Legends Part 1

By Belphera

The patriarch of the Tendo family sat in seiza as he stared at the note
in his hand. On one side was a picture of panda eating some bamboo, on
the other side was some illegible writing. Almost illegible, except for
the few words that popped out at him.

"Bringing Ranma to you. -Saotome."

Tears streamed down his eyes, it would be good to see Saotome again.
They were brothers of the art, and now they would be brothers from
marriage. He had to inform his daughters. Picking up the phone, he
dialed their homes.

In a house in America, the phone rang at 3 am in the morning. Groggily
Nabiki Tendo hit the speaker phone and greeted whoever was on the phone.

"Nabiki? It's me father!" In an instant she was up, picking up the phone
she began to talk excitedly.

"Daddy? What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong! In fact things couldn't be better. The dojo is
prospering here. How about over in America?"

"Akane is setting up the 25 dojo soon. But we are still hard up for some
eligible instructors."

"Do you want me to send one of my better students over to teach?"

"No, that's okay. We need someone who can speak English better and also
young, probably early twenties if not younger."

"Okay, well, do you think you can get your sisters for me?"

"All right, daddy. Hold on a sec." Reaching over to the intercom, she
pressed a few buttons. Within moments, she heard a sleepy voice over the
intercom.

"What is it? I've got an 8'oclock and interviews tomorrow."

"Akane, daddy wants to talk to all of us now."

"Is there anything wrong?"

"He says no, but something is up."

"Alright, I'll be right over." Hanging up, Nabiki then called her other
sister on the intercom.

"Kasumi?" A delicate and sweet voice came over the speaker.

"Yes Nabiki?"

"Daddy wants to have a little family meeting now.'

"I'll be right down. Just give me a second to- ouch!"

"Kasumi? Are you okay?"

"It's okay, I just fell on my arm."

"Well, take your time, don't hurt yourself anymore than you have to."

"I'm fine Nabiki, I'll be right down." Within five minutes, the Tendo
sisters were assembled in the study.

"Okay daddy, we're all here." Nabiki said.

" Good, Now girls, I understand that this will not sit well with you
three, but I want you to first give it a try and a chance."

"I don't like the sound of where this is going. Daddy, did you get
Hinako-okasan pregnant again?" Akane said in an annoyed tone. "Don't you
think three more sisters are enough?"

"Oh my!" Kasumi exclaimed "That's not it is it father?"

"No! A good friend of mine is returning from a very long training trip.
He is the grandmaster of the brother school of the Tendo-ryu."

"And�..?" Nabiki said questioningly.

"And he has a son�" Soun said, waiting for the explosion to happen
anytime.

"No way! We will not be set up with a boy!" Akane shouted.

"Please calm down Akane." Soun pleaded.

"Akane sit, let's hear daddy out first." Nabiki reasoned.

"Yes, it would be disrespectful to father should we judge too soon."
Kasumi pointed out.

"Thank you, as I was saying�My friend Genma Saotome, grandmaster of the
school of Saotome Ryu, will be arrive here soon, and his son will then
leave to America and meet the three of you. From there, we will join the
two schools in marriage." There was then silence. Until�.

"WHAT???" Akane and Nabiki nearly screamed.

"Oh my!" Kasumi exclaimed.

"Yes, Genma and I have planned this for a long time. Nodoka-san will be
arriving at your house tomorrow."

"Damn it daddy! Nodoka is coming? I need to get all the stats and charts
ready!" Nabiki cried.

"She isn't going there for business, she will want to meet her son."

"Well at least there is something good coming out from this. I can't
wait to show Nodoka-okasanhow my cooking's improved!" Akane said
happily.

"It will be good to have her around. I hope she can bring one of the
kimonos she designed here." Kasumi smiled.

"Hmph� I don't believe you guys, Nodoka-san is the richest woman in the
world, and the second richest person in the world!"

"Still, she's like a mother to us Nabiki-chan." Kasumi stated a bit
unhappily.

"Anyway�Saotome is coming back from China."

"Really? How long was he there for?"

"I believe he was there for two years."

"Then he must have had some part in the over throw of China's
government! Maybe he'll do some good here afterall."

"Yes well, That's all I have to say."

"Wait! I can't believe you're making us go through this!" Akane
protested.

"Okay girls, I'll make a deal with you three. If he does not meet my
standards today, I will not send him over there, and you will not have
to marry him. if he does, then at least give him a chance. If neither of
you like him, then there will be no marriage, but you three must allow
him to help set up the Saotome-ryu in the states. Genma is already
planning on a school here."

"Alright daddy. We agree." Nabiki answered. The deal her father just
proposed seemed to work. No negative affects and nothing to loose.
Hanging up the phone, she looked at the time, it was 4 in the morning,
if she caught another hour or two of sleep, she might be conscious for
her meeting with another Chinese company tomorrow. Akane and Kasumi both
headed back to their rooms to sleep, leaving Nabiki to contemplate her
life.

It had been five years since she left Japan. She had come to America for
college and opportunities. She managed to finish college in three years
and then get hired by a computer company for management. In one year she
had risen extraordinarily quickly, and by last June, she had made it to
executive of the NRG Corporation. It wasn't until two months ago that
she found out why she had succeeded so quickly. Her aunt, Nodoka had
interceded and allowed her to raise up this high. A bit hurt that her
aunt still treated her as a kid, but she set herself out to prove
herself to everyone else that she wasn't just a favored kid of the head
of the corporation. Akane had come over about a year later with Kasumi.
Their father had finally gotten remarried and Kasumi decided that she
needed to leave the house, and Akane decided that America would be an
exciting place to go to college in. together they had suffered
hardships. Kasumi studied in medical school now, and Akane was
continuing their father's martial arts school in America.

Akane's school exploded, as hordes of people seemed to want to be taught
the art. This was probably due to the fact that China's coup and the
revealing of many of China's secrets like martial arts. Not just
fighting like what Bruce lee brought to America. But the mystical arts
of China; magic, energy projection, shape-shifting, legends of the
dragons and phoenixes, you name it, it flowed out from China. Suddenly
millions of people wanted to learn martial arts and be able to do what
the Chinese could do. The Tendo-ryu was one of the few arts that were
practiced that the Chinese acknowledged as an art. Akane also competed
in dozens of tournaments and won many ranks. However, due to the
business and her training, she put college on hold for two years. She
just recently returned to college and was in the middle of her sophomore
year. The schools were being handled by the NRG corp. and by herself
personally. Akane still taught but only in one school. Many of the
instructors who taught the other schools came from the Tendo dojo back
in Japan.

China now was a new market for many corporations. After the
revitalization of the Chinese culture, the people began to work with a
more motivated spirit. It all happened when a group of terrorists,
called Omega, threatened the whole world with nuclear weapons rivaling
the US. The World was at a standstill, no one could do much. And the
demands of terrorist group? Just to die. They believed that they would
wipe the world clean and the human race would start all over again.
People were in panic, governments were in panic. Then six months since
she moved to America, it started. Nukes were fired everywhere. Europe
was hit hard with most countries having only 15% of the population
surviving.. The US lost several cities in the West and Central. Texas
was hit hard as was Illinois, Chicago had been decimated. Nothing
survived because they were hit with five nukes. Las Vegas was hit in the
West and a nuke almost hit LA, but was diverted into the Pacific ocean.
The Middle East was decimated, the US had just recently began to rebuild
cities. Originally the radiation was too risky to do that kind of a
thing. This all happened in a day. It was named the Judgement day, the
day when almost half the people in the world died.

However through all this, China managed to survive most of the nuclear
attacks. People began to wonder why China had survived. But within two
months, the terrorists made another all out attack. This was when
China's secrets came out. All over the world martial artists emerged
with extreme power. Using the mystical arts originating from China these
martial artists waged war against the terrorists. Nuclear attacks were
diverted, millions were saved. In China, a new power began to emerge
small kings from regions of China came forth to take over China. However
only one emerged victoriously. It was said this emperor was the
descendant of a dragon. With his power he united many martial artists
from around the world and together they fought against these terrorists.

And then the bio-warfare started. More terrorists groups joined the
Omega group, and bio-warfare began. At first the emperor from China was
worried, however, he brought out the full might of his powers and
revealed from the backwaters of China an awesome power, a group of
martial artists that were extraordinarily powerful, even more so than
the ones before them. They were unaffected by the nerve gases and could
dispel the gases and diseases. Out of this group was a group that stood
out as an elite team and of these was one man whom was known as the
Dragon. Not many people have seen him, but all knew about him. It was
just six months after the Day, when Omega was finally dispersed. An
elite group of martial artists went on an all out attack against the
terrorist groups. On one side was the power of modern technology and
mass destruction. On the other side was the mystical arts of China and
determination. Ten elite went in, including the Chinese emperor and the
leader of the Elite, the Dragon. The awesome battle was waged on the
grounds of Africa. It lasted four days, until the Leaders of the Omega
group was brought to their knees and killed.

Ten against millions of trained terrorists, these odds astounded the
world. When the battle was over, these ten were regarded as the saviors
of the world and revered almost as gods. During this time, America and
China emerged as the two world powers. Aunt Nodoka took advantage of the
chaos of the world economy and constructed the largest corporation the
world had ever seen.

All this happened in a year, and it was perhaps the year when mankind
was truly put to the test. And mankind won. But that was now in the
past, In four years the world began to recover. The human population was
still very low, as 3/4 of the population of the world was wiped out in
that year. Half the world's population was Chinese and the other half
was mixed. Cities were beginning to populate again, overall things were
starting to look up.

Glancing at the time again Nabiki swore to herself, it was now five in
morning, it was too late to go back to sleep. Stretching herself, she
headed off to the baths, all the while wondering what the boy that her
father was sending over tomorrow was really like.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Off the coast of Japan, five figures emerged from the waters. They
slowly walked to the shore and looked around. Walking into the light,
the five figures were five people. Three men each extremely powerfully
built, one beautiful woman, and another short elderly woman.

"Alright Pop, we're here, let's go see this old friend of yours. Then we
go and see mother." One of the men with a pigtail said.

"Very well, boy. However, you must agree to at least try to see if you
can work out this marriage that I arranged." The older man in a white gi
replied.

"Ranma is my husband you fool!" The beautiful woman said angrily.

"True, however, I don't see why Ranma can't take more than one wife? I
mean Ryouga and I have both taken more than one." The older man asked.

"Ranma should only belong to me! But� should Ranma agree to this, I will
cope with it." The beautiful woman said sadly.

"Do not fret child, the second branch of the Happousei should be pretty
strong as well, so perhaps we can bring in new blood into our village."
The elder woman reasoned.

"I wish Ukyou and Ranko would get here sooner." The heavier built man
said with a sigh.

"They are bringing Chi over right?" Ranma asked.

"Yeah." Ryouga answered.

"Okay, now lets go over to this Tendo Dojo." Ranma said as he levitated
into the air. Genma levitated into the air as well and flew, leading the
group over to the Tendo dojo.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Nodoka Saotome sat in her personal jet waiting for it to land in San
Francisco. She would be reunited with her husband and son soon, and she
was giddy because of it. For a while she had thought that they had died,
but last year Genma had finally written to her. He was still training
Ranma in the Art, no doubt her son was part of the martial arts movement
in China. Since then she had patiently waited for Genma to return, and
now after 18 years she would finally see the both of them.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Off the coast of Japan, five figures emerged from the waters. They
slowly walked to the shore and looked around. Walking into the light,
the five figures were five people. Three men each extremely powerfully
built, one beautiful woman, and another short elderly woman.

"Alright Pop, we're here, let's go see this old friend of yours. Then we

go and see mother." One of the men with a pigtail said.

"Very well, boy. However, you must agree to at least try to see if you
can work out this marriage that I arranged." The older man in a white gi

replied.

"Ranma is my husband you fool!" The beautiful woman said angrily.

"True, however, I don't see why Ranma can't take more than one wife? I
mean Ryouga and I have both taken more than one." The older man asked.

"Ranma should only belong to me! But� should Ranma agree to this, I will

cope with it." The beautiful woman said sadly.

"Do not fret child, the second branch of the Happousei should be pretty
strong as well, so perhaps we can bring in new blood into our village."
The elder woman reasoned.

"I wish Ukyou and Ranko would get here sooner." The heavier built man
said with a sigh.

"They are bringing Chi over right?" Ranma asked.

"Yeah." Ryouga answered.

"Okay, now lets go over to this Tendo Dojo." Ranma said as he levitated
into the air. Genma levitated into the air as well and flew, leading the

group over to the Tendo dojo.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Nodoka Saotome sat in her personal jet waiting for it to land in San
Francisco. She would be reunited with her husband and son soon, and she
was giddy because of it. For a while she had thought that they had died,

but last year Genma had finally written to her. He was still training
Ranma in the Art, no doubt her son was part of the martial arts movement

in China. Since then she had patiently waited for Genma to return, and
now after 18 years she would finally see the both of them.

Soun was teaching today�s class when he felt something. An extremely
powerful person was heading here. Halting class, he looked around the
streets. Telling his students to run through a drill, he stepped into
his house. There his buxom wife, Hinako was playing with the children.

�Hina-chan? I want you and the children to come to the dojo with me.
Something is heading here. I don�t know if it is good or bad. Come to
the dojo so I watch over you as I teach class.�

�Okay Soun-chan.� She said in a rich voice. Gathering up her children in

her arms, she proceeded to carry them to the dojo, where most of the
class was going through their drills. All of a sudden, Soun heard his
name called.

�Hey Tendo!� Looking around, he tried to find whom it was, it sounded
almost like�. Just then, five figures leapt from the roof and landed in
front of the dojo.

�Saotome! Did you just get into town?�

�Yes, Tendo, I�d like you to meet someone.� Gesturing at the man behind
him, �This is Ranma.� Soun looked at the young man he was wearing a red
tunic and black kung-fu pants. Around his waist was a black sash, and a
katana was strapped to his side. Looking at the young man, Soun was
immediately frightened. Ranma was the extreme power that he felt coming
in this direction. But how does a boy this young become this strong?
Shakily, he nods towards Ranma,

�Welcome my boy, I have known your father for quite a while. I am glad
to see his son turned out so well. Your mother was just here a few hours

ago.�

�I see, it is nice to see you Tendo-san. I would like to stay, however,
I am quite anxious to see my mother again.�

�Understandable, however could you perhaps introduce me to your
companions?�

�Of course. This is Ryouga, my brother.� He pointed towards the young
man behind him. This man too also had an extreme power level. He was
extremely muscularly built and was wearing a yellow tunic and a pair of
black pants tied off at the ankles. Upon his head he wore a yellow and
black spotted bandanna. He carried a heavy broad sword in one hand, and
looked extremely dangerous.

�Brother?� Soun said.

�Well, I sort of got married again.� Genma said sheepishly.

�But what about Nodoka?� Soun demanded.

�I am still married to her, however in China most of the people of my
rank had two wives. And well, we were training in the Amazon village��

�Amazon village? The place of the legendary martial artists? Amazing!�

�Actually, the other two ladies are from the Amazon village.� Soun
looked over to the short elderly lady and the beautiful young woman, who

was getting stares from the men in his class. The elderly woman was
wearing green robes and seemed ancient. Almost as ancient as his old
master. The young woman was wearing a Chinese dress with a slit running
all the way up to her hips.

�Ah, Welcome, honored ones. It is a pleasure to meet such martial
artists such as yourselves.� Soun greeted them.

�Thank you Tendo-san.� Cologne replied, as Shampoo looked bored.

�Well then, why don�t we wait until I finish up class, then I can bring
you to your mother Ranma.�

�Did she move?� Ranma asked quizzically.

�No, she is visiting my daughters in America. She asked that you meet
her there.�

�I see, very well, we will wait.�

�Good, In the mean time, Why don�t you get to know my new wife?� Soun
said pointing towards the dojo office. Gemna nodded and headed over to
the office. He was eager to see the woman who stole Soun�s heart even
when he was still mourning for his first wife. Ranma stayed with Shampoo

to watch Soun teach his students. It had been a while since he taught
someone. The first time he taught someone martial arts was when he was
14 and before that Day. The last time he taught was two years ago, he
was teaching an old friend of his, Mu Tsu, however, Mu Tsu died in the
bio warfare attack, shielding his love, Xian Fu. It was after that, he
had become close to his wife. She was suffering from Mu Tsu�s death, and

Ranma didn�t like seeing her hurt. In a few months, he had fallen in
love with her and one night when they were drunk, they were married.

�Your father�s friend is a good teacher.� Xian commented.

�Yes he is, very patient, compassionate and effective at the same time.�

Ranma replied. Then he felt Xian wrap her arms around his waist, as he
draped his arm around her shoulder holding her in close.

�Ranma? Are you really going to go through with this?�

�Yes, mother want me to then I will. But if you do not like your
co-wife, I will explain this to mom and I�m sure she will understand.
But Xian, please give the girls a chance. Mother likes them as her own,
they can�t be that bad.�

�I know Ranma, but still, I hate the thought of having to share you with

any woman. I knew this day was coming, but still�. You know, Herb wanted

you to take on at least three wives.�

�I know, but I simply will not take more than two. You are enough of a
workout.� Ranma said with a grin. Xian smiled a sultry smile and
whispered into Ranma�s ear.

�How about we do some sparring tonight?�

�Xian�.�

�What?�

�Not while you are with child.�

�You don�t have to treat me like a porcelain doll! I am an Amazon! I can

take care of myself.�

�I know that, but I still worry. It�s only natural for me.�

�*sigh* I understand.� Leaning towards Xian, Ranma smiled and caressed
his wife�s firm ass.

�But I think we can do some light sparring tonight.� Xian looked up and
flashed her husband a smile. Soun  finally finished class and allowed
some students to continue sparring. One of the head students was curious

about the group that arrived, and decided to challenge one of them. They

seemed like martial artists, and besides sensei said they just came from

China. He wanted to see what his skills were like against a martial
artist from China.

�Excuse me? Ranma?� Looking up from his wife, he saw a man in his late
twenties talking to him. He had fire in his eyes and a fiery spirit.

�I overheard you speaking with Sensei and I was wondering if you would
spar against me?�

�No.� Ranma replied.

�What? How come?�

�Can you beat your sensei?�

�At sparring? Of course not!�

�Good, I am better that your sensei. Spar against him for a while. Until

you can defeat him, do not ask me to spar. But I can give you some
pointers, like try not to show off as much as you do, keep your moves
compact, and use your arms more.�

�What?�

�I saw you training, I just offered you some pointers.� Ranma said, this

guy was much like he was a few years ago, trying to spar against the
toughest opponent to improve himself. The guy then just shrugged and
walked off and helped his classmates clean up the dojo.

�That was mean.� Xian admonished her husband.

�Yeah but I don�t feel like having another person wanting to fight me
every time I come here.� Xian just snuggled deeper into her husband�s
chest, making the entire male population of the class jealous.

Nabiki stood on the landing strip, where Nodoka was landing. She hadn�t
seen her aunt in a year and was very nervous about it. Not only was she
her boss, but also Nabiki tended to look towards her as a mother. Over
the horizon, she saw the NRG private jet land. Smiling, she stood
dignified, waiting for aunt Nodoka. When the plane finally landed , the
stairs was brought to the door of the plane and her aunt Nodoka stepped
out. She looked the same as usual, always wearing some kind of a kimono
and carrying the wrapped bundle.

�Nabiki-chan!�

�Aunt Nodoka!� the two women embraced each other heartily.

�How have you been doing?�

�Just moved into that house Akane and I bought two months ago.�

�Excellent! I hope you three are all doing well.�

�We�re fine, But we should head home, because daddy just called and said

that Ranma and his father just left Japan and were on their way here.�

�Good, will Akane and Kasumi still be at school?�

�Akane won�t she should be back by now, but I think Kasumi had to do
something at the hospital.� Nabiki said as she lead her aunt to the limo

she had that drove her around. When the two of them were finally in the
limo and settled, Nodoka chatted with Nabiki.

�So how is Akane�s school doing?�

�Great, in fact she just opened her 25 school, we just need to find an
instructor.�

�Why not use Ranma?�

�Well, Akane doesn�t know how good Ranma is, and she likes to interview
her sensei candidates first.�

�Well, I�ll ask Ranma to see if he wants to teach.�

�And Kasumi?�

�Kasumi is on her last year of med school.�

�Good, she will make a fine doctor. What kind of doctor does she want to

be?�

�Pediatric.�

�That is a proper field for her.�

�Yes, I agree.�

�And you? Have you found anyone yet?�

�No�. All the men are either intimidated by me, trying to get money from

me or married.�

�Don�t worry Nabiki-chan, perhaps my you will like my son.�

�I don�t know, I mean daddy said that if we really didn�t want to marry
him, we wouldn�t have to.�

�That�s true, if you all do not get along with him, then you will not be

force to marry. But I�m sure you will all get along with him.�

�I guess.�

�But still, Kasumi is already taken.�

�Really?�

�Yeah, some guy in the hospital she�s interning at. I don�t like him
much, but Kasumi seems devoted to him.�

�Please ask Kasumi to invite this young man over I would like to meet
him. How about Akane?�

�There are just so many men who lust after her, and she simply turns
them all down! I mean, dozens and dozens seem to be so attracted to
her.�

�Akane is just a wandering spirit, she can�t be contained by any man
unless the man is as wild as she is.�

�Okay we�re here.� Nabiki said, as she exited limo. Looking towards the
house, she noticed five people standing at the front door. Each were
dressed in a martial artist garb. Looking cautiously at the five, she
told her Aunt to stay in the limo.

"Auntie? Please stay here for just one second." Nabiki walked towards
the group. Just looking at them made her wary, each of them looked
powerfully built. One of them in the red tunic garb walked towards her
with a neutral look. His eyes. That was the first thing she noticed
about him. His eyes were so expressive, it showed anxiety, fear, and
love all at once.

"Are you Ms. Tendo?"

"Yes�."

"Is Nodoka Saotome here?"

"You haven't told me your name yet."

"I am Ranma." Nabiki looked a bit taken back. Was this Auntie's son? If
so, how did he get here so quickly? Father said that he and his
companion just left. It could have been more than half an hour.

"Are you Ranma Saotome?"

"Yes, where is my mother?"

"She's in the car�."

"Thank you." Ranma said as he walked to the car. The limo door opened
and Nodoka stepped out and faced him. She looked carefully at the young
man who was walking towards her. Behind her she heard a gun cock. The
driver had stepped out of the car and aimed the gun at the young man in
front of her. Nervously, she looked at him, until she reached his eyes.

"Ranma?"

"Yes mother, it's me."
______________________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, at the Tendo Dojo, two young women halted at the Tendo house.
Both wearing Chinese dresses, one was dressed in a red one with her
thick red mane flowing freely down her back and to the small of her
back. In her arms she carried a baby. Around her neck hung a gold chain,
and fiery red earrings dangled from her lobes. Her companion was a few
inches taller than the red head. She was wearing a purple Chinese dress
a silver chain around her neck and hair ornaments to keep her hair in
place. In one hand she held the hand of a small girl and in the other
she held a seven foot staff.

"Is this the place?" The red head asked.

"Well, Ranchan said it was this address. Let's go knock on the door."

"I dunno, I don't feel any of them."

"Well, maybe they went somewhere, perhaps the Tendos could tell us where
they went." Walking up to the door, they knocked and patiently waited
for someone to open up the door. After a few moments, Soun opened the
door.

"Yes..?" Soun asked.

"We are looking for Ranma Saotome." The red head said.

"He's gone to meet his mother."

"Where?" The brunette asked.

"May I ask who you two are first?"

"Oh I'm sorry, I am Ranko Hibiki, and this is Ukyou Hibiki."

"Sisters?"

"No co-wives." Ranko said.

"Oh you must be Amazons too."

"Yes we are, if you could sir, please tell us where I can find my
brother."

"Your brother?"

"Yes Ranma."

"Genma only had one child."

"I am Ranma's sister, but you may not believe the explanation. But We
are in a hurry, I would like to meet my mother. Where is she?"

"She's in America, San Francisco. Ranma and the others already left."

"Thank you, we will, go now, thank you." With that Ranko bowed and left
for the airport. Soun looked at the two departing women and wondered
what his old friend had been up to these past two decades.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Nodoka still could not overcome her initial shock. Ranma had grown up so
much, she had known that when she let Genma take Ranma away on a long
training trip that Ranma would return as a man. But now it just hit her
as to how much of Ranma's life she really missed. And now she would
never get the chance to be the mother she wanted to be for Ranma. Her
little boy was gone, and now she had to build a relationship with a
young man, who didn't truly love her as a mother.

"So Ranma how has your life been since your father took you away?"
Nodoka asked

"I learned a lot on our trips. Pop and me managed on the roads."

"That's good to hear�. did you miss me?"

"Of course mother, but I never understood why you sent me with father on
the training trip though."

"Oh Ranma, I never wanted you to go. I did want you to be as good of a
martial artist that your father had his sights set on. And for that to
happen, I couldn't play too much of a part in your life."

"I still don't agree with it, I would have lived a much happier life
without me going off on that training journey. But some things happened
during the training and I am someone different. I learned from the
hardship on the road."

"Son�." Nodoka stared at Ranma "What things happened?"

"I'm sorry mother, I don't like sharing it with many people. And we were
just reunited, I need to get to know you better before I can fully let
you back into my life."

"I- I�." Nodoka looked down at her hands. "I understand Ranma. I suppose
that much of it is my fault, but please tell me someday, when you feel
comfortable."

Ranma smiled at his mother, relieved that she was as understanding as he
hoped she would be. She was so much like Jade. Perhaps his father wasn't
as much of a fool as he thought he was, both women were strong in
character, and with many of the same characteristics.

"Thank you�.mother." Together, mother and son both headed back into the
living room where they were awaiting Kasumi to return from the hospital
and Akane to return from her interviews. Gathered around the table,
Xian, Ku Lon and Ryouga were idly chatting with Nabiki about certain
aspects of China. Looking up Nabiki looked Ranma and her aunt. Frowning
a bit, she realized that her aunt seemed a bit distressed.

"I would like to retire to my room and change out of my clothing."
Nodoka announced, then looked around. "By the way where is my husband?"

"I showed him which room you were staying in. I think he's there right
now." Nabiki said.

"Thank you Nabiki-chan." Heading up the stairs, she left the five
downstairs as she smiled inwardly to herself, she had missed her husband
for these past 18 years.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Sitting silently, Nabiki wondered what else to ask these people. Ku Lon
looked at the young people around her and she decided that she would
leave the young folk to talk amongst themselves.

"Nabiki-san, perhaps you could show me where I might be able to rest?"
Ku Lon asked.

"Of course, I guess, Ranma and Ryouga can share a room, and you and
Shampoo can share another room."

"Why do I have to share a room with Great-Grandmother?" Xian asked in an
annoyed tone.

"Did you want your own room?"

"No, I will stay with my husband."

"I guess that's okay, I didn�t know you and Ryouga were married.'

"Not Ryouga." Nabiki stared at the supermodel like woman before
registering her words.

"Wait a second, Ranma is married to you?"

"Yes."

"Then why-?"

"Why the agreement to marry one of the Tendos?" Ranma finished for
Nabiki. "Well the thing is that The emperor of China would like his
friends to take more than one wife, like Ryouga here has taken two
already."

"But isn't that illegal?" Nabiki cried.

"No, Polygamy is occurring all over the world. The male to women ratio
is too low."

"I don't think my sisters like this way of doing things. We would not
want to play second hand to Xian Fu here."

"Well, I told pop that I'd give it a shot, and I am willing to believe
that your father also asked the same from you. So if we end up not
accepting the engagement, then no harm done."

"I suppose�.oh boy, Akane will go ballistic."

"I don't suppose you happen to have anything to eat would you?"

"I'll tell the cook to whip something up."

"No that's okay, we'll make it ourselves." Xian said. Nodding, Nabiki
showed them the kitchen. Wian immediately started to look through the
draws as Ranma and Ryouga both sat at the table. Just then they glanced
out the window and noticed a dojo. Looking at each other, a glimmer came
to their eyes.

"Say, Nabiki-san, could we use the dojo out back?" Ranma asked.

"Sure." Making a mental note, she guessed that Ryouga must be a martial
artist as well. As the two men headed out to the dojo, Nabiki lead the
Elder to her room. Afterwards, she went down to her study to sit and
think. These people were very strange, they seemed to be hiding
something.
______________________________________________________________________________________

As Akane pulled up to her house, she looked at the limo parked in the
front. Auntie must be here. That fact was at least something bright in
her day. Today hadn't been a good day, first it was the early class,
which she missed the first half of, then she interviewed numerous
possibilities for her new sensei and all of them were staring at her
chest rather than her face. Parking her car, she fishes out her keys.

As she entered the house, she smelled delicious food being prepared.
Heading towards the kitchen, she smiled. She wished Kasumi would cook
again. However with her school, she simply had no time to cook. Kasumi
was such a good sister to her, even in her rush to finish her degree,
she always reserved some time for her and Nabiki. But she was dating
that control freak of a man. Phadron had been her prize student when she
taught him, but really arrogant. But after he inherited his father's
business, he decided to leave the school and continue on his own.
However he started to date Kasumi at the time.

Kasumi truly loved him very much, but that seemed like a long time ago.
Akane suspected things with their relationship, however kept mum about
it. She didn't know for sure, but she did notice bruises on Kasumi
sometimes. If she could ever prove it, she would destroy Phadron. But
for now, she had to play it safe. As she reached the kitchen, she
suddenly caught sounds of explosions and cries of battle near or in the
dojo. Fearing the worst, she ran out back, perhaps a rival school was
attacking her students.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Hikaru was Akane's best Sensei and taught at the dojo right by her
master's house. Hikaru was only 19 and a truly great martial artist. Not
many people her age could have achieved what she had, but she adored her
master, because she hoped to be as good as her master someday. She hoped
to meet the GrandMaster of the Tendo-ryu someday. But for now, she was
content on teaching others her knowledge. Suddenly the dojo door opened
and two extraordinarily powerfully built men walked in. Bowing at the
door, the leaned against the wall, watching the class.

"That's good class, now partner up for free sparring. Everyone on the
lawn!" As the class shuffled out the class to the yard where sparring
was conducted, they looked at the men by the door.  Hikaru looked at the
two and wondered if they were from a rival school or something. Their
clothes looked Chinese, but then again many people tried to look Chinese
and pretend to be a good martial artist. Walking up the pair, she
cleared her throat.

"Excuse me, is there something you wanted? Did you want to perhaps learn
martial arts?" Hikaru asked as politely as she could. The man with the
pigtail looked over at his companion and grinned.

"Well, we love to learn some martial arts. Ms. Tendo said we could use
the dojo. Ryouga and I wanted to do some sparring if you don't mind that
is." Ranma said with a smirk on his face.

"Of course, what styles have you two done?"

"This and that."

"How good are you two? Any rankings?"

"No, no rankings. We're okay." Ranma said in a humble tone. Ryouga was
trying to maintain a straight face was starting to crack.

"Well, I suppose you two could join us for today as a free sample of
Tendo-ryu. If you two would like to be permanent then I can sign you two
up."

"Thanks for the offer, we just want to spar around and loosen up." Ranma
said in a warm voice. Hikaru seemed to relax as the two headed to the
other students. They seemed to really want to learn and not cause
trouble. Walking onto the lawn, Hikaru initiated the sparring session.
Keeping a close eye on the two men, she was amazed at what they were
doing. They were not just "okay" they were as good as her best students.
Smiling, she hoped the two of them would stay. It would be great for two
as good as these two to be associated to the Tendo-ryu.

"Hey baby." A insinuating voice came from behind her. Hikaru jumped into
a fighting stance.

"Phadron." She spat. She and Phadron were enemies, from the time when
they trained together until now.

"Still teaching eh? Why don't you come to my place and teach me some
moves and positions?"

"Get lost asshole."

"Hey! Is that any way to treat an ex-lover?"

"You raped me that day and you know it."

"You can't prove a thing."

"I don't care I saw you."

"You were delirious. Besides I had an alibi."

"What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for Kasumi. At least she knows how to be subservient."

"You don't deserve her at all."

"Whatever�." Phadron smiled evilly and threw a punch at Hikaru. "Let's
have a little match, stop the class. Let's see what your made of."

"No, get out of here, go wait in the house."

"Come on." Phadron said initiating an attack. Hikaru blocked it and
tried to counter attack. Her students started to stop sparring watching
the match. Some were about to jump in, but they would last minute
against Phadron.

"Stay back. As your sensei I want you to stay back." Hikaru yelled at
her students, but caught a fist in the jaw and a lightning fast
combination afterwards. Summoning her chi, she fired a ball at Phadron
hoping that it would knock him out. When the dust cleared, Phadron was
still standing and laughing. Hikaru paled, Phadron would usually be
somewhat hurt after a hit like that.

"Heh, what? You thought that would hurt me? Well take this!" Crossing
his arms he summoned his chi as well. Trying to take advantage of the
time it took him to power up, she rushed at him and tried to take him
out of commission. However, when she got close enough he opened his
eyes.

"Surprise�Bitch. Black darts." Multiple dart size chi shot at her,
unable to stop herself, dozens of them hit her. She was stabbed all over
the place. A few grazed her throat and she managed to block some from
hitting her vital organs. Landing on the ground in a slump, she was
bleeding severely. Phadron just walked up to her and powered up again.
Holding his had by her head, he grinned.

"You were never better than me. Hikaru." Raising his had dramatically,
he prepared to strike down.
______________________________________________________________________________________



Author's notes

This is the first part. I figure I'll write the second part, or maybe a
part of it, then hand it off. So far no one has asked to continue it. I
am still writing Part Four of "Friends?" But if I write part two, I
might have to push the release date of "Friends?" back a day or two.

-Belphera