Disclaimer: All rights to the name "Ranma" belong solely to Rumiko Takahashi. Any events that are to be taken place in this story is fictional and in no way canon.

Author's Note: Sorry for the lack of updates. Well, here you go, hope you all enjoy!

--

All the finalist emerged from the temple as they made their way to the ring, anxious to get started with their matches. The announcer was currently in the ring, looking very animated and excited about the upcoming finals.

"Well, here you go ladies and gentleman! The fights that you all have been waiting for. Warriors from all over the world came over to participate and the ones left are the best of the best. I am sure that these skilled men and women will not disappoint you! Now, without further adieu, here is the first match! Participants, come forward!" cried the announcer at the top of his lungs.

Immediately, both Goku and Mercenary Tao stepped into the ring. Various cheers and boos came from the crowd.

"Go Goku, kick his butt!" cheered Bulma from the sidelines as she pounded mercilessly on the head of Oolong the Pig.

"Hey, ow, OW! Cut that out, it hurts!" protested Oolong as he tried to get away from the over eager Bulma.

"Well, EXCUSE ME! I guess I forgot what kinda wimp you are." retorted Bulma hotly. Oolong, not wanting to argue, ran over next to Master Roshi .

"So, old man, you think Goku has a chance?" asked Oolong.

"Mercenary Tao is much stronger than he was before. I am not sure if even I could beat him. Even so, I have faith that Goku will come out on top. Remember that he trained with Kami, the Guardian of this World." replied Master Roshi.

"I guess so." said Oolong before he shouted again at the top of his lungs. "Go get em Goku, show him what you're made of!"

--

On the sidelines, Ranma looked on with great anticipation. Ever since she met Goku, she knew that he possessed great strength and now she was eager to see him in action.

"Let's see what you are made of now, Goku. I hope you don't disappoint me because I WILL fight you. No way I'm losing to three eyes over there." thought Ranma as she eyed Tien, who was standing opposite of her, his focus competely on the match. It was then that Ranma felt a strong hand on her shoulder. Taken by surprise, Ranma quickly grabbed the hand and used her hips for leverage as she threw the figure down in front of her with a crash.

She saw that it was the long haired man, Yamcha. Ranma clasped her hands over her mouth as she started to apologize.

"I'm so sorry! It's just that I am not used to people catching me from behind." apologized Ranma at the figure below her. Yamcha, not seriously hurt, was still surprised at the reaction he had recieved.

"Man she's good. I never thought a cute girl like her could throw me like that. Bet she doesn't have any boyfriends. Wouldn't blame them though. I would hate to have a girlfriend who could kick my ass." thought Yamcha as he got up and dusted himself off. In the distance, he could Krillen completely cracking up as he was rolling on the ground, holding his stomach and trying to draw breath.

"B-Boy, did she get you good Yamcha! Can't believe that she threw you down like a rag doll! Hey Tien, you better watch out. If you're not careful, you might end up like poor Yamcha over there." exclaimed Krillen. Tien, on his part, turned to look at Yamcha, who was still dusting himself off, then at Krillen who was still cracking up and then to Ranma. He said nothing as he turned to pay his attention to the ring once more.

Ranma blushed furiously out of embarrassment of the entire ordeal before she started to apologize again.

"Really, I'm sorry to have-"

"Don't worry about it." interrupted Yamcha. "I have taken much worse blows. That was pretty impressive though. I can't wait to see you match up with Tien. I am sure that he will give you a good fight."

"I hope so to. Even so, I really want to fight Goku but that Mercenary fellow looks to be quite strong. Do ya think that Goku can win?" asked Ranma.

"I know for a fact that Goku will win. He has been training really hard for this day, as was myself and friends over there. Goku won't lose, I'm positive." replied Yamcha before he left Ranma to go and shut Krillen up. Ranma could not help but feel relieved.

"You better win Goku." she thought as she then paid her attention on the coming match.

--

In the ring, the announcer had Goku and Mercenary Tao stand in the middle of the ring as he explained the rules.

"The rules are simple. This will be a anything goes match. The match will only stop when a participant either gives up, is knocked unconscious, lands outside the ring or dies. Anyway, lets get started!"

Neither Goku nor Tao shook hands. The announcer stepped out of the ring as both Goku and Tao took their places across from each other in the ring. Immediately, Tao began to taunt Goku.

"You know you cannot beat me. I have come from the brink of death and spent every penny I owed to create this perfect body and kill you. Once I am through with you, then I will kill Tienshinhan and Chaouzu, the traitors. So why don't you just stand still. I promise to make it painless." threatned Tao as he took up a stance.

Goku on his part remained quiet and then smiled. Seeing such a nonchalant expression infuriated Tao.

"Are you mocking me! How dare you smile when death awaits you? Are you that eager to die?" roared Tao from across the ring. Goku, ready to end this, finally spoke.

"I am sorry Mercenary Tao. I did not mean to mock you but what you have said is not true. You have neither a perfect body nor the means to kill me. You stand no chance. I do not wish to harm you, evil as you are. Just give up, walk away and promise never to hurt people without cause again." said Goku as he narrowed his eyes but still taking no defensive stance.

"ME! Walk away!?! That's it! I have had enough Goku! I will kill you here and now. Prepare to die!" With that, Tao leapt towards Goku. Goku, feeling that he could no longer reason with this blood thirsty monster decided to end the match quickly before things got out of hand.

"Hiyaaa!" roared Goku as he extended his arm and launched a kia at Tao. The kia hit full force at Tao and the impact sent Tao flying back outside the ring and crashing into a nearby brick wall. The force of the impact broke the wall down as stunned spectators got out of the way to avoid the mess. Amisdt the rubble lay Tao, unconscious and outside the ring.

"We have a winner! Goku has defeated Tao and will now advance to the semi-finals!" With that the crowd cheered loudly. Goku just scratched the back of his head as he smiled. That is, until he heard the Crane Master call out to him.

"Goku! This is not the end. Both you and Tien will die by our hand. I will leave for now but remember, your days are numbered!" cried the Crane Master as he lifted the unconcious Tao from the rubble and used Bukku-Jutsuu to fly away.

"Hmmph, good riddance!" said Roshi from the stands as Bulma was jumping up and down in joy and Oolong and Puar were dancing around in glee at Goku's easy victory.

Goku, having won the match, exited the ring to wait outside for his turn in the semi-finals.

--

Piccolo was somewhat stunned at the stunt pulled by Goku as he peered down at him from the top of the temple.

"That technique looks like one of my demon arts. Where did he learn to harness that power?" thought Piccolo. "No matter, with such basic skills, I will crush Goku like nothing."

With that, Piccolo continued his silent vigilance.

--

On the sidelines, both Krillen and Yamcha ran towards Goku as he exited the ring.

"Oh boy, you really showed him didn't you Goku?" exlaimed Krillen.

"Man, Tao did not stand a chance!" said Yamcha.

"Hey, it was nothing really." said Goku bashfully. Then, he saw Tien come towards him. Goku's expression got serious as he stepped away from Krillen and Yamcha. Both he and Tien stared at each other for a moment as the air around them got tense. Then, the mood lighten as Tien offered his hand with a smile. Goku took it and shook it vigorously.

"Congratulations on your match Goku and thank you for sparring Tao's life. I know that he is an evil man but I still have to be grateful to him for showing me how to master the Art and becoming a warrior. In some ways, I am glad that I did not fight him. I fear that I would have not had the gall to defeat and humiliate my former master, no matter what he has done to me. said Tien.

"Well it's no problem Tien. I knew that you still have some form of respect for your master, and it was for that reason that I ended the match quickly. Even so, you have nothing to fear if you had fought him. You would have come out victorious." said Goku reassuringly.

"Thank you Goku, I really appreciate it and you know what, I think you are right. I would do anything to have my rematch against you and if I had to humiliate and beat my own master in front of a crowd, I am pretty sure that I would have. Even so, I hope to have our fight real soon." said Tien

"I want to fight you too, but beware of your opponent. She seems to have a good amount of power and skill." advised Goku.

"I am aware of that but even so, I feel somewhat odd around this "Ranma" character." said Tien

"What do you mean?" asked Goku

"I just feel that she is hiding something...something that could greatly alter my match with her. I don't know, I just don't feel good around her."

"You scared that you'll lose to her?"

"Of course not. From what I have seen in her matches, I should be able to overtake her no problem, but still...." Tien stopped as he then saw the subject of their discussion make her appearance.

"That was really impressive. I am somewhat surprised to see that you dealt with a martial artist of his caliber so easily." said Ranma as she got to Goku and Tien.

"Well, it was nothing. I mean, that is why we are all here. To win. I just did what I had to do. I really am looking foward to watching your match with Tien. I am sure that you will give us a good fight." said Goku.

"You can count on that, right?" said Ranma. She eyed Tien as she said this. Tien smiled and gave an approving nod. Then, the announcer began to announce the second match.

"Ladies and Gentleman, now it is time for the second match. Participants! Krillen and Shen, please step forward and proceed to the ring at once!"

"Looks like its my turn! Wish me luck!" said Krillen as he entered the ring. Shen suddenly ran out of the temple at the announcement of his name.

"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is it my turn already?" said Shen outloud as he sprinted towards the ring. Unfortunately for him, as he run up the steps to the ring, he tripped over his left foot and fell flat on his face. Krillen and the entire crowd began to roar in laughter.

"Hey Krillen, maybe I should wish that guy some luck 'cause he's gonna need it and more to even stand a chance against you." said Yamcha in between laughs, tears streaming down his eyes.

Ranma could not help but crack up as she saw this misfit stand up and try to laugh along with the crowd before tripping again, incurring even more laughter. As far as Ranma saw him, Shen was not a large man. He was rather short with his hair combed back. He sported a small moustache and wore large, thick glasses. He was not dressed in a gi but in a button up white shirt and black trousers. He did not look like a fighter. In fact, he looked like a regular, middle aged man who looked more like he was ready to clock in an office rather than fight.

"Boy, I don't how a loser like him managed to get this far but I am sure that his luck has run out. I want bald man over there to finish this quickly so we can move this along, I really want to fight already." thought Ranma as she fidgeted, already growing impatient.

In the ring, Shen managed to get himself up the second time around and this time, did not trip. The laughter soon died down and the announcer began to speak.

"Okay you two, I know that both of you already know the rules. Begin!"

"Here I come!" shouted Krillen as he dashed towards Shen, ready to finish the match quickly.

"Ahhh! Too fast, too fast!" shouted Shen as he ducked under Krillen's punch and proceeded to run to the other side of the ring and duck down with his hands over his head, shaking in apparent fright.

"Oh, c'mon, fight already!" said Krillen as he aimed a hook at the cowering Shen. Shen placed his hands in front of him as he was apparently scared witless and the match already seemed over. "This match is mine!" thought Krillen as his hook solidly connected. Krillen, pleased with himself, looked down to see if his opponent was knocked out. He was in for a huge surprise when he saw Shen take the punch fully and not flinch.

"What the?" shouted Krillen outloud as he saw Shen standing there with now a very serious expression on his face as he grabbed Krillen's fist and threw it down. The rest of the crowd was also in apparent shock as well as they saw this turn of events.

"Not a bad punch. That's gonna leave a bruise you know but really, there was no need to hold back." said Shen.

"Whaddya mean "hold back?" I put everything I had into that punch." said Krillen.

"No you didn't. You held back because you feared that I was going to get hurt. If you really want to win this tournament, you have to put everything you have because if you don't, then your opponents will overtake you. So, I am going to tell you again. Fight me at full strength. Pretend that I am Goku over there and fight me to your heart's content because you will lose if you don't. Then again, I can't gurantee that you'll win even if you fought seriously." said Shen at a stunned Krillen.

"Fine then! You want some of this, you got it!" roared Krillen as he suddenly dissappeared from sight as the entire crowd gasped in awe. Shen, not surprised at the very least, stood straight up with his hands behind his back.

"There you have it folks! Krillen has just disappeared from plain sight! What does Shen have to do to get out of this predicament?" said the announcer to the crowd.

Yamcha, Tien, Goku and Ranma were all in the sidelines, watching the match intensly.

"So this is that zanzuken move Goku used on King except now, Krillen is using it for a longer duration of time. Here I thought I was fast, he's moving at some kind of super speed or something, I can't even see Krillen's movements. I wonder what Shen is going to do now to counter this." thought Ranma.

She then turned to see Goku, Tien and Yamcha standing like statues. In fact, if it weren't for the fact that their eyes were going all over the place, she would have thought they died or something. Even so, she had the feeling that they could see Krillen where she could not. She thought about asking them as to how they were seeing him but her pride prevented her from doing so.

"There's no way Saotome will ask for help. If they can see him, so can I!" thought Ranma as she began to concentrate. She saw the prone, lone form of Shen and then searched around the ring. She continued to stare until she something flicker.

"What was that? Was that him?" thought Ranma as she continued her concentration, bent on finding Krillen.

Another blur of red came into Ranma's view, then another, then another. Soon, Ranma could almost follow where Krillen was going though she found the effort in following such high speeds rather strenuous.

"I think I have got the hang of this now." thought Ranma as she was following the red blur all over the ring, wondering what it would do.

Then, the red blur suddenly disappeared as it got close to Shen and suddenly reappeared right behind him with Krillen now in plain sight with a deadly kick ready to sail. Shen, on his part, caught the kick easily as he grabbed Krillen's leg. He drew Krillen in like a fish on a hook and gave him a strong punch to the face. Krillen was sent flying back as he landed on the ring with a thud.

"Ouch, that smarts." said Krillen as he got up, rubbing his right cheek.

"Are you done? I say, you are pretty quick on your feet but I saw you the whole time. Such a basic trick won't fool me." said Shen as he walked towards Krillen, again with no defensive stance.

"He's good." said Goku in the sidelines.

"Yeah. Who would have thought that such an ordinary looking man could be giving Krillen such a hard time." said Tien.

"That joker was just lucky. Just wait, Krillen will show him up." said Yamcha with conviction.

Ranma stayed quiet. Quite frankly, she was beyond surprised. It took her intense concentration just to FOLLOW Krillen's movement but this Shen fellow not only saw Krillen's movements but already assesed where Krillen was going and what he was going to do and countered effectively. All while just standing there with his hands behind his back. If Shen was concentrating, he sure did not show it.

So Krillen once again started to attack but this time charged foward, not bothering to use any stealth tatics. Shen suddenly assumed a stance and blocked a fierce blow from Krillen as both started to throw flurries of punches and kicks towards each other. The crowd could only stare in amazement at the fight unleashed before them.

In the scuffle, Shen attempted a low shin kick but Krillen checked it and immediately attempted a straight jab. Shen did not expect this and got sucker punched in the face. Shen could feel his nose beginning to ache but thankfully, no bleeding. Shen attempted to then aim another low kick. Krillen attempted to check the low kick but Shen only used the low kick as a feint and proceeded to use a fierce hook at Krillen. Krillen took the blow very hard as he was knocked down to the floor of the ring.

Shen attempted to capatilize by trying to kick Krillen in the ribs while he was still down. Krillen, to his credit, caught the first kick with his hands and threw Shen's foot up, knocking him off balance. Krillen then took this opportunity as he got up in a flash and flew in with a strong knee in to the gut. Shen, who was still trying to regain his balance, took the blow fully. Shen went down to one knee as he felt his wind leave him as he gasped to get some air.

Krillen, not wanting to draw this fight any longer, took the time to use zanzuken once more so that he could get behind Shen and knock him out with a strong blow to the back of the head. The match looked like it was over but before Krillen could make contact with his attack, Shen suddenly used zanzuken on his own and dodged it. Krillen, sensing that Shen might try something, put his arms up front to guard.

At once, Shen reappeared but Krillen was ready blocked the kick aimed for his temple. Both Krillen and Shen tried to overpower the other until each leapt back across the ring from each other. Krillen was panting and out of breath. Shen just stood there as if nothing had happened.

"You are not too shabby, much stronger than I gave you credit for. Even so, you are no match for me. Withdraw from this match." said Shen as his glasses gleamed in the light.

"No chance, there is no way I'm gonna give up now! I have trained far too long to stop! I won't lose!" roared Krillen as he jumped straight into the air and started to gather all his ki.

On the sidelines, the rest of the crew was in absolute shock. How could such a ordinary looking man be giving a martial artist of Krillen's caliber such a hard time?

"Something is not right. By the way that man looks, his body should not be capable of performing the feats we have just witnessed." said Tien.

"All luck. That guy knows a few tricks, big deal. I don't know why Krillen hasn't finished this. If it was me, I would've creamed that joker a long time ago!" declared Yamcha.

"Looks like Krillen is about to get serious then. He is about to unleash the Kamehameha." said Goku stoically.

"The what?" thought Ranma as she overheard the others talking.

Back in the ring, Krillen, still in the air, charged up more ki as he was about to launch the signature Kamehameha.

"Folks, you are about to witness one of the most deadly techniques in the entire martial arts world. Krillen is about to unleash the world famous Kamehameha! Brace yourselves folks, such a technique is not used frequently." yelled the announcer with great enthusiasm.

"Get ready, I am going to use my strongest attack! Kamehameha!" roared Krillen as he launched the largest beam he could muster. From his hands, a large, blue beam emerged and headed on a path of destruction towards Shen. Shen on his part kept his hands behind his back as he stared the beam down. Then, at the last minute, he sidestepped the beam and launched himself into the air.

Meanwhile, the beam struck the ring with great force, blowing the bottom part up, forming a large crater. Dust flew into the air as the crowd began a chrous of coughing due to the dust.

"Did I get him?" thought Krillen as he breathed in deep, filling his lungs with much needed air as the dust dissipated. Then, instantly, Shen appeared right behind Krillen. Before Krillen could react, Shen hit Krillen hard with a double axe handle and sent him pummeling towards the earth. Krillen did all he could to stop his fall, using what little Bukuu Jutsuu he learned from Tien to levitate himself but it was no use. His body was utterly exhausted and he fell outside the ring with a crash.

The crowd was in stunned silence as they all started to chatter in hushed whispers, no doubt believing that Krillen died from his fall. The announcer was going crazy as he witnessed the events.

"Dear Kami! I never would have thought that something like this would happen to one of our contestants. Even though Shen is the winner, if Krillen is dead, then Shen will be automatically disqualified from the match."

Indeed, it looked as if Krillen wasn't getting up as Shen descended back down to earth and landed back into the ring. He stared hard at the prone form of Krillen, looking for a little sign of movement.

Then, a leg twitched. The crowd all gasped as they saw this small movement. Soon, Krillen could be seen struggling on to his feet, his hands and knees on the ground. Immediately paramedics came over to assist him. They placed him into a stretcher as they carried him out. Even so, Krillen managed to give a thumbs up, inciting cheers from the crowd.

"There you have it folks! What toughness and strength to be able to withstand such a fall! I know that if it was me, I would have been long dead. So now, I congragulate our new winner, Shen!" shouted the announcer as the crowd cheered. Shen took a small bow before exiting the ring and making his way inside the temple.

On the sidelines, as Krillen was being carried, he was immediately followed by Goku and the others.

"Hey, you did great man." said Yamcha.

"Yeah, you have improved so much since the last time I saw you. Awesome fight!" said Goku enthusiatcially.

"Good job. Even though you lost, you fought to the best of your abilities. Today, Shen was the better man. Next time, I know you'll be." said Tien.

"Thanks guys." said Krillen as he was then carried away to get his injuries checked.

Ranma stayed to herself near the ring but her thoughts were flying at a thousand miles an hour.

"What a match. I can't believe half of the stuff they managed to pull off, from super speed to hovering in mid-air. That Kamehameha technique looked impressive. I can't believe that Krillen was able to harness his ki without having to experience extreme emotions like me an' Ryoga. Still they may have their ki and flashy techniques but they still don't know what it is like to fight against one trained in the art of Anything Goes!"

Immediately the announcer spoke again to start the next match.

"I cannot believe how great these matches have turned out and we still haven't reached the semi-finals yet! Something tells me that we still have alot more action coming up. Now, for the next match. Please step foward, Ma Jr. and Yamcha!"

"Well, I'm up. Wish the green freak luck 'cause I'm going to pound him until he turns black and blue!" boasted Yamcha as he stepped into the ring. Tien and Goku laughed nervously, knowing full well who Yamcha's opponent was and what he was capable of. Ma Jr. on his part said nothing as he levitated from the top of the temple right down into the ring. Both he and Yamcha stared each other down with serious expressions.

"Okay you two, I am sure that both of you know the rules already. Just keep in mind that he have a crater over at the left end of the ring so please practice caution. Now begin!" said the announcer as he stepped out of the ring, eager to see what this match had in store.

"You're going down!" roared Yamcha as he jumped straight towards Ma Jr. (Piccolo) and aimed a heavy flying kick. Piccolo just snorted in annoyance as he caught the leg rather easily.

"Pathetic. A human such as yourself cannot hope to touch one such as I." said Piccolo.

"Oh, I'll do more than just "touch" you. I'll beat you down so hard that you wished that you never messed with me!" said Yamcha as yanked his leg away from Piccolo and started a flurry of punches. Piccolo bobbed and weaved through the punches as if it was the easiest thing in the world. Yamcha then aimed a gut punch but Piccolo caught it.

"Such elementary techniques. Do you honestly believe that you can beat me?" said Piccolo as he started to grasp tightly on Yamcha's fist.

"Just wait, I'm just getting warmed up!" replied Yamcha. Both stared each other down for a second before Yamcha, with all his might, yanked his fist out of Piccolo's grip and backflipped away, putting distance between him and Piccolo. Once he felt sure that Piccolo was far enough, Yamcha then held his arm out with his hand pointing upwards.

Yamcha's veins suddenly popped all around his arm and head as he started to concentrate and build ki, his hand spewing out small sparks. Piccolo, being intrigued, decided to let Yamcha gather the energy needed for this technique. After about five seconds, Yamcha yelled loudly and out of his raised hand came a sphere of ki.

"You see this green man? This is my strongest technique and I am going to use it to break every single bone in your body. Here it comes! SPIRIT BALL!" At once, Yamcha launched the ki sphere at Piccolo.

"Fool, such a pathetic technique won't touch me." said Piccolo as he cocked his head to one side, avoiding the attack. Piccolo expected to see Yamcha tremble in despair at having his best technique miss but was utterly surprised to see him smiling.

"GOTCHA!" roared Yamcha as he started to make erratic movements with his hands. At once, Piccolo felt the ki ball's presence and ducked as it flew over him. Piccolo then took to the skies as he tried to out fly the ball. Unfortunately, the ball was gaining and Piccolo figured that he only had about ten seconds at most before the ball hit him. Not that he was scared of dying or anything but if Goku was as strong as he thought he was, then Piccolo knew that he would need to be at full strength and any mistakes would cost him.

"Way to go Yamcha! Keep that green freak on the run!" cheered Bulma from the stands, estatic that her boyfriend had the match in hand.

"Goku, do you think that maybe Yamcha may win this one?" asked Tien apprehensively.

"No Tien. As much as I hate to say this, this foe is beyond him." replied Goku as he resumed watching the match.

As Piccolo felt the ball near him, a thought suddenly struck him.

"If that ball follows me where ever I go, I wonder if I can...." Piccolo then suddenly flew straight towards Yamcha. Yamcha gasped in surprise as he saw Piccolo fly towards him at full speed and then dodge him at the last second. The entire crowd gasped as Yamcha was struck by his own Spirit Ball, effectively knocking him out.

"I'm okay." rambled Yamcha in his unconscious state.

"There you have it! Yamcha has been defeated! Ma. Jr advances!" cried the announcer as paramedics came into the ring and carried Yamcha out. Piccolo just walked out of the ring and then flew back up to his perch.

"Now as you know folks, this is the last match before we advance to the semi-finals! Please come foward participants!"

"Well, I believe it is time for me to start then." said Tien.

"Do your best." said Goku as he placed a hand on Tien's shoulder.

"You know it." replied Tien as he then began to walk towards the ring. Ranma patted her pocket and felt the Dimensional TV still in there.

"I better put this away. There." thought Ranma as she found a neat little spot behind the bushes and hid it there. After doing this, she finally ran next to Tien.

"It's about freaking time! So how 'bout it three eyes, ready to lose?" asked Ranma arrogantly as the red head stood next to the much taller Tien.

"It is not wise to underestimate your opponent." replied Tien

"I ain't underestimating you though. I KNOW that I can beat you." said Ranma. Tien had no answer to this as both fighters made their way towards the ring. There, the announcer spoke.

"I know that both of you know the rules already. I hope you give us a good, clean fight. Begin!" The announcer made a hasty exit as the gong rang and the match between Tienshinhan and Ranma commenced.

"Here I come!" said Ranma as she launched a series of jabs at Tien. Tien bobbed and weaved with little effort as the red head in front of him displayed an amazing amount of speed.

"Not bad. She is pretty fast. Still, if this is her best then she stands no chance." said Tien as he then caught one fist. Ranma's eyes widened a bit in surprise but she retaliated with a swift hook with her free arm. Again, Tien caught that arm with no trouble.

"Wow, he's pretty good. But I wonder if he can handle this!" thought Ranma as she then launched a vicious knee to the gut of Tien. Tien did not expect this and received the blow. His eyes bulged a bit from the strain and he lost his breath.

"Now!" thought Ranma as shen then launched one of her most trademarked techniques.

"Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!" roared Ranma as she launched punches faster than the eye can see at Tien, who had not yet recovered from the last attack. Ranma smirked as she felt punch after punch connect solidly as she drove Tien towards the edge of the ring.

At ringside, Goku watched the match with great interest. He was greatly surprised that this girl was able to not only fight on even footing but even overtake Tien and turn a small error into a monster. Yet, Goku knew that Tien had way more under his sleeve and that this momentary advantage would not last long. Goku judged that Tien would take this match, despite the poor opening, but a small part of him wanted Ranma to win.

Back in the ring, Ranma knew that she was about to win. She was disappointed, she really did expect more from Tien, especially after watching both Yamcha and Krillen fight.

She launched her final punch with a loud "Hiya!" and gave a good strong hook that connected smartly on Tien's cheek. The force of the blow sent Tien out of the ring.

"It's over." thought Ranma as she turned around, ready to celebrate her victory. Yet, the gasp of the crowd got her to turn around and as she did, she felt the rough sole of a boot land smartly on her face, sending her skidding back on the ring. To Ranma's utter shock and surprise, there stood Tien, his body a bit bruised from the assault but otherwise, okay.

"There's no way! I landed that many hits and that's all he took? What is this guy made of, even Ryoga can't withstand that many hits and stand back up." thought Ranma. Seeing Tien stand there, she flipped back up to her feet and took her stance again.

"How did you get back on the ring? I was sure that I knocked you outside." questioned Ranma. She really could not help but think that she was being cheated here.

"You knocked me outside the ring but I did not LAND outside of it. It is a secret of the Crane School of Martial Arts. We utilize a technique called Bukuu-Jutsu or "The Art of Sky Dancing." It literally means that by using my ki, I can fly though at my current training, I can only fly in short distances before tiring. Even so, it is extremely useful, as you just saw." said Tien.

"Hey! Then thats no fair then! Hey announcer dude, that's cheating! If I can't fly, then why can he?" yelled Ranma.

"It is competely fair! As long as he is doing it on his own, then it is legal!" shouted the announcer back.

"Great, just great. I can't even knock this guy outside the ring. Well, I guess I'll just have to pummel him then." thought Ranma. "Yo, three eyes. I guess I can't knock you outside the ring. Its okay. I guess I'll just have to punch you out then."

"Try me. You won't get a second chance like that again." said Tien as he took up his stance. Ranma instantly made her way towards Tien.

"Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!" roared Ranma as she launched a series of punches too fast for the eye could see. Not that it was any problem for Tien. He blocked the first blow by smacking Ranma's left arm down harshly. Ranma winced in pain a bit and tried to resume the technique but Tien already had a counter attack ready as swept Ranma from below. Ranma did not see this and soon, she felt her world go upside down as she was swept from underneath. Soon, she felt her body smack the cold ring floor.

"Crap! How did he do that? No one has been able to counter my Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken so quickly. This guy's good but he knows nothing about the art of Anything Goes! I think its time for Crouch of the WildTiger!"

As Tien was about to strike Ranma again, Ranma suddenly got up on her knees and started to beg.

"I'm so sorry, so sorry, please don't hit me again, please I'm so sorry!" said Ranma repeatedly as she was bowing up and down. Tien was perplexed to say the least. He normally did not like to hit women and even though he did not plan to lose, he also did not want to harm the girl in front of him. So Tien walked foward towards the begging Ranma.

"Hey are you okay. I mean, I'm not going to give you the match or anything but if I hit you too hard, then I'm sorry." said Tien as he knealt down besides the begging Ranma.

"Sucker." thought Ranma as she then extended two fingers out and poked Tien in the eyes, who stood up and roared in pain. "Now's my chance! "Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!" Again, Tien was about to be struck again with this dreaded technique but Ranma was surprised when she felt a strong backhand slap her across the face. Ranma flew back and nearly hit the brick wall at the west side of the ring but Ranma managed to recover and get on her feet.

"Ouch, that's gonna leave a mark. But how did he?" Ranma stared at Tien, who was still rubbing his eyes when Ranma noticed the third eye on the triclop's forehead. "Crap, forgot about that one."

Tien managed to recover but he was not happy with his performance. Twice he had let his guard down but he could not help it, he just could not bring himself to hit a girl. If only she was a guy he would have finished this long ago. Still, Tien eyed Goku, who was at ringside and he knew that the one thing he wanted to do was fight with him. He could not lose here.

"Girl. You said your name was Ranma, wasn't it?" asked Tien.

"Yeah, what of it?" replied Ranma.

"I really had wanted to end this match without having to injure you seriously but now, you really give me no choice. I will fight you seriously, girl or not. I hope you are prepared Ranma." said Tien. Then under his breath he uttered a "May Kami help me."

Immediately, Tien vanished from sight, leaving the crowd breathless.

"Well folks, where could Tien have gone? It seems that he has dissapeared!" said the announcer.

"Where are you three eyes? I know I can see you, I just have to concentrate." thought Ranma as she tried to focus her concentration and locate Tien.

"There!" said Ranma as she launched a fist at something that looked like Tien. Indeed, she did hit Tien, but only his after image which was at the moment, sticking his tongue out at her. "Grrr! The nerve! I'll get him!"

Ranma stood once more, sweat coming down her face as she tried to locate Tien. She heard the footsteps coming at her at high speed and out of instinct, Ranma jumped up. It was a mistake. Ranma felt something strike her hard on the back as she fell straight to the ring. She landed on her feet but she then felt blows striking her from all over her body. Ranma tried to fend them off but she just could not see where Tien was. He was just too quick for her.

Ranma then felt all her air leave her body as she felt a strong fist strike her gut. Ranma nearly blacked out from the blow as she fell to the floor of the ring. She then saw Tien standing above her. Something was dribbling over her mouth, she could not tell whether it was blood or saliva.

"I am sorry that this had to happen. I will end the match now." said Tien as he prepared the finishing blow. Ranma, to her credit, recovered instantly due to the prospect of losing and dodged the fist that was meant to knock her unconcious. Ranma took her space at the far end of the ring.

"I guess you ain't too bad three eyes. Since you are fighting me serious, I guess I wll fight you serious too. Hey announcer!"

"What is it ma'm."

Ranma winced when he heard "ma'm" being used to address her.

"Get me some warm water."

"What for?"

"Just do it!"

"Okay!" said the announcer as he left quickly to search for some warm water.

"What are you trying to pull?" asked Tien.

"You'll see three eyes. It will make this match alot more interesting." said Ranma.

"I see, then I won't strike you until the warm water has come." said Tien as he sat down and closed his eyes. He still had his third eye open, just in case Ranma would try something tricky again.

The crowd groaned due to the entertaining match being stalled for some warm water. Still, they did not groan for long. The announcer came back quickly with a bucket of steaming water.

"I don't know why you want this but here you go." said the announcer as he handed the steaming bucket at Ranma.

"Thanks." said Ranma and soon, she doused herself in the warm liquid. Ranma could feel herself growing taller and her muscles bulging. Soon, Ranma found himself in the body that he was most familiar with. The body of a man.

The crowd all gasped in total shock and amazement. Tien was snapped awake from his mediation at the sight of this. The announcer went nuts.

"Ladies and gentleman, I cannot believe what I am seeing! Never have I witnessed this before but it seems that our female competitor, Ranma is now a man! How much crazier can this match get?"

Tien stood up and smiled as he saw the much more formidable Ranma standing in front of him.

"Okay three eyes, round two."

--

Author's Note: Well, how was it? Sorry for not updating but still, am I giving Ranma enough airtime here or no? Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.