Phoenix Rising

   By: Terryie (http://www.fanfiction.net/u/65656/)

   Prologue

   Death

   Monday afternoon

   Ranma was tired, tired of being glomped, malleted, coerced, drugged,
   attacked, abused, and treated as a thing. He was arien, pervert, pigtailed
   girl, redheaded harlot, delinquent, manly son, heir to the art, foul
   demon, god killer and the fault of anything that went wrong. He had
   parents, arranged fiancees, enemies, a self proclaimed wife, and
   acquaintances, but no friends.

   He thought he had gotten far enough away from Nerima to replace clothes
   that were past mending and spend some time thinking. Kuno found him first
   and he had to take a blow to his back while he moved a mother and her
   child to safety after Kuno slashed a tree. After knocking Kuno out he
   decided to buy some herbs for Kasumi as a thank you for her cooking when
   Mousse came out of the store and immediately attacked with an array of
   shuriken, wounding several shoppers before being launched through some
   fire doors. He quickly rendered first aid to those that were injured and
   then had to identify Mousse for the mall security since bystanders had
   been injured.

   Ranma was starting to become depressed, he couldn't leave the idiots
   behind. He'd been sure with the numbers of people shopping that they would
   leave him alone and not endanger people, he'd been wrong. Before he
   finished giving his statement to security Ryoga showed up with his cry of
   "prepare to die" shattering the wall behind him as he moved the security
   guard out of the way. He took a shi shi hoka dan in the chest to keep it
   from hitting shoppers that hadn't time to get out of the way before he was
   able to kick Ryoga in the back of the head sending him bouncing off a
   stone column into tea shop where Ryoga disappeared.

   He became she as a pipe in the tea shop burst drenching him with water
   just in time for Kodachi to sight her and attack. More injuries were
   sustained redirecting several spiked clubs away from the approaching
   security unfortunately they were poisoned. When security tried to stop her
   she fled swearing it was not over.

   Shampoo saw him and did her famous glomp and squirted something in his
   mouth and eyes then used her stock phrase "Arien take Shampoo on date now"
   before being interrupted by security who wanted to talk to her. This
   precipitated an attack on weak interfering males necessitating Ranma to
   block or take blows that would have seriously injured other people. Before
   it became too rough Khu Lon appeared and spirited her away. Unfortunately
   Akane had seen the glomp and attacked Ranma with her mallet screaming
   "Pervert" flinging him unconscious into a koi pond 20 meters away.

   Ranma was almost at the breaking point and he knew it. He had problems but
   no solutions, no one to go to that he could trust to help him find a
   solution. After fighting Mousse, Ryoga, both Kunos, drugged by both
   Kodachi and Shampoo, he had gotten wet and changed by being splashed by a
   burst water line, malleted unconscious and knocked into a koi pond by
   Akane for flirting with Shampoo.

   The water woke him but he was still in the fountain, still under water and
   knew he had to get out but couldn't move, didn't want to move. He just
   would rather end it, he had no honourable way out other than seppuku but
   that was running away too. As he passed out again his last thought was
   it's finally over.

   A shopper saw him and pulled him out started CPR and was able to get him
   to the hospital where her mother worked, CPR being done the entire way.
   The only ID found in the fountain was for a male but the dead teenager was
   obviously female, a red haired, well built female.

   Phoenix Rising

   By: Terryie (http://www.fanfiction.net/u/65656/)

   Chapter One

   Rebirth

   Thursday Evening

   Dr. Mizuno Ayame was worried and intrigued, her patient had healed faster
   than she thought was normal but after three days was still unconscious.
   Blood test several toxins and drugs in her system that had compounded the
   concussion. When she entered the room after her shift was over she saw
   Ranma curled in a ball mumbling frantically, "please no, get them off",
   and then started crying "mother help me". Dr. Mizuno quickly reached out
   and gathered her in her arms and comforted her.

   "Where am I? Why didn't you let me die?" she whispered as her sobs began
   to diminish and she looked up at the doctor.

   "For the past three days Juban Hospital. And I never 'let' any patient I
   have die!" She softly answered. "Now why would you want me to let you
   die?"

   "My curse, my fiancees, my mother wanting to kill me if I'm not manly
   enough, my 'friends' wanting to kill me no matter what, my problems which
   I have no honourable way to solve. As soon as my mother finds out I was
   crying she will make me commit seppuku, my father will rant about me being
   a weak girl and then run so he doesn't share my fate" she rambled.

   "First, anything you say to me I can't tell anyone else without your
   permission or I could lose my license to practice medicine. As fast as
   your body healed I can vouch that you are not weak, and few problems have
   no solutions, if you can't find them yourself then ask for help." Dr.
   Mizuno came back quickly.

   "Ya, like anybody would help me, much less listen to me" Ranma responded.

   "I will and my teenage daughter who saved you would be glad to listen and
   help you find those who can aid you" replied the doctor. "My daughter used
   CPR to keep you alive until they managed to get you here; you were
   technically dead when you arrived. You're not fully healed yet in my
   opinion and no one knows you're here, so why don't we use this time to try
   to sort things out. We need to get your name on the computer record too,
   you didn't have any ID on you when you came in."

   "As soon as my name and description goes into the computer Nabiki will be
   out selling my location." said a dejected Ranma.

   "Well I can't put down a false name but if you don't remember your name we
   could use an alias until you remember it" smiled the doctor, "and curses
   are often blessings in disguise, it just depends on your viewpoint"

   "My being a girl is a curse no matter how you look at it, I'm supposed to
   be a man! Damn it I have to show you or you won't believe me or you'll
   think I'm just crazy, crazy is probably right though!" exclaimed a
   frustrated boy turned girl. "Look Doc, if you get me a glass of hot water
   I'll show you!"

   After several demonstrations a dazed doctor conceded that the curse was
   real. "And since you hate your curse everyone is going to be looking for a
   boy aren't they."

   "Well, ya, everybody knows I hate this form!" Came the indignant reply.

   "If you could put up with it for a few more days it might give you time to
   sort some of the problems out. Would you accept my help?"

   "I guess a few more days wouldn't hurt and I hate to admit it but ya I
   could definitely use help."

   After using the phone to talk to her daughter she smiled, "Why don't I let
   you check yourself out and then my daughter's "girl friend" can stay with
   us, between the three of us we may find solutions that you have missed"

   "Ya but they'll keep looking till they find me!"

   "Let them look, if you don't go out and advertise where you are they can't
   find you can they? My daughter and I won't tell anyone who you are unless
   they promise not to tell an even then we won't tell anyone we don't have
   to".

   After demonstrating his curse to Ami they began to talk and slowly Ranma
   opened up told about his training trip and its attendant problems. Ami ask
   them to move into her study where she began to use the computer to list
   the problems.

   Ranma wanted to why she was listing them and she explained it was like a
   bundle of twigs almost unbreakable while together but individually weak.
   Without being glomped, malleted, or accused of being a pervert Ranma
   relaxed and opened up. While listening they refrained from outbursts of
   anger and gently prodded him for more details when he faltered.

   Friday morning

   The next morning Ami began to run a search on Genma's activities, gently
   prodding Ranma for dates and locations when needed.

   "Ranma, I need you to answer some questions for me. Some might be
   difficult for you emotionally but you need to answer them alright? Ami sat
   across from Ranma with a notepad in hand. "How you answer will help how we
   solve your problems. Some may not seem to be related and some will be very
   personal, but you need to think about them and answer them to the best of
   your ability. You might want to think of it as a challenge to yourself,
   you would not willing challenge a dojo if you were injured or your weapons
   were damaged would you?"

   Ranma looked at her as if she were asking a college student to answer a
   question from a kindergarten class. "Of course not that would be
   dishonourable and stupid and I would never fight with weapons."

   "How do you fight then Ranma, with your thoughts wishing your opponent to
   lose? I'm using a weapon against you now that from your tale last night
   you are helpless against."

   "Nani! You aren't armed and I won't fight weak girls! It would not be
   honourable!" Ranma began to look around worriedly.

   "Not all girls are weak, Ranma, nor are all battles physical but they can
   injure you just as bad. You just used a weapon against me but after
   listening to you last night I was prepared for it." Ami replied calmly.
   "However, you used it clumsily and inefficiently in your attack against me
   just now, it is also the weapon that has injured you the most."

   "I didn't attack you ! Why would I? I don't have a weapon!" disclaimed
   Ranma becoming agitated and angry.

   "Calm down Ranma, I will explain the weapon and point out how it was used
   against you and why you can't wield it well yet if you will let me." said
   Ami refusing to raise her voice.

   "What do you mean?" Ranma questioned calming down slightly but looking
   thoroughly confused.

   "Ranma, why do you allow Nabiki to take inappropriate pictures of you, why
   do you allow Akane to hit you, how can your mother force you to kill
   yourself? I can tell you why and how." Ami leaned forward intensifying her
   gaze at Ranma. "Ranma words are weapons. How do you feel when your father
   calls you a weak girl? You've fought Kho Lon and Xian Pu so you know that
   girls aren't weak and by extension neither are you. Do you refuse to fight
   someone because they attacked you dishonourably from hiding? Can you fight
   someone who uses a weapon you can't see and don't even recognize as a
   weapon? Ranma you have failed to practice a weapon that everyone has to
   some degree, possibly because it was intentionally kept from your
   knowledge." Ami straightened back up then asked, "Ranma are you just going
   to let them win, are you quitting? Or do you want to learn to fight with
   their weapons and defeat them.?"

   "How can I learn that technique? If there is a way out of this I will
   learn it no matter what!" Ranma fixed a determined gaze upon Ami.

   Dr. Mizuno spoke up then. "Ranma with your permission I think I can remove
   or delay some of your problems, some of the others I believe we can
   temporarily distract. Will you allow us to help you?"

   "Is she right Sensei? Are words and their use weapons?" Ranma turned

   pleading eyes toward Dr. Mizuno.

   "Yes, Ranma. Words are indeed weapons, and you need training in their
   proper usage and when, where and how to apply them. The proper words at
   the right time can turn an enemy into a friend or improper words can turn
   a friend into an enemy. Many battles are fought and won without a physical
   blow being used, otherwise we would be constantly at war."

   "I trust you Sensei, I accept your help and guidance." Ranma shakily stood
   and gave a formal bow of student to sensei.

   "I have to go to work and don't you have school today Ami?"

   "Mother the school had another accident with the gas lines and will be
   closed for at least a week "

   "Then take care of Ranma, dear. I'll see you this evening then. Ranma, I
   leave you in Ami's capable hands, I hope you have a successful day." she
   said as she went through the apartment door.

   "Ranma, how well do you do in school?" In reply Ranma blushed and then
   admitted to not doing well at all. When asked why, he stated that it
   wasn't necessary to the Art. Ami pointed out that that was one of his
   father's ideas along with his idea that women were weak and pointed out
   that fallacy by reminding him of Kho Lon and his fathers fear of his
   mother.

   "Ranma, how often do you normally change forms during a day even when you
   take precautions against it.?"

   Ranma blushed , "At least four or five times."

   "After your curse was unlocked how long was it before you changed back
   into your girl form?"

   "Several days I guess"

   "So without a lot of precautions would you say about half your day is
   spent in your girl form?"

   "Yes and I hate it, I'm a boy" A still blushing Ranma retorted.

   "How many times have you changed here?" she continued. "Not counting when
   you were demonstrating the curse."

   Ranma looked startled and worried. "I, I haven't, have I?

   "Ranma, if you knew a kata was flawed but had many good traits would you
   discontinue it? Or would you correct the flaw?"

   "I would correct the flaw of course!" then looking even more worried he
   continued, "I'm not going to like where this is going am I?"

   "No Ranma your not. But I'm not Genma and I will not force you. I will
   guide you and explain when I need to, but for this training to be
   effective it must be your decision. Other than you're supposed to be a man
   what is wrong with that body, does it physically hurt while you are in it?

   In a low whisper "Just the opposite, Akane says it proves I'm a pervert."

   "Ranma, if that were the case then the majority of the human race would
   officially be perverts. If your body doesn't feel good to you then you
   have something wrong with it and need to see a doctor." Ami poured them
   some tea and continued. "Are you still Ranma when you change or does your
   thinking and beliefs change?"

   "I'm Ranma, no matter what form I'm in!"

   "I think your curse is seeking a balance Ranma. If you stay in this form
   too long then I think hot water may start coming your way as often as cold
   did. Maybe if we set a schedule for you to be in each form you could cut
   some of the randomness out of it. Each of your forms has its own
   strengths, I think you should emphasize those and if you incorporate
   switching forms while your training that would help bring you into
   balance."

   "Have you never had friends to talk with and have fun with? That's a part
   of the balance. It also builds on those skills I was talking about."

   "The old man thought that having friends interfered with my training. I
   only had two friends growing up, now one tries to kill me and one wants to
   marry me, turned out he was a she. Ami, I will accept your guidance in
   this, you listened to me and I know I said things wrong but you didn't hit
   me or scream at me and you gave me a choice, I've never had a choice even
   the first day at the Tendo's I was told to choose my fiancee and instead
   they chose for me and gave me the violent maniac."

   "I think being my 'girl' friend is your best cover, it will keep
   neighbours from talking about strange boys in the neighbourhood. If they
   look for you in your female form they'll be looking for a redhead won't
   they, so we'll darken it some so that you don't stand out. You mentioned
   something about a dragon whisker do you still need it to keep your hair
   growth in check?"

   "No the effects have almost worn off. Do I really have to be a girl? I
   hate this form. Especially with all the guys hitting on me." He finished
   in an embarrassed whisper.

   "Ranma, being in this form has some advantages. If we have a male staying
   with us there would be talk. As a male you are more likely to be
   challenged and accept challenges, an unbeatable new boy would definitely
   catch someone's eyes. My friends come over often enough that the
   neighbours are used to girls being over. I will be sure to tell them not
   to bring their cats over. Now we need to work on a background history for
   you in case someone sees you and decides to ask questions."

   "With your speech patterns as they are we will make you the orphan
   daughter of an itinerant labourer. It covers your lack of language skills
   and education. It also makes you very hard to trace. You are distant
   cousin of mine but at the same time we're your nearest family. Being on
   the road so much would necessitate you having some fighting skill, which
   you will have to tone down, try to use just one or two styles if you can
   if you get in a situation where you have to fight. Can you think of
   anything to add to it, we don't want anything complicated. "

   Ranma went over the background story and shook his head. He had to agree
   with her reasoning even if he didn't like it. "What name should I use, in
   girl form I often used Ranko Tendou but they may look for that."

   "How about Asahiko Mizuno." With a light giggle she offered her idea for
   Ranma's new name, Morning Sun Child. She undid the trademark pigtail and
   began to brush it out. "Can you change forms and let your hair grow out a
   little A different length will also act as a distraction, they would tend
   to look for a girl with the hair the length you have now if they search
   for your girl form."

   Ranma changed forms and they continued their talk until the hair was down
   to the middle of his back. Ami splashed him with cold water and tilting
   Ranma's head back she began to apply the colour rinse.

   "Ranma, we need to get you different clothes so you will blend in, these
   are skorts, they look like a skirt but are divided like shorts. I thought
   you might be more comfortable in it than in a dress. But you will have to
   wear the appropriate undergarments, if you don't the boys will really hit
   on you and the girls will really gossip."

   Letting out a long sigh Asahiko murmured "I agreed to do this and while I
   don't like it if you say I need to I will."

   "Fortunately we will be out of school for a week so for today and tomorrow
   we will practice your speech, dress and mannerisms so you won't stand out
   enough to be accidentally recognised." Ami picked up a note pad and
   started to make a list of what would be needed. " For this to be effective
   you will have to work at and become a girl while in this form. That means
   dressing, acting, eating and talking like a normal girl. It will be a big
   challenge because of your upbringing. The way you walk has to be natural,
   not exaggerated, the way a girl sits is different also. I think you can
   learn enough in a day or two to be believable." Ranma was ready to object
   until he heard her say challenge.

   While waiting for the search to be completed Ami started to ask him
   questions, probing his education level and making notes on what he would
   have problems with to catch up. She quickly noticed disparities in his
   knowledge, excellent grasp of ancient history, geography, and English,
   mediocre knowledge in math and the sciences except for anatomy which he
   was superb in. Modern history and social studies were almost totally
   lacking.

   When they stopped for lunch she had to remind him of his manners. "No one
   is going to steal your food here so you need to low down while you eat."
   After lunch he assumed a full body blush as she had him try on different
   clothes and instructed him in how to put undergarments on.

   Noticing the time Ami decided to watch an interview with a professor whose
   work she was interested in instead of recording it as she planned. While
   she was watching she realized that she had found a means for Ranma to
   observe and correct some of his erroneous social knowledge. After
   explaining to Ranma the necessity and challenging him to observe the
   differences between his view and what he was shown she went back to
   searching for more information on Genma and the Saotomes.

   After each query she would narrow or broaden her search. After including
   Ranma's name the search returned a list of civil and criminal actions
   dating back to when he was five, although how a five year old could run up
   a bar tab was a mystery to her. A list of crimes attributed to Ranma
   stretched from one end of Japan to the other, including some that appeared
   to happen at the same time a whole country apart. A report for Sapporo and
   one for Nagasaki caught her notice, one for theft of food and clothing
   where a security guard had been injured while trying to take a young boy
   into custody who gave his name as Ranma Saotome, and another from Nagasaki
   mentioning Genma and Ranma by name, both only an hour apart.

   When she expanded the search to include social and medical agencies she
   was appalled. A cross referencing note linking police medical and social
   services from Nagasaki provided more print outs to brought to her mother's
   notice.

   A search for information on Nodoka revealed she had been disowned by her
   family after marrying Genma. Another reference was to a will still in
   probate awaiting the appearance of Ranma whose grandparents had left him
   everything, it was to be his when he became twenty or when he married.

   Breach of contract suits and charges of abandonment were found in cities
   and small towns all over Japan. Ranma had, if the reports were accurate,
   at least thirty-seven more fiancees. Seven in the last two years alone.
   That information had her add Ranko to the search and found three suitors
   for his girl's form.

   A tense, agitated and very angry Ami greeted her mother at the door.
   "Mother, I would like you to look at some of the results from the search,
   please, while I check to see how Ranma's doing on some study assignments"
   Ami led her mother to the computer and pointed to the stack of print out
   and left.

   Her mother thought she was prepared for what Ami had found given Ami's
   obviously upset state. She quickly ran through the print outs and began to
   make a list of who she could contact for help with some of the material.
   When she came to the report from Nagasaki she called Ami to assist her in
   pulling up more information.

   When she pulled up the information from Nagasaki, Dr Mizuno had her enter
   her code and pulled up further files. After adding in cross-referencing
   suggested by her mother more material started to pile up painting a very
   bleak picture of Ranma's life portrayed in medical reports. As she picked
   up the phone to start making some calls she asked Ami if she and Ranma
   could prepare dinner while she advised some colleagues of what they had
   found.

   At dinner Ami and Ranma talked about what they had done while she was at
   work. Ranma made a conscious effort to slow his eating down and use proper
   language, slowing down and focussing on speaking with a reminder from Ami
   about insults stopped the foot-in-mouth that tended to plague him.

   Ami then filled her in on what they had decided about Ranma's name and
   history. "Mother, we agreed on a tentative name and history for her.
   Mizuno Asahiko, the orphan daughter of an itinerant labourer. It covers
   her lack of language skills and education and is hard to trace. She's a
   distant cousin of mine but at the same time we're her nearest family. Can
   you think of anything to add to it, we didn't want anything complicated? I
   would like for her to be able to attend school with us and since she
   appears to be sixteen she would fit in our class if we help her study and
   catch up. She can't be any worse than Usagi was and she needs to observe
   other people her age interact."

   "If she agrees then I have no problem with it. Ami, I like what you did
   with her hair, the darker colour suits her, not as well as the red but it
   won't draw as much attention either."

   "I've set things in motion to provide some distractions for Ranma's
   problems. Immigration is looking into whether some Chinese restaurant
   workers have the proper permits; the police are reviewing files concerning
   one Saotome Genma on child abuse, theft, fraud and related charges. An
   investigator for the school board is questioning students in several
   schools about unusual violence, drug, and pornography rumours. One Saotome
   Nodoka is being questioned on child abandonment and abuse charges. It
   should be enough to keep them busy for awhile."

   Gathering Ranma in her arms she hugged her . "This must be extremely hard
   for you and unfortunately it will get worse before it gets better. Your
   father has many outstanding warrants against him, some are minor but
   several are very serious, serious enough for him to face several life
   imprisonments. You know he engaged you to multiple fiancees, he also sold
   you to some families for cash and some of those transactions were
   witnessed. It does not matter that he later stole you back, he has been
   charged with trafficking in slavery. Two of the people you were sold to
   operated houses of prostitution and kept very good records that the police
   confiscated and used to convict them. When you were eight you were
   hospitalised for training injuries and the warrants came to the attention
   of the police there, the court ruled he was an unfit parent and he had to
   sign papers relinquishing parental rights and you became a ward of the
   state. Before he could be tried he escaped and stole you again and has
   managed to stay one step ahead of the law until now."

   "I, I'm ronin, not even a Saotome."

   "No, you are not ronin and you are still a Saotome, but you're not legally
   bound by anything he arranged for you, the dishonour of his house is not
   yours, neither the Tendou nor Kounji clan has any claim on you. You
   effectively will be the head of your own clan if you marry. Now you have
   some studying to do before bedtime and I have to fill out reports. I like
   the name you chose and I think we should use it from now on so that you
   can accustom yourself to answering to it. I am amazed at the improvements
   in your speech and manners, you must have worked very hard."

   "The praise should be Ami's she is a wonderful teacher, I simply followed
   her instructions." a clearly embarrassed Asahiko replied.

   Looking at Ami she then turned to Ranma and said, "I would like to make a
   name change formal later if you permit. Your actions at the mall placing
   yourself in danger to protect others shows your honour. You are honest,
   brave and compassionate. Those things that you are deficient in are I
   believe due to deliberate actions against you. I would like you to think
   about joining our family and becoming Ami's sibling, I don't want to
   pressure you into making a decision right now there is a lot going on and
   it will take a while to clear some of the outstanding problems up."

   Asahiko gave her a teary eyed hug, "Thank you. "

   After studying for awhile they bathed and got ready for bed. Ami insisted
   that they bathe together pointing out that she would have to take PE and
   that she needed to accustom herself to that situation.

   Sunday morning

   No one who knew Ranma would recognize him as they left the apartment, a
   beautiful girl in dark blue skorts and a white blouse. After seeing her
   appetite a trip to the grocery was imperative as was a trip to the mall
   for more clothing.

   Ami was quickly getting exasperated, "Asahiko, do you see any girls doing
   that!" 'That' was walking on the mall's low stone wall. "Right now if you
   don't see other girls doing something please don't. If you want to do
   something you don't see others doing ask me if it's acceptable, the idea
   is not to draw attention to ourselves isn't it!"

   Blushing deeply Asahiko jumped down from the wall, "I'm sorry it's just a
   habit. My pop called it balance training." she explained as she walked
   beside Ami trying to adjust her walking style to Ami's.

   "I know it's difficult but you are improving, however you must keep your
   mind on what you're doing at all times right now until it becomes second
   nature, like one of your kata. Only two stops left to go then we can go
   back home. There's the shoe store."

   As they started into the store screaming started across the way as a youma
   began to drain people in an ice cream shop. Almost everybody was down
   already. "I have to help even if it I get recognized, Ami. Hide and find a
   phone to call for help will you? Those people are hurt." Before she could
   say anything Asahiko was across the court yard distracting the youma
   getting it away form the people it was draining energy from and dodging
   ice cream cones that were blowing holes in the pavement. To her surprise
   the ki attacks seem to fuel it instead of hurting it.

   Using the umiseken as a cloak to hide her ki she kept moving around,
   taunting the youma keeping it too busy to do anything more to its victims,
   but none of his attacks did much damage. A table thrown at it took off and
   arm which promptly grew back, since it was absorbing ki she couldn't use
   the hiro shouten ha. Using the vacuum blades did more damage to the area
   than to the youma. Using the chairs and tables at least damaged it even if
   it did grow back it kept its attention on her and away from the victims.
   Hearing [Mars flame sniper] he saw a fiery arrow take out a large portion
   of the youma followed by [moon tiara action] which stopped it and turned
   it to dust. The auras on the girls were spectacular but the clothes would
   make P-chan faint.

   "Thank you, nothing I did to it seemed to work well; I was starting to run
   out of ideas. Will those people be alright?" Asahiko asked worriedly.

   Sailor Moon looked at the girl who had stood up to the youma, "They'll be
   fine. Thank you for your help."

   Mars started walking over toward her, "Stay right there! I want to ask you
   some questions about how you were able to do that! Humans can't so that
   must mean you're a youma too." As she raised her bow Asahiko faded from
   sight. "It got away. Mercury, can you track it? We don't need another
   enemy especially one that can turn invisible!"

   "Then why did you make her into an enemy Mars?" A very upset Mercury
   rounded on her. "She drew the youma away from the people it was feeding
   on. She kept it busy until you got here! She was concerned about the
   people it attacked! You called her a youma and tried to kill her."

   "Her running away is proof she's up to no good! If she wasn't she would
   have stayed to answer some questions!" An enraged Mars retorted, "The only
   good youma is one that's dust!"

   "She's a martial artist Mars! She was helping and you tried to kill her.
   Is that what you are now, judge, jury, and executioner! No need for
   evidence just calls someone a youma and fire snipe them!" Worried about
   Asahiko her normally calm demeanour had fled and her anger at Sailor Mars
   reply had shocked her almost as much as Sailor Mars actions had. "Sailor
   Moon I'm going home and I hope I can find her! I'll talk to you later"

   A dejected Asahiko was sitting in the doorway with their bags when she got
   home. "I'm sorry Ami I just get people in trouble. The tags are still on
   everything and the stores should take them back. I better leave before you
   get in more trouble. She'll be hunting me now and I already have people
   after me who don't care if others get hurt, so I have to go."

   "No! You are staying here and I staying beside you, that are what friends
   and family do Asahiko, they don't abandon one another when things get
   tough."

   "Ami! They're your friends too I don't want to come between you! I'll get
   by somehow I won't go back to that loony bin until I learn some of the
   things we talked about but I can't put you and your mother in danger."

   "Asahiko, I won't put up with that attitude from her or you! We'll work it
   out some how. That is not the way she usually is! And now you do need to
   answer a few questions for me please? "She opened the door and they took
   the bags inside. "I won't try to force you to stay Asahiko but I would
   really like it if you would, please!"

   "I'll stay for a little bit but I won't promise more." with a nervous
   glance at Ami she went to make tea.

   "How did you know it was me, Asahiko? We have a disguise field that is
   supposed to stop people from recognizing us when we transform." Ami
   explained as she pulled out the Mercury computer.

   Asahiko snickered. "If I had to wear that I wouldn't want anybody to
   recognize me either! Anyway your ki signature stays the same whether
   you're transformed or not, but your aura does get a lot bigger. The one
   you called Sailor Moon, her aura was almost blinding. It was way bigger
   than even the Phoenix when we fought!

   A now blushing Ami giggled, "They are pretty revealing aren't they and I
   don't know if they can even be changed." Sipping some tea she asked "How
   did you disappear? I couldn't even pick you up on the Mercury computer?"

   "Oh! I'd rather not talk about it, I'm not supposed to use that technique
   but I had to find someway to distract that thing. And since it was
   tracking me through my ki I used one of Pop's forbidden techniques, it
   kind of folds ki in on itself. My pop developed it for thieving; I've
   changed it a bit. Uh oh your friends are coming I better go."

   "Stay, please! I won't let them hurt you. They weren't supposed to come
   over but we may as well get this over with now."

   "Ami if she tries to hurt you or me I won't let her!"

   "She won't, she may want to but she won't! Would you get some more cups
   out and the cookies, Sailor Moon will need something to snack on?" As
   Asahiko went to get the cups and treats Ami opened the door and let the
   Senshi in.

   "Rei." prompted Sailor Moon, "I believe you have something to say!"

   "I'm sorry Ami, I went off half-cocked and there is no excuse for the way
   I acted toward you. It's just been a tough week and my fire reading has
   shown us fighting with more skills than before. I just wasn't expecting a
   youma to help us."

   "I forgive you Rei, but you owe an apology to someone else."

   "I will not apologise to someone who shows their guilt by running away!
   Someone that powerful can not be allowed to just run free harm others!"

   "Ya, you're right! Now the question is should I kill you or would breaking
   most of your bones keep you from running free to harm others." Using the
   soul of ice to keep herself calm Asahiko returned Mar's animosity filled
   stare.

   "Asahiko, please don't!"

   "But she is right Ami! No one with that much power should be allowed to
   just run around and harm others. She is just too powerful and too
   uncontrolled to be trusted not to kill or hurt someone really bad."
   Asahiko set the tea and cookies down.

   "If she thinks I'm dangerous and should be removed because I'm powerful,
   when does she decide that one of you is too powerful?"

   "How dare you" [transformation sequence] "I would never hurt my friends!"

   "Mars! Stand down now!" Selenity's voice froze the tableau as she moved
   between Mars and Asahiko. "What is going on here Ami?"

   "Right now I would say a case of paranoia and personality conflict. Mar's
   is acting worse than the outers right now. I don't know what her problem
   is but Asahiko made a valid point."

   "I was just going to ask her some questions, she was the one who ran!" she
   retorted to Ami.

   "Ya, right! Were you going to ask me the questions before or after you
   blasted me! I ain't going to let some out of control bimbo ever hurt me
   again." The room was starting to get uncomfortable with the amount of cold
   flowing off Asahiko and the heat Sailor Mars was radiating!

   "Please would you both calm down? Rei, Ami's mother would not appreciate
   have to replace a scorched carpet and Ami could you turn the air
   conditioning off the tea is actually starting to ice over!

   "Sorry about that." Asahiko rubbed the back of her neck.

   "Ami, don't you think you are being a bit hard on Rei, she's just worried
   about protecting us." Usagi gave her a pleading look.

   "No! If Asahiko had not recognized me in my transformed state he might
   have defended herself against Rei and you would then have had to help her.
   A lot of people could have gotten hurt or even killed because Rei lost her
   temper and Asahiko was raised to never turn down a challenge. I really
   appreciated her not hurting Rei."

   "Do you think she could really have hurt us, Ami" Usagi glanced at the
   smaller girl with a puzzled expression.

   "Yes." came back the flat reply.

   "Ami, I should leave. I don't want to come between you and your friends."
   pleaded an Asahiko "I'm tired of being the cause of arguments all the
   time."

   "Asahiko-chan, you agreed to let me train you and this is what the
   training is all about, please don't run away." going over to the smaller
   girl she gave her a hug and continued. "Give me a chance please; give all
   of us a chance including yourself."

   Looking around at the group of girls, she made her decision and quietly
   answered, "If I stay we have to tell them everything, I don't want what
   happened before. I don't think I could put up with the name calling and
   distrust that would bring. I will stay for this if you want me to."

   "Let's sit and have some tea. Asahiko, would you reheat the tea water
   please. Asahiko was injured a few days ago and Mother and I are helping
   her with some problems. The problems are complicated due to a lack of
   training in social skills that were denied to her while growing up. Add on
   a magical curse, the skills you saw at the mall, low self esteem and a
   high sense of morals and honour and you have a very volatile situation.
   She is trying to keep a low profile but she also had to help those people
   at the mall.

   "Get real, Ami, a magical curse! Who would believe that! She was just
   suckering you to find the rest of us!" A very annoyed Rei interrupted. "If
   you say she's human then she must be possessed"

   "Get off it Rei! You change into Sailor Mars and you don't believe in
   magic!" Ami accepted a cup from Asahiko. "Rei you stepped over the line
   that make us the good guys today. Several people I'm sure saw Asahiko
   fight the youma, if you had attacked her where do you think our reputation
   would be? Had you managed to kill her no good deed we could ever do would
   repair that damage. We are supposed to be fighting against evil toward a
   kingdom that rules in justice and lives in peace. I can not balance your
   actions today with those goals. Unfortunately your actions today are ones
   that Asahiko are very familiar with. No matter the cause, she was blamed,
   even when she saved somebody she was put in the wrong as you did today.
   She asked my mother why she didn't let her die, she was at the breaking
   point and knew with her abilities that she could not just turn on
   everybody that pissed her off and let it out. I doubt that there would be
   many survivors. We fight an enemy that is trying to take over the earth
   and they turn to dust when we defeat them her enemies are human and some
   are as powerful as some of the stronger youma we have had to face. If it
   comes to a choice of siding with her or you Rei, my choice is quiet clear,
   Asahiko does not attack unless challenged or to save others. Sailor Moon,
   here is my Henshin Wand, if you believe Rei is in the right then I can no
   longer serve you."

   "No! Ami I'm not worth it!"

   "Ami I can't accept your resignation, it would be a renunciation of all we
   stand for. Rei you do not normally act like this, Mercury could you scan
   everybody here for any dark energies. Mars, we may all have been tainted,
   and it would fit with the way the dark kingdom works. Something small and
   insidious that would grow slowly with out our taking note of it would do
   exactly what they wish, divide us so they can fight us on an individual
   basis." It was not Usagi who sat there now but Neo Queen Serenity who was
   smiling at everyone but her tone of voice was made everyone aware that
   refusal was not an option.

   "Of course, you're Majesty. Asahiko-chan with your permission may I.

   "How dare you ask for her permission, Queen Selenity ordered it, she has
   no choice." Rei burst out quickly changing back to Sailor Mars.

   "She does have a choice Mars, she is not a member of our court nor does
   she owe allegiance to me. You will refrain from taking any action unless I
   tell you to. Now stand down!" Turning to Asahiko, "Would you mind, she is
   going to scan us also?"

   "Uh, sure. If Ami says it's OK then I have no problem with it, Your
   Majesty." a very confused Asahiko replied. This was getting stranger than
   any situation she/he had ever been in.

   "Thank you, Asahiko-chan," Ami walked over to stand with the others. "It
   should take only a few minutes, considering some of the training you went
   through I imagine that you have picked up some dark taint also. You
   mentioned that being around cats for too long cause a memory lapse and you
   act like a cat, Her Majesty may be able to help with that problem if not
   her advisors may know of a solution they are very knowledgeable about cats
   and their problems.

   Walking back to the mercury computer she gasped. "Your Majesty we all seem
   to have a small amount of taint within us Mars and Jupiter more so than
   the others but I believe that may be due to their personalities being more
   aggressive than ours. Asahiko's is more pronounced but of a different
   character than ours, probably the Neko-ken."

   "Asahiko, I am going to cast a healing and purifying spell upon all of us
   to remove the dark taint, do you wish to be included?" Selenity asked a
   very shaken and confused girl. Events had become unreal but the chance to
   be rid of the Neko-ken beckoned her on. Upon giving her acceptance
   Selenity cast her spell and everything went dark for a moment.

   "Did it work?" Was the question asked several people as Ami again scanned
   everybody.

   "No trace of dark energy in anybody. The area I associate with Silver
   Millennium Magic appears to have increased signifi- Uh Oh!" Raising her
   widened eyes to Asahiko.

   "Somehow I don't think I'm going to like your 'Uh Oh' am I, Ami? Magic
   never seems to want to leave me alone." Asahiko looked at Ami with
   trepidation. "What happened, is it going to affect my curse?"

   "What curse are you talking about? I thought Ami said all the dark taint
   was gone, that should have removed what ever curse you had. " Rei whipped
   her head around to peer at Asahiko.

   Peering at her computer again Ami addressed Asahiko. "I don't know what's
   happening; the area I attributed to your curse magic is fluctuating. It is
   different from Silver Millennium Magic but they seem to be overlapping,
   combining somehow and there are at least four separate magic fields!"

   "No, no, please no more." Asahiko whimpered. Rei watched her seem to
   shrink in on her self with those words and moved over to her on the sofa
   and wrapping her arms around her pulling her into her lap with Asahiko's
   head on her shoulder and began to rub her back.

   "It'll be all right, were here and we will take care of you. I'm sorry
   about before, I've never had a temper like that before, I never thought I
   could be like that. Ami, you are going to have to scan the outers, even
   Setsuna and I think we need to think about having you scan us at frequent
   intervals," Continuing to rub her back.

   Asahiko clutched Rei like a life line, muttering an almost inaudible
   refrain "It didn't cure my curse, it didn't cure my curse." As Rei
   continued to hold her and rub her back her hold on her emotions broke and
   started sobbing into Rei's shoulder.

   Usagi cast a curious gaze upon the pair and then turned to Ami. "I believe
   you should tell us what you know about Asahiko now, Ami, She isn't in any
   condition to do so and we need to know to be able to help her. I know she
   is no threat to us; I apparently now have a similar connection to her as I
   have to you. "

   As Ami related her history a look of rage began to gather on their faces
   and Rei held her sleeping form even tighter. "She is not going back to
   that mad house. She is one of us now and we take care of our own. Together
   we can help her learn to relate and accept both her forms and what ever
   change the magic is going through." Rei spoke with a determination that
   allowed no objections and continued to soothe her charge.

   "Mother will be home in a little while could you help me fix the meal
   Mako-chan we will need more than usual since everyone is here. Everyone
   should call home and let them know where you are and that you're eating
   here."

   "Could you call for me please Ami, I don't want to disturb her, she only
   stopped crying a bit ago and she's exhausted. I don't think she has ever
   let herself have a good cry, do you?" She continued stroking her hair
   while talking. "Usagi, do you think that healing spell created a bond
   between us, I know she is far from helpless but I want no need to protect
   her."

   "I don't know what happened, when I cast the healing spell this time it
   felt stronger than it ever had before, as if someone was adding their
   magic to mine. Maybe Ami can figure it out, I really don't know how it
   works, I just use it."

   Phoenix Rising

   By: Terryie (http://www.fanfiction.net/u/65656/)

   Chapter 2

   Healing

   A smiling Dr. Mizuno entered her home to find Ami and Makato with dinner
   almost prepared, Usagi and Minako hovering over Rei who had their sleeping
   guest in her lap. She smiled at Rei and asked "How is she?"

   "Exhausted. She's been asleep for over an hour now and I'm not about to
   move and wake her up. I think she needs both the sleep and company of
   people she feels safe around."

   A drowsy Asahiko ate with them but seemed withdrawn during the meal. When
   Rei started to leave she became panicky and clutched onto to her. Holding
   her closely Rei ask Ami to call her grandfather for permission to stay the
   night as she stroked and murmured comforting words to an emotional wrecked
   child. Emotions and feelings that had been shunted to the far recesses of
   Ranma's mind for years found the cracks that the stress of the past week
   had wrought and the wall crumbled, the pent up emotions broke loose and
   her body shook with their release. Had he been in his male form he might
   have fought it but being held as she was and accepted for who she was
   broke the final barriers and she cried herself to sleep.

   That week's events that had shattered him and broken down his defences and
   the magical healing that had created the bond and rid him of the dark
   taint sought to heal him and of course it was healing magic designed to
   heal magical creatures.

   Trauma victims are often tranquillised to prevent them from accidentally
   damaging themselves or others by over reacting to loss of a limb or other
   injury, the healing spell simply took it a step further. Every encounter
   with the supernatural had left its magical mark on him, dragon hair soup,
   the ghost cat, mushrooms, mirrors and pills, whether deliberately used or
   not, some spells so old and weak they were all but gone others embedded
   firmly in his very life force. Magic after all is not logic, logically two
   plus two is four, in magic two plus two only means more and Ranma was a
   cauldron of magic forces.

   The semi-intelligent spell, designed to heal the magical abilities of an
   ancient magic using race and then dissipate, read the panic in his/her
   mind and began to initiate emergency procedures to save the sanity of its
   patient. Dampening emotional centres, stimulating growth, repairing brain
   damage, initiating new pathways to handle magic, and initiating a sense of
   well being, the spell worked through the night drawing on the memories and
   powers of the others as necessary to stabilise and resolve conflicts.
   Magic combined with magic redefining paths and power, spiritual and
   elemental, old and new, known and previously unknown strove to find a
   balance. The healing spell spun and wove integrating the magics into a
   cohesive whole, stimulating the growth of new pathways and central command
   area. Where power was lacking to do a particular job it reached out and
   drew from its originating source. Where the source wasn't readily
   available it improvised and continued looking. It would not quit until it
   deemed the job was done.

   Monday morning

   The next morning she awoke in the comforting embrace of two girls who
   laughed when she blushed, and put her at ease, no mallets or cries of
   pervert making an appearance. She felt calm, at peace, a condition she was
   not familiar with. She realized that her reactions were not normal for her
   and said so.

   Ami scanned her again then had her change forms and repeated the scans.
   "I'm not sure, your actions appear normal to me, neither Rei nor I would
   expect to be hit with a mallet for waking up next to you. Oh! That may be
   part of it!"

   "Part of what?" Rei joined in the conversation.

   "You were very protective of Asahiko after the healing yesterday and you
   questioned Usagi whether it had created a bond. I think that the answer is
   yes and more. Asahiko has been confused and not really sure how to respond
   to what has happened. I think she has an empathic bond with us and that
   bond is allowing her to respond the way we do, to us a sleep over is
   normal, as is waking up next to each other, so she is responding the same.
   Her bond is drawing on us as templates for normal reactions. She is also
   exhibiting a calmer attitude which is not normal for her in this situation
   but is for us.

   "Does this mean I'm becoming you, that I won't be me any more?" Asahiko
   ask Ami with a forlorn look in her eyes.

   "No! You are still you. I think the healing is still working on you for
   some reason. The scan I did yesterday showed some old injuries to your
   body and brain. A lot of those injuries have been healed and the areas in
   your brain that were showing damage and no activity yesterday are showing
   activity now and the area damaged is not as great. The area I attribute to
   magical abilities is expanding and showing an increase in activity but I'm
   not reading any use of magic other than what I believe is the healing
   spell at work. We'll visit the Hikawa Shrine after breakfast and see if we
   can use the area behind it for you to practice, but I think you should
   refrain from doing anything for a few days until we can determine what
   else the spell is doing. "

   After breakfast with Ami's mom chiding her about inhaling her food a
   little slower they made their way to the Hikawa Shrine and helped Rei
   sweep and clean. While Rei attended to her duties at the fire they asked
   her grandfather for permission to use the area behind, with a promise to
   keep it clean. Permission was given with the provision of that Asahiko
   would help Rei with some of the shrine maidens duties on the weekends.

   The morning passed swiftly as chores were done and duties explained. Her
   grandfather commented on the strange aura she displayed and with his
   promise that he wouldn't divulge what they told him, Asahiko changed into
   gi and then used some hot water. They explained the curse and why he had
   to stay out of sight temporarily, Grandfather Hino then suggested some
   meditation techniques that might help bring his emotions under control
   without the danger that his barricading method had posed.

   "I would suggest Asahiko not be away from one or the other of you until
   she learns to accept and control her emotions. Right now her emotional
   controls are very fragile. From your aura and what you have told me I do
   not think it will take you long. Think of in terms of the martial arts you
   practice, if you try to take shortcuts or rush your training then your
   performance suffers doesn't it? Only you will know when you are truly
   ready and even then reinforcement from those around you will help you
   continue to develop your control in such a way that it suits you. Rei can
   help you with the meditation techniques; she uses them in her fire
   readings."

   "She is welcome to stay also; her aura shows almost as strong an affinity
   for fire as does Rei's. Hiding in plain sight will allow her to adjust
   faster and there are very few who have the audacity to attack someone in a
   shrine. You have your study group here Ami and she would be going to
   school with you so little would change other than Rei having extra help
   and Asahiko being able to earn some spending money."

   "I'll ask my mother and if she approves and if Asahiko is willing I don't
   see any problem with it. Now we have to go to the mall and buy some one
   some school shoes and some other supplies since we forgot yesterday."

   A subdued Asahiko studied the scrolls as they walked to the mall often
   asking Rei the reasoning behind some of the concepts and Ami would
   occasionally ask for more on points she found interesting. After buying
   the proper shoes Rei decided Asahiko needed some cheering up and said the
   magic words that almost always worked on Usagi. "Would you like some ice
   cream?"

   At the Crown Arcade they met their three friends and Asahiko listened as
   they talked about school and of course boys. When Rei noticed the look of
   dismay on Asahiko's face they started teaching her how to tell someone
   they weren't interested without making them upset. When Makato wondered
   whose gym class she would be in Rei had her hands full with a visibly
   upset Asahiko.

   As they walked back to the Hikawa Shrine Rei and Ami tried to think of a
   solution to the gym class dilemma and were at a loss. Usagi pulled Asahiko
   into the bath and stood her in front of the mirror. Standing beside her
   she asked, "What do you see in the mirror?" By this time everyone had
   joined them and they waited for an answer.

   "I see us there," was the shaky reply. After pulling the answer 'girls'
   from her they went back into Reis room and sat her down on the bed.

   They congregated in Rei's room with some hot and cold water. Asahiko
   looked at the water with mild trepidation, "I'm almost scared to try to
   change forms now with what happened, what if I'm stuck?"

   "If you're stuck then we will look for a cure, but it would also diminish
   the chance of accidental discovery. We'll handle that problem if it comes
   up and not before then, first we need to see if it is a problem." Ami
   handed her a cup of hot water which she then slowly poured over head. She
   became he but not instantaneously like before. Several seconds elapsed
   before the change was complete and Ami did another scan, the sequence was
   then repeated with cold water with the effect being a bit faster. After
   four glasses of hot and cold water it appeared that the time needed was
   about five seconds for his male form but only two for his female. "This
   might be to your advantage, Asahiko, if you carry a small water container
   on you, you would have time to prevent the transformation before it became
   noticeable. Your curse isn't cured but now you have some control over it."

   "We talked about this earlier. Cold water is more prevalent than hot and I
   think the curse requires balance. Would it be so bad if you could plan
   where and when the curse activated? Right now we need to help you finish
   some training you missed growing up and some schooling you missed on the
   road while keeping you away from those who were causing you trouble. There
   is a large area behind the Hikawa Shrine where Rei lives you might be able
   to use to work out away from anyone who might recognise you."

   Minako took up the conversation then. "We listened to your problems and
   part of them seems to be your inexperience in dealing with people in
   general and the opposite gender in particular. Insults maybe alright in a
   fight but outside of a fight they hurt people and yourself. We can show
   you how to respond appropriately to the situation. If a girl or boy makes
   a pass at you, you don't need to hurt or insult them you just need to let
   them know that you're not interested or that you're not interested at the
   present time. Flirting is normal but it does follow some rules, and you
   need to know the rules. We can teach you how to gently turn someone down
   and when. When a boy or girl approaches you, you won't have to get
   flustered."

   "We would like to be your friends, and friends help each other." Usagi
   joined in. "I don't know what happened to cause your spell to change but I
   feel responsible since I cast the spell to heal and purify. We have two
   advisors that have cat forms, they aren't cats but you can talk to them
   about the Neko-ken and they may have some information or insight to help
   you overcome it if the healing didn't remove it all. With us working
   together we may learn more about how to control your curse and what the
   other magics are. We really want you to be our friend."

   "I don't know, I don't want to cause any trouble and trouble has always
   been part of my life. I'm confused right now; I don't know how to answer
   or what to do. I told Ami I would let her train me and I guess I really
   need it." It was obvious that she was unsettled her emotions showed
   plainly on her face, flickering from one to another in rapid succession.

   Rei gathered her into her arms and held her close. "Whatever happened
   appears to have loosened your control on your emotions, as a shrine maiden
   I know this can be good for you. You have kept them to tightly hold and if
   they aren't allowed some freedom they can break loose on their own."

   Ami gave her a hug. "Asahiko, my mother was the attending physician when
   you were brought in. She did a full physical on you because you were
   unconscious and couldn't tell her where you were injured. She said you
   were fully female. I know your fully female when in this form and fully
   male in your other form. Why would you be embarrassed to change in the
   locker room with the other girls while in this form?"

   "I'm a guy. It wouldn't be right for me to shower with girls."

   "Given they evidence of the magics merging I don't see much chance of you
   finding a cure for the curse. You told us about Taro which leads me to
   believe the curses are additive, so the pool of drowned boy would possibly
   make you into a combination of both in your cursed form. Do you intend to
   ogle the girls and tell the guys what they look like?"

   "No way, I've heard them talk about girls and I'd knock their blocks off
   if they ever asked me that."

   "OK... We need to find what temperature triggers your curse and be sure
   the shower stays below it. This evening you are showering with Rei and me,
   I'm not worried that you will do anything perverted and you need to get
   accustomed to it. You're honourable and excessively shy when it comes to
   girls, we need to get you over the excessively shy part."

   "Uh uh, no way, not going to, that would make me a pervert."

   "Are you calling me a pervert, Asahiko? Because that is exactly what it
   sounds like. We are going to shower together, if you say that it would
   make you a pervert then that means it would make us perverts too, right?"
   Rei growled out the questions, leaving no doubt that she would be upset at
   the wrong answer.

   Usagi wrapped her arms around Asahiko, "Would you train only the left side
   of your body and not the right? Would you ignore a wound just because it
   was not on your most favoured side? Think of this as training we know you
   aren't a pervert and you should know that as well If you were a pervert
   you couldn't wait to jump in the shower with us."

   "No, no, please, no." Asahiko mumbled becoming incoherent, her emotions
   trying to go into overload again. Usagi cradled her in her arms letting
   her know she was not alone and focussed their love through the bond that
   had developed.

   "Ami," Minako pulled her off to the side, "how much schooling has she had?
   I don't think she has ever had the talk did she, I bet she didn't even
   have sex ed in boy form either. That could be a part of the problem; you
   remember some of the wild things we were told by others that weren't true
   when we were younger don't you? You know like if a boy kissed you, you
   could get pregnant?" Glancing at the huddled form in Usagi's lap she
   continued in a lower voice. "Do you think your mother could come to our
   study group and do the honours, Asahiko is going to be embarrassed no
   matter what but this way she'll be with a group that can support her, and
   won't make fun of her lack of knowledge. I think what she doesn't know can
   really hurt her?"

   "I think you're right and Mother would probably be the best choice, I fear
   that we are going to fast but we don't really have much choice do we? I'll
   call her and maybe she will stop over this evening." With a pensive look
   on her face Ami called her mother and reported what was happening. When
   they had decided what was needed, she pulled each of the Senshi aside and
   asked for their help, which was promised by all.

   Usagi had reluctantly shifted Asahiko into Rei's arms and after Ami had
   updated her on what was happening her personality shifted to that of Neo
   Queen Selenity. "Ami the healing and our bonding has complicated things,
   imagine a person with all good intentions trying to raise Ranma as a girl
   without knowing of the dual nature of his curse, how could they succeed?
   Your mother is in that position now due to the magics involved and the
   bonding, I believe it would be best if she knew and after the comment
   Rei's grandfather made about seeing auras I think he already knows or at
   least suspects. If we're honest with them I think they would make valuable
   allies, how many times in the past have we been injured and needed
   treatment, sure Hotura can cure us when she is in senshi form but it does
   take energy from her that we sometimes can not afford. Your mother is
   intelligent and trusts you, this can build on that trust instead of her
   finding out by accident one day. She will understand that we couldn't tell
   anyone before for their safety and hope it's enough."

   "What will Pluto and Luna say? You haven't talked to them yet have you?"
   Ami wondered how her mother was going to take it and knew that she might
   not like the outcome.

   "They are my advisors Ami, if they have a problem with one of my decisions
   then they can discuss it with me, also you haven't scanned them yet and
   I'm a bit concerned that if the dark taint has grown far enough they will
   resist the healing process. Fighting someone who can foresee your moves is
   a scary thought. The Outers have fought us before but we never thought
   that they might be under a spell other than Hotura, who was literally
   possessed. Rei was right in that we must set up regular testing and some
   safeguards to prevent it from happening again."

   "I think it best we talk to Mother about our life after tonight's
   activities, she is not going to be happy that I hid it from her all these
   years. On the subject of scanning, I'm keeping a continuous scan on
   Asahiko, the spell is still affecting her, her magics are merging somehow
   and the activity in those areas is increasing. I haven't told her yet but
   apparently since she now shares our magic she will also share our
   lifespan, I want to wait until she accepts some other facets of her life
   before letting her in on that, we do have plenty of time for that anyway.
   On a lighter note we will find out if someone can die from embarrassment
   tonight, if she doesn't then it will be a minor miracle. Now I think it is
   time to draw water in the furo, remember to keep it on the cool side we
   can warm it gradually until she starts to change. I'll keep a glass of
   cold water on hand to prevent the change; normal boys would think it to be
   paradise to be in a tub with five girls but not Asahiko."

   Asahiko was as red as a boiled lobster but as the girls teased each other
   and gently teased her she relaxed and observed the interplays between
   them, carefully keeping her eyes on their faces. She had just become
   comfortable enough to talk back with out stuttering when Dr. Mizuno walked
   into the furo and stepped in the water. Taking her hands Dr. Mizuno
   started some light conversations about their general health and gradually
   directed the conversation to the sex education classes the girls had
   taken.

   With obvious panic in her eyes a stuttering Asahiko blurted, "You, you
   mean they have classes on how to have sex and I have to take them. I can't
   do that I'm a guy, I can't, no way, I'm not going to do that!"

   "Calm down Asahiko. Now to answer the questions you asked, no the classes
   don't teach you how to have sex, right now you are not a guy and since you
   are not aware of what sex education is it means you have not had it so yes
   you are going to take a class in it! I will teach you about certain
   aspects of the human body and this is something you need and will learn
   tonight. For the others this will basically be a review but I will
   probably cover material that school didn't. I need your cooperation, you
   need to know this and you're going to be embarrassed , these girls can
   tell you about how embarrassing the class can be, but they lived through
   it and so can you, unless you don't think you're brave enough to face what
   these girls went through."

   Cooperation meant participation and the only consolation Asahiko had was
   everyone had to participate and they were as embarrassed as well. After
   the basic lecture the faces became even redder as she explained what she
   meant by participation and what little modesty they had was stripped away
   as they took turns being used by the doctor as show and tell models.
   Asahiko was mortified when she showed signs of arousal, then Dr. Mizuno
   explained the physical response and pointed out that it was normal and
   basically uncontrollable. As she observed that the others were also
   showing the clinical signs that the doctor pointed out she calmed down and
   paid more attention. The straight forward, no nonsense presentation helped
   and she joined the conversation and asked and answered questions that
   would have left her tongue tied in blind panic before.

   Everyone was relieved when she announced that class on female sex
   education was over and then shocked when she poured hot water on Asahiko,
   motioning Rei over to help her calm him down. When Asahiko wanted to
   protest she pointed out he was the same person, the group was the same and
   they could expect accidents to happen at the worst times. "Each of you has
   examined each other, do you think it is alright that you have seen them
   and not allow them to see you? " She then delivered a briefer class on
   male sexuality and went over many of the previous points but from the male
   point of view including the inadvertent arousal which left every one in a
   contest of who could become the reddest.

   A very subdued and relieved group dressed and returned to Rei's room where
   they were once again shocked as the doctor hit their overload button by
   giving a lecture on pregnancy, its dangers, myths and birth control. When
   it was over Usagi suggested a sleepover and even the doctor stayed,
   sleeping on the bed while the girls clustered on the floor. After what
   they had gone through Asahiko had no problems talking with them, she now
   felt comfortable with them and she even teased Minako about some of her
   ideas on boy friends.

   Almost dying and the magical healing had accelerated Asahiko's growth into
   a new person and with tonight's events she finally was finally accepting
   that the curse was part of her. She had new friends, friends that knew
   about the curse and accepted it as part of the whole, who would gently if
   teasingly corrected her when she said the wrong thing, while she knew
   there was problems left to solve she was actually content and happy for
   the first time she could remember.

   Tuesday morning

   Ami woke and looked around, Rei was asleep still asleep holding Asahiko
   one arm under head and the other laying across her stomach, Minako was
   using Asahiko's stomach as a pillow and Makato and Usagi were in the same
   pose as Asahiko and Rei. A chuckle can from the bed, "I wish I had a
   camera that would be a priceless photo."

   Ami walked over toward her mother and pulled out the mercury computer and
   captured the image. "I'll down load it at home and print you one out for
   you Mother but first we need to talk. I'm sorry for not talking to you
   sooner but we were advised to not tell. If people knew who we were and
   where we lived it would put our families at risk as well as ourselves. We
   would like you to help us, we are strong and nearly impervious to injury
   but the key word is only nearly. Our healer is also a warrior and in a
   fight healing of necessity takes a back seat to fighting. It also puts a
   tremendous drain on her energies which if we have to we would rather be
   put to use healing the most severely wounded instead of just a broken arm
   or rib. We have a new complication which has arisen and need your help
   with it also. I would not put you at risk for anything Mother and if who I
   am becomes known then you are at risk whether I tell you or not. We do
   disagree with our advisors at times but to go against their advice
   requires more than just our desires. Will you forgive me for not telling
   you sooner?"

   Gathering her daughter in her arms she choked back the sobs that were
   ready to break loose. "My precious daughter, I've known for a while that
   you were Sailor Mercury, and I understand the reasons you couldn't tell
   me. All I could do was provide you with as much trust and love as I could
   and pray for your safety. Will you be telling all the families involved?"

   Usagi joined in, "No, Doctor Mizuno, my mother may understand but my
   father would forbid it and I would rather not lose my family. I do not
   want to put my mother in the position that put her at odds with father and
   while I love my family dearly I'm a soldier in a war and that duty comes
   foremost. Makato is an orphan and Minako is practically one, Rei lives
   with her grandfather and we wish to tell him since I'm sure he has already
   figured out who we are. Several problems have made it possible to override
   my advisors recommendations in this matter, fortunately an unfortunate
   event exposed one and unfortunately when I tried to fix the problem I
   created another one, a fortunate misfortune you might say."

   "Mother, my scan showed that we had been exposed to a dark taint and
   Asahiko also had one though from the Neko-ken training, Usagi cast a
   healing spell to remove the dark taint and the spell was quite successful,
   too successful in fact. Usagi's magic merged with Asahiko's and they are
   still merging and the area of her brain that I associate with magic is
   showing continuous activity but I don't know what it is doing. It removed
   the all of dark taint from everyone but it interacted with Asahiko's curse
   some how and created a bond between us, similar yet different from the one
   we possess as Sailor Scouts. We need to find out what is happening, I
   believe his curse was simply seeking a balance before which is the reason
   he was such a water magnet, with the merging I'm not sure if that is the
   case anymore."

   Usagi re-entered the conversation, "Our bond I believe has helped him
   accept the duality of forms and allowed him to accept our help, given his
   history he should not have joined in last night, and it simply went
   against many of the notions that have been literally pounded into his
   head. Ami mentioned that his magic is showing continuous activity, it
   maybe influencing his actions also. The connection we have to each other
   now allowed him to see it as acceptable, he accepted training last night
   because we also accepted it, Ranma, at least the Ranma that was left to
   drown in the fountain is effectively dead, Asahiko is Ranma plus. His core
   values and personality are still there but she has cast off a lot of the
   misinformation that he had been fed. I believe some of the misinformation
   was deliberate, to allow him to be controlled."

   "As a doctor I have to agree. Her psychological profile was indicative of
   abuse and manipulation. Considering some of the charges pending against
   his father I'm surprised she survived as long as she did. She has been the
   recipient of parental abuse of the worst type from both her parents. She
   went to great lengths to win her mothers approval but after she would
   overcome one obstacle her mother would simply raise another. There is no
   way her mother would ever deem him manly enough because if she did then
   she would no longer have control over him. Genma led Ranma to believe his
   mother was dead early in their training, unfortunately for Ranma, this
   time Genma basically told the truth. He put everything he had into trying
   to please a person he idolized but Saotome Nodoka had no concept of being
   a mother."

   "Both parents continually pointed out that it was a matter of honour that
   he marry a Tendou. He was bound by honour to marry at least two other
   fiancees yet his mother would put the honour of one to no account to force
   him to marry a person who literally did her best to kill him, and then
   wanted him to dishonour the others by taking them as concubines. The whole
   situation in Nerima has been brought to the attention of outside agencies,
   and is being cleaned up. Tendou Nabiki, apparently, had several high
   officials in her pocket and had had several investigations for blackmail
   and child pornography derailed."

   "We need to get everyone up and washed now and I'll see what I can do to
   help preparing breakfast. I'll need to talk to Asahiko after breakfast and
   let her know what has been going on, I'm afraid it's going to hurt her but
   she deserves to know the truth." Ami helped her mother up off the bed and
   helped Rei and Asahiko store the bedding.

   While lunch was being prepared Dr. Mizuno talked to Asahiko "Some good
   news first. Due to your age when some of the crimes were charged to you
   they did a review and there are now no outstanding warrants against you,
   the ones that were attributed to you with eyewitnesses have been shown to
   be the work of one Ryu Khumon. Some other good news, your involvement with
   Kho Lon is over. Some representatives from the Amazons arrived to offer a
   formal thank you for your help against Saffron and to ask why you had not
   accepted their offer of an alliance. They were not happy that not only had
   you not been given the invitation but that she and Xian Pu was using drugs
   to try to force you into marriage, the use of some of them are apparently
   forbidden. Both of them will spend some prison time here before being
   returned to their village. Mu Tzu is in the hospital and if he survives he
   will be in prison for life, he attacked and injured three officers with
   weapons before one of the elders was able to take him down. His careless
   disregard for the safety of others on top of injuring the police officers
   makes his conviction an almost foregone conclusion."

   "I never wanted anyone to get hurt, I just wanted some peace for a change,
   was that too much to ask for? It's all my fault, I should have gone back
   as soon as I woke up." Asahiko sobbed into her shoulder, her body shaking
   with the force of her sobbing. All Ami's mother could do was hold and
   comfort her as her emotions poured out.

   "It isn't your fault child, sooner or later Genma's crimes would have
   caught up to him, either the law or someone he stole from. I imagine that
   was why they were pushing the marriage so hard, once you found out about
   not having to honour his pledges without damaging your honour he would
   have lost all control over you. Mu Tzu had attacked others before thinking
   they were you, what if it had been child? Kho Lon knew she was breaking
   the laws of her tribe and our country when she used drugs. You are not
   responsible for their actions."

   "I heard you say something about the Tendou's, Nabiki only did what she
   did to pay for what Pop and I ate and pay for the damages from our being
   there."

   "If that were true I might have some admiration for her but it isn't. Nude
   and nearly nude pictures of you have been sold by her to several porn
   magazines, pictures of you working out in the dojo were sold to several
   action and martial art publications the proceeds from any of them would
   more than pay for food and repairs even at the rate you eat. She had
   several bank accounts for each operation and they are still hunting for
   others, she wasn't as good at hiding her computer records as she thought
   she was. Due to the complexity of the schemes and the false paper trails
   she will be tried as an adult because she had full knowledge of what she
   was doing. Oh! By the way those accounts that were set up to handle the
   proceeds from your pictures will be turned over to you, it's a tidy sum."

   "On a brighter note the school investigators arrived in time to see Akane
   attacked by a large group of boys and Kuno boasted that it was by his
   authority. Kuno has been charged with felony assault and aggravated sexual
   battery since he used force in a stated attempt to date her. Several of
   the students confirmed he had attacked you at times with a steel blade so
   no matter what influence his family has, he will get prison time and
   psychiatric treatment. Akane will also get the psychiatric treatment she
   needs to help her recover from the emotional abuse Kuno caused. So some
   good has come out this, hasn't it?"

   "If I go back it will start all over again won't it?" Asahiko hugged her
   before sitting up and wiping the tears from her face. "At least Akane will
   have a chance to heal. Would it be possible to make sure that Akane and
   Kasumi are taken care of, Kasumi was almost like a mother to me and I
   don't want anything bad to happen to her that I could prevent? She always
   saw the good in people rather than the bad."

   "I'll keep an eye on them for you and see if Kasumi can get some help too,
   from your stories I think she was as much a victim as you were. Now let's
   go find out what more we can do to help here and I think Ami said
   something about scanning you again." After straightening the bed a pensive
   Asahiko left to find Ami.

   Lunch was noisy with the six teenagers talking about school and telling
   Asahiko who was who at school that she would need to know. After dinner
   was cleared away Ami pulled her computer out and did another scan of
   everybody. "No dark taint is visible in anybody and as far as I can tell
   all the physical damage that Asahiko received before meeting us has been
   healed. The area I associate with our magic is showing signs of activity
   within the six of us; I imagine that is the cause of our increased
   bonding. Asahiko's magics are continuing to merge and the extra activity
   that I noted I believe is the source of her bodies continuing healing. On
   a cautionary note, I would surmise that with her healing and new growth
   that her hormones are going to be out of balance, if you begin to get a
   feeling of unease from her you might want to lend her extra support." She
   concluded her analysis of the scan.

   Asahiko stood and gave a low bow, "I can not undo what was done in the
   past but I can do my best for a better future. Saotome Ranma died a week
   ago, he was alone and friendless. I am Mizuno Asahiko, I have people who
   care about me and who are more than just friends, they are also family. I
   know that it is going to be hard to adjust to being the new me but now I
   have friends who will help. Thank you for the chance at a new life."
   Before she could sit back down she in the centre of a massive group hug,
   and then everybody prepared to leave for home.

   Phoenix Rising

   By: Terryie (http://www.fanfiction.net/u/65656/)

   Chapter Three

   Growth

   Wednesday

   Asahiko woke gradually enjoying the luxury of not waking while being
   thrown through the window or by being soaked with cold water. A quick,
   quiet trip to the roof to perform a kata that drew heavily upon the tai
   chi she had learned in a monastery her father had abandoned her at for
   awhile and then to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for her new family
   started the new day. The food was not up to Kasumi's high standards but
   she didn't have the experience in house keeping that Kasumi had. As she
   turned off the rice and checked the miso, Ami entered the kitchen and
   helped set the table.

   "Oh, you out did yourself this morning, Ami!" came a cherry greeting as
   her mother came through the door.

   "Not me, Mother, Asahiko had it all prepared before I woke up. I just help
   set the table." Ami pointed to a blushing red head.

   At the table Asahiko concentrated on eating in the same manner her new
   family did. A lively conversation on the things to be done during day with
   both her companions drawing her into the conversation, asking her opinion
   and complimenting her on her improved manners had her blushing but happy.

   With hugs all around Dr. Mizuno left for work and Ami prepared a new
   lesson plan while Asahiko cleared the breakfast dishes and did some quick
   house keeping. As Ranma, she had helped Kasumi more than a few times
   earning a scathing put down from his father for acting like a weak girl.
   He then arranged his help in such away that his father and mother weren't
   aware of it, using his speed to clean and straighten the rooms,
   maintaining an awareness of where everyone was to avoid being castigated
   for being unmanly or malleted by Akane for being a better housekeeper,

   By the time she had finished what little house work was needed Ami had
   arranged the material she needed to help her catch up in school.
   Remembering where she had had success in overcoming Asahiko's arguments
   she planned a pre-emptive strike.

   After calling her to the table, she lay out the material for the courses
   that she needed and then explained how each course applied to other
   courses and how they could be used in real life. By reminding her that had
   she spoken and read Chinese the Amazons would never had been a problem,
   she showed how not using insults diffused confrontations that could lead
   to fights while admitting that sometimes you had no choice. Drawing on her
   knowledge of ancient history she had Asahiko list those figures in history
   that had his respect and why. After she made the list Ami struck hard,
   pointing out that every individual on it was highly educated for their
   time and that most had served their government in one capacity or another
   often being diplomats as well as warriors.

   Challenging her to do the best she could do Ami left her at the table and
   went to her computer to search for information on magic.

   With all her preconceived notions about education having been proven
   false, Asahiko set herself to rise to the standard that Ami had
   demonstrated that her role models had exhibited. When she had difficulty
   with comprehending social studies, Rei was called in. By lunch time
   Asahiko had totally destroyed the schedule Ami had set. Once she had the
   concepts down she literally flew through the course material.

   After lunch they called the others and went to Rei's. After helping with
   some chores Rei reminded them of her vision where they fought better and
   Usagi requested that she train them, shocking the others. The response
   they received was pure Ranma, I don't hit girls, girls are too weak and
   enough foot in the mouth to make up for the week and then some.

   Ami slapped her! "Asahiko shut up! We are warriors, we have to fight and
   we do so often. In most of the fights we wind up getting injured, we may
   win but that win comes at a price. We are sworn to protect the Princess
   with our very lives. If you train us then we increase our chance of
   winning with less injuries and lessen the chance that we die in performing
   our duty. You are spouting the garbage that your father drilled in you but
   you have read and respect Sun Tzu. According to legend he served the
   emperor in the Wu dynasty after being challenged by the emperor to make an
   effective army out of his concubines. Placing the emperors two favourite
   concubines in charge of respective groups he then had them beheaded when
   they failed to discipline their groups. The next leaders led the groups
   effectively. Women were considered weaker then than now whether you train
   us or not I think you owe us an apology."

   Asahiko's response to Ami was as far from Ranma as you could get. With a
   whispered, "I'm sorry," she crumpled into a sobbing mass repeating 'Please
   don't leave me." over and over.

   Usagi nearly flew to her side and gathered her in her arms until she
   quieted down. Rei started to make a angry comment when she was stopped by
   a glare from Usagi. She then noticed something else about her condition
   and with a quiet word to Usagi to take her into her room for some
   comforting words and to get her cleaned up.

   Usagi helped her change and explained again what was happening, that it
   did tend to mess up emotions during its course and yes it was messy and
   embarrassing but that all teenage girls went through the same thing.

   After a half hour an embarrassed Asahiko followed Usagi to join the others
   and apologized profusely. Forgiveness was quickly granted and as Makato
   pointed out it was far better that it happen now than later when they were
   at school.

   For the next two hours Asahiko took them through the basics, observing
   what each could do and asking about their style of attacks when
   transformed. While they rested she discussed her observations and made
   recommendations. She ask about comparative strengths when transformed and
   how far they wanted to take the training. The consensus was that balance,
   endurance and strength training would be necessary first. Usagi asked if
   they should train in their transformed state and she explained that the
   skills they learned should carry over but if they were attacked
   untransformed it gave them the edge to avoid attacks until they were able
   to transform.

   As they were about to call it a day and go home there was a youma attack
   in a nearby park. Remembering how ineffective ki attacks were against
   them, Asahiko made use of the umiseken and vacuum blades to interrupt it
   whenever it attacked one of the senshi. An invisible warrior was more than
   it could handle and before it had a chance to do any damage Sailor Venus
   was able to was able to entangle it with her chain and Sailor Moon quickly
   destroyed it with her tiara.

   After they had left the park, said goodbye to each other and then started
   to go home. "That was quick! Thank you Asahiko, you kept anyone from
   getting hurt" Usagi was delighted, then she giggled. "Who ever sent that.
   if they were watching, will have to believe we have a ghost of a demon
   hunter on our side now."

   The rest of the week followed the same pattern with the exception that
   after the house work was done they met the others for a study session at
   the Hikawa Shrine. As soon as everyone was there they would exercise and
   then study, eat lunch and train some more. Asahiko learned the how to talk
   properly, how to tease and with lots of role play how to respond to
   unwanted advances without hurting someone with words or her fist. Most
   importantly she found that she enjoyed learning, teaching and the
   occasional youma attack.

   Sunday evening the chaos that had been the hallmark of Ranma's life made
   its presence known again.

   Housework was quickly taken care and the evening meal prepared in time for
   Ami's mother to relax a few minutes before sitting down to eat. During the
   meal, the day's events were quickly gone over and expanded on while the
   dishes were done. As they were putting away the last of the dishes,
   Asahiko froze. "Ami how hot was the rinse water?"

   "About sixty-five to seventy degrees. I like it hot so the dishes dry
   faster after being wiped." Ami straightened from putting the pots
   underneath the cabinet.

   "Ami what temperature does my curse activate?" Asahiko asked in a very
   detached voice.

   "We measured that last Sunday, it changes at forty-six degrees. Almost
   twenty degrees less than what you just had your hands in!" She quickly sat
   her in a chair at table. "Before you panic let's check and see what the
   trigger temperature is now. We will do it just like we did before, we'll
   start at body temperature, thirty-seven degrees, and work up by five
   degree intervals and then fine tune it when it triggers." Ami placed
   several bowls on the table and added hot water to them then cooled it of
   with tap water until it was the required temperature.

   As Ami was drawing more water a male voice told her "You don't need to
   draw more it triggered in the first bowl but the rinse water was much
   hotter. If it's going to change at those continuously different
   temperatures what am I going to do?"

   "I don't know but lets do it in reverse now and see how cold it has to be.
   "Ami went to the refrigerator to get some cold water and called her mother
   in to ask her advice. Setting the pitcher of cold water on the table, she
   explained what had happened and what they were trying to do. When Asahiko
   put her hand back in the thirty-seven degree water her curse triggered
   again. "What? How? Let me do a scan and Asahiko can you describe what you
   were feeling and thinking when changed?"

   "I was just hoping I wasn't stuck and that I could still change. Nothing
   felt different with any of the changes." Dr Mizuno put some water in a
   bowl and told her to change back, when she put her fingers he pulled them
   back quickly and put them back in the warm water changing back to female
   form. "That's cold and I still changed, what's happening? Is my trigger
   reversing itself? No! No! NOOO!" A note of panic in the voice quickly had
   her enfolded in comforting arms.

   "Ami is the area you say that her magics are in showing activity? You
   mentioned them merging how far along is this merging?"

   "The area is showing a lot of activity, it has really grown in strength,
   but there is no sharp definition to it as we have. It has traces of
   elemental magic but when she transforms her magics don't fluctuate as ours
   do. When we use our magic, I note a spike in activity in that area, hers
   doesn't spike. Either the energy involved is insignificant or is always
   on. What is new is the energy has spread through her body almost as if it
   were storing an excess.

   "Asahiko, I want you to calm down, you have to help with this, I think you
   might be able to control your form's trigger now, but you have to calm
   down to it. Can you do that for me?" Dr Mizuno rocked her back and forth
   gently, comforting her and getting her to calm down. "I want you to think
   what form you want to be in then put your hand in the water. Don't worry
   about the temperature of the water, just put your hand in and think about
   changing your form." She did this several times.

   "Can you put your hand in and not change forms for me? I'm reading low
   level activity when you change; it is almost to low for me to register."
   Ami was staring intently at the information her computer was giving her.
   I'll have to try this on the rest of us, it takes longer to read so I
   don't think it would help in battle situations but it's reading energy
   signatures from your whole body even when you didn't change. Mother come
   look and I'll show you what I'm talking about and see if you can make some
   sense out of it. See here and here, let me take her place and see if you
   can note the differences and maybe we can figure out what is happening."
   Asahiko continued to put her hand in different bowls sometimes changing
   sometimes not, a look of concentration on her face.

   A sudden spike in the reading prompted Ami's mother to look up as her
   daughter changed to Sailor Mercury and a second spike went unnoticed as
   her eyes opened in amazement at what she saw. Ami and Asahiko looked at
   her then at each other as what happened filtered into their awareness,
   Sailor Mercury sat in her chair looking at a new sailor senshi who was
   looking back at her and then down at her body. "Oh no!" were the last
   words that Asahiko uttered before passing out.

   "Change back Ami and come look at this." Ami came around the table,
   studied the display, and then studied Asahiko whose head was resting on
   the table. Ami's mother poured warm water on her without triggering the
   change. "We may have to wait until she wakes up to see if she can change.
   Is there any difference in the reading between the two? Is it an illusion
   or did she actually turn into a sailor senshi?"

   "It's not an illusion, my scan shows identical bodies but the energy
   signatures are different. Her energy signature is at least as strong as
   Jupiter's but not as focussed. Not changing when we are injured or pass
   out is normal, a safety device, I believe it is to allow us to heal faster
   and prevent further accidental damage. Injuries that would be fatal if we
   are not transformed have to heal before we can transform back and we have
   to be conscious to trigger that transformation. Her uniform has the same
   properties mine but she has a turbulent magical signature. Look down here
   though, her magics were still showing basically the same pattern as before
   just an increase in activity here, here and here." Ami pointed to data on
   the screen.

   Instead of the normal senshi uniform she was wearing a short emerald green
   dress with black trim, black slippers and elbow length gloves. A gold
   medallion around her neck displayed a representation of the solar system
   with a large fire opal in the centre with gems representing the planets
   and earth's moon and platinum tracing their orbits. A tiara with a pair of
   gold dragons facing each other with a single star ruby suspended between
   them rested on top of fiery red hair that flowed to her waist. An ornate
   staff topped with a star ruby orb lay across her back.

   Hysterical laughter from across the table alerted them to Asahiko's return
   to consciousness. "Please how do I get back? I don't know how much more I
   can take." Ami told her to just think about being in normal form and then
   will it. Her form changed and she was swept into a hug from both sides.
   "What happened, do you have any ideas?" She continued in a small voice.
   "I'm scared! Can I control these changes or am I going to have to hide?
   I'm never going to have a normal life am I?"

   Dr. Mizuno continued to hold and comfort a frightened, bewildered girl
   whose world had become a kaleidoscope of frightening changes one where
   even the stability of just changing sex with water would be comforting to
   her.

   "I have a few ideas." Ami said cradling her chin in her hand. "You were
   willing the change back and forth with different temperatures of water and
   then willing no change while still playing with the water. You were so
   entranced in what you were doing I doubt you really noticed me join you.
   When I changed, I believe you simply used me as a visual template and your
   inherent magics worked with the Moon Kingdom magic to execute the
   transformation. I think it was a complete transformation, your magical
   energies have risen as ours do when we transform. If you concentrate on
   the form you want I don't think you will have any problems, when we are
   not so tired we need to go somewhere safe and have you transform and see
   if you can use any attacks.

   "When you're not so tired sounds like a good idea, now both of you go take
   a shower and get to bed you do have school tomorrow. Try a hot shower I
   believe you will change only if you desire to now. I'll see you in the
   morning, good night." With a quick hug and kiss to them both, she left
   them to get ready for bed.

   "Remember, you're not a super powered martial artist unless you want
   unwanted attention again, hold yourself back to what us 'normal' girls do.
   " Ami cautioned Asahiko again as they made their way to gym class. "You
   did really well this morning just remember in the gym the idea is team
   work and having fun. I know you're nervous but you are doing well and I'll
   be here for you."

   Asahiko watched as several students did tumbling and before her and then
   did the same moves but remembering not to show off kept the moves to just
   what the coach instructed. When one of her classmates landed wrong, she
   helped her up and started to explain what she did wrong when the coach
   arrived. When she noticed the coach was there she became embarrassed and
   started to move back but when the coach asked her to continue she did,
   showing her how to do it and then helped her do it several times. That set
   the pattern for the rest of the class, taking her turn and then helping
   those that had problems earning her thumbs up from Ami.

   When class was over and they went to shower she was a little nervous and
   blushed about undressing but Ami was there and told her many of the
   students were shy at first. Her confidence almost went out the window when
   she was surrounded while she was getting dressed by several of those she
   had helped,1 thanking her asking if she could keep helping them. With a
   blush that went to her toes, she stammered that it was up to the coach,
   that she was just a student.

   History class was a welcome distraction from the attention she received
   while getting dressed. Before lunch Ami had told everybody that they
   needed to meet for lunch somewhere in private. The day sped by and she
   enjoyed her classes.

   Ami went to meet everybody while Asahiko transformed and waited for Ami to
   signal her. When her cue came, she sat down in front of three frozen
   girls.

   "Asahiko, that is mean." chided Usagi.

   General havoc reigned for a while before she retransformed and explained
   what had happened the night before. "I don't know if I have any special
   attacks when transformed but my physical attacks and some indirect ki
   attacks should help if I don't."

   Ami looked at Usagi questioningly "How did you figure it out Usagi?"

   "Asahiko knows. It is all a matter of the heart. Our bond lets me know who
   is who." Usagi smiled. The smile disappeared from her face, "We're going
   to have to go see the outers. I expected Pluto to be here at least, we
   need to scan everybody for contamination we need to keep in closer contact
   with each other. If they are contaminated then the presence of Asahiko
   might give me enough time to heal them. If Pluto is tainted and decides to
   fight, we may be in trouble. Asahiko you know how tough we are when we
   transform, you may have to seriously fight Pluto and hold her. If we do
   have to fight, do what you must to keep her there, you must not let her
   get away, she has some very strong attacks and she fights by teleporting
   around. If you have to hurt her bad to stop then do it, I can always heal
   her afterwards but if she has gone too far to the dark, she may try to
   kill us rather than run.

   "Are they ever separate, it might be easier if we can heal one at a time
   and that would give us an additional ally each time?" Asahiko queried,
   "Would it fatigue you too much to heal them individually?"

   "I don't think it will and we have had to share energy before, so I can
   call on them if I need extra. We go to school with Kaiou Michiru and
   Ten'ou Haruka, Tomoe Hotaru goes to a nearby school and either Michiru or
   Haruka will take her home. Meiou Setsuna is the school guidance councillor
   but I haven't seen her this week."

   "Um, let's not take them on in school, too many students could get hurt
   considering the damage we can do if it comes to a fight. Can we get the
   one who goes to pick up Hotaru first? How long would the healing take? If
   we have time and take them in that order, we cut the risk of having a
   fight that could get out of control. While she's being healed one or more
   of you could keep Hotaru busy until we're through," Asahiko pointed out.

   "The scan and the healing only take a few minutes; the two most dangerous
   if something goes wrong are Pluto and Hotaru. Hotaru can bring the silence
   if pressed hard enough." Ami provided.

   "After school then I'll go with Ami and we can transform out of site and
   scan who ever goes to get Hotaru, if she is tainted then I can get to her
   with the umiseken and Ami can walk out as Sailor Mercury and that should
   give us the edge. If we do not give her time to transform then we can hold
   her while she is healed. Minako, can you call Rei to meet us at Hotaru's
   school and then meet with Makato? You need to go to the area where they
   are likely to be when they leave so you can be there if we need you but
   not be seen with us and stir up suspicion. If we don't have any trouble
   meet us at their home." This could be a battle and strategy in battle was
   what had allowed Ranma to win most of his fight. Asahiko didn't even
   realise she had assumed command nor did the others protest.

   "We'll see you after school, if anybody sees any of the outers let
   everybody know, we can't afford to take chances." Minako gave and
   affirmative.

   "Usagi," warned Makato, "The one place we don't need you today is in
   detention. You stay awake."

   As soon as school was out, they saw Haruka heading toward her car and
   decided that she was the one they needed to take care of first. Usagi ran
   to meet her while Sailor Mercury scanned her. Stepping out but staying in
   the shadows she let them know she was tainted.

   "Haruka wait up! We need to talk for a minute. Ami scanned everybody and
   noticed a dark taint, a small spell that has been growing for a while. I
   healed and cured us of it and we need to check you too" began Usagi as
   they got close enough to talk. Haruka started transforming and Ami and
   Asahiko went into action, a Shabon Spray giving Usagi cover to transform
   and distracting Haruka before she could see Ami. Before she could finish
   transforming Asahiko appeared behind her and had struck her twice using
   pressure points and held her immobile.

   "Your Majesty I have her ready. She can't move right now, I'm holding
   her." she informed the transformed Usagi. In moments, she stopped
   struggling as the spell banished the dark from her. As soon as she could
   stand, Usagi explained about the taint and she gave them a lift to Juuban
   Junior High School. Ami scanned Hotaru and told them she was tainted but
   it was very small.

   After a quick introduction, they explained what the problem was and
   Asahiko and Haruka held her hands while Usagi cleaned her of the taint. On
   the way to their house she heard a little of her story. When they arrived,
   Michiru was alone and decided to run and not put up a fight. A quick
   application of pressure to nerve centres and she was held immobile. After
   she was cleansed, Asahiko helped her prepare tea while Ami let her mother
   know where they were.

   While they waited for Setsuna, she told more of her story and then
   mentioned that since Hotaru's ki was not normal it could be what was
   preventing her from being as healthy as she could be. When she started to
   explain about ki, Setsuna announced she was home with a 'Dead Scream'
   against Asahiko and then turned to attack Haruka who was transforming.

   Sensing the attack, she grabbed Hotaru and leaped out of the way. Setting
   Hotaru down she immediately went into an attack disrupting Pluto's attack
   on Haruka, who then hit her when she turned to attack Asahiko. It was all
   the time needed for Asahiko to knock Pluto out. She then held her to
   prevent her escape if she woke while Usagi performed her healing for the
   fourth time that day with the rest of the scouts and Asahiko providing her
   the extra energy she needed.

   Everybody called and told parents where they were and that they were with
   the school councillor. While Usagi and Setsuna slept, Ami and Rei assisted
   Asahiko in telling her story. Of course, everybody wanted a demonstration
   of not just his male form but of his sailor senshi's too. After
   transforming several times she did a few kata showing her school's moves
   adapting them to the confined area earning her approval from Haruka and
   rapt attention from Hotaru.

   After everyone had commented on the fluidity of her forms and request from
   Haruka and Makato for sparring Hotaru shyly asked if she could learn how
   to move like that. "Before I can teach you anything more that a few basic
   moves we have to see if there is anything that can be done about your ki
   flows, I noticed that they were abnormal after you were healed and Ami
   scanned you."

   "Ki, what is that and why would it be necessary to learn how to move like
   that," Hotaru asked with a puzzled look on her face.

   Asahiko then demonstrated ki pulling a small amount into her palm and
   after everyone had looked at she was going to release it when Hotaru
   walked up to it and cautiously touched her finger to it, as she did a look
   of wonder occupied both of their faces as it grew and changed colour from
   blue to gold then to a dazzling white that forbear anyone to look upon it.
   When Haruka tried to pull her away from Asahiko, she found she was unable
   to touch either of them. While everyone watched, the two knelt facing each
   other with the ki ball now softly glowing between them. Every now and
   then, the ball would flare a little as the expressions on their faces
   changed, anger, longing, sadness, happiness, desire, acceptance and love.
   When Usagi and Setsuna woke up they were still in the same position,
   looking at each other with their hands almost touching and the ball of ki
   centred between them.

   "They are soul bonded, as my bond is to and from each of you so is theirs
   to each other but next to their bond ours is but a pale light cast by a
   weak flame. Ami could you scan them please?" Usagi reached her hands to
   Setsuna and Rei grasping them and moved into the circle as Rei and Setsuna
   reached out and grasped the hands of Makato and Minako who continuing the
   circle grasped Haruka and Ami who had already take Michiru by a hand. When
   the glow from the ball of ki began to fade Usagi prompted the others.
   "Reach out with your bond to them and draw them to us."

   As they completed the circle and reached out with their bond, the ball of
   ki grew again gently enveloping everyone with warmth, love and acceptance.
   No one said a word; each knew they were welcomed into that bond, that they
   were all loved. As the glow faded the ki from the ball flowed into
   everyone leaving them feeling rested and at peace.

   "Ami did you scan everyone to be sure the taint is all gone and on a
   related note was what happened to Hotaru and myself a result of the magic
   from the healing spell?" Asahiko asked as she and Hotaru stood and
   proceeded to the kitchen to cook the dinner they had prepared earlier.

   I scanned everyone and they are clear of the taint, Setsuna's was the most
   embedded, I believe that it was growing in her long before we were
   awakened. To answer your second question, I do not know. Usagi said it was
   a soul bond, that would mean you were soul mates and it would have
   happened anytime you met and were together long enough. The magic may have
   had something to do with it, it created a bond between all of us, but if
   it was just the magic, then Rei or I would have been more likely to be
   affected than Hotaru. We were closer, we slept together when you were
   having problems, and you slept for several hours in Rei's arms the night
   Usagi healed us. Therefore, if it were just the magic then it would have
   been one of us. When she touched your ki I believe it made a direct
   connection and drastically shortened the process." Asahiko gently squeezed
   Hotaru's and thanked Ami. After they had eaten and cleaned the kitchen,
   they returned to the dining room.

   "Setsuna, I have some questions. How much of the timeline that you were
   influencing was at the direction of the taint and who could have cast the
   spell the started it? Since it was a small spell cast so that it would
   grow unnoticed it must have been part of a long-range plan, how can we
   find out what its affect has been? Usagi didn't you purify Hotaru after
   the Pharaoh 90 incident? As a matter of strategy, it appears you have been
   set up and subtly steered they way some one wants. Where are they steering
   you and why?" Asahiko looked around, "I don't think I was taken into
   account and it might have derailed some of their plans but if they have
   been steering you this long then it is likely they have contingency plans
   to fall back on. One last thought, you said everything was supposed to be
   on track with no more serious threats, were you supposed to rest now and
   just wait?" She pulled Hotaru into her lap as everyone looked at her as if
   she had sprouted two heads, horns and a tail. "Does anyone have any ideas,
   comments or solutions?"

   Pandemonium broke out with everyone talking at once. Usagi stepped back
   from the table and ask her is she could make some dinner and then headed
   over to some snacks followed by Hotaru who pulled Asahiko with her. "Take
   your time getting the dinner ready I'll let you know when I need you back
   in." Usagi told them in her Selenity voice. They went into the kitchen and
   started the preparations for tea.

   "Usagi is scary! How does she go from being so normally full of giggles
   Usagi to so serious that you do what she wants without questioning Queen
   Selenity so fast?"

   "Shin'ai," giggled Hotaru, "she is several people in one. One; Usagi
   Tsukino, who is a sixteen year old schoolgirl. Two; Sailor Moon, a soldier
   whose job was to protect the Moon Kingdom. Three; the Moon Princess, who
   is the heir to the throne of the Moon Kingdom. Four; Neo Queen Selenity,
   the incarnation and wisdom of every Selenity that came before and what she
   will become in the future. It is scary at times the way she switches back
   and forth, as the need arises."

   "All of us are incarnations of what we were in the Moon Kingdom, the
   memories are there but I hope it is to guide us as we grow instead of
   taking over and making us into copies of what we were." A sad look
   appeared on her face as she voiced the last sentence.

   Noticing the look on her face, she pulled her in a comforting hug. "We
   share those memories now, and while they were not all pleasant you aren't
   alone anymore. I have learnt that talking about what troubles you will
   help ease the pain of bad experiences."

   "It is hard to believe that you were an infant just a short while ago,
   does Ami know if you're going to have another aging spell soon? Oh! We do
   need to find out what is blocking your ki flows and see what we can do to
   straighten them out." Asahiko gave her a worried glance. "That is if it is
   alright with you and your family."

   "Of course it's alright, can you do it or do you know who can?" came the
   immediate reply. "We don't know when the next growth spurt will be, but
   barring Accident or dying in battle we will live for a very long time.
   After we reach about twenty five we basically stop aging, or at least that
   is the memories I have from the time before."

   "I know some Shiatsu but I'd rather find Dr. Tofu and have him check you
   out, he is a master of it." With a worried frown on her face she
   continued. "The Amazons know a lot about it too but I don't trust them
   very much."

   Realizing that the session would probably last well into the night, Hotaru
   and Asahiko prepared a substantial amount of food and set it on the table.
   Sharing details of each others lives while they worked they discovered
   that hearing the other talk about an event was like remembering it. As the
   last dish was brought from the kitchen Usagi brought everyone in and the
   meal was quickly consumed.

   Setsuna started with a quick synopsis of what conclusions they had arrived
   at. "Practically, all we have are your questions and a few very few
   answers and hypothesis. I have no idea how long I was affected, Ami said
   it was at least three or four times as developed as theirs was. With my
   being the time guardian and being outside of time often that could have
   affected it and slowed it down or even sped it up, there is just no way to
   be sure . Hotaru was purified when she destroyed Pharaoh 90 so who ever
   cast it is still around. We have no idea if we have been steered, although
   it is more than likely the case. We had assumed that the few youma that we
   have been running across were leftovers and all we had was a mop up
   situation. Do you have any ideas?"

   "Hotaru and I talked while cooking. Unless it is someone you have never
   faced before it doesn't leave many options. Saturn's attack against
   Pharaoh 90 I would say was complete and it wasn't around before since it
   was from out system. Wiseman was totally destroyed. That leaves pretty
   much leaves Queen Metallia, she was present at the end of the Silver
   Kingdom and was improperly sealed away, she would possibly have been able
   to cast a very small spell through the seal. When Neo Queen Selenity cast
   the restoration spell after defeating her in this time I believe she was
   restored as well but she would probably have lost a lot of her power again
   reducing her to casting very small spells. Beryl was of the earth line and
   Queen Metallia maybe able to draw on that connection to increase in power
   over time, she maybe weak now but she has been around along time and would
   have to have some patience and cunning. Ami is there anyway to check if
   there is any remnant of her at all?

   "I have her pattern in my computer and with the program that I had to
   develop to try to differentiate your magics and what they are doing I
   believe I can. I'll need to set up some remote sensors though and we don't
   have any funds for that."

   "I should be able to find money for that, is that the only problem?" Pluto
   asked.

   "Has everyone been scanned Ami? Hotaru mentioned something about advisors
   and a fiance that was reincarnated." Asahiko looked at Ami.

   "No they haven't. Chiba Mamoru or Prince Endymion is in America with
   Chibi-Usa, Artemis and Luna should be at Mina's and Usagi's respectively.
   Haruka could you take Usagi and Minako to get them for us" Ami turned to
   Setsuna. "If this is going to affect the timeline then will Chibi-Usa be
   safe, should she stay here or go back to the future?"

   "She should be alright but I need to get the time key from her, if she
   uses it she maybe be in danger. This is her reality now, until I can get
   some information from the time gate then we must be prepared to believe
   that the future has changed." Pluto replied with worry showing on her
   face. "I'll get in contact with Mamoru and have them return home as soon
   as possible and make sure that the time key is not used."

   With the mention of America, Asahiko began thoughtfully, "Ami one of the
   shows you had me watch mentioned groups that study psychic phenomena in
   America. If you are known then you could be watched if you tried to put
   out those sensors but a group like the ones I saw would be ignored
   wouldn't they? I mean the general idea from the report was that they were
   crackpots and if you didn't have personal contact with them then they
   shouldn't be under suspicion."

   "That could work. I can organise most of it over the net, and even have
   the parts manufactured and shipped. Imbuing them with magic will be the
   last thing we do and I'm not sure what range we will have on them yet."
   Ami started working on her computer and I think a lot of what we need can
   be bought from existing stocks and I only need to have two at the most
   three boards fabricated to my specifications. I will have to make extra
   circuits in them to cover what we need, they'll have to be multipurpose
   and I can include seismic detectors that would feed into the government
   network. That would get us permission to place them wherever we pretty
   much want."

   When Minako and Usagi brought the moon cats over Asahiko was edgy around
   them but the blind fear was gone. After the situation was explained, she
   had them sit in her lap as proof she was over the Neko-ken. Ami scanned
   them and then finding small amounts of dark energy Usagi cast her spell
   again but this time Ami set up the scanner to record every nuance she
   could. Ami was upset that she hadn't scanned the process previously and
   let everyone know that all uses of magic should be recorded until they had
   at least a basic understanding of what they were using.

   "I know we are going to be terribly busy with what has to be done but I
   want everyone to work with me to help me understand how magic works and
   what we can do with it. Asahiko shares some of our magic plus her own and
   it is still changing. Ours apparently is also but to a lesser extent. If
   we are going to be attacked by small magic's from ambush then we need to
   be able to recognise and if possible counter it." Ami looked intently at
   her computer. "We went to the moon once, could there be salvageable
   artefacts that we could get to, Pluto?"

   "How did you get to the moon? Do you have space ship?" Asahiko asked
   startled.

   "We used a teleportation spell. The five of us can teleport together and
   Sailor Pluto can teleport. I don't know if the others can, my memory from
   Silver Millennium isn't complete.," answered Ami.

   "It would be nice to be able to teleport to an open area with no people to
   practice magical attacks and after you learn more, your ki attacks."
   Asahiko frowned, "I know they can't be used directly against the youma but
   if necessary you could open a hole in a wall with a ki blast. When we
   fought the last one, I used ki to enhance my blows and knocked it onto
   that girder so you could finish it off. Knowing what we can and cannot do
   will help in a fight. And we definitely don't want anyone around to get
   hurt when we do practice."

   "I'll check around for an area we can use" Setsuna looked at Usagi, "if
   you approve. If we combine we can transport everybody at one time and I
   could get it classified as a field trip to study flora and fauna on an
   island or wherever we decide on."

   "I could practice as a male there too without worrying about the
   neighbours talking or attracting to much attention. Since I have control
   now I can do something I haven't for a long time, go swimming in my male
   form." Asahiko exclaimed, verry excited.

   "I agree with Asahiko, we do need to practice. If we can combine some of
   those techniques with our magic attacks it would positively be an
   unwelcome surprise to our next opponent. She has shown us things I don't
   think we could do even when transformed, you'll have to see her to believe
   it." Usagi answered then yawned. Looking over at the sofa where Asahiko
   was sitting with a sleeping Hotaru cuddled in her lap, she continued. "I
   think we should go home now, some people here have the right idea."

   Everyone had their minds on the night's events as Haruka dropped them off
   at their homes. Tomorrow promised to be a big day and nothing had really
   been settled just more questions had been raised.

   Phoenix Rising

   By: Terryie (http://www.fanfiction.net/u/65656/)

   Chapter Four

   Challenges

   It was late when they left to go home. Ami and Asahiko walked slowly
   discussing all attempts of magic that she could remember being subjected
   to as Ranma. Talk shifted to the spell casters and Asahiko wondered how
   much blame should be cast on Xian Pu, she like Ranma had not really been
   allowed friends. If they were a better fighter they were a challenge if
   not then they were to be ignored unless they had a technique you were told
   you had to have. They resolved to talk it over in the morning as they
   entered the apartment and prepared for sleep.

   Tuesday

   School was surprising for Asahiko. She had no problems in class, with Ami
   as her model for being a normal student she had pre-read everything for
   the week and had no problems keeping up. She found she could pay attention
   and still think about the situation she found herself in. A few things
   became abundantly clear, she was happy for the first time she could
   remember, she had no desire to return to the life she had. She would like
   to be friends with some of those she had known but not at the cost of her
   new found freedom. An alliance with the Amazons could be an advantage if
   they really meant it, they had a large store of knowledge of magic and
   magic artefacts.

   PE was relaxing, as before she helped those that were having trouble and
   several of the more advanced students ask for her help. She found herself
   enjoying helping the others and kept up the conversations as she was
   showering and changing.

   A few minutes before class ended for the day she was told she was needed
   in the office before she left school. A very worried Asahiko met Ami, told
   her that she had to go to the office first, and nervously walked in the
   office.

   The coach stood by the desk. "I observed you with some of my poorer
   students, and they came to me after class to ask if it was all right for
   you to help them on a regular basis. My class is large and I can't give
   everybody the personal attention they need. You obviously know what you're
   doing on the mat and it shows. If you don't mind I would appreciate you
   helping the students as you did today, they were motivated enough to ask
   me to ask you, which is a big change for them."

   A laughing Ami hugged her, "You need to stop jumping to conclusions
   Asahiko, being ask to come to the office does not automatically mean
   you`re in trouble, OK. Now don't you think the coach needs an answer?"

   "Of course, I would be honoured." A now thoroughly embarrassed Asahiko
   answered.

   "I'll expect you to keep your grades up, you should set an example that
   physical power does not need to come at the expense of brain power. Thank
   you for agreeing to work with them, now you better get home before your
   parents worry."

   They met Usagi who was just leaving detention as they walked down the
   hall. She joined them and they walked toward her home.

   "I'm very proud of you, few with your skills would even notice those
   students. You didn't show off and you helped those who needed it because
   you could. How do you feel now?" Ami was amazed with the difference a few
   days made in her attitude. She was walking with a confident gait,
   apparently comfortable in her uniform, and smiling.

   "I enjoyed it. I know I'm two years behind where I should be for my real
   age but I understood what the classes were about and I wasn't bored. I
   feel like I might actually learn something this time. It felt good to help
   in the gym, the ones I helped will never be on the team but they enjoyed
   it, that is the most important thing of all. I was worried about having
   done something wrong when I was called to the office, and I feel silly now
   for worrying about it." A very animated Asahiko addressed Ami's question
   as walked home and filled the walk with her impressions of her classes her
   teachers and some of the students that had given her cause to notice them
   during the day.

   Usagi looked around to be sure no one was near. "All the senshi but you
   have names and attacks based on their power source. We don't know what to
   call you when you're transformed nor do we know what your power source is.
   Do you have any idea Ami?"

   "You mean her power source I presume, no. Our henshin rods all have our
   planet symbols on them, she neither has nor apparently needs one to
   transform. We will just have to wait and see where she draws power from."
   Ami gave her a thoughtful look.

   "Well I transform but I don't have the same uniform you do, so I don't
   think I'm properly a Sailor Senshi, so what am I?" Asahiko looked down for
   a minute. "I just wish sometimes I could have a normal life but it never
   has been and I don't think its going to change now. It just better not be
   a name like Sailor Little Moon Bunny Helper!"

   With a hug and giggle Usagi left them and ran to her door, waving as they
   continued on. Once home, chores were quickly done, dinner preparations
   made and homework finished. While setting the table Asahiko brought up the
   idea of asking the Amazons for help with questions on magic and whether
   something could be done for Xian Pu.

   "Kho Lon has her own agenda and was desperate for a heir to keep her
   family line in power. I believe that Xian Pu may have been manipulated as
   much as I was and she was raised to never question the matriarchs much
   less her great grandmother. I would like to help her but I don't want to
   find myself in the same situation as before. I wish I knew what Kho Lon
   was up to and what she was trying to do. Could you do some research on the
   Amazons and see what is available, please? I don't want to approach them
   without reliable information and an idea of what would be available."

   Ami's mother came in and after a quick hug joined the discussion. "They
   are expecting a meeting with you, and since Kho Lon was to blame for
   several actions against you they may be more responsive to requests. They
   respect strong women, especially warriors, if a few of the Senshi were to
   be with you as advisors it may improve your chances at finding information
   on magic. Requesting help for Xian Pu would gain you allies and if after
   they talk to her if they come to the same conclusion as you did then it
   would help to defuse any animosity."

   "Your new composure in your female form could be a big factor in whether
   it is just a formal `we'll leave you alone and you leave us alone'
   proposition or an actual alliance. Just like the phoenix you defeated you
   were reborn, stronger and more resilient than before, they will respect
   that. " Ami pointed out. "We may also have a little more leverage than you
   think, their society is dying out! As isolated as they are they run the
   risk of being obliterated, they have only lasted this long because the
   region is virtually inaccessible, its people hostile and it has few enough
   resources to make it politically and economically unattractive. There is a
   spell that was used on the moon that hides the ruins, kind of a `you don't
   see me' spell, with some study we may be able to apply that to that area.
   I think Setsuna would help and Usagi would agree."

   "I would like to find Dr Tofu Ono if we can. He is a master of shiatsu and
   Hotaru's ki is not normal. If I trusted the amazons I would ask them but
   we don't know enough about their offer or how sincere they are. Do you
   think you could locate him? He used to live in Nerima." Asahiko hopefully
   ask Dr Mizuno.

   During dinner they discussed the previous evenings events and what should
   be done. Calls to Usagi and Pluto arranged a meeting for after school,
   calls to various ministries secured permission for Xian Pu to be examined
   by Dr. Mizuno and several matriarchs. A call to the delegation of
   matriarchs stating Asahiko's concerns about Xian Pu gained their support.
   A search was started for Dr Tofu.

   Talking about Xian Pu reminded Asahiko to inquire about the others. A few
   phone calls later a disturbing pattern was found, traces of unusual drugs
   were found in everybody but Kho Lon. Some of the drugs were traced back to
   Kuno Kodachi but some were only marked as unknown. A call back to the
   matriarchs enlisted their aid in identifying the unknown chemicals.

   Asahiko's mood lightened at the thought that all the actions against her
   before may not have been deliberate on their part. Then a phone call
   changed her mood drastically, Kho Lon was missing and so was Genma.

   "I think it is a coincidence that they both escaped at the same time. I'm
   surprised Genma stayed in custody this long. If we're lucky he's long
   gone, knowing that a lot of people are going to look for him here. Genma
   sent me into a lot of ruins to retrieve things that he would sell later."
   said with thoughtful look in her eyes. "Before I realised that it was
   stealing and not a game he had me steal a lot of things from temples and
   then would steal me away if I got caught, of course I was soundly punished
   for getting caught. He never put himself at risk unless he had no other
   choice. Too many people are looking for him here and he's wanted in China,
   the only place I think he might try to go is through Korea then south and
   west to India."

   "The one that bothers me is Kho Lon, the few times I beat her were much
   more luck than skill, Genma I'm sure will run but her, I have no idea.
   Other than being cautious there isn't much we can do, I'd call the
   matriarchs and let them know she might try to retrieve things from Nerima.
   I think the senshi should stay away from her and definitely avoid
   confrontation. I'm fast but she maybe faster, I have inhibitions against
   killing but she doesn't, before I left Nerima I probably could have taken
   on any three of the senshi, she could probably take on all of them except
   maybe Pluto. If you see her don't try to follow just let everybody know,
   she will sense if you follow her." Asahiko looked more and more troubled.
   "I thought I left all those troubles behind in Nerima."

   Two pair of arms encircled her as she cried in frustration. No matter what
   the chaos of Ranma's life was bound and determined to follow her. As she
   curled into the embrace, Ami left to make tea, and Asahiko relaxed into
   the safety of loving arms. When she started to snore, Dr Mizuno guided her
   to her bed. "Go to sleep child," she said softly while tucking her in. As
   she was leaving she her heard Asahiko mumbled "OK Mama." She was smiling
   as she quietly closed the door.

   Wednesday

   School the next day was hectic. She was called to the councillors office
   where she and Setsuna went over the information they had gathered on the
   Amazons. Ami and Asahiko covered everything they could think of, then
   Setsuna asked more questions and Ami used the computer to hunt for what
   answers were available. Asahiko provided impressions of observed behaviour
   from his time in the village and in Nerima, Setsuna would ask about
   certain events and then take her back over for more details. Two weary
   students reported to math class, took the test and then found themselves
   back in Setsuna's office.

   "You're going to be the primary spokesman or rather spokeswoman. Between
   now and Friday you are going to have to learn how to carry yourself and
   speak with authority. They came to you with an apology and an offer of an
   alliance, so you can not afford to be in the least subservient. I tried to
   use the time gate today but everything is so chaotic right now it`s like
   looking in a kaleidoscope. I can't even see a short distance into the
   future right now. That's why I wasn't at around last week and it has
   become worse. I can take you and Ami or one of the others so you can spend
   extra time learning what you must know this weekend, unfortunately I can
   not take everybody." Setsuna informed Ami and Asahiko. "When we leave from
   school we will all meet at Rei's, your mother will be there with any
   information she has as well. Who is your most advanced students and would
   they have any chance against the Amazons?"

   "Makoto and Minako , I thought Haruka would be but she is too rigid when
   it comes to forms. Makoto is the best but Minako is not far behind, it
   helps that they were in great shape to start with and they have the
   reflexes and attitude. They both take any advantage they can find and if
   they don't mind pushing it by Friday they could take on most Amazons in a
   one to one challenge without transforming, transformed they should be able
   to match all but the matriarchs. The few times you have joined us hasn't
   been enough for me to say for sure, you're good but I don`t know enough to
   place you."

   "Starting this afternoon you will concentrate your training on them and
   myself. I want you to push us as hard as you can, if we're injured Hotaru
   can heals us. We need to be ready as I'm sure that they will want to test
   the warrior skills of your honour guard. Dr Mizuno and Michiru will give
   you lessons on bearing and authority, Ami will brief us on anything else
   we need. Setsuna concluded.

   When they arrived at the shrine Dr Mizuno had an update on the ones from
   Nerima. There were unconfirmed sightings of Genma moving south toward
   Nagasaki, apparently he was headed toward Korea to let things cool off
   enough to come back. Of Kho Lon there was no word.

   By the end of the day everyone was worn out and the senshi transformed to
   heal the minor wounds and bruises, after Hotaru healed some of the more
   serious problems. Usagi and Dr Mizuno did their best to heal Asahiko of
   the trauma of having to hurt her friends. It took a lot hugs by everybody
   to convince her that it was alright and that they still loved her.

   After dinner she changed back to her male form and practiced for a while.
   Ami recorded it and kept a continuous scan. Then he relaxed while they
   transformed and practiced some their moves in their senshi form. They
   convinced her to transform and spar with them, then each showed off some
   of their smaller magical attacks. When she asked Jupiter if she could do
   her attack again because she had missed seeing how parts of the energy
   combined they realised she could actually see magic.

   "This means you can at least see if someone attempts to use magic against
   us," Ami pointed out. "I wish we had more time to for you to get use to
   the changes!"

   "I'm used to not having much time adapt to things, at least I have good
   friends to help me now." she hugged Hotaru and smiled.

   Usagi smiled picking up a new manga, "Sailor Little Moon Bunny Helper does
   have some surprising skills, doesn't she?"

   "Well Sailor Little Moon Bunny needs all the help she can get and she
   better put my manga down. I haven't read it yet and she is about to get
   some exercise." Rei started laughing as Usagi gave an sharp "eep" when the
   manga disappeared and a tickle war started.

   When the fun was over Setsuna took Michiru and Asahiko to the time gate
   with books, a lesson plan and an arm load of tapes and video disks Ami
   said were for examples. A weary group returned two hours later but for
   them it had been almost a month. Ami's time table for lessons had been
   derailed again, video tapes and disk were returned with only a comment on
   Asahiko's preference for Queen Elizabeth over Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis.

   "She could be, no, she is an accomplished actress. You may need to update
   her language, but she can carry herself as a queen now." Michiru smirked
   at Ami, "That six month lesson plan you sent is no longer valid.
   Fortunately Setsuna had some extra books there and is much more patient
   than I am."

   Thursday

   Asahiko's new poise was noticeable the next day, many of the teachers
   complimenting her on conduct. She spent every minute she could practicing
   and reviewing her Chinese. She realised she needed to relax a little when
   she answered a question history class in Chinese and had to repeat it in
   Japanese.

   Setsuna, Minako and Makato took turns sparring against the entire group,
   they were now near the level Ranma was when he arrived in Nerima. They
   were as near ready as they could be.

   Ami and another load of books and videos went with Setsuna and Asahiko
   this time. "Why do I need to learn this?" a very frustrated Asahiko asked,
   looking at books on debate and contract law.

   Ami gave Setsuna an exasperated look, pleading with her to answer this
   time. "Asahiko, lack of these skills on your father's part caused many of
   your troubles with people. Fortunately for you the agreements no longer
   apply to you, but unless you wish to find yourself in similar
   circumstances when those people seek you out with lawyers in tow, you must
   at least have some understanding of what is occurring." Setsuna's eyes
   took on an evil glint. "Apparently you need another example other than
   Nabiki."

   Asahiko quickly agreed to the study, speaking so fast she stumbled over
   her words. She remembered all to well how defenceless she had been against
   Nabiki.

   Her world became study, debate, spar, eat, sleep and repeat. Ami and
   Setsuna taught together weaving words into convoluted arguments and having
   her trace the different threads and then restructure to say the same
   thing. Success in a lesson earned extra sparring time and forays into what
   little magical theory was available. While detesting what Nabiki had done
   to Ranma with webs of words his respect for how she had done it grew along
   with his knowledge. This was sparring but with words and the kata were
   flowing, constantly adapting, each responding to the one before it and
   preparing a base for the next, a mutable game of chess where the pawn may
   become the rook and the movement of the pieces redefined moment by moment.

   Friday

   Setsuna and Dr Mizuno decreed that Friday Asahiko should relax as much as
   she could. Friday morning Asahiko paid barely enough attention in class to
   take the notes she no longer had any real need to have. She concentrated
   instead on the nuances of the known magics. Usagi's was calm like a lake
   while Ami's had a slight fluctuation in it that she figured to be her
   accessing her computer. She could feel Rei's although she couldn't see it
   and she could see a thin line of energy coming from and another going
   toward Hotaru whose location she was now always aware of. By lunch time
   she had located and identified all the senshi and was comparing the
   signatures, mentally identifying those characteristics that were the same.

   During lunch she asked the others about defences against magic. Ami
   delivered a quick run down, "Our uniforms protect us from most magical
   blows the only other protection is Saturn's Silence Wall. We've been
   overcome individually by strong magic before, the witches under Kaolinite
   are a good example."

   "How fast can Saturn put the Silence Wall up? How large an area can it
   protect? Do you use hand signals or just vocals?

   Asahiko came back with a string of questions. "If someone attempts to use
   magic at the meeting and I see which way it is coming from she can protect
   you. I move fast enough I think I can avoid it since I can see it." she
   continued explaining her needs and reasoning.

   Ami thought a minute before replying "She can erect it almost
   instantaneously and it is approximately three meters wide. You probably
   need to work on signals with her. We should ask that no magic be used
   during the meeting to avoid any potential misunderstandings."

   As soon as lunch was over Haruka and Asahiko left to take Hotaru to visit
   Dr Tofu. After a quick stop to drop off books and change clothes and form
   they drove to Yokohama where he had set up a small clinic.

   Asahiko's quip "What's up Doc" brought Dr Tofu away from his charts and
   out into the waiting room.

   "Ranma! You're looking healthy, how and why did you find me?" exclaimed Dr
   Tofu. "I don't think I've ever seen you looking better."

   "A friend of mine looked you up for me, I need your help if you don't
   mind?" Ranma started then continued to explain the problem with the ki
   flows.

   "Are you cursed, too? I sense a magic field around you and yes I can see
   the disruption in the ki flows." Dr Tofu started a cursory visual exam.

   A startled Hotaru looked at the doctor in surprise "No sir, I know of
   Jusenkyo but it isn't the area where my magic is associated. Can you tell
   what is disrupting my ki flow, sir? Is it something you can fix?",
   diverting his attention from inquiries of her magic.

   "Let's go into my office. I'll have to look at the area and trace your ki
   flow in a little more detail before I can answer for sure but I don't
   think it will be a problem."

   "Well while your doing that I'm going to talk to some friends who have a
   shop around the corner. I won't be long and don't forget you have an
   appointment later." Haruka smiled at them and left.

   "Oh! I wish she hadn't left, I need to have her sit in on the exam." Tofu
   looked up surprised

   "That's alright Ranma can come in instead. A cup of water will take care
   of appearances." as she went over to the water cooler. "She wanted to
   watch you do it and ask some questions anyway." She brought the water back
   and watched her change.

   Once in the office he began his exam explaining what he was doing and
   answered the questions. He was pleasantly surprised at the knowledge being
   shown. "Ranma, your questions show you have a surprising amount of
   knowledge, are you thinking of going into medicine?"

   "I don't think that will be my field of study, although with my life every
   bit I can learn of healing is a big help." She looked at him carefully, "I
   don't expect they allow home study for it do they?"

   "No some of the courses require you to be in class, but you can probably
   test out of several courses." He returned to his exam. "Ah! Here it is
   see, feel right there a small knot of scar tissue. That is an old injury
   blocking the juncture. You may have fallen against the corner of a table
   or more probably a game piece that was on the floor. Opening the flow will
   be easy, you just need to do a deep massage that spot every day and strike
   these points afterward. Don't try to rush it, you want to gradually
   restore the flow rather than all at once, it should take about a week.
   Will you be able to continue the treatment Ranma?

   "Sure Doc, no problem." Asahiko handed Hotaru her blouse as she and Dr
   Tofu left her to get dressed.

   "Please don't tell anyone in Nerima where I am, Ranma I don't want to go
   back to making a fool out of myself over Kasumi. She probably laughs every
   time she thinks of my behaviour." Dr Tofu was red-faced with
   embarrassment.

   "Don't worry about it. She never said anything about your behaviour to
   anybody that I know of. If she wants to see you I'll give you a call and
   you can decide what to do from there."

   Hotaru came of the office then just as Haruka entered saying it was time
   to go and they left to meet the others.

   Afternoon classes had sped by and when the bell rang they met Setsuna who
   had acquired an enclosed van that could pass as a delivery vehicle.
   Setsuna loaded everyone up and Haruka went to pick Rei up . They worked
   out signals to be used in case of a magic attack and everyone transformed.
   When they arrived Ami and Asahiko scanned the area and while some magic
   was noted to be in use it was deemed protective.

   Monday evening

   Akane came storming into the genkan, "That pervert! I can't believe him,
   sneaking off to have an affair with that bimbo and as a female, too!

   "What, you would rather have him have an affair with her here." Responded
   Nabiki placing her shoes next to Akane's. "I can't believe he tried to
   sneak off on his own. I'll teach him to try to go somewhere without
   clearing it with me."

   "When that baka gets back I'm going to pound him so hard he won't wake up
   till after supper!" Akane fumed.

   "Well wait until I get a few pictures of her. Kuno bought almost all I had
   the other day, and she owes me some good ones for taking off like that. At
   least any bruises she has will be mostly cleared up by the time she gets
   home." Nabiki started up the stairs. `It was real nice of Kuno to pay our
   way there, to bad we lost track of him in the mall."

   "A few bruises won't hurt the baka any Nabiki, you can just tell Kuno that
   they're there because of Ranma. Heh! He'll probably pay you even more for
   proof that he's an evil sorcerer." Akane slung her book bag over her
   shoulder.

   "Imouta-chan that is no way to talk about your iinazuke," came Kasumi's
   polite voice from the kitchen.

   "I am not marrying that pervert! He was making out with Shampoo in the
   mall, as a girl!" Akane stomped up the stairs. "I'm going to do my
   homework."

   "Oh my! That's not very proper but it doesn't sound like Ranma, you know
   how he hates his girl side." Kasumi's voice followed her up the stairs.

   "Where is that ungrateful boy, he's not usually out this late!" Genma
   moaned looking at the shogi board where Soun had the advantage. "Oh, look
   there's the master!", artfully palming several tiles.

   "Genma, that boy had better start paying more attention to my daughter.
   The schools must be joined! He needs to leave those other girls alone,
   it's not honourable for him to chase them when he is supposed to marry my
   daughter. Look at the mess the dojo is in, it's his fault for not
   straightening those girls out before, and now he is back to chasing those
   other girls."

   "How is it his fault father, he didn't even know there was going to be a
   wedding, you and Uncle Genma planned everything and sent out the
   invitations. He never left the house until you took him to the dojo and I
   know Auntie Nodoka didn't invite the amazons or the Kunos." Kasumi turned
   to set the table. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes, I'll go tell
   Auntie and my sisters."

   As they sat down to the table Nodoka looked to Genma. "Where is my son, he
   should be back by now? He just went to a mall in north east Juuban to get
   some clothes, the stores here were out of his favourites."

   "We saw him there Auntie. The pervert was making out with that Chinese
   hussy! He's probably staying with her!" Akane responded with anger.

   "While it is manly, it is not appropriate, I will talk to him when he
   returns." Nodoka frowned. "She is not acceptable as a mistress, especially
   after the attack during the wedding."

   When he had not returned in the morning Soun and Genma set off to find him
   at Nodoka's urging. An obviously still upset Akane made her way to school
   alone, muttering about perverts and their mothers.

   An unwelcome site met her at the gates to the school. The to beat Akane to
   date her mob had obviously been revived and they attacked as she entered.
   She was still angry at Ranma and his mother and took that anger out on the
   attacking mob. She was tired of being told she had to marry the pervert,
   tired of being kidnapped, tired of being attacked, and especially tired of
   people making decisions without giving her a choice; By the time they
   realised she was not just knocking their friends down but actually trying
   to hurt them twelve were on the ground and several were in serious
   trouble. As she prepared to fight Kuno, she saw there were more people
   around than normal, then realised that it was police. It really no longer
   mattered.

   "Kuno why did you start this again." stalking toward Kuno, raising her
   voice as she did. " You interrupted my wedding with bare steel! Now you
   have me attacked again by these bakas! And you stand here with bare steel
   again!"

   "My fairest maiden fear not. I shall break the hold the foul sorcerer has
   over thee. When this day is over I shall marry you." Kuno began to charge
   toward her with the katana raised, then arched his back in surprise before
   crumpling over in a pile. His body was inured to many injuries but the
   Tasers(c) penetrating his hakama delivered the lightening his thunder had
   promised.

   Akane stared at the sight of Kuno then the words the officer in front of
   her began to make themselves known to her awareness. "Tendou Akane, you
   are under arrest for the assault yesterday of an as of yet unidentified
   female, in Juuban mall. Should she fail to regain consciousness these
   charges may be upgraded to murder. We have seen what you did to those who
   attacked you here and we would rather you cooperate rather having to
   subdue you. Please place your hands behind your back and refrain from
   moving." With those words from the police officer she numbly placed her
   hand behind her and was led off.

   Kuno was not afforded the same courtesy, while he was down they quickly
   handcuffed him and began to drag him toward the waiting police van. Before
   they had progressed more than a few feet his father had made himself known
   with his horrendous Hawaiian accent, denying their right to arrest a Kuno.
   He was informed of the events at the mall and the fact that Kuno Tatewaki
   and when they failed to release him attacked them with his exploding
   pineapples. He was as resistant to their effect as his son.

   As soon as Nabiki saw the uniforms she immediately started giving orders
   to her lieutenants. "Pass the word nobody talks to the police, have them
   refer them to me. Return all bets from this morning, pay off anybody that
   just bet on the first part, we don't need anybody unhappy right now."

   "We will indeed talk to you Miss Tendou, I came up here to inform you of
   the status of your sister, however I can now inform you that you are under
   arrest for obstructing a police investigation. You young ladies may sit
   down with at least three desks between you and no talking." the officer
   glared at them and they scurried to the desks. Taking a cell phone from
   his belt he informed his commander of what was happening and what he had
   overheard and was promised immediate backup. "You have just made my day
   Miss Tendou, I will be in the office until after midnight writing reports
   now and my wife is going to be very upset missing our anniversary dinner.
   Her being upset makes me upset. We are going to ask you some questions and
   you are going to answer them. Now please turn around and place your hands
   behind your back. Ah! Detective will you escort Miss Tendou to my car, it
   might improve our chances of finding out just what is happening here if
   the students know she is also in custody."

   Several hours later the parents of those injured and Nabiki's lieutenants
   were allowed to talk to their children. They were informed that they had
   committed felonies and would be prosecuted, while many of the parents
   demanded to know why this situation had been allowed to develop for so
   long, since several had complained before. None received an answer that
   day but knew an answer would be coming.

   The visit to the Kuno mansion was remarkable to the visiting officers,
   having had to deal with two of the Kuno clan they went in expecting
   trouble and received it. Of the three who entered only one was able to
   send a call for help before paralysis set in. When that call was
   interrupted fifteen more officers were sent in, four of whom were
   paralysed or put to sleep before Kodachi was immobilised. Two more were
   injured before they were able to bring down Sasuke who had tried to rescue
   his mistress. The lieutenant was not happy with events of his day,
   especially by the fact that seven of eighteen officers were incapacitated
   by a teenage girl. Due to the drugs that were used they had to call in the
   narcotics division who in turn had to call in the bomb squad to dismantle
   traps.

   He still had another warrant to serve and was not looking forward to it
   with the losses he had sustained already. Fortunately he could call
   immigration for a hand with this one but he would make sure they sent some
   people capable of helping, this area was proving to be totally insane.
   After being assured that his men would recover with no ill effects he made
   the call to immigration and went to gather his ablest workers and hoped
   they wouldn't be needed. He knew that somehow he had pissed off a major
   kami, nobody had this much bad luck drop in for no reason.

   Arriving in front of the Nekohaten he revised his ideas, he must have
   pissed off several major kami, there in front of the restaurant were
   thirty of the most beautiful women he had ever seen being accompanied by
   five of the ugliest youkai an inebriated artist could envision. He vowed
   he would visit every shrine in his home district and this one to try to
   appease who ever he had angry with him.

   Both groups stopped and one of his men who had viewed the tapes of the
   incident in front of the security office hurried to his side. "Lieutenant

   those women look like the ones that were at the mall that were looking
   for."

   "Pass the word back, no one does anything unless I tell you to. Ask the
   sergeant from immigration to come here, please." Quickly the sergeant to

   Accompany him he moved forward to meet one of the old women and the groups
   introduced themselves.

   He explained his presence and they informed him they were there to thank a
   young man who had did them a great favour and that they would assist the
   lieutenant in his investigation since it involved one of their village.
   They entered the building and as soon as Xian Pu came to greet the guests
   she was identified and was informed of her arrest.

   Mu Tzu heard them say he was under arrest and immediately attacked. Only
   the quick counter attack by two of the matriarchs saved their lives as
   they took him down ruthlessly. Ku Lon may have considered him a lowly male
   but he had been fighting Ranma often enough that his skills were far
   superior to that of most amazons. Their healer quickly stabilised the
   injured and the matriarchs apologised for the behaviour of members of
   their tribe and promised full cooperation.

   Ku Lon was trying to explain herself to the council of elders as the
   police left with their prisoner in an ambulance. The sergeant from
   immigration had stayed as liaison begin work on the endless paper work
   involved when foreign nationals wound up in trouble.

   Search warrants had been obtained for Tendou household due to the
   involvement of Nabiki in what appeared to be gambling. The investigators
   had only been at the Tendou's for minutes before he was called and had to
   arrange for more investigators, a cryptologist, and an accountant. Ranma's
   curse of living in interesting times was obviously contagious.

   When Soun and Genma arrived home and saw the number of police there Genma
   remembered some places he had yet to look for his son. As the
   investigators informed him of the charges filed and some yet pending his
   normal water works imitation reached new even newer limits. The
   investigators did not have to strain to hear the loud denunciation by Soun
   of Ranma's dishonourable actions of abandoning his fiancee or Nodoka's vow
   of enforcing the seppuku pledge. More calls were make to find information
   on the missing persons whose names were cropping up all over the
   investigation.

   By eight o'clock that night the lieutenant was irritable enough that when
   his wife fussed about their plans he told her she could come down and help
   with the paper work and to bring him some extra strength aspirin. Since
   she worked with the social service dealing with children she decided that
   a visit would be appropriate. The anniversary dinner was instant ramen
   eaten while trying to make sense of the Nerima incident. It would prove to
   be a long night and the prosecutors hadn't even started began their part
   and the information that was being confirmed promised to give them as
   large a headache as he had.

   He was back in the office at six o'clock the next morning and by ten
   o'clock a synopsis of his investigation and a statements by several shop
   owners and parents reached the appropriate offices. Thursday morning
   Lieutenant Ichiro started to receive reports of the warrants against the
   Saotomes and the computer experts had finally broken most of the encrypted
   files on Nabiki's computer. She was a piece of work, she had an operation
   that would make many of the smaller crime-bosses green with envy, he was
   glad they had caught her now, a few more years and she would have been
   hard to do anything with.

   The doctors who had treated the students involved in Tuesday mornings
   incident gave their conclusions. Most agreed the students were acting
   under the guidance of Kuno Tatewaki who was allowed to do as he pleased
   and punished those who objected. He issued an advisory on Saotome Genma,
   warning that he had a multitude of warrants out for him and would be
   dangerous if provoked.

   Tendou Akane apparently was a victim of harassment of unbelievable
   proportions, that she had hurt the boys as little as she had was amazing.
   She was also obviously delusional claiming that the girl she struck was
   her fiance, he doubted whether there would in fact be any charges unless
   the victim died. Another day here should pretty much wrap every thing up
   and just leave a few reports to fill out. Maybe just maybe he could have
   it cleared up by this weekend and treat his wife to a nice dinner.

   Phoenix Rising

   By: Terryie (http://www.fanfiction.net/u/65656/)

   Chapter five

   Old Friends

   Since her apparel was significantly different from the Senshi's they
   decided that she should wear it to the meeting, since it was deemed
   appropriate enough for meeting a warrior dominated society. "Since we will
   be in Nerima where everyone knows me as Ranma, when I am in male form I
   would like you to call me Ranma. I would like to continue my schooling as
   Asahiko though, if nothing else it will confuse possible enemies."

   "You still are my sister and brother no matter what name you wear but what
   do we call you when you transform?" Ami posed the question that all had
   thought about.

   "I don't really know, I was reborn after my hospital stay, it's hard to
   believe so little time has passed. With everything that has happened I'm
   so much more than I was but I'm still me. I wander if Saffron comes back
   with his memories and just adds to them like I did." She looked around at
   friends. "Maybe I'm like the phoenix, I hope he becomes better than
   before, I know I have. If I must have a name for my transformed state then
   I guess it should be Phoenix."

   Those matriarchs that had met Ranma were astonished at her new appearance
   the others asked for proof that she was Ranma. She willed the change and
   the male form appeared in black pants with a green vest edged in black,
   her tiara became a coronet with the same design. Gold dragons wrapped his
   biceps and his staff increased its length in proportion to his new height.
   The matriarchs were amazed at the transformation that had occurred without
   water and with a clothing change, the Senshi simply accepted that Ranma
   was going to keep surprising them and accepted the change as normal.

   After changing back she accepted their thanks and as expected the fighting
   abilities of her companions were tested in a few sparring matches with the
   careful provision that the kiss of death or marriage would not apply.
   Sailor Saturn stood with Ranma while the matches were taking place with
   the expected results, with their new training combined with their Senshi
   abilities it merely demonstrated that they were indeed warriors. Everyone
   was very careful in the matches not to humiliate their opponent showing
   respect and gaining it.

   After the matches Ranma sat at the table with Sailor Pluto and Sailor
   Mercury on either side with Sailor Saturn standing behind her chair. They
   skilfully crafted an alliance, carefully bringing in the need for
   education and information exchange offering aid in return. The chance of a
   spell to protect their valley hastened the acceptance. Information on the
   whereabouts and status of Kho Lon and Xian Pu was discussed with the
   matriarchs confirming Ranma's caution in approaching Kho Lon. Sailor Pluto
   did suggest that a slightly relaxed attitude toward males would be
   necessary for anyone staying in Japan. When dealing with authorities that
   attitude would allow for an easier exchange of information and some
   technology. Non formal meetings were scheduled and with relief a weary
   contingent of transformed warriors returned home.

   Saturday morning Asahiko had to show off her new transformation and Ami
   made certain each and every transformation was fully scanned to her
   satisfaction. She had to describe what the magic looked like, she watched
   every one transform and described that. When she started to get irritable
   Usagi called a halt to it, reminding Ami that there would be time for
   experimentation later as long as it was done within limits.

   Setsuna arrived and suggested that they eat lunch. Then walked beside
   Asahiko, "I think I have found some places for us to practice. There are
   some volcanic islands showing activity in the Mariana Islands and several
   just south of Australia. If we visit them in a random pattern the seismic
   activity should hide our presence and with time the flows would cover any
   evidence we had been there. They are all small islands and should not have
   any people around that would be in danger." She continued as they made
   their way to the table.

   After lunch Asahiko asked Setsuna and Dr Mizuno if she could visit Kasumi
   and maybe check to see if Genma had left any scrolls at the Tendou's. "I
   need to get what little I had from there, if it's still there. I hope
   Kasumi doesn't hate me. I can't believe it hasn't even been three weeks
   real time. I'm not sure who I am anymore! I keep changing, what am I now?
   Will I ever get to know me before I change again?" The healing spell had
   only to tweak her emotions a very little bit to keep her from becoming too
   despondent.

   Ami pulled her into a comforting embrace "You are Asahiko, my friend, my
   sister and brother. Of all the people you could have met, we are the most
   likely to know some of what you are going through. Usagi was a cry-baby,
   Rei a shrine maiden, Makato an orphan, Minako who dreamed of singing and
   being an idol, myself, a shy bookworm, we weren't given anymore notice
   than you were and like you we have had to grow up quickly. Unlike you, we
   had no experience fighting except for Makato. You are one of us, part of
   our family, Hotaru's bonded."

   "Like us, you're a reluctant warrior, you fight to protect the weak and
   you have been given special abilities to help you protect them." Hotaru
   hugged her from behind. "You are gentle, loving, and sympathetic. When
   those from Nerima got in trouble for their actions you forgave them and
   wanted to help them. I can not think of anyone better suited to wield the
   power you now have because I know you will not abuse it."

   Ranma in male form, Ami, Hotaru and Setsuna were laughing as they arrived
   at the Tendou household. The laughter died as Kasumi opened the door, the
   normally radiant young woman was now almost haggard, depression and stress
   showing in every movement she made.

   Gathering Kasumi in his arms, he immediately began to apologize, telling
   her things would get better now. After introducing his friends, he went to
   the kitchen to make tea and saw further signs of Kasumi's depression.
   While still clean and tidy it was far from Kasumi's normally immaculate
   kitchen. With practiced ease he prepared and served the tea.

   "Kasumi how much do you know of what has happened?" he began. "What has
   happened here?"

   "The evening of the day you left, Akane returned from Juban, where she had
   gone to pick up a play or her drama class, and told us the engagement was
   over. She said you had left after school and she you had met Shampoo in
   Juban and was having an affair with her. When you didn't return that night
   we didn't think too much of it, you have been gone for several days
   before. When Akane arrived at school the next morning Kuno and that group
   of boys attacked her like before but this time the police were there and
   they started making arrests. She was also arrested for injuring someone in
   Juban seriously enough to send them to the hospital." Kasumi paused and
   drank some tea. "Nabiki tried to post bond but they wouldn't accept it.
   Someone had told them about her activities at school and they started to
   investigate that too and took her into custody." Kasumi broke down in
   tears.

   Ranma gathered her in his arms and held her until her crying slowed down
   to low sobs. Wiping the tears from her face he poured more tea. "It'll be
   alright Kasumi." Hugging her again.

   "Everything just started happening all at once. The police arrested
   everyone at the Nekohatten, and both the Kunos were arrested. I couldn't
   find out what was going on and we had no idea where you were. Genma and
   Father went out everyday to look for you so you could help but then your
   father was arrested. Father has been staying in the dojo ever since, I
   just barely get him to eat and clean up and, and ..." Kasumi broke down in
   wracking sobs again.

   "It'll be alright." Ranma murmured to her, rubbing her back and comforting
   her as much as he could. He then told Kasumi about what had happened to
   him leaving out anything that had to do with the Senshi. "All the big
   stuff was happening even before I regained consciousness and with
   everything that was happening I needed to let things calm down. I've been
   going to school and healing, I have some great new friends who are helping
   me fix some of my problems. They know about my curse and have been helping
   me accept it." Meiou-sensei is the school guidance councillor and she has
   really helped me a lot.

   Setsuna made calming small talk while Ranma made fresh tea. She explained
   that Ranma was attending school as a girl and was retaking courses she had
   missed. Ami told about the sex education course her mother had given Ranma
   and Kasumi started to giggle, soon it was full blown laughter bordering on
   hysteria.

   Ranma returned with the tea as Kasumi's laughter finally died down and Ami
   told him what had set her off. Blushing but with a small smile, "That was
   a lot more information than I ever wanted to know and I sure don't want to
   repeat it, but I did need to know what she taught me." He settled on the
   sofa. "I know things have been bad but there are some good things that are
   happening. On top of the psychological damage caused by Kuno's arranged
   attacks, the doctors found traces of drugs in her system that increased
   her paranoia and evidence of tampering with her memories and perceptions
   were also found. She is going to get the help she has needed. Kuno's
   father tried to get everything covered up and then turned violent, he
   won't be out for a long time. His estate has been seized by the court and
   will be put in trusteeship until one of the Kunos is judged to be
   responsible enough to administer it themselves. Considering it's the Kuno
   family we're dealing with, that is not likely to happen."

   "The arrangements made by Genma have been declared void by the courts, he
   signed documents giving up custody to me when I was still a child and then
   stole me back. He escaped and was last seen attempting to leave the
   country. Kho Lon has escaped and is actively being hunted by both the
   Amazons and the police. It will take a while to straighten out the trouble
   the two of them caused." Ranma stopped talking as an enraged Soun stalked
   in from the Dojo.

   Flipping over the low table he quickly placed himself between his friends
   and Soun. "How dare you come here you dishonourable ronin, you will get
   out now!" Soun brought a naginata to bear.

   Setsuna stood and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Let me handle this
   please." She turned to Soun and began to speak. "I am his legal guardian
   and as his legal guardian I can state that you have none of the honour you
   accuse him to be lacking in. By all rights you should be in jail for
   several of your actions. I have no idea what has kept you from being
   charged so far. Other than the abuse and total disregard for the health
   and safety of a minor guest under your roof you stole the cure for his
   curse and allowed it to be destroyed. Since your daughter Nabiki is a
   minor and some of her monetary gains went into the upkeep of your
   household and dojo you could also be charged as an accomplice of hers. You
   were aware of Ryoga's curse and allowed him to sleep in Akane's bed, that
   dishonoured your entire family. Your lack of honour is the root cause of
   two of your daughters being in custody and I am sure the courts will get
   around to charging you with wilful child endangerment and abuse at some
   point. Your daughter Akane, in front of witnesses attacked Ranma and put
   him in the hospital." Setsuna stalked toward a now cowering Soun.

   Placing herself directly in front of Soun she continued. "According to the
   medical reports Ranma was technically dead when he arrived, Ami and an EMT
   alternated CPR until they arrived at the hospital and he remained in coma
   for several days. If not for the good fortune that the person who found
   him in the fountain was skilled in CPR your daughter would be charged with
   murder. If you do not cooperate with Ranma in everything he requires I
   will see to it that you loose the house and dojo along with being
   incarcerated. Do you understand?

   Soun stood in shock for a few moments before acknowledging her and
   returning to the dojo.

   "Oh my! You really died Ranma?" Kasumi grabbed and started crying again "I
   should have tried harder to stop her, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It's just
   there hasn't been anyone here to talk about and Tofu is gone and I don't
   know how to get in touch with him. I don't know what to do." Ranma held
   her while she cried.

   "It's going to be alright Kasumi. You did the best you could but she
   needed her father and professional help that you were not trained to give.
   I want all of you to get the help you need, and I want you to go back to
   school." giving her an encouraging smile. "Setsuna, please check on Soun,
   he might decide to remove a stain from his family honour by seppuku and
   that would hurt the family more than help. Explain that whole family needs
   counselling, and that he has to stay around to help his daughters, please.
   Kasumi did Genma pick up his pack before he left and are my things still
   here?"

   With his assurances that things would get better and that he would even
   help Nabiki, Kasumi brightened considerably. While Hotaru and Ami kept her
   company he went up to his old room and gathered his things and went
   through Genma's things searching for any scrolls or artefacts that would
   be usable.

   Sitting in the middle of his old room he quietly transformed and allowed
   his enhanced senses to extend throughout the house and grounds. Several
   areas immediately stood out and marking them in his mind he approached the
   one in the guest room and removed a large cache of scrolls and items that
   he was fairly glowed with magic and bound ki. He replaced the items with
   the clothing that had been in Genma's pack and used it carry everything.
   He searched out the other spots collecting everything and finally came to
   a large cache that was obviously used by Happosai. He backed away
   carefully, erased as much of his presence as he could and called Setsuna
   and Ami.

   After a hurried conference, Setsuna called the matriarchs with the offer
   of any Amazon artefacts that they could retrieve from Happosai as long as
   they were allowed access to them also. An agreement was quickly reached
   and they a promised a storage area would be provided. Due to the person
   they would be dealing with everyone was called and a meeting was set up
   for the next day.

   While Ami and Hotaru helped Kasumi prepare the evening meal Setsuna and
   Ranma talked to Soun about the requirements for mastery status in
   Musabetsu Kakutou Ryuu. "I've beaten Genma every time we've fought for the
   past year, I have to hold back a lot so that I do get some sparring in and
   don't hurt him too much. I know all the forms you taught Akane, what else
   is needed?

   "You will have to fight and defeat Happosai in a formal challenge since
   Genma is not here. It must be witnessed by at least two masters. I can
   show you the scrolls for my portion of the school, but I haven't done them
   in a long time." Soun looked pensive. "I should not have stopped teaching
   after my wife died. Our dream was to unite the schools and we failed."

   After giving Soun a few minutes to regain his composure. "Do the masters
   have to be from the same school?" Ranma questioned as he studied Soun.
   "Would a grand master in another school be acceptable?"

   "Of course, Happosai would have to agree though, if the school is too
   limited he might not." Soun appeared thoughtful.

   "What if someone formally challenged him for his school in front of
   witnesses? Would he be allowed to turn down the challenge? If the
   challenger won then they would in effect be the grand master wouldn't
   they?" Sailor Pluto gasped looking at Asahiko, understanding where he was
   going with the questioning.

   "The witnesses would have to be pretty powerful themselves and if that
   happened he would go all out. He has access to some strong magic items
   that he would use in a challenge like that." Soun looked fearful. "He is
   vindictive and could hurt a lot of people."

   "It's just a thought in case he refuses to accept a challenge for
   mastery." Ranma quickly tried to set Soun's mind at ease. "Your right
   though when I challenge him it will have to be in an area where the damage
   can be contained."

   Gathering the scrolls he looked at Soun. "If Akane wants to learn I will
   endeavour to teach her the school but I will not put up with her
   uncontrolled temper. Unless she can learn to control her emotions she will
   never be able to advance. There is a small possibility that I may be able
   to decrease the severity of Nabiki's charges but it will depend on both
   her and you cooperating and your compliance to set rules. We'll talk to
   you tomorrow."

   The problem of where to store the items that were of an evil nature was on
   everyone's mind. The solution appeared on the way home when Hotaru and
   Usagi talked about how Happosai sounded more like a demon than human.

   "If you fight that demon Soun says is the master of your school you should
   probably get some wards from Rei. Some of the stories he told us make me
   wonder if he is really human." Hotaru shivered as she spoke. "Why would
   anyone serve under a master that made them do some of the things he told
   us about in the first place?"

   Asahiko looked troubled as she answered her. "The techniques are powerful
   and I think that is all Genma and Soun were thinking about when they
   started training. Both of them are still scared of the idea of facing him.
   If I can find a safe area to issue the challenge I intend to challenge him
   for the school. I had no choice growing up but to learn it, but I always
   refused to acknowledge him as my master. To teach I need to be a master of
   the school but I do not want him over me. His reputation is as soiled if
   not worse than Genma's. I know he is wanted by the law but they also are
   too scared to try to arrest him. He lived for years after being sealed in
   a cave blocked by a boulder with wards all over it so you are probably
   right that he isn't fully human any more."

   "Are you serious? That has to be the stupidest idea I have ever heard! You
   even admitted that he is as bad as Kho Lon and he will be fighting all out
   if you issue that challenge." Hotaru spat out. "If the school is that
   perverted we don't need it."

   Everybody was agreeing with her until Asahiko interrupted. "I really don't
   have a lot of choice! When we take his things he will fight to get them
   back. The chance of him not using those things if I don't defeat him is
   slim to none. You haven't felt the evil in some of those things and he has
   called up demons that I have had to fight before. The problem is going to
   be luring him to an area I can safely fight him in. I wish I knew some
   attack and defence spells, at least with being able to see magic if he
   tries to cast spells on me it will help." Pausing for a minute she
   continued. "I need to find him before Kho Lon meets up with him! I don't
   know if they would join forces but I don't want to take a chance."

   "Rei should teach you some wards, you have a massive amount of ki and if
   you can make and use spirit wards it should give you an edge against him.
   It will take me some time to make wards to seal the artefacts once you get
   them so she should have time to see if you can learn and use a simple one.
   If you can then we will work with you and teach you others." Rei's
   grandfather turned away from the group and began to work on the wards he
   would need.

   "He's right you know and every skill you can learn will help." Setsuna
   looked around and continued. "Rei after you show him how to do a ward can
   you do a fire reading? With me not being able to use the time gate to see
   the future we need all the help we can get. Ami can you scan us again?
   After being near those things I'd rather not take a chance on an
   inadvertent contamination."

   Rei proved to be an apt teacher and the lesson went quickly. Rei insisted
   she practice while she did the fire reading and then she would show how to
   do more complex wards. Ami scanned everybody once again, but didn't find
   any contamination, she did however note an increase in Asahiko's magic
   field as she wrote the wards. Artemis and Luna sat and watched as Asahiko
   wrote ward after ward, after the first twenty she was writing them at near
   Amaguriken speeds. When she had written five hundred she stopped and
   examined them then separated them into three groups.

   Rei noticed the three piles and called her grandfather over to help her
   check them. "Asahiko why do you have three piles they all feel right to
   me? What do you think Grandfather?"

   "They don't feel the same to me, there is something different about each
   pile. The smallest pile is the ones I did first and they feel like the
   ones you made but the other two piles have a different feel to them." She
   picked one of each and handed them to Rei.

   Rei examined them closely. "I don't see any difference do you
   Grandfather?"

   Her grandfather examined the wards and then closed his eyes and
   concentrated for a few minutes. "They are different, Rei, close your eyes
   and see the difference yourself. Ami, would you scan these and see if you
   can tell the difference?" Taking one form each pile and one that Rei had
   made he handed them to Ami.

   "OK, this one and this one are same, Rei uses them fairly often. These are
   similar but they have magic attached to them, this one I believe has a
   binding spell attached to it and this one has the same spell plus I think
   it has a similar spell to the one Neo Queen Selenity used to cleanse the
   dark taint from us. How did you come up with the spell to do that?" She
   turned and looked at Asahiko.

   "I don't know." she ran her hand nervously through her hair. "I was just
   thinking about the wards and how to do them right and what they were
   supposed to do. I didn't mean to do them wrong, it felt right when I was
   making them. I didn't realize they were different until I finished."

   "They're not done wrong child. Just different. Since you were
   concentrating on function you apparently simply added power to them to
   perform the function better." Rei's grandfather motioned Rei to sit in
   front of Asahiko. "Can you show her how you did it? It might help if she
   meditates a bit first. Rei when she starts to do them don't use yours eyes
   I want you to try to sense how she does it and then do some yourself."

   "Oji-san I don't know what I did though." Asahiko burst out with an
   apprehensive look on her face.

   "Don't worry about that, you do them intuitively, just let yourself do
   them and she will try to follow. Ami I think everybody should be here to
   see if they can follow what she's doing."

   Usagi surprised everybody, by seeing the flows of magic first, Hotaru,
   Setsuna and Rei quickly followed with Hotaru trying her hand at making
   wards too. The others after concentrating could see the flow of magic but
   not the details. With some prompting Setsuna and Usagi made wards also.
   After an hour had each made a sizeable stack of acceptable wards according
   to her grandfather.

   They then looked for Asahiko and found her contemplating a sickly looking
   chrysanthemum. As they watched the wilted plant appeared to become more
   vigorous, its leaves and stems firming up and straightening. A smile lit
   her face as she reached out and stroked one of the leaves. "I did it! I
   remembered the flows of healing magic and was able to use it."

   The healing magic noted the call being made upon it and the response from
   its success. The spell which should have dissipated after healing the
   patient had not, the damage it was designed to heal was complicated by the
   addition of magics that had not been encountered by its designers. An
   event was happening which had no known precedent, due to the additional
   magics it had adapted and had become aware. As it had worked to alter
   Asahiko's body and mind to survive the stress it had been altered by those
   same magics it was trying to incorporate paths for in her body. As it
   quietly went about its work noting and adjusting as necessary to maintain
   Asahiko in a healthy body and mind it was becoming an integral part of her
   new abilities.

   "Luna, you never told us we could learn magic, just that we had attacks we
   could use. Why didn't you tell us?" Usagi turned to face the cats. "Sailor
   Pluto did we know how to do this before?"

   "I don't think anyone thought about teaching you magic, they just
   developed the attacks and then bound them to you." Sailor Pluto replied
   with a contemplative look on her face. "It may have not been thought to be
   that important at the time or maybe the mages thought that they would be
   able to take care of any necessary magic.

   "As secretive as the magic users I know are, they may not have wanted to
   share their knowledge or you may not have had time enough to study magic
   with everything else you had to learn." Asahiko looked around. "Between my
   training and fights, I had trouble with just keeping up in school, I never
   had time to really study. I imagine that you had a lot to learn too."

   "I believe that the events that happened back then probably interrupted
   our learning and training with our powers." Ami was excited as she
   answered. "Now that we know that we can learn how to use it in different
   ways we can resume our studies. It will be interesting to find what we can
   learn from the artefacts that we are going to get."

   "Setsuna, do you have any idea where we can store the things when we get
   them. I don't want them near him at all even if we do put enough wards on
   them to keep a devil out!" Asahiko ask worriedly. "I don't know how much
   time we will have once I open that area, if he has spell on it to alert
   him he could be there pretty fast. I wish there was a way to just move the
   whole thing to a deserted island and sort it later."

   "I know of one island, its south of Australia and well off any shipping
   lanes and it's not an area where there is any fishing. But it is cold,
   it's only five hundred kilometres from Antarctica. I doubt if there is a
   spot over twenty metres elevation and its less than four hundred metres in
   diameter. We couldn't leave it there for long, a bad storm would wash
   anything away." Setsuna looked thoughtful. "I didn't think of it as an
   area to train because of its size and temperature, but we could sort the
   stuff there and then find another spot to store the really bad stuff."

   "You mean we could just teleport it there? If its rock, I can make a cave
   big enough to hold the stuff. How hot can your fire attack get Rei, hot
   enough to fuse rock?" When Rei nodded Asahiko began to get excited. "If we
   went in the morning it shouldn't take us much time to make the storage
   area and place some wards. Then all we would have to do move the stuff
   there and come back immediately and he wouldn't know for sure who took
   it."

   Rei looked around, "I didn't see anything in the fire reading that would
   indicate any immediate danger. Setsuna, if we sealed it after we made it
   could we just arrive inside it?"

   "Once you have your destination fixed in your mind and as long as there is
   room then you can pretty much go anywhere. If you haven't been there
   before you have to be able to visualise it or have something there that
   can act as a beacon, that usually means something you have strong
   emotional connection to." Setsuna thought for a moment. "If we make
   something there it should definitely be sealed to prevent someone from
   inadvertently finding it. It's shallow enough around it that most ships
   would go out of their way to avoid it. The only inhabitants are birds,
   seals and a few penguins that use it as a rest station."

   "Our biggest problem is time. To much time from school would draw notice,
   it's not like we can just take training trips for a few weeks or more the
   way Genma used to take me. Another problem is Ryoga, I'm sure I've seen
   him a few times. If he recognizes me at school, he can and will do massive
   damage, I doubt he wouldn't attack anyone other than me but he doesn't
   worry if someone else is in the way either. In the fight we had at
   Furiken, one of his bandanas cut Akane's hair, if she hadn't turned to
   face me she could have had more than her hair cut." Ranma paused.

   "He can't be that bad can he?" Minako asked. "I mean you did say he was a
   friend that you use to spar with."

   "I used to think he was my friend but I guess he really isn't. He blames
   me for his curse but his directional curse would be the blame for that, he
   used honour against me to keep me from telling anyone about his curse and
   then he became Akane's pet and slept in her room. Soun knew and allowed
   him to continue. He really is honourless and petty, but with his attacks
   he is dangerous. He never thinks of the consequences of his actions, if
   something bad happens it is always someone else's fault." She looked
   around, "I'm open to any ideas outside of killing him." No one had any
   ideas and soon after everyone went home to sleep.

   Sunday morning bright and early saw everyone gathered at the shrine, some
   more awake than others. Setsuna decided to take Usagi and Asahiko first so
   Usagi would have its location in mind and give Asahiko time to scout out
   the area for the best site to tunnel.

   Setsuna became Sailor Pluto and teleported them there. Asahiko watched the
   magic flows carefully, noting the difference between her magic and Sailor
   Pluto's. Once there, she observed Sailor Pluto taking Sailor Moon back and
   then hunt for the best site began. Her transformed state kept her warm
   despite the ice that was on the ground. One spot near the edge of the what
   was left of the crater felt different to her and she analysed her
   perceptions trying to isolate what it was that was different.

   As the others arrived it dawned on her the difference it wasn't as solid.
   "Over here! I think I found what we need, there maybe a lava tube under
   here but there is probably a few metres of stone on top." Stepping back
   she cautioned everybody to stay back in case of a cave in and tried a
   variation of the breaking point. Instead of shattering into small pieces
   it fractured into larger blocks but still threw a few shards around.
   Prying a few pieces out she warned every one of the sharp edges and then
   started moving some of the larger blocks.

   Sailor Jupiter came forward, "I'll give you a hand and we can work
   faster." Stepping to the other side of the block she was trying to free,
   she grabbed a small piece and threw it behind her and bent over to get a
   handhold. "This shouldn't be haarddd... damn!" Where Jupiter had been
   standing was a hole, and from that hole was heard some rather rude words.
   "Careful when you come down, I have a boulder on my leg."

   Leaping in Asahiko angled herself to land a short distance from Sailor
   Jupiter and carefully moved the boulder clear then cleared the rubble to
   provide safe landing for the others. "I think it's safe to come down now
   but do it one at a time."

   Sailor Saturn was down first and immediately attended to her leg, and then
   Asahiko pulled a lamp out of a subspace pocket that she had learned from
   watching Mu Tzu during their many battles. The lava tube was about four
   metres across and the end toward the crater had been caved in. It angled
   down fairly steeply and they could hear water not far from them. Following
   the tube down for fifty metres Asahiko warned everyone back and again
   applied her variation of the breaking point. Two hours later they had a
   vault roughly twenty metres across with a domed ceiling that was ten
   metres high at the centre. The excess rock had been used to close off the
   tunnel at both ends and Sailor Mars was able to fuse the rock into a solid
   mass. Sailor Pluto teleported her outside and she fused the outside of the
   tunnel and put a few broken boulders on it before teleporting back into
   the vault.

   With the area prepared they teleported back to the shrine and prepared to
   raid Happosai's treasures. Everybody rested and ate preparing for that
   evening.

   Setsuna put her phone down and approached Asahiko "I've talked to the
   Amazons when you challenge Happosai they would be more than pleased to
   witness the fight. Masters from two other schools have also expressed a
   desire to witness it, apparently some of their scrolls disappeared from
   their schools at the same time he was in their area. Have you decided what
   to do to keep him from trying to come back and retrieve things after you
   defeat him?"

   "I intend to do a variation of what Genma and Soun did. I will immobilize
   him with wards and if the wards hold I will see if a cleansing spell will
   remove any demonic influence. Failing that with the crimes and warrants
   against him I have no problem with sealing him with wards in a cave again.
   Genma and Ku Lon proved that the police can't hold someone like him. I
   hate causing harm to anyone but if I leave him free he will cause harm to
   others so I fail to see where I have a choice." Bowing her head she
   continued. "I would rather not kill unless there is absolutely no other
   choice."

   "I believe I can provide some relief with the time situation." Setsuna
   looked around drawing everybody together. "The Amazons have several school
   age girls with them and will be bringing a few boys. I am going to get
   permission to do an off campus study integrating Japanese students with
   Chinese in an effort to improve relations and facilitate language studies.
   You will be pleased to know that you are in that group as will be a few
   others. This will also allow field trips to study seismic phenomena and of
   course spiritual studies."

   "You mean we have to study even more!" Usagi obviously not pleased. "At
   least we won't have to take those dumb tests at school."

   "Oh! You will still take the test at school, they have to be sure the
   program is working after all." Setsuna smirked. "Ami, you and Asahiko will
   be taking placement tests instead of the regular test. Everyone is
   expected to aid each other to keep your performance high enough to make
   this work." She became serious again. "If Happosai appears try to take him
   north of Nerima, I'll show you where. A manufacturing group bought a large
   area and is starting to demolish buildings in preparation for
   construction. Damage done there should be acceptable."

   Asahiko smirked as everyone moved toward the van. As they reached the van
   she shimmered and reappeared in the front passenger seat as Rei opened the
   door. "I'll sit up front." she said with a smile.

   "How did you do that?" Demanded Rei.

   Everyone was in the van by now except for Rei. "Oh, I just figured out how
   to teleport. I watched Pluto do it and then Sailor Moon, they are a little
   different but not by much."

   "Don't do that, what if you made a mistake!" Usagi exclaimed.

   "She was doing it all day today." Hotaru laughed. "I felt her flicker in
   and out, and watched her a few times. She would only move a few feet at a
   time and I think she had 'better' teach me how to do it, too. While we
   were talking earlier she was shifting from one side of the chair to the
   other, I was sure you would catch on."

   "I'll teach you but mostly you have to watch the way the magic strands
   weave together, just like when we made those wards." Asahiko replied with
   a confident grin. "We need to get this finished and get a few things
   settled first though. I imagine this will count as part of our spiritual
   studies, right Setsuna."

   "You continue to amaze me. I think we took our magic for granted and
   didn't even think that we could do more with it. All the spells we needed
   just seem to be there." Setsuna gave her an exasperated look. "Yes that
   would count as part of your spiritual studies, but you will also be
   studying the philosophies of different religions."

   Setsuna slowed the van in an outlying district. "This is the area I was
   talking about, you can see where they are just bulldozing the houses so if
   you can get him here it will minimize casualties and property damage."
   Turning around she drove to the dojo. "We will follow you and I've already
   called the Amazons to meet us."

   "If the old pervert is there he will probably try to fondle you, so make
   sure you have wards on hand, if we can get some on him it might diminish
   his power some. He's fast and sneaky and if the items I sensed are any
   indication he is also a magic user. He is known as a panty thief and he
   prefers to steal them from you when you're wearing them." Asahiko
   proceeded to give as much information as she could about him.

   With the Amazons there it was an easy matter to distract Soun long enough
   to enter the dojo and locate Happosai's hidden storage. Once inside it was
   only a moment to move everything to the centre surround it and teleport it
   to its new home. Ten minutes later everyone was back inside talking to the
   Amazons, the grand masters that agreed to witness the challenge and Soun
   while Makato went in the kitchen with Kasumi.

   "Soun, the next times you see Happosai tell him I wish to challenge for my
   mastery. I've settled my problems with the Amazons and I really need to
   start teaching." Pausing to look over the group. "After I gain my mastery
   I will help Akane to improve so she can also teach, if you wish. I will
   teach her both sides of the school but you will also have to start
   teaching again."

   "What makes you think you can be a master of my school boy? You just
   trained under that pathetic wimp Genma." Happosai almost snarled. In a
   couple of years if you train diligently under me I might let you try to
   take your test."

   "Happosai, I have out fought every opponent I have met and have
   consistently beaten Genma. You are right however the two acknowledged
   masters of your school are pathetic. The only reason you would have for me
   to train under you is to learn my attacks in the hope you could on the
   slim chance defeat me." Ranma paused. "I no longer ask to test for mastery
   in your school, Happosai, I challenge you for your school."

   The eldest matriarch of the Amazons and the two grand masters from the
   schools that had had their scrolls stolen stepped forward, "We witness the
   challenge. You must answer the challenge Happosai or forfeit your school."

   "There is an area north of here, follow me if you think you can win
   Happosai, or are you just as pathetic as your students." Throwing out that
   insult Ranma leaped to the wall headed north with an infuriated Happosai
   right behind.

   Phoenix Rising

   By: Terryie (http://www.fanfiction.net/u/65656/)

   Chapter Six

   Battle

   Hotaru and Haruka changed in the van on the way over to the fight donning
   loose fitting silk blouses with long voluminous sleeves over their
   uniforms and full length skirts that flowed as they walked. The elder
   matriarch smiled at the sight of the sombre youths, obviously seasoned
   warriors who well knew the use of their weapons despite their age.

   Ami and Rei sought higher ground to record the battle and provide support
   should it be required. Setsuna led the others to stand around the Nerima
   contingent hopefully at a sufficient distance to remain safe from erratic
   blast, they were however prepared to teleport everyone to safety should it
   become necessary.

   The wind blew over Ranma's face, brushing his hair from his eyes. The two
   fighters remained motionless on the battlefield. The abandoned buildings
   surrounding them on nearly all sides made the scene feel more like a
   classic showdown of old western shows. Ranma was in an offensive stance,
   his left foot in front of his right, his fists clenched tightly in front
   of him. Happosai was in a more manoeuvrable stance, both feet spread apart
   and his pipe in front of him, held in his right hand.

   Ranma stood in a nonchalant pose as if this was simply a minor spar
   against an inconsequential opponent. Happosai's face was contorted with
   anger in seconds, his battle aura sparked to life; the massive ki held
   within him bursting free in a dazzling blast of blue light. The energy
   hurled forward towards Ranma, the pressure alone almost knocking Ranma off
   his feet. The younger martial artist's eyes narrowed, watching the dragon
   shaped head form from Happosai's ki. The mighty blue beast roared in
   power, its nose dipped down and almost touched the ground.

   Happosai wasn't holding back, even from the beginning. Ranma hardened his
   stance, his own ki starting to flicker to life. The roar from the dragon
   ki nearly caught the young fighter off guard before the huge monster of
   energy charged forward, demolishing the ground in the process. Rocks and
   shards flew from nearly every direction, everything splitting along the
   ground in the dragon's wake. Ranma instinctively jumped towards the side,
   launching himself as high up and against a building as he could muster;
   using his excess momentum to throw himself over the dragon. He managed to
   do so only just in time, the dragon's energy searing his clothes slightly
   near his ankles. Ranma landed on the side of the building, his eyes
   staring at where Happosai was. Sensing the departure of the dragon through
   several buildings behind him, he let himself slide from the side of the
   building into the dust cloud created by Happosai's attack.

   Without warning, the dust parted in a hurling mass, swirling outward and
   the lecher burst forth toward Ranma, pipe held forward. Ranma leaned to
   the side only to be nicked by the pipe, the old lecher almost instantly
   appearing beside his head after the charge. Before Ranma could raise his
   defence, the pipe slammed into the side of his head. The blow sent the
   younger martial artist straight into the ground. The impact from the
   hurled body caused a comparatively small crater, leaving rocks and dirt
   covering Ranma's body. Happosai landed some distance away, twirling his
   pipe easily in his hands.

   "HA! Is that all you have? And you tried to take my school?" Happosai
   shouted with glee, a broad grin on his face. The arrogance was short
   lived. The elder fighter's face suddenly hardened, his pipe held in a
   defensive stance as an explosion of blue ki burst from the crater,
   swirling, spiralling upward as though water spout of energy. Ranma rose to
   his feet in the middle of the swirling column of ki.

   The young martial artist stared forward at the old lecher, a small grin on
   his face, the joy of battle erasing all concerns. The energy coalescing,
   leaving a fiery glow around Ranma, the blue flame flickered with life and
   energy, the young martial artist gathering himself up to fight. Ranma
   maintained no stance, surging forward with an almost blurred speed, his
   fist thrown forward towards his opponent.

   Happosai dodged cat quick, avoiding the majority of the multiple punches
   from Ranma, dancing around the blows as though he were in dance class. The
   pipe swung down in an attempt to grab Ranma's wrist and toss him
   backwards. The attempt was unsuccessful at best. Ranma grabbed the pipe
   and flipped over Happosai, using his upper body's momentum to sling the
   elder fighter towards the building behind him. Happosai went flying
   straight to the building, landing on its side with a monstrous crash.

   The lecher's aura burned brightly with strength and power, the building
   groaning under the strain of the impact, as the elder fighter landed on
   his feet. He jumped upward above Ranma, pulling out his signature Happo
   Daikarin. He launched them at Ranma, the small bombs seeming to disappear
   from Happosai's hands, only to re-appear at Ranma's feet. Even as the
   young martial artist began leaping back, the bombs exploded. He was thrown
   clear of the area through the wall of a nearby building, slamming through
   several support beams of the building. His destructive path finally
   stopped upon exiting the building and slamming into a more well supported
   foundation. The building he'd gone through slowly created more dust,
   before caving inward, crumbling to the ground and increasing the dust
   cloud covering the area.

   Luckily, Ranma's ki had taken the brunt of the impacts. Ranma, though
   somewhat groggily, got to his feet and used the dust as a covering for
   him. Masking his ki, he darted into the cloud of dust, seeking out the
   large centre point of Happosai's ki. It didn't take him long to find it.
   He closed his eyes, his ki flaring back to life. Like a snake curling
   around his right arm, the blue ki swirled to his fist, lighting it up in a
   blue light. He roared forward shouting "MOKO TAKABISHA!!" The blue ki
   burst into a mightily beam shooting forward from the dust cloud, causing
   it to swirl around in a circle and rush outward. Happosai turned his head
   to the shout, just in time to see what hit him. The blue beam of energy
   slammed into the fighter engulfing him entirely, the ground shaking and
   crumbling under the force of the blast blazing above it. Happosai was
   slammed into a building hard enough to cause the damaged construction to
   lurch forward and tumble downward. He got to his feet and began running
   forward, avoiding the building slowly falling atop him. Within seconds he
   cleared danger, only to enter to another.

   He came face to face with his opponent and was striking out with the pipe,
   throwing thrust after thrust at Ranma. Ranma dodged most blows, taking
   cuts and a few minor hits on his sides. Ranma leaped backwards to gain
   fighting room, only to have Happosai close in faster, throwing the pipe
   forward and striking him in the stomach. While the resulting hit knocked
   away his breath, Ranma managed to reach out and grab the pipe flicking his
   wrist towards his right, he twisted the pipe from Happosai's hand and
   threw it into the path of the collapsing building. Moments later, the pipe
   was buried under the mass of the four story building.

   Happosai followed the pipe with his eyes, watching it disappear before his
   eyes. He turned back to Ranma, fury lining every inch of his face. He
   struck at the younger martial artist, slamming blow after blow at his
   gasping opponents face, chest, and stomach. Ranma fell back to his right
   knee, his arms crossed in front of him taking a few hits to allow himself
   time to recoup. He dodged to his left, missing a kick from Happosai by
   mere centimetres, and then threw his right hand forward. The fist collided
   with the forward moving Happosai's face. Happosai was thrown backwards and
   to the ground. Ranma stared at the collapsed form of the grand master.
   Panting heavily, he slowly worked himself up to his feet, his body covered
   in several cuts and scrapes. He growled slightly, dropping back to one
   knee absorbing as much ambient ki as he could. "Damn!" he muttered,
   gritting his teeth and looking back towards the fallen form of Happosai.
   It appeared Happosai's supply of ki had run low as well. A small smile
   formed on Ranma's face as he thought this.

   Happosai was far from finished though. Reaching into his gi top, he
   grabbed a small bag filled with powder. He opened up the pouch and dumped
   some of the powder over his head. The sparkling sand seemed to cover his
   entire body, reviving and repairing him almost instantly. The cuts closed
   abnormally quickly, his ki reserves visibly replenishing themselves, a
   magical powder, and a powerful one at that. Ranma's eyes widened quickly
   as he saw this. Throwing a quick Moko Takabisha at the bag he tore it from
   his grasp sending it to land out of sight in the rubble.

   He looked back towards Happosai to his surprise, he saw nothing. He cursed
   and looked back forward. Two enormous eyes were staring at him from thin
   air. Ranma shouted and jumped to the side into a tumbling roll just in
   time to avoid a powerful punch towards his face. Rolling to a stop, Ranma
   threw his right leg down, letting him rise to his feet with his momentum.
   He leaped atop the nearest roof, followed closely by Happosai. He turned
   from his opponent and began running, the elder fighter in pursuit. Ranma,
   muttering under his breath, leaped upwards toward another building.
   Happosai jumped up, throwing another batch of Happo Daikarin towards
   Ranma. Wind burst from out of no where, sweeping throughout the area. The
   wind swirled around the Happo Daikarin and threw them back at Happosai
   whose forward jump had sent him right into the bombs just as they
   exploded.

   Extending his ki sense Ranma located Happosai behind a building to his
   left and leaped to the roof observing to his dismay a circle with glowing
   arcane glyphs and Happosai standing slightly to its side. Even as he
   jumped to the ground an enormous horned demon with long teeth designed for
   rending flesh appeared in the circle.

   "Kill Ranma and then you may feast at will on the puny humans around
   here." Screamed Happosai as he erased part of the circle allowing the
   demon its freedom. The demon leaped to the attack only to be met with a
   storm of vacuum blades and several of the binding wards Ranma had
   prepared. Happosai muttered imprecations as a ball of light enveloped the
   demon then dissipated leaving a pile of dust.

   Ranma teleported in front of Happosai and began to pound on him placing
   wards as he did so. Happosai froze in place then screamed as smoke started
   to pour from his clothing forming the outline of a large grotesque demon
   then he burst into flame burning the wards off. "I will kill you slowly
   and painfully for that you puny human, sending a wall of flame toward
   Ranma.

   Ranma teleported around the demon placing wards for containing demons on
   the remnants of girders that still stood, hoping to keep it from escaping.
   "Feh! You are as pathetic those so called students of yours, all talk no
   brains." Ranma smirked at the demon while taunting it. He was wondering
   how he was going to win this. He was pretty sure the demon could see the
   magic as well as he could and knew since it had revealed itself that it
   would now go all out.

   "You've lost you pathetic human. If you continue fighting you kill
   Happosai and release me to my full power and then I will kill you, if you
   don't fight I kill you anyway. Either way I win!" The demon laughed and
   threw another blast of fire at Ranma burning one of the wards.

   Ranma knew the wards wouldn't hold if he could burn them then realised
   that only the paper was burnt. Grabbing a nail he began circling the demon
   again scratching the wards directly into stone and metal pausing only long
   enough to make the marks each time. He paused in front of a concrete wall
   after the wards were complete and attacked the demon with vacuum blades
   then leaped to the side as the demon tried to close with him.

   A scream rent the air as the demon made contact with wards Ranma had
   written directly onto the wall, making use of the distraction he quickly
   placed wards for binding and healing on Happosai with each exchange of
   blows. He was becoming as battered as Happosai when he backed off and
   began the familiar pattern of the Hiryuu Shoten Ha hoping that the demon
   would be distracted by the obvious ploy. He began to form the healing and
   purification spell in his mind as he pulled the last of the wards and
   prepared to throw them.

   Happosai had began to chant as he followed Ranma in the spiral and then
   pulled his hand back and started to cast the spell Ranma had seen him
   gathering and then he screamed out "Death Vortex" only to find Ranma was
   no long there but over his head plastering him with the wards and then
   behind him as he completed the purification spell and cast it.

   The demon let out a horrendous roar and began to scream in pain as Ranma
   increased the power of the spell. Ranma saw a sheet of roofing tin,
   grabbed it and quickly wrote a ward of banishment on it with a nail and
   teleporting beside Happosai he wrapped the metal around him. With a final
   scream of agony the demon disappeared leaving a severely injured Happosai
   behind.

   Happosai tried to stand but could not find the strength and with a final
   glare at Ranma passed out. Ranma stepped back and called out. "It's over.
   Would you see to his injuries and make sure he doesn't leave yet." Ranma
   gave a smirk to his friends, took two steps then collapsed to his knees.

   After verifying that Happosai was indeed unconscious and that Ranma was
   conscious, the Amazon matriarch stepped forward by Ranma's side and faced
   the group that had assembled. "I am pleased to announce that Ranma Saotome
   won this challenge and is the Grandmaster of Musabetsu Kakutou Ryuu." She
   then did something no one would believe of and elder of the Amazons, she
   turned and gave him a short bow. "Congratulations, you have earned your
   title."

   Hotaru approached Ranma and handed him a bento. "I think you might be
   hungry." Giving him a hug, she informed him "I think the Amazons have a
   feast planned for later, try not to take too long here."

   That was all the incentive Ranma needed, he ate quickly and then
   approached the grandmasters. "If you could make a list of the scrolls that
   were missing we will search for them and return them. If you do not mind I
   would like to keep copies for my school giving credit to your school for
   them and possibly send some of my more advanced students to learn from
   you." When he said 'my school' the reality of what he had done started to
   sink in, he now had a responsibility for his school. The two grandmasters
   gave their thanks and grateful permission for him to keep copies.

   Happosai started to revive and when he realised that he had lost began to
   curse. "You won but I will get my school back! When I am recovered from
   this I will demand a rematch."

   "There are many warrants out for your arrest, you will be turned over to
   the authorities to face those charges." Ranma disappeared from in front of
   him and appeared behind him and quickly applied the 'Ultimate Weakness
   Moxibution' to him. "I think it simple justice that you receive the same
   punishment you gave me. I also depressed a series of ki limiters, you will
   still be able to access enough ki to keep alive but not much more than
   that." With Setsuna assisting they searched him making sure he had no
   weapons or artefacts on him and then Setsuna called the police to come
   pick him up. After explaining that he could no longer fight as he had,
   they were more than willing to do so. Leaving him under the watchful eye
   of Setsuna he searched for and retrieved the bag of powder had used to
   revive himself. The pipe he found after moving aside some rubble and a few
   beams, it was still intact and was almost glowing with the infused ki.

   Calling Hotaru and Rei over He explained what he wanted to do. He and
   Hotaru merged their power and carefully wrote wards of protection on
   Happosai's bones, he would never again be able to handle anything
   inherently evil much less have a demon merge with him. Without telling him
   about the wards they did heal him of most of his injuries before the
   police arrived to take him in custody. He would still live a long life but
   he would spend the majority of it in prison.

   Once at the dojo he informed Soun that he would have to practice and
   improve so that he could teach. That was one of the requirements for
   enlisting his aid in helping Nabiki and Akane, he hugged Kasumi and told
   her things would get better then everyone left, the majority to the
   Nekohaten.

   The Amazons were upset that they would not get to punish Happosai for his
   crimes against them until Hotaru told them what Ranma had done to him.
   Elder Shuo Rong startled everybody when she began to laugh. "Much more
   fitting than anything that we would have done, he will never be a threat
   again and will have a long time to think of his actions."

   When they exited the van Ranma became Asahiko and enjoyed the
   congratulations and general festivities inside the Nekohaten, as he had
   with the others he ask for a list of the missing items so they could be
   separated and brought over. With Setsuna and Hotaru at her side they made
   the rounds and engaged in an activity that Ranma had never been
   comfortable in, small talk. After the feast and before they left Setsuna
   arranged for the participation of the Amazons in the 'off campus study',
   Asahiko's fluency in Chinese aided in gaining their acceptance. Kho Lon's
   whereabouts was now generally known, she had tried to get some items from
   the village but was seen and left before she could be caught.

   With a bow of respect to the elders the group climbed back into the van
   and returned to the temple. With the excitement over all everyone wanted
   to do was relax talk about inconsequential things. They knew they had some
   powerful enemies out there but unless they were attacked they would rest
   and try to prepare.

   Asahiko carried a drowsy Hotaru into the living room and sat on the sofa.
   "Koishii, what do we do about Ukyo. She was a good friend and Genma stole
   her dowry. She doesn't deserve to lose her honour because of her father
   and mine, I put her father a step or two higher than mine but he
   definitely was no prize. I don't want to hurt her more than necessary and
   I could use all the help I can get. I've thought about it several times
   but I keep coming up with nothing that will help."

   "Shin'ai, we need to talk to her but we need Setsuna and Dr Mizuno with us
   to explain things. You may wind up losing a friend but if we can find a
   way to restore her honour and change her legally back to a girl she may
   grateful even if she decides not to be your friend anymore." Hotaru
   replied, cuddling in her lap. "Hum, I like this position, I hope we don't
   have to get up for awhile. And remember you need to massage that spot and
   do those other things the doctor ordered."

   "I need to remember to call Dr Tofu tomorrow and tell him Kasumi misses
   and needs him, I didn't think to get his home phone number, and she could
   definitely use his help." She slid her hand up Hotaru's back and worked on
   the spot the way Dr. Tofu had shown. "You know, I bet Dr Tofu would love
   to talk to the elders and exchange tips and techniques. Kasumi too, she
   needs to visit with the Amazons for awhile and maybe stop being such a
   housewife, hell, she isn't even married and she's more a traditional
   housewife than most women three times her age.

   "Relax, shin'ai, you can't do everything and you're not responsible for
   everybody. You're right though, she's been abused as much as Akane and
   Nabiki, I think you should insist on counselling for both Soun and Kasumi.
   He is a master in your school and if he keeps the dojo sign up he should
   meet at least certain of your standards." Hotaru stretched out on the sofa
   and turned face down over her lap. "Now you can massage the rest of my
   back, I love the way you do it and I don't intend to move."

   Everyone gathered around the sofa as Makoto and Michiru brought tea and
   pastries in. "How are we going to learn magic?" Ami started, "Is there a
   chance that some of the text they used would be in our old palaces, or on
   the moon itself?"

   Asahiko answered "Before you go looking for anything more, I think you
   should learn to access the powers you have. Rei shouldn't have a lot of
   problems she is used to meditation, everyone else is going to have to
   learn to meditate and learn what the different energies in your body feel
   like. You use it instinctively now but you have to be able to access and
   control it, I have an advantage in that I was forced to learn moves and
   develop counter moves while fighting. You need to see if you can you
   control the strength of your attack. Also you may have an affinity for a
   certain style, like in martial arts you can learn a new school but if
   you're built small as I am you can't use techniques that rely on great
   size and strength effectively such as Sumo wrestling."

   "How does that apply to magic?" Usagi asked looking slightly confused.

   "Ryoga doesn't have the affinity for speed but he has massive strength and
   an enormous capacity for absorbing damage. Makoto could possibly utilize
   his techniques and learning them would enhance your other abilities but
   you couldn't use them as effectively as he can. Ami could possibly learn
   some of Makoto's attacks but may not be able to use them as effectively,
   or conversely she may find they blend well, electricity is conducted by
   water so it might short it out or enhance it." Asahiko was thoughtful.
   "I'll try to learn some of your minor attacks and see if I can blend them,
   since I can see the flows I might be able to see whether they're
   compatible or not even before releasing them."

   "Setsuna, Asahiko needs help in dealing with Ukyo, maybe Rei could start
   teaching the others to meditate and you and Dr Mizuno could help us figure
   out how to help her without making the situation worse for her." Hotaru
   said and sat up with obvious reluctance.

   Haruka smiled. "Hotaru you are becoming a hedonist." eliciting a giggles
   from everyone but a blushing Hotaru, as everyone left to begin their first
   step in learning magic.

   Dr Mizuno pointed at a briefcase, "I have all the legal papers there, we
   need to meet with her explain the situation and arrange a meeting with her
   father. His feud with Genma won't be affected but he should pursue it
   himself. What steps do you want to take if he refused to restore her
   gender or decides to cast her out of her clan?"

   "You said Ranma was effectively head of his own clan, couldn't he adopt
   her into it. That would satisfy the wording of the agreement if not the
   intention, with her gender restored and not worrying about being clan-less
   I think she would be able to move ahead without too much trouble." Hotaru
   replied, "We won't really know until we meet with her and Asahiko would
   like you both with her when she does."

   Setsuna appeared lost in thought for a minute and then said. "I think that
   the exact truth, just leaving out those things that do not affect her
   would be best. She should be closing in a little bit for the evening why
   don't we go now and get it started, arranging a meeting with her father
   might take awhile. She should be told that Ranma is alright she's probably
   been worried. Do you want to go as male or female"

   "I think in my female form would be best, it should reduce any romantic
   tendencies from developing further." Asahiko answered. "Until I get the
   majority of the legal problems Genma caused me out of the way, the less
   Ranma is seen the better. Some of the people he sold me to may not care
   whether he had the right to do so or not, nor be particular about
   incidental casualties. I just hope she listens, no one else ever seemed to
   hear what was said just what they wanted to hear."

   "Let's go now then, there is no reason for her to have to stay up any
   later than is necessary, we do have school in the morning." Hotaru rose
   from the sofa pulling Asahiko with her. "Am I going to be included in that
   off campus study Setsuna?"

   "Yes you are, I imagine that the treatments that you are receiving might
   speed up your physical development, so you wouldn't fit in with your
   school much longer anyway." Setsuna answered while starting the car.

   Uc-chan's was almost empty as they arrived, the last customers finishing
   their food as they walked in. "I'm sorry we're closed for the evening,
   please come again when we're open." Ukyo said and then she took a second
   look. "Ranchan?"

   "It's me Ukyo, I would have been by before but things have been crazy, but
   I guess you know that just from the happenings at school." Asahiko
   replied. "It's a long tale, do you have time for it?"

   Several hours later Ukyo didn't know what to feel, anger, relief and
   depression were predominate. "I've always considered you a friend Ukyo, I
   would like to continue to be your friend. If your father doesn't accept
   the situation I can adopt you into Saotome clan that is the best I can do.
   We both have lives to live and I would like to help you if I can." She
   reached out and held Ukyo's hand.

   "My father has always been adamantly opposed to anything less than your
   death or our marriage. I don't think he will care whether the agreement is
   legal or not, he never really wanted a daughter just a son to carry on the
   business." Ukyo morosely responded.

   Asahiko pulled her into a hug. "It will be alright, set up the meeting and
   we'll do our best, friends help friends. If he doesn't accept it, then we
   will do whatever we have to."

   With a final hug they said good night and left, both optimistic that
   things could be changed for the better. Setsuna dropped the doctor and
   Asahiko off before passing by the shrine, it was late and they still had
   school to face tomorrow.

   First thing in the morning after doing kata and preparing breakfast Ranma
   called Dr Tofu and explained what was going on. He mentioned the progress
   that Hotaru was making and received his home phone number in case it was
   needed. When he hung up the phone he knew that Dr Tofu's office hours
   would be very short that day.

   While everyone else was in school, Asahiko spent a horrifying day in
   various government offices, signing documents and acquiring ID as Asahiko.
   More documents and signatures as Ranma to take care of the legal matters
   stemming from Genma and Nabiki, with assurances that any further hidden
   accounts that were found would be transferred, then to see the lawyers who
   probated his grandparents will to take transfer those things to him in
   such a way Genma would be unable to touch it.

   "A fight with Ryoga going all out would be easier than this." Ranma said
   as he signed the last of a pile of documents. "We need to see what we can
   do about helping Nabiki and Akane, can we get in to see them?"

   "We can see Nabiki, you could visit Akane but she is still under a lot of
   sedation. The drugs that were used on her left her in a mess, we presume
   Genma was drugging her and we know that Kho Lon was and whatever they used
   didn't mix well. Genma probably was using them so he would have some
   control over her after you were married, Kho Lon's was to make sure you
   didn't marry her. They don't know for certain everything she was on but
   she has been going through massive withdrawals and psychotic episodes
   since. After she stabilises they will start therapy but I'm afraid that
   will be a long process. Xian Pu and Mu Tzu are having similar problems but
   not to the extent she is, Nabiki went through some of it which may give
   them reason to cut her some slack, she is stable now and would probably
   appreciate visitors." Dr Mizuno filled her in on what she had learned.

   Nabiki was subdued and apologetic when they met. The experience of
   incarceration had eaten deeply into her self-confidence leaving her eager
   to please. Knowing that Kasumi was being taken care of and that Akane was
   receiving help brightened her spirits considerably. She was relieved to
   know that he would help her as much as he could and that he would visit
   her fairly often. They did not tell her the extent of Akane's problems,
   leaving that for future meetings.

   He met with the prosecutor started talks on getting the charges reduced or
   thrown out. Although she had been operating her business before Ranma's
   arrival it had only escalated into illegal activities afterward. Referring
   to the drugs found in many of the people involved he was able to get the
   prosecutor to consider it.

   Setsuna had left earlier after Asahiko's ID had been acquired to start the
   process of setting up alternative schooling. She had less difficulty than
   she expected after the Amazons called the Chinese embassy and the embassy
   in turn called the school board. All the necessary paper work would be
   delivered to her office the next including the forms for extricating the
   students from school. She had the list of mandatory subjects and now all
   she had to do was show them the curriculum she had developed with Ami.

   They knew everything wouldn't be as easily done but it was encouraging.
   Homework was quickly done, both academic and housekeeping, then visits to
   Minako's and Usagi's parents produced the necessary cooperation. Rei's
   father didn't want to allow it at first but when it was mentioned that it
   had the backing of the Chinese embassy and the school board he allowed
   himself to be persuaded. Unexpected absences were taken care of with the
   notice that some field trips were dependent on events occurring that might
   not have been anticipated and that during the week the students would
   often be staying with each other studying and practicing their language
   skills.

   The thought of Usagi improving her grades almost sent her parents into
   ecstasy. The other parents were just happy that they would not be
   unconvinced. Usagi was ecstatic until she saw her course schedule she then
   did a fairly accurate representation of Soun's waterworks.

   A call to the Tendou household was answered by a jubilant Kasumi. He had
   called to tell her of his visit with Nabiki and to update her on Akane's
   condition, but she was bubbling over with excitement. As he suspected, Dr
   Tofu had gone to visit and the visit had turned into lunch, lunch had
   turned into an invitation to dinner that evening. He never did tell her of
   his visit to Nabiki as Dr Tofu arrived and in a very un-Kasumi like way
   she hurriedly said goodbye and that she would talk to him later.

   Laughing as he hung up the phone he was pounced on by Ami, Hotaru and Rei
   demanding to know what he was laughing about. He explained and then told
   them about Dr. Tofu and Kasumi's normal behaviour.

   Preparations for sleep that night were noisy, several friends from school
   had come over to visit and commiserate over their being selected to be
   part of the off campus study group. Appropriate exclamations of dismay
   over the curriculum they would be taking were voiced as well as relief in
   not being a part of it themselves.

   Sleepovers were becoming a normal event as there was often a group over to
   study. This group was composed of friends from school as well as the
   senshi and Asahiko enjoyed the camaraderie that developed. With the
   ability to will the change instead of being subjected to it at random she
   luxuriated in the comfort of their friendship.

   An early morning call to see how Kasumi's dinner date had progressed
   changed plans for the day. Kasumi had happened to meet one of Akane's
   friends from school, Ryoga had been there and found out she had been
   arrested. He had left swearing to find and kill Ranma leaving walls
   destroyed in his path and frightened students huddled together. Ranma had
   always been there to handle Ryoga before without him there they didn't
   know what to do about the directionally challenged juggernaut.

   Phoenix Rising

   By: Terryie (http://www.fanfiction.net/u/65656/)

   Chapter Seven

   Ryoga's Challenge

   After talking with Kasumi Asahiko called Setsuna, and explained the
   situation. "If I can find him I'll try to lure him to the same area I
   fought Happosai. I'll contact you if I can when I find him, could you
   finish getting me out of the school. I definitely do not want him finding
   me there, his attacks are pretty indiscriminate and tend to be large
   scale. I don't really know what to do about him, I can't do what I did to
   Happosai to him because of his cursed form, it would almost be the same
   thing as murder." Asahiko was obviously upset as Hotaru took the phone
   from her.

   "Setsuna I'm going with him. I'll wear the same outfit as the other day, I
   can keep you informed of anything that develops. Tell the Haruka and
   Michiru for me will you and call the school to let them know I won't be
   there. Ami just said she's coming too, we'll keep you informed of what's
   happening and where." She listened to Setsuna for a moment and said "We
   won't get in trouble, but we will be there to help if needed. I have to go
   see you later."

   Asahiko looked dumbfounded for a moment. 'I can't stop you from coming you
   would just follow me but you need to be careful and stay alert. He usually
   announces his attack as he's attacking so you won't have much time to
   react." She gave them a rueful grin.

   Leaving her hair down and still dressed in their school uniforms they left
   the house and walked to the subway station. They blended into the crowd at
   the station and boarded the subway and were able to find seats.

   The Amazons were glad to see them and they sat and enjoyed tea before
   bringing up the reason for their visit. "There is no way to easily find
   him, he can walk from here to Okinawa in an hour and not get his feet wet.
   I would love to find out how he does that! Since Ryoga is seeking me out I
   need to make myself visible, he should be able to find me. I've seen him a
   few times in the last weeks but he didn't recognize me and considering the
   massive amounts of damage he can do, I preferred it that way. Now that he
   is hunting me I need to let him find me while I'm expecting it, I would
   hope to talk some sense into him but it's not likely possible."

   "Could we borrow the clothes from yesterday again? We would really
   appreciate it, they looked and felt wonderful" Hotaru gushed. This was
   apparently the right tactic as it elicited smiles from all the elders.
   While Ami and Hotaru were hustled off to look at clothes Asahiko
   transformed into Ranma and redid his pigtail.

   Notes on herb combinations and their effect or lack of on Ranma and the
   Tendous were found in a small work room Kho Lon had used. After reading
   them Ranma called Dr Tofu to let him know that Kho Lon had laced Kasumi's
   tea with a mild euphoric and stimulant extract. Reading the list of
   preparations that Kho Lon had dosed him with brought to mind the question
   that she had asked herself in the notes. Why hadn't they had an effect on
   him? The answer, he believed, was a combination of factors, his fathers
   greediness came to mind and all the other potions including Akane's
   cooking must have countered them.

   "We have already informed your officials of what was found, and offered
   some remedies for the problems they are facing now." Elder Su long
   informed him. As a healer and mistress of herb lore she was able to
   recognise most of the preparations that had been administered. "Kho Lon
   was apparently trying to come up with a method of mind control for you
   that wouldn't breakdown and leave her at risk. She realized that she had
   lost the chance to have you trust her as a teacher and advisor before she
   found out your true potential. Her disdain for men was and is notorious,
   while we rule in our tribe it would not do for us to treat our men the way
   she treated Mu Tzu. , nor even the way she treated Xian Pu."

   Elder Wen-lun approached with the two girls in tow. "These two are ready
   to go, do you wish some different clothes also?" Ami was dressed in a dark
   blue skirt with a pastel blue blouse both full cut and flowing, the skirt
   had a heavier silk sash wrapped as a belt. A dark blue/grey cape with a
   cowl lay over her left arm, her hand resting on her hip behind a dagger
   thrust in her sash with blue star sapphire inset in in the pommel. Hotaru
   was similarly dressed in with a black skirt and red blouse with a dark
   grey cape over her shoulders with the cowl down. No weapon was visible but
   Ranma knew she could call it forth with but a thought.

   "Thank you Elder Wen-lun but this is the way he normally sees me dressed,
   and I definitely want him to recognize me." Ranma gave the elder a smile
   and for the few times actively went hunting trouble.

   The most likely spot would be around the Tendou dojo and they walked
   slowly and visited with people on their way there. Ranma's new demeanour
   and the politeness of his companions drew compliments and almost
   guaranteed that word of his presence would spread quickly.

   "So what's with the dagger, Ami? I didn't know you had a fondness for
   weapons." At Ranma's question Hotaru burst out laughing. Ranma raised a
   questioning eyebrow at Ami and waited for and answer.

   "Ami blushed. "When we were looking at the clothing I saw this dagger and
   admired it. They insisted I wear it, they said a warrior should never be
   unarmed. Hotaru was able to get out of it by summoning her glaive but the
   only thing I can summon is my visor and computer. I don't think they would
   consider them weapons."

   "She put up a valiant struggle." Hotaru giggled again. "She almost
   convinced herself that she didn't want it but she hasn't stopped caressing
   that pommel since, except when we stop to talk to people."

   "I don't know why, but it just feels right. I know I've never handled
   weapons before and haven't any training, which by the way I expect you to
   correct, but it felt good in my hand as if it belonged there." Ami was
   blushing but she said the last almost defiantly.

   "May I see it, the pommel is beautiful and the guard is unusual?" Ranma
   eyed the dagger at her waist. Concentrating his attention on it he could
   see faint flows of energy surrounding it.

   "Of course you can!" She drew it and placed it in his hand.

   A bolt of energy discharged into Ranma as the she let go of the dagger and
   it flew back to her hand. Hotaru rushed over to Ranma who was picking
   himself off the ground and rubbing his hand. "Uh, I think if you hold it I
   can look at it better! It apparently doesn't like me." Ranma gave a
   respectful glance at the dagger, coruscating flows of magic surrounded it
   and Ami's hand. "Hotaru do you see the magic flows around the dagger?"

   Hotaru had not moved from his side her eyes on the dagger also. "Yes I do
   and they were not there before. When the elder handed it to her it didn't
   do that." She looked at Ranma again. "Is it alright for her to wear it? Do
   you think it might be dangerous?"

   "I think it only be dangerous to anybody trying to take it from her. I
   don't sense any evil in it but she shouldn't leave it where someone might
   try to pick it up. We will ask the elders about it later." Ranma answered
   then saw a pile of rubble that had been a part of a brick wall and pointed
   to it. "Ami I want you to try casting that freeze attack but do it with
   the dagger in your hand. Set your computer to record it please."

   Ami looked at Ranma then checked to be sure they were alone and used the
   Mercury Ice-storm Blast as he had directed. The blast struck the rubble
   freezing it and then shattering it. Only Hotaru's quick use of her Silence
   Wall kept them from being struck by the debris.

   "I presume that that is not the usual behaviour of your attack is it?
   Thank you Hotaru that was quick thinking." When Ami shook her head in the
   negative he continued. "I believe it is a focus, an amplifier. We will
   really have to ask them for its history, it appears to have bonded with
   you in the manner stories tell of rune weapons and their bearers. I
   thought they were just good stories!"

   "Does this mean I will have to wear it all the time?" Ami was amazed and
   flustered by the results of the demonstration.

   "No, I think you may be able to store it and call it forth when you need
   it. I will start training you in weapons use as soon as possible.
   Considering the stories you have told of the things you have fought I
   think weapon training would benefit everybody." Ranma spoke quickly to
   ease her mind, his mind trying to recall any and all lore of weapons of
   magical nature. He decided that a search of libraries on legendary weapons
   would probably not yield much but they might point to other sources.

   "Good morning Kasumi. Have you seen Ryoga? I want to try to stop him from
   making too much trouble, it would be just like him to attempt to rescue
   Akane." Ranma gave her a hug. "Is Soun working out this morning?

   "Oh my! Good morning Ranma. Why don't you and your two friends come in for
   some tea." Kasumi gestured toward the slippers for her guest and motioned
   them inside. "No, Ryoga hasn't been here yet, I'm surprised he stayed away
   as long as he has. Father is jogging, he woke when I did and did some kata
   before breakfast. It's good to see him taking an interest in life again."

   Hotaru accepted a cup of tea from her. "Dr Tofu treated me the other day,
   he's nice isn't he? I heard you had dinner last night how did it go?"

   With a slight blush Kasumi stared at her tea for a few seconds before
   answering. "It was a nice dinner, I enjoyed it and the dancing
   afterwards." Ranma took the light hint from Ami and he went to check the
   dojo, muttering about elbows, giving her a mock glare.

   Ranma sat in the middle of the dojo extending his senses out looking for
   Ryoga. Searching for all above normal sources of energy, he marked them in
   his mind identifying them when he could. Some were easy to identify, the
   Amazon stronghold stood out like a beacon, the younger warriors obviously
   training. Some were harder, scattered throughout Nerima and the nearby
   areas, some were martial artist that he knew, others would checked out
   later. A force of martial artists with ki abilities could be an asset if
   he could offer an incentive to form an association for mutual training and
   support. Once he had a mental map of who was where, he put it on autopilot
   knowing any change would bring him to immediate awareness.

   Ranma began to examine himself noticing more changes in his ki and magics.
   He searched inward tracing the changes and what they affected. His ki had
   increased a little presumably from his battle with Happosai and the demon.
   His magic appeared to be smoother not as chaotic as previously and he
   delved deeper into it trying to trace mark the changes.

   The addition of another entity in his mind nearly brought him out of his
   meditative trance, but he calmed down and sank deeper skirting it and
   began to probe lightly. He mentally tasted it and realized it was related
   to the healing magic, he didn't receive any feelings of threat just the
   opposite. Growing bolder he opened himself further and began to receive
   images jumbled at first then more coherent as if it were adjusting the
   frequency of a radio channel.

   He saw through its fuzzy memories of its first awareness and followed as
   it traced out what it had done. He realized it had simple emotions when he
   approved of its work and received a feeling of happiness and satisfaction.
   The studying he had done under Ami allowed him to recognise it as a
   symbiotic relationship, its sole purpose was his well being and it energy
   was derived from the magics involved. Since he could see no harm in it he
   accepted it realizing that there was probably not much he could do about
   it anyway.

   Hotaru's approach to get him for lunch brought him out of his trance. He
   decided that they should talk about it later when Kasumi wasn't around. He
   reflected that he shouldn't be surprised, weirdness seemed to be a
   permanent feature in his life.

   While putting the dirty dishes from lunch in the kitchen Ranma felt the ki
   spike he was looking for. He flared his briefly and went outside hopefully
   to intercept him before he could enter an area that should not be damaged.
   He still had no idea what to do about Ryoga, removing his strength would
   make his cursed form an easy meal for any predator out there. Reasoning
   with him would be as worthless talking to a stone. He decided he would
   make a formal challenge then go from there, if he held still long enough
   to issue a challenge to.

   Ryoga's shout "Ranma prepare to die for what you did to Akane!" did not
   come as a surprise to Ranma, he had felt Ryoga appear behind him. The
   thrown bandanas exploded against the brick wall as Ranma leaped clear and
   over Ryoga. Using his amaguriken speed he hit several shiatsu points to
   paralyse his arms and hopefully get a chance to speak to him. As soon as
   Ryoga realized he couldn't move he began to glow green and Ranma
   immediately sprayed him with water then grabbed him as the change in size
   and form released his limbs.

   "We are going to talk after we talk we will fight if you still want to but
   first we are going to talk." Ranma held him with both hand to keep from
   being bitten.

   Hotaru came forward and produced a harness and leash. "After our talks
   about him I thought this might come in handy." as she reached forward to
   put it on him he snapped at her. "If you bite me you will never bite
   anyone again, Ranma thought of you as a friend and doesn't want to hurt
   you, I have no such problem with destroying you totally. Killing demons is
   something I do and I don't consider you to be any different." She then put
   the harness on him and attached the leash. "You have a problem wandering
   off but this time you will stay until were through talking."

   "You are going to listen as if your life depends on it because it does."
   Ami told him as they walked to the Nekohaten. "Everything, according to
   you, is Ranma's fault, so we are going to discuss it and find the truth of
   the matter. Ranma is willing to accept your challenge and we will take you
   to the place of challenge after we talk. We want your word of honour that
   you will sit and participate. A matriarch elder will be standing behind
   you to render you immobile if you decide to break your word, that's if I
   don't blast you first." pointing her finger at a rock she used the
   smallest ice spell she could muster and still produced a two metre column
   of ice. The pig gave every indication of blanching.

   They entered the Nekohaten and met with the elders explaining the
   situation. Not giving him a chance to do anything Hotaru put his clothes
   on a table and took off his harness and poured hot water on him. Ami
   immediately stepped forward and placed a collar around his neck and stood
   back for him to get dressed. The look on the faces around him encouraged
   him to dress with all possible speed, the thought of being a pig-sickle or
   its equivalent short circuited any thought resistance.

   "We are going to start with your meeting with Ranma for the first time and
   go from there. You will have a chance for rebuttal after each one as long
   as you keep it concise and factual." Ami's voice was as cold as her
   attack, they had witnessed his attack at Ranma's back and were far from
   impressed.

   "Your first complaint was his stealing your bread at school. It wasn't
   yours until you had it in your possession, everybody was trying to get it.
   After he found out about your directional problems he helped you home
   everyday, you at least had a place and chance to eat. He sparred with you
   everyday and before he and his father left you challenged him, you set the
   time, date and location. It was your responsibility to be there on time,
   you forfeited that match. He waited three days for you before his father
   knocked him out and took him away. Do you have any 'reasonable' dispute
   with any of this." Ami's voice would have done a prosecutor proud, it was
   as cold and emotionless as she could make it.

   Ryoga simply shook his head, he already knew the two girls were not happy
   with him and the looks he was receiving from the Amazons didn't look all
   that favourable to him either.

   Ami shot him a look of contempt and continued. "You then followed Ranma to
   China apparently unaware of your surroundings and stood on the edge of a
   cliff, putting yourself in a precarious situation. Did you even make an
   attempt to get to safety when an extremely large panda came charging at
   you? And let's not start on your allegations of dishonourable conduct,
   where is the honour of sleeping with a man's fiancee under false pretences
   P-chan? "

   Ryoga wanted to object, he really, really wanted to object but he couldn't
   dispute her summation. It had happened that way even if they interpreted
   the events differently than he did, it wasn't fair. It was Ranma's fault
   that he was in China, it was his fault he was cursed, Ranma just had to be
   guilty. Ryoga started to get even more depressed and his aura began to
   glow green.

   The elder Su-long quickly struck some pressure points on Ryoga's back
   rendering him unconscious. She quickly gave some orders to her apprentice,
   Tiao-ning, and turned to face the others. "I think you should tell me all
   you can about this boy. He is seriously ill, with the amount of depression
   he exhibits it is amazing that he hasn't committed suicide already."

   "Uh, his biggest attack is based on his depression, its kind of a suicide
   attack but because of his training in the Bakusai Tenketsu it always
   fails. It does enormous damage to the surrounding area though." Ranma
   pulled on his pigtail then told her all he could about Ryoga. Ami and
   Hotaru had tears and concerned looks on their faces by the time that Ranma
   had finished.

   "Elder can you help him? His life was as bad as Ranma's in some ways."
   Hotaru gave the elder a pleading look.

   "Turn the puppy dog eyes off Little Warrior, I'll do what I can, but it
   won't be easy. The leash you have on him isn't going to improve his mental
   outlook, being turned into a potential pork roast won't help either. "
   Su-long grimaced. " I did say life was starting to get boring in my old
   age, I should be careful what I say."

   Ranma hesitated a moment. "I don't know if I can change his trigger or
   not. I will have to study it and practice before I try, I don't want to
   make it worse than it is. I can see enough of the magic flows to know it
   is different than what affects me. If he is willing I will try to find a
   way to change the trigger, I don't think I can change the curse. He can
   really get lost in a room with one door, I'm not exaggerating. Ami do you
   think you could improvise a locator of some type we could attach to him,
   even with the best of luck and attention he'll turn a corner and be gone."

   "What range do you need on it? Ami asked.

   "Tie it into the global positioning satellite if you can. He has brought
   gifts back from all over the world and I don't think he got his feet wet
   or took a boat."

   "Oh, should we pair him with Tuo-rong, Elder, he never gets lost."
   Tiao-ning asked bringing the potion she had prepared.

   "That may not be a bad idea, child." replied Elder Su-long, her fingers
   steepled under her chin. "He has been dissatisfied at home lately, this
   may be just what he needs."

   "I can provide airfare for him if it will help." Ranma offered.

   "It would speed his journey some." She acceded. "I need to stabilize Ryoga
   and adjust the medication to suit him so time is really not a large
   factor. How soon do you think you can contrive the tracker beacon young
   warrior, it would be a boon if he travels as you imply." She addressed Ami
   and then turned to Ryoga who began to show signs of regaining
   consciousness. "My word, he should be out for hours still."

   "After the training for the Bakusai Tenketsu I found it harder to apply
   shiatsu on him myself. It takes an extremely strong strike to affect him
   very much and if he gets struck with water it negates it." Ranma paused,
   "If I show him that I can control my transformation and offer to try to
   help him do the same, I don't know what will happen. He may accept my help
   or might try to kill me again because I have a cure and haven't given it
   to him, even if he hasn't done anything to make me willing to help him. It
   gets monotonous at times, he never listens and always jumps to the wrong
   conclusion. I don't even know for sure if I can help him, my control was
   accidental and dependant on factors that I doubt can be replicated."

   "If I can get the right parts and most should be available, no more than
   three hours, a few cell phones would provide most of the parts and I could
   transform a few more into receptors, one for him so he could know where he
   was and some for us to track him and help him get back." Ami was peering
   at her computer and didn't notice Ryoga regain consciousness.

   "You're going to help me but I thought you were ready to kill me!" Ryoga
   almost babbled.

   "Still will if necessary, but I would rather not. If you continue to pose
   a threat to my brother, you're burnt toast. He for some reason doesn't
   want to hurt you, I could care less but I will help because he wishes it."
   She hoped she was projecting the right tone, trying to maintain her frigid
   demeanour from earlier. "If I found you had been sleeping in my bed, not
   even global warming would melt the ice block you would be in."

   "Any particular brand or just any cell phone?" Su-long ask.

   "Almost any brand but they need to be all the same. Here's a list of what
   I need in addition to the phones." She reached into her pocket and pulled
   out a credit card. "This should cover everything just bring me the
   receipts. I need an area to disassemble them and soldering iron, heat
   sinks and screw drivers. Ryoga drink your tea, I'll have this made as
   quick as I can and you can get rid of the collar. Ranma while you're
   waiting for me to get this thing together would be a good time to try to
   analyse his magic flows."

   "I'm working on it." he turned and looked at Hotaru. "Gee has she always
   been this bossy!"

   Ryoga looked from one to the other completely lost, this was not the Ranma
   he knew and he had no idea who these girls were but the demonstration the
   girl in blue gave was enough to decide he really did not want to cross
   her. The young girl standing behind Ranma exuded the strangest aura of
   anyone he had ever came across and it was apparent that she would use that
   in defence of Ranma and that Ranma would not stop her. Something had
   happened that changed everything and he had no idea what it was, but the
   chance to regain some control helped him decide to cooperate for the while
   and hope.

   Hotaru smiled at Ranma and answered. "That is the prerogative of sisters,
   at least that is what some of my classmates with big families say, and
   since you now have a large number of them you might as well sit back and
   enjoy what peace you can."

   Ranma waited for the tea to have an effect on Ryoga before slipping into a
   meditative trance, Hotaru also slipped into one but not as deep as
   Ranma's. He guided their exploration of their own magic flows first to
   show the differences then they gently started to probe Ryoga. The Josenkyo
   magic was fairly easy to locate, the water attractor and trigger were
   wrapped tightly around it making it difficult to pick out individual
   strands. Ranma tried to explain the differences between his and Ryoga's
   but they did not yet have a vocabulary that was magic friendly.

   Another magic was present and while the Josenkyo magics fit together
   rather like a completed puzzle this one appeared to be incomplete. Ranma
   tried to explain the feeling of wrongness but the best word he could find
   was discordant. He studied it for awhile before returning to the Josenkyo
   curse, looking for a way to alter the trigger without causing him more
   problems.

   Ami gently calling his name brought him out of his trance. "Ranma, we need
   a way to attach this to him so he can't lose it if he changes form. Do you
   have any ideas?" She was holding a plastic case in her hand about six
   centimetres in diameter and maybe a centimetre thick. "I might be able to
   make a smaller one but I would have to order some parts and the batteries
   will still make it somewhat bulky."

   "Let's ask him when he wakes up, he will be the one wearing it after all.
   I have a few ideas of where and how to stick it on. I'm more intrigued
   about the spells we found, I think I can change the trigger mechanism on
   his Josenkyo curse, the question is what do I change it to. I don't
   believe I can remove it, the curse itself is intertwined with his life
   force so I really don't want to mess with it. The trigger and the trigger
   attraction part of the curse I believe can be adjusted but it is going to
   take awhile. Just removing the trigger would simply put it into a loop
   with him changing back and forth continuously, I don't think he would want
   that." Ranma shifted to Asahiko, "do any of your young warriors wish to
   spar? I need to work out a little."

   Asahiko used the experience training the senshi in her sparring with the
   young Amazons, pointing out holes in their defence and correcting their
   offensive move when needed. After he had sparred with the four warriors
   who were training Hotaru stepped in front and faked an attack that turned
   into a leg sweep which he started to counter when he was hit from behind
   and both sides allowing Hotaru to push off with her lower leg and strike
   her on her breastbone before tumbling off to the side allowing another
   attacker to follow up. About the third hit she decided to get a little
   more serious but by then it was too late she had been dog piled and the
   search for tickle points was on. With four to one odds and Hotaru giving
   tips it was soon a giggle fest and a tossup as to who was giggling the
   most.

   A thoroughly exhausted group was showering when Ami interrupted to let
   them know that Ryoga was waking. The sparring and the play afterward did
   wonders for relaxing her and she was ready to continue with renewed
   vigour. Asahiko and Hotaru arrived just as Ami had finished explaining the
   purpose of the transmitter.

   "I can implant the transmitter beneath the skin under your arm or anywhere
   else you think would be more protected or comfortable." She began, "It's
   thin, durable and light weight but I don't think it would stand up to the
   stress of one of our spars. Neither your stance nor mine allows for shots
   under the arm, and Ami says she can have a smaller model ready fairly soon
   that would be even more impact resistant. I will have to study the
   triggering mechanism of your curse some more before I can even attempt to
   switch it so you need to be available. It's up to you however.

   "You can stop me from changing at a splash of water?" for the first time
   in a long time Ryoga had a hopeful expression on his face.

   "I don't know Ryoga. I can control mine and there is a possibility that I
   can alter the trigger to yours. I can't cure it, there is no cure to my
   knowledge and the curse is bonded to your very life-force. I might be able
   to change the trigger mechanism but you must still stay in your cursed
   form for at while each day or several days at a stretch and then several
   days without changing. It's not a cure but you can schedule the when
   maybe. I'm not going to make promises, this is new to me and I don't want
   to rush into it. Later after I learn to control magic better we might even
   try to change your curse, but that will probably be much later. It might
   not work but the choice is up to you." Asahiko was nervous, she really
   wanted to help him since she had knocked him into the pool, but it was
   chancy at best and she needed him to know and accept the fact that it
   might not work.

   "Ranma, a chance at near normal is better than what I have been facing, if
   you think you can do it then let's try it. Now what has been happening
   here, why was Akane arrested?" Ryoga had a determined look on his face and
   Asahiko filled him in, from his attack on Ranma at the mall to the
   present.

   "You ever see that honourless scumbag Genma, land as many blows on him as
   you can before he runs! I don't think he will ever stay around long enough
   to be taken into custody again. But before you start pounding on him call
   and let everyone know where you are and what is happening. He has never
   killed to my knowledge but if pressed he might, give us a chance to
   provide backup at least." Asahiko was torn between trying to exact some
   justice on Genma and protecting those few friends he had ever
   acknowledged. While she held honour to a high degree she had only to look
   to the extremes it could be taken to realize that not everyone saw it as
   she did and that compromise to some extent was necessary. The fact that
   Elder Su-long said Ryoga's view was due to an illness made her more
   accepting of it and willing to work for his recovery. She had suffered too
   much from Genma to ever accept him except as a closed chapter of her life,
   if he had any redeeming qualities then they were most carefully hidden
   from scrutiny.

   "I hope to help the Tendou family and so do my friends. The number of
   times I have been sold forbids me to undertake any agreement arranged by
   Saotome Genma however so the matter of an engagement is mute. Before this
   is over they may well need every friend they can muster will you aid them
   also?" Asahiko gazed at Ryoga intently and was not disappointed by his
   reply. Scrubbing the case of the locator she rinsed it and placed it to
   his side and wove the skin over it. "If you stay here for awhile I will do
   my best to understand the magic forcing the change and give you some
   control over it." She was obviously worn out by the strain of weaving
   magic and was given a restorative tea which she drank and then promptly
   went to sleep.

   Elder Su-long unabashedly had two warriors carry her to a futon and cover
   her up and told Hotaru to join her, that she needed the closeness after
   such strain. "I can see the flow of ki and magic between the two of you,
   she will draw from you unconsciously as will you from, her at need. Now
   join her, Little Warrior that you may both rest and recuperate."

   Ami and Su-long woke them three hours later. "from now on you see me
   before you do anything like that again" Su-long admonished her, "you have
   great ki reserves but they do not carry over into magic, you will have to
   build up your endurance slowly and build up some reserves unless you want
   to wind up flat on your back fairly often." she smirked "Although Little
   Warrior may not mind if that happens occasionally." Hotaru blushed but
   refused to stop snuggling.

   "Do you have any exercises that would help me build my ability and
   endurance?" Asahiko had a hopeful look.

   "We do but it has been a closely held Amazon secret, of course by the time
   we are able to do magic we tend to be a little older than you and we do
   much smaller magics. If I told it to you I could not reasonably expect you
   to keep it from you're the others in your group. Would you consent as a
   group to become Amazons in alliance with us. From what I understand you
   already have a matriarchal system." Su-long looked at the three carefully
   then grinned. "It would really put a twist in Kho-lon's panties.

   Ami looked up and started laughing. "We would have to speak to the others
   but I imagine they would be amenable to that. Will Ryoga be alright?"

   "I have to talk to him and mix up some tea that will be just for him. His
   knowing that he will now be able to know where he is will make a world of
   difference. I'll talk to you later."

   As they were walking slowly toward the subway station Asahiko stopped and
   turned to her companions. "That was not what I was expecting, thank you. I
   thought I was going to have to beat him senseless just to talk to him. We
   need to talk when it's safe, I've been feeling a soft probing, feather
   soft like it isn't quite sure."

   "At the shrine then, everyone should be there soon anyway. My computer
   didn't pick anything up but I'm going to try to figure a way to make it
   more sensitive." Ami led them onto the subway.

   Once at the shrine they quickly helped to take care of general
   housekeeping and did those chores that Rei would normally do for the
   shrine. Ami called her mother and let her know where they were. By the
   time they had finished, Makato had finished cooking, Ami's mother had
   arrived and they ate.

   Asahiko began to speak, "Thank you. I'm still learning about friendship
   and teamwork, when I left this morning I was sure that I was going to have
   to hurt Ryoga bad to even get him to listen. I've only had to hurt two
   people really bad, Saffron, the phoenix, I killed him but he was
   thankfully reborn and Happosai. My friends and family showed me a
   different way." The events of the day were gone over and the offer to
   become honorary Amazons and closer allied was debated and accepted.

   ""Ami are you still running diagnostics on everybody? I'm worried about
   that magical probing I felt earlier. I think I need to become the Phoenix
   for a while, my senses seem to be sharper in that form." Asahiko had a
   troubled look as she continued. "Definitely run a thorough check on me, I
   seem to have acquired a resident advisor." She then told about her
   meditation that morning and her conclusions and asked for advice.

   Ami ran individual checks on everybody and compared them to the database
   she had begun on each. "There is no dark energy present but there have
   been changes. Those areas I associate with our magic are apparently
   growing stronger and more defined. Hotaru's is not growing more defined,
   it is changing though and her connection with Asahiko is stronger than
   before. Asahiko's is becoming more organised and growing larger, I don't
   see any other entity so she is not becoming possessed." Ami switched her
   gaze between Asahiko and Hotaru and then had them stand together. A
   startled look appeared on her face as she continued. "Asahiko are using a
   healing spell on Hotaru?"

   "No, I'm using the pressure points and massage to straighten the ki flow
   but that is all. At least I think that is all. Do you think I might be
   doing what I did with those wards, adding magic to make it more
   effective?" Asahiko was troubled that she might be doing some damage
   without knowing it.

   "It is a possibility or it could be your connection to each other. Her
   changes are starting to match yours in some areas. It may be a combination
   of the healing, your bonding and your working on her ki flows. I don't
   think it is detrimental, the opposite in fact." Ami kept her fingers
   flying over her keyboard while studying the output then observed everyone
   again. "It appears that all of us are still being healed but at a slower
   rate. I thought Asahiko might be responsible at first but now I don't
   think she is."

   "What do you mean? Then who is responsible for it?" Rei brought the
   question up quickly.

   "Neo Queen Selenity is or rather the spell she used." Ami glanced at
   Asahiko who was holding Hotaru. "When she healed us before it was just a
   straight healing, when she purified possessed humans we were never
   directly affected or it would have removed the dark taint from within us.
   I think it was like Asahiko adding the spells to the wards, we don't
   consciously pick the spell we use, the spell is more or less provided to
   do what we need and so when she needed to use a healing and purifying
   spell it provided what was needed out of what was available to her. I
   think Asahiko may be giving it an occasional boost through her connection
   to us but not consciously."

   "We're all going to hear voices in our head!" Blurted Usagi.

   "No ours is integrated with us, Asahiko's wasn't. The fact that she wasn't
   reincarnated with it, her searching for what it was doing to her and her
   meditation techniques gave her access to the voice, in us it just supplies
   the spell we need. I imagine if we learn to meditate as deeply as she does
   we could make conscious contact with our also although ours may not e as
   developed as hers." Ami glanced at her computer before continuing. "I
   imagine that hers is unique due to all the different magics she had in her
   body and I don't think I want to get all those curses she had and has to
   find out." The others gave a visible shiver at that thought.

   "What does it mean for us then?" Minako ask, "Will it give us more power
   or more spells? Can we only use the spells we know as senshi or can we
   learn and use the ones run across here?" Minako had been in too many
   battles as Sailor V and later as a member of the sailor senshi not to
   immediately look for tactical advantage.

   "I really don't know yet. Asahiko took Queen Selenity's healing spell and
   made several variants and even combined them with wards. If we can't
   manipulate them ourselves she might be able to and give us new spells."
   Ami paused for a moment and continued. "Do you sense the probing now and
   what did the magic feel like.

   "No the probing is not there right now. It was feather soft almost timid,
   it didn't taste dark, more unsure of itself." She thought back to the way
   it felt. "I would like to find the person who did it. I think they may be
   new to magic and it wouldn't hurt to gather people with magical ability
   into a group, we would know who they are and be able to help them as well
   as they might be able to help us."

   Usagi looked hopefully at Setsuna and ask, "Have you been able to find out
   when Mamo-chan Chibi-Usa will get here? I miss them and worry about them."

   "I'm sorry Princess I haven't received an answer to the message I left
   with his answering service. She hasn't used the time key I would know."
   Pluto commiserated with her.

   "Why can't you just teleport there and get them or scan them there?"
   Asahiko looked at her.

   "The same reason I had to take Usagi to the island first, I don't know
   exactly where they are and I can't pinpoint the location of the smaller
   key for some reason. It is like there is a lot of static between us."
   Pluto started to get a worried look on her face that was mirrored by the
   rest of the senshi.

   "When did you here from them last?" Asahiko was starting to get a worried
   feeling.

   "The Thursday before we met you and I cleansed you! Setsuna wasn't that
   when you lost control of the time gates? He never waited this long to call
   me before." Usagi was past the worrying stage and starting to panic.

   Asahiko wrapped her in a hug shared by Hotaru. "It will okay. We'll find
   them." she turned to Ami and Setsuna. "Set-chan, do Hotaru and I have
   valid passports and inoculations?" Setsuna nodded yes. "Ami you said there
   was some people we needed to talk to in the states, could Hotaru and I
   meet them and have you join in through your computer? I'm not known to
   anybody yet and I can protect Hotaru from magical attacks. She is less
   likely to draw attention than the rest of you and since her and Chibi-Usa
   are friends she would have a reason to visit. It could even be part of
   studies, applied geography!" Asahiko grinned at Setsuna.

   Ami looked at a pleading Usagi. "Alright, I'll make a list of people to
   see and an itinerary for you. You two be careful, just because I agree
   with her reasoning does not mean that I like it. Rei could you do a fire
   reading and see if you can get any information that way? Which identity
   are you going to use Asahiko? Mina do you have any advice for them if they
   have to hunt for them?"

   Rei left to visit the fire as Minako joined Asahiko and Hotaru. "I'll use
   Asahiko, it'll draw less notice for two girls to be travelling together
   and a big surprise if Ranma is necessary. I've studied the disguise field
   you use when transformed and I think I can duplicate it with Ranma. We
   were thinking Queen Metallia but isn't Beryl and Mamoru of the same
   lineage and by default Chibi-Usa?"

   She received startled looks from everyone present with her last question.
   Setsuna and Ami both realised the implications. "Yes, they are." answered
   Ami. "How soon do you want to go?"

   Setsuna had a thoughtful expression. "I can have all the visas and
   paperwork ready for you by Friday. With your current bank status getting
   you credit cards will be a snap. Don't forget to go see Nabiki and Xian Pu
   before you go. I have a premonition that they can help us here when we can
   get them out."

   "I need to see the matriarchs and learn those techniques, we can study
   them on the plane. We need to see Dr Tofu about Hotaru, at least Ryoga
   will be with them and Elder Su-long will have a chance to get his
   depression under control. I'm sure I'll remember a hundred after we leave
   that I should be doing now. Pictures of both Mamoru and Chibi-Usa, I wish
   I had their magical signatures it would make it easier to trace them."

   Her life had been hectic it now had turned back to just plain frenzied.
   She was still trying to organise what she needed to do two hours later
   when Hotaru pulled her off to bed.

   Phoenix Rising

   By: Terryie (http://www.fanfiction.net/u/65656/)

   Chapter Eight

   "I did control myself, I didn't kill the bastard!" Asahiko explained
   carefully to the security officer in the terminal while holding a
   distraught Hotaru in my arms. A dishevelled man lay on the floor looking
   dazed, clutching his arm; his wrist and arm obviously broken. "He grabbed
   my companion and had his hand inside the waistband of her skirt and was
   trying to drag her into that hallway." She was trying her hardest to calm
   down knowing that losing her temper would not help in this situation.

   A naval officer in uniform was standing behind her with his family, his
   wife kneeling comforting Hotaru with an arm around her. "I'm Commander
   James Dixon and this is my family, we saw it happen. If she hadn't acted I
   would have, if needed we will testify she acted in self defence, admirably
   so, I might add. This 'man', to be loose in the definition of such,
   grabbed her companion and pulled her over here. She acted properly and
   with restraint I might not have used. Do you have someone to meet you
   miss?" he asked Asahiko in Japanese.

   "No sir. We are on our way to visit a friend whose father is a student at
   Harvard. We were intending on visiting historical and cultural sites as
   well to satisfy our teachers. It appears our visit may be cut short."
   Asahiko responded. She felt comfortable in his presence and allowed
   herself to relax some.

   Two more security personnel approached accompanied by uniformed police
   officers. The senior officer put her at ease immediately by telling her
   that the event had been caught on security camera and that she wasn't in
   trouble. After a brief conference with the Commander Dixon, statements
   were taken and the Dixons took them under their care.

   The airport personnel were very solicitous and took care of their hotel
   accommodations for their layover. With the security tape and the Dixon's
   statements the matter was quickly resolved and they were allowed to
   continue their journey after promising to visit the Dixons in Washington
   where he had been temporarily assigned.

   "I hope this isn't going to be a normal event while we're here." Asahiko
   groused as they looked at the rearrangements in their schedule. Hotaru had
   quickly made friends with the Dixon's two teenage daughters and put the
   attempt on her as just one more adventure that she didn't care to repeat.

   "I don't think it will be and we did make some friends but I'm glad you
   did what you did to him. I would probably have transformed if he got me in
   the hallway, that would more than likely have been recorded on camera and
   then we would have been in trouble." Hotaru was trying to cheer her up and
   having a hard time convincing her it wasn't her fault. Deciding to try it
   Ami's way she continued. "Let's total up the results and see what we have.
   We have new friends. You have a commendation from the FBI since he was
   wanted by them. We established a cover instead of blowing it. We made some
   contacts that maybe needed if we can't find Mamoru on our own. We're
   rested and recovered from jet lag. Most importantly that creep is off the
   streets and hurting."

   Asahiko had to laugh the way she emphasised the last sentence and agreed
   that it wasn't bad. She did resolve to practice her magic more so that she
   herself wouldn't be connected with an incident by taking physical action
   if she didn't have to. Because of the delay they had a layover in Chicago
   where she had fun tripping a few purse snatchers using magic. The purse
   snatchers were caught, they weren't involved and she was satisfied that
   her spells were working. The techniques to build up her stamina for magic
   were apparently working too.

   They met with several groups in Chicago earlier than expected because of
   the layover and began building the network they decided they needed.
   Hotaru studied magic with her and they practiced small spells based on the
   attacks of the other senshi. Hotaru was especially pleased when a college
   student became too ardent in his attentions and she caused his pants to
   drop around his ankles. Since they were in a restaurant, the attention he
   received was not what he desired.

   "Koishii, that was not nice, you may have traumatised those children at
   the next table." She waited until Hotaru stopped giggling while running a
   passive search for magical probing. "You are getting better but we
   shouldn't take too many chances."

   "Actually we should wander around and see how much inconvenience we can
   cause the bad guys without being too obvious about it. We need the
   practice and it will help us to get used to the language if we walk around
   and talk to people. As long as nothing we do is obviously linked to us we
   will be safe and do some good. It's fun too." Hotaru giggled again.

   She finally agreed that it was good practice but made Hotaru practice
   sensing magic before and after each episode. The Chicago police attributed
   some of the weird occurrences around some of their arrest as just a phase
   of the moon and hoped it continued for awhile. Chasing purse snatchers
   whose pants were falling around his ankles was still chasing a purse
   snatcher but the arrest was a lot more fun and everybody but the culprit
   enjoyed it immensely.

   By the time they reached Boston they were comfortable talking to people
   and confident in their abilities. Asahiko drew on information gathering
   techniques that she had observed growing up and they had disrupted several
   more serious crimes without being near enough to be implicated. She had to
   agree with Hotaru it was fun and satisfying. She made Hotaru practice
   teleporting to a safe spot and made it part of their routine to identify
   several places that they could safely use.

   They found Mamoru's apartment but they hadn't been there for awhile. She
   snuck in and checked for anything that could help and did find a writing
   pad with some place names on it. They both maintained a constant watch for
   magic and let Hotaru do the talking while she stayed in the background. If
   they checked they would know that Chibi-Usa's friend was looking for her.

   Ranma upgraded his wardrobe to that of an American teenager with much help
   from eager sales people while Hotaru practiced the umisen-ken. Some of the
   leads led to New York and they once again practiced small magics on purse
   snatchers and perverts, Hotaru's favourite target. Pimps accidentally
   dropping a bag of cocaine in front of an officer is not considered the
   smart thing to do, nor is discharging a firearm and accidentally dropping
   it in front of said officer. The small victories gave some consolation to
   them for their failure to find anything concrete in their search.

   When the New York leads turned up nothing they headed to Washington D C
   and picked up their first positive information. While there they decided
   to visit the Dixon's.

   Their next lead was serendipity at work. Samantha and Tabitha Dixon
   invited them to a pool party and to meet some of their friends. Commander
   Dixon had some fellow officers over for cocktails. Asahiko went Tabitha to
   get the others some drinks. Mrs. Dixon mentioned she wished she was
   clairvoyant so she could avoid some of the traffic congestion.

   "I wish I was too, it would make this job easier. Some of the break-in's
   have been attributed to monsters, unfortunately the witnesses are too
   respected to be just brushed off." the lieutenant commander sitting next
   to Mrs. Dixon quipped. When Mrs. Dixon went out to check on the teenagers
   a few minutes later Asahiko cautiously approached the officers.

   "I could not help overhearing about the break-ins and the monsters. Are
   the witnesses drained of energy when you find them sir? If so then they
   sound similar to some monsters that plague Tokyo once in awhile." She
   quietly stated. She felt a slight magical probe which she gently diverted
   with a technique she and Hotaru had been practicing that gave the
   appearance of a normal teen without magic. She passively searched for the
   source and discovered it was the youngest at the table, a lieutenant if
   she remembered their ranking correctly.

   "What do you know of these things?" the lieutenant casually asked.

   She had a strong feeling that she needed to talk to him but not with some
   of the group present. "Oh! Just what you hear on the street in Juuban and
   in Nerima, They are not all that common but do cause occasional damage.
   The Sailor Senshi destroy them when they find them. We even have had a few
   unscheduled days off from school because of them." She then did a tightly
   focussed probe of her own after being sure the others could not sense it.
   "We could talk about it later if you wish and I will try to remember what
   I can."

   While the others were looking at her he gave a nod. "I've heard urban
   legends about them and am always interested to hear more. Maybe you and
   your friend will tell me some about it later; I could show you some of the
   city and perhaps treat you to some ice-cream."

   "I'm sure we would enjoy a guided tour and some ice-cream later sir. We
   will need to return to our hotel soon perhaps you could give us a lift and
   spare us the trial of the local transit system." She replied taking her
   cue from the subtle message he gave. Then she bounced out to the pool a
   last dip and a hurried conference with Hotaru. She didn't act on intuition
   often but she had found when she did it was invariably right, sometimes it
   was a convoluted path but when the feeling was strong she ignored it then
   the outcome had always been to Ranma's detriment. This feeling was as
   strong as any he or she had ever had.

   An hour later they were on their way in an unremarkable Chevy sedan with
   Lieutenant Andrew Jackson Long. "You use magic." He opened without
   preamble. "I would presume both of you do."

   "So do you, I felt your probe when I entered the conversation." Asahiko
   decided to be forthright about it. "We are here to track down some friends
   of Hotaru's that may have become entangled with it. She can give you a
   more accurate account of the monsters or youma as they are known in
   Tokyo."

   "Why did you trust me?" He gave her a puzzled look.

   "A feeling, one that I have learned not to ignore, that is the best I can
   say." She looked out the window at the Potomac and continued. "There are
   very few groups of people who recognise magic much less use it and if the
   story he told of those monsters is true you will need help. Unless you
   have a coordinated group of talented magic users you will be in serious
   trouble."

   "We don't. I interviewed several of the guards and other personnel I have
   no doubt they were telling the truth. Our scientist utterly refute the
   idea of magic, I don't. My people are from the backwoods of Virginia and
   before that Wales. We had to keep moving around because of it until we
   found like people and settled in a community. Mostly we don't use it but
   most of us are taught to recognise it and some few travel the roads as
   fortune-tellers to keep money coming in. They hear rumours and trace them
   down but mostly they find charlatans. We haven't heard of any strong magic
   users anyone able to summon before that was authentic. I saw a part of a
   security tape, these were monsters." He paused for a moment. "Can you help
   us?"

   Asahiko looked at Hotaru and then gave her answer. "We can try. As you
   said scientists don't recognise magic and in fact most people don't just
   not believe it but deny it when they see it. I have no desire to be a
   guinea pig for some scientist and if we come out in the open that is
   exactly what would happen. In Japan officially we don't exist but they
   recognise what we do and don't interfere; here I believe that would not
   happen. We could help but we would rather not put ourselves in danger from
   your government and the enemy."

   "I believe I can help in that. I work in intelligence and with some groups
   that do not exist already, once they realise we have a problem on our
   hands and someone who can do something about it something can be arranged
   fairly quickly. What all would you need?" He pulled over to the side of
   the road and faced them. "I don't think I'm jumping the gun too much, like
   you I have feelings that I have learned not to ignore. You're going to be
   needed pretty quick. Let's go get that ice-cream"

   The next hour of so Hotaru filled him in on some of the monsters and what
   had not been effective by the military of Japan. Ice-cream led to dinner
   and as they were on the way to the hotel Andrew received a call on his
   cell phone and turned into a side street. "I told you about my feelings.
   Are you up to some facing some of those monsters?"

   Hotaru's face lit up as she faced Asahiko "Let's do it." Asahiko nodded
   her head in assent and Andrew reversed course to a local naval base.
   Hotaru had practiced with Asahiko masking herself from detection when
   using magic and using her disguise field to appear in normal clothes, or
   anything she imagined. She had had great fun in seeing if she could make
   her blush with a few of the costumes she did come up with.

   When the gate guard did not want to let them in they used the umisen-ken
   and went in anyway. The direction was no problem, it was loud and unlike
   the youma in Japan it wasn't just drawing energy it was literally tearing
   people apart. Two vacuum blades removed the arms holding the seaman and a
   modified Silence Glaive Surprise surprised it to death and only destroyed
   the empty humvee behind it. What little was left turned to dust. Asahiko
   probed for whoever was controlling it but they teleported as soon as the
   youma was destroyed. After making a quick tour to see if they could find
   anything to point to where the person controlling it they returned to the
   car at the gate. Asahiko located Andrew and pulsed a tightly control probe
   to let him know where they were.

   Half an hour later he returned and they headed out of Washington into
   Virginia country side. After a half hour drive they pulled in to the gate
   of an inconspicuous farmhouse that was surrounded with fields holding
   horses. At the gate he informed someone that he had visitors that were
   intrigued by horses and they pulled in front of the house and went in.

   Once inside they were greeted and introduced to the Colonel, no other
   name, and they along with Andrew were debriefed. When asked about what
   they could do they disappeared and then reappeared in the entranceway.
   After explaining they would help but they could not join him as they were
   committed elsewhere they agreed to help locate and train volunteers who
   had the aptitude. In return they would receive assistance in locating
   their friends and they hammered out an agreement of mutual assistance when
   needed as long as it did not put them at odds with their government or
   their group. They did not claim to be sailor senshi and would make no
   comment about them. The long day ended at ten that night when Andrew
   dropped them off at their hotel and being tired it was all they could do
   to shower and go to bed.

   They agreed not to talk about it in the hotel so they teleported to their
   first safe spot in Boston. Breakfast was a serious affair as they went
   over what they had done and how they were going to find the people they
   needed. Both agreed that they should keep the senshi out of it except in
   an emergency and keep a loose bond of cooperation between any groups that
   they helped form. After planning as much as they could and deciding on a
   coordinated response to any questions that may be ask of their personal
   life they teleported back to their room and checked for intrusions. As
   expected they found several and simply left them.

   They called Andrew from the lobby and he picked them up a few minutes
   later. His attack skills with magic were poor but he had potential for
   some defensive skills including a variation of the silence wall. They
   spent hours evaluating people for magical potential which resulted in
   several sensitives and one short range precog. Asahiko was depressed at
   the poor showing but Hotaru was upbeat telling her that she hadn't
   expected that many to show potential and especially on the first day,
   Asahiko just groaned.

   Andrew took them for a late lunch and when they were escorted to their
   table Asahiko wrote a note on a napkin and handed it to him. The note read
   'Were you aware you have two listening devices on you? One on the collar
   of your jacket and another in left breast pocket.' .

   Andrew read it and quirked his eyebrow at her. "Let me get comfortable,
   it's a bit stuffy in here." He took his jacket off and pointed to his
   pocket in question. Asahiko pointed to a black clad notepad. He took it
   out and put it in his jacket pocket then hung it on a coat rack by the
   register.

   "All clear?" after receiving an affirming nod he continued. "I wonder if
   they are both by the same people. You'll have to teach me that trick. Can
   you tell whose they are?"

   "No just that they are there." Asahiko looked him over. "We would like to
   help but we also like our privacy."

   "The Colonel's rooms are shielded and swept regularly. He wouldn't use
   them, he's pragmatic, and there are too many places I may have to go have
   sensors to spot this sort of thing, so it's new. I presume you found some
   of your own." He looked around carefully.

   "He would prefer if the group was totally under his control but knows that
   due to what you can do that it can't happen that way. I called my mom
   yesterday mentioning that I met a girl I like and that she would like. She
   wants to meet you this weekend." Andrew backed up when Hotaru started to
   glow. "Whoa! It's not like that. It's a phrase we use when we meet some
   one who has similar talents and we think could be trusted."

   Hotaru calmed down. "Sorry. I don't like perverts."

   "Where would we meet her? If we're under surveillance then it wouldn't be
   a good idea." Asahiko rested her chin on her thumb and forefinger. "A trip
   sounds like a good idea we haven't seen much of this area if it isn't too
   far away. Does she drive, could she meet us some where?"

   "It's about a three hour drive. It's not so much the distance but the
   country, it's a little hilly where she lives and the roads aren't that
   good. She's a good driver but my car would be more comfortable than her
   truck." He answered, deciding not to push the issue.

   "After we finish this evening we should take a drive. I would like to see
   some of this country. Those horses are pretty and I wouldn't mind being
   away from the city for awhile." Asahiko then ask about progress in looking
   for their target and found out that Chibi-Usa had been seen in several
   locations but not recently. Her hair colour made her stand out and she
   hoped she didn't think to change it.

   Having checked for magical abilities that morning she had refined it so
   she could single out any who didn't have it at once. When they returned to
   the Colonel's she just had everybody she was supposed to check meet in a
   group and then indicated who should stay. One she dismissed she told the
   Colonel that he had some ability but he also was aligned toward the dark.
   She pointed out that he wasn't an active user of it but that she felt he
   would misuse it if he learnt how.

   There were two more who could sense magic and two that might be able to
   learn offensive spells. Asahiko and Hotaru taught them how to meditate and
   left them to practice. At four o'clock she indicated that she would like
   to take a drive to relax and since it was Friday she might do some
   visiting with friends. Andrew took them out and she had him drive to
   several towns within half an hour of his mothers place and then back to
   their hotel.

   She took his coat as they entered her room and Hotaru and she took turns
   keeping him company with enough inane chatter to drive whoever was
   listening up the wall.

   "Why don't you leave your coat here Andrew and let's sit by the pool."
   Hotaru ask in a sweet voice but with an expression of delight on her face
   as she took one of his hands and Asahiko the other. After they closed
   their door they walked towards the stairs that would take them to the pool
   area and when no one was around teleported to ally in one of the towns
   they had been in.

   Andrew did something he was not noted for, he fainted. Hotaru giggled.
   "Think he'll forgive us?" They set him on a bench until he revived.

   "Should I even ask how? Why here?" He was fairly quick to revive and
   called his mother to come get them. "I'll have to report in this evening,
   I'm still officially on duty. How will I explain where I am without saying
   anything about how I got here?"

   "You don't after we get to your mother's and a short visit we will return
   to the hotel. If anyone misses us then that is exactly what they will
   think that they just missed us. I'm not that concerned if they get in
   trouble for losing contact with us."

   They found a small cafe and had hamburgers and fries while waiting for his
   mother to reach them which only took forty-five minutes. It only took a
   few minutes into the drive before they were as comfortable with her as
   with Dr Mizuno. Mrs Long was as tall as Andrew, six foot in height with
   jet black hair that fell to her waist. She was well toned but not
   muscular, carrying herself in a confident manner. Her magical aura though
   was larger than that of the Amazon Matriarchs that they had seen.

   With the fact they would be under surveillance now anywhere they went in
   or near Washington, Asahiko had no place to relax and be Ranma. Going on
   the same feeling that she had learned to trust she decided to trust them
   with the secret. After telling the pertinent part of her story she became
   Ranma and found that Mrs Long's attitude didn't change that much. He did
   have to accept teasing from her, when Hotaru cuddled in his lap.

   Andrew quickly accepted his changed form and they went back to discussing
   the problems of surveillance and how to circumvent it. Knowing Asahiko was
   a he allowed them to work together closer by removing the inbuilt
   protective males tend to have toward young girls. Ranma recognised it and
   decided to remove it fairly quickly with a few spars between him and
   Hotaru.

   The settlement they arrived in would qualify as a village as it had less
   than a hundred people. The magical aura was almost palpable, everyone they
   saw had some affinity to magic some were obviously just sensitive to magic
   while others were at least as strong as Mrs Long. From the conversation
   with Long's they knew that theirs were wild magics not trained in any real
   sense relying more on thinking about wanting to do something and having it
   happen. He could not sense any dark taint which made him feel a lot more
   comfortable.

   After introductions Andrew explained the situation and that they couldn't
   stay. Hotaru and Ranma offered to teach them to control their magic if any
   were interested and were ask to give a few demonstrations. Hotaru used a
   variation of Ami's ice spell and Ranma one of Rei's fire spells. He was
   not going to use Mina's 'Love Me Chain', no way. There were several
   comments along the lines of "Wow, that's cooler than Harry Potter!" Ranma
   asked who Harry Potter was and received a rundown on the series and added
   it to his reading list.

   With a nice field to practice in Hotaru and Ranma warmed up with a few
   kata and then did some sparring. It ended when Hotaru started a kick Ranma
   thought was a feint because of the distance and she teleported in front of
   him to deliver it to his chin.

   "That was cheating, Koishii." Ranma commented as he sat up.

   "No it wasn't, it's Anything Goes right!" She came back with a giggle. She
   didn't tag him often and had never put him down before in a spar. They had
   almost as many entreaties to teach martial arts as they had those wanting
   to learn magic. They promised to teach both whenever they had time but
   explained they had to get back to their hotel. After a round of farewells
   they picked a spot that would be convenient to teleport to and from and
   returned to the hotel with Andrew.

   "Ranma, did you forget something?" Caused him to use the umisen-ken and
   then willed the change and walked through the door as if just coming in.
   After saying good night and agreeing to do some sight seeing on the morrow
   Andrew took his coat and left. He made sure to visit a facility that
   checked for bugs on a routine basis so he could have a legitimate reason
   to have them found and disposed of.

   Asahiko and Hotaru decided that they needed a more secure means of
   communication than the mail or telephone and decided to find away to do
   it. Asahiko knew she didn't have the reserves to use magic the way she did
   ki yet and was leery of trying to teleport to Tokyo, Hotaru had the
   reserves but was unsure of her control. After a brief rest they dressed
   for the evening and found a book shop that had the entire set of Harry
   Potter books and added it to their collection. Deciding that some phone
   calls would be in order Asahiko shifted to New York and found a pair of
   cell phones and prepaid the minutes so they could talk without it being
   traced easily.

   Before they returned to their rooms Asahiko had another hunch and
   retrieved a card one of the FBI agents had handed her and gave him a call.
   He was still in office and she asked about the electronic surveillance in
   her room and if there was anyway to find out why it was there. He told her
   that there was nothing in her file that would warrant it and not to worry
   about it but that she would probably have a little more surveillance for
   awhile until they found out who was doing it and why. She then called
   Andrew and let him know that a friend was looking for some information on
   their observers so his people would not be surprised.

   That evening they spent their minutes talking to their friends at home.
   When their time had expired the started reading, it was fun and as they
   took turns reading to each other they were sure whoever was listening
   would enjoy the series.

   Saturday morning Hotaru woke her with a round of tickling that had them
   both giggling when Andrew arrived to escort them around town. He was
   dressed in jeans and running shoes and a quick check insured he was clear
   of listening devices. He had a cell phone in case any more youma appeared.
   After a nice breakfast they headed toward a wooded park and a nice run on
   its trails. When they were sure they were out of sight of any observers
   Ranma and Hotaru held his hands and they went to visit his family.

   Ground rules about safety were laid down and everyone who was interested
   had a short course in the fundamentals of meditation. Some of the older
   residents were adept in it already and they helped some of the younger
   children.

   He named his first lessons after meditation Defence Against Dark Arts and
   taught them how to sense magic users. Hotaru then took those who were more
   prepared and taught the variation of the 'Silence Wall' that Asahiko had
   developed. It wasn't as powerful as hers but it was easy to learn and use.
   Everyone but the children were more than ready for a break before lunch so
   Ranma taught the children the beginning moves of Anything Goes, mostly
   stretches and initial stances.

   After lunch he played tag with Hotaru, teleporting and trying to tag her
   before she could teleport out of his way and then she tried to tag him.
   After a couple of full body checks, he changed it to doge ball with the
   same rules but they stayed slightly further apart. Hotaru wasn't as quick
   with the ball as he was and in exasperation instead of teleporting herself
   she teleported the ball. It hit and ended the game as they both began to
   practice teleporting the ball around the yard and bringing it back. They
   had a secure information transportation system if they could figure
   someplace where it would be safe to send the message and have it found.

   "Uhm! Michiru Mama will be angry but if were careful we could put it on
   her piano. We can arrange another spot later." Hotaru hesitantly ventured.

   "That's a wonderful idea, Koishii. If I use a large sheet of heavy stock
   paper with some folded behind in a triangle so three points should keep it
   up that should work." Ranma mused thinking out loud. "Now what all should
   we say now and what should wait for later. It would be nice if we could
   open a window between us that we could see each other and talk through."

   Andrew smiled at Hotaru. "Does he always act like that when he's
   thinking." he squeezed her shoulder gently. "I just received a call there
   is another monster. It's in an office building near where they struck
   last.

   Hotaru and Ranma quickly joined hands with him and they teleported to the
   gate where he had parked and made their way to the office building. While
   he tried to get inside through the door, they teleported into a room they
   could see through what was left of the wall. They stayed in the umisen-ken
   and shielded. Three youma were rampaging inside and everybody on that
   floor was dead or drained. Before they killed the youma they tried to find
   out what they were after and who was controlling them.

   Ranma saw him first and fired off a shot hitting him just before he
   teleported. They then killed the youma the old tried and true way.
   Miniature silence glaive surprises and vacuum blades tore them apart and
   five minutes later they were back on the ground with Ranma holding a
   shaking Hotaru. He saw Andrew at the door still trying to get in and
   called him over. "We're heading back to the village want to come or are
   you going to stay here."

   Andrew looked at Hotaru and decided. "There is nothing I can do here I'll
   call and make my report later." cradling Hotaru Ranma held Andrews hand
   and they returned.

   "That, that was..." Hotaru started and then she fainted.