The following manga and anime used in this fanfic each belongs to their respective creators. Ranma 1/2 belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi and AMG! belongs to Kosuke Fujishima. Special Thanks to Tannim for hosting this fic. http://tannim.anifics.com And now On with the Show! A Different Path Chapter 3 By Draknor ********** "Wow this is big!" Reiko was standing in front of the Sakura Dojo compound with the Norns. They stared in awe at the size of the compound. Big was an understatement. Huge was more like it. The compound consisted of a three storey house, four dojos each twice the size of the Tendou dojo, a olympic sized swimming pool, a sauna, a hot spring, a gynasium and a lounge. All in all it look like a full sized resort. "I don't believe it. This 'dojo' have everything most dojos lacked! And three more than the rest! Are you sure this is the right place?" Reiko was awestruck. "Sure kiddo. I am never wrong am i? Besides its Kami-sama who owned this place." Urd smiled. "He owned this place? I thought..." Reiko asked incredulously. "Well sometimes the kamis are bored and need something to do. So they come down to Midgard and do some things they like. Father built this place for fun at first. But i think He may have some ideas on what to do about this place." Skuld explained. "Welcome Madams. I am Kyosuke Matada the caretaker here. What can i do for you?" "We are here to assist you in helping its new owner settling down." Belldandy gave him a reply. "Ah yes the new owner. A young one at that. May i know which one of you is Sakura Reiko?" "Atashi wa Sakura Reiko. Yorishiku." (I am Reiko Sakura Pleased to meet you) "I am Urd and this are my sisters Belldandy and Skuld. We are just settling Reiko-chan in and then we will go. Reiko-chan its huge. I hope to use the facilities here as often as i can." Urd winked at Reiko. "Sure oneechan. You three can come here as often as you like. After all you are always welcome." She winked back. "Ok. We'll be coming here two days from now to keep up your training. In the meantime enjoy yourself!" With that the Norn goddesses left. "Miss Sakura will you like to take a tour of the place? I see you didn't have much belongings." Kyosuke said appraisingly. "Well i didn't have any belongings. Its all moved here already haven't it? And please call me Reiko." "Very well Reiko. Yes a few boxes have arrived yesterday. Your belongings have been unpacked and put into the master bedroom in the house. Your documents and other important items were in your office. Now let me show you around ne? After that you can try the hot spring or practice in one of the dojos." Kyosuke winked at her. "Sure lead on Kyosuke." Reiko was excited about this new place. ======== Reiko looked at the full length mirror in her bedroom. A vanity and dresser were placed in one corner. A wardrobe containing blouses, skirts, dresses, underwear, shorts, socks, shoes and slacks sat at one wall. A card written with the words 'a small gift to my daughter from K.S.' was placed on the dresser. The dresser came complete with brushes, make-up, jewelry box and even a plush cat toy. A few months of intense training and torture had helped Reiko get rid of her Neko fear. The cat must be Kami-sama's congratulations to her for her hard work. Sighing contentedly, she looked at her reflection. The first change she noticed was her new height now no longer petite. She was now as tall as Ranma. Right after that she noticed her chest shrank a little but she now looked prettier. Wondering about her goddess marks, she made them appear and looked. Inverted triangles just below her eyes and on her forehead was an eight-pointed star. Heh eight pointed star? She made them disappear again. She was also wearing the Juuban High school uniform, squealing and twirling around in schoolgirl mirth. Sure she had worn the Furinkan High uniform but this was the first time she wore one willingly. Looking at the mirror her hair was now at shoulder blade length and held in a ponytail by a green ribbon bow. Her uniform resembled that of a sailor's with a blue kneelength skirt and a dark blue bow in front. The centre of the bow rested a sunstone attached to a silver necklace she wore around her neck. She imagined wearing a tiara, crescent shaped earrings and red high heel shoes. Wielding the Moon Scepter and shouting silly battle cries. Giggling softly, she shook her head. I must be delirious. Thinking of this uniform made me think of the Sailor Senshi which is reasonable since they were based here. I wonder if i can talk to Setsuna. Wait a minute who is Setsuna? Shaking her head one more time, she continued the inspection. Her face seemed to be more matured. She was no longer cute but dead drop gorgeous. Sighing, she grabbed her bookbag and went to put on her shoes. After a quick breakfast and a comment from Kyosuke that she should eat slowly, she was off to Juuban High. ======= Juuban High School was as usual normal as most high schools in Japan. However like Fuurinkan High in nearby Nerima district, it had endured some heavy destruction but not as much as Fuurinkan. The legendary Sailor Senshi had begun their activities from Juuban High and spread out as the youmas and megalomaniacs tried to conquer or destroy the world and changing locations throughout Tokyo. Reiko was in the principal's office getting her registration confirmed. The second step taken in building a new life. She sat down demurely while the principal gave the usual welcome to new students. The bell rang and she was off to her homeroom. "Good morning class." Haruna-sensei addressed the class. Looking around she saw that Tsukino Usagi was early today. Surprised, she asked Usagi why she was early today. Usagi replied that she felt something going on and decided to arrive early to find out what. Just then the principal entered the class followed by a beautiful red haired girl. All the boys and even some girls stared awestruck at the beauty before them. Haruna-sensei cleared her throat to snap her students out of the trance. "Sensei you have a new student here. Please take care of her. Sakura-san, welcome to the school." The principal handed Reiko's file to Haruna and left. Reiko walked up to the blackboard and write her name in kanji. "Ohaiyo Gozaimasu. Atashi wa Sakura Reiko. Yorishiku!" Reiko exclaimed with a bright smile. (Hello I am Sakura Reiko Pleased to meet you!) "Now Sakura-san why don't you tell us a little about yourself?" Haruna prompted. "Hai. I am a martial artist and am the Grandmaster and founder of the Sakura School of Heaven's Way Martial Arts. I also own the Sakura Dojo in Juuban. Its going to be open soon so i will like to personally invite you all to come and see the classes." Reiko replied enthusiastically. The rest of the class introduced themselves. "You are a martial artist? I heard the best martial artists are from Nerima. The things they did there was as destructive as the youmas the Sailor Senshi fought. And as far as i know the Senshi rocks." A student commented. "With due respect to the Senshi and the martial artists in Nerima, yes they are powerful. But the Senshi lack coordination, conditioning and evasive manuevers. The martial artists are hotheaded, unreasonable and somewhat delusional. I of course do not boast but i am the best martial artist out there." Reiko sported a cocky grin; after all goddesses cannot lie. "What? You are saying the Sailor Senshi are klutzs? That's absurd! I have you know that the Senshi had saved the world many times." Kino Makoto stood up angrily. "No offense Kino-san but how many times do they risk their lives? How many times did they die to save the world? If they were better trained to deal with thugs and martial artists who could bend steel with bare hands, they would be better prepared and better shaped to deal with those with the power to destroy the world." Reiko stated solemnly. "If you are so good why don't you show us what you can do!" Makoto retorted. "Sure i will. But not here. Some of what i can do could destroy the whole school." Makoto did not believe at all. She taunted Reiko into showing off. Reiko complied. She pointed to a rock near the school yard. She walked to the window and stretched out her hand, palm open. The hand glowed golden. Funny. I thought my aura is blue not golden. Oh well i can deduce this later. Reaching the minimum level of chi, she shouted "Moko Takabisha!" and a stream of pure golden chi flew towards the rock and shattered it on impact. Makoto looked stunned. She had heard of martial arts masters who could do battle auras and only the best could do chi blasts. The rest of the class applauded at the display. "Wow!" "That's fantastic." "I didn't know she could do that." "Yeah and i thought only in video games can you see such things." "Is that your best attack?" "No that's my weakest attack," Reiko replied "my best attacks could devastate an entire city. But only in extreme conditions do i use them." Makoto stole a glance at Mizuno Ami and Tsukino Usagi and mouthed we need to talk at lunch. The two girls nodded in reply. Time flew and Reiko found the classes enjoyable. She was able to enjoy school without martial artists challenging her to duels. Lunch came and she found a sakura tree in a secluded spot of the schoolyard. Sitting down and opening her bento, she wondered if she could have this life if Kami-sama hadn't approached her. Chuckling happily, she began to eat quietly. Makoto was at the table with Ami, Usagi and Aino Minako. Minako as wont was gushing over Reiko's earlier demostration. "Wow! She is really great! Wonder if i can do that too? Did you say she operates a dojo? It opens soon? I am going to sign up for the first class!" Minako exclaimed. "Ami-chan could she be a youma? Have you checked the Mercury Computer?" Makoto asked, suspicious of any youma. "No Mako-chan. Reiko-san is not a youma. She is half human and half.... the Mercury Computer cannot identify the other half but as far as i can tell she is not a youma or even half a youma." Ami looked up from her books. "Maybe we should make friends with her. She certainly is approachable." Usagi glanced at the redhead. "What? After she insulted us? Lack coordination and conditioning. Hmph! I will like to see her fight a youma. She sure wont be so cocky then!" Makoto declared. "Oh Mako-chan! You are jealous of her being a better martial artist than you right? Come on i think she had some point though." Minako looked at Makoto reproachingly. "I think she is right. We truely lack some conditioning and from my analysis of all the Senshi when they fight, we lack coordination. The chi that she employed is our life energy. If we boost our chi, we will boost our speed and strength. Oh here comes a youma. Do you want to henshin or let her handle it?" Ami scanned the results from her Computer. "Hmph! I will like to see her handle the youma. We teamed up and trashed the youmas. She is alone. Lets see how she handle this!" Makoto was adamant. Ami shook her head and sighed. Sometimes Mako-chan i wonder if you ever grew up. Reiko had just finished her lunch and was packing her bento when her battle senses alerted her. Turning around, she saw two ugly beings. One had a head that looked a cross between an octopus and a garbage bin while the other had a body that looked like it came from the twilight zone. She also noticed four girls looking at her as if waiting for her to do something. She recognised three of them as her classmates. Ami, Makoto, and Usagi. They were acting as if they were evaluating her every moves. Facing the tree so nobody can see her face, she manifested her goddess marks and accessed Yggdrassil. Aha! Those four are Sailor Senshi. The fourth one is Minako Aino. Hmm let's see they must have felt insulted by my comments and are waiting for me to embarass myself by running away in fear or failing to destroy the youmas. Then they will appear and save the day! No way! If i want them to learn from me i have to show them what i am capable of. Her goddess marks vanished, Reiko turned to the two youmas and smirked. "Hey you two uglies, want to play with muah? Come on i don't have all day!" She taunted. "Or are you weaker than a girl like me?" Growling, the youmas rushed her. Smiling evilly, she began her attack. "SAKURA SCHOOL OF ENERGY BLADE ATTACKS TECHNIQUE: CHIKARA BUREDO GUFUU!" The Energy Blade Typhoon is a whirlwind of vacuum blades. It roared towards one of the advancing youma and ripped the trapped youma bit by bit until nothing was left. She then rushed over to the remaining youma and threw an uppercut at its head. The youma staggered a little and regaining composure, began to attack her. But she was too fast for it. Dodging a bolt of dark energy thrown at her, she began her next attack shouting "Kachuu Tenshin Amagurikan!" and threw 1000 punches into every part of the youma. Finishing the move, it stood still for a second before collapsing in a pile of dust. Glancing at the onlookers, she was satisfied at the open mouthed gapes the four Senshi were sporting. Murmurs could be heard through the school yard as she took her bento and returned to the homeroom. "Did you see that?" "Yes that's even more amazing than her moko takabisha!" "Don't you hear her saying the moko takabisha is her weakest attack?" "I wonder what else she could do?" "Probably she is as powerful as the Sailor Senshi!" "Cant wait until her dojo is opened. I am going to sign up for the classes!" "Yeah me too!" Usagi snapped out of her stunned state and looked at Makoto solemnly. "Mako-chan we shouldn't have left her to deal with the youmas. After all we are the Sailor Senshi!" "THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE! We had a hard time defeating one youma and she did two in less time than us! And not even having to use the Ginzuishou! She must be some high powered youma or a dark moon princess like that Prince Demand!" Makoto was shouting incoherently. "Um Mako-chan? I don't think she is a high powered youma like the generals or even a dark moon princess. My readings indicated no dark energy emitted from her. In fact they pointed to a tremendous output of life energy." Ami shook her head at her tall friend's stubborness. "Wow maybe i should go and sign up for her classes when her dojo opens. I want to learn such cool moves and more!" Minako gushed excitedly. "Um guys we are running out of time. Maybe later." Usagi said nervously. The four girls hurried to their classes. Reiko was already seated behind at the back with classmates surrounding her asking her how she did the attack and whether they could learn it. "Well it depends. I have been training for 11 years. So it came naturally for me. Some people have natural gifts like singing and acting. In the same way, some martial artists learned quickly while others have to train for years before you could master a move. That depends on whether you have the natural attributes of a martial artist." "However martial arts is not all about attacking and defending. The essence of martial arts is to build up your body and keep up the tradition. That's basically what most people intend when they learn martial arts. Heaven's Ways is a amalgamation of several different Arts. Kempo, Kendo, Jinjitsu, Judo, Karate, Wu shu, staff fighting, chi manipulation etc." "Martial arts also help you stay focused. If you are interested in learning, i will be happy to teach you some basics when my dojo is opened officially." The teacher entered the homeroom and the crowd dispersed. Time for lessons. ======== It was the last class of the day - Physical Education. Reiko was standing in front of the changing rooms holding her bloomers. She recalled the first time she went to the girls room and was chased out by Akane and her classmates screaming 'You Pervert'. Laughing softly, she was snapped of it by a nudge from her side. Looking up, she saw Usagi standing in front and smiling. "Hey Reiko what are you doing? You seem to be laughing there. Hurry up and get changed or else you'll be late." "Oh nothing. Just recalling some memories and thinking them funny now." Reiko returned the smile. "Oh right. I am Usagi. Want to be friends?" Usagi took out her hand. Woah deja vu. And next thing she will call me a pervert. Laughing inwardly at the hilarious thought, Reiko nodded and shook Usagi's hand. Her first P.E class as a girl was enjoyable. Even Makoto seemed to be warming up to her despite her earlier doubts. Back when she was Ranma she had to show off as a man amongst men. Now she was thoroughly laughing and smiling as they set down to a game of soccer. She truely felt free as she passed the ball to her teammates. She found teamwork to be exhilarating. She enjoyed passing as as well she did scoring goals. Her athleticism impressed but not intimidated her classmates. Finally it came to an end and they head to the showers. The hot water felt soothing to her. Habit took over as she tensed for the change and the screams. But they never came and she found it silly to forget. Singing a tune she heard from Nabiki's radio once, she washed the sweat and grime away. Realising everyone in the room staring at her, she stopped her scrubbing. "Ano? Did i do something wrong?" She asked. "No we were just admiring your body and your voice. Your singing is absolutely beautiful and your body is so gorgeous!" Minako enthused and everyone nodded in agreement. "Um.... Sorry about this." Reiko blushed crimson. "Oh silly! Don't be. We like having someone as beautiful as you as a friend!" Usagi exclaimed. Everyone laughed even Reiko could not contain her mirth and joined in. "Thank you everyone. I am glad i am accepted on my first day. For you girls, I will give you a discount should you wish to attend my classes or just use the facilities." Reiko said gratefully. The girls nodded enthusiastically. ====== Reiko stepped into the front yard of the Dojo, looking from the corner of her eye, she saw Makoto and Minako scuttling to hide. They must be following me. "Tadaima! Kyosuke is there any mail or message for me?" Reiko asked as she wandered to her office. "No will you like to take a bath? How's school today?" Kyosuke answered. "Yeah its great! I made some new friends today! Oh by the way i already have requests for classes for the dojo. Now i need to see which one to use. And what to do with the rest." Reiko took off her shoes and put on her slippers. "Well if you don't mind my suggestions, i think we should convert one of the dojos into a family center and one into a restuarant. That way we don't have to waste space. And the two left are big enough to hold several hundred students each." Kyosuke put on his thinking face. "Kyosuke that's a very good idea. Now i have to scout for some babysisters and a restuarant chef. Hmmm i may already have someone in mind. The other facilities should come in handy. I can offer some of the girls in school free martial arts lessons in exchange for them working here." Reiko waited for the computer to boot on. "Well call me if you need anything. I will be in the gynasium for a workout." Kyosuke called. "Ok i'll join you in a while. I will like to see what equipment are there." Reiko called back. An half hour later, Reiko was lifting weights in the gynasium. The place got all types of exercise equipment. Sighing contentedly, she made a note to give her Father a big kiss on the cheeks. ====== Kuonji Kageshi was in the kitchen preparing dinner when the phone rang. Picking it up, he listened to the caller. "Moshi Moshi" "Hai i am he and you are?" "You want to repay me back the dowry i lost to Saotome Genma?" "On condition that my daughter is back in her rightful place?" "A free space to set up a restuarant in Juuban?" "Alright i will meet you. Where is your place?" "Sakura Dojo Juuban-ku Tokyo. Ok got that. Ja." Frowning, Kageshi prepared to pack for the trip to Juuban. Now who is this Sakura Reiko? ======== Putting down the phone, Reiko sighed. Soon Ukyou-chan you will have your life back. And i will have undone what Genma did to you. Gomen Nasai Ucchan for ruining your life. You deserve that at least. Checking her email and seeing nothing of importance, she started preparing for her goddess training the next day. Ah my neck is stiffed. I need a soak. Walking to the hotspring area, she took off her clothes and wrapped a towel around herself. Pausing to take a cold shower, she sank into the hotspring. Ah what bliss. Footsteps approached and she looked up to see Kyosuke wrapped in a towel. Motioning for him to join her, she relaxed her muscles. "Arigato Kyosuke. It must be hard work trying to get this place up and running all by yourself. Not to mention the cleaning." "Actually Reiko this place is run by magic. Kami-sama made that possible. All i need to do is to get it running in time. Special Yggdrassil commands are added to this place." Kyosuke winked. They both laughed and enjoyed the warmth. "Its nice around here. I am certainly sure i am not going back to the old life. Well peacefully that is." They both laughed again. It was in all a pleasant day. "Oh yes i forgot. I am to teach you some of the martial arts. The rest you have to learn yourself by reading the scrolls in the library. Come. Time to start your lessons. I heard you displayed your own creation at school today. Will you mind showing me?" They left the hotspring and went to the practice grounds. This place was for dangerous and highly destructive training. Rocks and wood statues and placed there for breaking. Kyosuke was in his grey gi while Reiko wore a jade green gi. She then demostrated the Chikara Buredo Gufuu. "Impressive. You do have a great talent. Its a wonder Kami-sama is interested in you. Now let me show you the first kata of the Sakura School of Heaven's Way." Kyosuke began flowing like water while Reiko watched his every move, punch, kick, feint, block, counter, uppercut all flowing together and no apparent weakness could be seen even in Reiko's superb analysis. Kyosuke finally stopped and waited for her to follow his footsteps. She did a flawless execution of the Kata he just showed her complete with modification on several moves that doesn't feel right on her first try. He was astonished at the talent of the girl and her ability to learn fast. Within an hour she learnt everything he was to taught her today. "Wow. You are one amazing young lady. I have never seen anyone learn this fast quite like you." He chuckled. "Arigato Sensei." Reiko blushed bright red. She was not used to positive encouragement yet. Outside the Sakura Dojo compound, two awestruck girls were standing still. "Did you see that Mako-chan? She practically was good!" Minako had stars in her eyes. "Yeah she is damn good. She is correct Mina-chan. She could beat us to a pulp even if we gang up on her. I wonder what Haruka will say if she saw what Reiko did back there." Makoto still looked stunned. "Could she be a Senshi? Luna and Artemis will know. There's yet to be a Sailor Earth or Sun. Let's call a Senshi Meeting." Minako started thinking about Sailor Sun. Makoto nodded in agreement. ========= Next day school was usual. No youma attack this time. And they were treated to the first volleyball match with a player jumping four meters high. The bell rang for the end of school and Reiko was rushing to get home. Usagi approached her. "Wow you continued to amaze us Reiko-chan. Want to accompany us for some ice cream?" "Um some other time. I still have some preparations to go before i open the dojo. Will you gals come to the opening ceremony? It is just a small one i am afraid." Reiko answered apologetically. "Sure we will love to come. So when is it?" Ami joined in. "The day after tomorrow. See you then." Reiko waved at them as she ran off. "Should we ask the Outers to come too? I am sure Haruka will want to spar with Reiko." Makoto smirked michiveously. "Hai the more the merrier!" Usagi nodded fervently. "Oh we are going to be late! Rei is waiting for us!" The four girls ran off in the direction of the Hikawa Shrine. "Usagi, why are you reading my manga yet again?" The first thing Usagi did upon reaching the temple was to take one of Rei's manga. The usual argument ensued. "Can you please keep your taunts to later? We have important business here." Luna said tiredly. "Luna is there any more Senshi? Are you sure or have you forgetten? And what about you Artemis? Like Sailor Sun or Sailor Earth?" Minako asked. "No there's no more Senshi. The last to awaken are the Stars. What makes you think there are more Senshi?" Luna frowned. The girls then began to tell the cats, Rei and the outers about Reiko and her amazing abilities and power. "Are you sure she is not a youma or a dark moon agent?" Rei asked. Seeing negative response, she continued. "I'll check the sacred fire and see what it can tell." Rei faced the fire and chanted the words to evoke the fire's power. She had a vision of a ray of the purest light and then winked out. Shaking her head, she turned to the others and told them of the vision. Setsuna was silently thinking. Reiko? Hmm maybe we can use her help. She is not in my time sight. Unless.... she is a kami! Only kamis and demons can hide from the time sight. She couldn't be a demoness so she must be a goddess. Haruka was snorting. "Yeah right. You sure she did all that and not just your hallucination? Well i will like to see how good she REALLY is!" Cracking her knuckles she grinned. Makoto and Minako smirked knowingly. Sometimes Haruka needed to be taken down a peg or two. ========= "Hey kiddo how are you doing?" Urd stepped out of the television. Belldandy and Skuld had already arrived and were lounging in the living room of the house. Kyosuke was serving them drinks. "Happy contented what else Urd-neechan?" Reiko shot Urd a mock pout. "Ok ok ready for your training? I am impatient to use the hot spring and sauna. You are the only goddess to have such perks you know!" Urd gave a snort. "So that's why Oneesan was so eager to accept the job. Typical of the old hag." Skuld snorted. "Why you little squirt!" Urd began to glow, lightning sparkled from every part of her body. "Chill out sisters. Now shall we begin my training? Then you can ALL use the facilities." Reiko said amicably. Kyosuke chuckled amusedly. "Ok first thing you need to do is to learn how to change clothes. Here let me demostrate." Urd's goddess dress was changed into a very revealing leather outfit. Belldandy gave a "Oh My!" which made Reiko smile. "Hmm like this?" Reiko's green sundress was replaced by a aerobics spandex outfit. "Um Bell-oneechan do you have a twin sister?" "No. Why do you ask?" Belldandy asked curiously while Skuld and Urd sipped their tea. "Well i know a lady who has the same mannerisms and even the same voice as you. I could have sworn that had it not been for your different looks you two could have been twins! Right up to the 'Oh My!' comment!" Urd and Skuld spit out their tea. "Really?" Belldandy was smiling. "I will like to meet her someday. She seems like a nice friend to make." Two Belldandys? Oh Kami-sama. Its going to be Ragnarok. Skuld and Belldandy then took turns to teach Reiko. Belldandy taught her a simple spell while Skuld gave her a lecture about bugs and debugging. Finally they were done. "WOOHOO! Its FUN TIME! Come on let's go!" Urd disappeared in a cloud of dust. Leaving three goddesses and Kyosuke shaking their heads at her departure. ******** Authors Notes: Well this chapter ends. Please send me some C&C or ideas. I will be doing the side stories soon. Draknor jumeau@pacific.net.sg