finished paying it off too. Where are the children at?"

"Where did they go?" Genma inquired. "Wait. I know," as Soun looked at him. "They took Ranma to his mother."

"Yes," cried Soun. "Let's go." They sat down and got their socks and shoes on again.

"Right," Genma said as they left. "At this hour we'll need to get a cab."


Ranma walked into the lady's bathroom. She walked into a stall with her backpack in her right hand. She closed and locked the stall door. She put the backpack on the ground and took off her clothes. She stared down at her nude body for a moment. She gently put one foot in the panties, and then the other. She slid them up, till they reached her butt, covering her ass.

Ranma grabbed her bra, unhooked it, and wrapped the cups around her breasts, before hooking the bra straps behind her. She looked at herself again and smiled cutely as she took a deep breath and winced from the ever-increasing pain.

"The real me," Ranma whispered as she grabbed the skirt. She put the skirt on, followed by her blouse. Once more she looked at herself. "I really am beginning to look like a girl." She cutely smiled. "It's like I got back what I have been missing," as she coughed.

{Knock. Knock.}

Ranma blushed deep red as she heard the knocking on the stall. She touched her stomach as she felt more pain.

"You okay Ranma?" Akane asked with concern. "Your coughing is getting worse."

"Yes," replied Ranma. She put her socks and high heels on. She put her clothes in the backpack and carried the backpack in her right hand.

"Well, if you are dressed. We should get back on the road," exhaled Akane.

"Okay," replied Ranma as she left the stall, the bathroom, the gas station, and got back in the car. She put the backpack next to her. She buckled up with a huge, cute smile on her face.

"You look great," praised Kasumi as she started the car once more.

"Yea," agreed Nabiki. "I can see that the change in wardrobe really made you happy."

"I agree," added Akane as she saw Ranma clutch her chest and she winced once more from her pain. "We still got a few hours to go. Maybe you should sleep again?"

"Thank you," giggled Ranma as she took a deep breath. "I think I should sleep. It's a good idea," as she fell asleep once more.

"Akane I been meaning to ask you," Nabiki began. "Why help her? I thought you hated all boys?"

"It's mostly true, however," replied Akane as she saw the black-haired girl sleep despite her ever-increasing pain. "She was nice to me, and I feel her desire to be a girl is true. Then I saw her in a lot of pain. She needs our help."

"I am glad," Kasumi said. "That we are helping her."

"Thanks," agreed Akane. "Here's hoping we are not too late," as she felt tears fall from her eyes from the fear of the situation.

"Aye," agreed Nabiki as she faced forward again.

(I hope we are not too late to help her.) Akane thought. She saw the black-haired girl sweat more as the curse affecting her began to get worse. (I fear if we don't hurry, we may lose her to whatever is making her sick.)

(The strange thing is.) Akane thought. (She said she started to get sick after Jusenkyo. Yet what bothers me is why didn't her father get sick too?) She looked at Ranma again and saw her fever continue to spike. (We just got to save this poor girl.) She grew a determined look. (No matter what. I can't let her die when she just got her femininity.)


The car pulled in the driveway near a giant mansion. Nabiki, Kasumi, and Akane got out of the car as they saw a yellow car parked nearby. They also saw a black minibus. The mansion was near an overlook over the Pacific Ocean. Ranma got out of the car last.

"That took a while," yawned Kasumi.

"Thank you," gasped Ranma as she took Akane's hand. Ranma held her hand as she slowly walked over to the entrance of the house. Each step was harder than the last as she limped over even with Akane's help.

"No problem," Kasumi replied as they followed Nabiki to the door. Kasumi gave half a smile despite her concern of how worse Ranma's condition seemed to be getting.

{Knock. Knock.}

"Come in," a woman's called out. "I've been expecting you," as she opened the door. Her guests walked in and sat down as they took off their shoes. She closed her door.

The owner's white hair blew past her wrinkled face. She wore a black dress that fell on her ankles. She wore black socks. Her guests slowly stood up.

"My name's Chiyo Tanaka," began Chiyo as she smiled at Nabiki. "Good to see you Nabiki Tendo," as she saw her sisters. She looked at Kasumi. "You must be Kasumi," as Kasumi gasped. Chiyo chuckled and she looked at Akane. "You must be the youngest sister, Akane."

"Aye," stuttered Akane as Chiyo smiled. She faced Ranma.

"And you, girl must be Ranma Saotome," Chiyo said as she looked her over. "Don't you worry about a thing, girl," as she gave a toothy grin. "We'll get you, help. That I promise, you."

"Thank you," grimaced Ranma as she winced in pain. Chiyo smiled as she motioned for her guests to follow her. She led the guests up to the next floor, and they saw a very large room. Doctor Ono Tōfū waved at them with a slight smile.

Doctor Tōfū's brown hair moved when the doctor brushed his hair with his hands in nervousness when he saw Kasumi. His brown eyes focused on the situation at hand. He wore a black suit, pants, and socks.

"I was relaxing at my home today," Doctor Tōfū exhaled as he put his hand down. "Any reason why I was asked to come out way over here?"

"My friend," Akane began as she helped Ranma sit down, "is sick."

"I see," Doctor Tōfū muttered as he walked over. "She's burning up," as he lightly examined her, "but why here? Why not at my office?" Doctor Tōfū examined her as introductions were given.

"Nabiki thinks she needs to see a seer, and I live here," Chiyo began as she slowly sat down. "I can't travel as easily as I used to."

"Gotcha," Doctor Tōfū said as he looked the black-haired girl over. (I must stay focused.) Doctor Tōfū thought as he pinched his cheek. "Kasumi can you stay here? Nabiki, Akane, can you get me hot water, and cold water. My first task should be to exam both genders."

"Right," agreed Akane as she and Nabiki left.

"Kasumi," Doctor Tōfū began. "Let's gently help her lay down on the bed. So, I can begin to exam her/him. Okay?"

"Thanks," replied Ranma as Kasumi and Doctor Tōfū helped her to the bed. The doctor began to exam the sick girl.

"So, Ranma," inquired Doctor Tōfū as he kept examining his patient. "When did these symptoms start?"

"The second after I fell into Nyannīchuan, otherwise known as the Spring of drowned girl," explained Ranma. "The strangest thing is Pops didn't get sick at all."

"Hmm," murmured Doctor Tōfū as he sighed. He heard Akane and Nabiki begin to boil the water down in the kitchen. "I have heard of Jusenkyo, and I've never heard of this," as he looked puzzled. "Well, why won't you fill me in with everything even the most mundane details, thoughts you have. Everything. Okay?" Ranma gave a nod and began to speak…


Doctor Tōfū saw Akane cover Ranma up with a red blanket as she lay on the bed. Her breathing continued to be more erratic, painful, as her fever spiked even more.

"So, Doctor Tōfū," Akane asked as Ranma slept once more. "Any idea why's she sick?"

"Well," replied Doctor Tōfū. "As I said I've of heard of Jusenkyo, and I've studied curses from all over the world." He scratched an itch. "I have not got any clue beyond that she is dying. If I was to guess, she has four days...A week tops. All I can do right now is ease her pain."

"Oh my," gasped Kasumi as she put her hand to her mouth. "This hardly seems fair when she just found the body that makes her happy. Why is this happening to her?"

"This is worse than I thought," added Nabiki softly.

"Is there anything we can do?" Akane asked as she looked thoughtful. "She did say she always felt like a girl. Could that be the reason?"

"No. That would not be the cause. I'm sure of it," replied Doctor Tōfū. "I'm stumped. I don't know what to do."

"I have an idea," Chiyo cut in. "An old friend. One I have not seen in hundreds of years. She may have an idea," as she sat up. "I'll go make a call," as she slowly left the room.

"Here's hoping this friend," began Doctor Tōfū as he shook his head. "Has an idea because none of what Ranma is going through is normal."

"Thanks for coming down all this way," Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane said in almost perfect unison.

"No problem," Doctor Tōfū as he smiled. "In cases like this I have no problem going out of my way to help a suffering patient," as he sighed. "I just wish I knew what the hell is going on that has left this girl so close to death..."


Meanwhile, Genma along with Soun walked into the Hino Family household. He saw his wife Risa and hugged her. Genma let go of the hug as he flinched when his wife glared at him.

Risa had long black hair that fell to her back. Her black eyes looked confused as she saw Soun and Genma, but not her son Ranma. She wore a long maroon dress that fell to her feet. She wore socks and high heels.

"Risa dear," began Genma. "Has Ranma stopped by?"

"No," replied Risa. "I've not seen him at all," as she looked nervous. "Did something happen to our son?"

"Well," stuttered Genma as he scratched his head. "Here's what happened to us in China...And since then."

"Our son," Risa began as she raged. She put her arms around her breasts and glared at her husband. "Fell into Nyannīchuan, otherwise known as the Spring of drowned girl and has been feeling ill since?"

"Well," Genma began. "It's…"

"We've always wanted to engage our children," Soun said. "You agreed to that," as he tried to defuse the situation.

"Sure," agreed Risa. "However, if Ranma's sick because of the curse doesn't it make more sense to heal our child before we do the next step?"

"I didn't think of that," gasped Genma as he scratched his head again.

"Of course not," snapped Risa. "Quick," as she looked at Soun. "Where would they go?"

"Well," exhaled Soun. "Let's see," as he looked thoughtful. "Doctor Tōfū."


Soun, Genma, Risa all left the Hino house and drove over to Doctor Tōfū's clinic. They found it closed and shut down.

"Well, that's no good," shouted Risa as she grew angrier.

"Hmm," muttered Soun as he put his right hand to his face. "Let's go back to the Tendo Dojo and see if we missed a letter."

"Okay," agreed Genma. "I am confused as to why your daughter's left with Ranma."

"Genma?" Risa began as she faced her husband. "Why didn't you contact me sooner?"

"I don't know," replied Genma as he grimaced. "I forgot?" He saw his wife grow angrier and he began to panic.

"You forgot to tell me, Ranma's been sick, that she prefers being a girl," yelled Risa as she raised her right arm in a fist. "That's more than careless," as she sighed. "I'll go inquire about Ranma at all the other hospitals. You two keep searching."

The two men nodded and gulped in fear from the anger Risa was radiating. Soun and Genma watched her walk off and their shoulders slumped.

"That was terrifying," growled Soun as he took a deep breath. "I thought she was going to send you skyward."

"Don't I know it, old friend," agreed Genma. "Scary thing is," as he gave a nod to his friend. "Nodoka, had I married her would have acted the same way," as his friend laughed.

"You always did have a thing for the strong, boisterous, and powerful women," laughed Soun with a belly laugh as his friend joined in with his own belly laugh.

"Don't I know it," chuckled Genma. "Perhaps a part of me likes to have a woman like Nodoka and Risa around who can keep a wild idiotic man like me in check," as he scratched his head. "I do tend not think about my own actions, you know?"

"Aye. So true. So why did you marry Risa and not Nodoka," Soun asked as he saw his friend look thoughtful. Genma took a deep breath.

"Something about Risa drew my attention," admitted Genma as he saw his friend nod in an understanding. "She's strong, beautiful, oh so fiery, and she chose me despite my shortcomings," as they walked down the street. "Well, old friend. There is hell to pay now."

"Don't I know it," agreed Soun as both friends saw Soun's neighborhood in the distance.

"Maybe if we are lucky," added Genma as he hiccupped from all the alcohol he consumed earlier. "We'll find everyone home."

"Aye, old friend. Agreed," sighed Soun as both men allowed themselves to engage in their own delusional behavior…


A day later Risa lay on her bed in her and Genma's bedroom. Tears strolled down her face as she stared up at the ceiling. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and sobbed. She had nearly fallen asleep when her smartphone began to ring. She picked up her smartphone and accepted the call.

"Hello," began Risa. "This is Risa Hino. Who is this?"

"Hello Risa. This is Kasumi Tendo," replied Kasumi. "Are you by yourself, Risa?"

"Yea," cried Risa as she took a deep breath. "My husband and your father are searching for Ranma, Akane, Nabiki, and yourself," as she sighed. "Where are you?"

"Can you keep a secret," began Kasumi as she heard heavy breathing from the other room. She wiped sweat off her face.

"Yes," agreed Risa a moment later.

"Good," gushed Kasumi. "Ranma's sick. If you promise to come alone and not tell our fathers, I can give you our location, and you come alone by yourself."

"Deal," agreed Risa as she giggled.

"Very well," replied Kasumi. "We are at…"

"I'll be there as soon as I can," replied Risa as she sat up quickly, stood up, and began to get ready. "Bye. See you soon Kasumi."

"Later," Kasumi said as she hung up the phone.

Risa hung up the phone and began to change out of her dirty clothes. She put on a pair of fresh underwear, a black dress that fell to feet, black socks. She threw her dirty clothes in the hamper and walked downstairs…


Risa followed Chiyo as they walked into the big room at Chiyo's house. Risa saw her daughter Ranma. Chiyo sat down on her chair.

Risa walked over and hugged her daughter when she saw Ranma sweating, in pain, as she continued to struggle to breathe. She wore a red blouse, and a red skirt. A blanket lay at her feet. Chiyo, Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane each sat in various chairs around the room. Risa sat down as each person said hello and filled her in with everything important to the situation at hand.

"Can I have a moment alone with, my daughter," began Risa as everyone nodded. They each shuffled out of the room until Risa and Ranma were alone. Risa saw Akane close the door to give them privacy. "You really look like me when I was seventeen years old."

"Thanks, mommy," sniffled Ranma as she winced. She felt her mother hold her hand. "If only I wasn't sick," as she took a deep painful breath. "This would be a perfect moment."

"Why didn't you come home?" Risa asked as she had an annoyed look. "I was worried sick, daughter."

"I'm sorry, mom," cried Ranma as she winced once more. "I passed out and Akane, Nabiki, and Kasumi made the best choice they thought possible," as Risa nodded. "It was the right move. Chiyo has help on the way." She took a breath. "Someone who knows about curses and how to deal with them," as she began to gasp for breath. "God. This sickness sucks."

"I take it," observed Risa. "That you and the Tendo sisters don't trust your fathers?" She saw her daughter nod. "Then perhaps you all made the right move," gushed Risa. "Don't you worry. Your mommy is here, baby girl," as she took a deep breath.

"Thank you," gasped Ranma as she winced in pain once more.

"Your father and Mr. Tendo are too busy searching for you, and the Tendo girls," explained Risa. "And playing shogi and drinking sake. They won't find us here," as she saw Ranma sigh in relief.

"Thanks," giggled Ranma as she yawned. "I'm sorry, mom," as she cried. "I'm tired again. I seem to be sleeping most of the time," as she took a deep breath. "Did Kasumi tell you that Doctor Tōfū told me I have less than a week to live," as she held her mother's hand. "I'm so scared, mommy. I don't want to die."

"Don't you worry, baby girl," affirmed Risa. "Don't you give up. Fight this," as Ranma nodded in agreement. "Help is on the way," as she saw her daughter fall asleep…


Back at the Hino house, Genma and Soun walked in. Both men's eyes were panicked after they found the driveway empty.

"Now Risa is missing too?" Soun asked as he roared. "Just what in the blazes is going on, old friend?"

"I wish I knew," admitted Genma as he plopped down on their couch. "I looked all around the house, and I can find no traces of anything."

"Not to mention," added Soun as he sighed. "I tried to call everyone, and I am just getting sent directly to voice mail. It's almost like they blocked our numbers," as he looked at his friend.

"I guess we wait," raged Genma as he took a deep breath.

"Not much else we can do," agreed Soun as he sat down on the couch near Genma. "We don't have anything else to go on…"


Nearly five days and four hours later Ranma's condition worsened. Her fever grew worse as did her difficulty breathing and episodes of pain. They heard footsteps from downstairs as Chiyo led her new guests into her home. Chiyo bowed before her old friend Elder Kho Lon and her great-granddaughter Shan Pu.

Elder Kho Lon's long white hair hung below her waist. Her large green eyes smiled at her great-granddaughter Shan Pu. She wore a green robe that covered her body with an orange circle broken into quarters with orange lines. She wore white socks and sneakers. She held a long wooden staff in her right hand.

Shan Pu's long purple hair was tied in two lengths that fell to her ass. She wore a purple blouse and purple pants. She wore white socks and sneakers.

"Our patient is upstairs," began Chiyo as she nodded at Elder Kho Lon and Shan Pu. They sat down and took off their shoes.

"Shan Pu thanks you," giggled Shan Pu as her great-grandmother smiled at her.

"We'll meet you up there," began Elder Kho Lon as she nodded at Chiyo. She saw her friend walk up the steps slowly. Elder Kho Lon stood up as did Shan Pu. They began to walk up the steps.

"Great-grandmother," Shan Pu said as the pair climbed the steps. "Look who it is," as she saw Ranma. "It's the girl from before. I will..."

"Wait," ordered Elder Kho Lon. "Do you feel that energy, Shan Pu?"

"Shan Pu does now," replied Shan Pu as she walked into the room.

"No," yelled Ranma. "I don't want to die," as her breathing turned very erratically. Risa held her hand.

"It's okay," soothed Elder Kho Lon in a calm voice. "We have no intention to kill you. You want our help, right?"

"Yes," replied Ranma. "I want help. I don't want to die this way."

"Relax," soothed Risa. She rubbed her daughter's back as Ranma calmed down. "I got you, baby girl."

"What is going on?" Akane asked as she looked around confused.

"Long story short," explained Elder Kho Lon. "She beat Shan Pu."

"Yes," agreed Shan Pu. "I give Kiss of Death." Everyone else besides Ranma stared in horror. "That not why we here. Request for help. That's why we here."

"Yes," Elder Kho Lon agreed. "We are here to help," as everyone made introductions amongst each other. Elder Kho Lon looked around the room. "Can you fill us in Doctor Tōfū?"

"Yes. Of course," Doctor Tōfū replied as he filled in Elder Kho Lon and Shan Pu when Ranma's head throbbed suddenly.

"Ow!" Ranma cried out as her vision began to blur. "My head is hurting, and I'm losing my ability to see, hear, and smell," as she began to cry. "Why is this happening to me," as tears flowed down her face. She took a deep breath and winced from her pain. "Mommy," as Risa held her hand. "Where are you," as she slightly calmed down. She felt her mother's hand.

"Oh my," gasped Kasumi as she put her hands to her face.

"My vision's growing darker," screamed Ranma as she remained in a lot of pain. "Argh."

"Your mother's here, baby girl," soothed Risa as she rubbed Ranma's back. "I got you, girl. I got you."

"It's getting worse," cried Akane. "Do something," Doctor Tōfū took a deep breath as he looked through his bag.

"All I can do for now is give her some pain medication to soothe her pain," explained Doctor Tōfū. He walked over to Risa, handed her some water in a small cup, and a pill. He placed the pill in her right hand and the cup in her left hand. "Here. Give her this. Should ease her pain, Risa."

"Thanks," sobbed Ranma as Risa put the pill in her mouth and helped her drink the water. Ranma drank the water and swallowed the pill a moment later.

(Something is not right here.) Chiyo thought. (In all my time I have never seen or heard of a curse that can do this much damage to someone in such a short amount of time. It's like she's being tortured.) She shook her head. (The question is why is this happening?)


Elder Kho Lon walked closer to Ranma and gave her a slight smile. She lightly examined the sick girl.

"Hmm," began Elder Kho Lon. "Yes. It's as I thought." She faced Chiyo and Doctor Tōfū. She closed her eyes for a moment. "She's been infected by a curse by an evil terrifying being," as everyone gasped. "Without a Soul Reading. I can't determine what it is exactly…But what I do know is this curse is consuming Ranma's body, soul, and her entire essence."

"That's horrible," gasped Nabiki. "That seems like a such a specific and insidious kind of curse if you ask me. Fight it, Ranma. You must fight it."

"We should do the Soul Reading soon then," pointed out Doctor Tōfū. "Before this curse finishes consuming her."

"Oh my," gasped Kasumi. "Hang on, Ranma," as she gave a smile. "Stay strong, girl. Don't give in."

"Aye," added Akane. She walked to Ranma's side and bent down so the sick girl could see her. "Live. You must live. I want to be able to take you out for ice cream one day."

"I got you, baby girl," soothed Risa as she held her daughter's hands. "Let mommy be your pillar of strength."

"That's right," praised Chiyo with a smile. "Give her hope. The more she has the better she can fight this vile curse." Shan Pu walked closer and leaned down.

"You strong, girl," praised Shan Pu. "I embarrassed you defeat me so quick," as she held Ranma's free hand for a moment. "Get well. We fight more. I remove Kiss of Death." She let go of Ranma's hand and grinned. "We be friends."

"I'd like that," giggled Ranma with a cute happy smile on her face despite the pain that she was under. "Thank you everyone for your kind words," as she took several deep painful breaths. "It means so much to me." She gave each person in the room a huge smile…


Ranma lay on the bed as her pain began to calm down thanks to the pain medication and the encouragement from her friends, adults, and her mother. She took a deep breath as she was able to see, hear, and smell grew slightly better. She smiled at her mother who sat next to her.

"Feeling better," Doctor Tōfū asked as Ranma slowly nodded. He faced Elder Kho Lon and gave her a frown. "Any more you can add Elder Kho Lon?"

"I went as far as I could go," began Elder Kho Lon. "Until Chiyo does a Soul Reading I won't have an answer. Are you ready girl?"

"Yes," replied Ranma as she took a deep breath. "Though I haven't fully gained all my senses back. I'm still struggling to see, hear, and smell," as she held her mother's hand.

"Perhaps I should begin then," Chiyo said as she sat down in a big chair next to a smaller chair in front of it. "Come girl," she directed at Ranma. "Sit down in this chair here."

"Of course," Ranma replied as she began to panic a lot. "I need help I can barely see where I am."

"Okay," gushed Risa with a smile. Risa and Akane helped her walk over to the chair.

"Let's start," Chiyo began as everyone else took a seat. "Please everyone. Don't interrupt. I need to concentrate," as she took a breath. "I will use single words, and Ranma will give us details. We'll get an understanding. Okay?"

"Of course," replied Nabiki.

"Got it," obeyed Akane as she did her best to stay calm.

"I understand," added Kasumi.

"Okay," exhaled Doctor Tōfū as he took a deep breath and inwardly sighed. He struggled to not lose his cool and confidence as his patient deteriorated before his eyes.

"I quiet," gushed Shan Pu.

"Let's get started," soothed Elder Kho Lon as felt Ranma's strength slowly fade away.

"Here's hoping we'll get some answers," added Risa as she took a deep breath.

"Very well," exhaled Chiyo as she grabbed her magical staff that had a green jewel at the end. She touched Ranma's head with her free hand. "Oh, wise ones. Grant me power to see in this young one's soul. Grant me the clarity, truth, and understanding to aid her," as her green eyes twinkled. "Yes...Yes...Yes...I see…I see…I see…Yes…"

Argh," cried out Ranma as her body wracked with pain. "Why does it hurt?"

"Female. Strong. Magical," chanted Chiyo as she lightly touched Ranma's head.

"I was born a girl. My name is Rei Hino," slowly answered Rei in a methodical tone. "I was trained in the martial arts by my older sister Tephra, and by my mother Queen Hino, the ruler of Mars," as she paused for a moment. "My mother was a high-ranking leader of the Silver Millennium Empire ruled by Queen Serenity," as she cried. Her memories flooded her mind.

Everyone in the room looked at each other. Not a word was spoken, but each was mesmerized by the chilling truth being revealed.

"I was the second daughter to Queen Hino," continued Rei. "Tephra was my older sister. She was Sailor Mars."

(Whoa this is deep.) Akane thought.

"Vision. Death. Sadness," continued Chiyo as she touched Rei's head again.

"I saw my sister's death in a vision. I was a young girl," cried Rei. "She died while fighting off the Dark Kingdom in an attack," as she cried. "I was six years old. I was sad she died," as she wiped away several tears. "I thought I failed to save her. I am so sorry you died Tephra. If only I had warned you. It's my fault you died."

(No wonder she said that she feels like she's a girl.) Risa thought. (She had a whole other life as a girl in the past.) She took a deep breath and smiled. (No wonder she was always at odds with her father.)

(She's been through a lot.) Doctor Tōfū thought. (Why is she dying? I don't get it)

"Lonely. Friends. Attack," softly chanted Chiyo.

"I trained to be Sailor Mars. I was lonely. I missed my older sister," added Rei. "I made friends with my fellow Inner Sailor Senshi, and Princess Serenity," as she giggled. "At some point we were under attack. Senator Beryl of Earth betrayed us," as panic appeared across her face. "She joined the Dark Kingdom and took the name Queen Beryl."

(I thought I recognized the name.) Elder Kho Lon thought. (She's a Sailor Senshi.)

"Hours. Murder. Killed," carried on Chiyo as she readjusted her hands.

"We fought for hours. We were wounded. I saw my friend die. I failed to save her. They murdered Sailor Mercury," sniffled Rei with tears in her eyes. "I was distracted. I failed to watch my back. A youma's claws went through my stomach. I died."

(Is this real?) Nabiki thought. (I always believed the Silver Millennium Empire was a folktale. A fantasy that people talked about.) She shifted in her seat. She tried to get as comfortable as possible.

"Soul. Curse. Destroyed," finished Chiyo slowly as her staff moved a bit to the left.

"Queen Serenity used magic to send our souls to the future," replied Rei. "She gave her life for our lives," as she sniffled. "My soul was cursed by an unknown foe. I would be born a boy. If I became a girl, the curse would slowly kill me," as everyone in the room gasped at each other in stunned silence.

(Now it all makes sense.) Doctor Tōfū thought. (When Ranma fell into Nyannīchuan, otherwise known as the Spring of drowned Girl, it triggered the curse to be lethal.) He shook his head. (So, the girl gets her real body back and as a result she's dying for it. What cruelty.) He blinked his eyes. (We must save Princess Rei of Mars. She must not die.)

"The Silver Millennium Empire was destroyed," explained Rei. With the last of her words spoken, she slumped unconscious from the shock of reawakening her memories, and from her pain.

"That's it," shouted Chiyo as she took several deep breaths. "Now we have our answer on why this happening…"