-AN-

And we're back. Going to try to get better with the comedy aspect of things this time around. Maybe less horny? Nah. Like I could follow through with that.

-Story Start-

Ranma had to admit, again, that Usagi had a very good idea with bringing everyone together for a week of relaxation. Sure last night had gotten a little out of hand, and he was sure if he was still a normal human he might not have survived, but honestly that just meant they all needed the time together. Sitting down and thinking about it, he realized that it really had been that long since they had all been together. At the least, they would spend a week relaxing as much as they could within the palace with a much lighter workload. Sure they couldn't avoid everything, but at the least there was more freedom not only to visit one another, but at the end of every day they could return to one another. A luxury they had not had in a long while.

That said, today saw him in the courtyard garden, meditating while Usagi slept in. Setsuna was supposedly handling her duties at her throne while Minako and Rei stood guard, but he knew better. All three of the Inner Senshi were fast asleep and Ranma gave himself a pat on the back for a job well done. Try to outlast him would they? Well, it was important to remind them from time to time that he was the Sensei.

Thoughts re-centering, Ranma considered the reason behind his decision to meditate this morning. Under the watchful eye of Hotaru, Ranma wanted to get a hold of whatever it was that tripped not only his senses, but Usagi's and Michiru's. Something was out there looking for them. Either looking or trying to spy on them. A situation that he did not agree with, at all. He spent a lifetime dealing with random attackers coming for him out of the blue. For once it would be nice to handle something ahead of time. Which meant, it was time to flex his power and track it down. If it was just peaceful curiosity, he could settle that and come home. If there was malicious intent? Well. He was coming into his power as a Kami.

Off to the side and leaning against her poleaxe, Hotaru did her best not to interrupt her King. The power he wielded while indeed magic was still foreign to her. It wasn't Senshi magic nor based on a star seed. Similar only in that it came from a planet, Earth specifically. Well, Earth and Venus if Amy's explanation was correct. Hotaru tried to follow along with the older tech girl's explanations as best she could, but honestly the older girl started throwing around words and formulas that would make her head spin. Blinking as Ranma began to glow his customary gold and red, Hotaru noted several palace staff looking up from their work to watch their King as well. Sure it was her duty to keep watch of the Royal family, but it wasn't like there were any threats here. Further, if there was anyone alive who could hurt Ranma, she sure wasn't going to be able to help much in that situation. Not unless she went full power and cracked the planet in two. Something her Queen would certainly have something to say about. They rather liked the Moon just like it was.

Sniffing and feeling out, Ranma locked onto…something. It was on Earth, not human, but certainly a step below ethereal. If he had to describe it he would say it was like trying to lock onto one of the girls when they were not in Senshi form. A disguise then? Or maybe a powered down mode? It certainly felt like whatever it was that he felt the other day. As he focused on it harder, it took notice of the inspection. No fear this time, more curiosity. Confusion. Hope. Hmm.

'Can you…hear me?' This wasn't something he had practice with. Exchanging feelings and emotions through a magical link was one thing. But actually speaking to someone like this, and over such a long distance? First time really. Sure through the use of magic distance shouldn't mean anything, but a holdover from him once being human meant that there were some hangups that he hadn't yet gotten rid of. Call it practice he supposed. 'Friend?'

More confusion. Fear. Longing. Hope. To Ranma it was a jumbled mess of emotions all at once that made him worried that he had spooked whoever it was. Probably the truth. Having some otherworldly being speak directly into your head out of nowhere was jarring. 'WHO?'

Wincing at the emphatic reply, Ranma had to hand it to whoever it was. They had power. Not much control he had to guess. But plenty of power. 'Friend, curious. Not a threat. Don't want to fight.'Which was the truth. He didn't want to fight, but he wanted to get to the bottom of who this was. He didn't want any misunderstandings.'Just want to talk. Understand.'

'TALK?'The reply was just as loud, but at least most of the emotions had begun to settle, now focused almost solely on curiosity. There was a playful tinge to it as well, which lead Ranma to think whoever or whatever this was might be young. Maybe young for what counted as a Kami. Didn't matter he supposed.

'Yeah. Just want to talk. Get to know who's been watching me.' He didn't mind letting the information go that he knew they were watching him. It was the only reason he was reaching out in the first place. More was that he wouldn't have much spare time soon. Once this week was up, it would be back to fulltime and fullspeed work. Rei wanted to work on jump starting the terraforming of Mars which would soak up his time. Usagi and Setsuna had mentioned allowing visitation to Venus, which would require his attention. Never mind that they were critically low on ships, which meant someone would have to bring in raw materials. Thankfully Crystal Empire technology was high with automation and AI, so their lack of manpower could be offset, but not by much. Ship production would be slow going for a while yet.

'TALK. WE CAN TALK. NOW?' Well, at least they were agreeable. None of the emotions he felt led him to believe that he was being deceived or led into a trap. So, he would be honest as well.

'Can I bring a friend? I'll get in some trouble if I don't.' Ranma finally cracked an eye open as he stood, grunting and stretching as Hotaru watched him from the sideline. She was curious about what he was doing, but knew better than to interrupt. Good girl.

'YES, BRING FRIENDS.' Happiness this time, acceptance. Ranma got the feeling that whoever this was was either short on friends or the bubbly sort. He could work with that. So long as it wasn't the Kodachi sort of bubbly. He'd have to go and check on that girl soon as well, her and her brother. He felt somewhat bad about leaving them behind out of the blue. Even if it was necessary.

'Okay, one minute.' Focusing on his immediate surroundings, Ranma waved Hotaru over. Said girl jogged his way over the grass the few paces that separated them, smiling and looking up to him as she clutched her weapon in both hands.

"Yes Ranma?" She knew better than to be formal now, at least when it was just them. Ranma hated it and preferred the more casual address. Plus he was more like an older brother to her anyway. "Did you figure something out?"

"Yeah, something like that. Wanna take a road trip? Shouldn't be gone long, but I know I'll get in trouble if I don't take ya." Grinning and scratching at his neck, he noted that his ponytail had gotten longer again, nearly to his mid-back already. He'd have to look into that.

Humming and considering her options, she was supposed to report in to either Setsuna or Haruka if they left for any reason. But this was Ranma requesting it, and he didn't seemed stressed or worried. So it was most likely something casual then. No threat meant she could probably get away with not telling anyone then. "Um. Okay. It'll be quick right?"

"Should be. I hope. Oh, lose the Silence Glaive. You won't need it."

Sending her weapon to her personal stuff space was an easy decision. She didn't really like having it outside of battle anyway. It made people nervous and thus made her antsy. She didn't like to stand out if she didn't have to. "Okay. Ready when you are." Seeing Ranma hold out an arm, Hotaru latched onto it easily with a smile and a giggle.

"Hold on then." Reaching out again and focusing on the being he had found, he noted that once more it was in Japan. But further away from Tokyo at least. South maybe? In the mountains it felt like. Lots of natural energy nearby. Hmm. Something massive was there, but he couldn't get a read on it this far away. Oh well, he'd be there soon enough. "Got it." With a step they were gone, vacating the Moon and reappearing in the Japanese countryside. Back on Earth he had an easy time understanding exactly where they were. "Huh. Okayama. Never would have guess." They had appeared lakeside, not far away from the backdoor of a rather charming two story home. Obviously custom built, but there was more to it. He couldn't fully describe what he was feeling, but there was more here than what he could see. Interesting. "You alright Hotaru, need a minute?" Looking around he spied a massive tree up on a nearby hill. Something about it called to him but it wasn't in the same way that his watcher did. Maybe there was a connection there he'd check on later.

"No, I'm okay. It's really pretty here." Looking out over the crystal clear lake, Hotaru noted a fish leaping from the waters as if in greeting. Though a further look saw something deep within those waters. Wood, some steel. An artificial construction lost under the water. She couldn't tell what it was, but maybe if she got a bird's eye view?

Taking the girl's hand and pulling her along, Ranma made for the house, "Nope. We've got other plans today. You can satisfy you curiosity later. If by some chance whatever was watching us is an actual normal person, I'll eat my slippers." It was easy to walk along the stone path to the rear door, a fresh looking wood porch that was newly lacquered by the looks of it. On either side of the door stood two cylindrical wood guardians. Blue and red spheres set near their tops, camera's maybe? No. Ranma could feel more there. Artificial lifeforms then? More interesting by the moment. "Uh. Hey there. I'm here for a visit. Someone should be expecting me." Right. He probably should have asked whoever it was on the other end of the conversation for their name. Oops. How would it look, some random showing up to a home in the middle of nowhere? He probably looked like a solicitor.

Both large constructs almost didn't seem to respond, and Ranma was starting to feel a bit like a heel, talking to himself like that. Until the red one turned slightly to the blue one. "Azaka, are we expecting visitors today?"

"Hmm…I do not believe so. The only one in is Princess Sasami. Perhaps she is expecting?" Blue replied, now named Azaka. It's gem flashing slightly in the early morning sun.

"Would she not have notified us if she was?"

"We are usually the last to know, perhaps you could inquire to who this is Kamidake?"

"Ah yes, that would be prudent, wouldn't it?"

"Yes it would."

"Quite."

Clearing his throat, Ranma held up a hand, "If it helps, my name is Ranma Saotome." Watching both artificial beings turn to face him, Ranma shrugged. "Phoenix King. Married to the Moon Queen? Crystal Empire. Ring any bells."

Azaka once more turned to Kamidake, "He is a King then, that would be feasible to visit the Princess of Jurai."

"Second Princess, but unannounced like so? Suspicious. And what is the Crystal Empire, I've never heard of them."

"I believe Princess Ayeka was muttering something about them lately as she left with Lord Tenchi. If I recall."

"Hmmm. Suspicious."

"I'd say."

Ranma held up a hand again, "You know, I'm right here. I can hear you." Both beings once more turned to face him, comically leaning forward to look down on him before turning to face each other once more.

Kamidake led the charge this time, "He does not give me the impression of a King."

"An imposter then. Surely."

"Sound reasoning. We should send him on his way."

"Hmm…but what if he is the Phoenix King?"

"Well, we would be punished for our mistake and insult I suppose." Kamidake's gem flashed several times, before turning more fully to Azaka. "Most likely by princess Ayeka herself."

Azaka did not like that idea at all. "She has been most frustrated as of late. Any punishment from her would most assuredly be very pronounced."

"Quite."

"Yes quite."

"Um. I guess this is a bad time, we can always come back." Ranma was starting to feel like whoever lived here might have a couple of screws loose. Who employed gate guards that either couldn't or wouldn't alert their master that they had visitors?

Almost as he was thinking it, a young girl slammed the door open. Dressed in a kimono of blue's and green, hair a bright aqua or maybe teal and pink eyes, Ranma had to admit that she was in fact young. Very young. Maybe Hotaru's age. No, maybe a couple years younger. But she was the entity that he had felt. So, he raised a hand in greeting. "Uh hey there. I'm Ranma."

Eyes wide and shining, Sasami felt like what worries she had been feeling for the last few days had evaporated near instantly. This was the center of all their worries, at their door, and apparently looking for a chat! No fighting. No evil plans. Just curiosity. If that wasn't great news, she didn't know what was. Sure Tsunami urged caution, but she always did. "Hi there! I'm Sasami! Nice to meetcha!" Holding out a hand, Ranma took it and Sasami shook his larger rougher hand enthusiastically. "Come in! I just finished making some snacks and tea. Oh, is this your friend? Little sister maybe?" Sasami tried to puzzle out what she felt from the other girl just slightly behind Ranma. She wasn't a normal human, that much she could feel. But she wasn't nearly on the level of whatever it was Ranma was. Still, she seemed friendly enough, so she was okay in Sasami's book. Plus her sailor uniform was super cute!

Grinning down to Hotaru, Ranma nodded once, "Something like that. Let's go inside, you gave us something of a scare the other day, just wanted to air things out was all."

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't know she was going to do that. She thought you couldn't see her and she just wanted to get a closer look. I'll tell her not to do that again. At least, not without permission." Right, like she could fully reign in Tsunami all the time. Sure they were going to integrate overtime, but that process was supposed to take thousands of years. Which meant that right now, best Sasami could do was make an emphatic suggestion. Though Tsunami might listen to her considering that these Crystal Empire folks could detect her even when she was cloaked.

Well, feeling like for once things were going his way, Ranma kept his patented smirk on his face as he and Hotaru stepped inside the rather cozy feeling home. This was a place of love and family, he could feel that all at once. Lingering feelings and emotions that as a Kami he naturally could pick up on. Something else new that he had to get used to. "Good to hear. So, about those snacks while we talk?"

"Sure sure. I hope you can stay for a while, big brother Tenchi would love to meet you too!" This was perfect. If she could get this Ranma and Tenchi to meet, why. Maybe they could become friends. They wouldn't need to sneak out to Venus or hack into computers or whatnot. They could all be friends!

Outside and watching the door close, Azaka once more turned to admire the scenery. "Why do I get the feeling our once calm days are soon to come to an end old friend?"

Kamidake would sigh if he had the ability. His flesh and blood counterpart sure would if he was here. "Because chaos always seems to follow this little family of ours. Best to alert the elder princess of our guests."

"Shall do."

-b-

Barely awake but settling onto her throne, Usagi knew that she couldn't get away from all of her duties. But at the least, she had lightened the load enough so that her work day was much, much shorter. A happy little twinge from her thighs reminded her that Ranma was the reason that she was so late to rise, but she certainly wasn't going to complain. She had left Mina and Rei to cuddle, still out cold. They really needed the rest it seemed.

At her right shoulder, Setsuna motioned to one of her monitors that came online, "Refueling station one has finally come online around Neptune. We only have a handful of barge shuttles, but at the least we can refuel our current compliment of ships regularly now, and further we can support a larger fleet."

Sighing, Usagi groaned and rubbed her shoulders, "Right. Which means construction of the Ares will once more ramp up? What about the automated construction ships?"

Setsuna tapped a square on the holographic display, a picture of Mars zooming in to show the red planet in all its barren glory. "Three will be online within two months from Venus orbit. With Ranma's help Mars will be brought back online and thus our main heavy metals supply. We plan on rebuilding at least two heavy shipyards in its orbit." She knew Usagi wasn't looking for field a large war fleet. But a minimum compliment of ships was necessary. Not for Earth. No. They weren't a threat by and large. But the Universe was not a friendly place, nor could Usagi be everywhere at once. The normal rank and file had to have a way to defend themselves. "Also, we can set in motion our plan to recover the rest of the scattered Silver Millennium relics and derelicts around the solar system. At your order."

Humming, Usagi held a hand to her belly as she tapped away at another larger screen. There were still so many leftovers from the past they had yet to recover. Their fuel situation had been rather dire until now. She wondered if there were any chances they might find more of their citizens left in stasis out there? "Okay. Let's task whoever we can to retrieval operations. If Mars is going to see the construction of shipyards, I guess anything that can't be salvaged for immediate use or quickly repaired should be taken there. Spare parts should be useful, or to be torn down and reused for something else."

"Wise decision. As much as it pains me, we can't hope to use everything from the past." Taking to her own handheld tablet, Setsuna made a few quick taps to her screen to issue orders. Refueling station two would need to be brought online soon, if she had to guess maybe another month. "Also, have you checked in with Ranma since you've awoken?"

"Not yet. Outside of making sure he's not in any trouble. All I'm getting through our link is curiosity and some confusion, but Hotaru is still with him. So I'm not too worried." Though she would give him a talking to about sneaking out without calling.

"Considering he's back on Earth, I guess there shouldn't be anything to worry about." Setsuna didn't know what he was doing there, but at least Hotaru had given her a brief update while they were there. Something about a meeting with another Kami? She'd have to get more details afterward. "So, I'm sure Ami has brought it up, but with more fuel and though I know we've tasked much of it to our current projects, you know she's going to want to travel to Nemisis soon."

"Don't I know it. We really need to find some concrete way to get that girl to slow down."

"Probably about as likely as Ranma becoming a Monk." As much as the Phoenix complained, he was just as…motivated, as the rest of them. He would just as soon give up their life as he would cut off a hand.

"Don't joke. The Universe likes to answer in weird ways."

"My apologies my Queen. I won't do such again."

"Oh don't start that again." Ignoring Setsuna's giggles as the doors to the throne room opened, Usagi eyed several functionaries coming their way. "Welp, guess there's work to be done."

"Always my Queen." Today was looking to be busy. But at least there was something to look forward to later.

-b-

"Wait wait, so you had to help your cross-dressing best friend save her ninja boyfriend from being enslaved by his ugly older sisters?" Sasami was enraptured by Ranma's stories, munching away on crackers while Ryo-oki sat in her hair. While at first they had started to get to know one another, some of Ranma's stories just sounded so far out there that she couldn't believe it. Then he started to tell more, with great detail. Even demonstrated his shapeshifting ability, becoming a girl right before her eyes! And such a pretty one too. She'd bet big sis Ayeka and Ryoko would have something to say if they came home to that sitting in their living room. At the kitchen table as they were, they had a clear view of the lake through the large back windows, though the rest of the house was empty. Even little Washu hadn't come out yet for her morning tea. Though it was getting close to lunch time, so Sasami was sure everyone would start coming around soon.

Chuckling at Sasami's very clear demeanor, Ranma had to admit it was nice to talk to someone with no ulterior motives. This was a child, curious and full of questions. Well, he said child but if she was to believed she was nearly a hundred years old, and bonded to a Goddess to boot. Guess that explained the weird feeling he got from her. Maybe he could figure out how to meet up with this Tsunami on the Astral plane eventually. "Well, Ukyo doesn't cross-dress anymore. Well, not really. Konatsu is the crossdresser and he's a Kunoichi, not a ninja. And he's not her boyfriend, he's her employee. Helps her out with her restaurant." All of that dynamic had been so weird at first. Then add in Tsubasa and all that drama and just. Well. Ranma's life had been one chaotic event after the other. It was honestly a miracle he had survived.

Humming as if finally understanding a great mystery, Sasami looked up and did note that it was getting close to lunch time. "Hey, I've gotta get lunch ready. Can you stay? I'm sure the others would love to meet you." She was hopeful, and put on her biggest puppy dog eyes attack for emphasis. She wanted to help. Wanted to make sure that Tenchi and the others didn't get caught up in trouble like they always did. Not this time. Not when she had met the Phoenix King and honestly, he seemed like such a normal and kind guy!

Looking to his left at Hotaru who had sat in silence through the conversation, taking in the stories of his youth just as avidly as Sasami had, Ranma and she shared a look before he shrugged. "Sure. I can stay, though I should probably let the others know I'll be a bit longer before I return." So saying as Sasami gave a happy yell and skipped to the kitchen, Ranma pulled a communicator from his stuff space and flipped it open. At the least he did away with the girly compact he had first been given. Though the sleek black and red device wasn't all that much better. With a thought he was connected to Setsuna, the background showing what looked like the throne room.

"Oh darling, you've certainly taken your sweet time to call back. I hope you aren't making new friends wherever you are." Her emphasis told him exactly what she meant, and he was happy to shake his head quickly.

"Nope, not me. No. I tracked down who was scanning us actually. You're not going to believe who I found down here."

Eyebrows raising, Setsuna did let the surprise show on her face. "Oh? So quickly?"

Before he could answer her, Usagi wrestled the communicator away from her guardian of the morning, "Raaaaanmaaaa! Come save me! They're giving me so much work to do." Laughter could be heard in the background.

Chuckling and nodding along, Ranma had a feeling she was going to get like this, "Well, you are the Queen, you can only foist off so much work to others."

"But I wanna be lazy and pampered! Come home already." Charm turned up to eleven even through their link, Ranma had to admit that he was hard pressed to ignore her desire there. But he had work of his own to do.

"I'll have you know that I'm being diplomatic over here. I'll be back to the Moon soon, I promise."

"Grrr. You better buster. And I want all the details. You better not leave anything out."

"I won't I won't. Phoenix honor."

"All the details!" Pointing a finger at him through the monitor, Ranma smiled and nodded.

"Love you, my bunny-chan."

"Love you too!" The link cut, and Ranma tossed his communicator back into his stuff space. Turning to look at Hotaru who was munching on another cracker, Ranma reached up to tussle her hair, "What do you think? Should we trust this girl?"

Looking up and seeming to think about it, Hotaru finally shrugged, "Well, she hasn't lied to us yet. Though if she really is a princess of Jurai, that would make things both easier, and more complicated."

Well that brought Ranma up short. "I get how it would be easier, but why complicated?"

Hotaru motioned around to the house they were sitting in, "Well. It begs the question doesn't it? Does Japan know about royalty from another planet residing here in their country? Surely the rest of the world knows nothing about them. WE certainly never heard anything about them or had any run ins with them. If it comes out that Jurian Royalty has been here on Earth all this time, doing as they please, what will that do to the current state of things?"

Ranma did have to sit and think about that, index finger coming up to rub at his chin while he considered the future. Earth was already in an uproar over the Crystal Empire coming to the forefront. Even now things were barely settled though is was certainly tense. Sure, Usagi wanted peace, but Earth at large was smart enough not to accept that at face value. If another player in the galactic realm showed its face now, and so close to home? Then there might be some calls for questions. Were the Crystal Empire and the Jurians working together? Maybe working to undermine Earth governments? Maybe there was a secret war going on behind the scenes and Earth might get caught in the middle? Dozens of conspiracy theories would fly before the day was over. Never mind that relations they had been working so hard to build up till now would probably sour. Through no fault of their own, but through fate and possibly shortsightedness. Grunting, Ranma had to admit it sucked. "I have a feeling no one knows that they're here. At least, no one important enough to raise a stink. But now that the world is looking in every nook and cranny for outsiders, it's probably only a matter of time." Feeling the wa of the home change, Ranma looked up as the back door opened and an elderly man paused to take in their visitors.

Yosho knew he had felt something different in their home, but had assumed it might be one of Washu's experiments. But to see the center of everyone's worries sitting at their dinner table? Perhaps chaos was a little too efficient. "Oh, hello, I was not aware we had guests."

Leaning out from the kitchen, Sasami waved a ladle in the air, "Heya big brother! We have a visitor! This is Ranma Saotome, the Phoenix King."

"Oh, thank you Sasami, do you require assistance?" She never did, but he always asked.

"Of course not! I'll be done in a jiffy!" And then she was gone, leaving the trio alone to stare at one another.

Though it was Ranma who stood and bowed lightly to the older man, "Good morning. Ranma Saotome, Phoenix King and general chaos magnet."

Chuckling, the older Jurian Prince bowed as well, "Yosho, mountain priest. Something tells me there's more to it than just being a chaos magnet." He could feel it. Something, primal, about the young man before him. Not yet like Tsunami. But certainly well more than Tenchi in terms of power. Someone to be cautious of.

Reading the older man much the same as he was being read in return, Ranma returned to his seat as Yosho joined him at the table. "Ah well, some things I'm still getting used to." Ranma eyed the man cautiously as the cat…rabbit? Cabbit floated along to give the older man a cup of tea before floating back to the kitchen. "Though, I'm sure someone as old as yourself has seen a thing or two. Though perhaps, not as old as you look?" It was like looking at the Senshi's glamour magic if you didn't know how to get around it. It was real and yet, wasn't.

Pausing as he had brought his tea to his lips, Yosho mentally ticked the young man before him a few more notches upward in his respect column. So he wasn't just raw power. There was real talent there and ability. Interesting, and possibly dangerous. He dropped the glamour for a moment, something he wouldn't have considered if any of the others were present. "Well, by Jurian standards I still have many many years left, but my soul is old and tired. I've lived a full life young man. Seen much. Fought hard…lost more." The glamour was back in place, and Yosho sipped his tea in silence. "You'll keep that to yourself, won't you?"

Ranma did understand, at least somewhat. And bowed his head in respect along with Hotaru, "I think I get it. Something I'll have to come to terms with one day I'm sure." The Universe was a big place, and anything could happen. Would Ranma be able to continue on if something happened to one of the girls? If they all were gone? He wasn't sure he would be able to. But it was also something he didn't want to think about. "So. Not to jump straight into things, but I really am just here to talk. Get a gauge for who was spying on us. Now that I know it was more just curiosity and not spying, I'm sure I can get everyone else back home to relax."

Humming along, Yosho truly wished it was that simply. "Well, if I could make decisions for everyone here, it would end here. But perhaps, this is a lesson for some that needs to be learned. They've all worked themselves into a bit of a fuss you see. I'm sure it would go a long way to calming them and thus the situation down if you would be willing to talk things out with them?"

Shrugging and finishing off his tea, Ranma placed the mug down gently. "I don't mind, so long as they're willing to talk." He wasn't in the mood for a fight. Not today. It was supposed to be a relaxation week. Training was one thing, but all out fighting wasn't on his schedule. Feeling several people all arriving roughly at the same time, Ranma got the feeling it was do or die time.

Seeing the twitch from the young man, Yosho had a feeling he knew the rest of the family had arrived. Over his shoulder Yosho spotted Washu finally emerging from her lab. "Hmm, seems everyone's timing was good today."

From the back door came Ayeka, Tenchi and Ryoko, all three dirty from time out in the fields. Tenchi from work, while the other two had deciding one upping one another was a good idea. Tenchi wasn't surprised it had descended into a brawl, which made more work for him cleaning up the mess later. "Hey there Sasami! I heard we have visitors!"

"That's right big brother Tenchi!" Sasami's voice yelled out from the kitchen as the front door closed and shook the house slightly.

"Aaagh, how could we get fired agaaain. We didn't even do anything this time!" Kiyone would normally have put all the blame on Mihoshi. But just this once she couldn't. What did their manager mean, corporate downsizing due to political turmoil? They were doing basic office work, nothing to do with politics! It's was abuse! Damn those Crystal Empire assholes! They cost her a job!

"Buut I was really looking forward to that special edition Rurune!"

"It's not happening Mihoshi, we can't afford it."

"Maybe. Maybe we can sell some GP tech, minor stuff. The commander won't mind."

"You dunderhead, of course he would mind!"

Washu scratched her head as everyone paused at the kitchen at once, eyes finally landing on the pig-tailed man sitting at their table with Yosho and another young girl in a dark themed sailor uniform, "I just can't explain it, I've been getting weird readings all morning. It's like a star decided to drop on the lake." Blinking as she finally really focused on the being in the midst. Washu's senses literally started screaming at her. "YOU!" That was certainly NOT a normal human man.

"Me?" Ranma pointed a finger at himself, before deftly flipping out of the way of an orange energy blade that passed through where he used to be. "Oi, that was a perfectly good chair!" Well that was a familiar meeting. Somehow this put him more at ease, someone trying to kill him right off the bat.

Ryoko was much like her mother. Whatever this, thing, was. It sure as hell wasn't human. Everything in her screamed threat. "What are you? Why are you here? You better not have hurt Sasami." Her next swing to follow him was stopped in its track, the short dark haired girl holding up her hands and a clear barrier sprung up between them.

"Silence Wall!" Taking a half step back to brace herself, Hotaru pushed forward in a counter, "Wall SHATTER!"

Ryoko rocketed backwards, crashing into the wall next to Washu's lab door. Shaking her head to clear the cobwebs, she reformed her weapon and charged forward again, noting the large weapon the girl now held in her hands, "Why you-"

"OKAY, THAT'S ENOUGH OF THAT!" Everyone froze in place, a presence felt like a physical force pressed down on them all at once. All eyes turned to the glowing red and gold man who now turned to his guardian. "Hotaru, stand down."

"But but, she attacked you!" Hotaru wasn't in the wrong here, she wasn't!

"Stand down. Like she's fast enough to even touch me." Ranma hardened his gaze just so, enough to impress on Hotaru that he was serious for once. "We are guests here. Act like it."

Eyes tracking between her Lord King and the vile woman that attacked him, Hotaru wondered if Ranma would forgive her for finishing her attack. He wouldn't and she knew that. So she sighed and relaxed back, taking a less lethal ready stance. "Yes Lord Phoenix." Guess they were now acting in an official capacity.

Pressure slowly releasing as the man stopped glowing, Ryoko took half a step before pausing. Brandishing her sword, she nearly missed Ayeka near instantly summoning her suppression logs. While they may fight and come to blows often, they also had worked themselves into a good team these days. Well enough to take on some new random bad guy of the week. Only, that power, that feeling that if she moved she very well would die. That wouldn't leave her. Her hands were trembling. She hadn't faced an enemy that made her feel like that in a long, long time. "I don't know who you are but-"

At least until she was brained by a mallet, courtesy of her mother, "You blockhead! That's Sasami's guest. A guest! That you've threatened might I add." Huffing and crossing her arms, the diminutive scientist sighed and turned to bow deeply to Ranma and Hotaru who was now standing slightly in front of the taller man. "I'm so sorry for her. She's house trained, honest, she just forgets herself sometimes."

"I'm not a cat ya know." A foot stomped on her back, and Ryoko promptly stopped talking.

Looking out from the kitchen and seeing that everyone was here, Sasami wiped her hands and clapped them together twice, "You better treat Ranma nice! He's the Phoenix King ya know!"

All eyes turned to said Phoenix King, who chuckled and scratched at the back of his head. His nervous tick just wouldn't be going away anytime soon. "Yeah uh, Ranma Saotome. Phoenix King. Sorry about this."

"HUUUUUH?" Multiple voices rang out at once, but at least no one was threatening his life now. Ranma would call that a win.

-b-

Floating on a disk of light, Ranma sat in front of a curious group of people while Hotaru stood to his left. He had offered her a similar seat but one look from her and he relented. She wanted to be prepared and he couldn't blame her. The cat eared woman with cyan hair had already attacked him once. "Sooo, I hear you have questions for me?" Not like he didn't have questions of his own, but this was their home, so he'd be polite and oblige them he supposed. He was mentally grinning though, as the woman, Ryoko, was sitting with her head in her hands, sweating and panicking over what she had done.

Tenchi, the short haired boy Ranma could feel had more power than it seemed, raised a hand to say something. Of course he was beaten out by Ryoko. The woman that attacked him, "Why do you feel like that? Can you turn it off?" When in doubt, power through. I wasn't like she could go back and not attack the King of an Empire.

Shrugging, Ranma flexed his fingers and a miniature Phoenix made of magical fire flitted about his hand. "I don't even know what it is that's setting you off. Kind of hard to shut it off if I don't know what it is. You're gonna have to describe what you're feeling."

Crossing her arms and rubbing them, Ryoko suddenly felt very vulnerable as all eyes turned to her. How could she explain it? It was like, every time she looked at the guy something screamed in her that she was about to die. While at the same time something in him called out to her, much like Tenchi did. Something primal. Basic. Something she did not want anything to do with some guy she had never met before outside of the television. It was embarrassing! Mortifying! She wanted to crawl in a hole and disappear!

Rolling her eyes, Washu held up a hand, "Most likely, she's attuned to the part of you that isn't human." Washu could sense it more clearly now. Whatever Ranma was, it was something like what Sasami was. Connected to a Goddess maybe? But who? Not Tsunami, that was for sure. Was this something from Tokimi's work? More meddling then?

"Hmmm. Oh. Yeah. Phoenix King isn't just a title you're given. Guess I could explain that." Holding out both hands this time, Ranma let a portion of himself free, a flaming golden crown coming to float just above his head within a moment as his eyes shined with new inner light. He didn't miss Ryoko or that Purple haired woman, Ayeka, stiffening. Sasami's eyes went wide with wonder though, which was sort of cute. "I'm a Kami, connected to Earth specifically but it does go further than that."

Putting a hand to his chin, Yosho hummed at that from the table, "That makes much more sense then. Explains what I was feeling as well." Which also meant things were in fact very complicated now. This was not someone to make an enemy of.

Feeling bold, Ayeka had to needle the resident barbarian at least a little, "And to think, the drunk attacked you without thinking. Oh I'm sure some sort of punishment will be called for. You know on Jurai that usually means an execution."

Grunting because she knew that was in fact what most world rulers would call for, Ryoko clapped her hands in prayer and bowed her head to Ranma, "I'm really, really sorry about that. It was instinct ya know? Instinct! I just couldn't control it."

"Like you can ever control yourself."

"Watch it princess. If I'm going out I don't mind dragging you along with me."

"Oh you think you can monster woman?"

"Oh I know I can you prissy brat."

"OOOOkay. Getting things back on track." Tenchi finally spoke up, silencing both Ryoko and Ayeka who were seconds away from standing and coming to a brawl in front of their Royal guest. "Uh. I am really sorry about Ryoko. Please don't be mad."

Brushing it off, Ranma didn't mind at all. "No sweat. That was probably a two on my 'someone's trying to kill me' scale. Need to speed up some if you want a chance of hitting me." Plus, it wasn't like he wanted to turn this into a big thing. There were other Royal present, which meant this could turn into a major incident if the wrong impressions were made. So far as he could tell, while they were all teenagers much like him, they meant well. The general feeling was honest. So he relaxed some. He just wished he could get Hotaru to put away her Silence Glaive. "Eh, please don't mind her, she's still on edge. If any thing I'm sorry she tore up some of your home. I'm sure we can pay for the damages."

Tenchi looked back to the wall and floor that were currently sporting new rends and tears in them. Sighing as he knew just who would be repairing that later. "Don't worry about that, I have…lots of practice fixing that."

Washu had been eyeing the girl's weapon all this time and curiosity had finally gotten the better of her. Computer out and typing away, Washu just had to scan it, "You wouldn't mind telling us about what she's holding would you? That's an odd weapon."

Hotaru frowned, tightening her grip on said weapon, "It's the Silence Glaive. Bonded to me by my soul."

"So what, does it silence things?" Mihoshi asked almost right away, getting a groan from the resident scientist, though the chuckled from Ranma once more drew attention.

"Something like that, depending on the mood." While he had initially wanted to boast about one of his better students, he thought against it. Probably wouldn't be a good idea to tell the group before them that Hotaru could shatter a planet if she so chose. No. He didn't think that would go over well. He did however reach up to lightly pat the girl on the forearm. "Hey, I think you can relax, I'm sure by now no one is going to be attacking me."

"But, she did!" Hotaru pointed an accusing finger at the cyan haired woman in the blue and gold dress. Ryoko at least had the decency to blush with some embarrassment.

"Yes, but she apologized, and she meant it, right?" Ranma turned to see Ryoko nodding furiously, to which Ranma turned back to Hotaru, "So I think you can relax. Okay?"

"But…Setsuna will be mad if I don't keep it out."

"Only if she finds out."

"You…don't want me to report it?" Hotaru thought about that. Logically she could see why he wouldn't want to report it, but at the same time, she might be able to wheedle something for herself out of this. Blackmail! "One condition."

"Name it."

"Training. One on one. You teach me the rising dragon thingy." Ranma had been steadfast in not teaching her or any of the other Senshi that move. Something about Magic and chi not mixing well. Of course, when he had tried to explain it, he had only made it sound even cooler than before. She had promised herself that one way or another, she would get him to teach it to her.

Something that Ranma both knew, and secretly applauded the girl on. She was becoming quite the cunning guard. "Twist my arm why don't ya. Alright. One on one training."

Weapon disappearing instantly, Hotaru cheered, "Score!"

"Awww, I was still scanning that." Washu had no compunction about pouting. There was just so much information there. The energy within that weapon was astounding, easily enough to do some serious damage to the planet. And yet, calling it forth required nearly as much power in return. It determined that only a select few could ever hope to use it. Something to keep in mind.

Yet it was Ranma who finally needed a question answered. "Okay, I have to ask finally. Why was this…Tsunami, sneaking around trying to look into us? Why not just. I don't know. Communicate through normal channels? I'm sure Usagi would love to have a word with the Jurian Royal Family."

All eyes now turned to Sasami, who did not like being the center of attention at the moment. "Well…I think that's sorta my fault. Well, mine and everyone else."

Ayeka didn't like that at all, "What do you mean everyone? What did we do?"

"Well. Everyone has been so worried about this Crystal Empire and big sis was talking about war and we know how daddy is about threats and other empires and then big brother was talking about doing something sneaky and just. I think Tsunami reacted to my emotions. My worry. I just. Wanted to show that the Crystal Empire isn't some bad place for us to worry about. That's all."

Seeing that they had upset the young girl, Tenchi sighed and turned to face her more fully, "We're sorry Sasami. We didn't mean to worry you like that. Maybe. Maybe we got a little carried away. We shouldn't have let that affect you so much. Can you forgive us?"

"Yeah." Ryoko nodded quickly, "We didn't mean to freak you out pipsqueak. We wouldn't have done anything crazy ya know." She wasn't so sure about that, but the name of the game right now was make Sasami feel better.

Humming and crossing his arms, Ranma thought about that as the group tried to reassure its youngest member. Floating somewhat off kilter, Ranma snapped his fingers after a short time and righted himself quickly. "Well, how about this. Let's set up an official meeting between us. You're the first Princess, right? And you? The crown prince?"

Ayeka and Tenchi both looked at each other, before turning and nodding to Ranma with Ayeka taking the lead, "Well yes, that's true."

"Perfect. Usagi has been talking about reaching out to the Jurian Empire anyway. Wanted to make sure that we were on the same page in terms of where everyone stands in the galaxy. So you guys come to the moon, we have a sit down, and we clear the air. Nothing crazy happens. We make some new friends, boom, all done and over with without anyone getting blown up."

"Only…" Hesitating, Ayeka had to consider their options here. Jurian politics weren't so simple. She was a princess yes, but negotiating with another Empire? Her father would not approve of that. No, he would want to do such himself. Which meant her mothers would arrive. Which meant their entourage would arrive, which would possibly include other political figures. With a shudder, Ayeka hoped and prayed that Lady Seto would not be included in that list. "I'll have to speak with father." It was the best she could do. Stall for time. "Also, because of the magnitude of this, a neutral party will most likely be required." Her eyes turned to the resident galaxy police members, who both sighed and nodded.

Kiyone was already pulling out her communicator to connect to her ship in subspace, "I'm just fleet command is just going to love this." Why were they the trouble magnets? They were stationed in the boonies for a reason!

Shrugging, Ranma figured this was the best he could hope for, get their intentions out and in the open. Make it clear they weren't looking for a fight, and maybe make some friends out of this. "We can wait. We're pretty busy anyway, so setting up a meeting might take a while." Something floated up from the back of his mind, and Ranma decided now wouldn't be a bad time to bring it up, "Do you happen to know anything about some woman, Tokimi?" Best to pretend like he had heard the name in passing.

That got a start out of Washu, and a needle of suspicion poked her heart, "We know her. Not certainly evil. But she does have her own goals. Goals that don't always align with mortals." Normal people wouldn't know that name. In fact, it was a select few people who ever would. Washu could probably count them on one had, and have fingers left over.

"Huh. Good to know." They were connected then. Something to bring back to Usagi. "Well, I should probably get back. I guess I can contact you again through Sasami, is that alright?"

"Through Sasami? How can you do that?" Ayeka was curious, though Sasami seemed to brighten up at the idea.

"Oh yeah, we can talk in our heads!"

Ranma nodded as he stood, his seat disappearing into motes of light, "Yeah. Though maybe work on your volume control?"

Blushing, Sasami wrung her hands together, "Ehehehe, sorry."

"Welp, till next time." With a flash Ranma and Hotaru were gone, leaving the group alone to consider that a ruler of an Empire was just in their home sharing tea and crackers with them. And one of their number had attacked him.

It was Kiyone that had to hammer than nail home just a bit more, "My report to the GP is going to raise so many flags."

"Kiyone have a heart!" Ryoko was there at her feet, hands clutching the other woman's shirt and fake tears in her eyes, "They'll cart me away and cut my head off."

"If only, the world would be a better place then." Ayeka couldn't help herself as the tension in her shoulders eased away. There was something about Ranma's presence that set her on edge, possibly what set Ryoko off though not to such a strong degree.

"Wanna say that again second best?"

"Oh I'll be happy too you old mummy."

Tenchi sighed as the rest of the group moved back to the kitchen. Best not to get involved in the coming fight. It never ended well.

-b-

Appearing back within the Moon Palace, Ranma sighed and placed his hands on his hips. Well that was all enlightening. Though he wasn't sure yet if he had made the right choices by going down there. At the least, they had a line of communication with Jurai now. Whether that was good or bad, time would tell.

Shaking his from his thoughts, Hotaru grinned and slugged him in the arm, "Remember, you made a deal. One on one training. Don't you forget."

Rolling his eyes, Ranma nodded and strode forward, the large throne room doors weren't far off and already open, Usagi probably being inundated by untold functionaries and assistant personnel trying to either finish their own work or request approval for projects ahead of schedule. Usagi really needed to learn how to say no properly. "I won't. You just remember that you didn't set a timeline. So maybe that training will come in a hundred years."

"Hey! No fair!"

Laughing, Ranma shrugged and dodged another fist sailing his way. "Just saying, if you're going to make a deal, you should be specific."

"Grrr. I'ma tell Setsuna what happened."

"Now there's a real threat. Fine fine. You'll get your training. Soon. Promise." Wasn't like he didn't mind. He would just have to really impress on the girl just how dangerous the technique could be in her hands.

Either that or he'd let her practice it on one of Jupiter's moons. I'm sure they wouldn't miss one or two. He'd make it up to Makoto.

-AN-

I certainly didn't forget this sequel. Life has just been. Busy.