Disclaimer: All rights to the names "Ranma" and "Dragonball" belong solely to Rumiko Takahashi and Akira Toriyama respectively.
Author's Note: I understand I am taking forever but I ran into some writers block. Anyway, I am going to continue now. To clarify some things, I went ahead and re-read over the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament and I found the flaws in my story but oh well, the show must go on. All opinions regarding Ranma's power or skill compared to the Z fighters at this point are appreciated but I stick to where I stand. Anyway I hope I got that out of the way. Enjoy!
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Power Levels
King Chapa: 34
Chi-Chi: 79
Master Roshi: 139
Cyber Tao:160
Chaouz: 141
Yamcha: 177
Yamcha (Spirit Ball): 220
Ranma (Girl): 145
Ranma (Guy): 185
Ranma (Hiryu Shoten Ha): 233
Krillen: 206
Krillen (Kamehameha): 225
Tien (holding back): 155
Tien (serious): 260
Tien 1: 65
Tien 2: 65
Tien 3: 65
Tien 4: 65
Shen: ????
Goku (weighted clothes): 260
Goku (w/o weighted clothes): 304
Goku (Kamehameha): 345
Piccolo (weighted clothes): 280
Piccolo (w/o weighed clothes): 302
Piccolo (Bakurikimaha): 340
Piccolo (Explosion): 550
--
The sky began to darken as thunder flashed across the arena. There, in the midst of the storm stood two of Earth's mightiest warriors. One was battling for supremacy of Earth and to enslave the world in darkness and chaos. The other fought to defend the Earth from such a fate.
Such was going to be the sight for the fate of the Earth, in the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. Even so, this great event was not going to bear witness to much people. The resulting destruction caused by Piccolo rattled the crowd and soon, they were all running about, trying to get out of the arena.
This was of no concern to Piccolo or Goku as they began to fight, moving at speeds that were thought impossible for living creatures.
The announcer was still present, though, and he wanted to bear witness to this event, curiosity taking over his caution as he was eager to find out who would win.
"This is the battle of the century folks! I cannot believe my eyes, these are fighters of the utmost caliber! Even though both are disqualified I cannot help but not stop this fight!"
So roared the announcer though the only spectators he had now were Bulma, Master Roshi, Oolong, Paur, and the other contestants.
Lightning flashed once more as the fight between Goku and Piccolo continued.
--
Tien was racing as quick as he could, flying at his absolute fastest but it could not be denied.
He was exhausted from his last fight and he was beginning to have doubts as to even MAKING it to Korin's Tower much less come back in time to save Ranma.
Ranma, the reason why he was in this mess right now. Never did he believe that he would let his emotions over-take him again once more. He remembered glumly about a man he crippled and ruined his career as a fighter. He went to visit him personally to offer his apology but when he saw the man's wife and children, he could not help but feel even worse.
This man would never be able to support his family the way he used to nor would he ever be able to play with his children or take them where they need to go, or worse, never protect them when they were in danger.
All due to his thirst of inflicting pain.
Now that Ranma's life hung in the balance Tien knew he could not fail again.
He flew with renewed vigor, hoping that Ranma could just hold out a bit longer so that he could get those magical beans.
--
Inside the temple, Ranma was placed in the only medical room that was avaliable with the only paramedic that did not get blown up. With her was Shen as he helped the paramedic doctor her wound. The gaping hole was bleeding profusely and it needed to be patched up immediately. Unfortunately the only materials they had were some tape and gauze but it would just have to do.
Ranma was in a state of semi-consciousness as she writhing in pain and agony. The paramedic desperately wished he had some anesthetic to numb the pain but the facility he was forced to work in had precious little supplies.
So Shen was instructed to hold Ranma down as the paramedic applied the gauze to her wound to stop the bleeding.
And she screamed. Ranma was wide awake now and was shrieking in pain.
"STOP! Please stop! AHHHHHHH!"
Ranma started to struggle madly to prevent her would from getting treated in any way but Shen held her down and soon, the gauze and tape were applied to both ends of her wounds.
Ranma seemed to slunk back to unconsciousness from the extreme pain. Shen observed the wounds and saw, to his dismay, that the gauze was still getting bled through and he knew that she did not have much longer to live.
He hoped that Tien would come back soon.
--
Outside, Yamcha and Krillen joined Master Roshi, Paur, Oolong, Bulma and Chi-Chi as they and the very few other spectators left watched the battle for Earth continue.
"You think Goku is gonna win, right?" asked Oolong.
"His foe is powerful...the most powerful he has ever had to face. I don't know if Goku is able to defeat the Demon King." said Master Roshi solemnly.
"I wouldn't bet on it! Goku has beaten everyone that he has come across. I know he'll win!" said Bulma.
"I really hope you're right." said Master Roshi as they continued to observe the battle.
--
Goku and Piccolo were locked into battle as they fought with everything they had. Goku went in with a flying elbow going straight towards Piccolo. Piccolo side-stepped it easily and Goku got caught in his cape.
Piccolo took advantage of the situation and proceeded to elbow Goku in the back, knocking him straight down into the ring floor. The impact from the blow was enough for the ring floor to crack when Goku crashed into it.
Piccolo then flew up high into the air and started to gather a large amount of ki before unleashing a barrage of ki-blasts towards the grounded Goku. The few spectators gasped in fright at the lethal force Piccolo was using against Goku. After about ten seconds of showering ki blasts at Goku the dust cleared.
There was yet another crater on the ring floor. The crowd that remained looked anxiously, wondering if there was anything left of Goku.
Then, to their great surprise, out came Goku. His weighted clothes were shredded and he had a few bruises and dirt on his person but he was otherwise alright. Piccolo, who was still in the air, snorted, and came back down into the ring.
"I would have been disappointed if you had not come out of such a weak attack." said Piccolo as he stood in front of Goku.
"You call that weak? I'll tell you, those blasts really hit their mark. I'm gonna be sore tomorrow!" said Goku somewhat cheerfully.
"What makes you say that you are going to wake up tomorrow? You'll die here and now! Prepare yourself Goku for I am going to get serious now!" said Piccolo as he then grabbed his turban and threw it aside. It landed with a heavy "thud" outside the ring and indented the earth. Goku did the same as he tore off his shredded weighted clothing and boots and threw them outside the ring.
"I guess I'm not holding back either! Let's do this!" said Goku as he then flew towards Piccolo. Piccolo grinned evily before commencing his fight with Goku once more.
--
Tien was panting heavily. He was nowhere near Korin's tower, that much he knew but he was so tired. He knew that he would soon lose his energy and that he would no longer be able to fly. But he knew that he could not fail. If he did then he would have the blood of an innoncent person on his hands.
Ranma.
The kid was talented and Tien hated to think that such talent go wasted due to his anger and frustration.
As he was flying he saw something sparkle in the distance and wondered vaguely what it was. He flew towards it to see that it was a flying plane of some sort and it was heading towards him.
"I wonder why that thing is flying towards me?" thought Tien as he saw the plane get closer and closer to him. Soon, the plane slows down as it nears Tien and Tien stops as well. He is curious as to who is trying to contact him.
And out of the plane comes both Korin and Yajirobe.
"Master Korin! What are you doing here?" asked Tien as he did his best to bow in mid-air.
"Such a respectable man! You could learn a thing or two from him you fat lummox!" said Korin to Yajirobe. Yajirobe, on his part, just grunted in annoyance.
"To answer you question Tien, I was just on my way to the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. I sensed that the Demon King made his appearance already and I am curious as to how Goku is going to deal with him." said Korin.
"That is great Master Korin but I have to get to your tower. You see, one of the contestants was mortally wounded as in need of some your sensu beans Master." said Tien.
"Oh, well, that is no problem! I have brought some of my beans just in case things got hairy over at the tournament site. You look exhausted. Come in and take a sensu bean. We'll take you back." said Korin.
"We must hurry then. I don't know how long she'll last." said Tien.
"She?" asked Korin.
"Yes." replied Tien.
"Well, let us go then." said Korin as he invited Tien in the plane.
--
Shen looked anxiously at the panting Ranma below him. He could see that the gauze was not holding in the bleeding very well for the sheets were beginning to get stained.
Ranma was sweating profusely and was turning to and fro. Every so often she would clutch her wounded shoulder and cry out in pain, her tears running down her face and dripping down into the floor.
It was then that Shen knew that Ranma could die before Tien got back and that he needed to intervene. Shen closed his eyes and started to chant silently. For a moment nothing happened and there was no sound except Shen chanting. Then, all of a sudden, Shen roared out loudly and soon he fell limply to the ground.
Right above the prone body of Shen was a figure. He looked similar to the Demon King Piccolo except that he looked ancient. He had wrinkles covering his body and had a staff with him, apparently to help him move.
Even so, despite how he looked, his face had a kind demeanor with none of the cruelty laced about it like his other counter part.
For the person that now stood was Kami, Guardian of Earth and he was here to bear witness to the battle between Goku and his other half, Piccolo.
As of now, though, his responsibility was to make sure that Ranma stayed alive long enough until Tien came back. So, with a great amount of concentration, Kami held his hand out and started to gather a small bit of energy.
His hand glowed a soft blue and he then placed it on Ranma's forehead. Ranma felt the coolness emitting from it and her constant shivering and sweating soon began to fade as she fell into what looked like a deep sleep.
Kami knew he was no healer. His intention was only to rid Ranma of the pain she was suffering from so that she could rest and not aggravate her condition by constantly clutching her wound.
Kami looked down at the body he borrowed. Feeling obligated to him, Kami woke him up. The man was startled at first and when he saw Kami, he got frightened and ran off. At least he would be safe.
Now all he had to do was wait for Tien.
--
From the plane they were able to spot the arena as they neared it.
"I need to borrow this, Master Korin." said Tien as he grabbed the sack of sensu beans.
"Sure go ahead. I assume you will be leaving us." said Korin.
"Yes. As much as I hate to say this but now that I am rejuvenated I can get there quicker than you guys." said Tien.
"That's fine. I wish you the best of luck." said Korin.
"Thank you for your help! I am indebted to you. Goodbye!" said Tien as he opened the hatch and soon flew away.
"Hmph...show off!" said Yajirobe as he and Korin continued their way to the site of the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament.
--
Tien got to the site in nothing flat and was soon in the temple, running through the corridors in search of the medical ward. He soon found it and was startled at the sight.
"You! I thought you were dead! How can there be two Piccolo's?" said Tien as he trembled in rage and fear.
"Oh! I see that you made it in time then. I can understand your fear but I am not Piccolo. I am his other half. I am Kami, Guardian of this Earth. I am of no danger to you or the others." said Kami.
"How can I be so sure?" asked Tien as he eyed Kami suspiciously.
"If I were truly Piccolo this woman over here would have died long ago. Besides, it was I who trained Goku during the past three years." said Kami.
"Well...I do not sense any malice from you. Then-" at this point Tien knelt down "forgive me for doubting you. But if you please, I must give these sensu beans to Ranma over here."
"That is fine." said Kami.
Ranma was still in what looked like a deep sleep but Tien could tell she was not in very good condition. Her wound was still bleeding, with her blood dripping down into the floor. Her face looked very pale, with an almost blue tint.
Tien felt completely mortified at what he had done but he knew he did not have time to feel sorry for himself. He had to cure Ranma and now.
At once he got a bean out and adminstered it into Ranma's mouth.
"Here, please I need you to chew and eat this." said Tien.
Ranma unconsciously began to chew the bean, with little crunching sounds that could be heard. Both Kami and Tien watched anxiously, waiting to see what would happen.
Suddenly, they could see Ranma's wound beginning to mend on its own. The bleeding was also beginning to stop as Ranma's complexion began to get back to normal.
Ranma's eyes suddenly opened as she saw both Kami and Tien standing before her. She nearly yelped like a little girl at the sight of Kami but kept herself in check, not wanting to show more weakness than she already had. Besides, she figured that if Tien was here then that big green fellow wasn't all that dangerous then.
"I'm...cured. But how?" asked Ranma.
"I was able to cure you with these." said Tien as he showed Ranma the bag of sensu beans that he had just brought.
"And those are?" asked Ranma, more confused now.
"Sensu beans. When I trained with Korin there would be times in which we would get extremely exhausted or hurt from our sparring sessions. To make the most of our time, Korin would give us these beans so that we would not have to rest long periods of time in between. One bean can cure you of any injury no matter how grave and is also capable of nurturing your body for over ten days without additional food. These are extremely difficult to grow but are useful beyond comprehension." said Tien before continuing again.
"I regret to say that my actions were dishonorable and underhanded. I should not have used such lethal force against you when you were at such an exhausted state. I do not expect you to forgive me Ranma but I hope that my curing you would be some form of atonment for what I have done." said Tien sadly.
"Aww, don't beat yourself over it too much three eyes. Believe me, I have had my fair share of close shaves before though this was as close as it could get. I'm not saying that I liked what you did to me but it did open my eyes a bit. I ain't as strong as I believe I am. Though I love to say that Saotome never loses, you beat me fair and square. Still there is only one way for me to forgive you." said Ranma.
"What would that be?" asked Tien.
"A rematch. I can't stand someone who beats me and I usually do my best to find out what I did wrong so that I come back and repay the favor ten fold. So I will train and once I am finished I will come back and beat you three eyes!" said Ranma as she stood up, fist held up.
"Then it is settled. I gladly accept your rematch. Just let me know when you are ready and it shall happen." said Tien.
Then, there was what sounded like an explosion from the outside. The entire temple shook and Ranma nearly lost her balance and fell. It was then that Kami decided to interfere.
"We must hurry outside already. Goku and Piccolo have already engaged in combat. The fate of our entire world will be decided in this battle. Come, we must bear witness to it." said Kami as he started to make his way outside.
"Wait a dang second! I ain't gonna be stuck in this weak girl body any longer! Get me some hot water already so I can be a guy!" said Ranma.
"Just give me a second." said Tien as he went to a nearby faucet and turned the water on. As the two waited for the water to get hot, there was more shaking and trembling to be heard. Not wanting to wait any longer, Tien got a cup and filled it with luke warm water. He then gathered a bit of ki and shot it at the water.
The effect was immediate as it began to steam. At once, he threw it at Ranma.
Steam covered Ranma's body as she began to change forms. Once again, she felt her chest tighten and constrict, her legs grow longer and her arms expand. Soon, Ranma was back to his old self again.
"Man I feel much better! C'mon three eyes I want to see Goku in action. I bet he must be awesome when he is serious." said Ranma.
"Believe me, if Goku is fighting seriously then you won't be disappointed." said Tien as both he and Ranma ran out to watch the tournament come to its conclusion.
--
Author's Note: Not the best chapter I have ever written but I promise the next one will be much better. The power levels that I have posted are the best guesses I can make. You all can debate what Ranma's power level is compared to the others but I am sticking to my guns with this one. You agree with me, that's cool. If you don't agree with me, that's cool too. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter.