It was morning in the Nerima District of Tokyo. Bright sunlight fell on 
a large home in a residential neighborhood... the home and attached dojo 
that Tendou Soun shared with his three daughters. All but the eldest, 
Kasumi, were at school.

Father regarded daughter... She was tall, with long brown hair secured 
with a white ribbon, and had expressive brown eyes. Though apparently 
well suited to the Art to which Soun devoted his life, her gentle 
temperament and other obligations directed her away from the Tendou 
school. Soun was well pleased with his eldest, even though she could not 
share the greatest love left to him. He shuddered to think what would 
have become of them without Kasumi, especially after his wife's death 
ten years earlier.

Kasumi was finishing up washing dishes soiled at breakfast. She hummed a 
cheerful tune as she performed a task her sisters thought drudgery, one 
which *she* knew as an expression of the love she felt for her family. 
After her mother's death a decade before, the task of being mother and 
housekeeper fell on the eldest Tendou daughter. Though only nine at the 
time, she threw herself into her new life, knowing that as long as *she* 
did the housework, her mother's spirit would be perpetuated. Stacking 
the last dish she heard the phone ring, as if on cue.

"I'll get it!" Soun, a man with fairly long black hair and a moustache, 
called to his daughter. He wondered who would want to talk so early in 
the morning...

"Hello!" "Nodoka... Who?" His face showed puzzlement for a moment, then 
a smile as he *remembered* why that name sounded familiar. "What brings 
you to call this morning, Mrs. Saotome?" His smile broadened as he heard 
why she had called. "Their training mission is completed and Ranma has 
returned home?" As he continued to listen to the phone, his expression 
changed. The smile dissolved, leaving a blank expression on his face. 
Tears began to fall. "I... see. Please let me offer my dojo for services 
this Sunday." He struggled even to think for a few moments. "Tell your 
son I have a... business proposition to make regarding operation of the 
Tendou dojo." He thought for a few moments more, trying to make some 
sense of things through the pain he felt. "Perhaps you would like to 
come by Saturday to prepare? We would welcome your company." His tears 
stopped for a few moments. "Good, we'll see you then." He struggled to 
put the phone on the hook, puzzled at its apparent increase in weight. 
When he finally succeeded, he sat down to cry.

***

Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love
(Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover 

Episode 02: Three Days in Nerima, Three Sisters' Story

By Kevin D. Hammel

Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publication Rights are held 
by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. Sailor Moon is property of 
Naoko Takeuchi. Publication rights held by Kodansha Ltd. in Japan and 
Mixx Entertainment in the US. My purpose is to honor these creators and 
their works. No infringement intended.

***

Kasumi looked down at her father, her eyes broadcasting the concern she 
felt. "Father, what's wrong?"

Soun struggled with his emotions, then reigned them in a bit. "Saotome 
Genma, my best friend, was killed a month ago in China..."

Kasumi thought she had heard her father mention the man once or twice. 
"I'm sorry to hear that, father." So *that* was why the phone call 
disturbed him so.

Soun dismissed his tears. "I offered our dojo for the service this 
Sunday. His widow, Nodoka, and their son, Ranma will attend."

Despite the pain she knew her father felt, Kasumi *had* to smile. "That 
was kind of you, father. I gather his wife will be coming Saturday 
evening to help prepare?"

He looked into his daughter's eyes. "Yes, Kasumi. We must make sure she 
feels welcomed."

Kasumi's smile faded to a more serious expression. "Of course, father. 
All will be ready by Saturday." She bowed.

Soun rose and embraced his daughter. "Thank you, Kasumi. I knew I could 
count on you."

Kasumi wondered who would take care of the household when she left to 
live *her* life, not her mother's...

***

Breakfast dishes cleaned, it was time to do some housekeeping. Kasumi 
got out a broom and began sweeping the floors, her usual Wednesday 
chore. Well before she needed to fix lunch, it was done. She looked at 
the clock. Perhaps she would have time to visit her friend Ono Tofu, the 
family doctor. Kasumi had borrowed a book from him and would have plenty 
of time to return it.

***

On the way to the clinic, Kasumi looked back on all the times she had 
visited it in past years. With a sister as active as the youngest 
Tendou, Akane, visits to the doctor were frequent. Akane *always* seemed 
to be dislocating or spraining something. Over the years, Kasumi had 
become a friend of the doctor and enjoyed borrowing books from his 
library. She was bringing one back with a plate of cookies to say 'thank 
you'.

Soon, she reached the clinic. The patients in the waiting room *assured* 
her that the doctor had stepped out. She had to chuckle, she could have 
*sworn* she heard Tofu but... oh, well. Kasumi left the book and cookies 
next door with her friends at the neighboring cafe, confident he would 
get them. 

Kasumi headed back home content. Life was good and she was happy. Her 
family was comfortable, and she loved looking after them... But 
*something* was missing in her life, something important. Oh well, if it 
*really* was important, she'd figure it out.

***

Lunch consisted of soup, rice, and a bit of fish, which Kasumi whipped 
up in no time. Her father seemed to have calmed down since the phone 
call; she hoped he would be all right. The two talked over their meal.

Kasumi glanced at her father. "So, father, how are you this afternoon?"

Soun looked up from his meal. "I'm fine, thank you." He gave his 
daughter a game attempt at a grin. He was *not* fine, but coping.

His daughter returned a bigger one. "That's wonderful, father I'm glad 
you're alright."

Soun's spirits picked up when he noticed his eldest had attempted to 
cheer him up. "Thanks, Kasumi! Its hard to be upset looking at your 
smile."

Kasumi laughed, her brown eyes twinkling, "Thank you, father!" Her gaze 
returned to her food. What *would* become of her family if she ever 
left? This was her life now, would it *always* be?

***

In the far distance, Kasumi could *almost* hear the chimes at Furinkan 
Senior High School releasing a horde of students back into the world. 
Among them would surely be her sisters. Thoughts turned to trepidation; 
the tranquility they treasured through the day would soon be broken by 
her little sisters, Nabiki and Akane. Racing footsteps announced the 
youngest Tendou, sixteen year old Akane.

Though she had run home, Akane was not out of breath, merely 
invigorated. She was quite a bit shorter that Kasumi, but wore her black 
hair long much like her sister. "I'm home!" She shouted to those who 
hadn't heard her run up the path. Her gait told any who knew the Art 
that *this* girl was heir to the Tendou school of Anything-Goes martial 
arts. Soun was as proud of Akane as he was Kasumi.

A bit later Nabiki, the middle sister, returned from a profitable day at 
school. She was more than smart enough to profit from the instruction, 
but she found school to be a rich source of monetary profit as well. 
Nabiki stood between Kasumi and Akane in height. Her brown hair was kept 
short... It was less of a hassle that way. She had more important things 
to do than fuss over a mane of hair like her sisters. "I'm home!" Nabiki 
announced to nobody in particular.

***

During supper, Soun decided to let his younger daughters know the news 
of the day. He steeled himself. "Today I received a call from the wife 
of my old friend, Saotome Genma."

Nabiki and Akane stared at him blankly. Clearly they were too young to 
recall his name. At last, Nabiki responded with a smirk. "Sorry, daddy, 
I don't remember *him*." Her eyes clouded a bit. "Is he *rich*?" It 
*never* hurt to ask, but knowing her dad's deadbeat friends, it wasn't 
too likely...

Akane glared at her older sister.

Soun's ashen look told Nabiki she might have asked the wrong question. 
"He probably *wasn't* rich, except in spirit, Nabiki. He was killed in 
China."

Nabiki's face turned a *little* red. "Sorry, daddy. I didn't know..."

Soun continued, his face expressionless. "His son and wife will visit 
us. His... widow... will come on Saturday, his son on Sunday." He looked 
at Akane, his expression showing a *little* hope. "His son is sixteen, 
Akane..."

***

In Juuban, a redheaded girl walking home from Michiru and Haruka's with 
her friend Makoto, sneezed...

Makoto laughed. "Either you're catching a cold Kiku-chan, *or* 
somebody's talking about you..."

Kikuko shot Makoto a quick questioning glance.

***

Akane couldn't believe *her* ears, no *boy* her age could possibly 
interest *her*... "Sorry daddy, he sounds a bit too young for me..." She 
looked a bit longingly at Kasumi. Big sister's friend, Dr. Tofu... now 
*that* was a man!

Akane caught the tail end of the father's announcement. "...so the 
service will be in our dojo this Sunday." Soun looked down.

Dinner was completed in silence.

***

Kasumi was glad Akane helped clean up after dinner; it made the job a 
lot easier. She had no doubt Akane was capable of *most* housekeeping 
chores, save *cooking*. Nabiki was certainly capable of *paying* for any 
housekeeping chores she needed done...

***

Kasumi smiled as she sat on her bed enjoying a bit of light reading 
before turning in. She had to admit that one of Dr. Tofu's medical 
textbooks provided a nice nightcap. With a yawn, she set the book down, 
hung up her robe, turned off the light, and went to bed. Soon she was 
asleep.

***

Suddenly, Kasumi was in a *gigantic* classroom, filled with desks of 
immense size. The instructor's desk, for example, was a large as a two-
story building. Hard at work on a massive blackboard was a huge man 
dressed like a professor, with a lab coat over his suit and tie. The 
board was full of diagrams from the textbook she had been reading. She 
had dreamed of taking courses like this, but her family came first...

The giant looked down at Kasumi and took a folder from his desk and 
lowered it to her level. Kasumi hesitated for only a moment... She sat 
down on the folder and found herself lifted to the desktop.

Stepping off the folder to the desktop, Kasumi gazed in wonder at the 
sight outside the window. A world shrouded in orange clouds, and a 
*gigantic* ringed planet... Saturn... This world was... "Titan." Kasumi 
said, as somehow she *knew* what it was...

"Yes, Kasumi. I am a Titan, and my world bears the same name." Suddenly 
the giant was beside her, reduced in height to something closer to two 
meters, from twelve. He glanced at her, eyes asking before voice. "Will 
you help me, Kasumi?"

Kasumi looked at him with furrowed brow. "How can I help you, sir? I am 
merely a simple housekeeper."

The giant nodded knowingly. "You keep your sisters and father going, 
Kasumi. You're not a simple *anything*! The strength and resolve you 
have shown as mother to your sisters would be welcome in my service. I 
suppose you're wondering just what's going on, right Kasumi?"

"Yes."

His expression became serious. "Have you ever heard of the Sailor 
Senshi, Kasumi?"

Kasumi's expression bordered on disbelief. "Yes, I have seen articles 
about them in the newspaper. I'm not sure they are real, however. What I 
*do* believe is that I'm having a dream."

His expression remained serious. "Yes, you *are* dreaming, Kasumi. That 
is the only time I can speak to you. In fact after tonight, I'll 
probably never speak to you again, until... never mind... All that I ask 
is that you become *my* Senshi, Kasumi."

Concern colored Kasumi's response. "Why me?"

"We are trying to build a new team of Senshi, Kasumi. Trying to plot a 
course through hazardous waters..."

"We?" Kasumi asked with a puzzled look.

The Titan replied. "Yes, *we*... myself and four spirits of Jupiter's 
companion worlds and one of Neptune's. For now, three of Jupiter's 
moons, and *my* world. We need a strong hand to guide these new Senshi, 
Kasumi. Your experience as a mother to your sisters will prove 
invaluable, as will your family bloodline. The Anything-Goes school is 
especially attractive to us..."

Kasumi looked shocked. "So, you want to recruit my sisters as well?"

The Titan laughed. "I'm sorry, I can't say. You'll find out soon 
enough!" His expression changed from mirthful to hopeful. "So, will you 
help me?"

Kasumi looked concerned, almost frightened. "But *if* I need to fight, 
I'll need to defend myself and others. I know very little of the Art."

The Titan's expression became serious again. "Let me give you a taste of 
what being my Senshi is like..."

The young housekeeper looked down as her clothing shifted, her nightgown 
becoming a white bodysuit with a purple skirt, collar, and dress shoes 
with fairly high heels. A big light-blue bow was just below the collar, 
and a light blue ribbon was tied in a bow in back of her... uniform. In 
the middle of the front bow was a topaz circlet. Somehow, she *knew* a 
purple choker and a golden tiara, also with a topaz gem set in it, and 
earrings completed her outfit. She fingered the very short skirt and 
turned a bit red. She looked at the Titan, her surprise and 
embarrassment evident... But the change *wasn't* just her clothes, she 
could *feel* the power of the second largest moon in the solar system 
fill her. She *knew* she didn't have to worry... anymore.

His face showed helpful concern, like a Sensei. "Now, *Sailor Titan*, 
can you think of something you can do to defend yourself?"

Embarrassment became concentration as the words came to her... "Flash 
Point!" A blinding flash came from her outstretched hands and impacted 
on the Titan's chest. As it was *his* attack he was immune, but Kasumi 
*knew* others would not be so lucky...

The giant laughed, "You see, its *not* too difficult." His expression 
became serious again. "Will you help us... I *know* you would like to do 
something *more* with your gifts, Kasumi. Let *me* help you... please?"

Perhaps *this* was what was missing from her life... "Yes, I will help 
you!"

The giant faded from view. "Sailor Saturn has a Henshin Pen which will 
trigger your change. She is looking for you, and will find you soon. I'm 
proud of you, Lady Titan." With that, he faded from view.

Kasumi slept soundly, a smile on her face, until the alarm clock woke 
her the next morning.

***

Nabiki tried to brush sleep from her bleary eyes, awakened by the usual 
sounds of industry downstairs. Kasumi was probably working on breakfast, 
and Akane was probably working out. Nabiki went to perform *her* morning 
duties which consisted mainly of getting cleaned up and dressed for 
school, then eating breakfast.

***

Kasumi seemed unusually subdued this morning, so Nabiki decided to ask 
her big sister why. "Kasumi, is anything wrong?"

Kasumi's distracted face suddenly shifted to a more familiar, cheerful 
expression. "No, Nabiki, nothing's the matter. Did you sleep well?"

Nabiki's face showed no expression, as usual. "Yes, Kasumi. I slept well 
last night. Did you?"

Concern flashed across her older sister's face for a moment. "Yes, 
Nabiki. I slept well."

Did Nabiki detect a little dejection in her face, which was soon painted 
over by a smile?

Akane looked askance at the exchange between her two older sisters... 
What were they talking about? "Uh... *I* slept well, too!"

Nabiki smirked at Akane. "Why do you have to turn *everything* into a 
competition, Akane?"

"That's nice, Akane." Kasumi replied in her usual pleasant manner. Had 
it been *just* a dream?

Akane noticed Kasumi's smile fade a little, what was wrong with her 
sister? She looked at her with concern. "Are you alright, Kasumi?"

Perhaps it *had* been just a dream. "I'm... fine, Akane. Don't let me 
keep you from school."

On that thought, Akane rose... "Excuse me!" She rose and was excused. 
Akane grabbed her book bag as she raced out the door.

***

Nabiki surveyed the battleground from the gate of Furinkan High. Bodies 
were strewn across the lawn. Akane had *clearly* been here already. Only 
a solitary figure remained standing, still holding his Kendo practice 
sword. He was Kunou Tatewaki, a student in Nabiki's class. Tall, with 
black hair and brown eyes, clothed as a Samurai instead of a student, he 
would probably be handsome... if he weren't crazy!

The young man regarded Nabiki with an expression of calm assurance. 
"Greetings, Tendou Nabiki. Your sister has bested the best of us again. 
Even I, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High School could not impede her 
entry upon this day."

Nabiki smirked at the Kendoist. Crazy he might be, but he was *rich* as 
well. "Good morning Kunou-baby!" She held up an envelope, and pointed at 
him. "Pictures! You. Me. Ice cream. After school. *Your* treat!"

The young man smiled. "Ah to be blessed with more images of the wondrous 
Akane... It will be my pleasure to meet with thee, Nabiki!" He bowed.

Nabiki offered him a smirk. "Sure, anytime!" She walked into school, 
trying to figure out how many yen she could wring out of him *this* 
time...

***

It was lunchtime, and Nabiki was holding court. Several students came to 
her, each bearing payments on the loans Nabiki had extended to them.

A blonde haired girl offered Nabiki a few crumpled bills, which Nabiki 
counted, her expression darkening. "Well, Miss Tanaka... You seem to be 
a few yen short today!" Nabiki's expression became almost feline, a 
lioness sizing up her prey before ripping it to shreds.

The girl looked almost frightened. "B... but it's all I have right now, 
honest!"
Nabiki offered the girl a... smile? "Of course it's alright. I'm sure 
*you* wouldn't mind if I shared a photo of you and Mr. Morita with your 
boyfriend, or would that then be *ex* boyfriend?"

The girl was almost in tears. "I'll pay it... tomorrow... I promise."

Nabiki's smile began to fade again. "Yes, you *will*." She looked up. 
"Next?"

***

School was over and Nabiki was doing business with her most reliable 
source of income, Kunou.

Kunou looked at Nabiki, almost salivating in anticipation. "Well, 
Nabiki, let me regard the latest fruits of your clandestine labors."

Nabiki offered him a smirk. "First things first... ice cream, *then* 
pictures!"

He offered her a slight bow. "Of course..."

Nabiki *slowly* ate the sundae, enjoying each of the flavors which 
combined to make it delicious. An occasional glance at Kunou allowed her 
to enjoy every instant of his torment... his waiting. Time for *more* 
fun...

The sundae was half eaten when Nabiki drew the envelope out of her 
briefcase, tantalizing her customer. She set it down on the table, 
smirking at Kunou.

Kunou's hands slowly advanced on the envelope...

*Smack* Nabiki rapped his knuckles with her spoon. "Let me *finish*! 
Please?"

Kunou fell all over himself in an attempt to gain Nabiki's favor again. 
"Of course, Miss Tendou. Mayhap I was too eager... I beg thy pardon."

Finally, she was done. It seemed an eternity to Kunou Tatewaki, but he 
was sure it would be worth the wait. Nabiki had never disappointed him, 
demonstrating skill with the camera *and* at the bargaining table.

Nabiki opened the envelope slowly, drinking in each drop of her 
customer's anticipation. She removed the pictures one by one until ten 
covered the table, spread to provide a good view of each.

Kunou gazed, enraptured, at the images. "Each one a treasure, each one 
showing the beautiful tigress that is your sister. How much for the 
set?"

Nabiki looked thoughtful. "How about 20,000 yen?" She didn't think he'd 
go for it, but it would position him for 15...

Kunou's eyes grew wide. "But that is robbery, Nabiki! 10,000, and not a 
yen more!"

"How about 15?"

Kunou looked thoughtful, but he could not resist the call of the 
photographs. "Done, Nabiki. It is as always a pleasure to do business 
with you."

The two students rose and bowed to each other, Kunou paying the bill on 
the way out.

***

When Nabiki got home things were back to normal, for the most part. 
Daddy seemed to have gotten over his friend's death fairly well... at 
least, he wasn't crying as much as he had been before. Kasumi was her 
cheerful self, though Nabiki could detect she was still wistful about 
whatever had happened last night. After wishing everyone a good night, 
Nabiki went upstairs.

***

Unlike her sister, the books she studied were written in her own hand, 
or at least *typed* by her own hand. She carefully entered all the 
information on the business she had transacted at school into a laptop 
computer. Several customers made the last payment on their loans at 
lunch, so she would have to entice them to ask for another loan.

After her data entry chores, she shut down the computer and prepared for 
bed. She knew *her* part in keeping the family afloat was different from 
Kasumi's, but no less important. She hoped she could figure out what was 
bugging her big sister, but that would be *much* easier than she had 
ever imagined.

Finally, it was time for bed. 

***

Nabiki found herself in an elevator moving up at incredible speed. She 
held a paper in her hand and glanced at it. It was a resume; her entire 
life reduced to a single sheet of paper. She caught a glance of herself 
reflected in bright steel of the elevator. She was wearing a *nice* 
black business suit, easily worth a hundred thousand yen. The skirt was 
a little short, but it still looked great on her. All those leg lifts 
amounted to something after all.

Suddenly, the elevator stopped and the door slid soundlessly open, 
revealing an office...

***

The first word which came to the young businesswoman's mind was 
*awesome*. Not the office itself... Not the polished marble desk shot 
through with streaks of silver... not the incredibly deep pile of the 
black carpet... but the woman behind the desk, and the view out the 
picture window behind her.

The woman wore a suit much like Nabiki's. Silver hair framed silver-gray 
eyes. And behind her... through a picture window... a dark gray world of 
ice and rock marked with brilliant white craters... beyond that, the 
largest planet in the solar system... Jupiter. 

The woman smirked at her. "Welcome, Miss Tendou. Please, have a seat..." 
a comfortable seat materialized in front of the desk. In the blink of an 
eye, Nabiki found herself sitting in it. "My name, and my world's, is 
Callisto."

After a moment to compose herself, Nabiki's voice returned. "So, what 
type of a position are you offering?" She *knew* this must be the chance 
of a lifetime...

The woman gave her a quick visual appraisal before speaking. "Miss 
Tendou... Nabiki. You might say I'm the CEO of the world you see before 
you, Callisto. I'm looking for a COO, a Chief *Operating* Officer, 
someone who will represent me on *your* world. Interested?"

Nabiki fought the urge to say *yes* and returned Callisto's appraising 
glance. "What's the starting salary?"

Callisto smirked. "In yen, absolutely nothing. Now in terms of power..."

Nabiki returned the smirk with 37% interest. "No salary? This position's 
going to have to *really* be something!"

Callisto was still smirking as she replied. "You tell me, Nabiki!"

In a flash, Her beautiful suit was replaced by a bizarre version of a 
girl's school uniform. It consisted mostly of a white bodysuit and 
black-trimmed gloves. The skirt of her suit had become pleated, but 
remained black. Also black were the collar she wore around her neck and 
a pair of boots, trimmed in white. An orange bow decorated her chest. A 
faceted, solid gold circlet decorated the bow's center. In the center of 
the circlet was an elaborately engraved yen symbol, which brought a 
smile to Nabiki's face.

Callisto noticed the girl's smile. "You might like to get a better look 
at your new business suit, Sailor Callisto..."

A set of mirrors, like in a fitting room, materialized. Nabiki saw the 
rest of her uniform... A tiara with another gold 'gem' and yen-
engraving, earrings with yen symbols, and an orange bow in the back of 
her uniform as well.

"Do you like your new suit Nabiki?"

Nabiki almost sneered. "Well, I admit to liking money, but those yen 
symbols are a little much."

Callisto laughed. "So, you *don't* want to be 'Sailor Yen', Nabiki?" A 
flash of light, and the monetary markings were gone.

"Any other alterations?"

Nabiki smilingly shook her head no.

"Good! Well, how do you like it... now?"

After getting a *good* look at her new uniform, she grinned a bit at 
Callisto. "Some of the accessories are a bit... *way* over the top. But 
actually, I don't think I look too bad... Black *is* my color... and I 
*do* keep in shape." She glared a bit at Callisto. "So, what do you 
*really* want me to do?"

Callisto looked with pride on the Senshi-candidate. "I chose *you* to 
serve as my Senshi, Nabiki. You've probably heard of the Sailor 
Senshi..."

The smirk returned "Yes, I didn't know they were *real*! Actually, I 
still don't know!"

Callisto returned her smirk. "The Sailor Senshi *are* real! You'll be in 
a new group selected to aid the others in the dark times ahead."

The expressionless face returned to its mistress. "I don't know if I'm 
cut out for the Super Hero biz. I'm not really the right type." She said 
with some disappointment.

Callisto smiled at her. "I *know*, why do you think I picked you? Not 
all of the curent Sailor Senshi were fighters before they took on their 
new roles, you know... You have the potential to be a true hero, Nabiki; 
you simply must realize that heroes can be anyone from an ordinary 
person to the most feared of warriors."

Nabiki considered the offer. "Will I get any special abilities?"

Callisto laughed, a note of sarcasm finding its way into her voice. "No, 
of course not, you *only* get the outfit... *Think*!"

Sailor Callisto thought, and the words came to her. She raised her arms 
and intoned "Hour of Darkness."

At her command, a cloud of pitch-black fog appeared, obscuring Callisto. 
The neo-Senshi looked a bit disappointed. "What about Energy Blasts, 
Lightning Bolts, stuff like that? The *capital* not the *petty cash*!"

Callisto shook her head. "In time, perhaps. But right now, wouldn't you 
like to leave the fighting to the experts?"

The smirk was back. "Aren't *Sailor Senshi* supposed to be experts at 
fighting?"

Callisto gave Nabiki a solemn look.  "What did I tell you about the 
Sailor Senshi being fighters? Will you serve as my Senshi, Nabiki? Do 
you want something more from your life?"

Nabiki gave the matter some thought. This was something she *never* 
would have sought out, but it *might* prove interesting... Then there 
was the strong feeling that her big sister might be at her side. "Yeah, 
I'll do it." She said with a little confidence.

Callisto faded. "You probably know who to talk to, Nabiki. Good luck, 
Lady Callisto. Look for Sailor Jupiter"

*Lady* Callisto. She was moving up in the world, or was it *beyond* it?

Nabiki forced herself awake. A glance at the clock showed 1:00. She 
*had* to talk to her big sister.

***

Kasumi slept lightly after her nightmare the previous evening. She *had* 
hoped it was something more, but wasn't too sure now. A tiny knock and 
the creak of her door jarred her fully awake. "Who is it?" She 
whispered.

"Nabiki, big sister." A familiar voice called from the darkness.

Why would Nabiki be here? Unless... "Why are you awake, Nabiki-chan?  
Did you have a bad dream?"

Kasumi heard the door creak closed, then lost what little vision she had 
to the room light. After blinking for a few moments, her sister Nabiki 
came into focus.

Nabiki looked at her sister, fighting a smile. "Yeah, I had a dream, 
Kasumi. What happened in yours?"

Kasumi decided to be careful, she didn't want Nabiki to think she as 
crazy. "Well, it's hard to describe... it involved the planet Saturn, 
and its largest moon, Titan."

As she listened to Kasumi, a smirk began to bloom on Nabiki's face. 
"Well *my* dream was about Jupiter, and one of its' moons, Callisto. I 
was offered a... position as... Sailor Callisto."

"And I accepted the role of Senshi of Titan."

Nabiki looked thoughtful... "Did you get any idea *why* they wanted 
you?"

"Well, the Titan said that our father's school was important in my 
selection."

Nabiki gave a final smirk. "And who's the best representative of daddy's 
school?"

Kasumi smiled. "Akane!"

"I need to think about this, Kasumi. Good night!" Engrossed in thought, 
Nabiki went back to bed.

***

The alarm buzzed and Akane jumped out of bed and into a gi. She had to 
get her training in before she left for school.

First, she started a quick run around the neighborhood. Akane liked her 
morning runs, just *her* and 5 kilometers. She wished it was always like 
this, but morning was as fleeting as the last bits of sleep shaken off 
by her exertions. Soon, it would be time to go to school, time to show a 
pack of *idiots* who the best martial artist in Nerima was... again. 
*Boys* seemed to be fairly stupid about such things, and needed repeated 
demonstrations.

When she got home, she didn't take the time to change... Instead she 
hurried to the dojo and launched into a kata immediately. She tried to 
lose herself in the forms that comprised her Art, to find some peace... 
At least for now.

Soon, her father was at her side, guiding her through a practice session 
that was over all too quickly. A visit to the bathroom completed her 
morning preparations. She went upstairs to don her uniform and steel 
herself for combat.

***

Akane came down for breakfast after changing clothes and preparing 
herself for school. Looking at her two older sisters, she *knew* there 
was a secret they were keeping from her. She looked at Nabiki with a 
smirk. "What is it, Nabiki?"

Nabiki returned the smirk. "What is what, Akane? I can't even *imagine* 
what you're talking about," she lied.

Akane gave her sister a knowing look. "Come on, you two are hiding 
something from me. It's written on your faces."

"Just like 'baka' is written all over yours, little sister?" Nabiki 
helpfully offered.

Akane decided she wasn't going to get anywhere. "Be that way." She 
pouted, then finished her breakfast. As she was about to get up, Kasumi 
stopped her.

"Did you sleep well last night, Akane-chan?" Her eldest sister asked 
with real concern.

Akane *tried* to get upset with Kasumi, but couldn't. "What's it with 
sleep, Kasumi, please tell me!"

Kasumi gave her a serious look. "We'll talk about it *tomorrow* Akane-
chan!"

"Uh, why *tomorrow* Kasumi?"

"You'll need to sleep on it, Akane-chan. Trust me."

"Yeah... right... Excuse me!"

Akane got up, grabbed her book bag, & ran out the door to school.

***

As she approached the school grounds, any composure gained earlier was 
lost. As she approached the school, her mantra became "Hate Boys... Hate 
Boys... *I hate Boys!*". She surveyed the battlefield for today's 
conquest of the front gate at Furinkan High School...

Arrayed before her in profusion, were members of sports clubs. Waiting 
behind the chattel was their ringleader, Kunou Tatewaki. Akane charged 
into battle, chanting her "hate boys" mantra. Baseball players, soccer 
players, hockey players, etc all were sent flying from the miniature 
cyclone of fists and kicks that was the youngest Tendou. It wasn't long 
before Kunou Tatewaki was all that stood before her and school.

Kunou looked at her with all the love he could put in a glance. The 
swordsman *knew* he would woo her today. He bowed to properly deliver 
his welcome. "Greetings, fair Akane, it is I, the Blue Thunder of 
Furinkan High School. Rising star of the Kendo world. The fairest flower 
does not do justice to your form or beauty, Akane. Let us engage in the 
joyous battle of love." He looked up at his love to see a shoe rapidly 
approaching his face, then he was rapidly approaching escape velocity...

With a confident toss of her head, Akane walked without further 
challenge to her first class.

***

When school was finally out, Akane walked right past Kunou, ignoring all 
his entreaties. Boys... no matter what size, they're all the same... She 
mused as she walked home. She still hoped she would find a *man* 
someday.

***

"I'm home!" Akane announced as she removed her shoes. First she went to 
the kitchen. "Need any help Kasumi?" She asked her older sister with 
expectation.

Kasumi swallowed and turned with a smile. All attempts to teach her 
little sister to cook had ended in... Disaster. "No, I'm fine Akane. How 
was your day at school?"

Akane looked a little downcast. Kasumi *never* seemed to need any help 
in the kitchen. "Fine." Akane offered without animation. She left the 
kitchen to find some amusement in the living room.

***

Television ate the time that separated her from dinner. There wasn't 
much conversation tonight, so Akane went up to her room after the meal 
was over.

***

First, Akane tackled the all the homework that had been assigned, which 
took a few hours. She was tired after her work and knew sleep would come 
easily. She prepared for bed and lay down.

Akane looked up at the ceiling and pondered her life. She knew many of 
her friends went with boys on dates, some had even settled on a 
boyfriend. Akane's problem was that she was good enough in the Art that 
that baka Kunou had declared that one must defeat her to date her. This 
had made her a prize to be coveted, not a person. Akane wondered if she 
would *ever* find a man who saw her as a *person*, not as a prize. She 
knew the only man she liked, Ono Tofu, saw her as a little girl, not the 
woman she was becoming. He was stuck on Kasumi anyway. Akane sighed...

Maybe someday, but not today.

It was time for sleep.

***

Akane drifted off to sleep, and woke up in an elaborate dojo, much 
grander than the one attached to her home. In it stood a woman wearing a 
toga which wrapped around her and was belted at the front, like a gi. 
She could *sense* an aura of power around her. The woman grinned and 
walked toward her. "Welcome to my dojo, Tendou Akane. I am Europa, the 
spirit of Jupiter's fourth largest moon."

An oil painting of the planet-sized moon appeared on the wall. Akane 
gasped at its beauty. She looked down at herself, noting that she was 
wearing a gi as well. It was yellow, as she preferred, and made her feel 
very much at home. She returned the spirit's grin.

Europa looked a bit more serious, her eyes still twinkling. "Two of my 
sisters have selected Senshi to become their avatars on Earth, would you 
like to be mine?"

Akane felt her gi changing to a different garment. When the 
metamorphosis stopped, she looked down and was surprised. The gi itself 
had been replaced by a white bodysuit with a short light-blue skirt. 
Matching the skirt were a pair of dress shoes and the collar around her 
neck. A big magenta bow decorated her chest, just bellow the collar, 
with an opal circlet in the center. Long white gloves with light blue 
trim were on each hand. A glance behind showed a magenta ribbon tied at 
the back of her... uniform. She could feel a couple of other 
accessories, namely a tiara, a choker, and pair of earrings. She just 
*stared* at her clothes for a few moments, until Europa interrupted her 
thoughts.

Moon-spirit gave Senshi-candidate a hopeful look. "Do you... like your 
new clothes?"

Akane was fairly non-committal. "Well, I'm not too sure I want to be 
*recognized* in this getup... Besides, High heels & martial arts don't 
mix too well!"

Europa laughed. "I know! I don't know *who* designed the uniforms... or 
a least, who picked out the shoes... Don't worry about anyone knowing 
who you are, though. Nobody will recognize you through the disguise 
field generated when you're in this form. Would you be willing to serve 
as *my* avatar on your world?"

"Well, uh..." Akane seemed to be struggling with the answer.

Europa brightened. "Care to spar, Akane?"

Indecision turned to happiness as Akane answered "sure!"

It seemed Europa could dodge *every* move Akane made. Maybe she had to 
try a different strategy. She tried to mix her moves up with a few 
feints, she even threw in a few gymnastics and dance moves from P.E. 
class, but nothing could hit Europa. Suddenly, an attack came to her... 
Directing two arms at Europa, she shouted " Pressure Wave!", which 
directed a great river of water and ice at the moon spirit. Akane paused 
for a moment, surprised and pleased with her new technique. It was 
beyond the Art as she knew it, it was Europa's gift to her chosen 
warrior, Tendou Akane... Sailor Europa.

Europa broke into Akane's thoughts. "That's the first of your new 
techniques, Sailor Europa, if you'll serve as my Senshi. Our little 
group could really use a martial artist like you, Akane."

Akane didn't think long about it this time. "Yes! It would be my honor 
to serve as your Senshi, Europa." She wondered what *other* techniques 
she might learn, making her smile even bigger.

Europa and the dojo began to fade from view. "Sailor Jupiter is looking 
for you. Good luck Lady Europa."

Consciousness began to slowly seep back into Akane's mind. She sat up in 
her bed with a start. It was 1:37. Akane wished she could find some 
answers... maybe *this* was what Kasumi had been hinting at. Akane 
hopped out of bed and went to her big sisters door.

***

Kasumi wasn't surprised by the knock at 1:40... It was probably Akane-
chan. "Come in..." Kasumi offered. It *was* her little sister. "Perhaps 
we should visit Nabiki."

"Yeah, Kasumi..." Akane readily agreed. She felt a finger tap her back, 
then turned to see "Nabiki!"

"Well, when I heard *noise*, I figured *you* must have had a dream, 
Akane." Nabiki said with a smirk. "So what did *you* dream about?"

After sharing their dreams, the three girls could only wait... It 
wouldn't be long.

(END)

***

I *know* it's a little odd to have a side-story as the second chapter, 
but I thought I needed an introduction for each of the Tendou daughters,
Their patrons, AND their Alter-Egos.


Episode 3 follows...
***********************************

A pounding on the door awakened Ranma. A glance at the clock showed it 
was time for training. Ranma hurried to the bathroom then threw on a gi. 
Kikuko went out to train with her friends, knowing the Art would give 
her *some* peace.

***

There was an unexpected visitor *this* morning. It seemed little Hotaru 
had come to train as well...

When the workout was finished, all five found it invigorating. Even 
Hotaru had been convinced to try some simple exercises she thoroughly 
enjoyed. It was then time to prepare for their trip to Nerima. All 
Kikuko's guests had brought a change of clothes. At 7:30, all four were 
prepared for their duty to their new friend, to honor a man they had 
never met. Kikuko wore a white silk shirt and white pants, a gift of the 
Joketsuzoku Amazons. She carried a small vacuum bottle that she could 
use to change once safely out of the area. Haruka wore a white suit, and 
the other three wore dresses, all in white.

***

Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love
(Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover 

Episode 03: Beginnings

By Kevin D. Hammel

Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publication Rights are held 
by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. Sailor Moon is property of 
Naoko Takeuchi. Publication rights held by Kodansha Ltd. in Japan and 
Mixx Entertainment in the US. My purpose is to honor these creators and 
their works. No infringement intended.

***

Ranma hoped the address was right, but this house DID look like it had a 
dojo in front. He went to the gate with Makoto at his side, a man with 
fairly long black hair and a black moustache visible on the other side. 
The man seemed to be crying rivers of tears, pausing to ask, "Are you 
Genma's son?"

Ranma bowed, "Yes, I am Saotome Ranma. Would you be Mr. Tendou?"

"Yes, I am Tendou Soun." The man motioned to Makoto, "and this is?"

Makoto bowed, "Ranma's friend Kino Makoto."

Soun grasped both Ranma's shoulders, "May I talk with you..." He turned 
to Makoto, "alone?"

"Alright," Ranma turned to his friend, "see you soon, Mako-chan."

"Okay, Ranma. We'll try to find your mother."

Soun turned and called into the dojo, "Kasumi, could you show Ranma's 
friends to his mother?" Turning, he escorted Ranma inside.

A tall girl with long brown hair gathered with a white ribbon, came out 
of the dojo, with a grim expression.

The youngest spoke first. "Hello, my name is Tomoe Hotaru. " She said 
with a bow. "And you would be?"

"Tendou Kasumi. I'm pleased to meet you." She looked up at the other 
three girls. "Are you all Ranma's friends?"

"Yes, I'm Ten'oh Haruka"

"Yes, Mizuno Ami"

"Yes, Kino Makoto."

"I'll take you to his mother."

Without further delay, the four guests were taken into the dojo to meet 
with Nodoka.

***

Soun and Ranma had adjourned to the former's bedroom. "So, Ranma, did 
your father ever tell you about the plans to unite our two families?"

"Nah, we never talked about stuff like that."

"Well Genma and I agreed that his son would be married to one of my 
daughters, so... you, and the wife you chose from among them, could 
operate the dojo."

"Well, in case you didn't notice, Mr. Tendou, my pop is dead, so I don't 
think your agreement means much anymore."

"And you would not only forsake honor, but deny his final dream, destroy 
his greatest wish?"

"I don't see what any of this has to do with MY honor, besides, I've 
found a girl I really like, and I don't love her or nothin, but who 
knows?"

"Does the honor of the Saotome name mean anything to you?"

"I wonder if it meant anything to pop? It seemed we were always on the 
run from someone."

He clapped Ranma's back, hard. "At least let me introduce you to them, 
Ranma. Let's go see them."

***

Ranma followed Mr. Tendou downstairs to the family room. "Kasumi, 
Nabiki, Akane, please come inside for a moment."

It seemed from three different directions, came a cry of "Coming!"

>From the dojo came a tall girl with dark brown hair, she spoke "Yes, 
father."

"Ranma, this is Kasumi. She's 19 and a excellent housekeeper."

Kasumi bowed. "I am sorry about what happened to Uncle Saotome."

A fairly tall girl, though shorter than Kasumi, with short brown hair 
came down the stairs. "OK, daddy, what is it now?"

"Ranma, this is Nabiki, age 17."

Nabiki arched an eyebrow, then showed a concerned expression. "Sorry 
about what happened to your dad, Ranma."

"Thanks, Nabiki."

The third, shortest, and youngest Tendou sister entered the room. She 
had long hair like Kasumi, but it was black. "What is it now, dad? I was 
trying to get ready and you called me in here!"

"Ranma, this is Akane, age 16. Please get to know each of my daughters." 
Soun said, then left.

"So, Akane, do you know what daddy wanted?" Nabiki asked

Akane looked cross, "I don't know. Oh well..."

Ranma spoke at last. "Well your dad was talking to me and said that he 
and my dad had agreed to join our families by me marrying one of you." 
Ranma looked down. "But I've already found a girl I like. We're not 
really in love, but..."

Kasumi looked at Ranma, concern evident in her face. "Follow your heart 
Ranma. Don't let anything father says concern you."

"Yeah, arranged marriages are a thing of the past, Ranma." Though Nabiki 
DID think he was cute.

Akane's face went from calm to angry. "I... HATE... BOYS!" Was all she 
could say before she stormed out.

Ranma realized where Akane was coming from. He (or was it she?) didn't 
think much of them either...

"You'll have to forgive Akane, Ranma, she's a little high-spirited! 
Would you like to see your mother?"

"Yes, very much! About your younger sister, though... Actually, I 
understand *exactly* what she means, boys can really be jerks to girls 
at school." Ranma replied, following Kasumi into the dojo.

Akane wasn't quite out of earshot when Ranma made his comment. She had 
never heard a boy say that! She wondered how he *knew* what she meant.

***

Ranma was finally able to embrace his mother. "Mom, I'm sure glad to see 
you! It seems pop and Mr. Tendou cooked up some scheme to marry me off 
to one of his daughters."

Makoto's looked down and shook her head. "Not again!" she whispered. It 
seemed it was her lot, the promise of love, then nothing.

She felt a strong pair of arms embracing her. "Uh, I, um won't hurtcha, 
Mako-chan I promise. You're the best friend I've had in ten years an I'm 
not gonna let you go! Except like this!" Ranma broke the embrace, his 
smile returned by Makoto's.

"Son, make your own decisions, don't let a dead man's dreams ruin your 
life." She lowered her voice to a whisper. "You won't find too many 
girls like Makoto, Ranma. Remember." She *would* have to investigate 
this pact, however...

Just then, they all heard a terrible noise coming from the street. Ranma 
trotted out of the dojo to the front of the house, followed by Makoto. 
Hotaru, Ami, and Haruka hurried out of the dojo in pursuit of the other 
two.

***

The three Tendou sisters came out of the house to see what the commotion 
was about.

Ranma emerged from the front gate of the Tendou compound, astonished at 
the sight in front of him. A large... thing in the middle of the street 
was advancing on the Tendou home. It was an awful fusion of monster and 
mechanism... tentacles, eyes, arms, and metal combined to paint a 
picture of horror. The worst thing about it was it was heading his 
way...

It appeared that Mr. Tendou had preceded Ranma to the front of the 
house. He had sunk to his knees in tears at the horrible sight.

The other students from Juuban ran out the gate behind Ranma. "Hey, 
Ranma, over here!" Makoto shouted to get his attention.

Ranma glanced his friend's way, noticing she was motioning toward the 
dojo. He had a good idea why.

As he hurried back into the compound, he thought he saw symbols flare on 
the foreheads of the three Tendou girls. He recognized the symbol for 
Jupiter on two of the girls, Akane and Nabiki, while the Kasumi showed a 
different sign. Perhaps his teammates would be interested...

***

Running into the dojo, Ranma noticed that his four friends had already 
adopted their Senshi guise. He looked at Jupiter with shock and a little 
fear. "Jupiter, two of the Tendou daughters had the symbol of Jupiter on 
their foreheads. Do you know what *that* might mean? The oldest... 
Kasumi... had a different symbol on *her* forehead."

Jupiter looked puzzled, but only for a moment, a smile appearing on her 
face. She turned to the smallest of the Senshi. "Saturn, let's find out 
what's going on. Ranma, you'll have to help Uranus and Mercury with 
that... thing."

Ranma recalled the device of his change, as Jupiter and Saturn ran out 
of the dojo.

***

The Tendou daughters could only stare at the creature.

Kasumi swallowed. "What can we possibly do to that thing."

Akane looked at her sister in agreement. Her expression changed to... 
hope "Maybe *now* is the time for us to get our powers, big sister."

"Hey, you guys!" a girl called behind them.

The sisters turned. Akane and Nabiki *knew* she was Sailor Jupiter.

Nabiki couldn't even *imagine* doing this, but she didn't want the see 
the house destroyed either... A lot of money and all of her records were 
in there. She *had* to look into off-site backups if *monsters* started 
calling! She joined Akane and hurried over to Sailor Jupiter.

Saturn wondered if *her* new Senshi might be here too, so she glanced at 
the three girls. For some unknown reason, the symbols flared anew. The 
tall girl, Kasumi, had *her* symbol on her forehead. "Kasumi!" She 
shouted. Saturn smiled, Kasumi seemed like such a *nice* girl.

Kasumi was scared... this thing threatened her home. She knew her first 
duty was her family, but there was nothing she could do about it, 
unless... She heard a girl shout her name. Looking at the small girl who 
shouted at her, she *knew* who she was, and ran to her. Could she do 
this? She *had* to, her family needed her now!

***

Io was excited to join Uranus and Mercury in battle. "So, what's the 
plan?" She asked with a smile as they ran into the street.

Uranus returned her grin. "Ta ice this thing!"

Io looked a little upset. "Yeah, that's the idea, but *not* the plan!"

Mercury looked thoughtful. "Let me see if I can find a weakness..." She 
seemed to stare at the visor which covered her eyes, Io figured it must 
be some kind of computer display, as numbers seemed to be flashing.

After a few moments, Io gave Mercury a glance bordering on disbelief. 
"Uh, Mercury, that thing looks like its going to charge! So let's do 
something!"

The monster *did* charge, or at least slither, slide, and slurp 
rapidly...

***

Back in the dojo, each new Senshi candidate looked at her henshin pen.

Kasumi looked at Saturn and smiled. She raised the device and spoke the 
words she *knew* she had to... "Titan Lumina Power! Make up!"

A bright, white light engulfed her... became purple... then faded, 
leaving Sailor Titan. One phrase came to her lips as she tugged on her 
awfully short skirt. "Oh my!"

Sailor Saturn smiled at her Senshi and offered her hand. "We need to 
help the others..." A slightly reluctant Sailor Titan accepted it and 
followed her new Sensei out of the building.

If *Kasumi* could do it, Nabiki knew she could, too. She swallowed and 
raised the Henshin pen, whispering "Callisto Lumina Power... Make Up..."

Blackness consumed her. After a few moments, the blackness cleared, 
seemingly sucked into the gold circlet that adorned her chest. Callisto 
smirked at the power she could feel she now possessed. She almost 
smiled, knowing both her home and cash were safe. "Let's go!" She was 
*ready*. But... what was with Akane?

Callisto stared at her little sister, arms crossed and impatiently 
tapping her foot. "Well, Miss Tendou?"

Akane gave her sister a quick nod. "Europa Lumina Power! Make Up!" she 
shouted.

A geyser of ice crystals hid her from view. When it receded, Sailor 
Europa stood ready to defend her home. She looked at Jupiter. "Let's do 
it!"

Jupiter led her two neo-Senshi out of the dojo, leaving one occupant. 
Hidden in the shadows, Saotome Nodoka had seen everything. She had heard 
about the legendary schoolgirl vigilantes of Juuban, but had dismissed 
them as myth. She had seen and felt the power they possessed, even 
legend had not done them justice. Ranma certainly had interesting new 
friends. It seemed the Tendou daughters were more than they had appeared 
as well. Makoto was a wonderful girl... Nodoka hoped honor would allow 
Makoto and Ranma a chance at happiness, but honor cared not for 
happiness, only duty...

***

Io noticed Mercury was still analyzing the monster when it tried to swat 
her with a tentacle. "Mercury!" She shouted with real concern.

Mercury's quick dodge impressed Io. She smiled at her student for an 
instant, then had to dodge another of the beast's arms.

Instead of a simple dodge, Io executed a flip and touched down for a 
moment on the beast's... head? Well, at least a flat spot on top. She 
figured a "Tempest Flare!" on its top might give it a headache.

The redheaded Senshi flipped away from the creature and landed on her 
feet. She noted a bit of yellow-brown ichor where a few of the eyestalks 
had been. Io wished Mars could see *that* one! The rookie Senshi should 
have been paying more attention, this time an arm connected, and the 
girl was hurled back toward the dojo.

"I would have expected *her* to pay a bit more attention." Uranus 
whispered to herself, then smiled for a moment. <But she must be fairly 
excited about her new abilities.> Obviously the martial artist needed 
some Senshi training... She summoned her sword and wondered how this... 
thing would look with a few less of those arms.

***

As the Jupiter's neo-Senshi ran out of the dojo, all three girls noted a 
redheaded warrior flying overhead, then heard a crash as she impacted. 
Jupiter cast a quick look around to see Io shaking a few cobwebs out of 
her head, then turned to lead her students into battle.

***

Nodoka noticed a diminutive redhead hit hard just in front of the dojo. 
Though she couldn't see her clearly enough to identify her, she was 
fairly certain she could *guess* who the girl was. She smiled as the 
Senshi got herself up and hurried back to the fray.

***

The monster was looking rather ill after a slash from Uranus' starsword.

>From behind the tall Senshi, an unfamiliar voice said "Mr. Monster sir, 
you were *not* invited to this house! In the name of the great moon 
Titan, I will punish you! Flash Point!" A beam of light shot from an 
outstretched arm of the neo Senshi of Titan, the impacted with a bright 
flash in the midsection of the creature. It seemed stunned for a moment. 
Sailor Titan found it hard to suppress a giggle. She'd wanted to do that 
to pushy salesmen *many* times... But it wouldn't be right to use her 
Senshi abilities on ordinary people.

Finally Jupiter's ragged crew made it to the battle. Callisto had an 
idea... Raising both her arms and looking at the creature, she shouted 
"Hour of Darkness!" A thick black cloud now surrounded the monster. 
Callisto felt a finger tapping on the back. She turned to see Sailor 
Europa.

Europa gave her teammate a superior look "Uh, that was real bright! Now 
we can't *see* the thing!"

The look was returned in spades. "But it can't see us either, plus I 
have the strangest feeling it's a bit confused right now..."

Europa looked determined. "I think I'll teach that thing some manners!" 
She could *feel* Europa's power sing within her. "Pressure Wave!" In the 
direction its mistress pointed, a wave of water bearing great blocks of 
ice crashed into the darkness. Simultaneously...

Io had run back to the scene of battle, then stopped for a moment. It 
seemed The Tendou sisters had been Senshi. She added a quick "Tempest 
Flare!" to the other Senshi's attack.

After the two attacks, Titan decided to throw some light on the 
situation... "Flash point!" dissipated the darkness, and revealed a pile 
of... something where the monster had been. Stranger still, was the 
translucent blue sphere that stood over the mess. The sphere shrank to a 
point, and was gone.

Io spoke first. "What the heck was that?" She turned to Mercury. "Any 
ideas?"

Sailor Mercury was engrossed in the numbers flashing in front of her 
face. "Amazing... The power levels on that sphere were almost off the 
scale. And then... hmmm..." She looked thoughtful for a few moments.

"How powerful was it?" Jupiter asked.

Mercury looked very concerned. "I didn't know there was that much power 
in all of Japan! At least it's gone..."

"For now." Uranus concluded.

The seven girls headed back to the dojo.

Soun stared in awe at the girls. The *Sailor Senshi* had saved his 
home... Too bad his daughters weren't here to see it...

***

Back in the dojo, six of the seven Senshi quickly reversed their 
transformations. Io seemed to have disappeared somewhere...

Kasumi *tried* to summon a cheerful look. "Well, let's all go inside and 
freshen up!"

Nodoka wondered where the *other* girl had disappeared to... Why would 
Ranma choose to hide his curse *now*?

Nabiki gave voice to Nodoka's question. "I wonder where the redhead 
went?"

Makoto looked concerned. Why hadn't Ranma come back with them? Obviously 
he didn't want to explain his story to the others right now. She smiled 
for a moment. Io transforming into Ranma would have taken a *lot* of 
explaining. Glancing at her schoolmates, she realized they probably had 
the same thoughts.

Makoto spoke at last, fleeting smile gone again.  "Yeah, Kasumi. That's 
a great idea."

Six sober girls walked back to the house.

***
(END)

Any structural suggestions on improving the flow from episode 1 to 2
to 3 would be greatly appreciated! Episode 2 is more of a side story, 
but has important plot information. Having the narrative switch between 
scenes might be too confusing, however. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Kevin D. Hammel
========================================
khammel@mail.geocities.com
http://www.geocities.com/~khammel/ff/
"For St. Petersburg 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,
10, and the Motherland!" Tendovski Akane
========================================