"Hello, can I help you," asked the Amazon Elder, answering the phone. "Yes I have decided to help you find this Ranma Saotome," said Haruka.*** asked Ranma-chan as she roof hopped toward Juuban the next morning. laughed Setsuna. said Setsuna in a tearful voice. Setsuna was suddenly feeling much better, while Ranma-chan was shaking her head to stop it from ringing after the shout. "Oh by the way, a friend of mine is in the area and should be dropping by for a visit in about thirty minutes. She'll be staying with us for awhile whether she know it or not," she said to the three others who were sitting at breakfast with her. Ranma-chan explained it as she ran. "How do you know that?" asked a puzzled Haruka. Setsuna just gave a mysterious smile and raised and eyebrow. Thirty minutes later Haruka answered the door to find an attractive, well built red head in a red Chinese shirt, with two silver dragons, and black pants standing on the front step. "Hello can I help you?" asked Haruka. "I'm looking for a friend of mine, Setsuna," answered the red head, who was wrapped head to toe in a spell ward that would prevent anyone from recognizing her as Ranma Saotome. "Sure come on in." *How does she see these coming without running to the Time Gate all the time?* "Oh, we have company," said Setsuna with a sly smile as she hopped over and gave Ranma-chan a big huge. she thought with a mental smirk, as she let go of Ranma-chan "Uh hello Setsuna. I hate to drop in like this but could I beg the use of floor space. Me and my family just called it quits. It'll just be until I find a place of my own, I don't want to be a bother." "Nonsense, your my friend and in trouble you can stay as long as you like." *Or longer if I can keep you here!* "Let me make introductions. Ranko Atlantis meet Michuru Kaiou, Haruka Tenou, and Hotaru Tomoe." Pointing to each in turn as she wrapped an arm around Ranma-chan's shoulders. "Well, I didn't know you were that way or you could have joined us," said Haruka after Ranma-chan headed up stairs to the spare bedroom. "We aren't," stated Setsuna flatly. *At least not yet anyway.* Suddenly smiling she said "Well I'm going to call into work today so I can help Ranko settle in, and transfer from whatever school she was in before." "Sure," said Haruka, who wanted to get back to school so she could help that old lady catch Ranma. *That boy will find it harder to hide from justice with a Sailor Scout after him.* The two remaining girls, Michuru and Hotaru, looked at each other and wondered what was going on. Setsuna was blushing, smiling, suddenly had cute girlfriends dropping in, and was acting more like a real person instead of the guardian they had known so far, but she flat out denied any relationship with Ranko and neither one cared to challenge her about a statement that had rung true to them. Two hours later Ranma-chan and Setsuna left the house to take care of some errands. The first stop was getting 'Ranko Atlantis's ID, but with a little magic fudging and Setsuna's status as a high school guidance counselor it was soon out of the way. Also they registered her at Juuban high. The next item was shopping. Which Ranma-chan intended to enjoy to the hilt. Ranma-chan now had the opportunity to indulge her feminine side without getting hit on by every guy in school or being called a pervert. The two lovely young ladies broke a number of hearts on their quest to find Ranma-chan a suitable wardrobe for her introduction to the Japanese schooling system. *** Morning was not usual at the Tendo home. After waking up Genma and Soun had decided that Cologne must have brainwashed Ranma and that it was their duty to find him and bring him to his senses. Nodoka had just come down for breakfast and sat staring off into space. Akane had run into the guest room as soon as she woke up but had seamed to be feeling bad after she discover that Ranma was indeed gone. Nabiki had set out to find Ranma no matter what it took, that information would be worth Ranma's weight in gold. *** Ukyo was worried, she had assumed that with the defeat of the amazons and the falling out between Ranma and the Tendos she had won by defalt. Yet Ranma hadn't talked to her since he had run out of the Tendo home. Nor was he in school today. *That Akane has hurt him too much he is just worried about my safety, so I'll just have to find him and make him see that I'm not worried about Akane.* *** The next morning Ranma-chan came down to breakfast at the outers place wearing a nice dress and a little makeup. "Good morning." she asked Setsuna. "Good morning." "Good morning, Ranko did you sleep well?" asked Hotaru. *Now who does she remind me of?* "Yes I did, thank you." "Good morning," said Michuru. "goodmorning," mumbled Haruka. "Don't mind her she's not a morning person," laughed Setsuna. "Are you ready for your entrance exams this morning." "Oh sure." "Well lets be off," called Michuru. The whole group set out with books and lunch. They dropped Hotaru off, then proceeded to their school and arrived in time to get a parking spot. "Ranko Atantis, I would like to welcome you to this school and hope you have a profitable stay here," said the vice principle of Juuban high. "Well how did I do?" asked Ranma-chan as she sat in Setsuna's office, one of the spare conference rooms. "You know darn good and well that you totally aced the tests. Even the ones that you weren't supposed to know how to answer," replied Setsuna. "They are in there trying to decide what to do with you since if we put you in class you would be board out of your mind. Oh by the way Ranko Atlantis is now enrolled in Juuban high after transferring in from china. Also I took the liberty of having the papers drawn up for Ranko Atlantis to be adopted by one Setsuna Meiou, being as she currently has no legal guardian or parent." "Wow, you've been busy this morning and I would love to be adopted and that gives me an idea. Maybe you should tell them that I have considered school counseling as a career and I should act as your assistant." "Hmm, not a bad idea." *** Lunch time at Hotaru's school. The scouts were having trouble this time. There were more then a dozen spiders and they were carrying off the kids at Hotaru's school. One spider had gathered a web cocoon with a teenager in it and was walking back to a big rock that had crashed into the school yard. A silver slash cut through the ball of spider webbing leaving the girl free. It also left a young man dressed in a blue-green gi with twin katanas standing next to the spider. "Hey ugly pick on someone your own size," said Ranma as he casually wadded into its six swinging arms, six ringing parries and one swift cut later the spider was looking for the bus stop to the next life. "Help!" yelled Saturn as one of the spiders got inside the Silence Glaive's range and knocked her down. *This is it.* Saturn closed her eyes and waited for the end. Instead something picked her up and carried her a dozen feet away. *HUH!* "D-Draco, is that you?" asked a shaky Saturn as she look up at her rescuer and saw a familiar face. "Sure is spriteling, you ok?" replied Ranma. "Oh and the names Ranma now." "I'm better now!" "How about I give you some cover?" "That would be a big help!" "Well then, lead on fairest of angles." Hotaru started blushing. "If Pluto hears you saying things like that you'll be sorry." A shrug was her only answer as battle was joined once more. Since Saturn was now free to use her major attack the odds against the Scouts dropped fast. Those spiders foolish enough to attempt to harm Saturn were met and crushed by Ranma. "FLAMING COMET!" shouted Ranma as he let fly with a burning chunk of rock that blasted through the last spider. "Now we need to-." "What the hell are you doing here?" demanded Uranus, glaring at Ranma. "Last I checked this was still a ^public^ school, so I have as much right to be here as you." "Saturn move away from him! He's a hunted criminal." "Not to change the subject but-." "Your not going to change the subject!" insisted Mars. "Is something wrong?" asked Pluto as she walked over. "According to that old women from the construction site they were chasing this young man because he was a fugitive from the law." "Well, don't worry about it I'll explain later right now we need to help these people," said Ranma. Everyone looked around and saw that he was right. The school had been badly damaged and some of the kids and teachers were hurt. Their were fires starting to spread and nobody seamed to be in charge. "Pluto take Jupiter, Mars, and Endymion and start digging people out. Uranus, Moon, Venus start carrying the badly wounded to the infirmary, since we don't have one that level spot of grass will do. Mercury, Neptune see if you can put out these fires. Saturn you've done this before. Lets ^move^ people!" "Who put you in charge?" demanded a very irritated Mars. "Queen Serenity, whats your claim to command?" "WHAT!" demanded the scouts except for Saturn and Pluto. "Besides if I'm not mistaken Venus has command of the inners." "Just get moving I'll explain later," said Pluto. Pluto's endorsement and the name of their queen was enough for the scouts. Neptune and Mercury made a first rate fire brigade, the fires had no chance against their water and ice powers. Nobody was sure what Ranma was doing. The infirmary started staking up quickly and Saturn was doing all she could but her strength was running out fast. "Well I timed that about right," said Ranma as he helped an exhausted Saturn to her feet. "PLUTO!" "Whats going on?" asked Moon as the others gather as well. "Pluto, Saturn needs some help." Ranma told Pluto as she walked over. "Sure thing," responded Pluto as she produced her transformation wand and handed it to Ranma. "PLUTO WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" demanded Uranus. Ranma ignored Uranus as a soft glow sprang up around him. He hugged Saturn and when she stepped away the glow moved with her. "What did you do? Saturn is a full power, over full actually." Mercury said from where she was checking the Mercury computer. "He loaned Saturn a combination of some of my power and a lot of his," said Pluto. The news that the Sailor Scouts were at the school spread fast and people started arriving to see them. "What do you mean my son doesn't need your help?" demanded a parent, dressed in an expensive business suit, in a loud voice. "Your son has a twisted ankle and several cuts, nothing life threatening or even very bad. There are others that a hurt worse that do need my help," responded Saturn. "My son is more important then these poor children." "Is this man giving you a hard time Saturn?" asked Ranma as he walked over. "This young girl says that my son doesn't need her help, but I've seen her lay hands on someone a cure them instantly. Its not like it take a lot of effort," insisted the man. "Well since you seam to be the expert I guess that means you an enemy because the only people that are aware of the nature of the scouts' power are either us or them." Ranma had started to glow blue-green, particularly his eyes. "Uh, well maybe it was just good observation," said the man nervously. "I suggest you take your observations and leave, before you start to irritate me." The man quickly gather his son and chauffeur. Then he departed, fast. "Better spritling?" asked Ranma. "Much, thank you," responded Saturn. Ranma went back to work on the building. Using spells to put the walls back into place and shoring up the ones still standing. The new was having a field day any reporter that could get through traffic was converging on the school and any one that tried to bother Saturn was forcefully removed by Ranma. "Excuse me but is there a young man here by the name of Ranma Saotome?" a middle age man in a suit asked Pluto. "Who're you?" was her response. "I am with the police ma'am," he said as he showed his badge. "Ranma is a runaway. His parents are worried about him and I'm here to take him home." "I would say that Ranma is more than capable of taking care of himself." Ranma finishes his conversation with Pluto and walks over to the police officer. "Ranma Saotome, I'm here to talk you home. Unless of course you would like to claim child abuse," announced the officer. "No to all of the above," replied Ranma in a calm voice. "What do you mean, no?" "I'm not going back and I'm not pressing charges." "I am a law enforcement officer and am allowed to use restraint if necessary to bring you back." "I wouldn't advise trying to use restraints or force against him," commented Pluto from off to the side. "Pardon me ma'am?" inquired the officer. "I said attempting force of any kind could be hard on your health, since even Saturn and me together wouldn't have the power to stop him." "Are you serious?" "Yes she is and I would side with ^him^ anyway," said Saturn coming into the discussion from behind the officer and took place in front of Ranma with the Silence Glaive at the ready. "Back to the subject, I'll meet with my parents at the Juuban park tomorrow at three. If the police would like to be there thats fine with me," said Ranma as he disappeared in a flash of fire. "Well I guess that settles it, doesn't it," announced Saturn happily. *** "Hey guys, have I got some information for you," said Nabiki as she walked into the Tendo home after school. She looked over to where Akane, Ukyo, and shampoo were gathering to find Ranma. They had made a truce until he was back. "It seams that Ranma helped out against some more monsters today. Him and the Sailor Scouts save a whole school full of kids Also he is supposed to meet with his parents at three o'clock tomorrow. I'll give you this one for free because it's family and that camera crack." *Besides I'll be able to pay off the dojo with the kind of money I can make with this.* "Well we need to make plans to stop him and talk to him," said Akane. "Maybe we should help him get back together with his mother since she wants him to get married and is no longer particular who it is," commented Ukyo. "Spatula girl make sense, for once," added Shampoo. *** "I understand you guys wanna talk to me," commented Ranma as the scouts met at the Cherry hill temple. "How did you get here and, uh what are you talking about," Rai said, realizing that they weren't transformed half way through her speech. "I can follow the connections you have with your planets energy so finding you guys was rather easy. Planetary level power is kinda rare these days. Is this seat taken?" he asked as he sat between Hotaru and Setsuna. "WHO ARE YOU?" demanded Haruka. "And why did that lady say you were a criminal?" "Because according to them I am. I won a fight against one of their warriors and didn't marry her." "That would be one of the official fiancées," noted Ami. "Very good, you've been talking to Nabiki. To start with I'll tell you who I was. During the Silver Millennium I was a minor noble from the Moon but I was in the palace so often the princess started calling me-," Ranma began. "Uncle, you were my uncle," said Usagi. "No actually I wasn't your real uncle, but I spent so much time in the palace you started calling me that." "What exactly were you doing in the palace that often?" asked Mina. "Well, lets just say I was good friends with the queen and leave it at that, shall we." "You mean you were the queens boyfriend?" asked Rai. "Then your available now?" asked Makoto, who started blushing when everyone started looking at her. Ranma asked Setsuna. But be for either could speak Hotaru spoke up. "Actually the visits to the palace were only cover. He was really slipping out to be with a couple of girls." "You mean he's available!" chorused Makoto and Mina. "NO!" yelled Hotaru and Setsuna. "Uh then who was he with?" asked Makoto. "I'll bet it was me, the scout of love," said Mina with hearts in her eyes. "Actually it was me and Setsuna," interrupted Hotaru with a glare. "WHAT!" chorused the scouts. Michuru and Haruka gave Ranma a glare. "You were dating both the guardian of time and the messiah of silence at the same time? Are you an idiot?" asked a slightly stunned Rai. "Well no body actually got killed so I wasn't a total idiot, now was I." "Aren't the age differences going to be a problem?" asked Usagi. "Well he's only a year older than me this time," interjected Hotaru. "And Setsuna?" asked Michuru. "I would say this falls under the heading of 'our business' " commented Setsuna. "Then you won't mind me asking how you did that Talon Crusher maneuver. It seamed to be similar to the power we use," said Ami. "It should be, because I based it on the scout powers. I used the sun and did away with the uniform thing, but other than that the powers should be identical." "How did you do that if you were just a minor flunky hanging around the palace?" asked Michuru. "Uh, I don't suppose you'd believe that it was just because I saw you girls power up so offten?" asked a nervous Ranma. "No!" was the firm response from the scouts. "Well ok here's my true story." He told his true story this time. He was really hair to the lordship of Atlantis and would probably be named king of Earth next. He had had other plans, however. So he spent his time after the age of five learning how to fight and studying with the Collage of Mages at Atlantis, the best the twelve kingdoms had to offer. By the time he was sixteen only the Scouts and Queen Serenity could hope to oppose him. At the age of eighteen he was given a post as unarmed combat instructor at the Saturn Military Academy. He gave guest lectures in combat magic, and demonstrations of two hands sword tactics. Some people knew that he was working on a way to duplicate the connections that the Scouts used on their planets and adapt it to the sun, being the only large celestial body left with out a claimant. Then one day he had disappeared along with his research and even the Queen had thought him dead, until he arrived in her sitting room one night fifty years latter. The thing that startled her the most was the fact that that everyone had aged fifty year since he had been gone but he had backed up to about eighteen at least on the out side. She quickly discovered that he had succeeded in his quest to harness the sun. Using his own magic backed by a power that surpassed even Saturn, he had accidentally given himself near immortality. While he could be killed, it would be very difficult to get past his defenses and he healed at a rate that the Scouts would envy, but other than that he would never die as long as the sun lasted. His time away had be spent practicing his abilities and had honed them to a level that was frightening. The queen had then secretly appointed him as commander of the Crescent guard. Over the next 400 years he had seen the mantle of the Scouts and Queen pass onto others, until just before the end. He and the then Queen Serenity had seen what could be the beginning of the end of the Silver Millennium, so he had shown the queen the books that had been locked away by order of the first Serenity. They told how to use the crystal in ways that were dangerous to the wielder. One was how to send the Scouts forward in time. When the attack finally came the Moon Kingdom had been betrayed and Ranma was fighting off an attack from the inside when his queen had needed him. The contingency spells he had set protected his spirit had sent him forward in time, tracing the path Princess Serenity had followed, and sent Fire and Star to stasis fields. "Is he serious?" Haruka asked Setsuna. "Very, but he did skip a few pieces," responded Setsuna. "Like what?" "Well he didn't mention Longclaw, me or Sestuna," Hotaru informed them. "Maybe we should take this up tomorrow," suggested Rai. Everyone said good bye and left for home. Ranma went with the outers. He had Setsuna on one side and Hotaru holding firmly onto the other, and Haruka glaring at him from behind. "Where do you suppose our other house guest is?" asked Michuru as they entered the house to find no one home. "Well actually that was me," said Ranma. He quickly triggered the change. "Huh," stated Haruka. "Well it happened like this..." *** The scouts were introduced to Ranko the next day at school. After school was over they stopped off to pick up Rai and Hotaru then transformed and headed over to the park. When they arrived the found the Saotomes, the Tendos, the Kunos, the amazons, Ukyo, Ryoga, and the police waiting for them. Akane, Ukyo, Shampoo, and Nodoka were standing in a small group talking. The rest of the amazons were in a huddle with Deodorant and Cologne arguing. Genma and the remaining Tendos were also huddling. The Kunos were making speeches and the police had formed a circle around the park. "Well glad everyone could come out to see me," commented Ranma while looking around at the groups with mild interest. "Boy, who are these girls and why are they here?" demanded Genma. "Gee, I thought that everyone knew the Sailor Scouts," responded Ranma. "It doesn't matter. You have run long enough, its time for you to honor the pledge that the Saotomes made with the Tendos," countered Genma. "We know the amazons have brainwashed you so we don't blame anything on you, just come home now." "I thought that I made it plain that I have no intention of returning or getting married to fulfill a pledge you made to fill your stomach and you can leave Cologne out of this. All she did was fall into a neat little trap that I had set for her and thats not criminal, at least I don't think it is." "Foul sorcerer you shall feel my divine vengeance now!" yelled Kuno as he lunged at Ranma, with a real steel katana extended. Saturn responded by slicing through the sword and reversing the swing to smashing Kuno back to his starting point with the butt of the Silence Glaive. "Lets mind our manners shall we." Deodorant and Cologne stared at the Silence Glaive and started to whisper urgently. "What are you and the other Sailor Scouts have to do with this, it's a family matter," interrupted Nodoka. "This young man has fought at our side to protect others from creatures that would kill innocent children and for that we would stand with him, particularly after what I heard about how he was raised," responded Mars hotly. "Uh excuse me but what do you mean stand with him?" asked the Commissioner of the Tokyo police department, who was eyeing the scout a little worriedly. "I mean you girls have always stood for love and justice so why are you suddenly opposing the police?" "Because in case you hadn't notice most of use aren't old enough to be on our own yet either and I didn't bring my permission slip from my parents," said Jupiter with just a ^hint^ of sarcasm. Saturn and Pluto had moved off to one side to confer quietly. "Yes but everyone know that you girls can more than take care of your selves, this young man is obviously not a Scout." "Has the officer you sent to the school yesterday explained that Ranma is as capable as we are?" asked Pluto as her and Saturn moved back to the group. "You can't be serious," gaped the Commissioner in a shocked voice. "Oh by the way," started Saturn, looking at the girls, particularly the amazons. "We all know that Ranma has a problem with hitting girls so if any of you start bothering him, me or Pluto will take care of the problem." Shocked looks made the rounds including the other Scouts when Pluto, the most level headed among them, nodded in agreement. "Excuse me for interrupting but are you the one called the Messiah of Silence?" Cologne asked Saturn. "Yes I am. Why?" "Were you also a princess of Saturn?" "Yes." As she said yes the amazons dropped to their knees. "Your Majesty," said the grouped amazons. "Huh," was the only response a startled Saturn could come up with. "The missing female training expedition from the Saturn Military Academy," said Ranma suddenly snapping his fingers. "How did you know!" demanded Deodorant. "I didn't it was just a guess." "But how do you know anything about the Saturn Military Academy?" Ranma suddenly moves next to Moon in a long blurring motion as a gun shot is clearly heard. "What was that?" shouted the Commissioner. Ranma tosses him something as he shoots off toward one of the buildings, flying with the force of his ki. Everyone looks at the commissioner as he opens his had to reveal a bullet. "Who would shoot at Sailor Moon?" asked a stunned Neptune. A man suddenly smashed into the ground next to Pluto hard enough to leave a dent. His hands were tied in front of him with glowing yellow bands. "Well that should take care of this problem," said Ranma as he appeared behind Moon. "What was that all about?" asked Saturn. "This guy is involved in what he claims is a Satanic demon cult and they are apparently upset with the Sailor Scout killing what they think are their friends. So this guy volunteered to try and kill the leader, Sailor Moon." "I don't suppose he realized just how dangerous that would be," said Pluto brightly. "Enough, we still have to get Ranma home to his parents," interrupted the Commissioner. "Why?" asked Ranma simply. "Because your under age and the law says that your not allowed to live on your own." "What if I lived outside of Japan and only came in to visit friends would the law apply then?" "No we can't enforce our laws outside our country." "Well that suggests a simple solution then doesn't it," said Ranma looking at Pluto and Saturn. "It won't work. You can't leave this country while your on your own. The passport office will need a parent to sign your papers." "Do you remember that bolt hole I showed you and Serenity?" Ranma asked Saturn. "Yeah sure. Why?" asked a confused Saturn. "When you get done with these guys come on over and well have a party and talk about old times," said Ranma as he disappeared with a small thunderclap. Everyone else just stared at the place where he had just been. "Now I remember why my mother's advisers were so afraid of him," mumbled Moon. "He just teleported to planet Saturn on his own didn't he?" "Yep," said Saturn gleefully. "I guess that solves this problem." "S-S-Saturn?" stammered Nodoka. "Yeah he kinda established a home away from home when he was teaching there before," mentioned Pluto. "So sense there is nothing else to take care of I would like to know how the amazons knew of Sailor Saturn and whats this about a missing expedition from the Academy." "You really expect us to believe that he is on Saturn?" demanded Akane. "Yes we do. Now be quiet," commented Ryoga from the sideline. "You see, we are the descendants of a female training mission to earth that was stranded when the Moon Kingdom was destroyed," explained Cologne. "And we are still sworn to obey the Queen of Saturn. Sense her mother is dead, Sailor Saturn now holds the allegiance of the amazon tribe." "And I will strengthen the tribe even more when I marry Ranma," Conditioner, one of the amazons that had accompanied Deodorant, spoke up for the first time. "No you won't!" shouted Saturn and Pluto at the same time. "What do you mean. He is strong, fast, and handsome. What is wrong with bringing him into the tribe?" asked a very confused Conditioner. "He is already spoken for," replied Saturn, who had calmed down now. "Yes he is going to marry one of my daughters to fulfill the promise me and Genma made years ago," spoke up Soun. "Funny he said that he had disowned the Saotome clan and would have nothing to do with the marriage promises made by his father," said Pluto. "Then who is he supposed to be claimed by?" asked Deodorant. "Actually he is still claimed by two girls, Hotaru Tomoe and Setsuna Meiou," said Saturn and Pluto at the same time. "Now ^that^ sounds like Ranma, ^and^ Draco," laughed Ryoga from where he had been standing through all of it. "How do you know about Draco?" asked Mercury politely. "You mean he didn't tell you?" "Tell us what?" demanded Uranus. "May I see your sword?" asked Saturn suddenly after looking closely at him for a moment. "Gee got it in one, long time no see Saturn." said Ryoga in a voice that wasn't his. "Still using that oversized walking stick I see." "Thats got to be Longclaw," said Pluto. "Yep, I'm back and now that the only two people of the Earth royal line left are Ranma and Tuxedo Kamen, I'm appointing myself Ranma's bodyguard." "What do you mean Earth royal line?" demanded Genma. Everyone promptly ignored him. "But why not Tuxedo Kamen and what do you mean Ranma is of the Earth royal line?" asked Moon. "I just happen to like Draco or Ranma better. The answer to the other question is that Ranma is lord of Atlantis and technically could claim King of Earth, but since he declined it the last time I doubt that that will happen." "Have you told Ranma about this plan of yours?" asked Pluto with a knowing smile. "Well no, not exactly." Ryoga looked nervous. "You know how he feels about bodyguards." In the mean time Soun had been shouting at the Commissioner demanding that he get Ranma back. "You can't possibly expect me to retrieve him from Saturn and I wouldn't have the authority to do so if I could," respond the Commissioner. "Maybe you should talk to the Scouts." "Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn could I interest you in some information on Ranma?" asked Nabiki. "Ah the mercenary, Ranma told us you'd probably try to make money off of this," commented Saturn. "And for all of the trouble you caused him I would have used the information that I have to send you to jail for a long time for blackmail, inciting riots, and child pornography." The cops were suddenly very interested in this conversation. "But Ranma doesn't want to cause your family any trouble. Remember this though I don't really answer to Ranma so if you try and cause any problems I'll take my case, including photos and video tape to the courts. Do we understand each other?" Pluto, judging by her expression, was clearly not in a good mood. "O-o-of course," stuttered a truly afraid Nabiki. (You try facing down Pluto in a bad mood when she has evidence to put you away for a long time.) "What do you mean you won't help me," demanded an angry Soun as he glared at Moon. "You have no claim on Ranma especially since he has split with his parents and taken another name," Moon was saying. "Listen little girl this is a matter of family honor." "Is this guy bothering you your highness?" asked Ryoga in that other voice as he strolled over to stand next to Soun. "Uh sorry I just got a little carried away," stammered Soun after seeing the look in Ryoga's eyes. "If nobody else has any major problems left to take care of I'll be going," announced Saturn. "Where do you think your going young lady?" asked Uranus. "Your Majesty, how may we get in contact with you?" asked Cologne. She was still staring at Saturn. "You can't I'll talk to you later at the Nekohanten." She then turned to Uranus. "Last I checked Draco, I mean Ranma was headed for Saturn and I really should be there," said Saturn with a little glare at Pluto. "Are you two going to start that again?" asked Longclaw. "You might want to wait because Ranma isn't here to pick up the pieces this time." "Hah, I knew that it would cause problems," insisted Mars. "Yeah, Pluto and Saturn have been fighting for the last several years. So far the judge refuses to declare winner. Even though he was quick enough to narrow it down," Longclaw informed them. "Later," said Saturn as she disappeared. Pluto vanished seconds later. "Did she just go to Saturn?" asked Neptune who was obviously distressed. "She could be in trouble." "Hahahaha." At the glare from Uranus and Neptune Longclaw stopped laughing. "Anyone in this system stupid enough to challenge those three will get what they deserve. The Messiah of Silence, the Guardian of Time, and the Silver Dragon are more then capable of protecting Draco's old bachelor pad on Saturn. "I wonder if Dragon Tower survived the destruction of the Moon Kingdom. It was beautiful, the magic that must have went into making it, but so much is gone." "What was so special about some old tower?" asked Venus. "The tower itself didn't exists on this physical plane. It was constructed somewhere 'beyond the circles of the Universe' I believe Draco said." "Huh?" asked Venus. "You mean he actually created an extra dimensional space just to live in?" asked Mercury incredulously. "Something like that." *** "Hello are you down here?" called Saturn as she edged past the rune marked door leading to the stairs. "Nope, no one here but us dust bunnies," came the return call. Saturn strode down the stairs to the living room of Ranma's apartment. It had a couch, a couple of chairs, a table, and was absolutely spotless. "Hello," called Pluto as she came down the stairs. "Hi girls didn't you bring the others?" asked Ranma as he came out of the back rooms. "No," said Pluto looking at Saturn. "We have to talk," continued Saturn. "About what?" asked a slightly confused Ranma. "Us," they said, giving him a predator's smile that would have done a hunting tiger proud. They move one on each side and pulled him down on the couch. "OH." The reply was just a little nervous, ok a lot nervous. *** "I can't believe that he has been brainwashed that badly," said Genma in the Tendo living room. The Tendos, Saotomes, amazons, and Ukyo had gathered at the dojo. "He really hasn't been brainwashed except for maybe by you," said Ryoga as he walked in the door. "Am I still welcome?" "Of course you are," insisted Kasumi from the kitchen. "What do you mean young man?" questioned Nodoka. She looked like she had been crying. "Ranma is simply taking charge of his life for the first time. Given how much he has been enjoying himself I doubt that any of you will ever get control of him back. Now back in your lives is still a possibility. Nabiki, that talk Pluto had wasn't a bluff. Don't cross her because if you do only Ranma or possibly Princess Serenity could save you." "Why would that woman threaten my daughter?" demanded Soun who was glaring at Ryoga like he would like to at ^least^ throw him out of the house. "Thats not my secret. Cologne were you serious about the Amazons following Saturn?" "Yes she is our queen. We will follow her and obey her commands as law." "Is my son happy?" asked Nodoka suddenly. She seamed to be felling better. "Would you like to talk to him?" asked Longclaw gently. "Yes, yes I would." Turning to Kasumi "could I get a large bowl of water." After the bowl was placed on the table Ryoga leaned over it. "It's been years since I tried this and those years haven't been kind to the power flows of the solar system, but here goes." With that he began chanting in another language. "Do you mind?" asked Pluto as a vision of her and Ranma appeared in the bowl. Ranma had only his pants on and Pluto was wearing just the basic body suit. "WHAT? HOW COULD YOU BETRAY YOUR FIANCE?" demanded Soun. "Oh my," said Kasumi. "Sorry I'll call back later," said Longclaw. "You've got my attention so talk," said Ranma as he launched a complicated series of kicks and punches toward Pluto. "Oh you were just practicing," said Ryoga. "What did you think, never mind I know what you were thinking." Pluto turned bright red. "Ranma you have to come home now and fulfill the pledge," said Genma. "Thats it I'm gonna cut a panda steak," said Saturn from somewhere off to the side. "Please don't," asked Ranma who was now retreating back from Pluto. "Why not? That man, I refuse to call him your father, has made a mess of your life," asked Pluto. "Because I just want to erase the past. Flaming Dragon Punch." With that he threw an uppercut lined with flames. "YEOOOOW," screeched Pluto. She flew up and bounced off of two side walls before landing back on the ground. "That hurt." She glared at Ranma. "Sorry I really didn't mean to hit you that hard, honest," Ranma replied quickly, helping her up. "No problem. Pluto Deadly Scream." Pluto threw the blast and it hurled Ranma across the room. After Ranma and the blast hit the wall it exploded. Ranma brushed himself off as the dust settled. "That wasn't bad but you need to pack more punch in it." "Before you two get started again someone would like to talk to you Ranma," interrupted Ryoga/Longclaw. The voice was a combination of Ryoga and Longclaw. "Huh?" asked Ranma. "Ranma. My son, are you happy?" asked Nodoka. "Yes mom I think I am. For the first time in a very long time I have nearly unlimited freedom. No more marriage pledges, no more mallets, no more cameras, no more Kunos, and best of all no more curses. I'm not scared of cats anymore and I don't change with water. That reminds me, Ryoga I need to talk to you about helping me cure the other Jusenkyo victims. But I don't want to part with you forever. However so long as your trying to shove a loveless marriage down my throat I will stay away." "Sure thing, but what do you mean about being afraid of cats?" asked Longclaw. "When I was younger Genma tried to teach me a legendary technique called the Nekoken by throwing me repeatedly into a pit of starving cats tied in fish sausages." Ranma spoke matter of factly and completely without emotion. "WHAT? Thats it this man has does some stupid thing but this takes the cake. Now I have a reason to challenge him." "What reason would that be young man. My son's problems are no concern of yours?" asked Nodoka curiously. "Not true, your son is or was Draco the Silver Dragon, Lord of Atlantis and my friend. That makes his problems my problems and his enemies my enemies, but that is beside the point. Ranma could I get an introduction?" "I present Tyger of the clan of the Ghost Cat, creator and Grandmaster of the Nekoken style of combat. And a million yen says that Genma doesn't have a chance even if he uses the sealed techniques." "You have tried to steal that which was not yours and in doing so endangered a child. I challenge you to a dual of honor." "Ranma, what are you doing, your barley paying attention?" asked Saturn suddenly. "I was thinking. You've mentioned Crystal Tokyo, Pluto. What is it?" "The future. The world will be devastated by ecological disaster, but Serenity will save it with the Silver Crystal. She will become queen and rule the word as a kind and benevolent ruler. So far only the inners, Serenity, and Tuxedo Kamen had appeared in the future." "What would you say if I said that I didn't want this future to happen?" asked a quiet Ranma. "I would ask why. This is the future we have fought for. No wars, no plagues, just happiness." "Because I have never settled for second best in my life, either one of them. The future you saw didn't show the outers, me, Longclaw, or the mage power we really have available to us. With some hard work and time we could have the Moon Kingdom back instead of Crystal Tokyo." "But that would take-," began Saturn. "A level of magic I haven't seen since the fall of the Silver Millennium," finished Pluto as she looked at Ranma. "Yes, the other planets were devastated during the war, even the earth took some damage. However if we work at it hard enough we can bring them back to life, but I have a condition. There is something I want." Ranma suddenly a had far away look in his eyes, but Saturn followed his apparent gaze and looked at the map on the wall. "Atlantis!" Saturn breathed. "Yes Atlantis is mine and I want it back." "But it was destroyed during the war," interrupted Pluto. "No it vanished under the waves during Bayral's attack, but the shield protected it. Atlantis sank intact into the sea. I haven't decided if I want to raise it or just level it out on the bottom and move in." "What are you people talking about? Atlantis is a myth and I've never heard of Crystal Tokyo or this Moon Kingdom," said Nabiki. She looked to be a little upset with life in general and the people on Saturn in particular. "The Moon Kingdom was destroyed shortly before what the currant world believes to bet the dawn of recorded human civilization. It was destroyed in a war that reduce the other planets and the moon to barren waste lands. That war was rather thorough in destroying everything. And now after all of this time Ranma is suggesting that we ^simply^ bring them back to life again." Pluto finished with a questioning look at Ranma. "Thats the idea." Everyone was stunned. "Maybe we should discuss this with the Princess," said Pluto. "Why would we want to do that?" asked Saturn. "No Saturn she's right. Something like this we would need the Queens permission. However we'll have to make do with the Princess. You two should go talk to her. I don't think that the others trust me just yet." After Pluto and Saturn said good bye and vanished Ranma appeared in the Tendo living room. "They would have had a fit if I'd done that when they were here," he said. "Longclaw were you still going to challenge Genma." "Yes I think I am," said the sword after a pause for consideration. Then turning to Genma "When and where do you want to meet." "Foolish boy I'll fight you here and now." The two fighters moved into the dojo and faced off. Genma lead off with a snapkick, which Ryoga grabbed and using the leg swung him around in a circle and smashed him down with enough force to crack the floor. Then he followed with a punch that drove Genma through the floor. "Well I guess thats that," said Longclaw walking away from the hole in the floor. "Not quit yet boy," said Genma as he got up out of the hole, he was swaying a little. "Well tougher than I thought. Try this on for size." With that Longclaw slashed out with one hand like a cat swatting a mouse. Genma screamed as his gi was slashed through like paper, the skin sliced, and an explosion as he hit the wall. "I would say that that was it for sure this time." "You could be right," commented Ranma. "Mother if you want to talk I have the perfect place." "Yes I think we need to talk," said Nodoka with just a touch of reluctance. Ranma gestured and a hole opened in the air behind and off to one side. The hole showed a room that had deep plush carpet, furniture in a flowingly graceful style, and paintings of people and places that had been gone for centuries. The window took up one whole wall and showed trees, gardens, unusual birds flapping about, and crystal buildings. "If you'll step this way." The two walked through the hole and it snapped shut behind them. "What was that?" asked Kasumi in a voice with more than a touch of awe. "That was Dragon Tower and the city was Atlantis," answered Longclaw. "Protected by its magical defenses for more than thirty thousand years it has maintained itself and waited. Now Ranma is home. ***