(Steve Stachowicz)
gerrek@hotmail.com
(Matthew Frey)
MAFREY@charter.net

Webpage: http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/shores/2307

New Swords of Destiny

Eric Thorsen and Stacko

LEGAL STUFF:

** The characters and concepts used here are the property of those people and companies
holding the copyrights to the respective storylines, series, and movies. The only
exceptions are those created by the demented minds of authors of this story. The use of
this material should be seen as the sign of respect that it is. Besides, suing either of us
would be a waste of time since we don't have any money to begin with.

CHAPTER THREE

Makoto and the other Senshi met at the Hikawa shrine, and then proceeded to
walk toward the rail station.

"I still can't believe you agreed to talk to him, Usagi," Haruka grumbled,
remembering how easily the shopkeeper had dealt with every attack she had attempted. "I
mean, the man has killed at least six people in cold blood, so he probably would have no
problem with a few more murders, just to keep his secret."

"Well, I don't know about the murders, but the way they stopped us cold really
gave me the creeps," Rei interjected. "I mean how can one person hold off all of us
without even breaking a sweat? And why wouldn't he tell us how he knew our old
names? What was he trying to hide?"

Ami looked up at the others from the book she was reading. "Maybe he wasn't
trying to hide anything," She suggested. "Maybe it was just as he had said, he was tired
and wanted to get some rest before he told us the reason for what he had been seen doing.
The thing that confuses me is why he told us to meet him at the Nashimoto shrine. I mean
they even emphasized the fact that it was holy ground when he suggested it. Why would
that be important?"

The other Senshi agreed that there was definitely something strange about the
meeting place, but they all had no idea what it could be. As they boarded the train to
Kyoto, none of them noticed the strange girl who had followed them from the shrine.

"So they are going to meet Schwartzstern at his family's shrine, hmm?" Annie
chuckled approvingly. "Very good, Scotty. You know there's no way we could get near it
without you finding us first. Very clever indeed," Then she laughed shortly and walked
into a short alley and opened a portal. There was no way she could get the two little ones
away from the group they were always surrounded by. She would just have to wait for
them to be alone.

* * * * *

“So, we are going to be meeting with these Senshi?” Miyuki said, as Sasami,
Scott and her were walking on the Nashimoto Shrine grounds.

“They are the group you were telling us stories about, correct?” Sasami asked.

“That’s correct.” Scott replied when they came to a stop in front of a tomb. “It
seems that all of them have finally been resurrected. But it appears that they’ve been
resurrected for awhile now.”

“No duh, old man, they’re like sixteen now.” Miyuki said.

“That’s not what I meant.” Scott replied.

“What did you mean by that?” Sasami asked.

“The rumor that was around is that if Sailor Saturn is reborn, the Senshi were over
their heads by an enemy power.” Scott replied.

“So, why are we meeting the Senshi at the Shrine here?” Miyuki asked.

“With me being attacked twice in one day and being told I am to be eliminated,
figured the shrine would give us enough time to get ready so there wouldn’t be any
surprise visits.” Scott replied.

“Good point.” Miyuki conceited.

“Well, we got some time before they show up.” Scott said glancing at his watch.
“Why don’t we visit with the ancestor’s?”

“Okay.” Miyuki and Sasami replied before all three of them went down inside
the tomb.

* * * * *

As the appointed time approached, the three of them left the tomb and headed for
the meeting place while they waited for the Senshi to arrive. As they approached the
clearing, a flash of white caught their attention as the Senshi entered it from the other
direction. Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus were several feet behind the others and appeared
to be struggling along. Scott watched the heated discussion among the Senshi as they
neared them, and then nodded as they resumed their approach. Motioning to Miyuki and
Sasami, they also began to walk toward the office, with them a few paces behind him.

"Hello ladies, Princess Serenity," He began. "Welcome to Nashimoto Shrine.
Please, make yourselves comfortable" With this he motioned them into the shrine offices.
Several servants bowed to him as he entered then quietly left the room.

Sailor Mars glared up at him as he waved expansively at their surroundings,
indicating seats for them all. "Who are you that you can take over this shrine like this."
she ground out accusingly.

He glanced at her in surprise, and then laughed a little; realizing how strange the
situation would look to anyone who was actually from Japan. "Yes, I can see how strange
it must look to you having a gaijin giving orders in what is quite obviously an ancient
family shrine," he began, making calming gestures to the servants who had stopped and
were looking very angrily at the young girl. "You see, in all actuality this shrine does
belong to me as the last remaining member of the Nashimoto Clan. So, you see, I am well
within my rights to act in this way until Miyuki over there is fully accepted as the new
head." He glanced around at the others to gauge their reactions, and most of the Senshi
appeared a slightly stunned.

"Well, I guess we might as well get on with the real reason for this meeting," He
said rather pointedly to get their attention. "To answer the question of who I am, my
name is Gerrek Bontrager, and I am the First Prince of Minerva," Everyone blinked at
this pronouncement, and then Miyuki started coughing as if trying to keep from laughing.
Scott glared at her then glanced around at the Senshi to gauge their reactions.

Sailor Mars and Sailor Uranus looked as if they didn't believe him. Sailor
Mercury was furiously typing into her computer, while Sailor Chibi-Moon was handing
Sailor Saturn what looked like 5000 yen. Sailor Neptune returned his glance with a
questioning one of her own, Sailor Jupiter was glaring at Miyuki, while Sailor Moon and
Sailor Venus just looked confused. Scott sighed in resignation at the mistrustful looks he
was getting from Mars and Uranus.

"All right, if you don't believe me, ask me some questions," He grumbled, looking
at each of them in turn. "I know you have a lot of them so go ahead."

"Okay, 'Mr. Bontrager', just how do you explain the fact that you killed that man
yesterday, and don't appear to feel even a hint of remorse," Sailor Mars said accusingly.
"You say you are one of the Princes of Minerva, but we have no proof that such a place
even exists let alone that you are from that place."

"The last is easily answered, Krystal. Minerva was a loose confederation of asteroids
that were under the rule of a queen. At least until the end of the Silver Millennium," Scott
began. "Shortly before Beryl's attack on the moon, she sent three of the seven shadows to
Minerva in secret. Shortly afterward several of the Minerva asteroids exploded, killing all
of its two billion inhabitants," He shook his head as if to clear the image from his mind.

"As to the answer to the first, that will be a little more difficult," Scott said with a
rueful grin at her doubting expression. "You see, my dear girl, he was trying to kill me,
and it came about that the only way I could stop him was to kill him as I did. You see,
had I not beheaded him, he would not have died and after a short time he would have
come after me again, and perhaps succeeded in doing so to me. Now you may wonder
why I had to behead him in order for him to die. It so happens, that Austin Derrindelle,
the man that those two young ladies were unfortunate enough to see me kill, was
Immortal, as is myself. You can ask Miyuki if you don’t believe me."

The Senshi' faces showed their shock and disbelief. Miyuki shrugged as they
directed an unspoken question at her. "It's true enough," Miyuki responded. "The OLD
man there is two thousand and twenty years old, give or take a few years. Derrindelle was
a relative newcomer, but then he was only around two hundred." The Senshi looked at
her in disbelief.

Just as Sailor Uranus was starting to shout an accusation at Scott, a very calm alto
voice said, "Hello Gerrek, long time no see." They all turned in surprise to see Sailor
Pluto walking into the room, looking straight at Scott.

“Hello, Kiana.” Scott returned the greeting. “It has been a long time since we
last seen each other. What has it been, three hundred years now?”

“Yes, give or take a year or two.” Pluto replied and Scott saw Miyuki look at him
questioningly.

“No, Miyuki, she is not Immortal, I explained to you before that she has temporal
powers.” Scott said to Miyuki and then turned back to Pluto. “Why haven’t you visited
more often, it couldn’t be because of what happened.”

“That is for a matter to be discussed later.” Pluto said with finality. Scott could
see she didn’t want to discuss what happened to her three hundred years ago, so he let the
matter drop.

Sailor Pluto also turned to the other Senshi and smiled reassuringly. "Don't
worry; this clown is Prince Gerrek Bontrager of Minerva." She then looked at Sailor
Uranus questioningly.

The object of her scrutiny shook herself out of her daze and walked over to her.
"Sailor Pluto, I don't know who this man was before, but that one killed a man yesterday,
by beheading him," Sailor Uranus said urgently. "He says it was because the man was
Immortal, and the red head over there can verify for him."

Sailor Pluto glanced quickly at Scott, with surprise and a question in her eyes. At
Schwartzstern's nod she looked over to Miyuki and noticed a familiar tattoo on the inside
of her left wrist, she then took a steadying breath. "Well, well, that explains a lot.”

“What does it explain?” Uranus asked getting angry that Pluto is delaying
answering the question.

“The ‘red head’ as you put it, her job is to watch and keep track of the beings we
called the ‘chosen’.” Pluto said.

"What do you mean 'chosen', Pluto?" Sailor Mars asked, looking at the two,
bewildered. "What's so special about them?"

"Simply put, Sailor Mars, he is what are called Immortals, with him and others
like him have been chosen to participate in the ultimate quest for knowledge and power,"
Sailor Pluto said evenly, looking toward the confused Senshi. "In aid of that quest, they
do not age and are far tougher than any of you or even I myself could ever hope to be.
They are involved in a constant struggle to become the last of their kind in order to gain
the prize of absolute omniscience. However, the only way an Immortal can die is by
being beheaded. This requires the chosen ones to meet each other in duels to the death,
the winner receiving what they call the quickening. This 'Quickening' seems to be the
entirety of their opponent's life force and accumulated knowledge and power." The
glazed look in the eyes of the other Senshi caused Pluto to sigh. “Then there are mortals
that are around to observe and keep track of the happenings between these Immortals.”

As the Senshi' eyes cleared, she noticed a very dangerous light coming into some
of the Senshi’s eyes as they looked at Scott and his two companions, and wondered what
had happened to bring about this meeting, but whatever had happened earlier, Scott and
his two companions were going to become necessary. The Senshi would need their help
even more than they had in the closing days of the Silver Millennium.

Sailor Moon shook her head and looked at Sailor Pluto. "Pluto, are you sure we
should get him involved in our problems?" She asked, glancing apologetically at Scott.
"I mean, from what you're telling us, the most important thing in his life is this search for
knowledge and power, which seems could get pretty dangerous. So can we get him
involved without endangering him or ourselves?"

"Sailor Moon, your concern does you credit," Pluto replied. "But, know this, you
must find all of the remaining planetary knights to defeat this new menace. This one will
assist you in discovering your new enemy, but be warned, the oldest enemy of the Moon
Kingdom backs this new force." Scott jerked upright at this looking at Sailor Pluto in
horror.

She raised her hand to stop him when he was about to question her. "I'm sorry
Prince Gerrek, but I can only warn you that this new foe is well known to you." She then
turned to face Sailor Moon and whispered. "Princess you have found one of the Planetary
Knights, though you did so before I thought you would. The others should be appearing
soon enough, however you must find the Princess of Minerva at all costs or all will have
been for nothing." She then raised the time key and disappeared.

"So, when were you reborn or ‘chosen’ as Pluto put it, Prince Gerrek?" Sailor
Uranus said belligerently.

"I was 'chosen' at the end of the Silver Millennium," Scott said quietly, casting an
involuntary glance in Mercury's direction. "I was never reborn in the sense that you
others were. In fact I saw the effects of the spell that sealed Beryl and Metallia with their
army in the Negaverse, and sent all of the dead or dying into the future. I also saw Luna
and Artemis placed into stasis and sent to Earth. When I saw the numbers of the dead, I
only wished we had gotten there sooner," He shivered in horror as the memories washed
over him.

"What do you mean 'gotten there sooner'?" Sailor Jupiter snapped, causing the
other Senshi to glance at her in surprise. "As Planetary Knights why weren't you on the
Moon at the beginning of the attack?"

Scott glanced at the angry girl and sighed. "In order to answer that, I will have to
tell you the story of what happened at the end of the Silver Millennium... It was the day
of the Princess' Birthday party, when her betrothal was to be announced, as well as those
of two of her court. The gala had been planned for over three months, and the dancing
had already begun. Two of the evening's participants had not arrived since they were on
special assignment for the queen, but were expected arrive in time for the
announcements.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well, how does it feel to know that tonight is your last as a completely free
man?" Siegmund asked as he checked the sensor readings on their cutter. Slightly smaller
than the exploratory cruisers that the queen had recently authorized, it was still the largest
ship that could safely land on a planet's surface. He looked up and laughed at the mildly
annoyed expression he saw on his companion's face.

Prince Gerrek Bontrager of Minerva glared at the man sitting in the pilot's seat for
a few more minutes, and then proceeded to check his own engineering and science
instruments. He was scanning for any signs that the Negaverse had forced a breakout on
Mercury or Earth to corroborate the report the Queen's advisors had received. If they had
it would be an act of war which would bring the wrath of the entire solar system down on
the unfortunate perpetrators' heads.

Drakkar smiled at his friend's back, and then turned back to his own instruments.
This mission had sprung up out of nowhere on the eve of the announcement of both his
friend's engagement, and his own as well as that of Princess Serenity to Prince Endymion
of Earth. Queen Beryl of the Negaverse had issued an ultimatum that either the
Government surrenders Princess Serenity to her, or her troops would destroy the Moon
Kingdom.

Siegmund smiled at the exact wording of the threat. Princess Beryl of one of the
petty kingdoms of Earth had developed an infatuation for Prince Endymion on a state
visit to the planetary court, and had been outraged when she heard of his Betrothal to the
much younger princess of the Moon Kingdom. The magnitude of this outrage had not
been fully appreciated until the then Princess Beryl had vanished, and then a full year
later returned as Queen Beryl of the Negaverse. Since that time the Negaverse had staged
numerous raids in force on Kingdom outposts including several attempts to assassinate
both Queen Serenity and her daughter. The heightened security measures applied in
response had resulted in heavy casualties for the Negaverse.

On Earth, demon attacks had escalated enormously and all planetary garrisons had
been placed on alert. These measures had not been in time however, for Princess Beryl's
family. In one night, every member of her family had been killed by Negaverse
constructs. It was believed that these attacks were carried out on Beryl's orders, but there
were undocumented reports that the leader of the constructs had destroyed each after it
carried out its mission to prevent the construct from reporting mission completion to
Beryl.

Siegmund himself didn't believe for a moment that the report was accurate,
especially since he had met Beryl during that fateful party where she had learned of
Endymion's upcoming betrothal. The look in that girl's eyes had been frightening when
the announcement had been made that there were marriage negotiations in progress. Her
entourage had very shortly there after left, but Siegmund and Gerrek had seen enough to
worry them. King Endymion had down played his warning, but Gerrek had also quietly
warned Prince Endymion and Queen Serenity of the possible danger, and they had taken
the necessary precautions.

Unfortunately, their precautions had only stopped her minions from attacking the
planetary strongholds themselves, and the creatures were becoming more audacious as
the Planetary Guards were forced further back toward the strongholds.

Siegmund shook his head as a threat warning lit up on his board, and he rapidly
shifted his sensors to concentrate on that area. The gravitic sensors localized the emission
source at the same time that Gerrek's energy sensors told him that there was a massive
portal opening in the very center of the Mercury Stronghold. As Drakkar's visual sensors
came on line Gerrek gasped at the image they displayed. The capital of Mercury was in
ruins, and there were massive gaps in the defensive walls of the stronghold. As he
watched assault transports began coming through the now stabilized gate and smaller
personnel gates began appearing all over the city. Mercury had already fallen, and from
the reports they had received before their departure, Earth could very likely be next.

Siegmund shifted his pilot's seat back to its flight position. The cutter spun on its
axis, accelerated through an extremely tight skew turn, and raced toward Earth. As they
approached Venus they saw multiple explosions coming from its surface, then a blinding
flash of light, after which all communications from that world ceased. They were nearing
Earth orbit when all signals from the Minerva star platforms stopped, and an enormous
explosion became visible in the distance.

At the same time, the communications panel howled as a priority transmission
was broadcast from Tranquility base.

"Alert, all stations alert," the voice of the base commander came on as the system
came online. "This is not a drill. Multi-point breakouts have been detected on all system
planets. All units are to report in to Tranquility Base as soon possible. Situation is as
follows. Breakouts detected on all planets. Null signal from Mercury, Venus, Jupiter,
Mars, Minerva, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto. Evidence of total destruction of Minerva, and
one hundred percent casualties on all outlying planets. Assault carriers have been
detected in..." the transmission cut off as a flash was seen from the surface of the moon.

The landing beacons from the near side base failed and were immediately
replaced by the far side emergency field beacon. As they were bringing the cutter in for a
landing at Ingenii base they saw a gate open and several assault transports spill through.
They landed at the edge of the landing apron, and grabbed their mission recording to turn
in with their report. When they reached the end of the ship's ramp they gazed in horror at
the battle going on near the control tower. As they watched the guards defending the
tower were swarmed under and the audible beacon indicator shut down as the beacon was
destroyed.

Siegmund drew his sword as he ran toward the transport hanger at the end of the
field, with Gerrek right behind him. Their swords glinted in the field lights as they rushed
to assist the royal guardsmen defending the armored transport craft. They carved their
way through the demons, which were trying to get to the transports and use them to
continue their attack, just as the last guardsman fell. Siegmund glanced inquiringly over
at Gerrek who nodded imperceptibly at his friend, then twisted the hilt of his sword, and
raised it above his head.

"Minerva Wolf Activation!!!" Gerrek shouted, glaring at the demons charging to
attack them.

Suddenly a blinding white light surrounded him, and when the light cleared he
stood there in black and purple plate mail with a howling wolf on the breastplate, and his
sword glowed purple with immense power. The lesser demons they had been fighting
took one look at him and ran screaming for the nearest gate. Gerrek smiled at Siegmund
who simply placed the blue crystal from his medallion onto the hilt of his sword and
saluted his friend.

"Neptune Dragon Activation!!!" he roared, raising his sword to the sky.

A dark blue glow pulsed out from the crystal on the hilt of his long sword, and
immediately surrounded him. When the glow dissipated, he smiled back at his friend. He
was now dressed in black and sea green armor with a dragon on the breastplate. His
sword continued glowing dark blue as he lowered it and motioned for his friend to
precede him into the hanger.

The first assault tank they came to was on ready status and fully loaded for
ground assault. Siegmund climbed into the pilot's seat while Gerrek manned the main
weapon console and slaved the turrets to his control. Siegmund brought the reactor to full
power then eased the tank forward out of the hanger. The entire field including their
cutter was in flames as they came back into sight of it. With a grim salute to those who
had fallen defending Ingenii Base, Siegmund turned the tank toward the capital road and
shifted to high gear. The tank blasted away at three times the speed of sound as the
repulsion plates on the bottom activated lifting it above the ground.

"Palace One, this is Dragon Knight, I repeat Palace One this is Dragon Knight,
request status report on enemy movement between Ingenii base and Capital," He listened
as nothing but silence came back through the satellite link. He cursed heatedly, and then
glanced back at Gerrek. "They got the satellites, so I guess were on our own until we can
get a line of sight link with the palace," He said, then turned away and muttered to
himself "if it's still there."

* * * * *

"Palace, this is Dragon Knight, repeat, Palace, this is Dragon Knight, are you
there?" Dragon Knight sighed, tired of repeating the message.

"Dragon, this is Gryphon, Palace is receiving." Gryphon Knight said sounding
harried. "What is your status?"

"We borrowed a Grendel tank from Ingenii Base." Siegmund replied. "Dragon
and Wolf are inbound on the Capitol Road. We need a gate designator."

"Head for gate 28 South, I'll have the Wolf Pack meet you there."

"What did I tell you?" Siegmund said as he finished talking to Gryphon
Knight. "I knew we'd get here in time."

"Yeah, I know." Gerrek growled. "You're the man. But did you have to drive
like that? I swear you are the craziest driver I've ever seen."

"Crazy huh?" Siegmund said, smiling manically. "I'll show you crazy!"

He suddenly swerved down a side street, chasing a squad of Negaverse soldiers.
He followed them everywhere, even through buildings. When the last of them had been
run over by the tank, he turned and the gate they had been told to go to was right in front
of them. After they had passed through, Siegmund looked back at his pale friend
grinning.

"Now that was crazy!" He said, missing the warning light indicating an unknown
energy source on the tank. Gerrek just shook his head in disbelief and motioned for
Siegmund to exit the tank first. They were walking toward the Palace when Gerrek heard
gravel shifting behind him. He spun around; summoning his sword, but it was too late.
As one of the changeling's Rune covered daggers bit into his right hand. He felt a flash
of extreme pain, and then everything went black.

* * * * *

Prince Gerrek smelled smoke as he opened his eyes. He tried to get an idea of his
surroundings, but his face was covered with a sheet. From what he could tell he was in a
very cramped, cold, dark space. He reached over his head and found what seemed to be a
door, but there was no handle. Thinking that he had been captured and was now in an
isolation cell, he smiled that they hadn't removed his sword. Then he noticed he was also
still dressed in his armor. Confused, but grateful that he still had his powers, he
concentrated for a few minutes.

"Howling Wolf Cyclone!" he shouted, picturing a tornado directed above his
head. With a shriek of tortured metal, the door was gone allowing a small amount of light
into his cell. He slid himself out trying to get his balance, when he noticed the voice
blaring over the intercom.

"Perimeter Breach in the Royal Compound," the voice he recognized as Siegmund
Drakkar's shouted. "Perimeter Breach in the Royal Compound. All guards retreat to the
command center passages, and prepare for operation breakout," Behind Drakkar's voice
people could be heard shouting and explosions could be heard in the distance.

Something was very wrong here, Gerrek thought. Glancing up at the time display
on the wall, Gerrek noticed that it was approximately two hours after his arrival at the
palace. Still confused, he took a look at his surroundings, and shuddered when he realized
he was in the Guard Morgue. He was horrified at the thought that he had almost been
buried alive, and then spun warily when he heard a shuffling noise in the passage outside.
Holding his sword at the ready, he walked to the open entry hatch.

Gerrek glanced down the hall, just in time to see another changeling slip around
the corner toward the war room with a pulse rifle in its hands. Swearing, as he realized
that the guards had not been moved in time Gerrek gripped the hilt of his sword tightly,
and quickly followed the evil creature. As he rounded the corner, he looked down the
passage in horror. Dozens of guards lay dead or dying as the demons in front of him tore
into their comrades. Then Gerrek caught a flash of color out of the corner of his eye, and
looked on in disbelief as he saw the younger Senshi, and two Planetary Knights sneak
down a side stairway. In the middle of the group was Princess Serenity struggling with
Siegmund Drakkar, and shouting for her mother. At that very instant, the changeling that
he had been following heard her and motioned some of its fellows to follow it. He swore
as he saw a black shape detach itself from the shadows in front of fleeing group. Just as
they were about to turn the corner that lead to the hall of gates, Gryphon Knight ran
corner followed by Gerrek's little sister, Cassandra. It looked like they were running from
something, and it was soon evident what as a group of Negaverse soldiers rounded the
corner.

Gerrek was about to shout a warning, when Jadeite stabbed five year old Cassy in
the back. Gryphon Knight whirled as if he sensed her death, and Zoicite removed his
head before he could defend himself. Both groups stopped and looked at each other in
surprise, then the Negaverse troops recovered and a voice that Gerrek recognized easily
ordered them to kill the entire group. The small group trying to take the Princess to
safety had just run into Queen Beryl and her generals.

As the Senshi squared off with the Generals, he watched the shadow move toward
Beryl's position and just as it was about to reach her, the changeling he had been
following fired, hitting the shape. Suddenly the shadow resolved itself into a man in
formal dress wearing a mask.

The man started running at Queen Beryl with a weapon in his hand, but she saw
him coming in plenty of time, and hit him with a powerful energy blast. As the blast hit,
the mask flew off revealing Prince Endymion of Earth's face. The cry of anguish from
Princess Serenity caught his attention, as she collapsed from the feeling of Endymion's
death resonating over their soul bond.

Prince Gerrek moved to assist his friends, but it was too late. He watched
helplessly as Tiger Knight was torn apart by demons. Then the Senshi began to fall. As
he watched Venus crumpled as Zoicite withdrew his sword from her body, and Neptune
fell impaled by a spear. The distraction of her love's death caused Uranus to miss a parry,
and she fell, as Sailor Mars's neck was broken by Jadeite. As Mercury, Jupiter, and Prince
Siegmund drew together to protect the Princess, Sailor Saturn was surrounded by a dark
glow, then vanished, leaving only the four Senshi behind.

The Generals surrounded the remaining defenders, grinning evilly as they
encircled them. Gerrek was almost to them, when General Jarosite shot Sailor Jupiter
with an energy blast. As Siegmund's knees buckled from the pain of that blast, Zoicite
laughed and plunged his sword through Drakkar's heart. Kunzite smiled as he reached
out and lifted Sailor Mercury over his head. Then he brought her down again, breaking
her back. Gerrek stumbled as waves of pain washed over him, and then abruptly stopped.
He glanced up in wonder at the bright light coursing down from the council tower. As the
Generals backed away from it, cursing, each of the fallen Senshi, Prince Endymion,
Princess Serenity, and the last two Planetary Knights were surrounded by glowing
energy.

"I will not permit this," a thunderous female voice said, crashing over the palace
compound, shaking it to its foundation. "Depart Evil Scum; you are hear-by banished
from this plane. BE GONE!!!!"

Beryl and her Generals screamed as they were suddenly surrounded by painfully
bright light that grew brighter until Gerrek could no longer look at them. When the light
faded, they had vanished.

"This will not be the end," the voice from the tower continued. "GO FORWARD,
BE REBORN INTO A BETTER, HAPPIER TIME," As the voice finished this
pronouncement the glowing spheres around the Senshi pulsed then faded, vanishing
quietly. Then the light pulsing from the tower faltered and died. Gerrek retrieved his
sword from where his nerveless hands had dropped it, and made his way back toward the
war room.

When he arrived there, no sign of the enemy could be seen on any of the
operating monitors. He was looking around for surviving guards, when he heard a groan
from the council chamber. He quickly moved to the door and gasped at the scene inside.
The Elder Senshi lay in a ring around the barely moving form of Queen Serenity. He
checked each of them, but the queen was the only one still breathing.

Propping her up, Gerrek drew a flask of water from the table and held it to her
lips. After a short drink, she started coughing, so he drew the flask away. He held her for
a short time then she stirred again and looked into his eyes.

"Prince Gerrek," she said in some surprise, and then understanding replaced it.
"You have been chosen for the Great Struggle," she said, sadness clouding her features.
"I had hoped you would go with my dear daughter to assist her in the future, but now I
must lay an even more dreadful burden upon you. Go to Earth, on the largest landmass
you will find a man chosen millennia ago as you were. Find him and tell him that the
Kingdom of the Moon is no more. Tell him that Beryl and her minions have been
banished from our plane, but that the time shall come when they shall return. Then the
Moon Kingdom shall rise again and never be extinguished. Now go, and when you reach
Earth, seal the portal so that the Moon alone shall die," After she said this, the queen
shuddered, then lay still.

Gerrek laid her down gently, and then slowly left the Counsel Hall. In the War
room, he saw a strange case near a dead Negaverse soldier. Opening it, he quickly
realized that it was designed to carry the talismans of the Planetary Knights. Taking the
case with him, he continued down the hall toward the gate chamber. When he reached
the site of his friend's doomed struggle, he caught sight of their talismans lying in the
rubble. Gathering all of them, he placed them gently into the case, then got to his feet
and walked to the hall of gates.

The room was in shambles. Several of the gates were shattered, and all of the
permanent gates showed hostile environment warnings. Stepping to the emergency gate
behind a secret panel, he took out the portal key, making a return trip impossible.
Glancing out the window, he saw the first fluctuations of the protective dome as it began
to collapse. Saluting his ruined home, he activated the gate and stepped through, saying
fare well to all he had known and loved.

As he appeared in the middle of the stone ring, he smiled sadly, and transformed
back into his uniform. He looked at his own talisman, his sword, and then put it in the
case with the others. With a sigh, he buried the case under one of the support stones for
the alter, using his Knight powers, then went in search of the man his Queen had given
him a message for. As he left the Dolmen, for the first time he felt completely alone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Scott finished his tale, he glanced around at his audience. Sailor Moon, Sailor
Saturn, and Sailor Chibi-Moon were looking at him in surprise at what he had said.
Uranus, Neptune, Mars, and Venus were looking rather stunned at some of the things that
were mentioned, and Mercury had an extremely curious look on her face as she was
typing in her computer.

“You were the one that buried my mother?” Sailor Moon asked.

“Yes, her and all the Elder Senshi before I left the palace.” Scott replied. He
could see that Sailor Moon wanted to say something else but Venus interrupted her.

“I have a brother!” Venus exclaimed in surprise. Scott turned to face her and saw
her surprised look. He glanced around again and noticed that Neptune also had a look
that said she was surprised also.

“Yes, Ruri, you had a brother, a twin brother.” Scott replied.

“A twin?” Venus said quietly as it hit her what Scott was saying.

“Yes Ruri, a twin.” Scott said to Venus. “To let you all know, there were only
four Planetary Knights at the fall of the Silver Millennium, and they were all brothers to
the Senshi. As Pluto verified for me, I am one of the Knights. As you now know, Venus
and Neptune had a Knight also.”

“Who was the forth Knight?” Jupiter asked Scott when he took a pause in his
talking.

“The forth Knight belonged to Pluto.” Scott replied and waited for the reaction he
was waiting for.

“What?!” Most of the Senshi exclaimed in surprise and then fell silent when Scott
cleared his throat.

When he had cleared his throat, he froze in shock when Artemis' voice shouted
into the silence.

"But Luna, he and Sailor Mercury were betrothed for three years before that
happened," At this, Sailor Mercury glanced at them in confusion, blushing hotly.

"It doesn't matter Artemis," Luna replied. "Just because Prince Gerrek and Sailor
Mercury were engaged in the Silver Millennium doesn't mean they can't be now," Sailor
Mercury glanced over at Scott now with comprehension slowly becoming a certainty, and
then her blush grew hotter as she remembered.

"They've been apart for 2000 years Luna," Artemis responded, exasperated.
“Besides she probably doesn't even remember it now."

"She does now, idiots," Scott said with some annoyance, as his plan to go slowly
around his former fiancée was rendered unnecessary. "Honestly, can't you two keep a
secret at all?"

The cats looked up at him in surprise, and then worriedly glanced over to Mercury
for verification. The look on her face as she tried to come to grips with the new revelation
left them no room for doubt that she had heard everything they had said. The Inner
Senshi were looking between Sailor Mercury and Scott in confusion, then Sailor Venus
leaned over to Sailor Moon with a sly looked on her face and whispered something in her
ear. Sailor Moon gasped at the comment, then seeing Mercury's red face, started giggling
uncontrollably. A dull moment of silence occurred and Chibi-Moon decided to change
the topic before something else embarrassing occurred.

“How did Sasami become your ward?” Chibi-Moon asked.

“That will have to be explained in two parts.” Scott said as he was silently glad
for the change of topic. He glanced at Sasami as to silently ask her for permission to tell
the story. He saw her nod her head and then turned to face the Senshi again. “To know
what happened to her personally, you will have to get her to tell you, since I wasn’t there
to see what happened, but I was there to rescue her.”

“What do you mean?” Chibi-Moon asked.

“I didn’t know who she was until a friend of mine called me to get my help to
rescue her and other family members of hers.” Scott replied. He could see that Chibi-
Moon wanted to ask more and he stopped her by raising his hand to stop her. “I will tell
you the story of how I rescued her and then how she became my ward.”

“Okay.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scott had a quite life going for him now. He had changed his name to Devon
Knight a couple of years ago and was staying at his cabin in Wisconsin. He was taking
some time off from any type of work and was just relaxing for a while. Since it was late
at night, he was sleeping peacefully. It was then that the phone started ringing and Scott
grumbled about taking the phone away as he got out of bed and made his way to the
phone.

"Hello?" Scott asked sleepy.

"Scott?" Came a reply over the phone. Scott was surprised to hear that name,
considering that everyone knows him as Devon around here. It was then that he
recognized the voice.

"Jim?" Scott asked.

"Yes."

"You know what time it is here?"

"Some time around midnight."

"What do you want? It better be important."

"It is. Tenchi and a few of our house guests were kidnapped an hour ago."

"What!" Scott exclaimed, now fully awake. "Do you know who done it?"

"We are thinking it is Kagato."

"Didn't Tenchi kill him?"

"I guess we were wrong. Washu said it was him."

"Washu?"

"Um, she is my girlfriend."

"You got a girlfriend already?"

"Yes I do, but we have more important things to discuss."

"Ok, ok. The airport doesn't start running until six."

"I'll come and pick you up in Ryo-Ohki."

"Ryo-Ohki? Isn’t that...?”

"I'll explain everything when I pick you up. Can you be ready in a half an hour?"

"I guess."

"I'll see you then." Jim said and then hanged up.

Scott hung up the phone and went to get ready. He got dress and packed a small
travel bag and waited outside. Eleven minutes later, he heard a strange sound and looked
up in the night sky. Shortly, a crystal looking thing started hovering about above Scott.
Then a beam of light shot down and surrounded him. The light intensified so Scott had to
close his eyes. When he opened them, he found himself somewhere else.

He looked around and found himself in a dome like area. He saw several floating
crystals and a lone chair in the center. He saw Jim sitting in the chair, so he walked over
to him.

"Welcome to Ryo-Ohki." Jim said when Scott got near.

"Nice." Scott said as he looked around again. Then one of the crystals floated
over and an image of a furry creature appeared inside of it and started meowing. "Hello
and what is this?"

"Say hello to Ryo-Ohki." Jim replied.

"Whoa. Well Hi there Ryo-Ohki." Scott said and then pets the crystal. Ryo-Ohki
starts to purr then.

"Glad you can help."

"Tell me what's going on."

"I'll let Washu explain it more when we get back. But here is the abbreviated
story from the beginning."

So Jim started explaining somewhat of what happened from the very beginning
until present time, as they flew back to Japan.

* * * * *

By the time they got to the Masaki shrine, Scott was surprised on what has been
happening in the last year. He was surprised to see the Masaki house near the base of the
lake. As they got near the house, they hovered right above of it, and then a bright flash
occurred and Scott found himself on the porch. He looked around and found Jim
standing next to him with a furry animal on his shoulder.

The furry animal looked to be a cross of a cat and a rabbit. It had feet like a rabbit
and long, floppy ears, a feline looking face, and a rabbit's tail. It had a nice brown coat
with white paws. It looked at Scott and meowed a few times.

"Let's get going. We're wasting time." Jim said as he started walking to the
house.

"Okay." Scott replied as he followed Jim.

They headed inside the house and Jim made his way over to a door under a set of
stairs in the living room. Scott was about to comment about heading into a broom
closest. It was then that Jim opened the door. When Scott looked in, it looked like he
was looking into a void. Jim walked in and Scott followed.

Scott found himself in a room that he knew was bigger than the whole house
itself, than the closet it was supposed to be. He continued following Jim through the
maze of contraptions until they came across a young girl with long red hair.

"I'm back." Jim announced.

"Good." The young girl said. "We haven't got a moment to lose."

"What's going on?" Scott asked, somewhat confused about the young redhead.

"You haven't told him?" The young girl said in surprise.

"I only told him a basic story of what happened. I figured you would be able to
explain it better." Jim said, somewhat embarrassed.

"All right, here it goes...” The young girl said, as she started to explain what had
happened from the beginning.

* * * * *

"Okay, let me get this straight." Scott said after Washu had finished her
explanation. "Yosho has two younger sisters’ here that are visiting, a police officer from
outer space, and the demon that I helped capture, who is now free and is being good, and
Tenchi, who was shy with any girl he met, has all of them after him. Then we have you,
if you hadn't showed me that trick of yours, I would be asking Jim where his preference
of female ages lay."

"Hey!" Jim said feeling insulted.

"I know. I have fun teasing him about it." Washu said, smiling slyly.

"Hey!" Jim said, now feeling doubled teamed against.

"So what do we got to work with?" Scott asked, trying to quickly change the
subject.

"What do you mean?" Washu asked.

"To rescue our friends, what else." Scott said. "Who is all on the rescue team,
much less how we are going to get to this Kagato person."

"You see who we all got to work with." Washu said calmly.

"Oh boy." Scott said, feeling a little doom arriving. "So what do you got
planned?"

"Well, according to my readings...”

* * * * *

After Washu had explained the plan, Scott, Jim, and Washu got ready to leave.
Scott and Jim had put on their trench coats and their swords. Scott had noticed that Jim
had a new sword. Jim told him that he got the idea of it from a movie. He showed Scott
the timer and what happens when the timer runs out. Scott jumped a little when three
blades shot out of the hilt. Jim told him that it was a gift from Washu. Scott smiled at
him and they went to meet Washu on the pier.

They found her waiting there with Ryo-Ohki standing at her feet. When they got
to her, she picked up Ryo-Ohki and threw her in the air. What happened after that, gave
Scott a big surprise. It looked to Scott that Ryo-Ohki was turning into crystal and
growing. It kept growing until it looked like the ship that brought him over. Scott was
just staring up at Ryo-Ohki, when Jim walked up beside him.

"Interesting sight, isn't it?" Jim asked Scott. Scott could only nod in reply. "Let's
go."

The same column of light from before shoots down and surrounds the three of
them. When the brightness disappeared, Scott found himself inside Ryo-Ohki again, with
Jim standing next to him, and Washu sitting in the pilot’s chair.

"So, do you know where this Kagato person is?" Scott asked Washu.

"Yes, I went scanning when Jim was coming to pick you up. We are a few hours
behind him." Washu started explaining. "We should be able to catch up to him in no
time."

"Is there enough time for me to get some sleep?" Scott asked.

"I don't see a problem. Why do you ask?" Washu asked.

"I've only had two hours of sleep and I'm very tired. Coming from a different
time zone does catch up with you quickly." Scott replied.

"Ah yeah. That would be correct. Here you go." Washu said as she pushed a
button and suddenly a bed appears at the far end of the ship. He was momentarily
surprised at seeing a bed just appear out of nowhere.

"Uh, thanks." Scott said as he walked over to the bed and took off his jacket and
setting it at the foot of the bed and crawled in and went to sleep.

* * * * *

Scott woke up to a person shaking him. He opened his eyes and found Jim
standing next to him. He sat up and faced Jim.

"What's going on?" Scott asked.

"We found Kagato on long range scanners. So we should reach him shortly." Jim
replied.

"How long was I out?"

"A little over two hours."

"Okay. So what are we going to do?"

"We know Kagato will be able to detect us soon, so me and you are going to
sneak aboard, while Washu runs a distraction."

"Sounds good to me. Just like the old days?"

"Yeah, just like the old days."

So Scott got out of the bed and headed over to where Washu was and looked out
the view screen. He got a dazed look as he realized that he was in space again. Washu
noticed it and brought it to his attention. He just smiled at her and told her he was feeling
a little nostalgic. She smiled back and they continued on their way.

Within a half an hour, they saw the ship Kagato was using. Jim made a comment
about it being smaller than the Soja. Washu replied to him that there was only one Soja
and Tenchi destroyed it. So Kagato had to use what he could. Scott could only stare at
the ship. The ship to him was humongous and Jim and Washu were saying it was a small
ship. Scott just shook his head.

"Let's get ready to go." Jim said as he walked over to Scott.

"All right." Scott replied.

Jim led Scott to the back of the ship and as they neared Kagato's ship, they were
in cased in a crystal. Jim calmed Scott's nerves down and when they did a fly by, the
crystal disappeared from inside Ryo-Ohki and reappeared inside Kagato's ship.

Jim and Scott phased out of the crystal and drew their swords. They looked
around and found that they were in a passageway. Jim pulled out a little device from his
pocket and turned it on. Jim waited a moment and then said they should go left.

While they were heading to the left, Scott asked him about the device and Jim told
him that it was something Washu made up to locate any Jurai power. Scott looked on
amazed and followed Jim through the numerous passageways, avoiding any guards that
they came across, and the different levels when the device started beeping. They looked
and found themselves in front of a door.

They looked around and found the door controller. They both looked at it and
realized they couldn't open it by normal means. Jim reached into his pocket and pulled
out another device. He placed the device over the controller and pushed a button. After a
few minutes, the controller beeped again and the door slowly slid open. What they saw
shocked the both of them.

Inside the room, they saw a lone, unconscious, person lying on a table. The
person was female and was young at that. She didn't have a single bit of clothing on her
except one hair band. They saw that she had little cuts all a long their legs, arms, and
belly, with a blood trail going from those cuts. Her hair was at one time, done up in two
ponytails, but one came undone and was laying over her. Her hair had some dried blood
in areas. It was then that Jim recognized who the person was.

"Sasami!"

* * * * *

Consciousness returned to Sasami slowly. What first came to her was pain
throughout her body. Mostly coming from between her legs, her chest, and her jaw. She
slowly opened her eyes and blinked a few times to clear her sight and get use to the bright
light. When her vision cleared, she saw someone in front of her she didn't expect to see.

"Jim-san?" Sasami asked uncertainly.

"Hey Kiddo." Jim replied smiling.

"Jim-san!" Sasami shouted.

Sasami started crying and went and hugged Jim tightly, in fear that Jim was
another trick by Kagato. Jim went and wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair
and tried to sooth her. After a little while, Sasami calmed down some. She wasn't crying
out loud, but tears were still running down her face.

"I hate to stop this, but we are in a hurry. I don't know how much longer Washu
can distract the Kagato person, and we still have to find the others." Scott said to Jim and
Sasami. Sasami looked over and saw someone she didn't know and quickly became
afraid. She tried to back away, but Jim was in her way.

"Its okay, Sasami, he's a friend. He's here to help." Jim said, trying to calm down
Sasami.

"Hello, Sasami. My name is Scott." Scott said to her with a smile.

"He-hello, Scott-san." Sasami said after a bit of reassuring from Jim. It was then
that she noticed her state of undress. She gasped and curled into a ball. She hissed in
pain as she touched certain areas on her body that was still sore. It was then that she
noticed that she had bandages covering most of her wounds.

"Here." Scott said to Sasami.

Sasami looked up and saw Scott had removed his shirt and was handing it to her.
She hesitantly reached out and took his shirt. She quickly put the shirt on; hissing when
she stretched too much or the shirt touched sensitive areas. After the shirt was over her
head, and was through the sleeves, she went to stand up.

The moment se stood up, her legs gave out and she started falling. She would
have ended on the floor, if Jim hadn't caught her. Jim held onto her until she was able to
stand on her own. When she was standing, she made sure the shirt covered her and
offered her thanks.

"No problem, Sasami." Scott said.

"You guy's were the ones that bandaged me?" Sasami asked.

"Yes, we did out best, but some of the wounds we couldn't bandage." Jim replied.

"Oh, thank you." Sasami thanked them, blushing at what they meant on certain
areas on her body.

"Let's fix your hair and let's get going." Scot said.

Sasami noticed that she was missing a hair band and her hair had dried blood in it
in certain areas. Scott came over and gathered her hair and made one ponytail. When
they were done, they left the room. Jim was in the lead, with the tracking device, and
Scott was holding Sasami's hand as they followed Jim.

As they were walking down a lower level passageway, alarms started going off.
Then robot guards started running down the passageway. They turned around and saw
more robotic guards coming down at them. They realized that they were in trouble when
the guards started shooting at them. Jim and Scott dove to adjacent passageways, with
Scott taking Sasami with him.

"Jim!" Scott shouted.

"I'm all right." Jim said, holding his arm, where a stray shot hit him.

"What are we going to do now?" Scott asked.

"You and Sasami will have to find the others. I'll keep them busy so you can get
away." Jim yelled back, as the robot guards were getting nearer.

"James!" Scott yelled.

"It needs to be done. You know it as much as I do." Jim said smiling. "Just like
the old days."

"All right." Scott said defeated.

"Here, you'll need these." Jim said as he tossed two items over at Scott. Scott
quickly placed them in his pocket.

Jim then pulled a gun out from his jacket and started shooting at the guards. Scott
picked up Sasami in one arm and started running down the passage. As Scott turned a
corner, he heard Jim's scream of pain and then silence. He ducked into a room and
checked to see if it was safe. When he saw that it was, he set Sasami down and locked
the door. He then sat down next to her and caught their breath for a moments rest.

* * * * *

Jim returned to consciousness with a splitting headache. The last thing he
remembered was watching Scott run off with Sasami and him shooting at the on-coming
robots. It was then that he got hit with a lucky shot that apparently knocked him out cold.

He looked around and found himself secured to a weird contraption. He tried to
break free, but he was too securely in it. He then heard a sliding noise and looked
forward and saw that a window was on the wall across from him. On the other side of the
window was Kagato.

"Kagato!" Jim yelled.

"Hello again." Kagato said calmly.

"What do you want?" Jim asked angrily.

"Isn't it obvious? I want revenge." Kagato replied.

"Bastard."

"I must say, it was a surprise that you got on board with my detection. Now
where are your friend and Princess Sasami?"

"Like I will tell you."

"Looks like we are going to do this the fun way."

Jim heard a panel sliding open from above and suddenly a weird black ball
hovered down in front of his face. Then two antennae’s came out of the sides and Jim
saw sparks emanating at the ends.

"Now the fun begins." Kagato said laughing as he pressed a button. Electric
current goes from the ball and into Jim. Jim started screaming in pain as the electric
current goes through him.

* * * * *

Scott and Sasami were still in the room resting. It was then that Scott heard
crying coming from Sasami. He scooted next to her and placed his arm around her and
held her close. After her crying stopped, Scott asked her what was wrong.

"I don't want to be caught again. I don't want Kagato to do what he did to me
again. I can't stand it if he gets a hold of me again." Sasami said and started crying
again.

"He won't get a hold of you, I promise you that." Scott said as he pulled her close
to him.

"How can I go on? He tortured me, abused me, and violated me." Sasami said
between sobs, defeated sounding.

"You mustn't lose your confidence in yourself."

"I'm afraid."

"Can I tell you a story?"

"Okay."

"This is a story about a person named Gerrek Bontrager and the hardships he had
to endure during his life."

Scott started telling her of Gerrek's life from beginning to almost present day.
Doing a lot of editing to make it sound like it happened in one lifetime. Talking about his
loves, deaths of ones he cared for, and what he did to cope with it all. When he was done
talking, he looked over at Sasami and saw that she still had tear's running down her face,
but didn't have the defeated look anymore.

"That is so sad to hear." Sasami said, sadly. "How did he deal with killing that
little girl?"

"He never really has." Scott replied. "It has haunted his dreams since then. He
regrets what he has done, his entire life."

"How can he live on with that guilt?"

"He tries to help by being there for when people need him, and to be strong when
he has to be."

"I don't know if I can."

"Yes you can."

"How can I?"

"How did Tenchi do it when his friends were in trouble?"

"He was brave and got the job done. He cared for all of us."

"Now they need you to be that brave. They need your help, I need your help.
Can you do that?"

"I'll try."

"That is all I ask of you. Now let's go find your friends."

"Okay."

Scott reached into his pocket to get what Jim had tossed to him. The first item he
pulled out was a cloth wrapped bundle. He got a confused look to his face as Sasami
noticed it and looked at the item. He unwrapped the bundle and found it to be a sword
hilt made out of wood.

The bottom section had two red gems in it. The handle part had a woven pattern going
up it. He had this nagging feeling that he had seen it before. It was then that he heard
Sasami gasp. He turned to look at her and saw her staring at it.

"It's the Master Key!" Sasami exclaimed.

"What's the Master Key?" Scott asked confused.

"It's a relic that the Royal Family of Jurai can only use. It belongs to Tenchi
now."

"I though I remembered this thing. It's named the Tenchi-Ken."

"How did you know?"

"It belonged to Yosho when I first met him."

"You know Yosho?"

"Yep. And I'll tell you all about it when we rescue the others."

"Okay."

"And since you said only Royal family can use it, here you go." Scott said as he
places the Master Key in Sasami’s hands.

"But, but...”

"I can't use it, and since I know you are Yosho's little sister, he would be mad at
me if I didn't give you at least some sort of protection."

"But I don't have anywhere to put it."

Scott thinks for a moment, and then takes his belt off and wraps it around Sasami.
Scott fails to notice her blush at what he was doing. After the belt is secured, he grabs
the sword and slides it into the belt. After that, he grabs the other item in his pocket and
turns it on.

"Let's go." Scott said smiling.

"Okay." Sasami said.

Scott and Sasami headed out of the room and headed to where the device said to
go. They had to be extra careful since the guard patrols had doubled. They had to hide
more often than they wanted too. They made it down two levels and in front of a door
that they were sure was where their friends were being held.

Scott checked around the door and found the controller. Since he didn't have the
device Jim had, he tried to see if he could open it up. He started to randomly push
buttons and on his fifth try, he got lucky. The door slid open and Scott and Sasami ran in.

After the door closed, they looked around the place and gasped in surprise at what
they saw. The people they were looking for were in there. All of them were naked, had
signs of being beaten, abused, and were unconscious. Scott looked around and didn't see
Jim. Sasami was running over to check on her sister and friends. Scott helped out and
started waking everyone up.

As Scott was finding something for them to wear, he suddenly felt the tingling in
the back of his head. He quickly turned around to find the source. It was then that Scott
looked up and saw Kagato and Jim floating above them.

"Look out!" Scott shouted, but was cut short when Kagato threw Jim into Scott.
As Scott struggled to get back to his feet, he noticed that Jim was dead.

The others stood up, wobbly, in a defensive stance when Kagato floated down.
Kagato looked at the gathered people around and smiled evilly at them. He then floated
over to Sasami and smiled more when he saw her back away from him in fear.

"I'll talk to you later." Kagato said as he back handed her and sends her flying
into a wall, knocking her out. He turned and saw Scott standing with his sword in a high
guard.

"You'll pay for that." Scott growled out.

"I hardly think so." Kagato said.

"Only one way to find out." Scott said as the others got into ready stances behind
him.

"One thing you should know." Kagato said.

"What's that?"

"I set everything up, so you could bring Sasami back to me."

"What do you mean?"

"I let you find your friends. I was the one that opened the door so you can come
in here."

"Let's fight." Ryoko shouted as she charged up her sword.

"If all of you are so eager to die, then let's fight."

* * * * *

"Sasami." Came a soft feminine voice in the darkness. Sasami somewhat stirred.

"Sasami." Came the voice again, and Sasami stirred more.

"Sasami." Came the voice again, this time Sasami woke from the darkness and
recognized the voice.

“Tsunami?” Sasami asked weakly.

“Yes, Sasami.” Tsunami replied.

“I’m scared, Tsunami.” Sasami said as she saw she was floating in a white void.

“You need to be strong, your friends are in trouble, and they need your help.”
Tsunami said as she changed the white void to the scene of where everyone was fighting
Kagato. All of the others are in very bad shape. They had several bruises, cuts, and were
bleeding in other areas. Sasami saw that Tenchi was using Jim’s sword, and Scott had a
broken arm.

“But how can I do it? How can I help?” Sasami asked, with despair in her voice.

“Scott gave you the means, you can do it. I believe in you.” Tsunami said as the
scene started to go fuzzy on Sasami.

Sasami regained consciousness and looked around. The fight in front of her was
pretty much the way that Tsunami had showed her, and her side was losing quickly. She
watched as Kagato kept attacking Scott with his energy sword and was amazed that
Scott’s sword was able to block Kagato’s sword. She heard Kagato ask the same
question that was on her mind.

“How can your sword withstand an energy sword?” Kagato asked, almost
shouting.

“A rare type of metal. There are only six like it.” Scott replied, grinning.

“Doesn’t matter. You will die anyway.” Kagato said flatly.

Kagato fired an energy blast that caught Scott in the center of his chest and sent
him flying. He landed roughly and wasn’t moving. His sword went flying and landed
near Jim’s body. From the way that Scott landed, Sasami knew that he was dead.

Kagato then started towards the others and they knew they were in trouble. Just
as Kagato was about to attack, Sasami felt a warm glow near her waist. She looked down
and saw the Master Key glowing. She looked back up and knew what she had to do. She
just hoped it would be enough.

“You all have been troublesome to my plans. It is time for me to kill you all.”
Kagato said as he started charging up an energy blast.

“NO!” Screamed a female voice as a blue shaft of light suddenly stuck through
Kagato’s chest.

“Well, it seems the little princess has fight in her after all.” Kagato said, smiling.
Sasami was surprised at that comment that she lost her concentration on the sword and
the blue shaft of light fades away. Kagato then turns around, smiling at her. “Now it’s
time I take my prize then.”

As Kagato started to reach for the scared Sasami, a voice from behind him
stopped him.

“Don’t even think about touching her, Punk.”

“What!” Kagato turns around and sees Jim standing there, smiling, with Scott’s
sword in a ready to attack pose. Before Kagato could do anything, Jim swung the sword
and cut through Kagato’s neck. Kagato started to turn to dust starting from the cut. “I
see there was something about you that I missed.” Kagato then fades out completely.

Sasami runs up and gives Jim a strong hug, while crying. Jim drops Scott’s sword
and hugs back.

“Hey kiddo, it’s all right now, Kagato’s gone.” Jim said as he tried to comfort
her.

“But your friend is dead.” Sasami said quietly between sobs.

The others had gathered around after putting on what they could scrounge for
makeshift clothes. Ryoko, Ayeka, and Tenchi had sheets wrapped around them. Mihoshi
had on Scott’s jacket.

“Don’t worry kiddo; everything’s going to be fine.” Jim said calmly.

“But …” Sasami started to ask a question but was interrupted.

“What are you talking about?” Ryoko asked angrily, while interrupting Sasami.
“You expect him to come back alive like you can?”

“As a matter of fact …” Jim started to say when everyone heard an intake of
breath near them.

Everyone looks in that direction and saw Scott sit up and look around. When
Scott could finally see the group, they were all staring at him except Jim.

“Good to see you back on your feet again, Kumquat. Also looks like we won.”
Scott said smiling.

“Yeah we did, with you sleeping there, Punk.” Jim replied.

Just then, a blue blur shot towards Scott and tackled him. When everyone
realized what happened, they saw Sasami hugging Scott in a grip like her life depended
on it and crying loudly. Scott got a good grip on Sasami and stood up. He walked over
to the others and smiled.

“Let’s get out of here and go back home.” Scott said. Everyone agreed and left
the ship to go back to Earth.

* * * * *

After they got back to the Masaki shrine, Washu was busy at work healing
everyone. Most of everyone just had minor cuts, scratches, and burns, so Washu had an
easy time healing them. Sasami had the worst injuries, from what Kagato did to her, but
Washu was able to repair the damage and make Sasami look like nothing happened to
her.

After everyone was done with Washu, they sat in the living room to heal and
recover. Everyone noticed that Sasami wouldn’t let Scott out of her sight. She would
hang onto Scott like he was her lifeline to something. After the snacks were gotten, Jim
and Scott told their story of how they first met and how they first met Yosho. In trade,
they told Scott how everyone arrived on Earth and how Jim and Washu fell in love.

After that, Scott stayed at the house for a while, as everyone tried to recover.
Ryoko and Ayeka would talk together privately about their relationship with each other,
after what Kagato did to them. Kagato had Ryoko under mind control again and used her
to rape and abuse Ayeka, while being aware of what her body was doing. Tenchi and
Mihoshi were talking to a similar situation. Kagato had a device that would send volts of
electricity at them if they didn’t do the things Kagato wanted to his satisfaction. That left
Sasami by herself to deal with the ordeal that happened to her.

Scott had asked her to tell him what had happened to her, to help her ease her
trauma. Sasami finally told Scott how Kagato had used spinning blades to cut her clothes
off, metal tentacles to rape her, and stick metal pins into sensitive areas of her body and
then tears them out. Scott held onto her as she cried as she remembered what had
happened to her.

Scott stayed at the house for another week, and saw that it was slowly returning to
a normal routine, from what Jim had said. Ryoko and Ayeka still kept arguing over
Tenchi, but they don’t end it in fighting anymore. Tenchi and Mihoshi had formed a
brother/sister relationship with each other. Sasami got back into her routine at the house,
but Scott could see that her confidence had left her. So one day after breakfast, Scott
took her for a walk and to have a talk. Their walk ended them up at the Holy Tree,
Funaho. They sat by the tree, leaning their backs on it to rest.

“How are you feeling Sasami?” Scott said as her placed his arm around her.

“I am feeling fine.” Sasami replied as she leaned into him.

“You just seem to be a little down, lately.” Scott said. “Why is that?”

“I just feel left out, I guess. I’m still a little kid to everyone’s eyes. They just
don’t seem to have time for me. When you are here, you are spending most of your time
with me, and that’s been the happiest times I’ve had recently, but it won’t last.” Sasami
started to explain.

“Why won’t it last?” Scott asked. Having a vague idea what the answer was
going to be.

“You’ll be leaving soon, and there will be no one left here to be with me.”
Sasami said sadly.

“That can not be helped, I’ve enjoyed being with you Sasami. It’s been a great
time, and I haven’t had too many of them lately.” Scott started saying. “For not being to
lonely, what don’t you try other stuff to do. I’ve only seen you do household chores; I’ve
hardly seen you playing with anything else. Now that you know you can use the Master
Key, why don’t you ask Yosho to show you how to use it, or do some martial arts? It
will give you something else to do. If Yosho won’t help you, I can help you with basic
training if you want to. It’s up to you?”

As Sasami was thinking about what Scott had said, he looked out towards the
pond to give her a moment to think. As he looked out, he looked at their reflections in
the water. It was there that Scott noticed something wrong. He could see his reflection
just fine, but when he would look for Sasami’s reflection, he saw a grown woman in
Juraian clothing. He started looking back and forth between Sasami and the woman.
Sasami could tell that something was up when she felt the different posture in Scott. She
looked up and him and saw him looking at her and then the water. When she looked in
the water, she understood what was going on.

“Hello, Tsunami.” Sasami said. Scott looked at her in confusion.

“Hello, Sasami.” Came a female voice from the direction of the pond. Scott
looked at the water in alarm when the woman in the water suddenly was standing on the
water. “Do not be alarmed, I mean no harm, I am a friend.”

“Who are you?” Scott asked, still somewhat tense.

“As Sasami had said, I am Tsunami, the first tree of Jurai.” Tsunami replied. “To
answer your question that you are thinking, over seven hundred years ago, I assimilated
with Sasami to save her life. She was dying from a fall, so I assimilated with her.”

“So that is why you look like her?” Scott asked, somewhat relaxing.

“Yes. When Sasami grows older, she will look like me. So you can either call
her Sasami or Tsunami, it’s your choice.” Tsunami said.

“So what did I do to deserve a visit with a goddess of Jurai?” Scott asked.

“I wanted to thank you for your help in rescuing Sasami and the others, Scott
Schwartzstern, or should I call you Gerrek Bontrager?” Tsunami said. Scott heard
Sasami gasp and he turned to look at her. She was staring up at him.

“You … you’re …” Sasami stuttered.

“Yes, Sasami, I’m the Gerrek from the story I told you. My real name is Greek
Bontrager, First Prince of the Kingdom of Minerva, of the Silver Millennium.” Scott said
to Sasami with a small bow.

“You’re a Prince?” Sasami asked in surprise. Scott just smiled at her and turned
back to face Tsunami.

“So now that we know about me, what is it you would like?” Scott asked.

“I would like to ask a favor of you.” Tsunami asked.

“What would that be?” Scott asked.

“There are a lot of people that would like to gain possession of me, and since I am
assimilated with Sasami, they will be after her. So what I am asking is for you to watch
over her, like be a guardian, a protector.” Tsunami said.

“What must I do?” Scott asked.

“To make sure that you protect Sasami to the best of your ability.” Tsunami
replied.

“Very well, I accept the honor to protect Sasami to the best of my ability.” Scott
said.

“Please stand then.” Tsunami said. Scott then stood up and Tsunami came closer
to Scott. She then placed a finger on Scott’s forehead. “Prince Gerrek Bontrager, I name
you as Knight Protector of Princess Sasami of Jurai.”

The sigil of Minerva appeared where Tsunami was touching Scott and then faded
while three lines appeared pointing down to form a solid triangle. Shortly the lines faded
and Tsunami took her finger away. Scott looked at Tsunami, he saw her smiling and
when he looked down at Sasami, he saw her staring at him with an amazed look.

“Sasami.” Tsunami said.

“Yes?” Sasami asked.

“Would you like to do a favor for me?” Tsunami asked.

“Sure.” Sasami replied.

“Take Scott up on his offer. Learn how to use the Master Key and some unarmed
fighting styles. You may need to use them soon.” Tsunami said.

“Okay.” Sasami said. Surprised that Tsunami wanted her to learn how to use the
Master Key.

“Take care, Scott, and you, Sasami.” Tsunami said as she started fading.

“Good bye.” Sasami said.

“Until later.” Scott said.

Once Tsunami fully disappeared, Scott looked into the water and saw her there
smiling at them. Scott took Sasami’s hand and led her back to the house. Sasami was
smiling for the first time in weeks. She knew about Knight Protector’s, but didn’t see
that many. Now she had one of her very own, and it was the person she was beginning to
care for.

When they got back to the house, Ayeka and Yosho were surprised to find out
that Scott was a Knight Protector for Sasami. When Scott had asked Yosho to start
training her in the use of the Master Key, he was a little unsure at the beginning until
Scott mentioned that Tsunami wanted Sasami to learn about it, so he complied to do it.

So for the next few weeks, Sasami was learning how to use the Master Key and
some martial arts. Scott had decided to move to Japan for a while. He had bought a
place in Tokyo in the Juuban ward. Sasami was a little unhappy to he wasn’t closer, but
Scott explained he had to check up with the Nashimoto Shrine he owned. Sasami
relented when Scott said that he would visit her every chance he got; also he told her she
could come and visit at times.

When Nobuyuki heard about the place that Scott bought, he drew up some
architecture drawing for remodeling the place, as a saying of thanks for all the help he
has done for his family. Scott approved of the drawings and had Washu remodel the
building. Scott then said his farewells and told them he would visit them as often as he
could. Sasami was the hardest to say farewell to, but she understood and promised that
she would visit when she could. With that, Scott left to begin his life as Scott
Schwartzstern again, the Antique Dealer in Tokyo.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Senshi were surprised when they heard how Scott had rescued Sasami. But
Saturn and Chibi-Moon were the only ones to realize what went on with Sasami now, or
what they figured out to be the reason. The rest of the Senshi started asking questions to
figure out the story. Scott explained that Sasami’s family had some powerful enemies
that would do anything to get at her family, and one such enemy did something. Sasami
had noted that when Scott told his story, he had made it sound like everything happened
on Earth and on ships in the ocean.

“Now I remember where I’ve seen her before.” Jupiter stated.

“Where did you see her before?” Moon asked curiously.

“On a cooking show, The Furious Chef, she was the youngest champion at that
time.” Jupiter replied. “That was about four years ago I think. But she never came back
to defend her championship.”

“You are correct; it was a little over four years ago.” Scott replied. “She went to
it right before the incident.”

“So how did she become your ward?” Neptune asked.

“It was a couple months after I settled in Japan that her family came with an offer
for me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Misaki, Sasami’s mother, was the one that started it by saying that they were there
to deal with the guardianship of Sasami. Scott noticed Sasami tense up like she wasn't
going to like what was going to be said. Misaki started explaining, as how she was the
Security Chief of Jurai, with recent events that have happened she felt that Sasami needs
better protection. So Misaki had gathered Zintu, pointing to the person behind her, to be
the one to guard Sasami.

Sasami hearing that exclaimed "No!" and went to cling on Scott like her life
depended on it. Misaki seeing that felt a little sorry for her daughter and said that since
she knew Sasami wanted Scott to guard her, but for security of the Royal family, she
wanted a trained guardian to guard Sasami. She knew Sasami didn't want to do that, so
she offered a challenge that will decide who will be guarding Sasami. Sasami didn't like
it but she knew there wouldn't be any end to this matter until they did the challenge, so
before Sasami agreed to it, she wanted to know the stipulations.

Misaki knew that what she was going to say was going to upset Sasami but she
couldn't see a nice way to say it. She told everyone that the challenge was going to be in
three steps, and that she was going to be the judge of it. The first part deals with how
well they can protect Sasami from a person wanting to get to her. The second is how
well they can help raise Sasami, since they will be with her they need to help in the
raising of her. The third will be announced when it is time for it. The end result will
depend if Sasami will have Scott as a guardian or Zintu. If Scott wins Sasami could stay
here on Earth, but she would have to live with him then or he would have to move to the
Masaki Shrine. If Zintu won, Sasami would have to move back to Jurai. Sasami didn't
want anything to do with that, but she felt a hand on her shoulder and saw that it was
Scott holding her shoulder. She looked at him and saw that he was giving her the go
ahead to accept the challenge, because she realized that no matter what she said, the
results would be her being force to Jurai if she declined. She knew her mother is giving
her the chance to get out of it that normally there would be not. So Sasami lowered her
head and accepted the challenge.

As everyone started to get ready to watch the challenge or participate in it, Misaki
had asked Sasami off to the side and asked her in order to be fair in this challenge, she
must not favor Scott in anyway. Sasami knew what she was asking and if Scott was
going to have a chance at winning, she had to do what her mother was asking. Once they
were done talking, they headed outside to begin the first challenge.

She looked over and saw Scott was getting ready just as Zintu was at the far end
of where everyone was. Once Misaki and Sasami arrived, Misaki said she was ready to
start the first challenge. The first challenge was to stop her from reaching Sasami, and
she had Zintu go first.

Misaki had Sasami stand at the far end of the clearing with Misaki at the other end
with Zintu standing in the middle with a bokken supplied by Yosho. The fight started
and Zintu put a big challenge of anyone to try and get to Sasami. Halfway through the
fight, both of them lost their bokken's and the fight resumed in hand-to-hand. It was
twenty minutes when Misaki called an end to the fight and seemed impressed at how
Zintu handled herself. So when Misaki said it was Scott's turn, he gathered a couple of
bokken's and took his place and waited for Misaki to catch her breath. When Misaki was
rested enough, she took her place and signaled that the fights begin. What it appeared to
everyone was that Misaki was a better sword fighter pushing Scott back towards Sasami.
It only took forty seconds for Misaki to cause Scott to move back towards Sasami. As
they neared Sasami, what Misaki failed to notice that everyone else saw was that Sasami
grab the other bokken that Scott had and moved back a couple of steps.

Misaki couldn't believe how bad Scott was in sword fighting, considering the
reports that Mihoshi had made. Misaki then did a pattern attack that caused Scott to lose
hold of his bokken as it flew up in the air. She then went to do a strike that was going to
knock Scott out cold when he jumped up and over her strike. She then noticed Sasami
standing there with a bokken and a smile to her face. Misaki was confused for a moment
which was all that Sasami needed as she dove down and used the bokken to trip her
mother up. Misaki landed face first into the ground and when she rolled over, she found
that Scott had retrieved his bokken and had it touching her neck, a moment later; Sasami
was also holding her bokken at her mother's neck. She smiled at how stupid Scott was by
letting Sasami get close and was going to use the hidden blade in her sleeve to tag Sasami
with it when she realized that she couldn't move a muscle.

"You must think I'm stupid for letting you think I would let Sasami get close
without making sure the suspect was subdued." Scott said smiling.

"In other words, Mommy, bang, you're dead." Sasami said smiling.

"What did you do to make me freeze my muscles?" Misaki asked.

"Just a pressure point that will fade momentarily." Scott replied.

"I see." Misaki said as she suddenly started to get feeling in her body. "Sasami
I thought I told you to not be bias in this challenge?"

"If Zintu had asked for my help I would have helped, but since she didn't, you
can't say I'm being bias." Sasami replied and then started to help her mother sit up.

"But I didn't see Scott-san ask you to help him?" Misaki asked.

"Since he is helping to train me, we developed a way of communicating to each
other when we can't say anything out loud." Sasami said.

"I see." Misaki said as she was able to stand and walk on her own. "The second
stage of this challenge will begin shortly."

After everyone settled down after the first challenge, they all gathered in the
living room and Misaki laid out the plan for the second challenge. The second one
Misaki labeled it as stopping Sasami from acting bad. In order to be fair and not have the
other contestant know what the other one was doing, one of the contestants would wait at
the shrine while the other was partaking in the challenge. Misaki said that she had been
informed of some ideas that she could use to use in this challenged and she had decided
on six items to test the guardian. They are make Sasami go to school when she doesn't
want to go, to make her do her homework when she doesn't want to, solve the problem
her ser staying out late, prevent her of when she doesn't say where she is going, her
staying up late, and when she refuses to take a bath. Misaki gave them a few minutes to
think of what they wanted to do, Scott let Zintu go first.

So while Scott and the others went up to the shrine to keep Scott company and
also to get out of the way of whatever Misaki had planned. Once everything was planned
out for the others, which was to make sure everything was in its proper place and to be
another set of eyes on the whole deal. Zintu started out and when Misaki announce what
the theme was, she played her best at trying to deal with Sasami with those problems, by
forcing her to deal with the fact that she was a Royal Princess and a Princess doesn't do
things like that, and that she mustn't dishonor her family. It was a big struggle to Zintu as
Sasami was throwing things she really didn't except Sasami to do, but in the end, she was
able to make Sasami go along with her. Once it was done, the other's helped reset the
place to go for Scott turn while Zintu went up to the shrine to tell Scott it was his turn.

When Scott entered the house, he saw everyone sitting around waiting for him.
Misaki asked if he was ready and he said he was. Misaki then told him that the first one
was solving the problem of Sasami staying up late. So Scott went over to Sasami and
told her that is was time for bed, Sasami then said that she didn't want to go to bed that
she wanted to stay up late. Scott told her that it was way past her bed time that she must
go to bed before he made her go to sleep. Sasami still playing her role refused adamantly
about staying up late and wanted to watch TV shows. Scott then walked up to her and
knelt in front of her and said if that is what she wanted then he had no choice. He then
poked Sasami in the middle of her chest and when Sasami gave a questioningly look, her
eyes rolled into her head and she collapsed on the couch. Misaki wondered what
happened, looked over at Washu and Washu said that Scott had hit a pressure point,
causing Sasami to go into a deep sleep. Misaki stared at Scott for a few moments and
asked him to wake her up. Scott then poked a different spot on Sasami and she started
waking up, wondering what was going on. After they explained what Scott did to her
they continued on with the challenge.

The next one that Misaki called off was make Sasami go to school when she
didn't want to. When Scott heard that one, he asked Misaki if she could tie not do
homework into it also since what he had in mind for both of them had the same idea of
what he was going to use. Misaki thought about it for a moment and let what Scott ask
for be accepted. So Sasami hearing that started playing her role and started telling Scott
that she wasn't going to do her homework or go to school ever again. Scott asked her
why she was doing that and Sasami started saying things that made the role sound good.
Scott nodded his head and then walked over to her and whispered stuff in her ear and
Sasami suddenly had a worried look to her face and when Scott asked if she was going to
due her homework, she ran over to the area and started on what was there. Scott asked if
she was going to go to School and Sasami practically stuttered a yes out. Misaki then
asked Scott what he said and he replied that he told her that if she didn't do her
homework and go to school, by actually putting an effort into her work and not just
putting stuff down to say it was finished, he would take away some of the things she
wanted and stop helping her out. Misaki nodded at what he did and they moved onto the
next item.

The next item that Misaki said was the problem of Sasami staying out late. Scott
could only tell her not to do it again and punish her for staying out late. Scott knew that
item would be his weakest one and he hoped it would be enough. The only thing that
Scott could add to that is if Sasami was staying out late again, he had friends that could
keep an eye out for her and report back to him. Misaki saw that the problem was over
and moved to the next one, which was Sasami not saying where she was going. So
Sasami then went and started the role that everyone agreed on where Sasami was really
going and where Sasami said she was going and what she was going to do at each place.
So Scott had asked her where she was going and what she was going to do. Sasami in her
role had told Scott that she was going to the mall to get new clothes and then go over to a
friend’s house for a while. Scott nodded his head and then looked at Sasami in the eye
for a moment and then said okay. He sat down in a chair and as Sasami was going to the
point marked as the door leaving and the ending of that challenge, right before she was
about to step out, Scott called over his shoulder that he expected to see her home at 11pm
for that should give her enough time to get back from the concert. When Scott said that,
Sasami was more surprised than anyone else that he knew about the concert, she didn't let
on about anything dealing with that. When Misaki announce that one was over they
moved onto the last one.

Misaki announce that the last one was to make Sasami take a bath. Once Sasami
got over her shock of how Scott knew that she was really going to a concert, she started
her role of refusing to take a bath. When Scott started telling her that it was time to take
a bath, she started refusing. After Scott tried several different ways to make her take a
bath, which all failed, he was down to his last resort. He tried one last time to ask her if
she was going to take a bath and when she said no, he then picked her up and threw her
over his shoulder and started walking up to the door that led to the baths. Everyone
confused at what was going on followed Scott and the struggling Sasami as he walked
into the baths and walked up to one of them. Scott asked her one more time and when
she said no, Scott threw her into the bath. When Sasami resurfaced, she had a shocked
look on her face as did most people that followed them. Scott then placed down the bin
that held her bath supplies and said that he expected her to be started when he returned
with a robe for her to wear when she was finished. When Scott had left, the only thing
that Ryoko could say was that he made sure that Sasami was in the bath. After a few
minutes, Scott returned with a bundle of cloth in his arms.

"I called the others letting them know that part two of the challenge was finished."
Scott said. "I also told the others that the bath was opened for you ladies to take a bath
before we started dinner."

"Dinner, I got to get started on it." Sasami exclaimed when she realized how late
it was.

"Don't worry about it Sasami, I think five guys, six if I can somehow sucker the
Emperor to help out, can make Dinner just fine." Scott said.

After the bath, the females went to the dinning area and saw that Scott didn't get
the Emperor to help out but they had managed to make a dinner. After dinner, Misaki
said that the last part of the challenge would be done tomorrow and that everyone should
get some sleep.

* * * * *

The next morning, after breakfast, everyone was gathered outside to see what the
final part was going to be to the challenge. Misaki then ordered both Scott and Zintu to
step forward and said that the final step was how well the both of them can be up against
the Emperor. Both Scott and Zintu wondered what she meant when she explained that it
was not a fight but how well they can deal with the Emperor’s orders. The first to go was
Zintu and when she stood in front of the Emperor, she knelt and looked down on the
ground. The Emperor then started listing off things he wanted her to do and Zintu only
nodded her head. When the Emperor asked why she wasn't going against some of the
things he asked, she replied the he was her Emperor and she can't go against him. After
the Emperor dismissed her, he called Scott forward. Scott walked up to him and stood
only two steps away from him and stared him in the eyes. The Emperor then listed the
same things off and was shocked, as was everyone else at Scott's reply.

"Blow me." Was all that Scott said as he turned and walked away from the
Emperor.

After everyone got over the shock, Scott explained that since the Emperor wasn't
his emperor, he didn't have to do what he said. So after everything was done and said,
Misaki realized that Scott was the best choice to be the guardian for Sasami and
announced it to the group. Sasami was so over joyed that she ran and grabbed Scott in a
big hug. Misaki then started asking Scott about what he has planned to deal with Sasami.
After Scott informed her of what he was going to do, Misaki nodded her agreement and
wished Scott best of luck in taking care of her. So then the rest of the morning was
dealing with plans on how the household was going to deal with Sasami moving out.
Washu said that once Sasami was finish packing, she could send her stuff to Scott's
apartment and have it waiting there for when they get back. Then there were the grand
farewells and Misaki proceeded to give Scott one of her bear hugs while she was crying
about losing her little girl.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After Scott was done talking, he noticed that some of the Senshi was wide-eyed in
surprise. He then noticed that the two youngest Senshi were talking privately about
something, Mercury kept looking down, blushing every time she noticed that Scott was
looking at her, but the rest seemed to have an indifference at what happened, with a few
still having some hatred at him. There was a moment of silence before it was broken by a
question.

“How did she come into your group?” Venus asked pointing at Miyuki.

“I adopted her before Sasami became my ward.” Scott replied.

“How did that happen?” Saturn asked.

“Well, it happened right when I moved to Tokyo and moved into my shop and
started setting it up.” Scott replied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scott sighed in relief as he put the last of his antique swords on the massive sword
stand, and stepped back to admire his work. He'd finally moved into the shop the day
before, and this morning his first shipment antiques had arrived along with the sword
stand he'd used in his last three shops. He smiled at the way the shop looked and
chuckled when he remembered how helpful Nobuyuki had been when he had shown him
how much renovation the shop he'd bought needed.

Two days later Nobuyuki had come home from work with three concept sketches
of the proposed renovation, and after Scott had chosen the idea he liked, come back with
plans for the job. Scott had been about to hire a contractor, when Washu overruled him,
insisting that he let her do the work. Three days later she had told him the work was done
and, amazed, Scott had gone to Tokyo to inspect the premises. Everything had looked
perfect to him at first and he'd dialed the shrine to congratulate Washu on an excellent job
when he'd noticed that the display room was a little dark for mid-day. Looking up he'd
laughed when he saw that she'd forgotten something. In a very serious tone he asked to
speak to Washu, prayed that he could avoid laughing when he talked to her.

"You really didn't need to thank me on your first day there," Washu told him smugly
when she came on the line. "But I am willing to accept any abject worship that's on
offer."

"I'll keep that in mind," Scott snorted. "If I'm ever in a worshipful mood that is.
Right now though, I'm in more of a 'where the hell is my skylight' kind of mood."

"Where the…what?!"

"My skylight Washu," Scott said, grinning at her confused tone. "There's one on
Nobuyuki's plans, but the shop is distinctly lacking in that feature. What happened? I
thought you were perfect."

"Where was the skylight supposed to be, what shape, and how big?" She replied,
becoming, suddenly, very business like. "Was it tinted? And if so what color and how
dark?" A strange beeping sound could be heard from her end, but Scott ignored it and
took his cue from her.

"Square, six and a half feet to the side, centered on the ceiling of the display room,"
he replied. "Grey photoactive tinting from clear to 75% tint." The last was an addition
he'd wanted to make but been convinced he couldn't afford. The beeping from Washu's
end grew louder suddenly, and Scott jumped when he noticed that the room was brighter.
Looking up in shock, Scott stared at the skylight that now graced the ceiling of his shop
in amazement. Thanking Washu quickly, he hung up and went back to his inspection
tour, looking for anything else he might have missed on the first inspection.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So what does that have to do with Miyuki?" Saturn asked, confused.

"Don't change the subject." Venus said, glaring pointedly at Scott. "Just answer
the question."

"If you'll be patient, I will," Scott replied smiling at their impatient expression,
and Sasami giggling at what Scott said to Washu. "Anyway, I unpacked for the rest of
that afternoon. It was about five o'clock when Miyuki dropped in…"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scott went up to his apartment and made himself some dinner, sighing in relief
when he found the bottle of wine he needed for it in the first crate he opened. Sitting
down, he was about to start eating when he heard the sound of shattering glass from the
shop below. Swearing, he gathered his sword from the corner where he'd put it after
coming upstairs, and drew it as he slipped quietly to the ground floor. Glancing into the
display room, he swore when he saw the huge amount of glass that was laying
everywhere, realizing he'd have to ask Washu to replace the skylight. After making sure
no one was lurking in his workshop, he went into the display hall to see what had
happened. What he saw there caught him by surprise.

Lying in one of the unfinished display cases near the sword stand was a young
boy, unconscious. Sending his sword into subspace, Scott checked the boy for injuries
and, finding none except for some bruises, carried him up to the spare bedroom in his
apartment. After doing his best to make the boy comfortable, Scott went down to the
display room looking for any clues as to what had happened. After a fruitless search, he
decided that his only hope was to wait for the kid to wake up and hope he could fill in the
missing details.

Two hours later, Scott looked up from his laptop when he heard movement in the
guest room. Saving his marketing plan, he walked over to the doorway to check on his
patient. As he came to the door, he heard the boy muttering about 'Akane' and ‘an uncute
tomboy’.

"Glad to see that you're awake," Scott said with a smile, but the only response he
got was a low groan. Grimacing in sympathy for the pain the kid must be experiencing,
Scott went to his bathroom, collected a bottle of pain killers, and brought his patient a
glass of water to down them with. After his guest had taken the pills, Scott helped him sit
up.

"Where..."

"Are you?" Scott supplied, grinning when he nodded. "Don't worry about the
cliché. You're in an apartment in Juuban. You're pretty lucky to be alive too."

"What... What do you mean?"

"When you came through the skylight downstairs, you almost impaled yourself on
a 14th century Spanish rapier." When the boy stared at him in shock, he chuckled. "Do
you have any idea how you got here?"

"All I can really remember is talking to a friend of mine when my fiancée started
yelling at me and the next thing I know, I'm flying through the air toward what, I guess,
was your building. But how could I almost impale myself on a sword?"

"The skylight you fell through is directly above the display room downstairs,"
Scott explained. "I just finished a display of antique swords this morning and you came
down about six inches away from that rapier. My name is Scott Schwartzstern by the
way."

"Ranma Saotome," Ranma replied uncomfortably. Scott smiled at his discomfort
and nodded.

"Well, Ranma Saotome, why don't you take a shower to get the rest of the glass
out of your hair and I’ll work on making us some dinner." Ranma nodded and followed
Scott to the bathroom, started stripping down as Scott went back to the kitchen.

Scott had started a pot of ramen and was trying to figure out what to serve along
with it when he heard a shrill feminine scream from the bathroom. Summoning his
katana, Scott ran to the doorway, and then stopped short when he saw a naked young
female shivering in the bathroom. Whirling around, he cleared his throat.

"Umm, are you okay Ranma?" He asked uncomfortably. "What happened in
there?"

"Th...that w...w...water was f...f...f...f...freezing!" the girl replied through
chattering teeth.

"I guess the water heater still needs some work," Scott apologized, trying to hide
his confusion, and then shrugged slightly. "Why don't you put on that robe that's hanging
on the hook behind the door and come out to the kitchen. Dinner's almost ready."

The girl said something that sounded like agreement and Scott went back to serve
the ramen and rolls that he'd decided on. Once the food was served, he put it on a tray,
and carried it to the table, then sat waiting for Ranma to come out. Five minutes later
Ranma hesitated on the threshold, then sighed and came all the way into the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hold on, I thought you said 'Ranma' was a boy?" Saturn interrupted, confused.
"Where did this girl come from?"

"That was Ranma," Miyuki replied, chuckling when the Senshi stared at them.
"We'll try to explain it as best we can..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After they had been eating in silence for ten minutes, Scott looked up from his
meal and smiled at the single-minded way the girl across from him was demolishing her
food. As if she felt his eyes on her, Ranma paused and looked up at him questioningly.

"What?"

"Nothing, just wondering if you'd like to talk about why you looked like a boy
when you got here and you are obviously a girl now."

"Ummm..." Ranma began uncertainly.

"Why would a girl who obviously could have any guy she wanted, try to make
herself look like a guy," Scott said musingly, then glanced at her questioningly. "Care to
explain?"

"I don't want any guys," Ranma replied in disgust. "What are you, sick?"

"Ah... That explains it," Scott said, coming to a conclusion. "Would I be correct in
assuming that you would prefer a girl?"

"Yeah...I mean... what do you care?"

"Don't worry about it Ranma," Scott chuckled. "So who's Akane?"

"My fiancée," Ranma grumbled, surprising Scott.

"How old are you Ranma?" Scott asked.

"Umm... seventeen," She replied shyly.

"And you're engaged, and unless I miss my guess, to a girl? How did that
happen?"

"My pop set it up," Ranma replied, obviously annoyed. "He didn't even ask me if
wanted to be engaged."

"Ouch, an arranged marriage too?" Scott murmured sympathetically, and then
stopped when he realized something else. "Wait a second, why would your father arrange
a marriage for you with another girl? How does he expect to pull that off?"

"I don't know," Ranma replied uncomfortably. "It's not like I want to be engaged
to that uncute tomboy. She's nothing like what I would have chosen."

"It's obvious that your only problem with the arrangement is that she isn't cute,"
Scott noticed with a wry grin.

"Well... I..."

"Don't worry about it Ranma," Scott said reassuringly. "Not everyone fits
society's idea of normal, but there's nothing wrong with being different. Just with how we
react to it. So relax, I've been around too long for anything to surprise me." He got up and
turned on the electric kettle sitting on the sideboard. "Cocoa or tea?"

"Cocoa please, I don't really want tea right now," Ranma said and blushed at the
way that sounded. Scott smiled and got two mugs from one of the boxes, and rinsed them
out. After scooping the cocoa into them, he added two tablespoons of sugar to each of
them. When the kettle clicked off, Scott poured the boiling water into each mug, and then
added generous lashings of milk to each. Walking back to the table, Scott didn't notice
that the rug under the table had been bunched when the table had been put in its place,
and tripped over the raised edge of the carpet.

The instant she saw what was going on, Ranma dove under the table to avoid the
spray. Unfortunately for her, even though she wasn't hit immediately, the tide of cocoa
hit the centerpiece, and changed direction, and the slightly cooler flow poured down on
top of her head as she came out from under the table. It was still warm enough though.

"Ra...Ranma?" Scott gasped in surprise, as his guest grew six inches and changed
hair colors again.

"Yeah, it's me," Ranma mumbled, embarrassed. "Sorry about this."

"So when did you go to Jusenkyo?" Scott asked, grinning when Ranma stared at
him in shock. "I assume it was Jusenkyo, since that's the only place in existence with this
particular effect. At least I hope it's the only one."

"Umm...it was almost a year and a half ago," Ranma replied, shocked by Scott's
immediate acceptance of the curse. "My pop took me there without really knowing what
it was, and then like a couple of idiots, we completely ignored the guide's warnings. It
was only a matter of time before we both fell in."

"Hmm... rough justice, even if you were partly to blame," Scott murmured. "So
you fell in the spring of drowned girl obviously... but which one did your father fall
into?"

"Spring of Drowned Panda," Ranma said, smiling when Scott got a vicious grin
on his face.

"Well it seems life is fair sometimes after all," Scott laughed, then gave Ranma a
reassuring look when he looked at him questioningly. "Be glad you fell into one that
leaves you in a human form. At least people don't immediately assume that you're a dumb
animal. It must be rough on your dad, but from the little you've told me, he deserves it.
So what's the deal with your fiancée problem?"

"Fiancée problem?!" Ranma growled in annoyance. "The arranged marriage isn't
the half of it. Not satisfied with getting me engaged before I was born; pop agreed for me
to marry a different girl nearly every three months it seems. Besides taking me on a 10
year training journey, he's traded me for food on more than one occasion and made it
impossible for me to see my mom as myself since I got back."

"How did he do that?" Scott asked in surprise "Keep you away from your mom I
mean?"

"Oh, I've seen her since I got back, but she didn't know it was me," Ranma
admitted, then cringed at the surprised look on Scott's face. "She's only seen me in my
cursed form, and until I get cured I can't see her as myself. Cold water is every where."

"What does that have to with it?" Scott said in surprise. "I'd think she would want
to see you, even with your curse, after 10 years."

"I would, if it weren't for the stupid oath my dad made me sign when I was six,"
Ranma sighed, his annoyance obvious. "My mom didn't want to let us leave, but, when it
was obvious pop wouldn't give up the idea, she gave him an ultimatum. If he were going
to take me away from her for so long, he would sign an oath that if I did not return as a
man among men he would commit seppuku. My dad changed it though. He set it up that
both of us signed the oath. Now, he keeps telling me that if she ever finds out about the
curse we'll both have to commit seppuku."

"Ouch, no wonder you've been staying in your cursed form around her," Scott
exclaimed with a shudder. "Since you obviously went on the trip, the oath must be in
force, though I doubt your mom would hold you to it in this case. It's not like you can
control the change after all."

"Yeah, but I don't remember my mom all that well, and my pop acts like she
might actually make us do it if she catches us. He remembers her better than I do, so I
don't want to risk it."

"That might be a good idea," Scott conceded, thinking. "In your father's case
though, he's probably right. Your predicament is his fault in a way, and even if she
doesn't hold you to that oath, she could still hold him to it. All in all, I wouldn't suggest
letting her know where he is yet."

"No kidding," Ranma laughed. "I just wish I could talk to her about stuff. I mean
she could probably tell me how to fix this fiancée problem with out hurting them too
much, and there are a lot of things about my female form that I can't talk to my dad
about."

"Ah... girl stuff," Scott said sagely. "Sorry Ranma can't help you there. I've
avoided being engaged for most of my life, so I can't really tell you how to get out of one
honorably. I can give you a ride back to wherever you're staying though. I'm sure they are
wondering where you are by now, and besides, I have a feeling I want to talk to your dad
for a bit."

"What for?"

"Somebody needs to," Scott replied seriously. "It's obvious that he's going to
continue destroying your life unless he's stopped."

"Why should you care?" Ranma demanded defensively. "You didn't even know
that I existed until I fell through your skylight."

"Very true," Scott agreed easily. "But once I'm made aware of a problem this
serious I can't just let it lie. I have to do something; it’s sort of my personality."

"Like what?" Ranma barked. "What makes you think that he would even listen to
you?"

"You might have a point..." Scott muttered to himself. "Okay Ranma, you know
him pretty well, what would be the best way for me to get him to listen to me?"

"Unless you challenged him, he'd ignore you completely." Ranma grumbled. "He
doesn't recognize any authority except for someone who beats him."

"He's that thick headed huh? But if he's that arrogant, why would he listen after I
beat him?"

"If you could he might... But I wouldn't count on winning though. My dad is
pretty good. Only Happosai and I have beaten him, and Happosai is out of town."

"I guess I'll have to change that then.” Scott said as he stood up. He was about to
say ‘Let's go’, when he realized that Ranma was still in his robe. “You might want to
change back into your clothes, if you need a set, I can spare you one?”

“That’s all right.” Ranma said as he went back to the bathroom to change into his
clothes again. After he was changed, he met back up with Scott by the door to the
apartment.

"When do you plan to fight my dad?" Ranma asked as they walked down the
stairs. "Maybe you should spar with me tomorrow before you challenge him. That way I
can tell you if you stand a chance."

"You're pretty arrogant yourself Ranma," Scott growled mockingly, and then
smiled when Ranma glanced at him uncomfortably. "If you think I need to spar with you
before I challenge your dad, I guess I'll wait. So where am I taking you?"

"Nerima," Ranma replied, slightly relieved, as they came up to Scott's Mini.
"We're staying at the Tendo family's dojo." Scott nodded, and then drove toward the
other district, following Ranma's directions once they were close by. A short time later,
he pulled up in front of the dojo.

“Would it be okay if I came in?" Scott asked as Ranma got out of the car. "I'd like
to at least meet one of your Fiancées."

"No problem, just be careful," Ranma replied. "I get ambushed around here a lot."
Ranma opened the gate and led the way toward the house. They had almost made it to the
steps when Scott felt the hair at the base of his neck stand on end, and dove to the side.
Two foot-long steel spikes buried themselves in the wall where his head would have
been. Cursing viciously, Scott summoned his sword from subspace and stayed in a
defensive crouch. Ranma whirled around angrily and glared at the man standing at the
top of the gate.

“Mousse, you moron, that wasn't me, put your glasses back on!" After the young
man had his glasses on, he jumped and gasped when he saw that he had attacked a
European.

“My apologies sir, I couldn't see clearly." Mousse blurted apologetically.

"So I noticed," Scott said with a smile. "No harm done though." Scott looked at
him for a short time then spoke to him in Chinese. "Why would a male Jyoketsuzoku be
in Japan though? I thought the Elders had decreed that the males were to remain in the
village."

"The Matriarch gave me permission to pursue my fiancée to this land."

"Then why are you assaulting outsiders?" Scott asked curiously. "I doubt the
Matriarch would be pleased if she knew about it."

"But... She does... How does an outsider know of these things?" Mousse
demanded defensively. "Who are you?!"

"I am Aki-Ra of the Jyoketsuzoku, and the eldest member of the clan," Scott
replied, amused by Mousse's reaction. "You would be Mu-Tse, a descendent of Chav-
Fom, correct?"

"How..."

"I know this because you use the hidden weapon techniques of his family. You
were saying that the Matriarch knows what you are doing. How is that possible? You are
here and she is in Qinghai, isn't she?"

"Matriarch Kho-lon is here in Nerima honored elder," Mousse replied, suddenly
realizing that there was only one way Scott would know all of these things. "Are you
Aki-Ra the chosen?" The awed expression on his face was comical.

"What are you guys talkin' about?" Ranma blurted in confusion. "Do you know
each other or somethin'?"

"In a way Ranma," Scott replied, giving Mousse a cautioning look. "Mousse and I
were only discussing why he is here."

"Oh he's one of the guys that want to kill me over one of the girls I'm engaged to."

"This would be your fiancée, Mu-Tse?” Mousse nodded and Scott chuckled.
“Seems like you have a valid grievance then. How can Ranma satisfy your honor?”

“Hey, wait a second here, why do I have to satisfy his honor?” Ranma protested,
annoyed. “I didn't do nothin' to him. I beat Shampoo in a fair fight.”

“Ahh it all becomes clear,” Scott said, understanding the situation, then thought of
something. “Which form were you in when you beat this girl?”

“I was female, why? What difference does it make?”

“It makes a difference, believe me.” Scott replied. “And when did this happen?”

“Over a year ago honored elder,” Mousse supplied. Scott stared at him for several
seconds then frowned.

“Inform Kho-lon that Aki-Ra is coming later to discuss a matter of dishonor with
her,” Scott said in Chinese, glaring down Mousse's question. Mousse bowed silently in
acceptance and jumped over the wall.

“Man, what did you say to him?”

“Just gave him a message for a mutual friend,” Scott said his expression bland.
“How long has that been going on?”

“Almost nine months,” Ranma admitted with a shudder. “He's been attacking me
and just about everyone else ever since he got here.”

“Why everyone else?”

“He usually can't see them 'cause he's not wearing his glasses

“I can see how that would be a problem.” By this time, the pair was at the front
door, and Ranma opened it, announcing his arrival. As they walked into the lounge, a
young girl charged at Ranma yelling, “Ranma you jerk, where have you been!” Scott
stared as an irate brunette attacked Ranma.

“Akane, will you cut it out?” Ranma growled. "You’re the one who sent me to
Juuban." The girl stared at him in shock until Scott cleared his throat.

"Oh my, we have a guest," A taller young woman said, coming into the room with
an apron on. "Ranma, who is your friend?"

"Oh this is..." Ranma stuttered to a stop, Scott's name slipping his mind. At a
pleading look from Ranma, Scott finished for him."

"Scott Schwartzstern Miss, I'm the owner of the shop where Ranma crash landed."

"Oh my, I hope nothing was damaged."

"Not really, were in the middle of renovations," Scott assured her. "Ranma was
very lucky when he landed though."

"Lucky?" A man asked as he entered the room. He resembled the two girls
enough that Scott decided he was their father. "How do you mean?"

"Mr. Tendo, if Ranma had landed eighteen inches to the right, your daughter
Akane would be on trial for murder." The man's shocked expression told Scott that he'd
gotten his message across. Akane was another matter.

"Why would I be on trial? What did I do?"

"You, Miss Tendo, knocked Ranma flying through a skylight and into a room
where several extremely sharp weapons are on display. Eighteen inches away from where
Ranma landed I had just set up a rack of fourteenth-century swords. If he had landed on
them, he would most likely be dead right now."

"But that was his fault."

"Did he ask you to knock him flying? Did he order you to knock him out?"

"N...No."

"What right do you have to say these things?" Soun demanded, angry at the tone
Scott was taking with his daughter.

"Someone has to Mr. Tendo. If your daughter doesn't learn to control her temper,
she will kill someone."

"Ranma, you jerk!" Akane yelled pulling a mallet out of thin air and started
chasing Ranma around the yard. Scott stared after them, and then swore softly when
Akane missed and destroyed a stone sculpture. Summoning his katana, Scott moved
toward the path they were taking. Ranma and Akane ran by, and Scott brought his sword
down on the handle of her mallet, cutting it cleanly.

Akane swung what was left of her mallet and fell over, unbalanced by the change
in it. "Wha...What?" She gasped staring at the cut off end of the handle.

"Miss Tendo, I will say this one more time. You must learn to control your
temper. One day you will attack someone and no-one will be able to stop you from
killing them. Didn't anyone ever teach you that the martial arts are only for defense?"

"Of course they did!"

"Then you obviously didn't learn the lesson," Scott replied flatly. "If you can't
learn it, you have no business learning an art that gives you access to hammer space.
Seems I’ll have to have a word with your Sensei along with Mr. Saotome. This kind of
thing cannot be allowed to continue. You’re a menace to everyone around you."

As Scott said these words, she gasped and then glared at Ranma. Scott glared at
her and then saw a bright red glow appear around Akane and swore as he realized what it
was. “Great move Scott just had to antagonize another high powered martial arts, didn’t
you?” With a sigh, Scott banished his Katana and prepared himself for the attack he
knew was coming. He didn’t have to wait long.

With an incoherent snarl, Akane launched herself into a vicious attack which
Scott managed to block, using some of the techniques he developed over the centuries he
spent with the Nashimoto’s. Blocking the girl’s punches repeatedly, Scott began to
notice that her inability to hit him only made her angrier, and as her temper went out of
control, her attacks became even wilder. Sensing his opportunity, Scott grabbed her
over extended arm and flipped her through the air into the Koi pond. She came up
spluttering and gaped at Scott.

“Now that you have cooled down, you must learn to control your anger, Akane
Tendo.” He said solemnly as she made her way out of the water. “If you allow it to rule
you, it will always lead to your defeat.”

“And you are, young man?” Soun asked, his mustache almost standing on end
from what he saw.

“I am sorry for not introducing myself earlier; my name is Scott Schwartzstern,
sir.” Scott replied with a slight bow.

“As you probably figured out, my name is Soun Tendo, owner and Sensei of this
Dojo.” Soun said a little startled by what Scott had done. “What are you doing here?”

“He was just bringing me back, Mr. Tendo.” Ranma explained simply. “I
crashed through his skylight earlier today.”

“Apparently, Mr. Tendo, your daughter Akane was responsible for Ranma’s crash
landing.” Scott said with an angry look at Akane. “She’s not entirely to blame, but if
Ranma hadn’t been extremely lucky, he would have died.” Akane looked on in horror as
an older girl, who had just entered the yard, gasped.

“What … what do you mean?” The girl asked staring at Ranma. “What
happened?”

“Uhh …” Ranma started saying but really didn’t know how to tell Nabiki what
happened.

“When Ranma landed, he just missed impaling himself on a sword display I had
set up.” Scott explained grimly to Nabiki.

“And how is Akane responsible for that?” Nabiki asked.

“She’s the one that knocked me flying.” Ranma finished for Scott. “I was asking
Ukyo about an assignment I missed because of that loser Kuno, and Akane started yelling
at me for ‘Flirting’ with Ukyo. Next thing I know, I’m flying towards Schwartzstern-
san’s skylight.”

“Ranma you …” Akane began angrily, only to be stopped by a flare of electric
blue light from Scott.

“Mr. Tendo, for your daughter’s safety and that of those around her, I would
suggest that you teach her to control her temper.” Scott bit out with a glare at the girl.
“And if you can’t, find someone who can before she kills somebody.” Without waiting
for a response, Scott turned and went back to his car. As he drove off, he swore at
himself for almost losing his own temper, something he hadn’t done in over 2000 years.

##################################

Light flashed off his sword blade as Gerrek Bontrager circled his opponent
warily, expecting an attack at any minute. Several seconds later it materialized and
Gerrek parried it, but not well enough. The sword slapped down on his wrist and in a
fury, Gerrek ignored the sword masters command, attacked in retaliation. His opponent
backed away in surprise as he continued to attack.

Suddenly he felt a searing pain in his arm and heard a sickening crack as a
practice blade came down on his sword arm. His sword fell from his hand as he stared at
his broken arm and then looked up into the outraged face of the sword master. Gerrek
bowed his head in shame as he realized what he’d done.

“Prince or no, Planetary Knight or no, I will not have a student of mine flying into
mindless rages.” Master Hayden growled, his dueling scars standing out brightly. “You
have until your arm heals to learn that control is stronger than fury.” With that, he turned
back to his other students and ignored Gerrek as he slowly walked from the room,
cradling his broken arm.

####################################

Scott sighed as he came back to his building, and then smiled when he saw that
there was a message waiting for him. Expecting a call from the Misaki Shrine, he was
surprised to hear an unfamiliar voice. After hearing the message out, he pressed the
repeat button and listened to the message carefully.

“Hello Mr. Bontrager, I’m calling to inform you that Mr. Seeger will be
unavailable for the next month.” The woman started. “I will be taking over his duties in
the interim. Please call me to arrange a meeting.”

She gave a phone number that placed her in Juuban ward and hung up. Scott
chuckled at the uncertain note in her voice as she’d asked for the meeting. He didn’t
blame her for being uncertain, due to the fact that Scott knew about his Watcher and to let
him know what was going on. Dialing the number, he listened to it ring.

“Moshi Moshi, Saotome residence.” A woman’s voice answered.

“Hello Ma’am, this is Gerrek Bontrager.” Scott replied. “I’m calling as you
requested, to arrange our meeting. Would tomorrow about one o’clock be alright? That
way we can meet over lunch.”

“That would be fine, Mr. Bontrager.” She replied a little surprised. “I look
forward to it, but where shall we meet?”

“Someplace nearby, I think.” Scott replied, naming a restaurant. After she
agreed, they hung up and Scott went back to unpacking.

* * * * *

Scott drove his vintage Mini up to the entrance to “Monterey Bay Canners’, a
restaurant that looked a little out of place on the Yokohama coast road. The building was
forcefully American in design, so much so that Scott had to remind himself to speak
Japanese.

“May I help you sir?” The perky young hostess asked as he came into the
restaurant lobby.

“Yes you may, Kimiko-chan.” Scott replied, reading the name on her tag. “My
name is Schwartzstern, and I have a reservation for two in a private room.”

“Of course sir, your party has not arrived yet. Would you like to wait inside?”

“If it’s all right?” Scott said, returning her smile. “Might I have a plate of rolls
while I wait?”

“Absolutely sir.” She said, bowing as she left. A short time later, she returned
and led him to his private room. After she left, a young woman in traditional clothing
entered with his rolls, set them on the table, and left silently. Ten minutes later, the
hostess ushered his guest in and bowed herself out.

“Mrs. Saotome, I presume.” Scott said, rising to his feet and bowing. As she
returned his bow, he observed a bound bundle on her back that he recognized as a Katana
in its traveling case.

“And you are Mr. Bontrager?” She asked curiously, examining him. Taking the
opportunity, he looked her over as well.

She was tall for a woman in Japan, about 5’ 7” tall. She looked to be in her late
thirties or early forties with no gray in her hair. It was her eyes that surprised him; they
were a startling blue that he’d only seen once before, though he couldn’t remember where
at the moment.

“I am.” He replied, motioning to a cushion across the table from him. “Please,
sit. Is there anything in particular you would like or would you rather I ordered for you?”

“If you would, my only preference is something that is grilled rather than fried.”
Scott nodded, and when the waitress returned, ordered grilled fish and clam chowder as a
started with more rolls. After the young woman left, he turned back to find Mrs.
Saotome staring at him.

“You have some questions?” Scott asked.

“Yes I do. Just how old are you, Mr. Bontrager?” Mrs. Saotome replied.

“Please, call me Scott.” Scott requested, wincing when she called him that. “The
name you’ve been using brings back some bad memories. As to my age, I’ll be around
2022 this year, give or take a couple of years.”

“Why give or take a couple of years?” She asked.

“Year zero is still debatable.” Scott said smiling.

“Amazing.” She replied, shaking her head. “You look almost the same age as my
son, Ranma, would be.”

“Your son, Mrs. Saotome?”

“Please, since you are my Elder, call me Nodoka.” Nodoka said, smiling at how
strange that the fact seemed. “My husband and our son left on a training journey almost
eleven years ago. My husband was never much for writing, but he normally sent me
status reports every six months.”

“I take it from your wording that he hasn’t done so lately.” Scott pointed out. “If
you don’t mind my asking, can you think of a reason he would stop?”

“Other than their sudden death, which doesn’t bear thinking of, the only reason I
can think of is something happening to our son.”

“Like what?” Scott asked, trying to draw her out.

“I don’t know.” She sighed, obviously worried. “You must think me very
foolish.”

“Only concerned.” Scott said with an assuring smile. “Can you think of any
other reason he would stop writing without anything happening to either of them? Some
reason he would be afraid of you finding him? Or them?”

“Not rea …” Nodoka stopped, a realization coming into her eyes. “The oath …”
She whispered.

“What oath?” Scott asked, sounding surprised. Nodoka looked a little guilty, and
then glanced up at him in surprise.

“Why have I been talking to you about this?” She gasped horrified. “This wasn’t
what I intended at all.”

“I’m sorry if you feel it was wrong for me to ask that.” Scott apologized. “I only
have one question before we change the subject though.”

“And that is?”

“If something beyond their control endangered this oath you mentioned, would
your husband try to hide from you?” He asked, watching for her reaction. She
considered the question for several seconds, and then nodded.

“Yes he would, for fear I would hold him to it.” She admitted softly.

“And would you?”

“It would depend on what it was.” Nodoka replied grimly.

“What about your son?”

“That was Genma’s addition to the oath.” Nodoka growled before she
remembered who she was talking to. “I could hardly hold Ranma responsible for
something his father forced on him at the age of six, especially if it was beyond his
control, it would not be just.”

“I agree.” Scott replied, nodding. “Now you said that you weren’t intending to
talk about this, so why don’t you tell me why you asked for this meeting.”

“I don’t really know.” Nodoka said uncomfortably, shifting in her seat. “Al had
to go to Sweden for a month and asked me to take over his duties with you. What I don’t
understand is why he told me to meet with you as soon as possible. It’s almost against
regulations.”

“The reason is that Al and I have a different relationship from most Immortals and
Watchers, since I obviously know I’m being watched, but I’ve known that for several
centuries. What makes us different is that Al doesn’t try to hide from me, and I don’t try
to hide from him. It makes things much easier for both of us.”

“It’s still strange.” Nodoka replied shaking her head. “But then someone senior
enough to be watching an Ancient Immortal probably has a lot of leeway in how he does
his work.”

“Please, I am old, but don’t call me ancient.” Scott groaned. “It makes me feel
like I should be a fossil in a museum.”

“I apologize.” Nodoka said contritely. “Well, do you have anything interesting to
report? Any kills lately?”

“I haven’t had a kill in almost two hundred years.” Scott laughed, and then
shifted to a safer topic when the waitress entered with their food. After she left, he kept
conversation on safe ground for the rest of the meal.

* * * * *

With a sigh, Scott got out of his mini and rang the bell at the Tendo’s gate,
smiling with the eldest girl from the other day before answered.

“Hello Miss Tendo,” He said, bowing as required. “Is Ranma home yet?”

“Oh, yes Mr. Schwartzstern.” She said smiling sincerely. “He’s waiting for you
in the Dojo.”

“Thank you, Miss Tendo.”

“You’re welcome, but please, call me Kasumi.” She replied. “It’s strange for
someone to call me Miss Tendo. No one else does.”

“Of course, if you would prefer that.”

Kasumi smiled and nodded, and then led the way to the Dojo. After thanking
Kasumi for her help, he knocked on the door frame, and then entered the Dojo. Ranma
was in his cursed form and involved in an intricate pattern attack on an imaginary
opponent as Scott watched amazed. He noticed the blending and combination of attacks
from different schools and styles. One particular technique caught Scott’s attention, and
as Ranma repeated it, he smiled, realizing that someone had taught him some of the
Jyoketsuzoku secret techniques. Techniques that were restricted to the tribe on pain of
death for whoever was caught teaching them to outsiders. Whoever was after Ranma,
they had made a serious mistake somewhere. Since Scott was preoccupied with thoughts
of this meant to help the situation, it was a few minutes before Ranma noticed that Scott
was there.

“Oh hi.” Ranma greeted Scott, smiling in welcome. “Are you sure you want to
do this? There’s really no reason you should challenge my pop.”

“Are you saying that he’ll listen to me if I don’t?”

“No but …”

“Then let’s get on with this.” Scott said firmly. “Someone has to make your
father see reason. If he won’t listen to you, I guess I’m nominated.”

“Okay, it’s your funeral.” Ranma said, giving up.

She bowed and then while Scott was still bowing, launched an attack. Ranma
expected Scott to at least lose his balance as he had to deal with the unexpected attack,
but Scott simply wasn’t there when Ranma’s attack arrived, and Ranma had to dive away
to avoid Scott’s counter attack. They circled each other for several seconds until Scott
launched another attack, raising the stakes a little. Ranma’s eyebrows went up and she
responded with an escalation of her own, amazed when Scott responded in kind.

Thinking to gain the advantage, Ranma took to the air, but Scott smiled and
adjusted his defense. Again they were at a stalemate and their attacks became more and
more complex as the fight continued. Scott smiled when Ranma began using the
Jyoketsuzoku secret techniques, and his grin got wider when Ranma saw the he was
countering them. A little confused, Ranma backed off a little and noticed the grin.

“What’s so funny?” Ranma asked.

“I’m just wondering who taught you the Jyoketsuzoku secret techniques.” Scott
answered; laughing when he saw Ranma’s amazed expression. “I told you, I’ve been
around. Anyway, I need to know where to find them.” Scott signaled an end to the fight
and Ranma relaxed.

“Uhh, Cologne and Shampoo own a café here in Nerima.” Ranma replied,
confused. “Why do you want to find them?”

“I need to find out if they have some information I’m looking for.” Scott said
evasively. When Ranma looked at him expectantly, he sighed and then shrugged.
“Alright, I’m trying to do some research on a possible cure I’ve heard of for your
condition.”

“A … a cure?” Ranma gasped. “No more curse?”

“I don’t want to get your hopes up, but if I’m right, you won’t have to worry
about that oath anymore. Not that you had anything to worry about.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t ask me how, but I ran into your mother earlier today.” Scott admitted, and
then tried to reassure Ranma. “Don’t worry; I didn’t tell her about your problem or that I
even knew you. But from things she said, I gather you don’t have anything to worry
about. Your father might, but I think it should be safe to visit with her somewhere on
neutral ground. You can use my place if you like.”

“I’ll think about it.” Ranma said finally, after thinking about the offer. She gave
Scott directions to the Neko-Hatten and let him out of the front gate. Before Scott got
into his car, he stopped and turned back to Ranma.

“So what’s the verdict?” Scott asked curiously. “Will I be able to beat your
father?”

“Sure, if he can’t get away.” Ranma answered honestly. “I still think you should
wait though. Pop is very good at escapes.”

“I’ll just have to make sure that he can’t go anywhere.” Scott decided, and then
shrugged. “Oh well, if you decide that you want to meet with your mother, just give me a
call and I’ll set it up.”

Ranma accepted his card, and then Scott drove away. Ten minutes later, he
pulled up in front of the Neko-Hatten. As he got out of his car, he smiled as he
recognized some of the architecture in the building. Walking up to the door, he opened it
and walked in. The café was full of customers and Scott smiled when he saw the
waitress.

“Welcome to Neko-Hatten.” She said leading him to a table. “Shampoo take
your order now, yes?”

“That’s alright Xian-pu.” Scott replied in Chinese. “I’m here to speak to Kho-
lon. Please tell her that Aki-Ra is here.”

“Why do you want to see her?” Shampoo demanded in the same language. “My
great-grandmother is very busy.”

“Just tell her I’m here.” Scott sighed. “I’m sure she’ll want to see me.”

Shampoo looked at him for several seconds, and then shrugged and went into the
back. She could be heard talking to someone for several seconds. When the other person
yelped and an instant later an old lady came out of the kitchen with Shampoo right behind
her, and ran directly to Scott’s table.

“Well, Aki-ra, I see you haven’t changed much.” She said looking him over.
“Mu-Tse said you wanted to talk to me. So what do we owe the honor of this visit?”

“Why have you been teaching an outsider the secret techniques, Kho-lon?” He
asked pointedly. Shampoo stared at him in surprise, waiting for her grandmother to put
him in his place. She didn’t.

“Who are you speaking of?”

“Ranma Saotome.”

“Ah, but you see, he is not an outsider.” Cologne replied with a smirk. “In his
female form, he defeated Shampoo, then again in his male form, which makes him a
member of the tribe.”

“Then why is she trying to force him to marry her?” Scott demanded angrily,
glaring at the older woman, who to Shampoo’s surprise bowed her head in shame. “The
Law is very specific about this. No member of the tribe shall be forced into marriage by
another member of the tribe.”

“You and I both know that was a protection for the sisters of the tribe.”

“Maybe. But it says a member of the tribe, and your grandmother made the males
members of the tribe shortly after I arrived. So you can stop trying to convince me that
the law doesn’t apply to males. It doesn’t wash with me.”

“Great-grandmother, who is this man?” Shampoo demanded, amazed that the
Matriarch was letting a mere male talk to her with such a lack of deference. “Why do
you let him talk to you like this? You are the Matriarch.”

“Because I’m her Godfather and she doesn’t have a choice,” Scott said with an
amused smile. “It doesn’t surprise me that she is the Matriarch though. I could see that
coming when she was three years old.” Shampoo stared at him in shock, unable to
believe what she was hearing.

“Stop teasing the child Aki-ra.” Cologne replied severely, and then smiled. “I
gather from your questions that you have an interest in Ranma Saotome, why? Is he one
of the Chosen?”

“Not that I’m aware of.” Scott replied warily. “That is neither here nor there
however. I’m sorry Kho-lon, but unless Ranma agrees of his own free will, I can not
permit Xian-pu to continue courtship. As the oldest member of the Jyoketsuzoku, it is
my right.” Shampoo stared at Scott for several seconds, and then gasped as Cologne
bowed in acceptance.

“As you wish, Elder.” The old woman said in resignation.

“But Great-grandmother …”

“Hush child, Aki-ra has only set conditions on the courtship that restore our honor
and that of the Jyoketsuzoku. I would be foolish to override him. You may still marry
the young man my dear, it must simply be his choice now. Remember, however, no
coercion of any kind is permitted. I will not have a member of the tribe behaving like
that scoundrel, Happosai. Is that understood?” Shampoo nodded reluctantly and
Cologne turned back to Scott. “Is there anything else Aki-ra?”

“I need to know if the tribe is aware of a cure for the curses of Jusenkyo.” Scott
replied, smiling when Cologne blinked. “I’m positive I read something about it in one of
the histories, something about Yvarlin finding one.”

“I know of the history you speak of.” Cologne said nodding. “However that
procedure is not precisely a cure, which is why I hesitated to use it in Saotome’s case or
my great-grandchild.”

“What do you mean?”

“It merely divides the original and cursed form into two individuals.” Cologne
explained. “The record said that the original form was completely intact, but the cursed
form ran off and was found dead several days later. We don’t know what memories if
any reside in the cursed fragment. It could have none at all, it could be the one with the
memories, or …”

“Or?”

“Or the memories could be duplicated, in which case, you would be sentencing
him to a life in a female body at the same time you free him from his curse. It was
because of that uncertainty that the Jyoketsuzoku haven’t used that procedure anymore.”
Cologne finished. “That last way was why I hesitated to use it. Ranma deserves the right
to choose, if that is the case and I was looking for subtle methods that could be used
without causing him undue suffering.”

“I will ask him.” Scott decided, deep in thought. “Do you have everything the
procedure calls for if he decides to go through with it?”

“No, but it should only take two weeks to gather those I do not have. I will begin
preparations after we close. Do you still have that incense burner?”

“Yes.”

“I will need that.”

“Okay, I’ll bring it.” Scott said and then smiled. “But do not think that
separating his forms will remove his protection in the law. As he is a member of the tribe
now, both he and his female twin will be members of the tribe afterward. And you can
also forget any idea you have of Shampoo killing the girl. We both know that if both the
warrior and she who defeated her expend their best efforts and both survive for a year,
they are both accepted into the tribe.” Cologne nodded. Her look of consternation
comical, as Shampoo stared at this man who knew their law and overruled her great-
grandmother. Scott gave her a card and asked her to call when everything was ready.

As he drove back to his shop, Scott mused about how time passed so quickly and
the changes it made in everyone he knew. With a sigh, he climbed out of his car and
went into the shop to finish the work he’d planned for the day, hoping there wouldn’t be
anymore interruptions.

* * * * *

After the Neko-Hatten had closed upped, Shampoo went over to her great-
grandmother to find out about the person who had visited them earlier in the day.

“Great-grandmother, who were you talking to?” Shampoo asked.

“I figured you would want an explanation.” Cologne said and smiled when
Shampoo nodded her head. “You remember the stories about the ‘Chosen Ones’?”

“Yes. They’ve been known to show up in our village from time to time.”
Shampoo started saying, then realization dawns on her. “He’s one of them, isn’t he?”

“Very good, yes he is.”

“But why is he your ‘God-father’?”

“Do you remember the story of the berserker that almost eliminated our village?”

“Yes. Wasn’t it because of that person we had to review our laws regarding
outsiders?”

“Yes, that person.”

“But what does that have to do with calling that ‘Chosen One’ Godfather?”
Shampoo asked in confusion. Cologne just looked at her. “You’re saying that the
berserker and the Chosen One is the same person.”

“Yes I am.”

“But why are you being friendly with him after what he did?”

“There are two reasons. The first is because we started it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Tell me, what would you do if someone killed the man you were going to marry
before you got married, right before your eyes?”

“I would kill the person responsible.” Shampoo said angrily, but then realized
what Cologne was getting at. “You mean …”

“Yes, we killed his fiancée and it hit him pretty hard, considering that was the
third fiancée he had that got killed in front of him before he got married.” Cologne said,
and Shampoo gulps at that realization. “He had taken out over half the village before we
stopped him.”

“What was the second thing?” Shampoo asked, dreading the answer.

“He was there to help my mother give birth to me.”

“What happened?” Shampoo asked with surprise at what Cologne said.

“My mother was very pregnant with me when he attacked. He chased my mother
until the ground gave out from under them. In the chaos, my mother was able to kill him
and then tried to get out of the cavern she was in. But as she was wandering out, the
ledge she was on, gave out from under her, but he had caught her before she fell to her
death. The shock of almost falling started the labor. My mother was reluctant to let him
help, but in the end, he helped. To end it, he had a talk with the remaining Elders and
was concluded that he had to stay for five years to help us, while we sent an apology to
the girl’s family for what we done. He was named my Godfather because he was there
for the birth of me.”

“Whoa.” Shampoo said surprised at that realization.

“Come childe, let’s finish closing up and I’ll tell you more about him.” Cologne
said. So the both of them started to finish cleaning and locking the place up for the
evening. During their cleaning, Cologne had told Shampoo that there were only seven
people around at the present that could defeat her, and Scott was one of them. Shampoo
was surprised at what her Great-grandmother told her.

* * * * *

Scott worked for the rest of that day and slept peacefully. After getting up and
going through his morning workout, he went down to the shop and spent the entire
morning sorting antiques and setting up displays. He was almost done when he heard a
knock at the front door. Looking through the glass, he saw that it was Ranma and opened
the door.

“What a surprise.” Scott said, bowing. “How was school today?” His raised
eyebrow indicated that he knew school wasn’t out yet.

“Umm … I kinda got tired of waiting to talk to you about your offer.” Ranma
replied uncomfortably.

“I’m not your father Ranma, so what you do is your problem.” Scott chuckled
with a shrug. “You know where you should be. Anyway, you were talking about my
offer. I assume you mean my offer to help you get in contact with your mother. When
and where?”

“Hold on! I still haven’t decided whether or not I want to do this yet.” Ranma
protested. “Are you sure she won’t make me kill myself if she finds out about the curse.
My pop was pretty upset when I told him what I was planning.”

“As I told you when I mentioned it yesterday, I doubt you have anything to worry
about, but I can’t say the same for your father.” Scott explained, stressing the difference.
“The impression I got was that she might hold him responsible, even if it wasn’t his fault,
probably because he forced her to let you go on the trip.”

“You mean she would …”

“Oh, she probably won’t make him kill himself.” Scott reassured him with a
smile. “She will probably think his curse is punishment enough for his foolishness. But
it would probably be better not let her know where he is at for the moment. We wouldn’t
want her to do something she’ll regret later.”

“How are you going to explain the fact that you know me and you didn’t mention
it before?” Ranma asked, relaxing some of his tension. “She’ll probably ask you about
it, and I’ll need to know the story.”

“The best lies are 90% true.” Scott said with a grin. “After my conversation with
her yesterday, you dropped in on me and I took you home, made the connection and
offered to put you in touch with her. You talked to me today and asked me to set it up.”
Ranma blinked and returned Scott’s grin.

“Wow, that’s almost what happened.” He blurted out in awe. “When do you
think she’ll be here?”

“How about seven?” Scott suggested with an ironic tone of voice. “That way you
can finish the school day and get your detention over with. If you want, I’ll help you
with your homework before she gets here.”

“Thanks, but why are you helping me so much?” Ranma asked, confused. “You
only met me a couple of days ago.”

“Ranma, I know what it’s like to grow up without roots.” Scott replied seriously.
“At times like this you need friends wherever you can find them. I’d just like to be your
friend.”

“Why?” Ranma demanded, appalled. “I’m constantly getting attacked by crazy
people. My dad sells me for fish and pickles, and I have four girls that think I’m their
personal property, not to mention other girls who appear at random to demand that I
marry them. My life’s a disaster, why would you want to be my friend?” Scott smiled at
the depressed expression on Ranma’s face and touched his shoulder in sympathy.

“Ranma, you know that none of that is your fault.” Scott laughed, and then
stopped when he saw Ranma wince. “What’s wrong?”

“Some of it is my fault.” Ranma sighed, looking at the ground. “I could at least
have made a decision about those four girls. It’s just that I don’t want to hurt anyone’s
feelings.”

“The longer it goes on, the more likely they are to get hurt, Ranma.” Scott said
gently. “Don’t be too hard on yourself though, they would have been hurt even if you
had broken it off at the beginning. What you need to do is consider whether or not you
want to continue any of the relationships you’ve got right now. If you do, you’ve got
some work to do, because from your descriptions, none of them are what I’d call
healthy.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“Anyway, I’ll take you back to school now.” Scott said, picking his keys up from
the counter. “You don’t have to make any decisions about your life immediately, just
think. I’ll call your mother after I drop you off.” Ranma nodded and got into Scott’s car.

After Scott had dropped Ranma off, he went back to the shop and dialed
Nodoka’s number.

“Moshi, moshi.”

“Hello Nodoka, this is Scott Schwartzstern.” He said in reply. “I’m calling to
find out if you would be able to come to my shop tonight around seven.”

“Why?” Nodoka asked in surprise. “I thought you said you lead a quiet life.
What’s so important that we have to meet tonight?”

“Well, this actually has more to do with you than me.” Scott replied, giving her
the story that he and Ranma had agreed on. “He asked me to arrange the meeting since I
know you a little better than he does.”

“Ran … Ranma?” She gasped, and then fell silent for several moments. Scott
waited patiently and smiled when she started speaking again. “How do I get to your
shop?” After giving her directions, he hung up and went back to organizing the shop.

* * * * *

Scott was waiting, as planned, outside the gates of Furinkan High School, when
the students who had detention came out. As the students filed past him, he was drawn to
the sound of an argument at the school door. He sighed when he saw that it was Ranma
and Akane, he also noticed another girl with long brown hair, and what looked like a
giant spatula strapped to her back, standing nearby with a satisfied smile on her face.
Grumbling to himself, Scott made his way towards the arguing couple and arrived in time
to hear Ranma’s ultimate insult.

“Listen you uncute tomboy, I am not going to Ukyo’s or to Shampoo’s tonight.
I’m going to meet someone vital to my existence.”

“Ranma you jerk!” Akane shouted and Scott swore as a mallet appeared in her
hands. Summoning his sword, he cut the head of the mallet off as she brought it back to
smash Ranma. Akane whirled around, and then stopped as Scott glared at her.

“Miss Tendo, I believe we’ve had this discussion before.” Scott growled as
Akane lowered her head in shame. “I’m beginning to think that you have something of a
sadistic streak in you. I doubt Ranma wants to have his skull crushed.”

“No, Schwartzstern-san, he doesn’t.” Akane sighed, and then became defensive.
“But why won’t he tell me where he’s going? It’s my turn to cook tonight and I was
looking forward to it.” Ranma was signaling to Scott but he ignored him for the moment.

“Well, if it means that much to you, I suppose that I can put in an appearance to
sample your cooking.” Ranma was trying to get his attention even more violently, but
Scott was watching Akane. “I get tired of eating my own cooking after a while.” Ranma
suddenly stopped signaling and slumped in defeat.

“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble Schwartzstern-san.” Akane said with a
tentative smile. “I’ll go home and get started right now.” Without another glance at
Ranma, she hurried home.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Ranma asked once Akane was gone. “Didn’t
you see me signaling you?”

“Yeah, what was that all about?” Scott asked. “Who’s your friend anyway?”
When Ranma looked at Scott questioningly, the girl stepped up and bowed to Scott.

“I’m sorry for not introducing myself, Schwartzstern-san.” The girl said with a
blush. “My name is Ukyo Kounji, and I’m Ranma’s cute fiancée.”

“Ah, that explains a great deal.” Scott said. “Please to meet you Ukyo. Now
Ranma, why were you trying to get my attention?”

“I was trying to warn you not to eat Akane’s cooking.” Ranma explained. “At its
best, it’s inedible and some times it’s almost lethal.”

“Come now Ranma, it can’t be that bad.”

“Actually Schwartzstern-san, it’s worse.” Ukyo put in with a shudder. “Akane
tries very hard, but Ranma-honey has gotten pretty sick every time he’s eaten her
cooking. Either she’s trying to poison him, or he’s right and her cooking is that bad.”

“Hmm, not a pleasant thought.” Scott said, shaking his head ruefully. “Well,
that’s a worry for later on. We have an appointment in an hour Ranma, so we should be
getting on our way soon.”

“Can I come along?” Ukyo asked suddenly, blushing when Ranma and Scott
looked at her in surprise. “I’m curious to what the big secret is.”

“That’s up to Ranma.” Scott replied seriously. “This is his meeting.”

“Umm … I don’t want to hurt your feelings Ukyo, but I’d rather not have anyone
else at this meeting.” Ranma said uncomfortably. “I’ll tell you what it was about
tomorrow though.”

“Okay, Ranma-honey, but if I find out you told Akane before you told me. No
okonomiyaki for two weeks, understand?” Ranma nodded vigorously, and then followed
Scott out to his car. After a couple of minutes, Scott cleared his throat.

“So that’s Ukyo.” He said consideringly. “I’ve met Akane already, so who,
beside Xian-pu, is in the running as a fiancée?”

“Just this lunatic named Kodachi.” Ranma said unhappily. “She’s fixated on my
male form and thinks my female form is trying to keep us apart. If it wasn’t so personal,
I would think the situation was hilarious.”

“I can see that.” Scott replied, forcing himself to stop the laugh he felt bubbling
up. “Are you ready for this meeting?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Ranma sighed. “I’m nervous, but more excited than anything
else. I can’t believe that I’m actually going to meet my mom as myself. Are you sure
about her reaction to my situation?”

“I’m sure as I can be Ranma.” Scott said as they pulled up at the shop. “I could
be wrong, but I don’t think I am. Your mother feels that this oath isn’t binding on you
since you were only six.”

“Oh, that’s what you meant.” Ranma said in relief. “So because I was six, she
won’t make me kill myself, but pop doesn’t have that protection. I guess that’s fair, but I
don’t want pop to die either.”

“I doubt she’ll hold him to the letter of the oath once she knows the circumstances
of your curse.” Scott said reassuringly, putting his hand on Ranma’s shoulder. “Now,
show me your homework and I’ll see what I can do to help.” Ranma nodded and for the
next hour Scott introduced Ranma to the intricacies of algebra.

After they finished, Scott left Ranma to practice his kanji while he prepared a
light snack, and then tided the living room. He had just finished when the doorbell rang
and motioning Ranma to put his books away, went to answer the door. Mrs. Saotome
waited nervously outside.

“Good evening Scott-san.” She said a little breathlessly. “Is … is he here?”

“Yes, he’s upstairs and from the look of it, less nervous than you are.” He
replied, smiling when she blushed. “Don’t worry so much Nodoka-chan; Ranma is very
eager to meet you.”

Nodoka brightened at that and followed him up to the apartment. Ranma was
standing on the other side of the dining table, when he saw his mother; he gave her a
tentative smile.

“Um …hi mom?”

“My son.” She said and walked over to him, smiling.

Finally she extended her arms and Ranma stepped into her hug. Scott smiled as
he watched, and then brought the snacks in from the kitchen. While they caught up on
what had happened in the last eleven years, Scott sat by silently watching Nodoka. As
Ranma’s story came closer to the present, Scott noticed that Ranma became more
nervous, and Nodoka’s expression became grim. Just as Ranma came to their arrival at
Jusenkyo, Scott cleared his throat, surprising Ranma and his mother.

“Nodoka-chan, what Ranma is about to tell you is the main reason I suggested
Ranma hold this meeting here.” Scott explained, nodding when Nodoka looked at him
questioningly. “From what I’ve been able to tell, if your husband knew what was going
on right now, he’d very quickly be on the run.”

Nodoka nodded in agreement, and then indicated that Ranma should continue. As
Ranma explained the events at Jusenkyo, Scott watched Nodoka closely, trying to gauge
her reaction. When Ranma described the change in his father after falling into the Spring
of Drowned Panda, she stared at him in disbelief, and then burst out laughing. Scott and
Ranma looked at her as she doubled over, laughing so hard she could hardly breathe.

“I’m sorry.” She finally gasped, trying to control her laughter. “Genma has
always claimed to be gifted with luck beyond normal men. The idea that he’s been
cursed to spend his life as a panda is just too poetic.”

“Actually pop only spends part of the time as a Panda.” Ranma added, smiling a
little at his mother’s reaction to his father’s curse. “The rest of the time he’s normal for
him anyway.”

“So Genma burst out of the pool as a Panda and …?”

“Well, it was such a surprise that I didn’t get out of the way in time and pop
knocked me into one of the pools also.” Ranma finished in a rush.

“He what!?” Nodoka roared in rage, all traces of amusement gone. “You fell into
one of these cursed springs?” Ranma nodded nervously and jumped when his mother
swore in a very unladylike tone. “What do you change into?”

“Um … I think it would be better if I showed you.” Ranma muttered, a little
afraid of her reaction when she knew the answer. At his request, Scott went into the
kitchen and brought back two glasses of water. With a resolute look, Ranma took the
glass of cold water and poured it over his head, shuddering as he felt the change take
place.

“R … Ranko?” Nodoka gasped, staring at her erstwhile son and recognizing who
was standing in front of her. “But … but if you’re Ranma …”

“Pop is the pet panda.” Ranma finished for her. “I don’t really know why, but he
seemed positive that if you discovered us, you’d make us commit Seppuku.” She
watched her mother as she stood rigid, and muttered to herself. “Mom?”

“Ranma, my son, I would never force you to kill yourself, especially not for
something as uncontrollable as a curse such as this.” Nodoka said softly. “And while
foolish, your father cannot be held responsible for it either. All that we can do is look for
a possible cure.”

“I maybe able to help in that respect.” Scott said, smiling when they looked at
him hopefully. “I don’t want you to count on it too much, but the Jyoketsuzoku know of
a way to separate your form permanently.”

“Separate them?” Ranma asked nervously. “What does that mean?”

“Just what I said.” Scott explained. “Where there was one person who alternates
between one form and another, there would be two individuals, completely independent
of each other. One the original, the other, the cursed form.”

“Are you sure this is safe?” Nodoka said in concern, her uncertainty obvious.

“I have never done this personally, if that’s what you’re asking.” Scott replied
softly. “According to Kho-lon, even the Amazon’s don’t know everything about this
process, since it only happened once. What she did tell me is that there is a question as to
which body your memories will end up in.”

“What does that mean?” Ranma asked nervously.

“It means that you could end up permanently female.” Nodoka said realizing
what Scott was saying.

“Say what!?”

“The procedure could leave your memories in your female form, and leave your
male side with none at all.” Scott confirmed gravely. “To everyone else, you would
seem to be cured at the cost of your memories, while you would think you had been
trapped in female form.”

“Oh man!”

“Do you think you can live like that?” Nodoka pressed, realizing how important
her answer would be.

“What about the ‘Spring of Drowned Man’?” Ranma asked desperately. “Won’t
that work?”

“No Ranma, it won’t.” Scott replied seriously. “According to the Jyoketsuzoku
records, or at least what I remember of them, more of those waters won’t help. After you
have an active curse, you are sensitized to the magic of the springs. If you get hit with
water from any of them, you would be merging the effects of those waters.”

“Uhh … what if I drank it?” Ranma asked.

“Same effect. You can’t cure a curse with another curse Ranma, I’m sorry.”
Scott said, noticing Nodoka’s grim expression. “You don’t have to make a decision yet.
Kho-lon tells me that it will be two weeks until she has the things she needs to pull it
off.”

“Who is this ‘Cologne’?” Nodoka said, looking from one man to the other
companion. “It seems you both know who it is, but since I don’t, please explain.”

“She’s the Matriarch of the Jyoketsuzoku.” Ranma explained.

“And they are?” She asked.

Scott smiled and explained who they were, and then Ranma told how she’d met
them. As she finished, her mother stared at her for a moment, and then cleared her throat.

“And this young woman believes that her law requires you to marry her?”
Nodoka asked.

“Uhh …” Ranma didn’t know what to say.

“No, Nodoka-chan, Xian-pu is highly attracted to Ranma.” Scott helped Ranma,
earning a surprised glance from Ranma. “She used one application of the laws to support
her in what she was doing.”

“From what she’s shown the Tendo’s, it’s pretty straight forward.” Ranma said
grimly. “If a foreign female defeats an Amazon, she must be killed. If a foreign male
does, he has to marry her.”

“That’s the law as far as it goes.” Scott agreed, and then chuckled at Nodoka’s
outraged expressions. “What Xian-pu and Kho-lon did not tell you are the reasons for
those laws. For the first one, it’s to ensure that the foreign female is worthy to be an
Amazon. If she is alive after a year, she is a member of the tribe.”

“Really?” Ranma asked in surprise. “What about the other part?”

“That one is more open to interpretation than the other.” Scott continued.
“Depending on the Amazon and several other factors, marriage may or may not be
required. You see, the purpose of that law is to strengthen the gene pool of the tribe. So
if Xian-pu and Ranma were willing, they could resolve the situation by having a child
together.”

“No.” Ranma said flatly. “I will not do something so dishonorable.” Nodoka
nodded approvingly and looked at Scott pointedly.

“Oh, I wasn’t suggesting it, just informing you of an option. As the champion
though, Xian-pu can’t choose that option either, which is why she’s been pushing for
marriage. What she didn’t think of was how your curse effects the situation.”

“My curse?” Ranma said, bewildered. “What does my curse have to do with it?”

“More as in what form you were in when you beat her the first time.” Scott
replied smiling. “Since you were female, that law takes precedence so you’re a member
of the tribe now and the law about marriage in the tribe says that no member of the tribe
may be forced to marry against their will. So don’t be surprised if Xian-pu starts acting
differently from now on. She’ll be trying to convince you she’s the best choice as a
wife.” Ranma stared at him in shock, and then groaned, covering her face with her
hands.

“What’s wrong Ranma?” Nodoka asked in concern. “She seemed to be a nice
girl. A little unconventional in her dress, but still a nice girl.”

“Mom, I can only marry one person.” Ranma complained. “What about Akane
and Ukyo?”

“What about them dear?” Nodoka said with a grin. “Any girl has a right to prove
she would be the best bride for you. You would be foolish to deny it to her. Now, I am
not saying she is the right girl for you, but you should give her a chance.”

“But …” Ranma blurted out, and then gasped when Nodoka poured warm water
on her head.

“Now it’s about time your father and I had a long talk.” Nodoka interrupted
briskly. “He must still answer to me for hiding once he was back in the country.”

“I would be happy to give you a ride to the Tendo’s Ma’am.” Scott said barely
hiding a wicked gleam in his eye. “I have some things that I wish to discuss with Mr.
Tendo.”

Nodoka accepted the explanation and the ride with a nod, and after Scott collected
something’s from the kitchen, went down to the car. During the ride to Nerima, no one
said a word, until they pulled up in front of the gate.

“Ranma, you might want to go in first to lock your father down.” Scott said,
drawing a surprised look from Nodoka. “You should know that your husband’s most
well developed technique is the strategic withdrawal.”

“Ah, I see.” Looking towards her son, she smiled. “Go ahead Ranma. It would
not do for your father to escape his just reward.” Ranma nodded grimly and jumped over
the wall. After a short time, Nodoka nodded and Scott rang the bell.

“Hello Schwartzstern-san and … Aunty Nodoka, how good to see you.” Kasumi
said her welcome smile dazzling.

“Hello Kasumi dear.” Nodoka replied, returning the young woman’s hug. “I’m
here to collect my wayward husband so that we may have a nice long talk about his
recent behavior.”

“Oh … but …” Kasumi tried to come up with a lie, but Ranma saved her.

“Its okay mom, pop’s tied up in the living room.” Ranma said, coming out of the
house. “He tried to get away but I persuaded him to stay.” Kasumi stared at him for
several seconds until he looked at her cross-eyed, making her laugh.

“It’s alright dear; Ranma has told me all about it.” Nodoka explained. “Genma
has some explaining to do, but I think his punishment is already sufficient for his
crimes.”

They all went into the living room where Genma was pretending to be a panda.
With a wicked grin, Scott walked over and poured half of the thermos he had brought
with him over the panda’s head, forcing him to revert to normal.

“What?” Genma asked surprised.

“Hello Genma, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Nodoka said sweetly. “At least for
me. You on the other hand did not have the decency to come see me once you had
returned. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Umm ... hello Nodoka, fancy meeting you here.” Genma said.

“As I expected, you’re unrepentant.” Nodoka sighed sadly. “My son, I fear your
father will have to come with me to our home without you for the moment. Dear Soun,
might our son stay with you a short time longer?”

“Of course Nodoka.” Soun said, and then thought of something. “I will see
Genma again in one piece, won’t I?”

“Of course.” Nodoka replied, sounding genuinely surprised. “We will return in
two week’s time. Stay well my son.”

“You also mother.” Ranma said with a smile, and watched his mother untie his
father and follow him out of the room. The Tendo’s starred after them, and then turned
to Ranma.

“What’s going on Ranma?” Nabiki asked, very confused. “How did your mom
find out you were here?”

“I told her.” He replied, and then looked at Akane. “That was the meeting I had
this evening.” Akane gaped at him, and then blinked. Scott smiled when he saw her
expression and then turned to her stunned father.

“Tendo-san, I would like a few minutes of your time if I could.” Scott began,
refusing to look anyone else in the room. “In private if possible.” Soun nodded and led
Scott to the Dojo, and then sat on one of the mats.

“What is this about?”

“It is about your daughter, Akane, and her temper.” Scott sighed also sitting. “I
truly feel that unless she learns to control it, she will kill someone eventually. I happened
upon her at school this evening, and simply because Ranma would not tell her where he
was going to be tonight, she was prepared to smash him.”

“She is Ranma’s fiancée.” Soun said reasonably. “She does have certain rights to
his time.”

“Obviously, but not exclusive rights. Especially since Ranma has three other
fiancées, through no fault of his own. Your daughter knows that better than I do, but
having to share her fiancée enrages her.”

“As it should.” Soun replied grimly. “That young man must make a decision.”

“Very true Tendo-san.” Scott said flatly, his tone angry. “But if your daughter’s
behavior continues, I should warn you that Akane may not be his choice, especially if his
mother gets her way. She told him to consider all of the candidates in this situation. If
your daughter is not careful, she might well lose out to one of the others.”

“But Genma and I have an agreement …”

“Which won’t be worth the paper it’s written on if Nodoka feels Akane is a
danger to her son.” Scott interrupted, and then smiled when Soun stared at him in horror.
“Now I’m not trying to tell you Akane doesn’t stand a chance, just that she needs to
change her behavior and learn to control her temper.”

“But how?” Soun groaned, panicked. “If my wife had lived, she would have
taken her in when she was younger, but it’s too late now.” He burst out into hysterical
tears and only stopped when Scott slapped him.

“Pull yourself together man.” Scott growled. “It’s obvious where she comes by
her lack of emotional control, but it is not too late for her to learn control, just more
difficult.”

“What … what do you have in mind?”

“What I would like to do is take Akane with me on a training trip.” Scott said
simply. “Once away from here, I would like a free hand in the methods I use to teach her
control. Nothing you would object to of course, just some things that might be a little
rough on her to start with.”

“If I agree to this, can you guarantee that Ranma will choose her over the other
girls?” Soun begged pitifully, but Scott shock his head negatively.

“No one can guarantee that Tendo-san. It depends on too many things, most
especially Ranma. What I can do is give her an even chance, which she doesn’t have
now.”

“O … okay.” Soun said in defeat. “Please help my daughter.”

“I will do what I can Tendo-san.” Scott replied. “Now I need you to tell her and
then I’ll take her on the trip as soon as she is packed.” Soun nodded and thirty minutes
later, Akane and Scott got into his car and drove off with an agreement to return in two
weeks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“What happened?” Chibi-Moon asked breathlessly, staring at Scott wide-eyed.
“Did you help her?”

“Well … those two weeks were pretty rough on both of us.” Scott admitted. “I
took Akane to a friend’s place and started my program, and believe me; neither of us was
enjoying ourselves, at least for the first four days. The fifth day was the crisis though.”

“What happened?” Saturn gasped in shock.

“Well, all I really did was defend myself while Akane went ballistic on me.”
Scott explained. “After she wore herself out, I carried her to her room and then threw her
into the shower, clothes and all. This wasn’t anything new, but after she got out of the
shower and changed clothes, I took her down to the theater and put the video of the last
sparring session on the screen. As she watched herself, she was frightened of the
mindless rage she saw on her own face. After that, she ran out of the room and I waited,
letting her think. About four hours later, she came back and apologized for her out
burst.”

“Was that the last time she lost her temper?” Moon asked hopefully, and then
sighed when Scott shook his head. “Did she at least get control of it by the end of two
weeks?”

“As much as she ever will.” Scott replied with a shrug. “She wasn’t flying into
insane rages anyway. She’s still got a short fuse, but at least she doesn’t immediately go
physical.” The girls nodded their acceptance of that, and then Scott continued his story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As agreed, Scott drove Akane back to the Tendo Dojo two weeks later and she
immediately offered to cook for her family. When everyone demurred, Scott smirked.

“Why not let her try?” He suggested. “According to Ms. Meeps, she’s improved
greatly this week.” He didn’t mention the time when her cooking had literally killed
him.

“O … okay.” Kasumi said uncertainly, following her sister into the kitchen.

“Is it safe to stay here for the food she’s making?” Ranma asked nervously,
staring after the two girls.

“Don’t worry so much.” Scott laughed, stopping Nabiki from escaping out the
door. “And please try to be a little considerate of Akane’s feeling okay? From what I
was able to tell, during our time together, most of her anger comes from sheer frustration.
She’s been trying to compete with her family and friends and losing on almost every
front. When the program started, I had to find something she could be well with. She
didn’t have much skill in the beginning, but Ms. Meeps was up to the challenge.”

“Do you mean … can it be?” Soun gasped, barely daring to hope.

“You mean Akane can cook!” Ranma blurted in disbelief. “Are you sure?”

“Ranma that is not an acceptable tone when you are talking of your fiancée.” A
female voice reproved from the doorway. When Ranma turned around, he blushed to see
his mother standing in the doorway. “Now I expect you to behave in a civilized way
toward all three of these young ladies.”

“Wha …” Ranma yelped as he saw Ukyo and Shampoo come in wearing identical
Kimonos. “Why are they here mom?”

“I invited them so they could witness your cure.”

“So you’ve decided to go through with it then.” Scott said nodding. “Very well
then.” Shifting to Chinese, he turned to Shampoo. “Xian-pu, have you brought the
requirements for the procedure?”

“No, Honored Elder, Great-grandmother said she would bring them after she
closed the café.” Shampoo replied in Chinese.

“Then we will have time for dinner.” Scott said nodding, and then shifting back
to Japanese. “We will have to wait for the cure a little longer, or at least until Kho-lon
arrives. She’s bringing the necessary implements, but how are you ladies?”

“Shampoo good.” Shampoo said, returning his understanding smile.

“I’m well.” Ukyo replied. “Are you sure this will work Schwartzstern-san?”

“As sure as I can be about something that was last used eight hundred years ago.”
Scott laughed with a shrug. “Based on Amazon history, almost definitely, but there is a
danger that no one knows what body Ranma’s memories will be in.”

“How awful.” Ukyo gasped, looking at Ranma worriedly. “Are you sure about
this Ranma honey? If you might get stuck as a girl, can you live with that?”

“I don’t know.” Ranma sighed, uncomfortable with everyone’s eyes on him. “I’d
be lying if I said that it doesn’t bother me, but this is the only real cure anyone has found
in all this time. If I said I don’t want to do this that would be a lie also.”

“This is an important decision Ranma.” Nodoka said, nodding approval. “It is
wise to think deeply about it. I have confidence in you and will support any decision you
come to.” Shampoo nodded her agreement to Nodoka’s words and Ranma blinked in
surprise.

“If you will all excuse me, I would like to see how Akane is doing.” Scott said,
smiling when everyone jumped in surprise. “I’ll be in the kitchen.” Ukyo asked Ranma
a question, to which he replied with a slow nod. Ukyo paled and looked around in what
looked like fear.

When Scott entered the kitchen, he smiled at the picture of Akane bustling around
the kitchen in a perfect imitation of Ms. Meeps at her busiest. Kasumi was sitting in a
chair, with a slightly stunned expression, but she smiled gently when she saw Scott sit
down across from her.

“Is there anything I can do to help Akane?” Scott asked, already knowing the
response.

“No thank you.” She said, only pausing long enough to think about it. “I’ve got
everything in hand. Has anyone left?” Her nervousness broke through a little with the
question.

“No.” Scott reassured her with a grin. “In fact, there are three more guests to
feed. Do you think you can handle it?”

“Sure, no problem.” She replied, grinning at the challenge. “But could you get
two more pounds of pork? With three more mouths to feed, what we have here will
definitely not be enough.”

“No problem.” Scott chuckled, amused by Kasumi’s expression, which was a
mixture of stunned surprised and joy. “Will fifteen minutes be alright?”

“Sure.” Akane said, shifting her attention back to the food. “The sauce should be
ready by then.” Scott nodded and left the kitchen. On his way to the gate, he noticed
Ranma break away from his mother and his other fiancées and walked towards him. He
stopped and waited for Ranma to catch up.

“What can I do for you Ranma?” Scott asked.

“Could I talk to you about this cure a little more?” He asked, glancing around
nervously. “I need an unbiased opinion.”

“Well, I’m not entirely unbiased, but I’ll do my best.” Scott laughed. “Akane
wants some pork for this meal she’s making, so why don’t you come with me and I’ll see
what I can do while we wait for it.” Ranma nodded and followed Scott out to the car.
After ten minutes, they pulled up in front of what looked like a warehouse.

Appearances were deceiving though as Ranma found out when he stepped into the
display room of ‘Border Meats of South Africa’.

“Hello sir, how may I help … oh, hello Scott-san?” A black girl around Ranma’s
age stopped and smiled at Scott. “How are you?”

“Very well Fizeka, how’s business?” Scott asked, returning the smile. “Is it
better than P.E.?”

“Much better, thank you.” She sighed. “What can we do for you?”

“What you and your family do best.” Scott laughed; smiling at Ranma’s confused
expression. “Sell me some meat.”

“What do you need?”

“About two pounds of pork for a stir fry.”

“No problem.” All business now, she went into the butcher room and said
something in a language which included some old clicking sounds. A short time later,
the sound of a machine spinning up was heard. Scott motioned for Ranma to sit in one of
the chairs provided.

“Now, what was it you wanted to talk about?” Scott asked.

“How do I deal with all of these fiancées?” Ranma said after a short pause. “I
can only marry one of them, but I don’t know which one to choose. I don’t want to hurt
their feelings.”

“Well, Ranma, I can’t really tell you what to do about this, because it’s entirely up
to you.” Scott began, and then smiled when Ranma started getting depressed. “Hey
don’t worry; I’m sure the problems you’ve got do have a solution. We just have to find
it.”

“How!?” Ranma’s frustration was obvious.

“Calm down Ranma, getting bent out of shape won’t help. Now, the advice I can
give you is that you need to be careful. You never know what Ukyo or Akane might do if
you start looking like you’ve made a decision.”

“What about Shampoo? She’d kill one of the others if I chose them!”

“Not anymore.” Scott replied with a shrug. “As a member of the tribe, she can’t
do anything to influence your decision except for trying to convince you that she’s the
best choice. Ukyo and Akane aren’t limited to that, so be careful. My other advice is
that you should get to know them as friends. Let them know you haven’t chosen, but
want to get to know them better. That way, you’ll be able to make the decision.”

Ranma thought about that while Scott collected and paid for the pork. He
continued to think while they rode back to the Dojo in silence. When they arrived,
Ranma set his jaw and nodded, then led the way into the house. As Scott went past him
to take the pork to the kitchen, Ranma finally spoke.

“Scott-san, would you please tell Akane that I would like to talk to her after the
meal. I think I need to let them know how things will be after I get cured.” Scott nodded
and turned back to the kitchen, where Akane greeted his message with a silent nod. After
that, he sat down next to Kasumi who was watching Akane work.

“How is she doing?” Scott asked, nodding toward Akane who was too busy to
notice.

“Oh … it’s amazing … I can’t believe she’s learned so much.” Kasumi gushed
happily. “How did you do it? I’ve been trying for six months without any success.”

“Well, I actually didn’t do much.” Scott admitted, with a shrug. “Ms. Meeps did
the hard stuff.”

“Who is Ms. Meeps?” Kasumi asked curiously. “I might want to meet her.”

“She’s my best friend’s house keeper.” Scott explained. “We stayed at my
friend’s place for the last two weeks and Ms. Meeps helped me with Akane.”

Kasumi nodded her understanding, and then gasped when Akane announced that
the food was done. Scott helped them to move the food into the dining room. After
everyone had sat down to eat, Akane asked that Ranma be the first to try it. A little
nervously, Ranma took his chopsticks and picked up a small morsel of food and popped it
into his mouth, bracing himself. After a few breathless moments, he chewed and
swallowed, and then grinned.

“Wow Akane, this is great!” Ranma said in amazement. “What is it?”

“Pork stir-fry silly.” She giggled, blushing happily. “You went to get the pork
with Scott-san, remember?”

“Mmph, yumph noph imph …” Ranma gulped his mouthful of food down and
smiled. “You’re much better at cooking Akane.”

“Thank you Ranma, I’m glad you liked it.” Akane said.

Everyone nodded in agreement and fell to eating with a wild passion. Half an
hour later, the food was finished, and Ranma amazingly helped clean the dishes. As the
dishes were finished, a commotion came from the front gate. When Scott went to check
what was going on, he saw Shampoo speaking to Cologne rapidly in Chinese. As he
approached, he heard the end of her statement.

“Akane can cook now, so what am I going to do now?” Shampoo demanded in a
hopeless tone.

“First of all, calm yourself child.” Cologne replied soothingly. “So the girl can
cook, this is hardly a disaster. As you yourself have just told me, Ranma has not yet
made his decision. If we don’t panic, we can still win the day, so calm yourself. We
must be careful to maintain our honor above all else.”

“Yes great-grandmother.”

“I see you’re accepting the situation quite well Kho-lon, I am pleased.” Scott
said, surprising Shampoo who didn’t know he was behind her.

“I am grateful to you Aki-ra for reminding me of honor. Shall we commence the
ceremony?” Cologne said.

“Of course.” Scott said with a nod. “Is there anything you need me to do?”

“Yes, most definitely.” Cologne replied, smiling impishly. “I’m not going to tell
you until later, but it is definitely suited to your unique talents.”

“Okay …” Scott muttered slowly, turning and following them into the house,
wondering what Cologne meant by that. After introductions had been made, Scott began
the explanations. “The reason that Kho-lon is here tonight is if Ranma is willing to
perform the ritual, which will divide Ranma from his cursed form forever.”

“Honored Elder, is this possible for my son?” Nodoka asked in perfect Chinese,
surprising everyone. “Can this curse be abated?”

“I believe so.” Cologne said honestly, recognizing Nodoka’s motherly concern.
“I am not sure that it will work, because of the great difference in circumstances, but I
believe so. It is, however, Ranma’s choice whether to undergo the procedure. There is a
danger that he will be trapped as a female for the rest of his life while his male form loses
his memories.” Everyone gasped as they realized what that might mean to Ranma, and
then turned and looked at him. He sat thinking deeply for many seconds before anyone
spoke.

“What is your decision Ranma?” Nodoka asked gently, glaring Genma into
silence when he was about to speak. “You do not have to do this if you feel it is too great
a risk. Remember that wisdom is to know when courage becomes foolishness.” Soun
looked to be impressed by that sentiment and Cologne nodded in agreement. Ranma
thought for some minutes, and then finally, he sighed.

“I guess there really isn’t that much of a choice. If I don’t do this, I’ll always
wonder if it would have worked. I know that I could get trapped as a girl, but from what
I’ve seen of my mom, that doesn’t mean I’d be weak or stupid, just different. I think it’s
a risk worth taking.”

“Very well Ranma, we will perform the ritual.” Cologne said, and then turned to
Scott. “Before you say anything about our laws, I declare both Ranma and his cursed
form are full members of the Jyoketsuzoku tribe. With all rights and duties related to it.”
Scott nodded in acceptance of that while everyone else looked bewildered.

“Let us begin.” Scott said, motioning for everyone to stand and follow Cologne
out into the garden. Once there, Cologne began by cutting a circle into the grass and
inscribing several symbols into the dirt. Then she had Ranma and Scott stand in the
center of the circle with an old looking metal incense burner that Scott brought. After
they were in position, she began chanting and a blue glow formed a dome of light around
them.

“This protective circle is for both Ranma and the rest of us.” Cologne explained
when everyone looked at her in shock. “No one may interfere with what is about to
happen and it will not affect us in the slightest, which is especially vital. You may light
the incense Aki-ra.” Scott nodded and used his lighter to do it. Once the incense was
burning in the center, the dome of light became a red color and everyone outside stared at
the scene.

“What now Kho-lon?” Scott asked, ignoring the light show. “What do you want
me to do next?”

“Summon your blade and wait until only a few locks of hair connect them to each
other. At that instant they must divided. Do not delay, or they will both be lost.” Scott
nodded and everyone gasped in shock.

As his Katana suddenly appeared in his hand, their amazement changed focus
though when Ranma’s form began to grow. As it grew, Cologne chanted in Chinese and
the larger form began to divide. Several seconds later, both the male and female Ranma
knelt opposite each other, the male facing the female for the first time. The division
continued until, at the appointed moment, Scott’s Katana cut a silver arc between the two,
parting the hair that bound them together. As the hair parted the burner collapsed into
dust and the shield turned blue again. Cologne gave one last shout in Chinese and the
dome collapsed.

Everyone rushed into the circle and surrounded the male form, all talking at once.
Their voices so loud that no one except Scott noticed the whimper of sadness that came
from the female. Scott was also the only one who saw her jump to her feet and run from
the Dojo. Realizing instantly that he couldn’t catch her with the added boost her
adrenalin was giving to her speed. He turned back to the crowd, and tried to get their
attention, but no one noticed until Ranma heard him.

“What’s wrong Scott-san?” Ranma asked, noticed Scott’s expression and then
looked around. “Where is she?”

“She took off while everyone was congratulating you.” Scott said, making
everyone blush in shame. “This situation is not good, especially since we don’t know her
mental state.”

“Which way did she go?” Ukyo asked, and then groaned when Scott pointed over
the Dojo roof. “We’ll never find her, she’s headed for downtown.” Scott sighed and
started toward the gate.

“I’ll see what I can do.” He told them as they followed him out. “Nodoka-chan,
if you can, see if any of your people can locate her.”

“But…” Nodoka started saying.

“I know it’s technically against the rules, but the girl might be in danger.” Scott
interrupted. “In her state, she could do almost anything, so we need to find her as quickly
as possible.”

“What do you want us to do?” Ranma asked, more worried than before.

“Scour Nerima for her.” Scott replied, starting his car. “It’s possible that she
changed directions after she left the grounds. Also I like the new look.”

Ranma and the others nodded and ran off in every direction as Scott drove off.
Ranma was too worried about his female form to be concerned about Scott’s comment at
the end. On Scott’s way to the heart of Tokyo, he called several of his sources and told
them what he was looking for and where. They agreed to help, but didn’t hold out much
hope. Twenty minutes later, he pulled to a stop at his shop, got out and went up to his
apartment to change clothes. While he was changing, his cell phone rang and he
answered it.

“Devon, this is Hikaru.” The voice of one of his friends said. “I don’t know if
it’s the girl you’re looking for, but some pimp in Roppongi just got rolled and he claims it
was a shortish red haired girl with a black streak in her hair that did it.”

“Since it makes him look so bad, I think we can believe him.” Scott agreed.
“And I don’t know about the black streak, she matches the girl I’m looking for. Good
work Hikaru. See if you can follow her trail while I let the others know.”

“Listen man, I don’t have a beef with you, but I’ve seen what this guy looks like.”
Hikaru replied. “Are you sure you want this kid? She’s Hell on wheels from what I’ve
seen.”

“She’s a friend of mine, Hikaru.” Scott chuckled. “Thanks for the concern
though.”

“Man, you have some strange friends.” Hikaru muttered and then hung up. After
Scott called the others to give them the changed description, he dressed in some old
clothes and waited. Fifteen minutes later, he received another phone call.

“Devon, this is Seiji.” A gruff sounding voice said. “This young girl who
matches your description walked in here and ordered Sake about ten minutes ago.
Nothing unusual there, but when one of the regulars tried to hit on her, she knocked him
out. Now all my regulars are daring each other to get near her … hold on.” There was a
pause where laughter could be heard then a loud thump. A short time later, Seiji was
back.

“What was that?” Scott demanded.

“Seems one of the newcomers tried talking to her.” Seiji explained. “She told
him she was a lesbian and he reacted like a typical idiot, she took him out too.”

“Serves him right.” Scott muttered. “Is she still there?”

“Sure.” Seiji replied. “I had Kenjo give her a full bottle when I recognized her.”

“See if you can keep her there, Seiji.” Scott asked, grabbing a second set of car
keys from a hook in the kitchen. “I’ll be there in thirty minutes.”

“I’ll do my best.” Seiji replied then hung up.

Scott thought, and then decided to disguise himself so Ranma’s female form
wouldn’t recognize him. When he was done, he went to the garage and pulled his Viper
out of its spot. With a subdued roar, he pulled off hoping he would get to the bar before
the girl left. He needn’t have worried. True to his promise, Seiji was doing his best to
keep her there.

As Scott pulled up, he heard a loud thump and laughter from the bar’s open door.
As he came in, he saw that a clear space had been made around one table and he
immediately recognized the table’s occupant as Ranma’s female form. To one side a
man was being pulled out of the cleared space, looking much the worse for wear.

“What’s with the no man’s land?” He asked one of the guys standing at the edge
of the cleared space. “Is she some kind of plague carrier or something?”

“Nah, she’s just some mean lesbian chick.” The guy laughed. “Bartender said
anyone who can land a punch on her gets free drinks for a month.”

“Really?” Scott said in real surprise. Seiji wasn’t known for his generosity. “I
might just have to take him up on that. All I have to do is land a punch?”

“Sure, but so far five guys have tried and didn’t even get close.” The drunk
laughed. “She’s faster than hell man, and mean too. She knocked that last guy out in ten
seconds flat.” Scott whistled at that, realizing that, even drunk, Ranma’s female form
was going to be a challenge.

“Well, if that’s the case, I’d better try my luck before I start.” Scott laughed,
shrugging his coat off and handing it to one of the bartenders. The crowd cheered when
he stepped into the cleared space, making Ranma’s female form’s head to jerk up. She
growled angrily and came unsteadily to her feet.

“Can’t a guy get a drink in peace?” She slurred, eliciting cat calls from the other
people in the bar.

“Sure you can.” Scott said disguising is voice and accent. “Problem is the
bartender bet those guy's a month’s worth of free drinks they couldn’t touch you. Most
of these guys wouldn’t pass a deal like that.”

“Their funeral … and yours.”

With that, the girl launched an attack and blinked when it didn’t even hit her
opponent. Shaking her head to clear it, she tried again with the same results. The crowd
cheered as Scott moved out of the way again. The girl became enraged by the cheer and
started using stronger and stronger techniques, swearing as each one missed. Scott
dodged around looking for an opening and as the girl’s drunken rage mounted, he saw it
and took it. Everyone gasped in shock as the girl collapsed bonelessly into
unconsciousness, and then a raged cheer went up as Scott picked her up. Seiji moved to
intercept them at the door, and then relaxed when Scott pulled his false mustache off.

“Man, am I glad to see you Devon.” He said once they were outside with the girl
wrapped in Scott’s coat. “I didn’t know how I was going to tell you some guy knocked
her out and carried her off.”

“It’s okay Seiji; I’ll just take her back to my place so she can sleep it off.” Scott
said.

“Sure man.”

“Anyway, I’ll see you next week for some of those free drinks you owe me.”
Scott laughed, his laugh getting louder as Seiji groaned.

Getting into his car, he drove back to his shop and put the girl in the bed that
Ranma used before. After checking to make sure she would recover, Scott went to his
room and removed the disguise he had on and then went to bed. The next morning, after
he had taken a shower, he passed the room the girl was in and heard her being violently
sick into a basket he’d left by her bed. When he saw her disgusted expression, he
couldn’t help laughing. When the girls head jerked up, he stopped laughing and smiled at
her.

“How are you feeling?” Scott asked concerned.

“Terrible.” The girl gasped, moaning as her head pounded. “What happened?”

“You got drunk and I had to knock you out to get you out of the bar.” Scott
explained. “Is there something you want to talk about Ranma?”

“The name is Ranko.” She growled, depression creeping into her voice.
“Ranma’s the one without any memories remember.”

“Actually that’s not true.” Scott said, sitting in the bedside chair. Ranko looked
at him in confusion. “Why do you think Ranma doesn’t have any memories?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Ranko snapped, and then held her head in pain. “I have them,
so he doesn’t.”

“Actually from what I can tell, you both have them.” Scott replied, making
Ranko blink. "It seems that the process duplicated the memories into both forms instead
of just one.”

“Oh …” Ranko said and then groaned. “That still doesn’t help me. I’m still stuck
in a female body, and Ranma has my life. He has our life, whatever.”

“While all of that is true, you still have some choices.” Scott told her, leaning
forward in the chair. “You have an opportunity that very few people ever get Ranko.”

“And what’s that?”

“To decide what your life will be like.” Scott said, looking at her pointedly.
“You have no restrictions, no family expectations, no obligations, nothing. All of those
are Ranma’s problem now.”

“Yeah, but I don’t even exist.” Ranko countered. “There is no Ranko Saotome
according to the government and school records.”

“True, but easily remedied.” Scott said reassuringly. “Ranko Saotome can easily
be put into every record or database she needs to be in, or any other name you might
want.”

“What?” Ranko said surprised.

“Come with me to the kitchen so we can take care of that hangover and then we
will talk some more.” Scott said as he led Ranko out to the kitchen and went to get her
some aspirin and some water. After she drank the water and took the aspirin, Scott
continued.

“As I said earlier Ranko, you have no obligations, no past.” Scott said with
emphasis on the last part. “You can be anyone you want, like …”

“Like who?” Ranko asked when Scott stopped all of a sudden.

“Well, I was going to suggest something, but feel free to tell me if you hate the
idea.”

“What idea?”

“Becoming my daughter.” Scott finally finished, noting Ranko’s stunned look.
“You don’t have to though, if you don’t like the idea.”

“Why would you want a grown up daughter who’s almost as old as you are?”
Ranko demanded. “You’re not making any sense. No one would believe I was your
daughter.”

“Very true, but it does solve your problem quite neatly.” Scott told her with a
grin. "You get a new name, a new world, and a new life.”

“And what do you get?” Ranko replied suspiciously. “There’s got to be a catch
somewhere.”

“You’re right Ranko; I do get something out of this. I get an heir for the
Nashimoto Clan.”

“What are you talking about?” Ranko asked in surprise. “What is the Nashimoto
Clan?”

“The Nashimoto Clan was a Samurai family of ancient and honorable lineage
going back almost two thousand years.” Scott explained. “They had the bad fortune to
align themselves with one of the more forward thinking Daimyo of the 17th century and
when he was killed, they were decreed Ronin and hunted down. I was the last survivor.”

“What do you mean you were the last survivor?” Ranko demanded in disbelief.
“There’s no way you could have been around back then! You’d be …”

“At least five hundred years old.” Scott finished for her. Ranko stared at him and
then blinked when he looked back at her, perfectly serious. “Actually Ranko, next
November I’ll be around two thousand and twenty-two.”

“But … but how can you live that long?” Ranko gasped, shocked by the
revelation. “Not even the Old Ghoul is that old. You don’t look like a dried up old
mummy, you can’t be human.”

“If you mean Kho-lon, it’s because she is using Ki to help her live longer.” Scott
said calmly. “And about me not being human, you must mean being mortal, then you’re
right, I’m not. I am Immortal Ranko, but that gives me some problems I think you and
Ranma might understand. Imagine living for several hundred years, being hunted like an
animal by others like you. Imagine watching your friends grow old and die, and knowing
you can’t do anything to stop it. Imagine knowing that, even if you find the love of your
life, you can never have children together and you will have to watch her age and die like
all the rest.” Ranko stared at him in horror and then shuddered.

“How can you stand it?” Ranko blurted out when she could finally speak again.
“I would have … oh man! No wonder you said nothing could surprise you, you’ve
literally seen almost everything.”

“Close enough.” Scott agreed. “But my Immortality is part of the reason I want
to offer you the position as the heir of the Nashimoto.”

“But why? Even without an heir, you’ll continue the Clan name.”

“But the Clan won’t grow either.” Scott explained seriously. “I need someone to
continue the clan if one of my enemies get the better of me. The other reason is that
you’re just the kind of person the Nashimoto ancestors would approve of.”

“The Ancest … what?” Ranko asked in confusion. “You’ve got to be kidding
me. Do you mean that the Ancestral Spirits are real?” Scott nodded slowly and Ranko
gulped. “What do they have to do with this?”

“They have to approve your selection as the heir.” Nodoka said from the
doorway, causing Ranko and Scott to whirl around. “You left the back door open Scott-
san. I rang the bell but it wasn’t working.” Scott muttered to himself. “I am glad that
Scott has found you Dear, I was worried.”

“Mom …” Ranko started, and then froze, blushing in embarrassment.

“Yes Ranko?” Nodoka said encouragingly. “What is it?”

“Umm … Is it okay if I still call you mom?” Ranko muttered, looking down at
her feet and blushing hotter. Because she was looking down, she didn’t notice Nodoka’s
soft smile or the startled glance she sent toward Scott.

“Of course it is Ranko.” Nodoka said softly, smiling when Ranko looked up at
her. “I am proud to have you as my daughter, though I wish I could have helped you as
you grew up. There are so many things that I could teach you that will help you in your
life.”

“It’s not too late for that.” Scott told them, smiling along with them. “Though
there are a couple things Ranko needs to learn sooner than later.” As he said this he shot
a meaningful glance at Nodoka who nodded seemingly. “I have asked Ranko to be my
heir as the head of the Nashimoto clan.”

“Mom, I know it sounds like I’m a coward, but I don’t feel that I can go back to
Nerima like this. I really can’t go back there and act like nothing happened, especially
with Ranma still there to remind me of what I am and what I was.” Ranko said to
Nodoka.

“Yes, I can see how it would be difficult for you and Ranma if you returned
there.” Nodoka said deeply. “It is a great honor that Scott-san wishes to bestow on you
as well, especially considering his special circumstances.”

“You … You know about that?” Ranko blurted out, looking at Nodoka in
confusion. “But how? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Ranko Dear, it was something that I had no right to tell.” Nodoka replied softly.
“But as Scott-san has offered to make you his heir, it is fitting for you to know that there
are many like him who will try to get to him through you or us if our connection becomes
known. While I encourage you to accept this great honor, you must know that it will be
dangerous.”

“Danger is nothing unusual in my life mom.” Ranko laughed and then sobered
quickly when she thought. “But I don’t want to endanger any of you by doing this.”

“That can easily be taken care of since there aren’t any records of your existence
anywhere.” Scott said with a grin. “What we will do is create another identity for you,
complete with school records and all of the other necessary identification.”

“You can do that?”

“Of course he can dear,” Nodoka said reprovingly. “Otherwise, he would not have
offered. Scott-san and those like him are very good at creating new identities to hide the
fact that they don’t die. You must simply choose your new name and we will do the rest.”
Scott smiled at that, and then looked at Ranko expectantly.

“Umm… Well…” Ranko stuttered, caught by surprise. After a little thought, she
grinned in inspiration. “Mom, what would you have named me if I’d been born a girl?”
Nodoka blinked, and then smiled.

“We would have named you Miyuki dear, after your great-grandmother,” Nodoka
said softly. “She was there when you were born and helped raise me after my own mother
died.”

“Hmm… Sounds nice,” Her ‘daughter’ replied, considering the name. “I would be
honored to carry her name. But what should I choose for a family name?”

“That will be Nashimoto, to show the ancestors that we’re serious about this,”
Scott told her.

“The ancestors…?” ‘Miyuki’ gasped in surprise. “They’re real?”

“Absolutely,” Scott chuckled, amused by the shock on her face. “So it’s decided,
from now on you will be Miyuki Nashimoto, heir to the Nashimoto clan.”

“When…when do I meet the… Ancestors?” Miyuki asked nervously. “Will they
accept me?”

“Of course they will,” Scott replied seriously. “They will probably be amazed that
I found someone so… suitable to adopt as my heir. You won’t be meeting them for a bit
though. You’re how old now?”

“Seventeen,” The girl and her mother supplied simultaneously, grinning at each
other.

“That's what I thought,” Scott said, thinking. “The normal age for the heir to be
presented to the ancestors was eighteen, so you’ve got a year to get ready. Meanwhile,
I’ll get to work on your new identity.”

“And while you do that, my daughter and I will get to know each other,” Nodoka
said, giving Miyuki a hug. “We will return tomorrow to finish any necessary
arrangements.”

"Okay, but what are we going to do about the others that are looking for Miyuki?"
Said asked and then smiled when he saw that the two women appeared to have forgotten
that others were looking for Miyuki. "I would say that both of you can go to your house
Nodoka-chan, but I would be careful about that, unless Miyuki you want the others to
know where you are."

"I really don't want the others to know where I am, I just don't feel it would be
right with me there." Miyuki said looking down. "Like you said Scott, I have a new life,
I really down want the chaos of my last one to be in my new one."

"If that's what you want dear, we will do as you wish." Nodoka said smiling at
Miyuki when she nodded her head. "Very well dear."

"Well, you two enjoy yourselves, but we need to discuss about what to do with
Miyuki's future than just her name and past." Scott replied.

"What do you mean?" Miyuki asked.

"Well, we need to figure out what you are going to do for a future, like what do
you want to do for a job. Also where to go to finish your education, because it would
help with your interview with the Ancestors." Scott replied.

"I really don't know now. Everything I was thinking of doing is Ranma's now; I
really am starting from scratch here." Miyuki said and then turned to her mother. "What
do you do mother?"

"Um, well, I ..." Nodoka started saying but didn't know how to explain about what
she does.

"Your mother works for an organization that watches my kind." Scott replied,
surprising Nodoka at what he said.

"How did you know about that, and what is it that she really does?" Miyuki said.

"Scott-san knows about the organization that I am working with for a long time
now. What I do is I'm a researcher for them or a historian for a better term." Nodoka
said.

"But how did Scott know about you?" Miyuki asked.

"How we first met was because of another part of what I do." Nodoka said.

"What is that?" Miyuki asked.

"We can also be field operatives. Which mean we follow other Immortals around
and record their lives." Nodoka said.

"So what is this organization you two are talking about?" Miyuki asked.

"They call themselves the Watchers, and they've been around as long as us
Immortals have been around." Scott replied.

"Do you enjoy doing that mom?" Miyuki asked.

"Yes dear, it was something that kept me occupied while you and your father
were gone for ten years. It was an enjoyable time when I was at the school learning what
I had to do. But I don't want what my opinion of what I like to influence what you want
to do for your life." Nodoka said.

"To let you know Miyuki, being a Watcher is not really a job, but more like a
paying hobby. So if you find something you want to do later, you can do both of them."
Scott replied.

Miyuki looked down and appeared to be deep in thought. She looked up several
times to look at Scott and Nodoka and then looked back down. After several minutes,
they saw her nod her head and then looked up at Scott and Nodoka. She told them that
she would want to try out being a Watcher, explaining that since an Immortal helped her
she would want to try and help out other Immortals. So Scott and Nodoka explained
what they could of what it took to be a Watcher and Miyuki said she was up to the task of
being one. So Scott and Nodoka said that in order to be one, she had to finish schooling
and the best one to go to was one that took her to a Watcher funded school in Sweden.
Miyuki said that she would be happy to go there since it took her away from the chaos of
Nerima and figured that no one would think of looking for her there. So both Scott and
Nodoka accepted her answer and Scott told her that he would get the information she
needed while Nodoka got the information about being a Watcher. Before Miyuki and
Nodoka left for the night, Scott had one parting statement for Miyuki.

"By the way, I like the new look of your hair." Scott said smiling. Miyuki looked
at him confused when he walked over to her and lowered the black stripe of hair over her
left eye for her to see. When she saw the black hair she freaked out a little bit.

"What happened to me?" Miyuki almost shouted as she pulled her pigtail over to
see and saw red hair.

"I think it's a side-effect of the cure, Ranma has a red stripe where you have a
black stripe." Scott said.

"Oh." Miyuki said as she kept looking at her hair.

"Well, I think we should be going now. We will see you tomorrow then."
Nodoka said. Scott nodded in agreement, and the two women left, still hugging each
other loosely.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You use to be a boy?” Uranus asked surprised.

“Yes I was.” Miyuki replied.

“But magic doesn’t exist.” Mars exclaimed.

“And Magical Fighters of Justice do?” Scott replied which shut up most of the
Senshi.

“Well, I guess you are not the Beheader from the news since Pluto backed up your
story of who you really are.” Moon said.

“But that don’t mean we won’t be keeping an eye on you.” Jupiter said after
Moon stopped talking.

“Fine by me, you know where I live, so if you want to watch me, come on by.”
Scott said smiling.

The Senshi realized that there really wasn’t any more things to talk about, started
to leave the Shrine when Mars had one last question to ask Scott.

“Why did you choose here for this meeting?” Mars asked.

“There is a rule that even the most evil of my kind follow and that is Holy Ground
is neutral ground, no fighting of any kind is allowed. With me being attacked recently, I
figured this should give me an advance warning if any show up.” Scott replied.

Mars seemed to accept the answer and followed the others out of the room. Scott
noticed that before Mercury left the room, she took a glance over at Scott before she left.
When all the Senshi were gone, Miyuki and Sasami talked to Scott about what he felt
about the Senshi now and he replied it was to early to fully give his opinion of them.
After they were done talking, they headed back to the shop to finish repairing the damage
that was caused recently to it.

Text file Source (historic): geocities.com/tokyo/shores/Shores/2307

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