[FFML] [Ranma/AMG] Return 2nd try

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Ranma 1/2 / Ah! Megami-sama: Return Prelude
Created by Long Ngo
Started June 15, 1998
Revised August 7, 1998
Revised October 20, 1998
Revised May 24, 2002
Revised July 4, 2002

Space was a place of darkness, a secret place of wonder and loneliness. This vast region was once regarded by the natives of Midgard as Heaven, the Celestial Paradise where the good rested in the afterlife. Yet where goodness strives there is always evil. For light to exist there must be darkness for it to enfold. The beings known as angels, gods and demons are not so one-dimensional as many believe. They too live in a reality that is shaded by thoughts and beliefs. Through their primary ideology they assume their role as good or evil. To act against their nature would brand them in the eyes of their peers as a misfit.
- - - - -
In this vast darkness was a singular satellite that circled the planet Earth. The moon was home to thousands. They were all part of a civilization that has been a joy to the deities of Heaven but also of concern for a select few. It was a place of beauty, with rich greeneries covering the entire surface as well as having clear crisp rivers and lakes. This small pale globe was the capital of a vast empire stretching to the far reaches of the solar system, an empire known as the Silver Millennium.
The ruler was a majestic queen who rule with a fair hand but had the power of the cosmos at her fingertip. She ruled over a vast population that were attune to the energies surrounding them, the primordial force of the universe, magic. Yet not even the most gifted of individuals nor the queen herself could detect the lone man walking towards a seemingly empty stretch of land, left undisturbed by the citizens of the moon.
Through eyes that were more than mortal, the solitary individual who was dressed in a simple shirt and pants that were more than just white for it glowed of it own resolve, blinked and saw pass the enchantments that concealed the truth from prying eyes. Walking closer to the structure, the man greeted an old acquaintance. On the surface of the structure, a miniature mask appeared in response to the man.
�Hello Celestine,� the god of change greeted the condemned.
�Hello Ranma,� replied the god of destiny.
"It has been awhile hasn't it?"
"Yes it has. I'm sorry I haven't visited more often but it has been hectic at the office. It doesn't help that you are not there. Since I'm stuck with your job temporarily, I've been quite busy." Ranma replied, floating to the entrance of the prison. Waving a hand, the shimmering shield around the prison parted temporarily to let Ranma in before closing behind him.
"How are the Fates?" the imprisoned god asked.
Giving the trapped god a sad look, "You have to understand that it has been close to half a millennium since your attempt at destroying the Gates of Destiny and your trial. Things change, Celestine. Urd has forgotten about you. Well that is not true. Since she is the Norn of the past, her memory is the best among us except for Kami-sama. What she has done is to force herself to not think about you. Belldandy has matured into a beautiful goddess. She works part time in the Goddess Relief Office. She does not remember you nor will ever remember with the block place by Kami-sama and Skuld is still in her reincarnation phase and will not know what has happen until she reawaken in another century."
If a voice could smile this one would, a smile of sadness and a voice of regret. "That is for the best I think. Promise me you will look after Belldandy? I still see her as the young child that I agreed to teach to control her powers."
"You don't have to ask that old friend. Of course I will."
"Thank you."
"Think nothing of it." Ranma replied while looking at the prison that housed his friend. The god of change could still remember the day that Celestine had tried to destroy the gates and failed. Ranma also remembered the grief he felt when the order to capture Celestine was given and the guardian angels, the one charge with keeping order in Heaven, were dispatched to arrest the God of Destiny. The very same day that a young goddess named Belldandy had tried to protect her mentor by destroying the first wave of angels and their trials thereafter. Unknown to his friend, a tear formed and silently fell to the ground.
"You understand, don't you, Ranma? Unlike all the other gods, you Ranma should know better than any of them since change is your province that what I was doing, I was doing for the good of all."
"I know you had only good intention Celestine, that was the reason I spoke up on your behalf at your trial. This was for the best. You should have known that change couldn't be forced." A brief silence settled between the two gods, "I tried to lighten your sentence but reached a compromised that instead of casting you out of Heaven and having you become one of the fallen, you would be imprisoned for 10 millennia."
"10 millennia staring at Midgard," the sad voice whispered.
As Ranma was about to consul his friend, the symbol on his forehead flared for a brief second. Closing his eyes, Ranma connected to Yggdrasil. "It seems one of your predictions came true Celestine."
"There were many. Some good others bad."
"The Moon Kingdom is starting to collapse. I'm called to attend the event since I'm the god of change and there is an 85% chance that the queen will try and save her kingdom by casting a spell that will fall into your jurisdiction. I have to go. Farewell old friend."
"Farewell Ranma."
- - - - -
In the darkness slept a god that wanted to change. Condemned for his actions as he stared into the blue marble teaming with life. As countless centuries turned to a millennium, a single god kept vigilant watch over the planet Earth from within his clock-like prison. *This was the first century that Ranma had not visited,* he thought. *It seems as if I have finally been forgotten.* As the trapped god brooded, he felt a presence outside his prison, a being that was extremely sad. Reaching out with his mind, he felt, no saw, how this being had lost a love one to the very gates that bore his name, the one he had tried to destroy so long ago. "Let me help you," Celestine whispered into the being's mind.
- - - - -
The goddess relief office was a branch of Heaven that dealt with rewarding those pure of heart. Though each person would receive their reward or punishment upon their death, Kami-sama felt that something special should be given to those that strive without thought to help those around them without wanting anything in return. By doing this, that person might help others, creating a chain that will hopefully expand to encompass all those around the Chosen One. The divine being need not be a goddess to work in the branch but since most were, it was dubbed so.
Appearing on the platform that was the center of the relief office, Ranma looked at the various goddesses and smiled. *Ah to be surrounded by beautiful females. I love my job sometimes. Why must I work on such a splendid day?* Shaking his head at the injustice, Ranma started to scan the room until he saw the one he was looking for.
"Hello Belldandy," Ranma smiled at the Goddess of Present.
"Hello Ranma."
"Can you brief me on my assignment?"
Since Belldandy was the Norn in charge of keeping the present on track, she was the most reliable when it came to ask for information regarding those chosen to receive a wish. It helped that her median was a mirror and thus could show the god or goddess in question their charge clearer than any other method that used the same amount of energy.
Looking into the shimmering pool, Ranma, God of Change saw a woman was lying on a hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. "Is she the one?"
"Yes. The recipient is a Japanese female of 28 years of age. She is the wife of a Tendou Soun and mother to three daughters: Kasumi, Nabiki and Akane. She has been deemed worthy of a wish."
Looking closer, Ranma raised his hand to the image and twisted it so that he could get a better idea of the room he was teleporting to. "Why is she in a hospital?" Ranma asked, worry for the mother of three evident in his voice.
"She just gave birth to her third child. It seems that the rapid succession of births weakened her body and paved the way for a recessive disease in her family to surface." Belldandy answered in a soft voice, one filled with a bit of sadness for she had a caring heart.
"How long?"
"A few days."
"I see." Ranma looked closely at the image of the women laying in bed as silence fell between the two Heavenly beings. "Do you know what her wish will be?" the god of change inquired.
Willing the piece of paper into her hands from across the room, Belldandy handed it to Ranma. "This is a list that Skuld prepared. She says the most likely scenario would be one involving her family."
Scanning the piece of paper, he smiled at the young goddess when compared to him. "Thanks Belldandy."
Smiling, "Good luck Onii-sama."
Unknown to both celestial beings, this would the last time they see each other for more than 2 decades, mortal time.
* * * * *
Circling the planet Earth is a single satellite. From the blue marble, looking up into space, it was a barren rock filled with holes from impacting meteorites. History handed down from one generation after another by beings that considered themselves civilized; claim that there has never been life on the floating rock high above. Using the most powerful telescope, the only man-made object that can be seen would be a plastic flag from a tribe inhabiting the blue planet as well as a horseless carriage and parts of the craft that brought from so far from their home. Even the most sophisticated finding eye would never reveal the ruins of a mighty kingdom that once flourished on moon nor a structure that resembles the inside of an antique clock. The hands of an ancient clock that moved not in minutes nor hours but centuries and millenniums, counting down the sentence of a condemned god, one that was no longer within his prison.
* * * * *
Staring out into the clear blue sky, Tendo Kimiko sighed. *It's such a lovely day. Wouldn't it have been grand if I could take Soun and the children out on a picnic?* she thought to herself. Turning her attention from the outdoors, her eyes focused on the ceiling above you and sighed again.
Like all hospitals, the ceiling was painted white and the room itself gave off the impression of a clean but dull place, practically everything was the same color. The only exceptions were the metallic bars of the bed frame, the flowers from her husband and closet. The sheets were white, the walls were white, as well as the floor and door was white. She could even include her skin color since she was quite pale.
*I'm dying.* she thought, having received the dire news yesterday after delivering a health baby girl that she named Akane. *It seems the disease that killed my mother will be the same one that will kill me. Please god, spare my daughters.* she prayed. Even though she knew that soon she would pass on, she was not afraid to die. She had lead a very joyous and though short, a fulfilled life. Kimiko had married the man she loved and had given birth to three very lovely daughters. What more could she ask for except maybe to see them grow up and get married themselves, to experience motherhood.
As if the Heavens heard her prayer, from the corner of her eyes, she thought she saw a sparkle. Turning her head, she noticed a young man wearing a flowing white shirt with matching pant, embroiled with gold and silver threads. He was standing near the window with the sun to his back. Normally in such a position, a person's face could not be seen due to the shadows yet she saw his handsome face clearly. What stood out the most was the fact that on his face there were three strange marks.
"Tendou Kimiko?" the young man asked. Stretching a bit, "Beautiful day isn't it?"
"Yes," she replied weakly, to both questions. Normally if she found a stranger in her room, no matter how handsome, she would have screamed but she sensed nothing evil from the young man. Surprisingly, the more she stayed in his presence the stronger she felt, *No not stronger,* she thought, *Rather more at peace. Is he Kami-sama?*
"Is it time for me to go?" she asked. *Please Lord give me more time. I still want to say farewell to my family.*
Laughing at the distraught mother of three, "No, It's not your time yet and I promise that you will have time to say farewell to your family," the young man in front of her responded.
"Nani?" Kimiko exclaimed surprised that he could read her mind but reminded herself that before her stood Kami-sama.
"For the duration of this meeting, I am allowed to read your mind." Ranma answered her unspoken question before shaking his head as if remembering something, "Forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm not Kami-sama but rather someone that works for him. My name is Ranma, the God of Change and for the next three millennia the God of Destiny as well." Having said this, the young man in front of Kimiko bowed. "I'm here to grant you a wish, any wish you desire."
*What a very mature young man,* Kimiko thought, completely missing the later half of the conversation as she concentrated on the man in front of her or the smile that appeared on Ranma's face at the compliment.
*Young she says,* Ranma thought. *Mature even. That's a first.* Smiling at the comments, Ranma was about to thank Kimiko when he was interrupted.
Without thinking, "I wish one my daughters could marry someone like you," Kimiko wished, having returned to her previous thoughts on marriage and grandchildren even if she could not be there to see them.
*That wasn't the wish I expected,* Ranma thought a split second before the interface with Yggdrasil was completed. The symbols on Ranma's brow started to shine as he started to float into the air. A bright light suddenly descended upon him as he rose higher into the air. As fast as the light appeared, it faded and Ranma was again standing on his feet. Looking at Kimiko, "Your wish has been approved. Upon the day your youngest daughter turns 18, your wish shall be fulfilled or voided by any member of your family."
"Wish? Void?"
"Yes, as you know, Kami-sama, the man high up, gave onto all Midgardians, humans, the freedom to choose what his life will be like and even though we will try to our utmost to fulfill your wish, if none of your daughters want any part in it then Kami-sama will not force it."
"Uh . . . thank you?"
Walking up to Kimiko, Ranma gently kissed her forehead. "Since I'm the God of Change and part-time Destiny, I have a little leeway with my powers. I meant it when I said earlier that it is not your time. You have will a few more years but that is all I can give you since you did not wish to be cured." Ranma whispered before stepping back, the color having returned to Kimiko's face.
Having completed his task, Ranma, the God of Change and Destiny started to fade from Kimiko's sight as her wish was processed and reality molded to fit the new parameters. "Live life to the fullest and regret nothing," Ranma voice advised as he disappeared.
-----
The Tendou Training Hall was filled with activities as usual. There was never a dull moment for the residents of the Nerima district of Tokyo. Usually there would be loud explosions and death threats but for once, one of the few times every year, the activities within the walls of the Tendou home were of happiness and peace. This was not to last since Nerima received a certain pigtailed martial artist over two and a half years ago.
Crowded around the dinner table were some of the premiere martial artists in the district, more commonly dubbed the Nerima wrecking crew. They kept the construction companies happy and the insurance industry very sad.
Standing in the doorway, Kasumi smiled. There was nothing more entertaining than when Ranma had all his friends together. These pass two years have opened her eyes like never before. Sure there was the occasional excitement but nothing could compare to how Ranma lived life day to day. How someone could pack so much into each day still astonished her. Now two years later, she could not begin to image a life without Ranma. There was something that drew everyone to him, she included. *It's time. I can't believe how mature Akane has gotten compare to two years ago,* she thought, walking slowly into the dinner room.
The noise suddenly died down as the lights were turned off and the eldest Tendou sister entered the room with a cake that had 18 brightly lit candles.
Picking up some matches, Kasumi was about to light the candled when a hand stopped her.
"Let me do it my dear," Happosai offered.
Nodding, Kasumi offered the diminutive Grandmaster the matches but was waved off.
Taking a last puff, Happosai brought his pipe to rest directly in line with the candles. Closing his eyes for a split second and concentrating his aura, the results were jaw slacking. Opening his eyes, Happosai nodded at the results. Not only were all the candles lit but he had gotten all three of his pupil as well, each facing his with blackened faces.
"What did you do that for, you freak!" Ranma shouted in outrage, being held in place by both his father and Mr. Tendou.
"Ranma! You promised!" Akane shouted.
Looking at one of his fianc�e, Ranma growled. "Hai hai. Peace peace," he muttered.
"Thank you," Kasumi said, trying to defuse the situation.
"Nothing to it my dear. It is the least I can do for these pair of silk beauties!"
"Oh my," Kasumi exclaimed, blushing a bit.
"Happosai!"
"Hai hai. Peace, peace." Happosai apologized while smirking at Ranma.
"Everyone ready?" Kasumi announced, her face still red.
"Hai!"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AKANE!" everyone shouted.
Smiling, Akane thanked everyone. Making a quick wish, she blew out all the candled. Today was her 18th birthday. Surrounding her were friends and rivals. The day was beautiful, perfect. Not a cloud in the sky to block out the sun as a light wind cooled those that were outside.
Nothing was going to spoil this day, except maybe what she was seeing. Off to one corner, Shampoo and Ukyou were fighting over Ranma, each trying to feed him some cake.
*This is my birthday! How dare he flirt with them.* she thought angrily. *Especially after he promised not to cause any fights.* Stalking over to Ranma, Akane would later apologized at how her elbow accidentally found itself right between his eyes.
"Uncute tomboy," Ranma muttered.
"I think Akane gotten a little stronger."
"Aiya, Ukyou right. Look how much further Akane's elbow traveled into Airen's head!"
Growling in fury, "I wish I was never engaged to you, Ranma!" she shouted in anger.
Everyone jumped in surprised as a loud thunder answered Akane's exclamation.
Glows started to emanate from the pigtailed martial artist that caused everyone to stop what they were doing and look in Ranma's direction. Shampoo, Ukyou and Akane all took a step back as the glow intensified.
As the glow died down, a symbol appeared on Ranma's forehead and tear shapes on his cheeks. His clothes started to shimmer shift as it transformed. Each thread started to shine with an intensity that made many look away for the second time. When the light had abated, everyone started blinking to get rid of the sunspots. Many were more than a little started at Ranma's transformation. Where once he wore his traditional red shirt and black pants, in their place was now a flowing white shirt and pants. Because Ranma was facing the ceiling, concentrating on something beyond it, no one could see his face yet they all felt an aura of peace emanating from him.
"Son in Law?" Cologne was the first one to speak up.
In a whisper that everyone could hear, "Contract broken."
"Contract broken?" Nabiki asked confusion evident on her face, mirrored by everyone in the room.
Turning his head towards Soun, "Tendou Soun, I am the God of Change and Destiny. 18 years ago, Tendou Kimiko, your wife, was given a wish. She wished for one of her daughters to have a husband like me. Since Kami-sama decided that no two people would ever be alike, I was engaged to one of your daughters on that day. On Tendou's Akane's 18th birthday, the last member of Kimiko's family wished that contract broken and I have granted it." Ranma declared, giving everyone a bow.
Thinking back to Kimiko, Ranma felt some sadness that he was not able to fulfill her wish, as she had wanted. Deciding on a course of action, Ranma prepared to leave but not without a parting gift. With his power restored, Ranma set in motion the wheels of change with a snap of his fingers, "Farewell," Ranma said as he stepped into the yard that had been a playground for his human guise for the last two years. Looking up into the sun, Ranma caught a beam of sunlight and disappeared.
In a shrine located in a different part of Tokyo, a computer came to life.
Skuld was in the process of outlining the design for the Mark IV demon detector when her computer suddenly came to life. Reading the flashing message, she got really excited. Dropping the pencil and jumping to her feet, Skuld ran to the kitchen to find Belldandy, nearly knocking Keiichi over, "Oneesama! Oniisama is coming home!!"
To be continued.