Memories 3

(Lying in their bed, the royal couple, sleep in each other�s embrace. So
long, have they been apart, and now they were finally together, and
their plans of a family already nearly complete. What else could they
ask for? They were rich, soon to be influential, powerful, loving
friends, and they were legendary. But their lives lacked of one thing.)

(Morning arrived at the gates of the Saotome Mansion. As activity began
within the household, sounds of fighting and clamor in the kitchen were
heard. Nabiki and Kuno strolled in the Saotome garden, while Akane and
Ukyou spent their time in the nursery with the children. Ranma, Ryouga,
Herb, Happousei and Mioki sparred against each other. The scouts spent
the morning with Kasumi and Nodoka in the kitchen. Genma and Soun sat in
the living room playing Go.)

Ryouga: Die!!!!!!

Ranma: Aww man, don�t you think it�s a bit early in the morning to be
sparring this heavily?

Ryouga: We must train constantly day and night! We must regain our
strength! I�m just trying to help you.

Ranma: Yeah, yeah, fine take this! (With a blur of his arms and fists,
he pummels Ryouga. The fight increases intensity. Both have decided to
no use their blasts, it seems that Americans seem to notice when huge
explosions occur. As the two continue to fight, in the mansion, Akane
and Ukyou sit in the nursery.)

Akane: Ukyou?

Ukyou: yes Akane?

Akane: Well, we still have time to spare until we have to start school,
and so, Ranma and I were planning on traveling to certain parts of
America to vacation.

Ukyou: I see, do you need me to look after the children?

Akane: Oh, No! We�ll be bringing them with us. Ranma wants to get to
spend more time with his children.

Ukyou: So�.

Akane: Well (fidgeting a bit) Well, Ranma and I would like it if you
came with us. We want to invite everyone.

Ukyou: I don�t know, I�m still adjusting to many things. Things just
seem to be moving very quickly for me.

Akane: I know, but it�ll be a great time to relax and spend time with
Ryouga and your children!

Ukyou: (Looks over to Talen, who is crawling around Lisann.) I suppose.

Akane: You will help plan the places to go with me won�t you?!

Ukyou: We can start now if you�d like.

Akane: (Brings out a box of pamphlet) We can start sorting through
these.

(Kasumi happily kneaded the dough in the large kitchen. She loved
cooking, because not only was she making people happy, but it allowed
her time to think. Today she had been thinking about her daughter
mostly. She was such a dear, for the past few weeks, she had seen Kaze
crawl, babble and cry out for her. Every fiber in her body was filled
with absolute joy, her own bundle of joy, a product between Tofu and
herself.)

(However even though she has been overjoyed the past few weeks, it did
not erase the fact that their awakening was a sign of great disturbance.
The incidents the other day was proof of that. Their ancient enemy was
stirring, and soon they would have to take up arms against the Serpent.)

(However, they had to return to their home planet some time. There they
could gather their powers and fully regain their memories of their
skills. This time in America was only delaying the inevitable. They�d
best enjoy it while they could. But where did Father, Mr. and Mrs.
Saotome fit into this equation?)

(Never had he fought against such a powerful opponent, except maybe
against Ranma himself.  However his counterpart sister was definitely
just as good as him. Narrowly he managed to block a chi shot that almost
took off his head. After many chi blasts were exchanged between them,
Herb managed to finally break through the girl�s defense. With one final
blow, he rendered his opponent unconscious. As good as Mioki was at
fighting, his skills in firing chi at the opponent was far better than
hers.)

(Walking over to the fallen girl, he gently picked her up. Her face was
exquisite, despite the chi burns from his attack. However, her face
showed much sorrow for one of her age. Suddenly a flash of a memory
crossed his mind and he saw himself dancing with Mioki. This Mioki had a
more fiery character than the one before him.)

Herb: (thinking) how odd. Could it be perhaps that I had some sort of a
relationship with Mioki? Perhaps that is why I have no queen by my side.

(Shrugging, he brought Mioki inside so that she could rest somewhere
more comfortable than the ground outside.)

(Happousei regarded each of the youths with careful consideration and
noted their increasing skills. They would need it in the up coming
battles. Footsteps were heard as he turned around and saw Cologne
walking up beside him.)

Cologne: Happy? Why do you persist in that form?

Happousei: Cologne, please do not persist with this matter.

Cologne: It�s not fair! I want to see you again, not this shriveled up
shell!

Happousei: No! This shell is the way I feel! (tearing his gaze from
Cologne) Please do not persist, it is for the better.

Cologne: Happy, we should be together! Us the Royal Advisors, the Kings
have finally returned, I want to be with you again.

Happousei: Woman! I said leave, you are the Royal advisor of ruling the
people and their affairs, I am the Royal Advisor of War and martial
arts. I am no longer the man you once knew. What I did with you was just
a result of Spargos�s curse, you were just the first woman who happened
by. It could have been a serving wench instead of you!

Cologne: (face remaining stoic, obviously holding back the tears.) Very
well, Lord Happousei, I must return to reading my lore and find a way of
returning to Zalen, please inform His majesty Ranma. (spinning on her
heels, she walked in a sedated pace back to her room.)

Happousei: (still staring at the sparring groups) I�m sorry my dear
butterfly of my life. I�m so sorry. (his face remaining calm, but tears
run freely down his face.)

(As the morning events wind down, everyone sits in the dinning hall for
a late lunch. As they ate, each respective mother fed their children,
and everyone chatted amiable with each other. As everyone was eating
dessert, Endymion stood up and spoke.)

Endymion: Ranma, I understand that you would like to tour this country.

Ranma: That�s right. Why?

Endymion: Well�.. I would like to recover our memories first and perhaps
find a way to return to Zalen.

Ranma: Zalen. I understand your concern. However I do not want to return
to Zalen.

Endymion: (Spluttering) But why? It is our home! Are you abandoning your
subjects? We should return and let them know we have returned.

Ranma: Endymion, Our subjects are surviving fine right now on their own.

Endymion: How would you know?!

Ranma: How? Like this! (bringing his hands together he projects a large
ball of white light to the middle of the table. The white ball then
changes and shows the majestic beauty of Zalen. Children playing in the
towns. The coast of Zalen. The lush green forests. The cities erected.
The shrines with the symbols of each of the kings. The trades. The
people.) Our subjects are doing just fine without having us interfere
into their lives.

Endymion: (tensing) I still do not agree, we should return to Zalen then
try and rebuild our kingdoms. They were the greatest kingdoms all
around. Now with the reawakening of the Serpent, they will no doubt
attack our kingdoms once again.

Ranma: He will try to rid of us first. And that is our purpose. We are
kings. And as kings we must hold the serpent at bay and not let his
reach our people.

Endymion: Very well, however, I would like to still see if we can find a
way of returning to Zalen, if it is ever needed. I do not feel up to
this trip.

Ranma: Suit yourself. All who would like to join us on this trip can
come along, those who wish to stay for any reason can do so.

Looking to the skies, Ranma wondered where Zalen could be. He did want o
return to his home world. But he just had a feeling that should they
return, everything would be destroyed. No one truly understood him.
Endymion was so nearsighted. All his mind was focused on was the
situation at hand and how to act upon it at this instant. However,
Serenity was a surprise to him. Long before they were the closest of
friends, what had happened? Why was she opposing him. He would expect
her to understand somewhat. Her gentleness and compassion for her
subject should have opened her eyes to see that what Endymion was doing
would only inflict harm.

"Is this seat taken?" Looking up, Ranma shook his head, as Serenity
holding her skirt up and carefully sit down on the roof. Serenity looked
up at the moon as it's glow provided them with light.

"You're angry at me aren't you?" Serenity said softly. Still staring
into the sky, Ranma contemplated that. "I know you are, but can't you
understand why I want to return?"

"Yes, and it's wrong, they are happy. Why disrupt that?" Ranma finally
responded. "Why return and cause them any more sorrow?"

"But they love us! And I love each and everyone of them. They are my
subjects, I wish to be with them." Serenity protested.

"But Earth is your part of the kingdom, why don't you want to stay? See
its beauty with me. I need this trip to clear my mind and to plan
things." Ranma explained " I don't want to rush into these things."

"Ranma, please don't make me choose. Why can't we return now and you can
clear your head later?" Serenity pleaded.

"You want to see her don't you?" Ranma said solemnly. Taken back,
Serenity's eyes welled up somewhat.

"Yes." Serenity replied in a small voice. Ranma looked at her with
sympathy in his eyes.

"You know we agreed never to ever interfere with her life again. I was a
promise, and I intend to keep it."

"But she's... she's..." Tears now streamed down her face.

"She's our daughter. I know."

Ryouga sat with his sword before him. He still hated Ranma somewhat,
however they were brothers. He stole every woman who he ever loved.
First it had been Serenity, then Ukyou, and finally Akane. Three women
he loved and all three still loved him to a degree. Nonetheless, Ranma
has always been there for him. The times when he was still developing
his powers, Ranma helped. The times he mourned for their parents, Ranma
had to be strong and hold him together. And the time when Ranma was
close to dying after dispelling too much energy, Ranma still gave enough
to revive him.

"Da" A small voice came from behind Ryouga. Turning around, her scooped
up Diana into his arms. She squealed as she tried to grab his bandana.
Looking fondly upon his daughter, he tore off a bandana and gave it to
her.

"Diana...this trip will do us good. I'll be a good father to you and
Talen. We'll be a family. A happy one. You'll have a father and a
wonderful mother. We'll both take care of you too. I swear to you, I
will never leave you. You'll always know where your daddy is." Diana
looked up at her father, as she gurgled happily.

"That was wonderful, Ryouga." Ukyou came up to him from behind. "Come on
Diana, it's time to go to sleep." Picking her up from Ryouga's lap.
Leaving the room she hands Diana to Kasumi, who takes the playful baby
into the nursery.

"Ryouga?" Ukyou sits next to her "husband".

"Yes?" Ryouga replied wearily. Then he tensed as Ukyou laid her head on
his shoulder,

"You will make a fine father to our children."


Looking to the skies, Ranma wondered where Zalen could be. He did want o
return to his home world. But he just had a feeling that should they
return, everything would be destroyed. No one truly understood him.
Endymion was so nearsighted. All his mind was focused on was the
situation at hand and how to act upon it at this instant. However,
Serenity was a surprise to him. Long before they were the closest of
friends, what had happened? Why was she opposing him. He would expect
her to understand somewhat. Her gentleness and compassion for her
subject should have opened her eyes to see that what Endymion was doing
would only inflict harm.

"Is this seat taken?" Looking up, Ranma shook his head, as Serenity
holding her skirt up and carefully sit down on the roof. Serenity looked
up at the moon as it's glow provided them with light.

"You're angry at me aren't you?" Serenity said softly. Still staring
into the sky, Ranma contemplated that. "I know you are, but can't you
understand why I want to return?"

"Yes, and it's wrong, they are happy. Why disrupt that?" Ranma finally
responded. "Why return and cause them any more sorrow?"

"But they love us! And I love each and everyone of them. They are my
subjects, I wish to be with them." Serenity protested.

"But Earth is your part of the kingdom, why don't you want to stay? See
its beauty with me. I need this trip to clear my mind and to plan
things." Ranma explained " I don't want to rush into these things."

"Ranma, please don't make me choose. Why can't we return now and you can
clear your head later?" Serenity pleaded.

"You want to see her don't you?" Ranma said solemnly. Taken back,
Serenity's eyes welled up somewhat.

"Yes." Serenity replied in a small voice. Ranma looked at her with
sympathy in his eyes.

"You know we agreed never to ever interfere with her life again. I was a
promise, and I intend to keep it."

"But she's... she's..." Tears now streamed down her face.

"She's our daughter. I know."

Ryouga sat with his sword before him. He still hated Ranma somewhat,
however they were brothers. He stole every woman who he ever loved.
First it had been Serenity, then Ukyou, and finally Akane. Three women
he loved and all three still loved him to a degree. Nonetheless, Ranma
has always been there for him. The times when he was still developing
his powers, Ranma helped. The times he mourned for their parents, Ranma
had to be strong and hold him together. And the time when Ranma was
close to dying after dispelling too much energy, Ranma still gave enough
to revive him.

"Da" A small voice came from behind Ryouga. Turning around, her scooped
up Diana into his arms. She squealed as she tried to grab his bandana.
Looking fondly upon his daughter, he tore off a bandana and gave it to
her.

"Diana...this trip will do us good. I'll be a good father to you and
Talen. We'll be a family. A happy one. You'll have a father and a
wonderful mother. We'll both take care of you too. I swear to you, I
will never leave you. You'll always know where your daddy is." Diana
looked up at her father, as she gurgled happily.

"That was wonderful, Ryouga." Ukyou came up to him from behind. "Come on
Diana, it's time to go to sleep." Picking her up from Ryouga's lap.
Leaving the room she hands Diana to Kasumi, who takes the playful baby
into the nursery.

"Ryouga?" Ukyou sits next to her "husband".

"Yes?" Ryouga replied wearily. Then he tensed as Ukyou laid her head on
his shoulder,

"You will make a fine father to our children."
_________________________________________-

Author�s Notes

This is only the very beginning, I haven�t had much time to write it,
and I got distracted into writing the KOR and Ranma Xover, which is what
I�m working on right now. Also I just got the inspiration to continue
one of my older fics.

-Belphera