As Kikuko and friends began another day of school, other morning rituals 
were taking place 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 hugged 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. 

The young housekeeper 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, truthfully, 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; 
her little sisters, Nabiki and Akane would soon break the tranquility 
they treasured through the day. 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.

***

In Juuban, Kikuko and Makoto found Michiru and Haruka waiting for them 
after school. Michiru spoke first. "How would the two of you like to 
come by our place for dinner tonight?"

"My mom is expecting me..."

"Well," Haruka offered, "We'll stop by your place on the way, how does 
that sound?"

"Fine with me!" Kikuko replied.

Kikuko and Makoto started walking, the other two girls following behind 
on a bicycle.

***

Nodoka heard conversation in front of her house. She saw Kikuko open the 
gate, then race up the walkway. On the street were two girls sharing a 
bicycle, while Makoto walked up at a more normal pace.

"Mom, I got invited over for dinner with two of Makoto's friends. 
Thatokay?" She noticed her mother looked terrible.

"Sure, I hadn't started cooking yet."

Kikuko looked at her mother with concern. "What's the matter, mom?"

"I'll tell you later, Kiku-chan." Nodoka looked down for a moment to 
compose herself.

"Thanks, mom! I think I'd better change again..." Kikuko said, bounding 
up the stairs.

Soon Makoto reached the doorway. "Kikuko probably went up stairs to 
change..."

"Yes she did, Mako-chan." She looked at the other girls and waved. "Is 
she revealing her secret to everyone?"

"No, of course not, Mrs. Saotome. There's a *very* good reason in this 
case. It just shows how honorable your daughter is, you should be 
proud."

"I am, very proud. Will you introduce me to your friends?"

"Certainly!"

Nodoka followed Makoto to the gate.

"Ten'oh Haruka, this is Kikuko's mother, Saotome Nodoka."

"Pleased to meet you." The blonde haired girl said with a smile.

Haruka's turquoise haired companion spoke next. "I'm Kaioh Michiru, Mrs. 
Saotome."

"Pleased to meet you, too. I'm happy Kikuko's found so many friends at 
school."

Kikuko came running out of the house, wearing one of Ranma's black 
pants/red shirt combos. "Well, I'm ready to go, bye mom!"

"Bye, Mrs. Saotome!" Makoto said with a wave, then she turned to follow 
Kikuko.

"It was nice to meet you." Michiru said in parting.

"Bye!" Haruka said with a wave.

The four girls went down the street.

It seemed that Kikuko was making more friends each day, Nodoka thought 
with a smile, thinking about her own youth, and Genma. Tears washed her 
smile away.

***

It took a good fifteen more minutes to reach Michiru and Haruka's home. 
Kikuko noted the area was much nicer than that around her home.  The 
house was beautiful, well kept, and spoke of substantial income. A voice 
she hadn't heard before interrupted Kikuko's thoughts.

A younger girl called out from the porch. "Welcome home, Papa and Mama! 
Who's your friend from school?"

Kikuko turned to see a slight purple-haired girl, probably ten or 
eleven, she guessed. "Hello, I'm Saotome Kikuko." She responded.

The girl introduced herself. "I'm Tomoe Hotaru." She replied with a 
smile and a bow.

"Pleased t'... uh... I'm happy to meet you, Hotaru-chan!" Kikuko 
replied, bowing slightly.

"Let's go in!" Hotaru turned and held the door open for the other four.

***

Kikuko, Makoto, and Hotaru sat in the living room while Michiru and 
Haruka got things ready for dinner. The new guest took her time to look 
around the home. Plush and comfortable furnishings spoke of wealth. The 
most striking piece of furniture was a large grand piano in an adjoining 
room.

Realizing she should be a bit more civil, Kikuko turned to her youngest 
host. "So, Hotaru, how old are you?"

Hotaru looked thoughtful for a moment, then responded. "I'm, twelve, I 
think, How old are you?" She asked, finishing with a smile for her 
guest.

Kikuko was happy to return the little girl's smile. "Sixteen, just like 
Mako-chan."

Hotaru's smile became a look of curiosity. "Why did Papa and Mama invite 
you over? We usually don't have guests from the school."

Kikuko looked askance... papa and mama?

Makoto fielded Hotaru's question. "They wanted to learn more about Kiku-
chan, she's very unusual. Did you hear about the new Senshi?"

Hotaru looked concerned, then leaned over and whispered to Makoto. "We 
shouldn't be talking about this with her here, you know!"

"Its okay, trust me!" Makoto responded, her warm smile reassuring the 
child.

Kikuko was curious now. "So what did *you* hear about the new Senshi, 
Hotaru-chan?"

Hotaru placed her hands on her hips, as she stood and confronted Kikuko. 
"How do *you* know about the new Senshi, Kiku-chan?"

The redhead couldn't help but laugh. "I'm one of them."

"*Wow*!" The neo-Senshi's admission had clearly impressed Hotaru. "Well 
I had a dream that six Senshi would be called, one for each of Jupiter's 
large moons, one for Neptune's largest... *and* one for Saturn's 
largest" She concluded with a twinkle in her big purple eyes.

Makoto added her observations. "I had a similar dream, Hotaru-chan. 
Kikuko actually had the spirit of the moon she's a Senshi of appear to 
her."

Hotaru turned to Makoto with a look of expectation. "So, are you going 
to teach Kikuko?"

Makoto nodded as a proud smile broke out on her face. "Yes, she's a 
Senshi of one of my moons, after all."

Hotaru's face brightened even more. "I wonder what the Senshi of Titan 
will be like? I can't wait to train her."

Kikuko looked at the little girl with a shocked expression. "So, you're 
Sailor Saturn, Hotaru-chan?"

Hotaru turned back to Kikuko, curiosity again on her face. "Yes, what 
moon are you Senshi of, Kikuko?"

The redhead recalled her henshin pen, showing it to Hotaru. "Io."

Hotaru was clearly impressed. "Oh, that's a very powerful moon."

A voice came from the edge of the room. "So *that's* what's going on. 
Dinner's ready, let's eat." Haruka said with a smile.

"Actually, you don't know the half of it!" Kikuko answered cryptically, 
Makoto nodding her assent.

***

After five girls sat down, Michiru broke the silence as she ladled soup 
into bowls and started them around the table. "So, Kikuko-chan, what's 
the *other* half of your story?"

Kikuko, who was already working on her soup, thought of speaking with 
her mouth full, but decided politeness was a good idea. After a few 
moments, she responded. "Well, first off, what planets are you two 
Senshi of?"

"Neptune." Michiru answered with pride. "I had a dream much like Hotaru 
and Makoto's. It seems there will be a Senshi of Triton, as well."

"Uranus." Haruka replied, then looked a little dejected. "Hmph.  Just 
because Titania and Oberon are too small..."

Kikuko breathed a sigh of relief. "I didn't want this information to go 
any farther than I felt it needed to..." She got up and went to the sink 
with her drinking glass. "I suppose you have seen some strange things in 
your life, so this shouldn't be *too* much of a shock." She drew hot 
water from the tap, then poured it over her head to restore his birth-
form.

"The name my parents gave me was Ranma, and up until a month and a half 
ago, I wasn't a girl..." Ranma told his story to another amazed 
audience.

"So, let me get this straight..." Haruka said at last, "your mother 
makes you go to school as a girl?"

"Yeah, I *really* hated it, until I met Mako-chan." The boy and girl 
exchanged smiles. Mom pointed out that this way I won't change by 
accident very often; so I don't hate it as much as I would have."

Haruka decided she wanted to find out more about this intriguing martial 
artist. "I believe we were talking about martial arts when we were 
interrupted by the bell. Maybe we could arrange a time and place to 
spar."

"Well, Mako-chan, Ami-chan, and I are working out a 6 in the morning at 
my house." Ranma looked at his other two hosts. "Michiru, Hotaru-chan, 
would you like to work out with us?"

Hotaru looked down. "I'm not very strong, and P.E. class is really hard 
for me."

"Well, strength really doesn't matter. I'm sure I can come up with SOME 
kind of training to make you stronger, or at least teach you to dodge 
attacks."

"Maybe sometime, Ranma, but not right now." Her eyes lit up. "How 'bout 
if my new Senshi and I train with you?"

"Michiru?"

"I'll stay home and look after Hotaru-chan, I'm sure Haruka would like 
to work out, though."

"I would like to train with you. I'll drop by tomorrow at 6."

"Good," Ranma said with a smile. "I look forward to seein' ya." His 
expression became a bit embarrassed. "Uh, do you guys have some cold 
water?"

"Sure Ranma!" Hotaru enthused. "I bet you want turn back into a girl 
again!" She turned to Michiru. "May I please get Ranma some cold water?"

"Certainly, Hotaru-chan."

Hotaru drew a glass of water, then presented it to Ranma, watching 
expectantly.

Ranma grinned sheepishly as he poured the water over his head. The 
amazing spectacle did not disappoint Kikuko's eager audience of one. The 
older girl struggled to think of something to say to the child. Well, 
she had noticed a piano earlier... "I noticed you have a piano. Do you 
take lessons, Hotaru-chan?"

Hotaru turned a little red. "No, Kiku-chan, Papa plays the piano. Maybe 
she'll play something." She looked at Haruka.

Haruka smiled at her adopted daughter. "Alright, Hotaru-chan." Turning 
to Michiru, "and what about you?"

"We'd be happy to play something, after we clean things up a bit." 
Michiru replied. "But we'll get done faster with a bit of help..."

***

Kikuko and Makoto sat with Hotaru watching Haruka and Michiru prepare 
for their impromptu concert. Haruka sat before the keyboard of the piano 
as Michiru tuned her violin. With a smile and a nod from Michiru, they 
began.

Kikuko had heard music before, in shopping malls and markets, but never 
like this. After a while, it carried her away from her troubles. Closing 
her eyes, she saw patterns in the music, Michiru and Haruka's Art.

Then, as a real happiness flooded her being, she saw *her* Art in the 
music, a beauty he had never stopped to notice. Splendor amidst the 
strikes, leaps, and blocks. She had always reveled in the power, now she 
gazed upon her Art with new eyes. And it beckoned her to join the 
others. Almost without thought she began to flow with the music... 
rising from her chair, eyes still closed.

Each note called a small piece of a kata from her soul. Each kata was a 
unified whole; an individual move was out of place by itself... Just as 
an individual note of the music would seem out of place. But the mosaic 
of forms the Artist created with her body had its own unity... a new 
kata taking shape from the broken pieces of the old. A kata never seen 
before, and probably never seen again. The product of this night and 
these three people.

Too soon, the music ended. Kikuko making a few more moves before 
stopping, and returning to the world, but in a different state of mind 
than she was before. She turned to Haruka and Michiru. "Thank you!" She 
exclaimed with a bow and smile.

Haruka stood and returned both. "Thank you, Sensei. I can't wait to 
train with you."

Michiru smiled at Kikuko. "And, in time, I would be happy to join you, 
Sensei. It seems that you are a true Artist, Kiku-chan. There is more to 
your Art than I had thought." She looked thoughtful for a moment. 
"Perhaps there are other arts you might have a talent in. It would be my 
honor to serve as your Sensei in my art." She concluded with a slight 
bow. Thought clouded her expression again... "You have a beautiful 
voice, Ranma. Have you considered singing?"

Kikuko looked thoughtful... did he want to do this? "Thank you, Sensei. 
I'll think about it." She gave Michiru a bow of shared respect. Did she 
want to? Yes! Looking up, Kikuko smiled.

"I'd like to learn when Mamma comes to your class, Kiku-chan!" Hotaru 
said with enthusiasm.

Finally Makoto spoke. "Thank you, all three of you! But..."

Kikuko started to come down as she finished Makoto's sentence. "We need 
to go home."

***

Back in Nerima, the Tendou family had gathered for their evening meal. 
During a lull in conversation, 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...

***

Back in Juuban, Kikuko and Makoto reached the gate of the Saotome home. 
"Do you want to stop in for a moment, Makoto?"

"I think I can always find time to visit with your mom!"

Kikuko unlocked the front door and opened it. "Mom, I'm home. I brought 
Makoto with me."

There was no response, save the muted sound of footfalls from the living 
room.

***

Entering the living room, the two friends beheld an amazing sight... 
Nodoka, performing a Kata with a full katana. At first her movements 
were full of emotion, but they became exquisitely controlled as the 
forms progressed. Kikuko smiled with pride. At last she was finished, 
gracefully sitting in a chair, her katana across her lap. Entering the 
world again, Nodoka noticed her daughter and her friend. She offered 
them a strained smile. "The service will be Sunday morning. I sought 
some comfort in the Art, and found some small measure of it."

"Will the service be here?" Kikuko asked.

"No, at the home of your father's best friend Tendou Soun, in Nerima 
district. He has offered his dojo for the service."

Ranma's eyes grew wide. "He has his own dojo?"

"Yes. He also said he wanted to discuss a business proposition with 
Genma's heir regarding the operation of the Tendou dojo."

"He wants to talk to ME about running a dojo?"

"Yes, I'm sure *Ranma* will attend. But... son! Don't forget why we're 
going there. By the way, he invited me to stay at their home Saturday 
night to assist with preparations, so I won't be here when you get home 
from school Saturday. I saw you with your friends earlier, all are 
welcome, of course."

"It will be my honor to come, Mrs. Saotome." Makoto said, bowing.

Reality reined in Kikuko's speculation on her good fortune, her 
expression darkening. Mother and daughter embraced, the two women cried 
themselves out.

***

The mood was somber as the two friends walked to Makoto's home, hands 
behind their backs. When they reached her apartment, there was not time 
for pleasantries.

"Good night, Mako-chan, see ya tomorrow."

"Good night Kiku-chan, sure."

Kikuko headed home.

***

When she returned home, Kikuko went upstairs. Ranma came down and 
dutifully did all his homework. When he closed his notebook at last, he 
noticed his mother looking at him with a little hint of a smile.

"I'm proud of you son. So, schoolwork is important to *you* too?"

"Don't use the word 'too', mom. I guess last night I really realized 
what I told Makoto, its *not* too, I *am* the same person. But... there 
are certain things that are different about my other form, that make me 
feel different." He offered his own pained smile. "I really do need to 
know about those differences, I guess..."

"Yes, you do. How has school been for you?"

"Well, it's been tough, but it's also like I've been given a fresh 
start, a clean slate, and I'm doing my best to make you proud!"

"Do you still resent my training?"

Ranma's smile vanished. "Yes, but not for the same reasons I did before. 
When I started out to school Monday... It seems like a lifetime ago... I 
was upset just by *being* a girl, and wearing that uniform. I'm a boy, 
and very much one, so you must have expected *that*." He looked at his 
mother.

"Of course. Go on."

"Now, I realize I'm *stuck* like this. Did you ever consider that? I'll 
be a girl for the rest of my time at school, *long* after your training 
is completed." He flushed slightly, "what if I find a girl I like? We 
won't be able to do much at school..."

"Ah, but don't forget the problem you have with cold water, Ranma!"

"Yeah, but if we'd been a bit more up front about it, maybe the school 
would've accepted my curse..."

"Ranma, this curse is part of your life, as is that other body. I remain 
convinced this is for the best."

"Well, if you say so... I think I'll turn in. Good night!"

"Good night, son!"

***

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're real, however. What I 
*do* believe is that I'm having a dream."

His expression remained somber. "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. There are, after all, other techniques 
with which to fight besides martial arts!"

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 tied in a bow in back of her... uniform. In the 
middle of the front bow was a topaz circlet. Her reflection in the 
window showed 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. He was immune to his own attack, 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 that consisted mainly of getting cleaned up and dressed for 
school, eating breakfast, and checking the Nikkei 225 and how her stocks 
were doing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

***

Across town, Ami and Makoto arrived to see Kikuko and Haruka already 
engaged in a strenuous workout. Makoto realized that Kikuko was fighting 
with a lot more of her abilities then she used when they had sparred. 
Kikuko glanced over for a moment, noticing that her other students had 
arrived, the distraction providing an opening for Haruka to tag her with 
a solid blow. Kikuko jumped back and smirked at her opponent. "Hey! I 
never hit you, why the heck did ya hit me?"

"Uh... sorry, Sensei. You seemed to be a bit distracted, so I took 
advantage; your school is called 'Anything Goes' after all!" Haruka 
replied, trying hard to suppress a smile.

"Point to you, Haruka!" Kikuko said, fighting a smile of her own. The 
sole instructor of the Saotome School then turned to the recent 
arrivals, no longer needing to hide her smile.

"Maybe you can train Ami, Makoto. That way you both can learn from each 
other." After watching the two for a while, Kikuko assured herself that 
Makoto knew what she was doing. With the beginner's training in capable 
hands, Kikuko returned to training with Haruka.

A short while later, during a break, Kikuko looked over at Ami and 
Makoto, noticing how quickly the smaller girl had picked up Makoto's 
kata. She figured now would be a good time to train Ami a bit herself. 
"Makoto, could you work out with Haruka a while, I'd like to train Ami 
in a few simple techniques."

"Yes, sensei." Makoto went to train with Haruka, who proved an excellent 
teacher.

"So, Ami, let's work on your dodges..."

Training stopped ten minutes earlier than yesterday, due to the larger 
number of people who had to prepare for school. By the time they were 
ready, Nodoka had prepared a simple breakfast for Kikuko and her three 
guests. She was happy Ranma had found so many friends.

***

Kasumi seemed unusually subdued this morning, so Nabiki took a moment 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 indifference, 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 did."

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?

Nabiki and Akane traded quizzical expressions.

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!" Soun nodded, excusing his 
youngest. 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 was almost cute, but he was almost crazy, too.

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! I've got some photos for you... Let's 
talk it over at lunch!"

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 almost offered him a grin. "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 with her favorite source 
of income, Tatewaki Kunou.

Kunou looked at Nabiki with expectation. "Well, Nabiki, let me regard 
the latest fruits of your clandestine labors."

Nabiki almost smiled "Certainly, Kunou-baby! I think you'll find these a 
steal at 5,000 yen for the set."

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. May I offer you 3,000 
for the set?"

Nabiki looked thoughtful. "Are you hard of hearing? I asked for 5,000!" 
She didn't think he'd go for it, but 5,000 would position him for 4...

Kunou's eyes grew wide. "But that is robbery, Nabiki! 3,500, and not a 
yen more!"

She had him, now to reel in the yen. "How about 4,000?"

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."

Kunou passed a small stack of bills to the Tendou family photographer, 
bowed, and left.

Nabiki gloated a bit after another successful deal, though it was easy 
with Kunou.

***

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 
financial information for today's transactions at the dojo into a laptop 
computer. Her father had made a mess of the books until Nabiki took them 
over for him. By investing the dojo's profits in a diversified 
portfolio, the business was now on sound footing.

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 to sleep. 

***

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. She had always dreamed of making it in 
business after completing her education.

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 nodded to her, offering a practiced smile. "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. I'm glad you came to investigate 
the position I need filled."

After taking a moment to compose herself, Nabiki spoke. "So, what type 
of a position are you offering?" She had a feeling that 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 nodded knowingly, she had chosen well. "In yen, absolutely 
nothing. Now in terms of power..."

Nabiki looked a little upset. "No salary? This position's going to have 
to *really* be something!" But somehow, she knew it was.

Callisto smiled 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. But the yen symbols had to go...

"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 shook her head no.

Callisto's face showed a bit of expectation. "Good! Well, how do you 
like it... now?" She hoped the girl would accept her offer.

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..."

A bit of surprise escaped Nabiki's guard. "Yes, I didn't know they were 
*real*! Actually, I still don't know!"

Callisto's expression became serious. "The Sailor Senshi definitely are 
real! You'll be in a new group selected to aid the others in the dark 
times ahead."

The indifferent 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 current 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?"

Nabiki had the perfect comeback. "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 confidence.

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

Oh, sure, Nabiki thought.  As if I had any idea how to find Sailor 
Jupiter...
*Lady* Callisto, huh? 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 was 
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; things were quiet before the 
city awoke for a new day. 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 assumed 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, and 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 and 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 coming from Kasumi's room, 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.

***

Finally school was out on Saturday. Since his mother wasn't home, Ranma 
had taken Makoto up on her offer of dinner.

"So, what time should we leave tomorrow?"

"Well, I figure we can treat it like a normal school day, meeting for 
training, then getting ready. We can take the train over to Nerima, my 
mom left me directions. I guess I'd better call Rei and invite her over 
here, or cancel our session at the temple." Ranma said in a distracted 
tone.

Makoto didn't have to ask what was on his mind, she also felt some of 
what he did about what would happen tomorrow, but there was an 
additional feeling, was it dread, anticipation, or both?

"Whacha thinkin about?"

"Well, I'm not sure, but I think something's going to happen tomorrow. I 
don't know whether it's going to be good, bad, or both."

"I feel the same way."

"Do you want me to stay at your house, Ranma?" It's probably going to be 
a rough night."

"Nah, I'm okay." Ranma answered with as much swagger as the short 
sentence would allow.

The two friends parted, Ranma snagging a paper cup of cold water on the 
way to the door. Kikuko's confidence didn't even last until she was 
home.

(END)

********


First, my sincere thanks for reading!

Thanks also go to my pre-readers. Mike Koos who helped me define the new 
Sailor Senshi... in the text with their abilities and descriptions, and 
especially with his wonderful illustrations. Again, Louis-Philippe Giroux 
pointed out some problems with characterization that I hope are fixed.

>From the FFML, John Walter Biles continued his C&C with some comments 
about this chapter and the next. Eternal Lost Lurker made some points 
about Nabiki and how she was handled; I hope this revision is an 
improvement.

Please let me know what *you* think!



Kevin D. Hammel
March 15, 1999
========================================
khammel@mail.geocities.com
kevinsff@pacbell.net
http://www.geocities.com/~khammel/ff/
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