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Author of 10 Stories |
Ice Squared
by Lerris
Smith
Rationalization in hand, he opened the door to see Nabiki in a pair of cut off jean shorts and a white t-shirt reaching across from her position on the bed to set her laptop on the nearby dresser. The slightly over sized t-shirt could not resist the pull of gravity as it pulled away from her toned stomach inadvertently giving Ranma a bit better view than he expected.
Having heard the door open, Nabiki turned back towards Ranma and grinned a mischievous grin. In a honeyed tone she said, “Nice to see you too Ranma-kun.”
One of the things Ranma learned from various priests and martial arts masters during his journey was the importance of keeping control, and not letting distractions blunt his focus. He had practiced hard their advice and even had learned a few meditation techniques that helped. Oh sure he could be blindsided by someone shouting food or fiancée, but, well, nobody's perfect right?
His father had always said that girls were a distraction from the art, and in that area he thought his father was right. Unfortunately, it seems there were limits to meditation and such, as attested by Ranma's mouth opening and closing several times. Whatever words he was fishing for seemed determined not to be caught, as he took in Nabiki's rather skimpy attire.
Nabiki got up and strolled lazily over to Ranma before walking him over to the queen sized bed. She said teasingly, “Come on Ranma. I know I'm irresistible, but really, we should get some sleep.” After coaxing him into removing some, but by no means all of his clothes, and making herself comfortable in the crook of his arm, she firmly told her hormones to take a hike. It did little good, and it was an awkward few minutes. Yet she knew that Ranma was used to people pushing, and, if pushed too far, he would just run away, and she didn't want that. Of course she was a little bit unsure what she truly did want, but she had grown to like him nearby when she slept and wasn't that a good enough reason for now?
Ranma fished in his thoughts for safe topics as he scanned over the events of the day. Finally, he said, “Shouldn't we take the others back? I mean, if we are going into a battle.”
As if hit by cold water, Nabiki's face took on a contemplative look for a few seconds before she said, “We really need to get this job done. If we take the time to land on Earth again, we might lose a full day or more plus possibly requiring enough energy from you to maybe make a difference later. I don't like it, but our best chance of success is to go on as we have been going. I know that neither my mother or Kasumi would want to be taken back under those conditions.”
Ranma nodded before saying in a confident tone, “Then we will just have to win.”
Nabiki lifted her head from where it was laying on his left side and looked at him. He was not quite as confident as he wished to appear to be. Maybe he never was. She said, “Don't worry, we are only going to blow up a door. How hard could that be?”
Ranma let the obvious retort pass by. It might be that simple after all, but, somehow, he doubted it. He yawned as the fragrance from her shampoo and the warmth from her body seem to spread a lethargy and peace throughout him. Seconds later he was asleep and so too was the princess of Mercury.
The barest hint of her usual golden battle aura outlined her body and provided a dim glow to light her way. Ranma turned right, seemingly drawn on by an invisible string. This was followed by a left about a hundred feet later. Finally, about fifty feet later, she could feel that her destination was near. The service opening to the right opened and bathed the tunnel in a warm light.
Ranma crawled into the room, stood up, and looked around. She had come up into the middle of a long bridge like structure with a solid wall behind her and a chest high guard rail in front of herself. Down the bridge about thirty feet on either end were doors. Looking off the bridge she could see huge metal irregularly shaped cylinders, that, if her sense of direction had not completely failed, must be the backs of the engines. She could sense small amounts of nearly pure ki from the faintly glowing surfaces. It was in fact her ki yet somehow it wasn't anymore. There was also a sense of unease that emanated from them that made her question her decision to come here.
She turned to the right, once more led on by the invisible string until she opened the door and saw Canal in a dimly lit room. Canal wore a pale green nightgown and was clutching a worn teddy bear. Tears were streaming down her face.
The room seemed to contain mementos of the past. A porcelain figurine, a black cape, a necklace, some old toys, a blaster, and what looked a little like a lightsaber. Pictures dotted the dresser. One was of a sandy haired older woman. Another was a blonde haired bright eyed woman signed Millennium Farrier, the best in the universe. A third was a red haired little boy, playing with an equally young Canal. The last picture was a tall red haired girl holding the same teddy bear that Canal held. She was perhaps a bit younger than Ranma-chan in that picture, and there was a delight in her eyes that was refreshing to see. Her teddy bear was here though, and she was not.
Ranma could guess the reason for her sadness, but she thought it best not to voice her guess. She couldn't begin to count the number of people who had bugged her about her past, but she felt the past should stay there. Perhaps she desired understanding, but never sympathy, and she usually got the later.
Canal turned to Ranma as the brightness of the corridor brought her back to the present. As she looked up from where she was lying she said, “You must stay out of there. It is not safe.”
“Huh? I felt something. I guess it was you and came to look.”
Canal smiled, seemingly brought out of her sadness by the thought of all the trouble Ranma must have gone through to get here. She said, “Come, I will protect you and lead you back.”
Ranma was more than a little curious about the room, but it seemed a place of solitude for Canal and she knew how precious that was. She asked, “Protect me?”
Canal said, “Everywhere near the engine room has a certain amount of radioactivity now. You must not come here again. It is very harmful.”
Ranma gulped as Canal set the teddy bear down. She seemed to melt into motes of light that formed around Ranma like a second skin. On their journey back Ranma started to retrace her route in reverse, but after a turn or two Canal changed the route and sure enough they were back into the crew section of the ship much sooner than Ranma expected.
Ranma was beginning to feel a bit tired as Canal's energy moved away from her skin and disappeared. Ranma tiredly walked back to the nearby circular couch and lay down.
A few seconds later Michuru and Hotaru came running in followed by Canal. Hotaru quickly knelt down in front of Ranma, placing her hands on her side. A few seconds later Ranma's form began to glow a soft white coloration.
“What happened to her?” asked Michuru.
Canal said in a sad voice, “She felt my sadness, I think, and came looking for me. I have a little room of my own near the main engines, but, unfortunately that area has ionizing radiation present while the engines are in operation. Lesser amounts are present in the nearby areas as well and she must have crawled a long way to even get there.”
Michuru nodded as Nabiki walked in and saw Hotaru healing Ranma. Nabiki asked, panic in her voice, “What the heck happened?”
Michuru said, “He went in search of Canal and found her in a room near the engines, and apparently came close to dying from radiation poisoning.”
“Why would he do that?” asked Nabiki.
Canal went on to once again tell about her little place of solitude and how she had made a mistake in not warning him of it, and the dangers of coming so near the engines. Nabiki nodded absently, seemingly not interested in more than the bare details right then.
They waited in silence. The others soon wandered in as everyone left to investigate why the person before had not returned. It took almost twenty minutes before Hotaru took her hands off of Ranma-chan and yawned. Michuru was ready to catch Hotaru if necessary, but she wobbled to her feet and said, “She is alright now. It was difficult to heal; so much damage so spread out all over her body.” Hotaru yawned and said, “I'm going to go get some sleep now.” She wobbled a bit as Michuru helped her walk back to her room.
Nabiki said fondly, “Baka,” before turning to the others and saying, “I'll watch over her, and I trust no one needs a warning not to go investigate the engine room.” Nods and murmurs of agreement could be heard as the others went away, all save Canal and her mother.
Her mother said, “Shouldn't we get her to the sick bay? If she really absorbed so much radiation. I'm not really that familiar with treating radiation sickness, but, I'll do what I can.”
Nabiki smiled a wry smile and said, “If Hotaru said she is healed, then she is healed. There is no need to move her.” Her mother nodded to her daughter before exiting the room.
Canal said finally, “I am truly sorry. Had I been paying attention, I could have warned her away earlier.”
Nabiki smiled, yet the smile did not touch her eyes, “It is okay. Everything turned out well, and no one is apt to make that mistake again. I'm curious about one thing though. If she was in so much danger there, why did you not contact us rather than coming back through the radiation to get out of there?”
“The room she entered shielded her from the worst of it, but even there she could not stay for long. I layered my energy matrix over her skin and protected her from further contamination. Of course such protection cost her a bit of energy, but it was better than the alternatives since it got her out of the radioactive area faster.”
Nabiki nodded before saying, “Thank you Canal. You are a good friend.”
Canal hesitated as she started to turn towards the door. Her captain was okay now though and in good hands. She softly to Nabiki, “Thank you,” before completing her turn and heading back to the bridge.
“Ranma is just sleeping now, so sure. What's up?”
“Well, we have Hotaru's books and such here, but I'm afraid I'm not quite sure what they are trying to do, and I thought you might be able to help.”
“Oh, okay.”
She sat down beside her and said, “Since we met you so much has changed. I had thought we were to have no more enemies, but it seems that Setsuna is as fallible as any of us. Somehow that thought does not bring as much satisfaction as I thought it would.” The last was said wryly as she mused that this was much like talking to her birds. Someone asleep could hardly criticize, and besides he was quite cute, well when he was male anyway.
The book turned out to have been made by a company she recognized as being run by the son of one of the members of the Diet. It was considerably thinner than the one she remembered from the advanced placement course in Juban and hence probably even saved the school money. It was also complete crap, serving more to confuse than to teach. Furinkan used the same book of course, but she supposed money to pay for property damage had to come from somewhere.
The solution to the dilemma was a simple one. She set the book aside and taught Hotaru what she needed to know. Michuru stayed and listened as well, in the hope she could be more help in the future.
Nabiki yawned as she closed the door on where Hotaru was now busily working on her work. She was a bit surprised that they were really making Hotaru keep up with her studies given everything else, but then if the Senshi stopped everything every time the world was threatened, well none of them would have graduated. Of course what was most surprising was that Hotaru was up and around after what must have been little over an hour of rest. She had grown so much stronger since the first time they had met, but then not having a parasitic alien living inside your body had its good points.
A quick look around the bridge found Canal sitting in the copilot's chair by herself. She said, “You didn't have to go you know. Ranma has had few friends. In some ways, before all this began, he had none, and I was little better, if in a different way.”
Canal turned and smiled as Nabiki sat down in the captain's chair. She said softly, “I would never try to get in the way.”
Nabiki smiled and gave Canal a secret lopsided smile, “Don't worry, I know.” She leaned back in the chair before turning to stare out at the stars and the possibilities there before saying, “Canal, you said you protected Ranma before. Can you do it outside of the ship? Perhaps against energy weapons and such?”
Canal sighed before replying, “Perhaps against a single hit or something, but the toll on Ranma's energy would be horrible once we are any distance from the ship at all, since I could no longer tap into the fusion reactors for the core energy. It would also take my entire focus to create a spot shield fast enough in the correct place, so I couldn't keep much focus on other things like the ship and such.”
Nabiki nodded before taking out the Mercury computer and starting to make queries. The problem was that small high energy power sources were notoriously difficult, and hence the reason for the Senshi's own planetary mana taps which got around the problem nicely. They were even largely distance invariant because the planet's gravity allowed the energy to be sent through a specially crafted artificial dimension.
“Do you know that the great fire thinks highly of you?” She didn't wait for an answer since she thought he was sleeping. “Well, I also caught hints of exasperation from it as well. You are a centerpoint of change I think, although I can imagine that has not always worked to your advantage.”
She seemed amused at that, but the amusement changed to surprise when Ranma yawned and stretched before saying, “Did you say something?”
“Oh, nothing much. Say, would you like some hot water? I can get it for you if you want since you were kinda sick.”
Ranma stretched and gave herself a mental once over and concluded that she was healthy, if a bit tired. She said, “Sure, that would be great.”
A few minutes later Rei came back with a cup of hot water and handed it to Ranma. She turned about half of the cup over her head before standing. A quick adjustment of his clothing and, to him, all seemed right in the world again.
Rei stared at him, fascinated by the change. She said, “Does it hurt or anything?”
“Naa. I don't really feel much during the change besides a tingling sensation. Don't tell anyone I said this, but sometimes I forget what form I'm in. Both seem natural to me now, but I try to stay male as much as possible. I may be stuck with this curse, but I'm not going to let it beat me.”
“Oh.” She looked him over for several seconds. A small smile started to form, yet her face quickly returned to its normal composed state. In an indifferent manner, she asked, “So, are you and Nabiki a couple?” Her face grew concerned for a brief moment as she finished.
“Me and Nabiki? I guess so.” Rei's composure faltered for a second before Ranma continued with, “Things have been pretty complicated of late. It seems that ever since Nabiki got sick, things have been changing, and the really odd thing is that things seem to be working out.”
Rei gave him a puzzled look before asking, “How is that odd?”
Ranma laughed before saying, “You don't know my life. Every time I tried to really talk with someone or work out a problem a wall would explode, a sudden rainstorm or new fiancéewould appear, or someone would scream for me to prepare to die. It was really quite sad.”
Rei seemed dubious about the whole thing, particularly the fiancéebit. It was also particularly odd how a new fiancéewas said in the same breath as rainstorm. Sure, she had heard and everything, but really how could his life be that messed up? Her answer would have to wait though as Nabiki and Canal came through the door.
He said, “Hey guys, what's up?”
Nabiki said, “You absorbed more than enough radiation to kill yourself, but Hotaru managed to heal you.”
“Huh, I just got back from going to see Canal in this weird place, that was near the engines I think, but I guess that was a bad idea.” He scratched the back of his head before saying, “I thought I just woke up from sleeping whatever it was off.”
Nabiki sighed. Ranma could be so clueless at times. She said, “You took a bath in enough ionizing radiation to probably kill several people. It would have been a very messy death.”
“Oh, but I'm okay right?” He seemed uncertain and more than a little worried. He kept looking at his hands as if expecting to see something different.
Rei said, “Of course you are. Hotaru healed you after all.”
Nabiki said, “Rei's right. Now I need you to change into Sailor Pandora.”
“What for? I mean it is only a disguise.”
Nabiki privately suspected he was just putting up his token resistance to avoid willingly changing into a girl. She said, “Just do it Saotome, or else would you like me to bring in Haruka and Michuru to watch first?”
Ranma gulped before reaching for the glass of water from before. A tiny amount poured on his left hand revealed what he feared. He sighed and dumped the rest over his head and instantly changed into his girl form. Rei watched the change carefully. It was quite interesting after all, and, she privately admitted, the redhead was really cute, particularly when she was annoyed.
Ranma fumbled for the little pen like object in the air before it suddenly seemed to appear in her hands. A quick transformation sequence later and Sailor Pandora was back.
Pandora said, “Well, now what?”
Nabiki fiddled with the Mercury computer some more, as a small smile appeared on her face. The planetary mana tap was there. It was by far the smallest energy source available to any of the Senshi, yet it was there, and the transformation itself was barely tapping it, which was hardly surprising as it was only cosmetic. Nabiki finished her work with the Mercury computer and handed her laptop to Canal before asking, “Can you do something with that?”
Canal took on a look of intense concentration as she studied the data available and with a few key presses read through it. Finally she answered, “Maybe.” She then became motes of light that seemed to settle into Ranma's skin.
“This feels funny, as if I have something crawling inside my skin.” commented Ranma.
“Canal is trying to find a way to extract the energy that the Senshi transformation provides. If it works she might be able to deflect a few hits like the one you took before.”
A few seconds later Canal reappeared and said, “There is a lot of power there, perhaps enough to even assist in Swordbreaker's operation some, but I'm afraid I cannot access it. There seems to be considerable protections built into it to prevent it from being manipulated.
“Lovely,” said Nabiki. Perhaps when Usagi fully merged with her past she might know enough to fix this. The Mercury computer certainly didn't, and Setsuna would have probably volunteered the information by now if she knew. Nabiki said, “Well, I'm sure Ranma is hungry, so why don't we all go find something to snack on.” Ranma dropped the transformation as she followed the others.
“Crap!” echoed Rei, Nabiki, and Ranma simultaneously before heading to the bridge. Ranma managed to swallow the half made sandwich on the way before she took her seat and activated the neural interface.
Canal appeared on the bridge and said, “Currently all we know is there have been multiple brief gravity wave distortions and that the most likely explanation is multiple ships exiting hyperspace.”
A disheveled Usagi asked, “What are our options?”
Canal said, “We are currently at 70 percent of normal battle capacity. The charged particle weapon system is currently at 30 operational status and it is currently our only conventional weapons system. The psi blaster is at 80 efficiency. There are enough shells for two shots of the leap rail cannon, and the plasma blast system is at seventy percent efficiency. The real problem is available psi energy. Ranma produces it at a fantastic rate, given how little time he has had to learn to synchronize with the ship, but we are in no way ready for a serious battle, and I now count a total of 17 distortions.”
Mamoru said, “So let me get this straight. We are outnumbered potentially 17 to one and if your captain had a ton of psi energy available then we would have a shot?”
Canal said sadly, “It is impossible to know from so far. If they are ordinary ships, we might be able to win.” Her voice grew sadder and hesitant as she said, “Kia thought she was invulnerable, so when we encountered what seemed to be an ordinary raid on a civilian cargo ship we warned the raiders off. It didn't work of course and had we been more prepared things might have turned out differently. Their weapons quickly battered through the psi barrier before we managed to destroy one with the leap rail gun. At that point I was already badly damaged, and then I got hit with another salvo from the other ship and suddenly I could no longer maintain a solid form and could not stop her. I did not even know that she had prepared that, so carefully was it hidden from me. She gave her life to see me live and in my rage I annihilated the remaining one with a burst from the plasma blaster.” Canal tried to smile at the end, but gave up as she waited, although for what she wasn't sure.
Usagi stepped up and said, “But you destroyed that thing, did you not?” Somehow seeing her with one side of her hair out of its traditional's pattern seem to make the situation more urgent.
“It was destroyed in its use, and I deleted any information about psi technology from the database and destroyed all the key psi systems when that group boarded me. At that point I simply didn't care anymore, beyond making sure that the key technologies could not be abused.” She put on a wry smile and said, “And then the bio energy that Ranma casually emits woke me up, and you know the rest.”
Nabiki said, “Canal and I examined Ranma's Pandora transformation earlier. A planetary mana tap does exist, even though it is weak. Canal said she might have been able to use that energy if the magic didn't prevent it. Perhaps if we could fix that before we got there, we would have a better chance.” Nabiki privately thought it unlikely and wouldn't have brought it up at all since anything they did would almost certainly involve Usagi and likely be dangerous to her, but then, at this point all the cards seemed to have some chance of them dying, well besides the one where they ran away, and no one was going to do that.
Setsuna said, “I don't remember most of the details, but the population of the respective planets contributed into the creation of the control matrix for our planetary links. The pen I gave Ranma was a focus for a prototype link, yet never was intended to be more than the costume. I don't think any form of control matrix beyond the costume template exists. Uncapping that might be like uncapping a small volcano. I don't think it could be controlled, not by a person anyway.”
Usagi said, “Then it will not be.” She added in a mysterious voice that made her seem older, “I know a way. Follow me.” They all followed her out into the lounge area where the crowding was less. Usagi then took Ranma-chan's hands in hers and said, “There is a protection of a sort on Senshi magic. Even though I lack the power to make you a true Senshi, for what I hope to do one of two things is needed on your part and I'm afraid both of them are very permanent. If you agree to one, then even death will not change that choice. The first option is for you to swear your eternal fealty to me. You, like the others would be my guardian and protector. Should we die, though it may take a thousand years until our rebirth, you would be reborn near me, and our paths would be intertwined forever.”
Ranma gave no indication of how she interpreted what she said so far, beyond an obvious wariness. Usagi smiled and continued to hold Ranma-chan's hands, seemingly wanting to impart how serious this was. It was strange how Usagi could be so serious with her hair half covering the left side of her face, but there it was.
Usagi said, “The second choice was made by Mamoru and you may like it better. You see Mamoru has no oath of fealty to the Moon Kingdom. His oaths, as binding as any can be, provide a link between him and me. It is an oath of soulmates, and neither of us can ever have a fulfilling relationship, not now, nor in any rebirth, with anyone else. In a small, nearly unconscious way, we know each others thoughts.” She let go of Ranma hands then and brushed her hair out of the way.
Setsuna seemed slightly uncomfortable, as did Nabiki's mother, and many of the others. The inners and Kasumi seemed a little bit wistful, while Haruka seemed down right incredulous.
Ranma said, “You're kidding? I mean, forever? Sure, I like her. I may even Lo.. err like her a really lot, but forever and ever?”
Nabiki said sarcastically, “Oh, am I so repulsive Saotome?”
“Geez. You know what I mean.”
“I know. Look, from what I can tell this might be enough to mean we live through this, but forever is a really long time. You could always swear to Usagi. Surely, helping to create a prosperous peaceful world is not too onerous a task.”
Ranma nodded, but it was just not in him to swear fealty to a, well she would be a queen he guessed. Perhaps if he had known her longer, but right now there were just too many unknowns down that path. That left marrying Nabiki and he didn't even get the till death do you part bit. Life definitely was beginning to suck. Still, she was very cute, and kind, and, well, so unlike the Nabiki he used to know. He guessed it was the influence of Ami.
Nabiki's mother asked, “Even if he wants the second, would that be okay with you daughter?”
Nabiki said, “I like Ranma a great deal, and I have watched him since he came to live in our house. Though a relationship with him is unlikely to be perfect, I believe I would not come to regret it.” Left unsaid was that part of the reason she was so sure, was simply her desire to do what was necessary for the greater good. Still, she suspected she wouldn't regret it anyway. Surely Ranma could be trained, eventually? She very much hoped so.
In a soft astonished voice, Kasumi said, “Nabiki.”
Nabiki replied sarcastically, “Just think of how much the panda will love it if Ranma marries a Mizuno.”
Kasumi broke out in laughter, and was only interrupted by Ranma saying in a resigned voice, “Okay, I'll do it.”
“Gee Saotome, you don't have to sound so thrilled.” Nabiki turned to face Usagi who gave her a reassuring smile before saying, “Let us get started then. I don't think we have a lot of time.” Ranma-chan took this as her cue to leave the room. She was quickly followed by Rei's grandfather.
To the others curious looks, Nabiki said, “Ranma probably went for hot water.”
Rei said, “My grandfather probably went to get some sake and cups. He so loves officiating at weddings.”
Setsuna had worked her way closer to Usagi by then. She whispered, “I don't remember any such requirement. For that matter, you never mentioned marriage.”
Usagi smiled up at her and whispered back, “Trust me. I have a feeling.” Setsuna looked over her face and nodded. She was the princess after all and this did promise to be entertaining. Still, this kind of thing made her really miss the ability to create quick exits.
Something about the whole thing seemed a bit odd to her, but such protections were not unheard of, and really, if she did not snap Ranma up then likely one of her friends would. There was also the matter that it would satisfy family honor, as best as it could be satisfied anyway, at least in her own eyes. Perhaps Nabiki Tendo had not given much of an outward appearance of respect for family honor, yet deep down she was glad that day when the cup passed to Akane, even if she was one of those holding it out. Ami had a deep respect for family and friends, and if asked by her mother would have married Ranma, well, after demanding to know why, of course. Most important of all, is it seemed that her princess was asking and that could not be ignored.
All in all, she suspected that even their parents would come around once it was obvious it was the best they were going to get. Her thoughts felt a bit too much like a business decision to her, which caused more than a little discomfort, but didn't change the facts. Ranma by her side was something she thought she wanted and when combined with the simple truth that she had a duty to do whatever she could to support her princess, well the choice was obvious. She just hoped that, well as any girl would, she hoped for the fairy tale happily ever after. Time would tell though. It always did, and time seemed to take a jump forward as Rei's grandfather returned in his formal priest robes and carefully got out three small cups. The others looked on with obvious interest. The unreal feel of it all, made it feel kind of like watching a soap opera, and yet soap operas didn't usually star your friends.
With a mischievous smile, Usagi said, “The Lunar court is assembled for a happy occasion and yet we are all so poorly dressed. Shall we remedy that?” She quickly called forth her henshin pen and transformed into Sailor Moon which incidentally fixed her messed up hair. This others were confused yet they quickly transformed as well. With a thought Mamoru shifted into the costume of Tuxedo Mask.
Sailor Moon then focused inward and shifted once more into her now familiar Moon Princess dress before smiling at the others and saying softly, “Just think about it. You know the way.”
Some closed their eyes, while others just stared at their clothing, willing it to change to something similar to Usagi's beautiful white dress. Soon enough, one by one, the court of the Moon was dressed in their light colored dresses. Each nearly white, yet tinted and decorated with their own personal colors. The dresses were all sleeveless and just touched the floor. As their dresses formed, their planetary sigils appeared and gave a soft golden glow. After their changes, Mamoru closed his eyes and shifted to his prince Endymion clothing and sword. Kasumi, Dr. Mizuno, and Rei's grandfather each had looks of awe on their faces.
A small beep came from the Mercury computer, and the Mercury princess flipped it open to see what was the matter. After reading what it said, she pressed a few buttons before glancing at Canal and nodding.
Ann was debating trying to run and find something more formal to wear as well, but while Ranma's funeral clothing was not entirely inappropriate for a wedding, she had nothing with her much better than the white blouse and slack pants she already wore.
Kasumi looked on in quickly suppressed envy. She had nothing approaching the beauty of these seemingly simple dresses and the simple dress she wore now was what she wore to the store so many times before.
It all became academic when Canal said, “Psi system backup on. Loading simulation of the Moon Kingdom's royal ballroom.” Then suddenly it seemed as if they were there. It was enough to bring tears to the princess of Pluto's eyes as she remembered this room as it was and as it became after Beryl's armies arrived. A quick glance around showed that Canal, Kasumi, and Dr. Mizuno each wore elegant dresses. Kasumi's was a deep green, while Dr. Mizuno wore gray, and Canal wore her traditional pink. Kasumi smiled as she saw the changes in what she wore. They felt the same as before, yet they were definitely the prettiest thing she had ever worn.
Ranma and Rei's grandfather had changed as well. Ranma's clothing consisted of a pure white long sleeved shirt, dark blue pants, a deep blue cloak with silver piping, a thin silver inlaid black belt, black and silver boots, and a sword with a simple handguard attached to his waist on his left side. Rei's grandfather seemed to wear a fancier version of the priest robes he had on before.
Nabiki looked around and noted the changes, “Thank you, Canal. I had forgotten much of what this room looked like.” She paused for a second before asking, “This won't be a problem later will it?”
“It should not, at least as long as it is not more than an hour or so. Very little of it is solid of course, so it may be best not to move around too much.”
Nabiki nodded as the others continued to look around. Usagi directed Ranma and her to position themselves in front of the vast windows that looked out upon a view of the lush Moon countryside with the Earth hanging in the sky as if a large blue moon itself. She directed Ami's Mother to stand behind her daughter and for Kasumi to stand behind Ranma. She directed Hino-san towards them, and he quickly picked up the little cups and the small flask of sake and set them down on the square black pillar that appeared before them.
Usagi asked Mamoru and the others to assemble in a semicircle around the group. Usagi then paused to ask Canal, “Are chairs possible?” Canal quickly nodded and carved wooden chairs with red velvet tops appeared just behind the assembled group. The four outer Senshi sat to her right in order from Hotaru, Haruka, Michuri, and Setsuna. The other Inner Senshi, Mamoru and Canal sat to her left in order from Mamoru, Rei, Makoto, Minako, and Canal.
To Kasumi, it seemed like something out of a dream, yet for Ranma to get married in an ordinary way would have perhaps been a bigger surprise. She still could barely believe it was her other sister standing there and that she was standing in for Ranma's family. Then again, he had been a part of her family for a long time now, so perhaps it was apt.
Ranma nervously turned to more directly face Rei's grandfather as Nabiki claimed his left hand in her right. Rei's grandfather said, “We are gathered here today for a solemn occasion; the joining before the kami of two people. The first is Nabiki Mizuno, who in the past I knew as Ami Mizuno. She did me the honor of playing more than a few games of chess with me from time to time.”
Nabiki smiled a small smile up at the older man. Behind his usual facade he was actually quite intelligent and yet few saw beyond the harmless priest who kept asking young women if they would like to become shrine priestesses. Very few could do so well against her in chess and yet he still managed to fool her. She wondered how long he had known about them.
He continued with, “The second is a young man named Ranma Saotome, who I barely know, yet I do know of, thanks to talks with a certain white haired friend and with a colleague I know in Nerima. He is a young man with a complex past.” Setsuna stifled a laugh as he continued with, “Though sometimes he has lost his way, his bravery and loyalty are legendary in Nerima.”
Ranma looked up in question at the bit about him losing his way, but Rei's grandfather continued before he could think about it. He said, “Life is often about balance and with the joining of these two souls a new balance will, by the grace of the kami, be achieved.”
Ranma stifled a yawn with his right hand. This was beginning to remind him of those few times he had attended church at Kasumi's request. The suddenly tightened grip on his left hand brought his mind back to focus. Getting caught not paying attention at his own wedding. Oh she was going to so make him pay for that. He turned to her, apology already in his eyes as he was suddenly captivated by her fierce and determined smile. She was so unlike Akane. Akane was fierce, yet under it all soft, while Nabiki, as she was now, was almost the opposite. Both had determination in spades yet with Akane it was unfocused and undirected, while with Nabiki, well memories of the few times she was truly determined were enough to almost make him shiver, yet there was respect there too, especially since the change.
He realized it then. He realized the one thing Nabiki now had that the others lacked. He respected Shampoo for her skills as a warrior, Ukyo for her skills as a cook, and Akane for her determination, yet with Nabiki, especially as she was now, was different that the others. He respected her not for her skills in one area, but for herself, and with that revelation a tension left him. As he looked at her, her eyes softened and that smile was there again, and suddenly his doubts lessoned.
The others were staring at them now, as Hino-san had simply paused in what he was saying. Kasumi was wondering if the third time really was the charm, yet she relaxed when she saw Nabiki's blush echoed in Ranma's own face.
Nabiki turned back towards the priest and said, “You were saying?”
Hino-san was caught off guard as he stared at them, or rather between them, seemingly seeing something that no one else saw. He said, “Nabiki Mizuno, do you take Ranma Saotome as your husband and partner in all things for as long as you both shall live?”
Nabiki was a bit taken aback by the nonstandard phrasing, yet that was the question wasn't it? She said in a clear voice, with no hint of doubt, “I do.”
He turned to Ranma and said, “Ranma Saotome, do you take Nabiki Mizuno as your wife and partner in all things for as long as you both shall live?”
He turned back to Nabiki. The moment of choice had arrived. He scanned the room with his eyes, as if half expecting or perhaps hoping that the wall would explode, yet the walls remained annoying solid, and really quite impressive. He guessed this was some representation of that Silver Millennium they kept talking about, but it seemed the moment could not be avoided. She deserved a true answer, and one soon if the anticipation he felt had any meaning. Just why had he agreed to this? Oh ya, saving the world. He looked into her questioning eyes and the resolution he had felt just moments ago came back to him as he said, “I do.”
Hino-san smiled as he held his hands together palm up. About a centimeter above his hands formed a brilliant golden flame that rose several inches into the air. He said, “It is said that the great flame has lived in our family for thousands of years and I call upon it now to sanctify and bless your union. May that union see you through the light times and the dark times to come, oh and you may kiss the bride.”
Ranma looked away from the flame and into Nabiki's blue and brown flecked eyes and saw her nod. As he tilted his head, the others seemed to hold their breaths as his lips touched hers. He started to move back, but was surprised to notice the fact that Nabiki had taken hold of his head with both hands, and then conscious thought left his brain as the others looked on. The sudden flash that went off was almost, but not quite enough to catch his attention. The flame itself grew to almost a foot in height as if giving its own commentary about the quality of the kiss before it disappeared.
Everyone was happy for the couple, although the unattached Senshi and particularly Setsuna seemed to have looks touched with envy or perhaps longing on their faces. About a minute later Ranma was starting to get pale when Setsuna commented dryly, “I think he needs to come up for air.” Nabiki blushed and surrendered the grip she had on his head, yet the kiss remained for several more seconds before softly parting to reveal the blushing couple.
Usagi, in her full Moon Princess role, arose from her seat and gave a small half bow to Rei's grandfather. He gave a deeper bow back and then he, Kasumi, and Dr. Mizuno began to looked for an appropriate place to go. They were relieved when a couple chairs appeared next to Canal and Setsuna. Rei's grandfather took a seat by Setsuna and was unsurprised when the second chair disappeared, while Kasumi and Dr. Mizuno sat next to Canal.
Usagi said, “Do not worry. Your journey has just begun here, and now it is time to take a second step.”
Ranma looked up from where he had once again become entranced by his wife's beauty. He could not believe that he was married and so soon after that mess. To top it all off, it was to a completely different woman, although at least it was the one he would have chosen, had he been forced to do so. Oh, he was sure he was doomed, or rather fated to be married, but he still could not believe it was done. Shouldn't things be different now somehow? Well, there was that kiss, and that was definitely something he wanted to explore in much more detail. Usagi had said something, but he was fairly sure it was just a general reassurance or something. He tried to pay more attention, and not to be caught up in the wonder of just being married and kissed so effectively, but his attention kept slipping back to how soft and how warm her lips were. His attention was snapped back to what was going on, when a burst of water from Nabiki splashed him in the face instantly changing him into a her in a badly fitting outfit.
“What did you do that for?” came the wet and slightly irritated married woman. Rei smiled a little at the look of annoyance on her face. You could not buy entertainment that good.
With a touch of sarcasm, Nabiki said, “Your henshin wand provides a costume template for a female, so it is probably best you are in that form for what comes next, unless of course you want to start wearing that costume as a male?” A twinkle appeared in her eyes as she said with mirth, “Besides, I had to get your attention somehow. Now hurry up and transform.”
Ranma grumbled before pulling out her henshin wand and speaking her transformation phrase. Blue fire engulfed her and her clothing shifted and writhed around her. Her red hair was freed from its pigtail and flowed loosely behind her. Her ubiquitous blue pants were replaced with a dark blue short miniskirt with thigh high white short heeled boots. A light pink, almost white short sleeved top formed over her chest with a red bow on the back. White full length gloves came up to her elbow replacing her bracers. A golden tiara with a blue gem formed on her head. Pink lipstick formed on her lips and her eyes shifted to a piercing green color. The red staff that she had leaned against a wall became vertical for a moment before resting back in its original position.
Usagi said, “I cannot fully create the required controlling matrix to allow Ranma to use the energy from Saturn's moon. I do have a plan though. First, with your blessing, I will create the soulmate link between the pair of you. That should allow Nabiki's link to Mercury to indirectly help to stabilize Ranma's link to Pandora. Once that is done, with the help of the other Senshi, I will attempt to use the Silver Crystal to create the barest outline of a controlling matrix to that planetary mana tap. Finally, I will attune the matrix to Canal's control and hope she can take care of the rest.”
Setsuna noted the signs that Usagi was embracing the core of her that was Serenity. She had hoped to guide things to give them all, and particularly Usagi as much of a normal life as was possible, but it never seemed to work out, and now she sat quietly as Usagi sacrificed a little more of her youth.
Certainly such a plan was well beyond anything Usagi could pull off with her own knowledge. It was dangerously ambitious of course, yet it was the best they could do, seeing as how it was highly unlikely that several million people would suddenly appear on Saturn's little moon to provide the stability needed to create a true Senshi of Pandora. In a way, Canal already was a controlling matrix, but then she had never heard of one that was sentient. Even the Silver crystal's control system was little more than a well made operating system.
Usagi's explanation had certainly done little to reassure the now obviously tense couple. One was tense because she didn't understand, and therefore it must be scary, while the other was tense because she did understand. Usagi smiled and said, “Relax. All will be well. You have already taken the hardest step.” Oddly enough her simple reassuring words seemed to drain a tension out of the newly married couple who, at least in Ranma's case, had not really gotten passed the concept of actually being married.
It seemed fitting that they remained standing before the great multistory windows that looked out upon a view of the Earth. Usagi smiled at the others as she directed Pandora and the princess of Mercury to join hands. She said formally, “I stand here today to bless and link two people for eternity. If there are any who have objections to this bond, say now, or forever remain silent.” None spoke, and she continued, “Do you, Nabiki Mizuno, first princess of Mercury, accept Ranma Saotome, first prince of Pandora as your eternal soulmate, to protect and cherish for all eternity?”
Nabiki thought that calling him a prince right then was a bit odd, but it was not reflected in her voice. Her voice was clear, precise, and without any noticeable doubt, “I do.”
“Do you, Ranma Saotome, first prince of Pandora, accept Nabiki Mizuno, first princess of Mercury, as your eternal soulmate, to protect and cherish for all eternity?” Haruka and Michuru seemed wisftful, but remained quiet. There seemed to be a longing in some of the others as well.
Pandora's voice started a bit shaky but was resolute in the end, “I do.”
Serenity withdrew the silver crystal from its resting place, cupped it in her hands, and intoned, “Then by the ancient laws, by magic, and by spirit, I link you for all eternity.” As she said this, a glow went forth from the silver crystal and enveloped them both before settling into them.
Nothing felt different to Pandora other than an odd tiny bit of surprise and uncertainty, and he surely had enough reason to feel those feelings.
Before they could ponder this new bond too deeply, Serenity said, “Please pick up your staffs.” They each walked over and picked up their respective staff and returned to where they were.
Serenity continued with, “Canal, can you do whatever you did when you were trying to make use of Pandora's energy before?”
Canal nodded before disappearing into motes of light that seemed to sink into Pandora's skin.
Serenity said, “Now take hold of each other.”
After some fumbling, they settled on Mercury sitting down with Ranma-chan in her lap and their staffs held in front of them. Michuru pulled her small camera out of nowhere and Ranma just knew that she would hear about this scene again as the flash went off.
Suddenly Ranma had a very bad feeling, but there seemed to be nothing to do but wait now. Oddly enough, the feel of Canal on the surface of her skin was a comforting one.
Serenity again drew on the crystal and a magical rune filled circle of light appeared on the floor underneath them. It consisted of a close inner circle around them, filled and touched by two rotating squares that touched the first outer circle which was itself inscribed by runic symbols before being bounded by the final outer circle. Small triangles pointed inward from the outer ring as Serenity called out, “My friends be our guide and guardians.” Each of the Senshi stepped up to a triangle and held hands with the nearest other Senshi. Serenity turned to Endymion and said, “Guard us from all else and pray for us my love.”
Endymion nodded and withdrew his sword, a grim yet proud determination filling his bearing as he gazed fondly on his love. Serenity again drew on the crystal, and then at some unseen signal the others each freely lent their energy to Serenity. A gasp could be heard from Kasumi as she stared at Serenity's now glowing white form and tried to keep track of what was happening to the others through the circle. Ann and Rei's grandfather remained absolutely quiet.
The energy from the crystal shot forth and seemed to almost attack Pandora as it spread and enveloped her. Pain was etched on the redhead's face yet the magic held them, preventing motion beyond the hold of Mercury's encircling arms. A portion of the white energy spread over Nabiki. She refused to cry out, refused to succumb to the pain, and refused to worry Ranma. If Ranma could withstand being fully enveloped then she could withstand what she had. Still, she could not block the tears like Ranma did. The ship itself seemed to be thrown into chaos, as the beautiful recreation of the ballroom failed, followed by the artificial gravity and the lighting. The room was now lit only by the glow around the Senshi and particularly the glow around Ranma and Nabiki. The room seemed to be growing cold as well.
A few moments after they began time seemed to pause as the energy flowing from the silver crystal tapered off. Serenity and the others looked up as a beautiful black haired and silver eyed woman in a flowing white dress partially enveloped the trio. Her glowing translucent form allowed Serenity to see that they were still okay before she turned her attention back to their guest.
The guest spoke in a clear, crisp, yet not unkind tone. “Daughter of the Moon. I understand your concern, but these weapons are the Tendo families legacy and you may not tamper with them. I will do what is needed there. Finish your work. Time is shorter than you know.”
Serenity nodded before cupping the crystal close to herself and giving a formal half bow. When she rose again, their visitor was gone. She once more held the silver crystal forth and channeled its magic into Pandora, with lesser amounts once again caressing the princess of Mercury. Swirls of blue and red whirled around the staffs and merged with Serenity's weaving, creating an odd tapestry of color. This lasted for almost ten minutes before a tired Serenity let the energy fade out before her transformation faded as well, restoring her messy hair and all.
A few seconds later and the artificial gravity was gradually restored followed by the light and heat. Ranma and Nabiki's transformations faded, and they remained unconscious on the ground as the rest looked on. Canal appeared and looked at the pair, paying particular attention to Nabiki. She said, “This is impossible. I have never heard of a lost ship having a link to two people at the same time.”
Usagi said through a mouth full of hair, “It worked then. Good.”
Canal said, “Nabiki's link is weaker, yet I can feel energy flowing from her to me. She is producing more of a pure psi energy as opposed to the mixed psi and bio energy Ranma was giving me.”
Setsuna asked, “What about the planetary mana link?”
Canal said, “I can access it, yet it is weaker now that she changed back. I might be able to use it to enhance the weapons system somewhat, but the fusion reactors already provided a great deal of energy of a similar sort. Still, I should be able to provide Ranma some protection outside of the ship now, especially when she is transformed like she was.”
Setsuna nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. The real key seemed to be the combined psi energy flow from Ranma and Nabiki. It seemed that her princess's plan had worked, yet she did not think Usagi would lie to accomplish her goals, but then the time that Usagi was in full control had long passed. She asked, “How long until we reach them, and how many are there now?”
Canal said, “There have been a total of eighteen gravitational waves. Assuming they are not sending multiple ships through at once then there are eighteen. We could be there anytime, but I'd rather not demonstrate our phase drive for them, could I avoid it. At our current rate of speed it will be 26 hours, but I suspect it will be closer to 8 hours once those two recover, and taking a guess at their speed and destination.
Setsuna nodded. That made sense since they hoped to destroy whatever they were using, and letting them see a way not to need that device probably wasn't a good idea, but then, with their luck, they already knew a way. There was still nothing to be done but to press on, and she had one trick left. Perhaps they could win this day. Of course, there was always that slim chance that everyone that came through was here on a nice peaceful mission, but somehow she doubted that. Peace envoys usually didn't bring fleets with them.
A tired Usagi said, “Get us there as fast as you can Canal.” Usagi turned to find Hotaru's slumped form. She did not want to ask, yet the burden of leadership was upon her, “Hotaru, give them what energy you can spare. Everyone else rest and prepare. A hard day is ahead of us.”
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