(ff)(Megacrossover)The Game Parts 1-3

Sorry about taking so long and returning your messages.  I'd had finals 
this week and the next.  I hope your able to read attachments, if you 
can't then just write back and I'll send it a different way.
					Trom
"This is your world Man, I'm just doing a Cameo"
"Mother is the name of God on the lips of children"

Hi I just decided to contribute to the continuing story line that different authors have had their hands in. I thought that since I usually miss adding my two cents in, which now would be a good time to try it. This is combining; Restless Spirit, Sailor Moon R 1/2, Ranma Muyo in love, Kitty love, and probably more fics that I will come across that feature characters in love with Ranma Saotome. I'd especially like to thank Donny for starting and continue my source of inspiration.

I do not own any of these characters, except for any brand new characters that I create as plot roles or some such. But then anyone can use them if the wish. Please do not sue me, for I am just a student.

A small town a hundred kilometers outside of the walls of the majestic Crystal Tokyo. Its significance greatly dwarfed by the huge city and its occupants. In fact there was almost no reason someone would go to this small town for any reason but one. That one reason was what at first drew the town's people, which was what was at first just a back water town to a happy little suburb. It was the one reason which many people tried to find the town. Though if that person was not even trying they could. For this town was special, it seemed to get lost for long periods of time. How can a town get lost?

There was an old legend that the two founders of the town, seeking escape from relentless pursuers came to this spot which would be the town. They were mighty warriors, who lived a life of constant battle. Their skill was so great that they could destroy whole mountain ranges with but a fraction of their power. The two warriors have traveled long together off and on for over a hundred years, but this would be their last journey together. For though both had lived many years, time seemed to stand still for one of the two warriors. Though no one new why. It was here that Old Age finally caught up with one of the warriors and knowing that death loomed over his head, challenged his life long friend to a final duel.

Though old age had set his teeth in him, the old man was still a force to be reckoned with. Their battle lasted many days, both of them delivering blows that could shatter solid steel, they battled. On the sixth and final day of their fight, death claimed the old man. His friend cried tears of grief and remorse, for he was finally alone. The old man was the last of his childhood friends, while he had made more, still he could still remember the two of them fighting in school together over little things. How both would use the other one to judge their skills, and together they grew in the art.

It was at the location of that town that the Most Powerful martial artist in the world buried his best friend of over two hundred years. Still not wanting to be left alone, there he built himself a house so that he could be close to his friend. To keep his skill up he battled those that roamed the lawless earth for this was a time of Chaos for the world. Those who could not protect themselves, they journeyed to live near this Master. Many were those who went to learn from him, so that in time a town grew from its not so simple beginnings. Many were the warlords who would try to sack the town to gain renown for besting the towns most skilled warriors. This continued for a hundred years until one day, The Master vanished. Many were those that panicked, and upon hearing this news many warlords banded together to destroy this small town. The towns' people prayed for a miracle, for though they trusted their warriors, they did not wish their families to be threatened. So greatly did they pray, that a spirit heard them. This spirit has been in the town since before it's founding. It grew to love those that would live near it and did not wish for anything to destroy that happiness. Gathering it's strength it pushed it's soul, so much so that it enveloped the whole town and a little beyond. It fused its spirit with the town, allowing its aura to combine with the towns' own. Then when the Warlords attacked, they were dismayed to find that they could not find the town. No matter how long or hard they searched, they could not find it. Without a town to sack they turned against each other, killing each member to the last man. So it was that whenever an overwhelming force would threaten the town that force could never find it. In honor of the spirit that protects them, the people changed the name of the town and made one unbreakable law. You Must Never Eat A Pig! The town was named HIBIKI, after the great warrior Ryouga Hibiki whose spirit continued to protect them.

It had been many years since the person came to Hibiki, many years since he has seen his children, grandchildren, heck even his great-grandchildren. The one thing that Ranma Saotome never lacked was women who longed to be with him. It seemed every other powerful individual in the universe who were immortal chose him to be with. Wether it be Goddesses, Androids, Aliens, or even the Sailor Scouts. He seemed to be their only constant source of Masculine companionship. If he didn't have the Scouts after him, then it was Urd or Skuld (whoever won that year), to a bunch of Aliens, that every once in a while decided that they desired his company. Heck he even had the Intergalactic Police after him on some drummed up charges, just so someone could get to him before one of his many other suitors could. And when a group as a whole found him! The fur really flew then.

It had gotten so bad once that the women called a truce and decided to make things fair. That was when the Game first came into being. Whoever could find him first was allowed one month with him without challenge from the others. Not that they always stuck to the rules. They did not even ask his opinion on that, nor did he denied them. For Ranma still could not bring himself to hurt women in that way. So the first knight of Crystal Tokyo, after leaving word with his cousin, Neo-Queen Serenity, set off on his century long training missions, thus started the ultimate game of hide and go seek. So he lead the life of a traveler, following his old friend Ryouga's travel route. Being the times they are, and the power that he had built, Ranma was no longer bound to the Earth for he had already became the world's greatest Martial Artist, and continued to look for more challenges in order to grow in skill. Not only did he go to other planets to look for challenges, he also went to different planes of existence. While he did not always win every fight that he was in (some were ties)he enjoyed all of them. While not immortal, he was eternally young, that added to his skill made him as close to being immortal as you can get. The battles and the Game were what kept Saotome going all those years. For without challenge to keep his interest, he would have long ago succumbed to boredom. The greatest threat to all those who live long lives.

Still it was nice once and while to visit his family. Not just those children he had by the way of the Senshi or Goddesses, but his family from the first part of his life. Akane, Shampoo, Ukyou, Kodachi, yes even Kodachi; each learned that no one could truly posses Ranma, each could have their turn with him. For he could love each of them no less than he did another, for there was one thing Ranma loved more than anything, and that was his Art. I guess they should be proud of themselves, for after them, Ranma could only find comfort in those of Goddess power-levels or higher.

So it was that the seemingly young girl entered the town of Hibiki. She was surprised by the progress that has been accomplished in her long periods of absences. Where once there were just a few farms with a couple of town houses. Now the houses were lined with streets, actual streets. While not necessarily too close together to cause discomfort. It had a kind of homy feel about it. On her journey through the town she watches children playing in a very nice park, their parents chatting merrily near by. Businesses lined a few streets selling good quality wares for reasonable prices, while all the buildings appeared to be in good repair. Much has changed in the time that she had been gone. Hopefully not too much. While not as large as some cities it didn't take her long to get lost. Occasionally she would notice something that reminded her of the past, but it was so well blended with its environment, that she almost missed them. It was good to see the people living in harmony with their surroundings and not trying to force their will over the land. Well manicured lawns and small gardens seem to brighten each home no matter how small. It seemed that everyone took at least a little pride in the appearance of their homes.

Very embarrassed that she had to ask for directions in her own town. The girl went up to a shopkeeper and asked for the location of the Anything-Goes Dojo. The woman was more than happy enough to give her directions even though she knew not whom she gave them to. It was always nice when a new student came to study, which meant more business for the stores. Seeing as how it always seemed hard for new students to even find the town, all were welcome when they did. The shopkeeper gave a ruff description to the Compound. Compound? Confused Ranma thanked the proprietor of the store and continued her journey. She had little time, so she would make the most of it.

Compound? What did the woman mean by that? When last Ranma left the town, the dojo was just a few rooms for living attached to a large training hall that opened up to a training yard. All together it was no larger than any other medium sized dwelling. Of course that was over almost a hundred years. He had left his two chosen students to care for the place as well as to continue the teaching of the Art. There were barely a half dozen students when Ranma decided to go on a training trip. (In other words, he was tired of all the attention he was getting from his female companions and it was time to move on.) For he could not better himself in the art without much more challenges.

Following the directions that shopkeeper gave her, she soon came upon a large stone wall. The size of it brought back memories of the original Kuno compound, she shuddered at the thought of the two Kuno siblings from her childhood. While she soon became friends with each of them, their obsessive behavior when he had first met them still gave her shivers. The long wall seemed to stretch on for a whole Kilometer before turning on itself to surround the compound. With little effort she cleared the wall, coming to rest at its apex, she surveyed the surroundings. Many buildings were littered evenly around the compound. Some were not that large, while one particularly dwarfed the rest. Before continuing on she lowered her Ki so far that it was practically nonexistent. It was then that she went among those who carried on the Saotome legacy.

Many were those who traveled the compound. From grounds keepers to students, all possessed to some degree martial arts experience. Passing a beginners class, she was slightly surprised to see some adults in it. In this day and age, to not posses martial skills could mean death. While it was not so bad as it was in the town's infancy, still no matter how safe it seems at times, danger can come from any direction. She grinned as a four-year-old girl threw a middle-aged man. At least the little ones learned from it. She came across many other different students training either on their own or in groups of different skill, not one of them nor their instructors noticed her in anyway.

So it was that she spent many hours observing the training techniques of the instructors and how the students absorbed that knowledge. Eventually at her own pace, she made her way to the largest building where she felt the greatest amount of Ki in the compound. She considered wether or not to present herself to the student body. Of course that would be taken out of her hands soon enough, might as well give them a thrill, although not in this form. His male form was older than his female and looked much more impressive. They deserved it for what she was going to put them through.

Kasumi Saotome sighed as she contemplated the sand of the rock garden before her. Something different would soon happen. The signs were all too evident to one who knew where to look. While she looked nothing like the original Kasumi Tendo, her quiet disposition mirrored her namesake almost exactly, hence her name. Every generation had at least one child named after one of their honored ancestors. She was a matronly look about as one who has lived a content long life. Her blueish-black hair, slightly streaked with silver was tied up in an orderly bun. Her head instructor's dogi while not completely hiding her figure, it only served to enhance the slight aura of peace and competence about her. Usually the sands helped to ease her mind from the burden of being one of the most influential people in town. Whenever there was a dispute that those outside the compound could not come to terms with, they came to her for judgement.

She smiled slightly at the memory of when she bested her grandfather, to become the head of the school. At the time she thought he was happy for her, that she had surpassed him in skill. That was a thrill every instructor held when a student surpassed them. Knowing that you helped nourish that individual, bringing honor to your house as that individual excelled onward, allowing the Art to grow stronger. It wasn't until that the townspeople started coming to her for answers to their disputes, that she figured out his true motives. Of course she could go to the Elders for advise, though the final responsibility was hers. She soon came to realize why grandfather was really happy. All he had to do nowadays was instruct some of the more experienced students and get drunk when he felt like it. That burden of responsibility had been passed to her. Along with the infighting within the school, many things plagued her mind. Hopefully this change in the air would be beneficial to the school. For she would not wish to be the Headmaster of the school that caused that same school to split. Again her brow creased with worry.

While to all outward appearances she did not move. The owner of the voice could see every part of her body tense, ready to fight or flee depending on situation. Reaching out with her senses both those inner and outer Kasumi searched for the origin of the voice. Nothing. Usually she knew when anyone came upon her, but this person hid themselves completely from her.

"I worry about the future." She kept her voice calm and collective not wanting to show any signs of weakness to whomever that person was. As head of the Saotome school of Anything Goes Martial Arts, she had a reputation to uphold for the honor of her house.

"Why worry about the future when it had not happened yet?" the voice asked. Still Kasumi could not place were the voice originated from.

"Still, one cannot remained glued to the past while going forward in life." She shot back. Who ever the person was they would reveal themselves when they were ready wether she wanted then to or not. "If we do not look to the future, how can we not best determine how to evade obstacles in our life path?"

"By always being prepared. A martial artist should be aware of their environment at all times. He does not let new things discourage then from their path to perfecting their art." The voice did not change at all since speaking to her. By now she had figured that the person she was speaking to was young and female, at least by the sound of their voice. Still that voice held a wisdom that only came from experience.

"Who are you?" Kasumi asked, while it was rude to get right to the point like this, much was on her mind.

"I guess I have been gone a long time from your point of view." The voice sighed. With that Ranma-chan faded into view sitting beside her. She did not look completely at Kasumi, seemingly seeing things that few could see.

"How?" Kasumi exclaimed shocked that this young girl could get so close to her without her realizing it.

The girl smiled, "Just a trick I learned from an old pervert. Although I have improved upon it." She placed her hand behind her head and laughed. "With my kind of life, I had lots of chances to work on it."

Realization suddenly dawned on Kasumi then. She knew who this was beside her. She just stared wide-eyed at the girl, her ancestor. Not even her grandfather has ever seen him in his lifetime.

Ranma-chan just laughed embarrassedly at the look on her face. She hated that, when people looked at her like she was a Kami or something. With that she changed back to his old self. He had long ago mastered his curse and no longer needed water to cause the change. In fact he no longer thought of it as a curse any longer, he hasn't for the longest time.

If Kasumi wasn't shocked before, she was now. She had heard the legends. Who hasn't? But to witness it herself. Where once sat a beautiful young red haired girl, now sat a man seemingly in his twenties. His hair still sported a pigtail and his face while very handsome, she knew why many longed for him. His eyes showed his true years, while losing none of their excitement for life. After she received a good long look, Ranma changed back to Ranma-chan.

"I am honored that you would visit us Master." Kasumi replied bowing formally in respect. He was after all, the Grandmaster of the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts.

"The honor is mine. I am most proud on how the school looks. You have done a fine job keeping the art alive and well." Ranma-chan beamed in pride that a descendent of hers was doing so well. "Still call me Ranma. After all I am your-." Ranma-chan started counting off the generations on her fingers. After a while she just gave up. Math was never her strong suit. "Well, just call me Ranma. Do not call me grandma or grandpa!" she gave Kasumi a mock scowl, before breaking off into giggles.

Soon Kasumi joined in with her honored ancestor. To tell the truth, she was not all that she had expected. Most idols aren't. Still it was easy to see why this person can make so many friends so easily. Heck even if you hated him/her at first, you would at least have to respect him/her for her skill, after that you couldn't help but eventually come to like this person. She just had that kind of personality.

"If it is not to impudent for me to ask. Why do you stay in your female form?" From all the legends she had heard. Early on in his life when he was first cursed, it was his greatest desire to remove the curse and stay male for the rest of his life.

"Ah, that is one of the reasons I am here." She stated, "Might as well get everything out in the open right off. Well anyway there are a great many people who are searching for me that I don't want finding me just yet." She then grinned broadly. "Wouldn't want to make it easy on them, now would I? Anyway my female form disrupts their tracking methods. That added to the Town's natural ability to get lost, I figured I had a good few months to train some of the students before they zeroed in on me."

"But, you founded this town. Wouldn't they know to look for you here?" *Yes, things are definitely going to get interesting around here.* Kasumi thought to herself.

"Na, I haven't been back here for ages. They probably all think that I'm in that competition over in quadrant Sixteen-Alpha-Zulu or something." Ranma remarked off handedly.

"Because that's what they expect me to do. Hey, can't become too predictable can I? This will really throw then off my trail!" she exclaimed as if letting Kasumi in on a private joke. Which in all actuality it was.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "This is your world, I'm just doing a cameo."

The Planet Lictalon in quadrant Sixteen-Alpha-Zulu. With the exception of a large valley surrounded by a stadium, it would not seem like it had nothing to offer anyone. Oh sure it had the usual things a backwater planet possess, farms, tourist traps, gambling. In fact gambling was the main source of income for this planet.

When the planet Lictalon was added to the Jurian Empire, it held little or no value at all to the empire. If not for the sympathy of the Emperor of the Jurai, Lord Tenchi, the First, it would have been evacuated and then strip mined for its resources. After long debate over a way to prove their worth to the Empire, the people of Lictalon came upon the idea of tournaments. Not just everyday tournament, but those of a scale that would draw the most powerful warriors in the Universe. That was a major hindrance in their plans. How to lure such fighters? It was a known fact that most planets forbade blood sports. That and the fact that if warriors of that magnitude were to do battle on a planet, said planet had with every likely hood been destroyed by the confrontation. Which made Lictalon a prime candidate for such a tournament, as it's gravity wells were irregular. These irregularities Caused great increases in the gravity field around certain points on the planet. One place in particular was subject to said gravity wells. A valley where fighters could hone their skills, what better place to hold a tournament. A place where no matter how much destruction was caused, they could survive. So finding investors and fight promoters, they started one of the galaxies most popular and dangerous fighting tournaments. One, which every decade some of the most powerful individuals in the universe competed. While there were regularly held yearly tournaments, the most spectacular ones were held every decade.

The crowds were gathered before the ticket booth for the next Ginga Tonamento; or Galaxy Tournament. Seat prices were skyrocketing, while closed circuit holo-viewers were waiting at home, paying a whole week's wages just to view this fight. The people of Lictalon would make enough capital from this tournament to last them for a long, long time. Scalpers covered every street corner, though the prices of the tickets were practically tripled. The rubes who bought them were more than happy enough to pay the price. What they didn't know was that those said Scalpers were controlled by the government, who in turn handled all gambling and other criminal activities.

"Well? Have you got his scent?" A woman's impatient voice can be heard from the crowd.

"Miya! Miya!" a little creature shot back to the woman as it tracked down her quarry.

"Hmp! I should have known he would be here. Where else would he be when not with me?"

"Who asked you anyway?" she shot back as she received the telepathic message from her spaceship/pet.

The woman went toward the ticket booth, the teller had a bored expression on his face.

"5,000 credits for standing, 10,000 credits for......Huh? Ah, excuse me but have I seen you before?" The teller's face crunched up in concentration for minute before going pasty white. "Oh Kami! I-I'm sorry Madame Ryoko! Please excuse my stupidity." The man practically prostrated himself before Ryoko. To have a Concubine of the Royal house of Jurai come there was an honor, to insult that person could draw the wrath of the government. Ryoko was especially well known for her bouts of violence. The person who insulted her could expect to be in hospital if that person was lucky, the morgue if not so lucky.

"Well yes, you should be. Anyway have the Royal booth prepared for me and my friend here." With this, Ryoko pointed at Ryo-Ohki who was sitting patiently at her feet. *Miya, purr.* "Oh ya, and make sure there are plenty of carrots in the booth. Ryo-Ohki needs to refuel."

"Yes Madame, very good Madame." The teller humbled himself before her. When she turned away to leave, he called his manager to tell of the royal concubine's arrival. That caused new hysteria around the ring, as the spoiled rich brat who bribed someone so that he could show off in front of his new girlfriend, was dumped unceremoniously out of the Royal chamber.

Galaxy Police detective third-class Yutaka Harada sighed as her looked at the screen before her. Once again there was a warrant out for the arrest of the human, Ranma Saotome. She just wished that when the Royal Jurai Princess wanted her lover she wouldn't involve the Galaxy Police. Still their word was law no matter how idiotic it was. *Where was I?* Known aliases; Ranko Tendo, along with numerous other names that in one way or another were linked to his/her past. *huh? His/her past?* reviewing her files on the subject she came upon Curse. "Damn, that'll make it harder to find him." Now more than any time, the young leonine regretted her telling off her superior officer. The reason she was given this assignment was because nobody else wanted it. And as the Earthers say 'shit rolls down hill', she just happened to be at the bottom. *Well back to the hunt.*

The catacombs beneath the Coliseum were thick with tension. Today was the day that many of the younger fighters were waiting for. To pit their abilities again the best in the galaxy. Some of those that were fighting tonight were those of legends. Heros or Villains that the young fighters grew up either idolizing or fearing. Either way, they were those that inspired them on in their lives.

Kiyone sat in a lotus meditation position, she wouldn't admit it to anyone but she was nervous. This was her first intergalactic tournament. Oh sure she's been in enough tournaments on other, smaller planets to be experienced in battle, but this was galactic. She would be competing against Super-Aliens and Creatures of Magic. Those with natural magical abilities combined with years at honing their skills to near perfection. Opening her eyes she glanced down where two bracers adorned her arms. They were a gift from her Master. Her Master and her ancestor. Her family were some of the few who left their mother planet, Earth, centuries ago. They had colonized a planet just outside the Jurian/Earth border.

Life was good for the people. While it took time and scientific experimentation for them to adapt to the planet's greater gravity and lower level of breathable atmosphere, like the true pioneers they were, they survived. Over the centuries, they even prospered. So much so that they drew the attention of those they could have done without. Space Pirates, the scum of the galaxy. They would find worlds abundant with wealth then pillage it. Their ferocity were legend, so much so that the Galaxy Police itself, was hard put to capture them.

It was a night that she could never forget. Living in the Capital, they were those that were hit first. The Pirates uncloaked just outside the atmosphere before launching the carriers filled with the worst that the galaxy had to offer. Long having been a place of peace, the capital was quickly taken. After twenty-four hours of terror, the planet was taken. She was just a child at the time, barely three years old. Almost not old enough to remember such things, but she could never forget. The citizens were split up into groups that were given to separate captains.

She was fortunate that she was in a group that was given to a human captain. For there were groups that never even made it to the Alien captain's ship. For those aliens dined on them, a more grizzly sight she would never again witness in her life. Still there were those that did worse than eat the settlers. They crushed them, body and soul. They were soon to join them when Kiyone's father tried something that most in an age of science would not. Taking a family heirloom that had been in their possession for ages, he read aloud the plea for help for those of their line. Then ripping open his finger and dripping blood onto the parchment, he then burnt it. He had all those there hold hands while again he spoke aloud his plea.

"Honored ancestor, you whose love transcends time and space. I Masaka Kuten of the house of Kuonji cry for your aide in this our time of greatest need! Please help us!"

The rest of the group added their voice to that, creating a chant. "Please help us! Please help us!" This went on for hours. Until just before the rise of the second moon, a slight glow began to grow around the flames of the parchment. A few of those who were chanting were faulting at the sight. Kiyone's father just spurred them on to continue. The glow grew to the point that a human figure began to show. Many were disappointed that this seemingly twenty-ish person came forth from the light. With black hair tied up into a pigtail and muscles that seemed to dance upon his frame. He looked even younger than her father. It was when he opened his eyes of purest blue did one see the power that lie hidden in this person. Her father, the strongest man she had ever known got down on his knees and cried tears of happiness. He kept on thanking the man for coming to aide them. After looking over the group assembled he bent down and put a hand on her father's shoulder. When her father looked into the man's eyes his back suddenly straitened. He knew that this was not someone who wished to be groveled before. Masaka got to his knees and stared at the man as an equal does not as one who wished to thank his god.

The man and her father soon held a conference of war. They would save their people no matter what the cost. Kiyone fell asleep long before anything was decided. She had awakened to the sounds of battle as the Man who came to save them along with the young men and women fought the crew of the Space Rapture those that held their leases or so they thought. The fight was quick and fierce, the group worked with an efficiency that bordered on the lines of those desperate to survive. When the Space Rapture's captain had been taken. Rather than lose face before their fellow scum, the captains of the remaining ships challenged the Man who came to save them. He accepted their challenges stating that should he win their men would leave this world. They agreed.

It was in the center square of the capital that the battle took place. All the captains of the ships were there waiting for our champion. They laughed at what they would do with him. They claimed that they would make it slow and painful. Some of the younger captains still laughed when he appeared on the field. A Human would fight them? It was to laugh. Those that have seen more experience knew the trouble they were in. If not for the lose of face that they would receive if they declined to do battle, they would have fled right there and then. To command a crew of cutthroats you had to be more of a cutthroat or else they would tear them apart. Energy swords, blasters, disrupters, if it was portable and a weapon they had one. The champion? He had nothing. He just stood there and observed his opponents, looking for any kind of weaknesses.

"Tsumetei Arashi⁽¹⁾!" He shouted. As a glacier of ice flew from his hands, instantly freezing a dozen of the captains. The group as a whole let loose on the champion, but he was no longer there. Looking around they finally noticed him on the other side of the clearing. A huge grin on his face, as again let loose a loud cry.

"Hi Ryu Shoten Ha!" He shot his fist into the air as if he were doing an uppercut. A tornado sized wind rocketed at the Space captains. Lifting all but the two Iwa hito or stone men, whose granite like mass saved them the fate of the others. After the wind died down, those that were frozen in the first attack, crashed to the ground, shattering in a million pieces. Those that were not, slowly raised themselves to their feet. With just two attacks Ranma had reduced his opponents numbers by half. Waiting for them to regain their feet, Ranma surveyed his handiwork. When the group seemed as if they would attack, he blurred. To Kiyone's young untrained eyes she could not see Ranma as he brought the battle up close and personal.

"BAKUSAI TENKETSU Force wave!" with that shout both of the stone men exploded. Next, four more fell before Ranma's fists and feet of justice. By then only six remained standing. Seeing the efficiency by which their comrades were defeated, they quickly threw down their weapons and begged for mercy. Ranma being one who valued life in all its forms, let them leave in one of their ships, keeping the rest as victory spoils. Taking their men with them, they left the planet. We all cheered at our salvation, unfortunately it was short lived. For the pirates could not let us live while they possessed such shame. They powered up their main batteries and fired upon the city, creating a great crater, killing hundreds more. Before they could fire another shot again. Ranma who was enraged at their dishonor, let loose a blast that seared the heavens.

"Okii Moko Tabisha!⁽²⁾" A column of yellow energy was released from Ranma's hands as he let loose this powerful and deadly technique. Soon after the energy trail dissipated, a large explosion could be seen in the sky above. It was the pirate's ship. Every Pirate who invaded Kiyone's home world was destroyed.

Both of her parents died in that final blast from the pirate's ship. But the bonds of blood are strong in Ranma Saotome, for he knew one of his own when he saw them. Kiyone was a descendant of his by Ukyou Kuonji, his best childhood friend. He took her under his wing and raised her, for no one else could. All had suffered greatly from the attack and it would take some time before order could be restored.

For fifteen long years Kiyone trained under 'Uncle Ranma'. She grew into a beautiful young woman, with long red hair which she bound up in a pigtail like her uncles. From a distance it would be hard to tell Ranma-chan and Kiyone apart. When getting closer a person would have noticed the differences. Kiyone's eyes were green where Ranma's were blue. Kiyone also had a light sprinkling of freckles.

Ranma always commented on how great it was training on that planet with it's greater gravity and lower atmospheric conditions. It was all she ever knew, so that when Ranma brought her to another planet she had to be careful not to needlessly destroy anything. As her genetically enhanced body let her learn the Art at a greater pace. While Ranma did not always stay with her, he always came back to be with her. He was the only constant in her life, the one thing she could count on. But now she had to set her own way. Giving her his gauntlets that he had possessed for a lifetime, Ranma left her to her ways. Although he would not admit it, he kept on hinting to her that she should enter into the Ginga Tonamento. He told such tales of battle and comradeship in such a tournament, that her eye's sparkled when he spoke of them. So that when it finally came around, she entered though she was only twenty-two. To prove to herself that she could go the distance and to make her 'Uncle' proud.

Neo-Queen Serenity watched on with humor as her honor guard and best friends squabbled in front of her. Their forever youthful faces, darkened with anger. One especially upset individual, Rei's tongue flashed like the sharpest blade. Her voice rising with every word.

"But it was supposed to be my turn this month!" Not one of her friends/rivals backed down from her stare, having long learned to deal with it.

"Well in all fairness, he has been gone for a while. Not to mention the others who try to have claim on him." Amy put in. Her face was also flushed with anger. Still it did not mean that she had to act like a shrew about it like the others.

"Your Majesty!" Rei whined to her Queen. "We had long ago decided on a schedule for the time-sharing. It's not my fault that he wasn't here when the others' turn were up. Now that he has returned to Earth, I think I should have my turn."

"Oh? And how did you know he had returned?" Serenity asked, humor can be heard in her voice. Rei blushed, then mumbled something.

Serenity barely stifled a giggle. This was the most fun she had in almost a decade. She looked up as she heard laughter coming from the entrance to the main hall. There, Michiru and Hakura stood. Having each other, they did not contribute to the melee in progress. That didn't mean they couldn't enjoy it though.

"Your Majesty! Please! It's been quiet lately. Please tell me where he is. I know you know." Rei asked.

"You know that I can't find him when he's in his cursed form." Rei shot back acidly.

"That just proves that he's hiding. If he wanted to be found he wouldn't be using it." Ami tried to reason with the group. "Obviously he is keeping to the letter of the agreement with the others."

"He's still upset we didn't discuss it with him when we made up the game." Makoto put in.

"Well it seems that we're one step ahead the others. We all thought he was at that tournament." Hotaru put in her two cents. "You know how he lives to test himself against others." Everyone in the room sighed at that. They all knew Ranma too well for their own good.

"This way we'll get a head start on the others. Kami knows we'll need it." The last part Makoto mumbled.

"Your Majesty, Serenity, please can you at least give us a hint?" Minako pleaded.

Serenity made as if it was scandalous to even ask that. That was until she burst out laughing. It was too much, Hakura and Michiru joined in with their Queen, laughing so much their sides hurt.

"When I talked to Ranma last month, oops!" Serenity made as if she had just blurted out the world's greatest secret.

"Last Month!" the four girls practically shouted at her, then remembering themselves blushed deeply murmuring apologies.

"What a minute. If he was here last month then that means he's still in the country!" Rei exclaimed. The whole group made as if to begin speaking at once, but were cut off by Serenity.

"Yes I give you all permission to search for him. You all need a vacation anyway." she laughed as the group bowed before her and quickly exited the audience hall. Makoto practically knocking the others out of the way in her haste. They would check in with their children before running off, that Serenity was sure of. If anything was said about Ranma, he sure wasn't sterile. Ranma has at latest count thirty-four children, all of them girls. Though he would not say anything Ranma, everyone was sure he wanted a son. Not that he didn't love any of his children any less, it was just his sexist attitude.

A lone figure walked the fields just north of Crystal Tokyo. She paused to observe her surroundings. She was close, she could tell. Nuku-Nuku scanned the region, though it was faint, there were still slight traces of her quarry. Almost too faint, the previous storm almost washed away any traces of him.

"Yeah!!" she squealed aloud. She then sent her sensors to full scan before continuing her search. Soon she would find Ranma, and then show him the modifications that she had received from Washu. She practically glowed with happiness.

From her dimensional pocket, Washu kept tabs on Ryoko and Nuku-Nuku. Not that they knew it, but she had planted tracking devices in them. Now all she had to do was wait until they got near enough for her to detect Ranma, then she would get there before they did. She had many tests she wanted to perform on Ranma, that and she didn't want to lose to those other women. With that thought, she laughed her mad scientist diabolical laugh. "Hahaha........."

"One, two, three, shoot!" called out two women. They were both shaking their fists at each other. They then threw out fingers, as they called out "SHOOT!" The taller of the two put out two fingers, while the shorter one put out three.

"Ha! Odds, I win!" Skuld shouted joyfully, then preceded to do a short dance of joy. While she was no longer a child anymore, she still looked very young and mature at the same time.

"Hmp!" Was all Urd said as she went off to sulk and get drunk. She hated losing to her little sister. *I wonder what Balder is doing* She then went off to find comfort elsewhere.

Skuld then went to her computer terminal and proceeded to hack into Yggdrasill. She entered in [Ranma Saotome] what was read back: status [Ultra-powerful human] location [Japan] coordinates [43.2..] "Wha?" *I was cut off!*

"Yes Sir." she replied meekly. At least she had what information she did. She was sure she was one up on the competition. With that she went to check up with Belldandy and her husband, telling them she would be Earth-side for a while. Ranma would be all hers this time.

Kato grunted in the effort it took to try to lift the boulder from its resting place. While being much smaller than some that he lifted in the past, the boulder still refused to move. It was if the boulder itself did not wish to be removed from this spot.

"Damn!" he muttered under his breath. For the last hour he had tried to move this head-sized boulder from it's centuries long resting spot. He just couldn't understand why the thing refused to move. Kato was sure that he was the strongest fighter in his generation. He had proved it time and time again by destroying boulders many times larger than this one. Still no matter how hard he tried, he could not destroy this one. Heck he couldn't even move it. It was very discouraging.

"How long are you going to do that?" An exasperated voice called from behind him.

"Do what?" he shot back innocently. He wouldn't admit it, but he loved to get a rise out of that particular person behind him.

"Play with that infuriating rock?!" the girl exclaimed. Anger causing her to raise her voice. She didn't know how he did it, but it seemed like everything time he did something, he did it to irritate her.

"Heh!" With that Kato raised from his crouched position at the boulder and turned to look at his friend and rival, Nasuko.

Like everyone else who resided in the Anything Goes compound. Nasuko was a martial artist. While Kato relied heavily on his strength and constitution, Nasuko used her speed and agility to win her matches.

"I know its around here somewhere." Kato kicked the rock. "This is the only clue that I could find."

"Well I think its just a myth." Nasuko tried to taunt Kato, knowing full well that she would fail. Kato not only had the strength of the earth spirits, he also had the patience and stability of it too. Still, it was Nasuko's life long goal get a rise out of him. "It's just something Grandfather made up to impress the children."

Kato sighed, this was an old conversation for them. Nasuko was like the wind spirit. Fast and flowing, with a personality to match. One minute calm and gentle as a spring breeze, and then without warning can be as hostile as a tornado. Though at times she can be aggravating, he wouldn't change her for anything. It was what made her, her.

Before either one of them could continue, the dinner gong sounded. As if a starting gun was fired off the two young people took off. As martial artists they burned a lot of calories. They had to constantly consume nutrients to keep up their high performance levels. And in a compound with at any time there could be twenty to fifty such martial artists, you had to be quick to get the best seats in the dinner hall. So they had hurry to get to it.

There were murmurs of conversation as members of the household and students sat at the long table in the center of the dinner hall. One table at the end helped to make a 'T' formation. The longer part being were the students and junior members of the household ate. Where at the head table those of respect, masters, Grandparents, etc. Those that had earned the honor to position themselves there.

As two of the finest students of the school, Kato and Nasuko were placed close to the head table, though not at it. As usual the places were already set, as Yoshihiro's staff were very efficient, he wouldn't have them any other way. For Yoshihiro prided himself on maintaining the household and living arrangements, and he kept a tight ship. Not only were that places neat, they were also eye appealing as well.

After a few minutes the gong sounded a second time. The two rivals looked to the doorway to watch for the stragglers to arrive. Most of them being the younger students. They were directed to the kitchens to help in serving the meal. The two senior students laughed silently at their misfortune. They would learn to be faster when the meal gong sounded.

They waited until the elders were seated before helping themselves to the meal. While many made a pretense of having manners while some just stuffed their faces as if they would never have another meal. Nasuko being one of them. Kato just watched her from the corner of his eyes, having long gotten use to her eating habits. He also knew that if he did not pay attention, she would help herself to his servings.

Kato was interrupted from his vigilance by another one of his rivals/friends, Misuteri. Like her name implied she was a mystery. Relying mainly on the art of misdirection when it came to battle. You never knew when or where she would strike during a duel. Soft spoken and quiet as a church mouse, she shocked him when she touched Kato's arm to get his attention. Glancing her way, he was distracted long enough for Nasuko take choice pieces of his meal. Looking at his plate then at Nasuko's grin, he scowled at Misuteri.

"Thanks a lot." He muttered sarcastically. Then knowing that she wouldn't have interrupted him if it wasn't important. "What is it?"

Misuteri just pointed to the head table. After quickly scarfing down his meal so Nasuko wouldn't steal it. He looked where she had indicated. As far as he could tell, nothing was different. It looked like grandpa Sioki was missing, but that wasn't anything new. He was probably still recovering from a hangover.

"There. Next to Master Kasumi. The girl." She tended to use as few words as possible to get her point across.

"Huh." Kato looked closer. There. How could he have missed her? It seemed that if you didn't look directly at her you wouldn't even notice her. Red hair. Blue eyes. Two definite family traits. He leaned over to Nasuko to get her attention away from her meal.

"What do think Nat? An amazon?" Which wouldn't have been strange for the Saotome family had a few members still in the Chinese tribes. Ranko, great-granddaughter of Shampoo's great-granddaughter, Chia-lao should have had a child by now. Maybe that was her. They sometimes sent their children over to Japan so that she could witness her heritage. And get a husband. After a couple generations the bloodline is thin enough to allow breeding with other distant family members.

"She better not choke again, the last time she did we were all scrubbing the floor from her mess."

These comments made them the receiving end of a dark glance from Nasuko, which caused the taunters to look back into their plates to avoid looking directly at her. Not that they were afraid of her, it was just that she was the vindictive type. There was no telling when she would pay them pack. She swallowed before continuing on.

"Why looking to get hitched?" While she was curious as the next person she still couldn't resist putting in a barb.

It was not their place to interrupt the meal by asking questions. Still, the Master wouldn't deny them any questions. She was always telling them to come to her or one of the other masters when ever they had any questions. So until after the meal they would just have to wait.

Galaxy Police Detective third-class Yutaka Harada was many things, being patient was not one of them. And patience was what it took to track down one of the galaxy's most powerful fighters. It was fortunate that the suspect in question would not resist with deadly force. Still it would take long undercover work to trap him.

So here she was, pushing a cart underneath the stadium. Even the most powerful warriors in the galaxy sweated, and when they did they would need towels.

*Stupid headquarters! Making me a towel girl.* If Yutaka was an ESPer than headquarters would have been destroyed long ago. Before she could think anymore dark thoughts at her superiors, she was called for to do her job.

"Here Kitty, Kitty." A deep baritone voice attracted her attention. She was about to send a scathing remark back at the person. That was until she got a good look at him. A Grimbor, one of a race of extremely large gorilla people with horns extended from their brow. As could be expected from their size, they were very skilled in all areas of combat.

"Yes Sir. Would you be needing a towel sir?" She handed him a towel. It would not look good to have her hospitalized during a mission from not being able to keep her temper. While she was very good in personal combat. She was no were near any of these fighters level. The Grimbor probably thought she would make a good warmup exercise before his match.

"Thanks." With that the Grimbor threw his towel, damp with sweat on to the detective.

Ami watched merrily as her teammates and long time friends, launched into the air. Each in their individual separate direction. They had no idea were Ranma was, and yet they would go bounding off in a fruitless search for him. With neither rhyme nor reason her four companions spread out in four equal directions to scour the face of Japan. You'd think that after all this time they would learn. Flipping open her computer she entered in all variable data. Over the centuries her computer has received so many up grades that it rival every known on the planet. Narrowing down the parameters to the area of Japan. Ruling out Crystal Tokyo, for if he was here everyone would already know about it. That left many, many likely places for him to be at. For Ranma lived to improve his martial skills. In fact many of those training grounds were where the others left for. As they also shared his thrill of improving their martial skills, although with a less determined purpose. Still, Ranma wouldn't pass over his children just to train. *Hmm... Children?* With that Ami ran more figures through computer. She knew eventually Brain would win over brawn.

"Ha! I told you not to eat those so fast." Ryoko smirked at the Cabbit as it started draining her water bowl, in an effort to stop her hiccups.

"Alright! Finally some action!" With that she placed her feet on a cushion, made sure the munchies were close by and settled in to watch the greatest fighting tournament in this decade.

The first match of the Ginga Tonamento was held between; Deubleo the Gromek. Three meters tall and weighing in at Three hundred and sixty kilograms. That added to it's one point five meter wingspan, talons, horns and an animalistic head lead to an impressive creature. The Gromeks as a species were very warlike. Where the average Gromek was impressive, this monster stepping into the ring was truly a sight. Deubleo was one of the best that race has ever produced. What would you expect in this tournament? Only the best of the best were competing.

His opponent, a Maxpary. Male? Female? Who could tell with this race. What could be expected was that it was a Warlock, a magic user. It wasn't surprising that there would be magic users in the tournament. As nothing is illegal in these fights, with the exception of planet destroying weapons. TRIP GADJET What ever that means in there strange language. They were truly grotesque humanoids, covered with plated scales with talons on their feet and hand appendages. They were like something out of a nightmare. TRIP GADJET was an especially gruesome specimen. One point five meters tall and weighting in at one hundred thirty-five kilograms.

While the Gromek towered over the Maxpary, it was still anybodies fight. In fact the odds were five to one against the Gromek. As the gravity wells in the ring made it too difficult for him to fly. The best he could was glide, and not for any great length of time at that. Still with a growl the Gromek leaped at the Maxpary his maces raised high in a feint attack. As a Maxpary's was practically immune to all poisons, a gas attack was the first trip up it's sleeve.

Of course the Gromek expected this as he beat his wings to clear the air around him. Although he couldn't fly did not mean that he couldn't use his wings. While doing that he let loose a sonic screech that caused the Maxpary to be thrown backwards.

The audience watched for any weakness in either of the contestants, for these were just the first blows of the battle. Each and everyone routing for their favorite, holding ticket stubs in their hands, as each fight could make or break their life savings.

The Gromek didn't give the Maxpary the chance to recover from the sonic attack earlier and leapt to the offence. If he wished to have any chance at all he would have to strike fast and quick or else the Maxpary would summon his magic to hinder him.

The Maxpary reacted instinctively as the Gromek pressed his advantage. Using a trait common to all it's kind it borrowed into the earth to get a moments breather. While the Gromek had expected this tactic he wasn't prepared for when the Maxpary used it. Just as soon the Maxpary was fully submerged into the earth the Gromek backed away ready for an attack from any direction, including down.

The Gromek didn't leap away in time for the column of earth that erupted right behind him. It seemed that the Maxpary was trying to damage the Gromek's wings, he succeeded too. For the Gromek's right wing had a long gash down it. That took away one of his advantages, air superiority.

Still the Maxpary did not raise from the earth. The Gromek would have to be quick and careful if he wanted any chance at winning the round at all. With that he ran toward the hole where the Maxpary first disappeared into. Energy crackled around him as he built up his power and let loose a sonic scream into the Maxpary made cavern. This caused the earth to collapse on itself as the tunnel caved in on itself. This left an impression of the Maxpary within the loose dirt covering it, as it tried to borrow deeper. The Gromek struck down with his talons and hooking the Maxpary around neck and pulling him out of the earth. Keeping to his advantage the Gromek slammed the Maxpary in the earth a couple of times to daze it.

It looked like the Maxpary was reeling from the blows while in fact he was casting a spell. Wisps of smoke exited his mouth and crawled up the Gromek's arm toward his face. The Gromek screamed in pain as he threw his opponent onto the ground to put some distance between them. Looking at his arm where the smoke curled around it, the flesh was eaten away completely leaving the muscle showing in plain view. Of course this just made the crowd more excited. The Maxpary didn't remain un-scratched. Not a few of it's plates were cracked and blood flowed clearly down his back.

Not letting the lose of one arm hinder him, the Gromek raised his good arm with the mace still in to finish his opponent. With a mammoth yell he leapt onto the Maxpary's back, only to have his mace break on his adversaries hide. The Maxpary had turned his hide to the hardest stone to stay off the blow. That was it, it was over.

With the destruction of the Gromek's honor weapon it was all over. For the Gromek code of philosophy was similar to that of the ancient samurai, when their weapon broke, it meant that their spirit had weakened for a moment. That moment was all it took for the weapon to mirror that spirit. His resolve had weakened at that point and he left the arena his head bowed in defeat.

It took awhile for the Maxpary to regain it's footing, but it was proud and the crowd howled at his victory. He was helped out of the arena by attendants, and the arena was made ready for the next fight.

"Ah! What a gyp! He had it in the bag!" Ryoko exclaimed, pointing to the retreating form of the Gromek.

"Ya, Ya you won that one. But the fights have just started. So who do like in the next fight?" Ryoko looked at the list of contestants.

"Towel girl! Get over here and wipe up this blood!" Yutaka swallowed the bile threatening to rise in her throat, as she carried a load of towels over to loser. First handing one to him so that he could stop the bleeding of his arms. She dropped the rest on the ground to soak up the blood that pooled there. The scent of it stung her sensitive nostrils, causing tears to form on her eyes. It was then her task to carry those used towels to the cleaners. Getting the blood all over her in the process.

Nuku Nuku was confused for the past few hours, every time she thought she was on Ranma's trail. It would suddenly shift on her. It was like the ground itself moved around trying to confuse her. It was hard for her cybernetic system to comprehend the Lost Aura of the town of Hibiki. Still even after hundreds of years, Nuku Nuku still had her cheerful personality. She knew that she would find Ranma eventually all she had to do was be patient. And for someone who has lived for centuries patience was something she had a great deal of.

Misuteri panted from exertion as she finished the complicated Kata that the Master had shown her just that evening. While in itself it was not difficult to preform. It was the spiritual part of the form of the Kata, which was most taxing part about it. Where the Master had learned it she didn't know, nor did she ask. She would be told when it was her time. Why did she teach it now? Probably had to with that new girl at the head table today. This new technique allowed her to be practically unnoticeable. For some reason it seemed that their training has increased. While she was looking forward to the challenge. She couldn't help but wonder what the reason for.

Ranma-chan watched as the children played after a lesson. Even their play was training as was hers when she was their age. The delight they took at every new thing that they learned about their world. Every rock was an island from which they could explore. Every tree, a mountain to climb. Not yet old enough to know the real evils of the world or their places within it as it's future defenders. With all probability any one of these children could be a descendant of hers. It was another probability she would never again see anyone of them after she left here, to continue on her training journey. Looking over at Kasumi. So much like the one he knew in his younger days. How she loved being with the children. A mother to those who didn't have one, and an aunt to those that did.

"What are you thinking about?" What would the Grandmaster of Anything Goes Martial Arts be thinking of. The wisdom of the centuries. The new fighting techniques she could be inspired to create just by watching the rainfall. Philosophies of the ages.

"Just remembering the great Sukiyaki Kasumi used to make." This caused Kasumi to face fault.

"What?" The great and all powerful Martial Arts Master just remembering a favorite food?

"Yea. We didn't have it many times but when we did." Ranma seemed to be inhaling as if smelling it all over again. "Pop and I wouldn't have time to even spare over it. The first time we did the rest of the family ate it all up only leaving noodles for us. Ever since then as soon as dinner was announced we dove right in. Heh. Of course Akane would get mad over my eating habits. She was always mad in that first year that I had meet her." She just drifted off thinking about the past.

"Were you not the one to say, that we should not remain in the past but to look to the now?" Kasumi was finally getting to realize the personality of her Master. With the exception of the Art, all else took a back seat in Ranma's life. To keep such high spirits when you watched many of your friends grow old and die on you. It was nothing short of a miracle that he hasn't gone insane. Of course no one really thought Ranma was all there to begin with.

"Heh. Still it wouldn't do to forget your past either." Again Ranma turned his attention to the children playing.

"How many stay?" The question caught Kasumi off guard for a moment. Then looking where Ranma was, knew what she was asking.

"Every generation or so two or three stay. Almost all of them leave, to grow in the art by themselves. Only a few come back to stay permanently. I remember my journey." She looked at Ranma-chan from the corner of her eyes. "Actually I went searching for you." Seeing the smile form on Ranma's face. "A few every generation look for you. Wondering if it was just a fable on how you still lived. Everyone thought they would be the one to find you, then that you would teach the person who did techniques that the world has never seen. You were like the Lamia on top of the mountain."

"I am a hard person to track down aren't I?" Ranma then chuckled. Then jumped up and walked over to the children. They continued on with there games until Ranma picked up a rock about the size of a melon and started bouncing it from foot to foot to knee. Like it was a hacky-sack. The children were delighted at this new game and went in search of their own rocks to play with.

Ranma noticing some of the older students watching her also, she waited a few minutes and then when the rock was in midair spun around and shattered it with simple spin kick. None of the pieces flew away, but just stayed there in the air before falling to the earth. She didn't have to look to know that the older students were going to find their own rocks to practice with. With a grin on her face she turned back to Kasumi.

Kasumi also had a grin on her face. She loved to teach also, and loved it even better when she taught them without the student knowing about it. When you get to a certain age this little things are what makes you're live happy. After a while material possessions mean nothing to what you have in your heart. She alone haven lived fifty years has amassed quite a bit of treasure and wealth. She could only imagine what Ranma could have collected over the years that would have seen worthless at the time be worth a kingdom's ransom. There were things of such great wealth that many has tried to find in that compound itself. His vault. The vault. Like Odin in ancient myths, there were those who would give anything for just five minutes in the vault. Techniques so deadly that they were sealed away so that they could never be used again. Forms so mysterious that they were thought to be only tall tales. To see the vault with her own eyes. Kasumi knew she could die happily having known that she might actually be able to set her eyes on its wealth.

"Why have you waited in teaching the more advanced techniques?" The question seemed to shock Kasumi out of her thoughts.

With the exception of that technique you showed that girl in the evening, I haven't seen any of the students or teachers doing any of the more advanced techniques." This is what Ranma feared. That down through the generations, the techniques would be lost. There were no longer a need for such powerful techniques that they were be forgotten. For the world is no longer as dangerous as it once was. Still the student's skills were great more than enough for challengers. They just needed help reaching the next level.

"Only some of the elder possess even the slightest hints at some the techniques told in legend." This was a good way to go. While she was shamed for the loss of knowledge down the ages. Now was a chance to learn it all a new. This time the knowledge would survive in the younger generation.

"I can tell that they are using their Ki to enhance their physical abilities. There is so much more. I just hope I have enough time to teach it." With the two of them walked back to the main building. There was much to do and little time to do it in.

Washu checked her monitors. It seemed that Nuku Nuku has hit a wall in her search, where as Ryoko has become engrossed in the tournament. Her blood lust showing through. *Well time to take a more active part.* Of course when Washu meant was find another way to get someone else to do the job for her. So with that she hacked into Sailor Mercury's personal computer and down loaded all the information the girl put in it. She wasn't the number one scientist in the universe for nothing you know. That out of the way were continued to work on her newest project that would test Ranma's level. She knew how much he loved to test himself. So humming to herself merrily she continued on her task at hand.