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// Chapter 24: Off limits! Do Not Read! 
// Story: Finally at Pegasus A MLP: FIM and Ranma ½ X-Over 
// by Alicornian 
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Chapter 24: Off limits! Do Not Read!

The next morning Nabiki awoke to what she normally woke to, an empty home. It was the same reminder she would now live with each morning until she was able to move in with someone else or get them to move in with her. She really hoped to move in with Rarity and her little sister. Still… something about the town bothered her. Not in a bad way but like… something was right there at the edge of her mind but that was it. Sighing she got up and got ready for the day, a weekend actually. Thankfully the school wasn’t like back home and had classes during the weekend. Once ready for the day Nabiki pulled out her homework and her pony figure and got started on both again. After about four subjects she looked up to the clock and quickly finished up her pony figure of her beloved Rarity.

She stopped and looked the figure over again. Just what was it about her love that… confused her? Was it the mark on her hip? No, she could have gotten that in France. Was it her sister’s Chi attack? No, Rarity was right. There was far too much smoke to know sure. Was it… was it the town? Nabiki quickly shook her head. No. No she wouldn’t go back to what she was. She was happy here. This was her chance at a normal life. Did she really want to go back to… to… “I’m going to be late for work.” Nabiki finally said to herself grabbing her purse and leaving her figure to dry.

=+=+=+=

“And that’s all you’ll need to know Kodachi.” The soon to be former mayor said smiling. “This is… all so much.” Kodachi said looking out the town hall building’s top window. Last time she was in this building she was taking it over by order of her mad father but now, now she was earning it. She was earning almost everything. It was no longer given to her on an open platter like it used to be. Well it was, but in stiffens but she used that mostly for her campaign and living expenses. The rest she earned the hard way, with good honest work. It wasn’t much as it was mostly simple miscellaneous jobs such as painting rooms, hanging posters, or as her last and more current permanent job, a model for Rarity’s shop as well as additional worker and consultant on design ideas. Mostly decorating, not fashion, as she was quite good with flower arrangements.

“I know Kodachi.” The soon to be former mayor said smiling at her. “Yet I fully believe… no, I know you can handle all of this.” Kodachi sighed and looked around the office. She liked it in here. It felt peaceful, calming, and even if there was a lot of paper signing, it felt right to be in. “Are you sure? I mean, with everything I’ve done…” Kodachi said before the soon to be former mayor placed her hand on her shoulder. “We all have things we’re not happy about Kodachi. Yet look at you now. You’ve stepped up and took ahold of your own life. You’ve made up for your father’s wrongs and even gotten past them. I’m sure Kodachi, as do the town’s people.” Kodachi sighed and nodded. The mayor was right and within twenty-four hours all this hard work would prove it. Yet… something did bother her a bit. “Madam Mayor, may I ask you a question?” Kodachi asked looking to her. “What is it Kodachi? Pre-election nerves?” the mayor asked worried.

“Well… no it’s not the election it’s well… the town’s history. I know very little of it.” Kodachi pointed out. The mayor just looked at her mildly nervous before speaking. “The town library has everything on the town’s history Kodachi however all the text and pictures are so old they have to be carefully handled. If we had a way to bring the books to this time and age we could but…” Kodachi didn’t need to know any more. She knew instantly that doing so would cost a lot of many and that many historians would be making offers to take the books away from the town. “I understand. Is there a way for me to see them sometime?” Kodachi asked curious. “After the election maybe but for now we need to get you ready for tonight’s final campaign meeting. This is where the town’s people get to ask you questions and you answer them but only for five minutes, no longer.” The mayor replied gaining a nod for Kodachi as she followed two secretaries. The moment Kodachi was out of the room the mayor gain a deep sigh of relief. She had dodged the ball there, but after tomorrow… there would be a lot of explaining to do.

=+=+=+=

Ranma and Ranko both could only gape at what they were seeing. Before them was Akane, using to amazement true martial arts and… not falling over or becoming clumsy. It was clean, fluid, majestic, and should have been a true impossibility but the sight of Happosai being an honest sensei of the arts instead of the pervert he was solidify the claims from before. They were both cleaning up their act.

Yesterday Happosai had offered to help the twins learn to control their newest type of Chi, elemental Chi. Namely fire and wind Chi as it was what they had used to save their friends and teachers the day of the mysterious fire. For Ranko she wanted to lean to use her fire Chi correctly so when she did use Chi she wouldn’t go burning down things when she trained by accident. For Ranma it was wind Chi which he was comfortable with but the idea of learning a new fighting style of Chi ability was enough for him to want to learn anyway. “Enough. We have guest after all, or should I say new students?” Happosai said gaining Akane’s attention from her kata. “Oh you guys came!” Akane said smiling and bowing to them. They both bowed back then turned to Happosai. “We’re ready to learn Sensei.” Ranma said seriously. “Good, because this will not be easy for you and I will warn you. I’m quite the task master and will not accept anything but perfection in my teachings. Is this clear?” Happosai said seriously. “Yes Sensei!” the twins said at the same time. “Good. Let’s see where you are for now shall we? Ranko you’ll spar with Akane. No Chi techniques. Ranma stand by me and observe the spar.” Happosai instructed.

As the two girls bowed and began sparing Happosai began to speak normally with Ranma. “So my boy, how have things been since last we spoke? You leaving Nerima were quite a shock to everyone.” Ranma nodded as he watched the spar amazed with how far Akane truly came since his departure and teachings under Happosai. “I had to leave Sensei. I couldn’t take the chaos I was forced into and well…” Ranma said gaining the old master’s attention as they watched Ranko slide back from a right kick from Akane. “Well my boy?” Happosai offered impressed with Ranko’s endurance. “Well I wanted to control my own life. Have my own decisions made by me not for me.” Ranma replied winching from a judo toss Ranko used on Akane. “Like with Genma and Soun where doing with you and Akane.” Happosai said in a matter- of-fact voice. “Yes. Soun only wanted me to carry on his school while Genma just wanted me so he could live off my hard work. I hated it Sensei and I wanted out.” Happosai nodded as Ranko and Akane showed they were evenly matched without their Chi. “I don’t blame you my boy. Anyone would have done the same thing in your position.”

“Thank you Sensei, but I also want to choose my own fiancé.” Ranma said with a yearning sigh. “Oh? And did you?” Happosai asked already knowing the answer. “Yes, I choose Kasumi.” Ranma said with a sigh. “I see. She would make a great bride for you Ranma. She is calm, collected, gentle, and wise beyond her years. Also she’s quite the cook.” Happosai said gaining a flinch from Ranma, Ranko, and Akane. “Yeah well… All that aside, I really love her. She’s the only one to actually treat me like a normal person.” Ranma said after the spar ended in a stalemate. Happosai nodded to this before moving on. “Well done you two. Seems we can move on to the Chi training I talked about. However Ranma, you’ll have to spar with Akane as well. Same rules you two. Now… begin!”

=+=+=+=

Celestia sighed as she awaited the report from the medical team. Last night, after she had gone to sleep, her dear sister Luna passed out due to news Happosai and Moon had informed her of. That Ranma and Ranko were now taping into Elemental Chi. Ice and Fire, two elements that could easily form a Chi technique her friend Cologne had told her of once before, The Hiryu Shoten Ha. Just what was going on? “Princess Celestia?” someone called from Luna’s bedroom hallway. “Yes Doctor? How is she doing?” Celestia asked walking up to him. “She’s fine. She passed out due to over anxiety. I’m unsure as to the cause but a bit of rest and she’ll be good as new.” Celestia sighed at this. “Thank you doctor, I’m glad your team could respond so quickly.” The doctor nodded and waved for his small team to follow him out of the house.

“How is she Tia?” Nightmare Moon said finally returning home from her training with Happosai. “Lulu is fine Moon. She just needs some rest. Yet what about you Moon? How was your training with Happosai?” Celestia said coming over to her and hugging her making her smile greatly. “My knight has taught me much and I feel much better now that I have Ranma, Ranko, and their friends as my own, even if they are a bit cautious around me.” Nightmare responded happy yet mildly sadden. “Give it time Moon, friendship is a delicate this to gain and keep in its infancy. So what did you learn?” Celestia said going to the kitchen to make some tea for them. “Well I learned that what Ranma and Ranko told us is true. They are using Elemental Chi! You should have seen what they could do just in meditation.” Nightmare said smiling and beginning her excited tale. “My knight had me spar with Ranko first, and no we didn’t use any Chi techniques, he just wanted to see where we all stood before moving to Chi training. Anyway she was very good. I swear she fought just like the Pegasus of old. Ranma was right after her and he was just the same. If I had to compare them to actually Ponies we know I’d say Ranma was like Rainbow Dash while Ranko was more like Spitfire with a dash of Fluttershy mixed in.”

Celestia turned to Nightmare showing great interest. A set of humans that moved like Pegasi, was it possible? “Now don’t get me wrong Tia,” Nightmare continued using a bit of her own magic to bring a set of tea cups to the table and set up the tea service, “but I honestly would have made Ranko and Ranma Wonderbolts right there and then if they were actually Pegasi. Anyway Tia it was actually the meditation that really caught my interest.” Celestia nodded right before the tea kettle whistled and soon brought the pot over to fill their cups. “Go on.” Nightmare blew a bit on her tea before taking a sip and continuing. “Mm, yes of course, now where was I? Oh yes, the meditation. Well I had my eyes open while I meditated and well…”

=Flashback=

“We’ll begin your training by learning to tap into your new Chi. We’ll do this with meditation. Once you two are ready we’ll begin.” Happosai instructed allowing Ranma and Ranko to sit at different ends of the soccer field they were to meditate and train at since Chi Techniques could be quite destructive at times. Once they and Akane were in their places Happosai began. “Now, close your eyes and concentrate, you two. Listen to the sound of my voice. Block out all other senses, and let my voice lead you to your center.” At this Happosai went over to Ranko’s half of the field and spoke more. “Can you see it Ranko? It's a glow that is unique to you and you alone. Now touch it. It's warm, isn't it?” Happosai was soon rewarded by seeing Ranko begin to softly glow as she nodded and smiled.

Nodding Happosai then turned to Ranma and spoke to him. “What of you Ranma? Can you see it? Like Ranko’s it’s a glow that is unique to you and you alone. Now touch it. It’s cool, isn’t it?” Like Ranko, he began to softly glow and nodded with a smile. “That's good.” Happosai said quickly getting to the middle of the field. “You're both doing very good. Now let the warmth and chill flow through you. Feel it cover your whole body, from the tip of your head, to the tip of your toes.” The glow from each grew stronger, and Happosai's own Chi was unleashed, glowing and surrounding each of them as well as himself and Akane. He carefully enveloped them in a cushioning field of Chi, just as small tendrils of fire and ice began forming around the twins, becoming stuck in the cushioning field. Eventually, the small tendrils had become a living wild fire and blizzard. Happosai, who had been expecting this, was nonetheless unnerved by the large show of elemental power, just inches away from each other and becoming the Hiryu Shoten Ha. Taking a deep breath Happosai continued the exercise.
“Now, I want you to gently, very gently, let go of the glow. Just let it slip out of your grasp in its own time. Remember you two this glow is your friend. Treat it as you would want to be treated and it will never hurt you.” The power around each twin dimmed to nothingness and then they slowly opened their eyes and gasped. On Ranko’s side of the field the grass and field goal was turned into ash while Ranma’s side of the field was covered in a blanket of snow and steel hard ice. “T-That was us?” Ranko asked shocked at the damage.
“Yes Ranko it was.” Happosai said tiredly as he let the field fritter away, glad that the earlier danger was now gone. “Now, you see the power you now hold with-in yourselves when you opened your eyes, correct?” Both nodded heavily. “Can either of you tell me why this happen?” Both looked to each other as well as Akane and only gave Happosai silence as their answer. “This is because both of you had let your Chi take over. You had let it run free without any guidance.” Happosai informed them frowning at the damage. Hopefully Principal Moon will be lenient in the billing of the field. “If this is what was going to happen without their control Sensei then why let them do this exercise at all?” Akane asked looking over the damage. “I let them do this exercise for two reasons Akane. The first was to show them and you what happens when one let their Chi run free. This is also what happens when you lose your respect for it.” Happosai said going into a lecture. “Chi is a natural part of who and what you are, but to a martial artist, it is also a tool. And like any tool, it is never more dangerous than when you lose your respect for it.” 

All three looked at each other and at the damage they had seen. Happosai soon began walking in front of them as he talked, “Using your Chi carelessly is the number one cause of accidental deaths. Prince Kuno, Soun Tendo, and Genma Saotome sadly are good examples of what can happen when you lose control or the respect of your own Chi. When I send you all home I want you all to keep that in mind.” All three nodded to this. “And the second reason Sensei?” Ranko asked curious. “The second reason I let it happen is because I knew I could stop anything bad from happening. I want you all to know that as long as I'm teaching you, I will never let anything bad happen to you under my supervision.” Happosai replied giving each of them a moment to let all that he had said sink in with a gentle yet protective smile. Giving a short sigh of an exhale, he soon looked to the sun and nodded deciding it was time to wrap up. “Until our next class you two, I want each of you to work on that glow. Work on getting to it without my voice to help you. Find the glow; touch it, caress it, tell it jokes, do whatever you want. Just remember, no matter how much you might want to, no matter how much it might seem like a good idea, no matter how much you think you can handle it; do not, under any circumstance, let the glow surround you, or what you saw will happen again.” All three nodded before Happosai called it a night.

=End Flashback=
Celestia was truly floored by this information. “And you say this was half a field each?” Nightmare nodded before sipping her tea. “Yes. I believe it the same with Magic lessons correct?” Celestia nodded to this and then gasped running to the large stack of books placed in her living room. “Tia?” Celestia tossed scrolls, diagrams, and books aside before running back to the kitchen table putting an open book before Nightmare. “That’s what this was all about!” Celestia said pointing to the formula. Nightmare tilted her head in confusion of this before picking the book up and read the formula gasping. “Are you saying that Discord…” Celestia nodded smiling. “Discord just gave us the means to send us back home.”

=+=+=+=

Kodachi sighed as she prepped for the meeting. The dress suit she was wearing was expertly designed by Rarity and the make-up she was wearing was just right for the occasion. Not too much and not too little, just enough to compliment her looks. “Miss Kodachi Rose? Five minutes.” A worker said from outside the room. With a sigh Kodachi looked to the rooms mirror and nodded, “Show time.” Kodachi opened the door only to be met by Blue Royalty and his follower. “I hope you are not here to prevent me from attending the meeting Mr. Royalty.” Kodachi said in a calm voice. “I and my cohort are only here to wish you luck in the meeting and the vote.” Blue said hi cohort nodding. “Very well then, good luck to you both as well.” Kodachi said before stepping through them and into the hall.

“No outsider will run our home. Remember the plan Silver; make your answers sound good enough that we’ll get the mass majority of the town’s votes.” Blue said angrily causing Silver Lining to nod. They soon followed the same direction Kodachi went and into the main tent the meeting was to take place in. “Ladies and gentleman,” the soon to be former Mayor said beginning the meeting, “allow me to introduce this year’s candidates for election: Blue Royalty, Silver Lining, and Kodachi Rose.” The three walked to the pedestals with a loud round of applause before the soon to be former mayor settled everyone down. “Here are the rules everyone. You may ask each candidate three questions which the candidates must answer within five minutes and you are not to ask any personal questions. Let us begin.” Everyone applaud at this before becoming quite. “We’ll begin with opening statements. Kodachi Rose if you would start please.” The former mayor said then asked politely.

“Thank you. Though I have been here for a very short time I’m happy to see how this town has come to treat me and my brother. It makes us both feel welcome and at home which I wish to continue with everyone who visits or comes to live here. I wish to make them welcome, feel wanted and respected no matter where they came from or who they are. I wish to help make the town prosperous and well established. I want to make it a place anyone can call home.” Kodachi said in her very short speech. This gained a very loud round of applause before it moved onto to Silver who simply stated that he would help the town’s economy become better over time with Blue stating the same thing but with added police enforcement. “We’ll now move onto questions for the Candidates. We’ll start with Capt. Gale Swift from the night watch.” The former mayor said allowing a silvery haired woman in a black beret to come forward. As she finally stepped up to the pedestal the three candidates got to see the rest of her. Unlike the normal Night Watch uniform she was wearing a white t-shirt with black thorn bordering the waist, with a set of crossed swords on its front, a pair of denim jeans, white sneakers, and a pair of black half-moon sunglasses tucked onto one of her pockets. She also had the most striking set of green eyes that looked as if they were looking right through them making Blue and Silver worried. 

“Thank you Mayor.” Gale said smiling to the three. “My first question is: What are your plans to deal with all the strange occurrences happening lately?” All three blinked on this and thought hard on what had been going on for the past few months. “Well I would begin an investigation to find the source of these occurrences.” Blue said taking the lead. “Once the source is found have it dealt with accordingly may it be a court hearing or instantaneous imprisonment in our local jail. Also they would be heavily fined for all the damages that have occurred.” Blue smiled at this but soon frowned as the crowd murmured on his response. Silver was up next and answered with reconstruction to the damaged areas along with an investigation and court hearing to determine the outcome of the one causing the occurrences.  Kodachi however came up with the best answer out of them. “For now we should focus on rebuilding the local farm then move onto the town as a whole. We already know that these strange occurrences where caused by a group of mad men who fortunately and unfortunately are no longer among us. Why worry of things that have already occurred unless it continues? Since it has not and repairs are already on their way we should focus on this and move on while letting the fallen be.”

Gale nodded to this before tapping her chin and spoke again. “I see. My next question is: What are you going to do about taxes since repairs are need to much of the town as well as the Apple farm?” Blue simply stated that they would stay the same while Silver stated it was a waiting game at the time as it was unknown how much it would cost to help the Farm at the time. “Sadly since the farm needs as much help as it needs right now I feel that taxes may rise slightly for a short time but only long enough to help get all the businesses back up on their feet.” Was Kodachi’s response which she did not like giving but was the truth. “Very well, my last question: How are you going to change the town budget for this year?” Gale asked looking them all over. “The budget will change slightly to help out local police and Night Watch officers as well as the local fire department and hospital. The rest will spread as it normally has however a few minor budget cuts will need to be made to help aid the businesses I’ve stated before.” Blue replied smiling. This however gained no reaction from Gale. “The budget will change only enough to help rebuild the local mine as well as the apple farm with the rest being placed as it has been.” Silver replied gaining a slight nod from Gale. “The budget will only be changed to help aid the apple farm. Once it is back on its feet the budget will continue to be as it has been with no other alterations, unless necessary.” Kodachi replied after thinking over her answer gaining a full nod from Gale.

The rest of the night went on with many questions pertaining to the farm, mine, business, budget changes that were said earlier, and many other concerns until it was coming to the end of the meeting. “Due to the time we will now allow one and only one last question to be asked. We’d now like to call up Miss Sparkle Sunset.” The former mayor said smiling as Twilight/Sparkle came to the pedestal. “Thank you Mayor. My question is how do you plan to manage the finances of the town over the course of your position?" Kodachi smiled at this as it was an easy answer for her. “I will be using the finances of the town to help improve it by commissioning more businesses, repair damaged roads, and aid in repairing our illustrious school.” Blue replied smugly. This gained a few pleased murmurs from the crowd but not many. “The finances will mostly go to repairing the school as well as finance home schooling till repairs are complete. The roads have been bad I do agree as stated by Blue Royalty so a portion of it will also be placed there to repair them as well. The rest will be spent to help finance our own local festivities as well.” Silver replied gaining a few more murmurs than Blue but Kodachi still hadn’t answered yet.

“First of all I would like to spend the finances on the school, apple farm, and roads with most of it used to help fund the local festivities as well as help improve the town by adding more color to it with fresh flowers as well as put a part of the finances to help children and families that cannot afford to send their children to school. It will also be used to help the local medical center by giving it much better equipment to help treat everyone here in town. The rest of the finances will go as it is needed, and not spent with the intention to better one section of the town than the others.” Kodachi replied gaining a large round of applause from everyone in the tent. This caused Kodachi to gape in wonder before smiling to the crowd. Blue and Silver, however, did not look too pleased.

=+=+=+=

The next morning was the day of the vote, which was always a big turn out like the night before. Since the voting was inside the town hall and done secretly one at a time so many stands were put up to help ease tension as well as aid a few businesses. “Man what a turn out.” Ranma said next to his twin Ranko and Aunt Nodoka. “Agreed Ranma, and I’m quite thankful the Cakes gave me some time off to enjoy this as well as put in my own vote.” Nodoka replied smiling as they walked through the numerous stands. “Yeah, I mean look at this place it’s almost like the festivals back in Japan.” Ranko said with a frown. Sure the festivals were fun back then but with all chaos that was added in with it all, it wasn’t really that enjoyable.

“Hey Ranma, Ranko, Ms. Nodoka over here!” a voice called out from one of the stands. Looking around they soon spotted Pinkie waving at them after a group of kids happily ran away from her stand with a bag of goodies. “Hey Pinkie, didn’t know you’d be working a stand today.” Ranko said as they walked up to her. “Tell me about it,” Pinkie said as she prepped another batch of goodies, “and I really wanting to check the other stalls too.” Nodoka went around the side of the stall and gave Pinkie a much needed hug. “Don’t worry Pinkie you won’t be here long, remember you also have to vote so your mother or father may come by to relieve you and maybe you can check the stalls then.” Nodoka said gaining a small smile for Pinkie. “Yeah I guess you’re right. Hey want some goodies? We got cookies, mini muffins, sweet breads, and a lot of other stuff.” Pinkie said pointing to each sign.

“Sure why not. I’ll have a batch of your strawberry cookie.” Ranko said smiling. “Apple Sauce Muffins for me Pinkie.” Ranma said nodding to her. “A mixed bag for me Pinkie, I’ve only gotten to have your cupcakes and I’ve interested in what else you make.” Nodoka said pleasantly. “Coming right up,” Pinkie said excitedly getting the three orders packed. “So Pinkie, who helped you set this place up?” Ranko asked looking at the stand as well as the others. “Oh, Tatewaki set them all up last night right after the meeting, he had some help though.” Pinkie replied smiling. “Let me guess,” Ranma said soon spotting Tatewaki working from what looked to be another treat stand, “Meruna?” Pinkie soon looked over to him after putting their items in bags and in a box. “Wow, how’d you guess?” Ranma simply pointed to down to the stall where Tatewaki was handing over a cone of cotton candy to a mother and her young child while Meruna spun the candy onto the cones. “Oh. Well here you guys go.” Pinkie said normally before her normal hyper self again. After paying for the treats they continued on through the stands till they reached Shampoo and Cologne’s stand.  “Good morning you three, I see you’re enjoying these festivities.” Cologne said passing out yet another order of eggrolls to the awaiting voters. “Yes Elder. I see business has picked up a bit?” Nodoka said pleasantly as Shampoo waved to both of them from the back. 

Over at Tatewaki and Meruna’s stand Meruna was having the time of her life next to her greatest crush. “Meruna, two more cones please?” Tatewaki asked smiling. “Sure Tatewaki.” Meruna replied smiling back. They were getting close to the last of their ingredients but they weren’t going to let that stop them from keeping up with orders. “Tatewaki could you ask Pinkie if she has any cotton candy sugar we could use? We’re running low.” Tatewaki looked back a bit worried on this after handing the orders over to the family. “I didn’t think we’d go through all of this so fast but I’ll see if our dear Pinkie can lend us some help.” Meruna nodded to this as Tatewaki quickly ran over to Pinkie’s stand. “I hope she has some.” Meruna said looking at the last of the mix, which was only a cup. Only enough to make five to ten orders. Sighing she poured in the last scoop and began spinning the cones once again.

As she spun she began to worry about the voting and Discord. If the town found Discord it meant going back to what she truly was. She came here to get away from her past as well as the Chaos the world was in while under Discord’s two day rule. Or was it four, with as many times as the sun rose and fell under his rule it was hard to know. Still… she didn’t want to go back to… to… to being THAT. She gave one more smile as she gave the last cone of cotton candy away just in time for Tatewaki to return. “She called her parents to see if they had more and luckily they did. It’ll be here in a moment.” Tatewaki said returning with a grin. “Good because that was our last cone.” Meruna said before Mr. and Mrs. Cake came by with a heavy box. “H-Here you go y-you two.” Mr. Cake said before putting the heavy box down. “Sorry I couldn’t help you carry it Mr. Cake.” Tatewaki said opening the box and scooping a cup of the mix out for the cotton candy machine.

“It’s alright Mr. Kendo. It wasn’t that heavy… at first.” Mr. Cake said gaining a chuckle and giggle from everyone, “oh well, so how you liking it here?” Tatewaki thought on this and smiled. “To be honest Mr. Cake, I’m happy to be in such a town.” He smiled and handed the soon asked for orders to Meruna before returning to the Cakes. “If I had a choice of returning to Japan or staying here… I would stay here and not just because of how welcoming the town is but because my heart has found a place here as well.” This caused Meruna to turn bright red as she handed over an order of pink cotton candy.

It was soon time for the stands to vote and some more festivities before the Former Mayor came out and tapped on a microphone gaining everyone’s attention. “Thank you everyone for voting this year. As former Mayor I wish to thank you for allowing me to keep my place in office for so long as I truly loved the job as well as the people involved with it.” The Former Mayor said smiling to everyone with some tears in her eyes. “For as long as I’ve lived here I’ve seen many of you grow up with me, go to school with me, and even work alongside me as I grew with all of you. I’ve been there to welcome our newest citizen both born and moved in. I’ve been with you as we had to say good bye to loved one moving away or leaving in a much more tearful way.” As the words were spoken many of the town’s people’s hearts went out to the soon to step down mayor as she gave her final speech. “As former Mayor I have these words of wisdom to pass onto my successor.”

Getting out a single letter and her eye glasses out she began to read. “‘Please, be willing to be yourself and don’t let your past weigh you down. Let it be a stepping stone in your new life as it was for me. Let it be a map as it leads you through your newest task but don’t forget your moral compass as it too will lead you right. Let the people of this town enter your heart as they let you into theirs. Don’t be scared to lead as well as follow when needed as this is the trait of a good leader as well as a good friend. Your life from this moment will be hard but beneficial to you as well as others but remember. Always be you.’” The town’s people clapped at this before the Former Mayor raised her hand for silence. “On this note I now present to you the result of the votes. With a near land slide by five votes, I give you Mayor Kodachi Rose!” At this the entire town roared in approval as Kodachi came forward and bowed to the crowed, with tear in her eyes. It wasn’t till the town began chanting for a speech that Kodachi stepped forward blushing.

“I-I do apologize as I didn’t prepare one beforehand,” Kodachi said gaining comforting giggles and chuckles from the crowd. “I will be honest to you everyone; I did not truly expect to win however I did hope that I would. As Mayor I promise to continue the work of my predecessor as well as aid the town as needed and I will always, always remember her words this night. Thank you everyone.” This gained a cheer as well as a somewhat pleasant shock as even Blue Royalty and Silver Lining clapped at this. This was just the first day of many surprises.

=+=+=+=

The next morning things got off with a very sudden start. Kodachi was currently being filled in by her newest secretary, getting herself fitted by Rarity for her newest set of office wear, speak with the designer yet again to dissuade him from letting do what she loved which was design her new office, as well as getting the dress routine for the upcoming summer line as she was one of the models. “Enough please!” Kodachi nearly yelled before taking a calming breath. “One at a time, listen if you please.” Looking to her secretary first she spoke, “Please set the meeting with the Former Mayor and Principal for a noon lunch at… Ukyo’s, we can speak then and place a private meeting between me and my good friend Jackie and her family from two till the end of the day. We’ll continue tomorrow and we have plenty of time to get to know each other. Let’s not rush ourselves yes?” This gained a relieved sigh and smile from the distraught secretary. Smiling back she soon turned to the designer frowning. “No offence to you good sir, but I prefer designing rooms myself as well as make flower arrangements yet I would like to have someone to speak to about fabrics from time to time. Let’s meet again say… same time next week?” The designer frowned at this but nodded. He would gain his chance to design yet again.

She soon looked to the mirror as well as Rarity as she checked herself. “It feels a bit tight in the back.” Rarity nodded to this and placed it into her notes. “What of the skirt dear?” Rarity asked calmly. She was used to the hustle and bustle of a busy work area as well as work space. “It’s fine.” Kodachi said turning and carefully walking around. “Thank you for doing this.” Rarity just smiled and waved it off. “Not at all dear, I’m honored you asked me to do this.” Kodachi smiled back at this before returning to where she was on the stand allowing Rarity to continue her work. “Nabiki I think you may wish to hire a few more models if we’re going to be doing that large of a selection, or we could cut it back a bit and split it into two shows.” Nabiki looked to Kodachi and thought on it as she was going over a design sketch Rarity made for another customer. “Hmm, Kodachi has a point Rarity. This line we’re doing is way too much for four models.” Rarity frowned at this but nodded. “Very well, schedule another show for us please Nabiki?” Nabiki nodded to this and pulled out the calendar and looked it over. “We have an opening for… Thursday… in two weeks, is that fine?” Rarity tapped her chin at this stepping away from Kodachi to look her over and think. “That would be fine darling. Now Kodachi I’ll need a few days to work on the top a bit more so could you return in say… two days around closing?” Kodachi nodded to this and stepped into the changing room while Rarity and Nabiki began cleaning up to close up the shop.

“Hey Rarity,” Nabiki asked thinking, “Would you… mind getting a bite with me after work?” Rarity quickly looked up at this question thinking while also blushing before nodding. “I’ll… need to bring Belle with us as my parents won’t be home till late tonight.” Nabiki nodded to this smiling. This was what a family was supposed to be like, loving, caring, supportive, she wish she had that growing up. Yet now… she could. She accepted Akane back, she still had Kasumi, and soon she’s have Ranma’s current family, each willing to show her what a real family was. Still… she wished… she wished she could get this one nagging issue out of her mind. Just what was it about this town that kept nagging her? Mentally shaking her head she finally decided that after lunch, she’d see Kodachi and see what she knew since she was now mayor.
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“Here’s your order you three, enjoy.” Ukyo said smiling at Jackie, Ryoga, and Kodachi. “Thanks Ukyo, your breakfast dishes are the best.” Ryoga said digging into his pancakes. “What was that?” Jackie said looking at him. “Not that yours isn’t better.” Ryoga said after a hard swallow of his food. “I’m just joshing with you sugar,” Jackie said smiling before turning to Kodachi, “so how’s being the mayor treating you?” Kodachi sighed as she munched away at one of her fries. “Tiring but in a good way. I’m able to help out the town more as well as your farm while keeping my current job as model and designer. I love it but a part of my meeting with the former mayor has concerned me a bit but… I’m not allowed to talk about it openly, sorry.” Jackie was glad she had ordered a simple milkshake since she gulped at the news. Silently she hoped the former mayor didn’t just freak her out. “How’d that meeting go anyway?” Ryoga asked adding a bit of apple butter to a piece of toast. “Splendid, confusing, but splendid, she filled me in a few needed things such as the farm and a few buildings that need some structural repairs as well as some more private things but we got it all accomplished. You’ll be gaining another acre of trees tomorrow.” Kodachi replied now getting into her vegetable burger.

“I’ll let Mac know the moment we get home. So… how’s your brother?” Jackie asked hoping to change the direction of the conversation to something else. “He’s doing much better. Being around that girl Meruna has helped him calm down and finally accept that has happen as well and help him forgive himself. He’s been so hard on himself that I’ve been worried but now… he’s so much better. No more running around with that kendo ken, no more thinking he’s an actual samurai,  he’s… like me, normal… Well almost normal. He still practices kendo though and reads haikus but at least he’s not… you know.” Kodachi replied flinching a bit. “Absolutely dense and mentally unstable,” Ryoga supplied gaining a punch in the arm from Ukyo, “What? It’s true.” Jackie was about to groan at this before Kodachi spoke up. “Ryoga’s right you two. With how our father treated us growing up I don’t blame others for thinking this. I’m just glad Summer could put his tortured soul to rest before he passed away.” Everyone nodded to this. “Summer’s like that sugar cube. She’s just able to bring out the best in people.” Jackie said tapping her hat up. “That she does.” Kodachi said before her cell rang. “Now who could that be?”

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Lunch with Rarity and her little sister was as always a pleasant thing to do on such a lazy day like today. Yet even with that Nabiki just couldn’t get the town off her mind. She loved the town she really did but with so much not known or even taught she just couldn’t let it be or more precisly it couldn’t leave her be. Sighing she looked to her two figures, her version of her love as well as herself next to it before she gave in and grabbed her cell. ”Hello, this is Mayor Kodachi.”  Kodachi’s voice said over the line. “Hello Kodachi, its Nabiki. Are you alone?” Nabiki asked nervously. ”I’m with a few friends having lunch. Why?” Kodachi asked curious. “Well… I’d like permission to read the books in the local library, the historical ones. If that’s possible, if not forget it and we’ll set something up later.” Nabiki said even more nervous. There was long pause before Kodachi finally answered. ”Let me think it over and I’ll call you right back after lunch alright?” Nabiki sighed in relief and nodded on her end. “Thank you and I’ll be waiting.” She soon hung up her cell and fell back onto her bed. There was no going back now. “I-it’s just to peak my interest that’s all.” She said to herself as he looked to the ceiling. “That’s it. That’s just it.”

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“So if we have them both fire the Hiryu Shoten Ha into the very middle of town and unleash the Elements on the attack it should return us home.” Luna/Kasumi said looking the diagram over yet again. They had gone over Discord’s books, maps, and formulas from the moment Celestia found out what Discord had sent them. “I’m not sure if we should believe this sister. It sounds very risky.” Celestia/Principal Moon sipped her tea and looked to the diagram. “I know Lulu but… without Discord this is our only chance.” Nightmare/Akane also looked to the diagram. “But sisters, the Hiryu Shoten Ha can’t be contained like that. It’s a tornado of absolute Chi which is very destructive. If unleashed there it could tear the town to pieces…” Nightmare took a sip of her tea before continuing, “However you are right that this may be out only chance to return home. Yet this will also mean one other thing.” Celestia and Luna looked to each other and frowned on this. If they wanted to go through with this it meant telling the former Tokyoites the secret of the town and of themselves.

“Are we really ready for that Tia?” Luna asked worried. “I know that Ukyo, Nodoka, Shampoo, and Cologne know but…what of the others?” Both Nightmare and Celestia looked to their sister. “I thought you were going to tell Ranma yourself Lulu.” Celestia replied confused. “I will… when the time is right and that in a few more years.” Nightmare stood up and wrapped her arms around Luna/Kasumi and hugged her. “You have to tell him soon Luna. The longer it takes the harder it will be for him to accept this.” Luna sighed before Celestia joined in the small group hug. “She’s right Lulu. I know it’s hard but… it needs to be done.” Luna leaned into the needed hug. “Alright… I… I’ll try to tell him… soon.”

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Nabiki sighed as she waited inside the library. Like Kodachi had promised, she called right back after lunch to inform her of her decision and it was that she would allow her to do so, as long as she saw the books as well. So now she waited to meet up with Kodachi who had the keys, gloves, and masks. Nabiki had insisted on them since if the books where are old as everyone said then they had to be very careful with them. “Sorry I’m late Nabiki, my secretary caught me before I could leave.” Nabiki heard as Kodachi walked up to her. “No problem, so did you bring the stuff?” Nabiki said then asked looking around. “Don’t worry I put the closed for cleaning sign up Nabiki, I know how you liked to work and… well I’m a bit worried about this myself.” Kodachi said pulling out the needed items from her purse.

“You’re not the only one.” Nabiki said taking a set of gloves and a mask. “Nabiki…” Kodachi said leading the way to the very back, “a-are you sure you want to read these? There’s no shame in falling back.” “Nabiki gulped but shook her head. “I-I fall back now… I’ll never get my answers.” Kodachi nodded to this as they finally reached the door to the historical books. Pulling out the key Kodachi looked right into Nabiki’s eyes. “Last chance Nabiki.” Nabiki gulped. Kodachi was right… this was her one last chance to continue with the life she now had. Her chance to go back and just keep hoping to live with Rarity… but… her tattoo, the strange aura of Akane’s Chi, Ranma getting a twin sister during a lunar eclipse, everything up to now that didn’t make sense… could be answered right behind this door. “Do it.” With a nod Kodachi place the key into the keyhole and with a light twist… opened a hidden stair well that lead downward to a set of very ornate doors. “Kodachi… what is this?” Nabiki asked looking to the doors. “I-I don’t know. Maybe it’s the store room from the past?” Kodachi replied looking at the doors. “No way, these door are way to clean to be from the past and just look at what their made from and with!” Nabiki said standing aside to show the doors.

They were gold, solid gold, and silver, real silver embedded with rubies, sapphires, and other rare gems that could not have survived the rigors of time without tarnish or blemishes. Also the design on the doors, two Alicorns, was unbelievable… The craftsmanship that went into them was so well detailed and no one for the year mining years could have made these. “Just what did we find?” Kodachi asked placing her hand slowly on the door causing them to open by themselves. “Kodachi,” Nabiki said looking at the rows and rows of ornate shelves filled with treasures neither had ever seen before, “I think… we found the town’s historical library.” Kodachi nodded as they slowly walked into the hidden library. “Just look at this place. It must have cost the town a fortune to build all this.” Nabiki said looking everything over. “More like city and town Nabiki.” Kodachi said gaining Nabiki’s attention. “What do you mean?” Kodachi waved her over to a section with a set of maps neither had seen before… or had they? “I can’t read this writing but… I’m sure I’ve seen these maps before.” Nabiki said before Kodachi gasped. “T-that’s because we have Nabiki!” Kodachi said pointing to something. Turning Nabiki also gasped what they had just discovered. The Unicorn Book from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

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“So why do we need to go to this library again?” Ryoga asked for the fourth time since Ranma, Ranko, and Tatewaki, got him from the farm. “For the last time Ryoga, we don’t know.” Ranma said with a very annoyed humph. “Kodachi called us and told us to come to the library without the girls, Nodoka, Cologne, Shampoo, Ukyo, or Meruna.” Ranko replied frowning. She was just about to go out on a date with Summer too when the phone rang. “Seems odd that my sister would want only us at this library, also why have we not gained Nabiki as well?” Tatewaki pointed out curiously. “Don’t know, but we’re about to find out.” Ryoga said pointing to the library entrance. There Nabiki was waiting for them patiently with what looked to be a nervous twitch, looking about before spotting them and waving them to hurry inside.

“Hurry up guys before someone spots you.” She quietly said leading them inside before locking the door. “Nabiki what’s going on?” Ranma asked a bit annoyed yet concerned. After putting up the closed for cleaning sign back up Nabiki turned and began talking while also leading the group towards the very back. “Okay I’ve been curious as to why there’s so little history on this town as well as a few things I’ve observed in town caught my interest as well so I called up Kodachi to let me check something out here at the library and you won’t believe what we found.” Everyone stopped to see Kodachi waiting for them at what looked to be a hidden entrance to what seemed to be a very expensive looking room. “You have to come see this.” She said leading them inside. As they walked into the large underground library each began wondering just what they had walked into. “Kodachi, sister, please explain what we are seeing.” Tatewaki said heavily confused. “What you’re seeing is the history of Coltsville. Or should we say…” Nabiki said gaining all their attention before a set of stain glass windows and book, “Ponyville and Canterlot combined.” Everyone just blinked at this. “You’re joking right,” Ranko asked worried, “Right?”

Nabiki and Kodachi sadly shook their heads as they brought over the unicorn book, opened to a select page. “Ranko this book is the real deal. Its solid gold embedded and fake leather bound. Also the language in here is way too original looking to have been faked.” Ranma walked over and looked at the open pages only to shake his head in disbelief. “N-no way, this can’t be real.” Ryoga looked the room over running his hands over many of the items. “They feel way too real to be a joke Ranma and just look at this craftsmanship. I’ve seen metal work before Ranma but this stuff… it’s the real deal. I mean look at this shield. You can see the hammer marks buffed from it as well.” Ranko started to shake at what she was seeing. “This… this can’t be real…”

“I’m afraid that it is my dear Ranko.” A gentle voice said gaining their attention. At the entrance was none other than Principal Moon, Akane, and to everyone’s shock…Kasumi. “I believe we have some explaining to do.” Principal Moon said frowning.

To be continued