TRTSS23: Clash of the Ranma! – By DS Wynne

Disclaimer: R1/2, SM, ST and others belong to their respective owners…save for Greek lore, that's public domain (although the modern Greeks might have a say about that…no, really, they are that prideful of their heritage).

Note: This is a limited series.

Special Note: For clarification, "Agrippos" (He of the Horse) = Ranma Saotome and Kounelia (She of the Rabbit) = Usagi Tsukino. Generally speaking, as time travelers, Ranma and Usagi try to fit in, so that they don't attract attention. As always, C&C are welcomed.

Part 4

With Kounelia and Agrippos back to normal, the family wanted to relax amongst themselves, rather than celebrate the latest edicts of the King of Argos. Besides, Kounelia, Perseus and Ichthysa wanted to take the time to mourn for the loss Dicytus. So, by the sea, the family paid their respects by beginning the mourning process…

"Such an interesting family, Agrippos," Io said, as she wrapped her shawl around her person.

"Indeed," Agrippos said, as he fastened his cloak unto his person. "And you know why?"

"Why is that, My Lord?"

"Because of THAT woman right there," Agrippos said, as he points to Kounelia.

"Ah," Io said. "She came where you came from."

"Yep. We helped each other become better people, long before coming here."

There was a moment of silence, as Ichthysa places a small boat, which held a wick and lamp oil within, unto the water by the dock…

"Agrippos, you remember that Perseus must face his destiny as a hero, correct?" Io said, as she turned towards Agrippos said.

"I know," Agrippos said. "I'll talk to Perseus tomorrow-"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH-!" someone screamed.

All eyes turned towards the palace, where the festivities were taking place.

"What the blazes is that?" Perseus said, as Kounelia held her daughter to her person.

"I sense the presence of a god amongst the guests," Io said.

"Those…bastards!" Perseus said, a he ran to the palace.

"Son, wait-!" Kounelia said.

Agrippos turned towards Io, and then at Kounelia and her daughter.

"Wait right here," Agrippos said, as he runs after Perseus.

"Mother, will big brother be alright?" Ichthysa asked fearfully.

"As long as Ranma is here, yes," Agrippos said with reassurance, while she held her daughter…

Agrippos arrives to see Hades, the Olympian god of the Underworld, hovering over a woman. Perseus stands ready to deal with the god.

"What's going on?" Agrippos asked Perseus, who appeared to be transfixed on Hades.

"I don't know," Perseus replied, before a beautiful, young woman came running up to Agrippos.

"Lord Agrippos, thank the gods you are here," said the woman.

"Princess Andromeda, what happened?" Agrippos asked.

As if on cue, Hades turns towards Agrippos.

"You," Hades said, as he floated over towards Agrippos. Everyone, save for Agrippos and Perseus, cowered in fright.

"How well are you, brother?" Hades asked.

"'Brother'?" Perseus asked, as he turns towards Agrippos. "YOU are Lord Hades' brother?"

"Figuratively speaking," Agrippos said. "I fought on your family's side during the war against the Titans."

"You…are a god, uncle?" Andromeda asked. Agrippos was a family friend, having fought along the side of the king of Argos, when the king and his brother fought for control of the throne of Argos…

"I'm something more," Agrippos said. "But that aspect of my character can be discussed later."

"Quite right," Hades said, as he turned towards Andromeda. "I took away your parents' lives for believing that they were better than the gods."

"How…dare you-?" Andromeda said angrily, as Hades raised right index finger to silence the princess of Argos.

"Ah, but there's more. The gods demand a sacrifice, in lieu of the destruction of this city."

"What are you talking about?" Agrippos asked.

"Brother Poseidon will release one of my children to destroy this city in ten days time, unless the princess sacrifices herself to him."

"You're not talking about…HIM, are you?" Agrippos asked.

"Yes, and I know that you now know the serious nature of this situation."

"I will stop you," Agrippos said.

"And I, as well," said Perseus, as he steps forth.

Hades turns to look at the scion of Zeus.

"You wish to challenge the will of the gods, boy?" Hades asked.

"I will challenge anyone who does harm just because they happen to be in a bad mood," Perseus said. "That is the way of tyrants."

"I see. Very well, you AND Agrippos both may challenge the will of Olympus…"

Hades rose in the air.

"But, my words stand. Either Andromeda sacrifices her life to the monster that will be sent to destroy fair Argos, or Argos will be no more…"

Pause.

"SO SAY THE GODS!"

FWOOSH!

And thus, Hades was gone.

"Well, that went well," Agrippos said sarcastically, as Andromeda runs over to the prone bodies of her parents.

"Why didn't you do anything about HIM?" Perseus asked.

"Because these lands are in the domain of the Olympians, and thus have an advantage power-wise," Agrippos said. "Besides, I'm not as strong as I used to be."

"But, you are strong enough," said Io, as she enters the throne room with Kounelia and Ichthysa. "If we are to stop the monster, we would need to find the means to stop him permanently."

"Who?" Perseus asked.

"The Kraken, that's who," Agrippos said. "But, we should consult the Norns for help."

"Then I will come with you," Perseus asked.

"You're sure, my son?" Kounelia asked, as she places a hand on Perseus' left facial cheek. "You are not a warrior."

"But you gave me the tools to be a warrior."

Kounelia nods her head. She then turns towards Agrippos.

"Ranma, make sure that my son is trained for his quest," Kounelia said.

"Alright, but I ain't going to baby him."

"I don't need to be babied."

"And I will come along, as well," Io said.

"Then you will need an armed guard," said King Cepheus, king of Argos, who was barely standing up, after almost being aged to death, and was being helped by an aide.

"Sir, with all due respect, where we would need to go is dangerous, and you already lost some of your best warriors to Hades," Agrippos said. "Besides, I only need myself, Perseus, Io-"

"And me," Kounelia said, as she stepped forth.

"Mother?" Perseus said.

"Agrippos wasn't the only one who knows of the Kraken," Kounelia said.

"Mommy, don't go," Ichthysa said.

"Honey, I want to make sure that your brother makes it back home, okay?" Kounelia said. "And…I want to honor your father."

"Then I will watch over your daughter, Lady Kounelia," Cepheus said. "We will use your mechanical bird to keep in contact."

"Very well," Agrippos said. "Then, we are off…"

And thus, the quest for the Norns begins in earnest.

Meanwhile, in a place underneath the city, a man shrouded in a cloak receives a visitor…

"I want you to stop Agrippos and his quest to save this city," Hades said.

"Why should I?" said the man, as he continued to feed his pet rats. "Agrippos did me no wrong."

"What if I say that Perseus will be with him?"

"What did you say?" the man said angrily.

"I said Perseus will be with Agrippos on his quest."

The man removes his cloak, showing off his partially monstrous form.

"He is the reason I am like this!" the man said

"Then, allow me to give you the power to destroy Perseus, but only if you are willing to destroy Agrippos and the rest of his party."

"I will, if you promise me to make me a complete man again," the man said.

"It shall be done, Acrisius," Hades said, as he fused his essence into the former king of Argos.

"Argh!" Acrisius screamed.

FWOOSH!

Now, Acrisius was bigger and stronger, but still monstrous.

"From this day forth, you shall be known as…Calibos the Hunter, and slayer of men," Hades said. "Go forth and due my bidding, and you shall be justly rewarded…"

Tbc.