Disclaimer: I do not own any of the IPs involved in this work of FAN fiction.
AN: Well here it is, this is one of three stories I am putting up due to a tied vote (a blind one no less...still can't get over the three way tie on a 4 option poll...poor dragonhalf crossover never stood a chance.). I posted these all at the same time to give them all a fair chance. When I post the next chapter of Hyperdimension Ranma (which will be after I post the dragonhalf one-shot), I will decide the winner for what will be my secondary story for whenever I need a break from HDR or when I have writer's block. Don't worry, I will be doing all of these stories eventually. It may just be a while.
Now onto the notes for this story, I absolutely hated doing the research for this one. The dog days wiki was dog awful... I think I here a mob for that bad pun. Anyways, it was a pain since I had originally gone there for specifics like which translation is official and found the thing using both... Then there was the lack of details. If I am to do this, I am going to have to sit down and re-watch all three season with a notebook handy and make my own notes. Not looking forward to that, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I am not letting this stop me from writing this fun story.
In the world of Flognarde, it was a bright and sunny day that shined over the lands of Biscotti. This was the backdrop to the latest battle in a war perpetrated by the neighboring kingdom of Galette. They had been battling for months now, and today's battle threatened to take the heart of the Biscotti Republic, Filiano Castle. However, the princess of Biscotti had not given up hope. She had made a decision for the sake of her people's happiness. She would summon a hero capable of protecting their hearts and renewing hope. The boy she had chosen was truly someone who had shined her eyes. He had done so well in his home world and had cried such pure tears. She could not wait to see her champion. Even as she ascended the steps to the floating land masses that led to where the ritual would be completed, her tail was wagging in anticipation.
Shinku Izumi was looking forward to the holidays and was already leaving early from school in order to make it to the airport in time. He was merrily making his way through the halls of the third floor of the building with thoughts of intense training going through his young mind. He came back to his classroom where he collected a duffel bag with his belongings for the trip. He then opened a window and climbed out. He was using the small ledge for balance practice as he now made his way to the front entrance before jumping down to the second floor. Now that he was on top of the main entrance, he hefted his big and threw it up into the air to do his signature technique. After his belongings were airborne, he ran to jump off the building.
It was at this moment a strange dog with a highly decorative dagger burst onto the scene and plunged said dagger into the ground where the now airborne young athlete had no choice but to land. Immediately a glowing circle with many strange symbols and designs flared to life. He had no way of avoiding. He began to flail about desperately to avoid circle, but to no avail. The dog had set an unavoidable pitfall. It was at that moment that Shinku heard another voice screaming.
"Aaaaaah! Get outta the way!"
The last thing Shinku saw was a red and black blur.
Earlier that day all the way back in an often avoided, by the sane, district in Tokyo called Nerima, a young man was having a bad day. Ranma Saotome had just gotten back from the whole mess over in China. In fact, his pops had tried to force him to marry Akane just yesterday. Now here he was sitting at school and the only reason he wasn't falling asleep in exhaustion from the usual crap that was his life and from boredom was that he was too busy fuming. He had already gotten over Akane's part in the whole ordeal as she was trying to get the nannichuan water for him. He also had to admit that he had said those embarrassing words back in Jusendo. Truth be told, he did love Akane. The problem was he didn't know in what way. Thanks to his father and the whole mess with the fiancés, Ranma wasn't really sure about his own feelings even know. However, this was not what had the boy fuming. No, it was the fact that the cure was gone. No one had even been cured. Happosai had somehow managed to drink the whole thing before realizing it wasn't sake. He had been denied a cure time and again. Whether it be through the misdirection of the guide who instead of taking them to the proper spring had taken them to the nearby village. The village where another source of problems had sprouted that led to him and his pops fleeing China. Then there were the countless fake cures and temporary fixes. The wishes that still made Ranma cringe in memory. The flooding of Jusenkyo when he was right there. Then the wedding and Happosai had happened. Ranma was at the breaking point.
It was then that Ranma noticed that his teacher, Hinako, standing before him as an adult and a downed Kuno still carrying a real katana lying unconscious at the entrance to the classroom. She did not look pleased.
"Ranma, since you are awake for once, I would ask that you pay attention to my class or are you going to be a delinquent today?" She asked sternly while holding a coin. Ranma scratched the back of his head nervously as he realized just how lost in thought he had been. He soon recovered as she leered at him waiting for an answer and began to wave his arms in a warding gesture.
"uh, no need for that, I just had a lot on my mind," Ranma responded quickly. He may like a challenge, but he was not in the mood to try and deal with the ki vampire today. Hinako sighed at his antics.
"I see-" She began to lecture her student when a certain cry reached Ranma's ears.
"Sweeto!"
Ranma and the class looked out the windows of the classroom to see the old pervert up and about and stealing bloomers from the gym class again. Ranma didn't even think about what to do. He opened the window and jumped out aiming a drop kick at the old gnome. As per usual, the old goat easily dodged it at the last minute. Ranma quickly recovered to glare at the grandmaster standing casually as if there was not a problem in the world.
"What's the matter m'boy?" He said as he drew out his pipe and began smoke.
"You! Ya old creep!" Ranma yelled as he lunged forward at the centuries old pervert. All he could think about was how much he wanted to beat up the old man. It was about midway into his charge that Happosai smiled before finally making a counter attack. As it would turn out, he did know the hidden weapons technique as he pulled a bucket out of no where and rammed it over the incensed Ranma's head. It was a full bucket of water. Ranma took a moment to recover as she choked and sputtered.
"And you call yourself my student? Why you're even sloppier than usual today, boyo," the master remarked from close by. As it turned out, he was buried in her bosom. Ranma didn't say a word as she unleashed a powerful blow to the gnome's head and fired off a moko takabisha for good measure.
"Oh yeah ya old freak? What d'ya say about that!" she shrieked at the quickly recovering form of her opponent.
"I'd say you have a lot to learn as my student if that's all you can manage!" Happosai retorted with a leer," This is hardly even fun for me as you are now!"
"What? Am I some form of sick twisted entertainment to you now," Ranma huffed back as she charged forth to deliver a punch the freak's head," Is that why you drank my cure!?"
"Oh, so that's what's eaten at ya, eh?" The pervert commented while dodging each of Ranma's attacks," I have my reasons, but I'm not sure you're ready to know just yet," he finished with a lecherous grin.
"That's a load and you know it ya damn freak!" Ranma screamed as she continued throwing punches and kicks in a futile effort to hit her target. Ranma may have been powerful and possibly could have won this fight, but that possibility had been lost the moment she let her anger control her," All you care about is makin' sure ya have your sick jollies!"
"While it is fun to toy with you- Oh, nice touch with the anger!" Happosai interrupted himself as he easily dodged an anger fueled ki blast," Ahem, where was I?" he wondered aloud as he continued to make a fool out of his student before jumping atop her head. Then his face lit up as he tapped his fist into an open palm," Oh that's right! You're a pretty dense student, ya know? Then again everyone is considering no one's figured it out yet!"
Happosai leapt clear of Ranma's head and turned to face her. His student didn't make a move as if considering his words after a moment she demanded," What're ya talkin' about?"
"Well, you've seen proof already of a simple fact and completely ignored it," Happosai answered offhandedly as he took a deep draw from his pipe before breathing it out," You remember that friend of yours that likes to visit me?"
"No one likes to visit you," Ranma said with a glare as she got ready to fight again.
"You hurt me! I talk of the Taro boy," Happosai answered in mock disdain.
"What does that pantyhose freak have to do with me!?" Ranma demanded angrily. Happosai sighed.
"You can be quite dense. Then again you are your father's son," Ranma growled at this as Happosai took another puff from his pipe," That boy took another a dip in another spring, remember?" At Ranma's hostile gaze, he sighed and went on," Curses don't cancel each other out, they mix," Happosai explained," There's no such thing as a cure for Jusenkyo."
This last statement was the last straw for Ranma. She had tried so desperately for all this time and suffered so much for something that did not exist!? She refused to believe this as her growing rage ignited into a fiery aura about her and she charged the old freak once more. Happosai shook his head in disappointment.
"Looks like you need some time to cool your head!" Happosai said as he used his pipe to send Ranma skyward," Here's a going away gift from me! Happo Daikarin!" He yelled out as he threw a large number of bombs at his airborne apprentice. The resulting blast sent Ranma hurdling high into the sky. She was unconscious for a bit before finally recovering to realize she was still in the sky and head towards the ground. As it turned out, she was on a direct collision course with some kid. She screamed pointlessly for the boy to move, knowing full well that was possible. Then they collided.
The hooded figure of the princess of Biscotti continued up the steps. Then she saw the descending light in the sky that foretold the arrival of her here. She paused to release an excited gasp at the pink light. This would be the moment she would finally get to meet the boy. She hurried up the steps to the altar as the hero's light crashed into it. She drew back the hood of her robe as she crested the top of the steps and came into view. Let gasped in glee at the sight of the light that had now taken on the form of a blossoming rose. As it blossomed, her breath caught. The figure who looked about in confusion was not the hero she had sought. It was a strange girl wearing Eastern silk clothes in red and black. She looked to be about her height but with a much more well developed figure. Her hair was a bright and fiery red tied back into a pigtail. She looked on in confusion. There had to have been some kind of mistake. The girl continued to look about in confusion before taking notive of the princess. They stared at each other silently trying to figure out what was going on when Tatsumaki finally landed soon after. Millhore Filiano Biscotti looked to the dog in confusion. Tatsumaki sat there and bowed his head in greeting before hunching his shoulders and shaking his head. He clearly had no idea what happened either.
Falling, Ranma knew this feeling quite well. She was somehow still falling and back up high in the sky. The purple sky with floating islands and ridiculous fantasy landscape that spread out as far as the eye could see. If not for the fact that there was a clear like of fire and brimstone, Ranma would have thought she had fallen into hell. Since the sight was a very beautiful one, he settled on the idea she must have somehow died instantly on impact and was now in heaven. It was a bit strange considering she had survived such things as terminal velocity before but there was no denying the evidence all around her. Though this would be a happy discovery after one finally died, Ranma couldn't help but be annoyed that she had died a girl and that apparently meant she would spend the rest of eternity as one. She hated her luck sometimes. She didn't even bother bracing for impact as she came crashing down upon some strange structure. She watched as weird little spirits scattered from the landing point as she approached. Suddenly everything stopped and she found herself in a sitting position on the ground unharmed while the light that had surrounded her before became solid before opening up. Once it opened, she took a look around her and admired just how much energy filled her surroundings. It felt different than the natural energies of the world back home. On top of that, she looked around to take in her surroundings up close. Finally, she noticed a girl in a light pink robe staring her. Then something caught her attention. The girl had dog ears. Ranma was stunned by this as she tried to figure out what was going on. Heaven was supposed to have angels. She had never heard of an afterlife that had dog people running around. She could not help but wonder what new form of madness she had quite landed in this time. Then she noticed that a dog had landed near her. Wait, was this some kind of divine joke and she had ended up in dog heaven!? Ranma started fuming at all the times she had been called a dog…
The mysterious girl seemed to be looking at Tatsumaki now and she seemed to be unhappy to see him. Millhi decided to try and settle the matter and finally coughed into her hand to politely collect the other girl's attention," Hello there, I am Millhore Filiano Biscotti. The princess and a representative of the Biscotti Replublic. Are you the hero that answered my summons?"
She had been expecting a number of answers. What she got was not one of them. The girl looked at her with widening eyes before speaking," Wait, I'm not dead and this isn't dog heaven!?"
Millhi fell silent at this as she stared at the mysterious girl in shock. The girl had thought she had died. Why did she think she was dead? These thoughts boiled in her mind, but one question simply popped out without meaning to," Why would you think you'd go to dog heaven after dying?"
"Well. You have dog ears and that dog did just show up after me, figured all those times I'd been referred to badly as such finally caught up to me," The girl answered sheepishly," Anyways, I'm Ranma Saotome, former heir of the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts. So, what part of heaven am I in?"
The princess gaped at this for a moment before collecting herself," Umm, you're not dead."
"Wait, I'm not!? Then what's with all of this beautiful craziness around us!?" Ranma asked as she spread her arms to gesture at the scenery.
"This is another worl, The world of Flognarde and you are currently in the country of Biscotti. I, well, sent Tatsumaki to summon a hero to help us with the current war," the princess explained as she gestured to the dog that was now running up to her," I had originally sought another but somehow you answered the call instead."
"What're ya talkin' about? I didn't answer nothin'! One moment that old gnome sent me flying and the next thing I know I'm on a collision course with some guy and here I am! Now you're telling me because of whatever you did I have to fight in a war!?" The girl demanded incredulously," Sorry, ain't happenin'! I am Ranma Saotome and I don't answer to anyone. Not only that, I'm not gonna go around killin' people for ya!"
"Um, well, That is… I think we're having a misunderstanding?" Millhi closed her eyes and cringed as she itched her cheek with a single gloved finger," I think it would be best if you followed me while I explain."
Ranma grumbled something under her breath as she accepted the offer and followed the girl. The girl had been very honest to her and gave off an aura of naïveté and innocence. In truth, Ranma very much doubted she had any ill intent for anyone. It was just that she was still angry about the mess from before and confused about her situation. The very thought of someone asking her to fight in a war had simply set her off. However, the strange dog princess had been patient and offered to explain some misunderstanding. Ranma had no reason to object seeing as sitting arguing was going to get her no where. As they made their way down the floating steps, the princess began to explain.
"Wars here are government funded events where those involved get to fight to their hearts content. No one ever dies in these. This is a method of public entertainment that keeps everyone happy and allows us to keep our forces well trained in combat. It also is how we settle disputes and it is very charitable as it allows us to gain money for the use of making things like hospitals and orphanages. It's a very good business around here," she explained it in more detail as they descended the steps. As it turned out, the deadly form of warfare was a thing of the past in this world due to the weird energy that protected life. Ranma actually like the thought of this and was already agreeing to do the whole hero thing as it was a good way to blow off some steam. However, as they came to the end of the steps, Ranma had one last question.
"So if it's all harmless, why ya need to summon a hero for?" She asked curiously.
"Well, the fact is that the Galette has become more aggressive of late and has been attacking us for the last few months. We haven't won at all. It's starting to depress my people," She explained while looking a little sad. There was something else she had not mentioned and Ranma had the distinct feeling she was really hoping for the hero she had chosen," Anyways, we don't have much time, This is my cercle, Harlan, please join me."
They quickly got onto the giant, white, ostrich like bird that looked like it came out of a popular video game that Hiroshi played back in Ranma's world. Ranma made sure to hold onto the princess's waist as the bird went into motion and the strange energy of the land flared around the princess and went into the bird. The bird then stretched out its wings and took flight. It was an interesting experience until Ranma saw the battlefield.
Everything was going so well for now. Millhi still wished that her chosen hero had been the one to show up, but at least this one had a good heart if a little rough and unrefined. Still, she really wished she knew why her close friend, Leo, had become like this. They used to be so close and now she distanced herself from her and declared war after war on Biscotti. Now that they were in the air, the battlefield came into view. It was then that she noticed her hero's hold on her change to a much more desperate one," I'm sorry, are you afraid of heights?"
"Of course not! The Saotome school specializes in this stuff! I-I'm n-not afraid of a-anything!" Ranma stuttered out defiantly. However, the princess saw the terrified look that filled the girl's face as she looked below. She had to giggle at the cute sight of her trying to act brave for her," H-hey, w-what's so funny!?"
"I'm sorry, we'll be landing soon, I should have warned you we were going to fly, please forgive me," She answered as they came in for a landing at the castle. Once they were landed, Ranma's grip had loosened.
"Princess!?" demanded Rizel, the head of the maid squad, in indignation. It was then that both Ranma and Millhi realized the shift in Ranma's hold from earlier. Ranma jumped off of Harlan and backed away in fear from the slowly approaching maid as Millhi sat there blushing.
"It was an accident, I didn't mean nothing by it, honest!" Ranma pleaded.
"Oh, so you did mean something," Rizel said in a darkening tone. It was then that Ranma realized that he had put his foot in her mouth with a double negative.
"No, I meant nothing! I-I was," Ranma looked away in shame. She was not about to admit to anyone she had been terrified by the sight of the hell spawn that fought outside.
"You what?" The maid demanded with a smile that promised much pain to come if she didn't get an answer.
"She's afraid of heights, I didn't warn her about the flight and she became terrified after we took off," the princess explained once she had gotten over her initial embarrassment of being found in such a situation. The maid nodded to her and returned back to her usual demeanor.
"Very well, I'm sorry for misunderstanding you hero, but I must ask that you show proper decorum to the princess at all times," admonished the hero.
"I'm not afraid of height!" Ranma complained desperately. The head maid simply smiled at this proclamation.
"Everyone has fears dear. You don't have to hide them, there's nothing shameful about it," She consoled her nations new hero," Well, time is of the essence! It looks like we'll have to refit the armor for you-"
"I don't need armor! It would only get in the way of my fighting style," Ranma declared already giving up trying to explain she was not afraid of heights. After all, she would have to explain that she was afraid of c-cats and that would be even worse as everyone laughs at her for it when they find out.
"Oh, then I take well need something very light the like what the use in the covert squad. That might be a problem," The maid took this in as they had nothing on hand that would fit right and lacked the time to make something properly heroic as they needed the hero now.
"Look, I don't need armor. I'll be fine with what I got!" Ranma declared stubbornly. The maid shook her head at this.
"You can not be seriously, that would go against decorum. A hero must have a powerful and awe inspiring appearance to move the hearts of the people," the maid explained," Also, without protection, you'll go down easily"
The idea that she would be so easily defeated struck Ranma's nerve," Look lady, I've had to fight all my life and I have fought in much less than this! I can handle anything you got out there!"
The maid blushed. She didn't know if it was at anger from the disrespect the girl had shown or the fact that this girl was so immodest. It was then that she had an idea that would solve the problem," Here, come with me, I believe I might have something that will work after all."
Shortly after, Ranma found herself standing on a platform waiting for herself to be introduced so she could start beating people up and finally relieve her stress. She had completely forgotten about why she was afraid earlier after that maid struck her nerve. They had been a little disgusted by her undergarments seeing as she lacked a bra and wore boxers. They had forcibly undressed and redressed her against her will all the while ignoring her protests. It had been a rather humiliating experience. She eventually got dressed and had the rules explained to her.
Now here she was, wearing a strange get up that was supposed to raise everyone's morale. She had a short sleeved black undershirt that clung to her body over a newly fitted bra and a black miniskirt. She was wearing panties but convinced them to let her wear spats as well since she needed to be able to kick. Over the black shirt she wore a male kimono like vest that was tied off just under her breasts by a long, black sash that would flutter in the wind. Her midriff was completely exposed and there was a light green ribbon that held up the skirt and became a bow in the back. Finally, she was wearing a long red scarf around her neck and her usual shoes. She also wore a weird ring on her right hand. They told her it was some kind of sword that would take the form of whatever weapon she desired. She told them she didn't need a weapon, but they insisted that as a here she needed to wear it.
She was scowling as she heard the princess giving the announcement. It finally was time for her to make her big debut. The fireworks were going off and the platform began to rise. Ranma was just too impatient to wait any longer and simply jump forth and through the display without being hit. She had been told to make an interesting entrance and she had a plan. As she sailed through the air at an incredible height from a single bound she gathered ki into her fists for a double moko takabisha that fired at the ground just before she would have landed. It created an explosion and threw up a lot of dust and dirt. As it cleared the cameras picked her up an few feet from the small crater she had made standing in a confident pose with her signature smirk.
"Hm, I'm Ranma Saotome, and I'm the best at what I do!" She declared with absolute confidence.
Millhi stared in shock at the live feed. That was a good entrance, but that was not what got her attention.
"I must say, it was good of you to teach her, we completely forgot about teaching her how to use the seals," Rizel noted in appreciation. The princess let loose a nervous laugh at that.
"I forgot too…" She admitted much to the shock of the others present. She could not believe her luck. True there had been some trouble, but Ranma somehow seemed to be very skilled. She could tell just from the way Ranma had already figured out how to use the power of the land to increase her physical abilities and unleash seal canons. Though, it was a bit strange that her seal did not appear for the second part. The princess had high hopes now as she watched her hero dash forward to meet the enemy. Then Ranma met them…
Ranma couldn't help shake the feeling that she was forgetting something. Oh well, it can't be that important if I forgot! It was as she closed in with the enemy that she realized her mistake. She was charging in at full speed toward a bunch of demons. Ranma began to scream, but she didn't stop running. She ran right past them in utter terror. Sadly, they weren't going to leave well enough alone and wanted to have a shot at the hero. As she ran about trying to flee them, more of the demons showed up wanting to take her down.
Lorrain Matinozzi had paused along with everyone else on the battlefield to watch the announcement of the arrival of the hero. He smiled at the display the girl made in her entry. He also took note of how she had done it. He was quite intrigued by the fact the girl pulled that off without using a seal. He had high hopes now for the outcome of this battle now as the girl was clearly a competent fighter. Though, he felt she might be a tad bit overconfident with that declaration. Then he turned back to face the forces of Galette as it was his duty to not let anyone slip past this point. Shortly after this, he heard a screaming and turned as everyone in the general area was caught off guard by the hero fleeing from volunteers. Soon after, others started joining in the chase as they wanted to be the one known for taking out a hero. Lorrain was completely ignored. His feelings were hurt greatly by the sight of this. How could any hero be reduced to this? Why would the princess choose someone like her? Then suddenly the chase stopped as Lorrain was about to intervene in anger. Several of the volunteers suddenly exploded and took on the ball like animal form the people of Flognarde take when defeated.
"Mreow!" The hero of Biscotti cried before hissing while on all fours and acting very much like a cat. What is she doing!? Lorrain thought before the strange hero began chasing and utterly defeating every member of the Galette forces she came across. She was turning the tide of battle as they had hoped, but was this really what the princess had wanted?
Leonmitchelli Galette des Rois, the ruler of Galette, sat in her camp. She was considering whether or not to teach the reckless hero a lesson after that declaration of being the best. She did find her interesting thanks to her display, but she had yet to see anything that supported her statement of being the best. It was while she was considering this that someone came to report.
"Your majesty, I bring word from the front, the new hero has gone insane and is literally shredding our forces!" The messenger reported. Leo smiled as she stood up from her seat and mounted her cercle, Daumas. This should prove interesting!