Crystal of life
Author: Shai 'Halud
e-mail: ranmanobaka@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I am not the owner of the series/characters use in this fic. I am doing this just for the fun of it.
Ps: This chapter hasn't ben pre-read because of mail server problems.
**Chapter six: The Succession Battle.**
Ranma was sitting in the center of the dojo with her eyes closed. She was about to face Happosai in a fight for the title: "Anything Goes Grandmaster." She knew it was going to be an interesting fight to say the least. She also knew she would not be allowed to use the techniques from the art she was learning while she slept This also went for the techniques he learned from Cologne. "There is no more turning back now, this is something I have to do. I don't know what Happosai is capable of when there is something like this at stake. Better get ready now." Ranma started to slow her breathing and slow her hart rate. She was to be as focused as possible.
"Daddy don't you think it's time to go to the dojo? The fight is about to start and I want to watch." Akane was anxious at how it would end. She knew Ranma was good, but no one fully knew how good Happosai was. She looked at the people with her.
Nabiki, she looked as calm as ever.
Kasumi, trying to hide her anxiety with cleaning up, while everything was clean.
Her father and Genma both had a serious look on their face. Even though they sometimes where idiots, especially Genma, the also knew more about Happosai then anyone here. They knew Ranma was risking her life, or body over this.
Nodoka had just returned a few hours earlier, had heard about the fight and why Ranma was doing it. She found it a very manly thing to do, protecting innocent people from evil. Yet she was also nervous as hell, she sat there twiddling with her fingers.
Soun faced everyone and spoke. "Okay everyone, it's time. Let's go to the dojo, Ranma is already there and Happosai should be there soon. I know Happosai is usually a perverted and even dirty playing man but I have the feeling he is taking this very seriously. So everyone come with me."
Everyone nodded and together they went to the dojo. When they came there they saw the door closed. After opening it they saw Ranma sitting there, her eyes closed. They decided not to disturb her with whatever she was doing. They gathered on one end of the dojo and decided to wait.
All of a sudden the door reopened and several people came walking in, mostly girls among them was Cologne, Shampoo and Mousse. All of the people except for Cologne, Shampoo and Mousse walked over to Nabiki and handed her money. All of her family looked at her, anger and disbelief in their eyes.
Just when Kasumi was bout to say something, Ranma got up and turned to face her. With her eyes still closed she addressed Nabiki. "Nabiki, what are these people doing here?"
"They are here to see you fight the old pervert of course. Many of them have been harassed by him, so they want some kind of revenge."
"I see, and you thought you could make some money this way. Well I have some bad news for you, they are not welcome and I tell them to leave now and if they wont listen to me I will tell you to tell them to leave."
All of the girls surrounding Nabiki turned and stared at Ranma. Nabiki made her way to the front of the group. "I don't think I like your tone, I told you they want revenge and this is how they are going to get it. I will not let you send them away and I won't tell them to leave either."
I am not asking you to send them away, I am telling you. This is a succession battle and we don't want any peeping toms. Our families should be happy that we allow them to see this fight, even though a succession fight is usually a match between student and master with no audience." Ranma opened her eyes and where her eyes where normally a bright blue, they now where a glowing white light. If anyone had seen the light coming from the crystal of life when Ranma used it, they would swear it was the same. "I will not tell you again, this is a fight for our families and no one else."
No one knew how to react to Ranma's reaction. After a few minutes of silence Nabiki nodded. "Very well. Everyone here is your money back, I'll tell you about the fight tomorrow." All of the other people took their money back and left, the only ones there now where Cologne, Shampoo and Mouse.
"Ranma, what happened to you your eyes? They are glowing." It was Akane who dared to ask Ranma what was going on.
Ranma looked at Akane and took a deep breath, soon after her eyes stopped glowing and they where their normal blue color. "I don't know what it was exactly but I'm so psyched up right now. It's as if I'm bursting with energy and I know this fight will be unlike any other fight I have been in before. I'm looking really forward to fight Happosai." She then turned and faced Cologne and consorts. "I see you have heard about our fight?"
Cologne hopped forward a few steps. "Yes son in law I have heard of it. I also would like to be here and witness the fight and be able to tell the people in our village of his defeat. That is if you'll allow it?"
"I'm not the one to ask, you'd be better of to ask Happosai himself."
Suddenly one of the windows broke and a small blur flew in and started bouncing around for a few second, it then decided to settle on Ranma's chest. As soon as it glomped on Ranma saw what or better who it was, Happosai. At first Ranma got angry but then cooled down remembering one of her dreams.
She was standing before her teacher. They had just sparred for a few hours and during this fight she had lost her temper when she was trying to hit her teacher. Each time she tried to hit him, he would dodge and slap her hand, face or somewhere else. After about an hour she had had enough of this and got angry, as soon as her sensei saw this he stopped the fight. He then said something to her that was one of the rules of their Art: "A true master will keep his emotions at bay and knows when to show certain emotions. An angry fighter is an unfocussed fighter." After their temper had settled they continued the sparring session.
Ranma looked at the package glomped to her chest, calmed down and spoke. "I see you are here now. Let's hope you will be more serious during our fight."
Happosai released Ranma and stepped back a few feet. "Don't worry Ranma, I have no intentions of doing such things during our fight. I consider this a goodbye glomp. I would love to do the same to Akane, but after what has happened to her I don't think that is wise. I see that Cologne is here to, I thought this was to be a fight for family only."
"You're right Happi but I had hoped I would be able to witness this succession fight. You know the things you have done to our village and this would be a way to get revenge for them all. To see you defeated by your pupil. So I ask you to let us watch this fight."
"Oh I don't mind at all. I know very well how angry your village is at me and if this will set your mind at ease a bit, you can watch. Now Ranma what you say we get started?"
Ranma looked at his opponent and nodded. "Very well let's be underway." She walked over to one side of the dojo as Happosai walked over to the other side. They both dropped into a relaxed stance and waited.
Soun saw the both of them ready he stepped forward. "Okay now that both fighter are present we will begin the match. Fighters ready? Hajime." As soon as Soun gave the signal he jumped back and Ranma and Happosai sprung into action.
Ranma and Happosai had closed the gap in the blink of and eye. As soon as Happosai was close to Ranma he began. Due to his size he was able to get close to Ranma and attack. He opened with a punch kick combination.
Ranma saw Happosai coming and prepared for his attack. She was shocked when she saw Happosai bypass her defenses and attack at close range. During the times they had fought before he had never used his size in this way. The combination managed to hit and Ranma found out just how strong Happosai was for real. If it weren't for her training she would have broken several of her ribs. As soon as she felt the punches and kicks she jumped back and looked at Happosai. She saw him standing there with a stern look on his face. "I see you have been holding back when we had out fights before today. Just like me."
Happosai was about to nod as an answer to Ranma's statement but was surprised at what Ranma had said. "Huh what do you mean: just like me? Don't tell me you have been holding back during our fights." Both fighters where circling each other while talking.
"Oh yes, I was holding back during every fight we had before, not only during our fights but also when I fought Kuno, Ryoga, Mouse, Cologne or even Herb. I did this because I was afraid to hurt or even kill someone but that has changed. Even when someone forced me to fight them, I would hold back. This changed when I was in China, when there I decided not to hold back anymore when family or friends where concerned. If anyone dared to try and hurt any of them I would fight back with everything I have. When this fight began I thought I would be able to go easier on you but now it seems I am mistaken. So are you ready Happosai?"
"Oh yes Ranma, I was looking forward to this for a long time so I will no back out or anything. Give me your best shot." Happosai jumped back and prepared for Ranma's attack.
"Okay here I come." Ranma changed her stance to that of a Mui Tai fighter. Hands high and knees bend. She then attacked, she moved so fast that almost no one was unable to follow her moves.
Happosai recognized the stance and thought to be ready but was shocked by Ranma's speed. She seemed to disappear and reappear just in front of him.
Ranma decided to show Happosai she mend business and attacked at full force.
For those of you wondering: At this point Ranma is not using the full 100% of her body's power. She was fighting him as the Ranma from before the "dream lessons". If she had been using her full potential Happosai would be nothing but a bloody mess.
When Ranma was close enough she attacked, a fierce right kick to Happosai's middle. The force of the attack send him flying through the outer wall of the dojo where, after slamming into the outer wall, he stopped.
After Happosai got up he looked at the hole in the wall and saw Ranma standing there on one leg, the other still stretched. "I see Ranma you truly have been holding back in our earlier fights. I'd say the kitty gloves are off, are you ready for some more Ranma? Here it comes. Founding School of Anything Goes Martial Arts final attack. HAPPO FIRE BURST." Happosai pulled out a small cherry bomb and lobbed it at Ranma. He smiled when he saw Ranma remain where she was. This bomb he created especially for today, it was made so the explosion was very powerful but the blast radius was approx one meter. The bomb would also have a fuse that was timed perfectly. The fuse would enter the bomb very fast and detonate when close to Ranma. Even though he wanted Ranma to win, he would not give him the title.
Ranma saw the bomb coming and grinned, somehow she knew that this was not like his usual bombs. So before the bomb had a chance get close she reacted. She raced to the bomb and with a single move of her hand she pulled the fuse from the bomb. The bomb then flew past her and dropped to the ground without doing any damage.
Happosai was shocked when Ranma was able to pull the fuse from the bomb before it exploded. He had though to have timed it perfectly, yet it seemed he had underestimated Ranma's speed. He now knew this was going to be a hand-to-hand fight till the end. He made his way to the dojo.
Ranma say the stunned look on Happosai's face and grinned. She let Happosai walk over to the dojo and let him get ready.
"Okay Happosai, let's cut the fooling around and get down to business. What you say you stop with the fireworks and get real?"
"Very well Ranma, we will finish this fight the old fashioned way. With our fists."
As Ranma was about to attack she saw a bright flash of light and when it stopped she was standing in the middle of a dojo. It was the same dojo as in her dreams. "Huh what am I doing here, ho did I get here?" Ranma suddenly felt a presence behind her and was bout to turn around when she heard a voice. "Please Ranma don't turn just yet."
Ranma recognized the voice, it was the same on she had heard on several occasions. "Why, I was in the middle of a fight and can't afford to zone out like this."
"Don't worry, this is happening in a single heartbeat, when you reawaken, only a second will have elapsed. Right now I want you to spar with me and listen to what I have to say."
"If what you are saying is real, I won't mind to spar, but in order to do so I have to turn around and face you."
"You're right but you will fight me blind folded, just like one of our last lessons. So I will now blindfold you, Okay?"
Ranma just nodded and started to think as a blindfold was done over her eyes. Suddenly something hit her. "Hey wait a minute, what do you mean with "our lessons"? I don't think I have seen you and the body I'm in, couldn't be yours if I judge you are age correctly." When the blindfold was done she was turned around. Instinctively she got into a stance.
"I will explain while we spar okay?"
"Oh, okay." Ranma took a deep breath and focused and she could then feel someone approach her. She started of move on instinct, letting her mind control her body. She started to dodge attacks and counter on instinct.
"Ah I see you have come a long way with our lessons. Now like is said I will explain some things to you." They continued their fight yet talked as if they where walking together. "Now I know of your lesson because I am the one you have been training with, that is I'm the girl through whose eyes you experience the training."
"Huh you mean you are her but how, you sound a lot older?"
"Yes I am a lot older because the things you experience are my memories. You must have noticed that during the training the body you where in was growing up."
"Now that you mention it you're right, I did notice but paid no attention to it. I was enjoying the training to much."
"Yes I know how much you like martial arts. Like I said the things you saw in your dreams are my memories."
"But if they are your memories, how did I get them, who are you?"
"Before I introduce myself I'll tell you something about the Art you are learning. The martial art you are learning is called the Hokuto Shin Ken. It's and Art that is almost two thousand years old. It is said to have a divine origin. This art is on, if not the most powerful art in existence. There can be only one Hokuto Shin Ken master at a time and there can be only a male heir. Before you ask how it's possible for me to know this, I'll tell you. When my father was the master he started to look for a new successor when he felt it was needed. He traveled many years but was unable to find a worthy heir. During his travels he met a young woman who he started to like. One day they settled down to live out their lives, yet my father still felt the need to find an heir so he told his wife he would go out one last time to find and heir. He told her he would be away for 6 months. She knew how important this was to him and agreed. So my father set out one last time."
"Ah, let me guess. He was unable to find a worthy male heir so decided to train you."
"No exactly. After nine months he came home, three months later then he told his wife. When he came home he found the house was no longer inhabited with just one person. There where two people living there, his wife and their daughter. She told him that while he was away she found out she was pregnant and two weeks before he came back she was born. The man was truly happy when he saw his daughter and right then when he was there he decided to ignore one of the most important rules of the Hokuto Shin Ken. He was going to make their daughter the new heir. He knew if he didn't do this, the art would be lost because he was unable to find a worthy heir. So he was going to train his daughter when she reached the proper age, in her case four years."
"Hey wait a sec, that means that you are.."
"Yes Ranma I am that daughter and the man and woman who I'm telling you about are my father and mother. My mother was happy my father would finally settle down with her. He was happy he would finally be able to find an heir. Yet their happiness was not for long for my mother came down with a terrible sickness, one which not even my father, with all the knowledge of the Hokuto Shin Ken, could cure. She passed away when I was eight months old. I have no memories of my mother. This event made my father doubt about his decision, he knew the training was to be a very hard one, I could even die during the training. Then one night he told me he had dreamed about my mother who told him not to give up. I would be strong and become a worthy heir. After this he decided to train me in the Art and when I was four years old he began my training. After about two years of training I had mastered more then anyone else had in two years. I was what he called a miracle student. I mastered techniques in such a short period. He told me if I kept his up I would be a master at the age of fifteen. He was right about that, when I was fifteen years old I had mastered every technique yet my emotional state was not perfect yet so he would train me until he found me fit to become his heir. But before I became his heir something happened. One day I was out to gather food for dinner, when I came home I found our house in shambles and my father was lying on the ground. When I asked what happened he told me but three things.
One: "It was the master of the yang side of our school, he told me it was the Fist of the Southern Cross who did this."
Two: "Don't stay here, I am going to die and you are not ready to face him. It's his intention to finish of anyone who knows the Hokuto Shin Ken." I would not be able to beat him, even though I knew almost every technique, yet for one. He hoped I would be able to master this final technique when he died.
Three: "I love you my daughter and I am proud to see you like you are today. You are a worthy heir of the art." He then died in my hands.
I was struck with sadness unlike any other. First I lost my mother before I had a chance to know her, this has always left a sort of void in my hart and when my father died something happened, as his life left his body in my arms I could feel him inside me. Every since that day I have tried to find out what happened to me yet was unable to. So I did what my father told me to, I ran as fast as I could. I soon found myself being followed by someone. I could feel that this was the man that killed my father. I ran through the forest but soon was cornered on a cliff and just when I turned around I saw the man stand before me as he attacked, his hand passed through my chest. He then laughed and said that the Hokuto Shin Ken was now extinct and he shoved me of the cliff. The wound he inflicted and the fall would weren't the things that killed me. As I fell I ended up in a pool of water and due to the blood loss and the wound I drowned there. I think you know what pool I am talking about."
Ranma could sense that the girl had stopped fighting so she stopped also. "You mean you where the one who drowned in the spring that created the spring of drwoned girl?"
Ranma heard no answer but felt the girl step closer and soon found her blindfold removed. As soon as her eyes had adapted to the light she saw a girl stand before her. She knew she was the one who she had been training with. She was baffled when she saw her, she looked a lot like Ranma. Then main difference was that she had a slightly thinner figure, longer hair and green eyes. For the rest she was her mirror image of Ranma, her hair even had the exact same color as Ranma's. Ranma was unable to speak so the girl spoke first.
"My name is Hotaru, master of the Hokuto Shin Ken and your sensei." The girl bowed and then smiled to Ranma.
"Uh nice to meet cha. Could you please explain something to me?"
"Sure you can ask anything you want."
"If you drowned in that spring then how did I get your memories?" Ranma had a very puzzled look on her face.
"When I drowned in the spring I died yes but only my body died. My soul became trapped in the spring and I was conscious while I was there. It seemed I was doomed to be trapped there forever. At first I was so afraid of being stuck there forever but after awhile I discovered several things. I found my self able to see outside of the spring, even though it was a small part, I was able to see out nonetheless. I saw animals and people come and go. After several people had fallen into my spring I discovered I was able to get in their body and merge with their mind. Even though it was tempting I decided not to do this. So many more decades passed during this time I was beginning to feel the need to find an heir for the Art. So I decided to see if there was a worthy heir among the people who fell into the spring. None of the people who fell in met up to my standards and it seemed I was doomed to be there forever. That was until one day a young boy came to Jusenkyo and was knocked in my spring by his father. That boy was you Ranma, when you fell in I started to see if you would be able to learn the Hokuto Shin Ken. When I peeked in your body I found a hart of a true martial artist. You where someone who would protect the people who needed it even if it would kill you. I also saw a potential in you I had never seen before. From what my father had told me you had the same if not a higher potential then me. I decided to merge with you, after I did this I was dormant in your mind. That was until you where back here in China and started to meditate to prepare yourself for the fight to come. When I sensed this I decided it was time to begin your training, I showed you one of the things of my school. You picked it up with only seeing it once, I was amazed at your skill and wanted to continue your training. I felt in your mind that you also wanted to get this over with as soon as possible and go home to Akane. So I waited with the training until you had cured Akane. Ever since that day I have been instructing you with the help of my own memories. I have to say that you are exceeding every expectation I had. You are worthy of the power of the Hokuto Shin Ken."
Ranma was silent for several minutes as her brain processed the information she had received. "Ah now I see and let me guess you know about Akane and the fight and everything about me through my memories? Also does this mean you are no longer trapped in the spring?"
"Yes I know everything about you also my conscious in now no longer trapped in the spring as I am now a part of you. I hope you are not angry at me for not asking you if I could merge with you."
"No I'm not mad, I'm glad I was able to help I'm also very happy you are willing to teach me this Hokuto Shin Ken, from what I have seen it's a very powerful art. Yet one thing puzzles me, why did you choose this time to tell me this, couldn't this wait until I was asleep?"
"I chose this time for I could feel you where holding back the Hokuto in this fight and wanted to ask you why."
"This is an Anything Goes fight so I'm not allowed to use the techniques from another school."
"HAHAHAHA!" the girls started to laugh and Ranma had no idea what to think of it. "I think you are mistaken. From what I have seen in your memories I know that the Mosabetsu Kakuto Ryu is a style that contains many different styles. It has incorporated almost all of the strong points of every art in it and even now grows with the knowledge you have obtained. You see, you are allowed to use the Amazon Wu Shu and the Hokuto Shin Ken in this fight if you want."
Ranma started to think about what she had said and the slapped her head. "OH man, you're right. I just think it would be proper to ask my teachers if it's okay to incorporate their techniques in my style."
"Oh if that's what you want then I grant you permission to incorporate the Hokuto in your style."
"You mean it? All right, can I go back to the fight now? I'm really anxious to finish it."
"You can go but before you go I have to tell you something. If you choose to incorporate the Hokuto Shin Ken in you art, you will no longer be the Ranma Saotome from before, you will be a different person. Also I have seen in your mind that you are going to train your fiancée in the Musabetsu Kakuto Ryu and even the Hokuto Shin Ken. I have to tell you that there can be only one heir to the Hokuto. I know how much you want to help her so I will allow you to teach her some of the things of the Hokuto Shin Ken but only some. I think you know what to teach her and what not too. Do you agree with this? If not I will be forced to erase all of the knowledge of the Hokuto Shin Ken from your mind and I have the power to do this."
"I know what you mean, I have more or less chosen this to be the last fight of the Ranma Saotome born in Japan and decided to be the first fight of the new Ranma Saotome born in China when I met you. Also after the things you told me I understand, I will teach Akane only a small part of the Hokuto Shin Ken."
"Good Ranma, my student. Now remember you are not a master yes so we will continue our training. Also remember you are the only living student and practitioner of the Hokuto Shin Ken so make me proud." Hotaru stepped forward and hugged Ranma. "Good luck Ranma."
Ranma returned the hug. "Thank you sensei."
As the last words left Ranma's mouth she was back in the Tendo dojo. It took her only a minute to see what was going on. Happosai had launched himself into an attack and was flying towards him with an incredible speed.
Happosai had decided to put almost all of his strength behind this attack. This attack was derived from a sword technique; he could not remember the sword technique. The bases of this technique was to attack so fast and hard that it would penetrate any defense. He knew that Ranma was not going to be able to dodge this and this saddened him.
Ranma saw Happosai coming and smirked. When Happosai was close enough she simply jumped away from the attack, she did this with such great speed that she literally seemed to disappear from the spot. Everyone in the boggled as they saw Ranma dodge the attack with such great speed.
As Happosai flew passed Ranma one thought ran through his mind. How the hell did he do that, now one is that fast. Happosai came to a halt several meters behind Ranma. He turned and saw Ranma standing there with a somewhat sad smile on her face. "What are you smiling about Ranma?"
Ranma dropped out of her stance and looked at everyone in the room and then looked at Happosai. "I am just happy that this fight is so exciting, you see this is the last fight of Ranma Saotome born in Japan."
When everyone heard Ranma say this they gasped. After some time Cologne was the first to speak. "What do you mean son in law? Are you giving up martial arts?"
"Oh no Cologne I am not going to give up martial arts but when I was in China a new Ranma was born, one who would do everything to help his family and friends. Also when I was there I began learning a new art. Starting as of now I am Ranma Saotome of the Saotome Musabetsu Kakuto Ryu AND sole living student and practitioner of the Hokuto Shin Ken."
The last words came out with an amount of pride they had never heard in her voice. "And before you ask me about this, I will explain this when I feel ready to, okay?"
Everyone though about this for a minute and then nodded as Akane spoke. "Very well Ranma we will wait until you feel ready."
"Thank you." She then turned to face Happosai. "Now what do you say I show you what the new Ranma is capable of?"
Happosai grinned, his hart was jumping from joy, he now knew Ranma would be a worthy heir to the school and he also wanted to see what this Hokuto Shin Ken was. "Sure Ranma my boy, let's get this over with." Happosai changed his stance into a defensive one and waited.
Ranma saw this stance and smiled, she the dropped into a stance no one recognized. Suddenly everyone felt an enormous amount of power coming form Ranma. I almost literally knocked them of their feet.
"Okay here I come. Hokuto Hyakuretsu Ken!!" Ranma attacked, the Hundred crack fist, when used normally, was incredibly fast and strong, now that Ranma used it, it was even faster and stronger as he combined it with his amaguriken punches.
Happosai boggled as he saw Ranma disappear and reappear in front of him. He tried to defend from her attack but was unable to, with in a fraction of a second he was struck by every punch. As soon as the attack stopped he slumped to the ground totally battered and beaten.
Ranma saw Happosai slump to the ground and kneeled next to him. "Hey you okay?"
Happosai looked at Ranma and tried to smile. "I'm fine Ranma, it seems you truly are my superior. You have defeated me and I give you the title: Grandmaster of the School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. I am glad you have beaten me, now if you would excuse me I think I need some rest." With that said he lost conscious.
Ranma told everyone to wait while she brought Happosai to his room. When she came there she put him on his futon and pressed several of his pressure points to help him heal. She then went back to the dojo.
After Ranma left Cologne began to think of way to force him to marry Shampoo. We need his strength in our clan. Also this Hokuto Shin Ken seems like a powerful art and we need it also. She started to think of ways to get Ranma in her clan, these thoughts where interrupted when Ranma re- entered the dojo and went over to Akane.
Ranma walked over to Akane and whispered something in her ear. "Akane could I talk to you for a sec, in private?"
Akane nodded and together they went outside, Ranma picked her up and sat down on the roof of the house. Akane looked at Ranma. "What did you want to talk about Ranma?"
"I have been wondering, how would you like it if Shampoo was of my back."
"You mean no more Ranma airen? I would love that, she is a nice girl but I would like her to stay out of our hair."
"I have a plan to make this possible but it will mean you will have to fight Shampoo in a duel and beat her."
"You mean me fight Shampoo, but even though I don't like to tell you this, she is so good. I don't think I would be able to beat her like I am now."
"Don't worry about that. We will train together and within one week you will be able to beat her very easily. Trust me, okay?"
Akane thought about what Ranma had said. She knew Ranma was a good teacher and would not lie to her, so she decided to trust her. "Very well Ranma I will do as you say."
"Okay then when we get back I want you to tell her this." Ranma whispered something in Akane's ear and had to repeat it a few times until she got it right. They then got down and went back to the dojo again.
When they enterd Akane walked up to Shampoo. She took a deep breath and repeated what Ranma had told her. In Chinese, "Shampoo of the Joketsuzoku amazons. I challenge you to a fight for Ranma's hand. The loser will give up on Ranma. If you accept, the fight will be in one week." Even though her Chinese was bad, Shampoo and Cologne got the message.
Shampoo looked at her great grandmother, who nodded. The Shampoo answered in her best Japanese. "Shampoo accepts the challenge, one week from no we fight."
Cologne was smiling inwardly, she knew Shampoo was able to beat Akane for she was way better then her and she would train Shampoo herself.
Ranma saw that Cologne was happy with this challenge and thought. You smile now Cologne but after I'm done with Akane she will wipe the floor with Shampoo.
"Okay Shampoo, we will fight in one week, until then." Akane turned around and went back to the house. She wanted to get some sleep, tomorrow would be a hard day. After Akane had left, so did Cologne, Shampoo and Mouse.
Soun hearing her daughter issue a challenge bursted in tears. "WWWHAAAAHHHHHH, my little girl is growing up."
Kasumi went over to her father and comforted him. "SSSSHHHH, it's okay father."
Ranma walked over to Soun and placed her hand on his shoulder. "You bet it's gonna be okay, when I'm done training Akane she will beat Shampoo in no time flat."
Nodoka heard her son say that she was going to help her fiancée train and win was proud of this. "Oh my son, you really are a man, standing with your fiancée like this. I am so proud." She went over to her female son (wow talk about a contradiction) and hugged her.
"Uhm yeah thanks mom. If it's okay with you I will go to bed now, I'm exhausted by this fight and need some sleep." Ranma pried his mother's hands of and went to bed. As soon as her head the pillow she fell asleep.
This night she didn't dream of training, this time she dreamed of being with Akane, just walking and talking and no other trouble.
That morning Ranma was awoken by an upset Kasumi, she came storming in the room. "RANMA, RANMA wake up, please wake up."
Ranma slowly opened her eyes and looked at her new alarm clock. "Eh, whatsa matter ksumi?" Because Ranma was still sleepy her speech wasn't very good.
"It's grandfather Happosai, he isn't feeling very good and wants to see you right now." Kasumi left the room in a hurry.
Ranma, never having seen Kasumi like this decided to get a move on. She got up and made her way to Happosai's room. When she came there everyone was sitting next o Happosai's bed. Ranma looked at the old man and could see something was wrong. "What's the matter Happosai?"
Happosai turned his head and faced Ranma. "Ah Ranma you are here. I would like to have a chat with you please." Happosai's voice was weak and broken.
Ranma could tell something was very wrong, she hoped she could help him. "Why don't you rest first and I'll see if I can help you. Okay?"
"No Ranma this cannot wait, and helping me is of no use. Soun could you and the others please give Ranma and me some privacy?"
"Yes master." Soun's answer was unlike his usual begging kind of yes master's. He also sensed something was amiss and would respect his sensei's wishes. He motioned the others to leave Ranma and Happosai alone. They all left the room and went over to the living room.
"What is it? Why did you insist on talking to me? I think you should get better first." Ranma had sat down next to Happosai.
"I don't have time to rest. First of all I would like to congratulate you on your victory yesterday. Like I thought, you are worthy of the title Anything Goes Grandmaster." Happosai took some time to catch his breath, he was very weak.
"Thanks but now you must rest, I'll see if I can help." Ranma was about to press some of Happosai's pressure points to help him but was stopped when Happosai held up his hand and spoke. "No Ranma, it's to late for help now. You see I'm dying."
"WHAT, WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE DYING??" Ranma was taken back by Happosai's words.
"It's true Ranma, I don't have very long to live. You see my fight last night was the last of my life. When you challenged me for the title I was glad the time had finally come. When this fight was over I could finally rest. You see I have been alive for so many years and stayed alive to find someone worthy of the Grandmaster title. When I saw you for the first time I saw your potential and just knew you would be the new grandmaster one day. Ever since that day all of our fights have been leading up to this point. Yesterday my suffering finally ended, you see I have wanted to die for such a long time but was unable to. I had to find a heir first and yesterday you inherited the title."
Ranma was completely taken back by Happosai's words. Happosai wanted to die? "You mean all the panty stealing, chest groping was to train me? You could have simply told me you where going to train me."
"I could have but you see I knew that if it would seem as if I was an old pervert all the time you would fight me with all your might. If I'd have told you I was going to train you it would just have been a training, now it was real life and in life you learn more then with any kind of training. So I hope you can forgive me for this."
"I see now, you're right you know. Life itself is harder then any training. Also I do forgive you for everything and I think the ret here will do the same."
"Thank Ranma, now there is only one thing left to do."
"What's that?"
"Please help me sit up, I need to show you something." Happosai tried to get up and Ranma helped him to sit up, when he was up he continued. "Now please take of my shirt."
At first Ranma thought this was one of his perverted schemes but he soon realized he was being honest with him. Ranma helped to take of his shirt. Happosai then turned his back to Ranma. What Ranma saw on his back made her jump a bit. On his back was a tattoo of a dragon, it was unlike any dragon she had seen before. She had no words to describe it for it was simply beautiful. "Happosai it's beautiful, where did you get it?"
"It was given to me by my master."
"Huh what do you mean master, what master?"
"Did you really think I was the true founder of the school of anything goes martial arts. I was also a puple in the art, I am the third grandmaster of this art. I received this tattoo from my master after I got the title from him. He before me had received the tattoo from his master. The tattoo has a very special meaning. You see it's a sign that you are an honerary Amazon warrior, even if you are a male. Many years ago the second Anything goes Grandmaster saved the Amazon village in China from extinction as it was attacked a nearby village. My master saw the fight and found it wrong, the other village was attacking the amazons just because they wanted their land so he intervened. With his skills he defeated almost every warrior of the enemy village. The amazons who witnessed his fight told their elder who in their turn made him an honorary Amazon warrior and told him he was now one of them. They also said that when the time came for a new anything goes grandmaster to arise, the tattoo would be passed on. I have never told Cologne this for I felt it to be wrong, the things I did to her where not very nice. If she had known about the tattoo she would have to respect me no mater what I had done before. And now the time has come to give you this tattoo, show it to Cologne and Shampoo will lose any claim she has on you and you will be free to marry Akane."
"Huh you mean I'm gonna get a tattoo, I don't know if mom will..." Ranma was cut short as Happosai took hold of her hand and Ranma felt something flow though her body. The feeling went all the way to her right shoulder, when it came there she started to feel a tingling sensation. Soon this turned into a slight burning feeling and no soon after it was as if someone was using a laser to write something in her back. The pain only lasted for a few seconds when it stopped Ranma felt a warm feeling coming from her shoulder. When she looked she saw the same tattoo Happosai had. She then looked at Happosai and saw the tattoo was gone from his shoulder. "Whoa how did you.."
Happosai keeled over and Ranma caught him. "It's done Ranma, you are now the official heir to the Musabetsu Kakuto Ryu and a honorary Amazon warrior. I can finally rest now. I have but one favor to ask you."
Ranma swallowed, he knew Happosai was going to die. "Sure anything."
"I would like you to ask Soun if I can be buried in their yard next to the dojo. You see I have made many enemies in my life and some of them might try to get a hold of my body. If they would get a hold of it they could do terrible things so if I'm buried here and you are the only ones to know this I can truly rest. Also this place is the first place I was ever able to call home, you where like family to me. After I am gone I don't want all of you to grief about me for to long, tomorrow I want you to go on with your lives. Okay? It's my last request."
Ranma felt her hart sink, even though he was an old pervert most of the time he was family. "I will ask Mr. Tendo to do as you wish. Also if anyone ever comes asking for you we will tell them you left and won't let anyone touch your grave."
"Thank you Ranmaaa." With this Happosai died in Ranma's arms.
Ranma closed her eyes and cried she had lost a sensei and family. Gently she picked Happosai up and left the room. She went downstairs to the living room.
Everyone was gathered in the living room and all where wondering what was going on upstairs. "Say Akane, do you have any idea what's going on with those two?"
"I have no idea Nabiki. I'm going to ask.."
"OH MY, grandfather Happosai what happened to him." Kasumi saw Ranma step in while carrying Happosai in her arms.
Everyone's heads snapped in Ranma's direction and all gasped when they saw the pail Happosai and the tears on Ranma's cheeks. Nodoka got up and went to her son's side. "Ranma what happened?"
Ranma looked at all the people in the room and then walked away from his mother and over to Soun. "Tendo Soun, Saotome Genma, our master has passed away."
Soun did not fail to notice Ranma's "our", it seemed Ranma had finally accepted him as a teacher.
Genma hearing these words went over to stand next to his son and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Ranma looked at her father, who nodded and bowed his head in respect for his sensei. "Tendo Soun, our master had one last request."
"Tell me and I will see it is granted." Soun's voice was a steady one, even though he was sad inside. He and Genma had spend a great deal of their life with the old man and even though he treated them like crap most of the time he also had taken care of them when they where in need of help.
"He has asked me to be buried here in your yard next to the dojo."
"I see, I will grant his request and bury him here. I think I know why he wants to be buried here so as of today no one here knows the where abouts of Happosai. Now come, Genma, Ranma, let us bury our master with honor.
The three left the house with Happosai still in Ranma's arms and all knew that this was something the three of them had to do alone. When they left Kasumi and Akane started to cry, they would miss the little pervert. Nabiki was also crying but only on the inside. Nodoka made her way to the three young girls to comfort them. She wished she was with her son now but she had to do this first.
Outside The two students and new Grandmaster made a grave next to the dojo where they buried their master. After they where done they prayed and left the grave unmarked, only the family would know where he was buried. When the men cam inside they had a stern yet sad look on their face and Ranma went over to Akane and her sister to comfort them. Sure she was sad but it seemed like the others needed help more then her. She hugged Akane and stayed with her and her sisters until they felt ready to go on. She told them about how Happosai had considered the people in this house as a family and how he wanted them to go on with their lives.
That day no one went to school and that night everyone cried as they fell asleep.
The next day everyone was sitting down at the table and was trying to get on with their lives. Everyone was silent at the breakfast table as they ate their food. When they where done Akane and Nabiki got ready to go to school. Just when Akane was about to leave Ranma stopped her. "Akane wait up, I'm going with ya."
"Huh what do you mean Ranma? Are you going to school today?"
"Yes Akane, I have been sitting at home long enough. It is time I face how I am today and I get on with my life. Starting today a new Ranma will attend Furinkan High." Ranma put on her shoes, as Kasumi prepared her bento. Then together with Akane they went to school.
As usual Ranma was walking on the fence and Akane was down on the ground. "Say Akane, when we get back from school today we will make our homework and then start your training in the dojo. Also staring tomorrow we will practice every morning, every spare minute of your time will be filled with training."
Akane looked at Ranma. It seemed as if nothing had happened yesterday. "Ranma aren't you a bit to excited today, you do know what happened yesterday?"
"OF COURSE I DO." Ranma yelled at Akane who was taken back by Ranma's reaction. "I'm sorry Akane, it's just he asked us to get on with our lives as soon as possible and right now you have something else to worry about. The fight with Shampoo is in 6 days and we have to get you in shape."
"I know Ranma it's just that I kinda miss him. But you're right I have to get into shape."
"Good now I have one question. Why is it that you lose your temper so easily?"
Akane thought about this for a bit and she had to admit she had been wondering the same thing. Why do I get angry so fast and some time ago she found the answer. "I think it has to do with my mother, I don't remember her very well. All I really remember I her telling me she would stay with me forever and that we would do all these fun things. When she died I thought she had lied to me and got angry about that and ever since that day I would lose my temper really fast." When she was done a few tears made her down her face.
Ranma listened to Akane and felt sorry for her, she jumped down and placed an arm around her neck. "Ssshhh it's okay, I understand now. I had to ask this because your temper is what is holding you back to become a better martial artist. In order to improve you will have to learn how to control your emotions, when you have achieved this you will be able to learn things you never dreamt of being possible. I think that this is what your mother would like to see from you. She did not leave you or lie to you. Death is something that comes for everyone at one point and her time was then. I am sure that all she wants is to see you get along with your life and not be angry at her or others all the time. Don't you think so?"
"I guess you're right Ranma. I will try and get a better grip on my emotions."
Ranma got on her toes and kissed Akane on her cheek. Akane felt this and nearly freaked. "Ranma, what did you do that for? What of someone saw us?"
"What did you just promise, and what's so bad about me kissing the woman I love huh? I don't care if anyone saw this."
"Oh okay." Together they went to school but before they came there they saw several large banners hang from the school. As soon as they read these, a huge sweat drop appeared on their heads.
They read in this order: "Ranma has gone missing."
"It's time to help Akane get on with her life."
"Akane we will defeat you once again."
"And make you happy."
Ranma looked at Akane and saw her temper rise. "Now now Akane, keep your calm, consider this your first lesson for today. I want you to defeat those guys without losing your cool and I also want you to dodge their attacks instead of blocking them okay?"
Akane heard Ranma's words and took several deep breaths to calm down. "Okay Ranma I will do as you ask me. But tell me what do mean with dodge their attacks, I can easily block them?"
"I know Akane it's just that you try to block every attack thrown at you. This is fine when the attacks are weak but when they are strong you will get hurt if you try and block them. In the end you are better of dodging an attack then blocking one. So today you will try and dodge the attacks instead of blocking them, you may block if it's the only choice. Now show those punks what you are made of. Oh one more thing, if Kuno's there let me handle him please."
"Okay Ranma." Akane straightened her back and with a steady pace entered the school grounds as she was met by almost every boy in school. She did not rush in but kept her head cool and simply walked towards the charging mob.
Ranma in her turn chose to watch the events from the top of the wall. She smiled when she felt how calm Akane was, she would do just fine.
To be continued.
Well we finally know who the girl in Ranma's dreams is and what she is doing. Next time we will see if Akane is able to defeat Shampoo and how Cologne will react to Ranma's new tattoo. Also Ranma will try and deal with Kuno and make him clear she isn't interested
Author: Shai 'Halud
e-mail: ranmanobaka@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I am not the owner of the series/characters use in this fic. I am doing this just for the fun of it.
Ps: This chapter hasn't ben pre-read because of mail server problems.
**Chapter six: The Succession Battle.**
Ranma was sitting in the center of the dojo with her eyes closed. She was about to face Happosai in a fight for the title: "Anything Goes Grandmaster." She knew it was going to be an interesting fight to say the least. She also knew she would not be allowed to use the techniques from the art she was learning while she slept This also went for the techniques he learned from Cologne. "There is no more turning back now, this is something I have to do. I don't know what Happosai is capable of when there is something like this at stake. Better get ready now." Ranma started to slow her breathing and slow her hart rate. She was to be as focused as possible.
"Daddy don't you think it's time to go to the dojo? The fight is about to start and I want to watch." Akane was anxious at how it would end. She knew Ranma was good, but no one fully knew how good Happosai was. She looked at the people with her.
Nabiki, she looked as calm as ever.
Kasumi, trying to hide her anxiety with cleaning up, while everything was clean.
Her father and Genma both had a serious look on their face. Even though they sometimes where idiots, especially Genma, the also knew more about Happosai then anyone here. They knew Ranma was risking her life, or body over this.
Nodoka had just returned a few hours earlier, had heard about the fight and why Ranma was doing it. She found it a very manly thing to do, protecting innocent people from evil. Yet she was also nervous as hell, she sat there twiddling with her fingers.
Soun faced everyone and spoke. "Okay everyone, it's time. Let's go to the dojo, Ranma is already there and Happosai should be there soon. I know Happosai is usually a perverted and even dirty playing man but I have the feeling he is taking this very seriously. So everyone come with me."
Everyone nodded and together they went to the dojo. When they came there they saw the door closed. After opening it they saw Ranma sitting there, her eyes closed. They decided not to disturb her with whatever she was doing. They gathered on one end of the dojo and decided to wait.
All of a sudden the door reopened and several people came walking in, mostly girls among them was Cologne, Shampoo and Mousse. All of the people except for Cologne, Shampoo and Mousse walked over to Nabiki and handed her money. All of her family looked at her, anger and disbelief in their eyes.
Just when Kasumi was bout to say something, Ranma got up and turned to face her. With her eyes still closed she addressed Nabiki. "Nabiki, what are these people doing here?"
"They are here to see you fight the old pervert of course. Many of them have been harassed by him, so they want some kind of revenge."
"I see, and you thought you could make some money this way. Well I have some bad news for you, they are not welcome and I tell them to leave now and if they wont listen to me I will tell you to tell them to leave."
All of the girls surrounding Nabiki turned and stared at Ranma. Nabiki made her way to the front of the group. "I don't think I like your tone, I told you they want revenge and this is how they are going to get it. I will not let you send them away and I won't tell them to leave either."
I am not asking you to send them away, I am telling you. This is a succession battle and we don't want any peeping toms. Our families should be happy that we allow them to see this fight, even though a succession fight is usually a match between student and master with no audience." Ranma opened her eyes and where her eyes where normally a bright blue, they now where a glowing white light. If anyone had seen the light coming from the crystal of life when Ranma used it, they would swear it was the same. "I will not tell you again, this is a fight for our families and no one else."
No one knew how to react to Ranma's reaction. After a few minutes of silence Nabiki nodded. "Very well. Everyone here is your money back, I'll tell you about the fight tomorrow." All of the other people took their money back and left, the only ones there now where Cologne, Shampoo and Mouse.
"Ranma, what happened to you your eyes? They are glowing." It was Akane who dared to ask Ranma what was going on.
Ranma looked at Akane and took a deep breath, soon after her eyes stopped glowing and they where their normal blue color. "I don't know what it was exactly but I'm so psyched up right now. It's as if I'm bursting with energy and I know this fight will be unlike any other fight I have been in before. I'm looking really forward to fight Happosai." She then turned and faced Cologne and consorts. "I see you have heard about our fight?"
Cologne hopped forward a few steps. "Yes son in law I have heard of it. I also would like to be here and witness the fight and be able to tell the people in our village of his defeat. That is if you'll allow it?"
"I'm not the one to ask, you'd be better of to ask Happosai himself."
Suddenly one of the windows broke and a small blur flew in and started bouncing around for a few second, it then decided to settle on Ranma's chest. As soon as it glomped on Ranma saw what or better who it was, Happosai. At first Ranma got angry but then cooled down remembering one of her dreams.
She was standing before her teacher. They had just sparred for a few hours and during this fight she had lost her temper when she was trying to hit her teacher. Each time she tried to hit him, he would dodge and slap her hand, face or somewhere else. After about an hour she had had enough of this and got angry, as soon as her sensei saw this he stopped the fight. He then said something to her that was one of the rules of their Art: "A true master will keep his emotions at bay and knows when to show certain emotions. An angry fighter is an unfocussed fighter." After their temper had settled they continued the sparring session.
Ranma looked at the package glomped to her chest, calmed down and spoke. "I see you are here now. Let's hope you will be more serious during our fight."
Happosai released Ranma and stepped back a few feet. "Don't worry Ranma, I have no intentions of doing such things during our fight. I consider this a goodbye glomp. I would love to do the same to Akane, but after what has happened to her I don't think that is wise. I see that Cologne is here to, I thought this was to be a fight for family only."
"You're right Happi but I had hoped I would be able to witness this succession fight. You know the things you have done to our village and this would be a way to get revenge for them all. To see you defeated by your pupil. So I ask you to let us watch this fight."
"Oh I don't mind at all. I know very well how angry your village is at me and if this will set your mind at ease a bit, you can watch. Now Ranma what you say we get started?"
Ranma looked at his opponent and nodded. "Very well let's be underway." She walked over to one side of the dojo as Happosai walked over to the other side. They both dropped into a relaxed stance and waited.
Soun saw the both of them ready he stepped forward. "Okay now that both fighter are present we will begin the match. Fighters ready? Hajime." As soon as Soun gave the signal he jumped back and Ranma and Happosai sprung into action.
Ranma and Happosai had closed the gap in the blink of and eye. As soon as Happosai was close to Ranma he began. Due to his size he was able to get close to Ranma and attack. He opened with a punch kick combination.
Ranma saw Happosai coming and prepared for his attack. She was shocked when she saw Happosai bypass her defenses and attack at close range. During the times they had fought before he had never used his size in this way. The combination managed to hit and Ranma found out just how strong Happosai was for real. If it weren't for her training she would have broken several of her ribs. As soon as she felt the punches and kicks she jumped back and looked at Happosai. She saw him standing there with a stern look on his face. "I see you have been holding back when we had out fights before today. Just like me."
Happosai was about to nod as an answer to Ranma's statement but was surprised at what Ranma had said. "Huh what do you mean: just like me? Don't tell me you have been holding back during our fights." Both fighters where circling each other while talking.
"Oh yes, I was holding back during every fight we had before, not only during our fights but also when I fought Kuno, Ryoga, Mouse, Cologne or even Herb. I did this because I was afraid to hurt or even kill someone but that has changed. Even when someone forced me to fight them, I would hold back. This changed when I was in China, when there I decided not to hold back anymore when family or friends where concerned. If anyone dared to try and hurt any of them I would fight back with everything I have. When this fight began I thought I would be able to go easier on you but now it seems I am mistaken. So are you ready Happosai?"
"Oh yes Ranma, I was looking forward to this for a long time so I will no back out or anything. Give me your best shot." Happosai jumped back and prepared for Ranma's attack.
"Okay here I come." Ranma changed her stance to that of a Mui Tai fighter. Hands high and knees bend. She then attacked, she moved so fast that almost no one was unable to follow her moves.
Happosai recognized the stance and thought to be ready but was shocked by Ranma's speed. She seemed to disappear and reappear just in front of him.
Ranma decided to show Happosai she mend business and attacked at full force.
For those of you wondering: At this point Ranma is not using the full 100% of her body's power. She was fighting him as the Ranma from before the "dream lessons". If she had been using her full potential Happosai would be nothing but a bloody mess.
When Ranma was close enough she attacked, a fierce right kick to Happosai's middle. The force of the attack send him flying through the outer wall of the dojo where, after slamming into the outer wall, he stopped.
After Happosai got up he looked at the hole in the wall and saw Ranma standing there on one leg, the other still stretched. "I see Ranma you truly have been holding back in our earlier fights. I'd say the kitty gloves are off, are you ready for some more Ranma? Here it comes. Founding School of Anything Goes Martial Arts final attack. HAPPO FIRE BURST." Happosai pulled out a small cherry bomb and lobbed it at Ranma. He smiled when he saw Ranma remain where she was. This bomb he created especially for today, it was made so the explosion was very powerful but the blast radius was approx one meter. The bomb would also have a fuse that was timed perfectly. The fuse would enter the bomb very fast and detonate when close to Ranma. Even though he wanted Ranma to win, he would not give him the title.
Ranma saw the bomb coming and grinned, somehow she knew that this was not like his usual bombs. So before the bomb had a chance get close she reacted. She raced to the bomb and with a single move of her hand she pulled the fuse from the bomb. The bomb then flew past her and dropped to the ground without doing any damage.
Happosai was shocked when Ranma was able to pull the fuse from the bomb before it exploded. He had though to have timed it perfectly, yet it seemed he had underestimated Ranma's speed. He now knew this was going to be a hand-to-hand fight till the end. He made his way to the dojo.
Ranma say the stunned look on Happosai's face and grinned. She let Happosai walk over to the dojo and let him get ready.
"Okay Happosai, let's cut the fooling around and get down to business. What you say you stop with the fireworks and get real?"
"Very well Ranma, we will finish this fight the old fashioned way. With our fists."
As Ranma was about to attack she saw a bright flash of light and when it stopped she was standing in the middle of a dojo. It was the same dojo as in her dreams. "Huh what am I doing here, ho did I get here?" Ranma suddenly felt a presence behind her and was bout to turn around when she heard a voice. "Please Ranma don't turn just yet."
Ranma recognized the voice, it was the same on she had heard on several occasions. "Why, I was in the middle of a fight and can't afford to zone out like this."
"Don't worry, this is happening in a single heartbeat, when you reawaken, only a second will have elapsed. Right now I want you to spar with me and listen to what I have to say."
"If what you are saying is real, I won't mind to spar, but in order to do so I have to turn around and face you."
"You're right but you will fight me blind folded, just like one of our last lessons. So I will now blindfold you, Okay?"
Ranma just nodded and started to think as a blindfold was done over her eyes. Suddenly something hit her. "Hey wait a minute, what do you mean with "our lessons"? I don't think I have seen you and the body I'm in, couldn't be yours if I judge you are age correctly." When the blindfold was done she was turned around. Instinctively she got into a stance.
"I will explain while we spar okay?"
"Oh, okay." Ranma took a deep breath and focused and she could then feel someone approach her. She started of move on instinct, letting her mind control her body. She started to dodge attacks and counter on instinct.
"Ah I see you have come a long way with our lessons. Now like is said I will explain some things to you." They continued their fight yet talked as if they where walking together. "Now I know of your lesson because I am the one you have been training with, that is I'm the girl through whose eyes you experience the training."
"Huh you mean you are her but how, you sound a lot older?"
"Yes I am a lot older because the things you experience are my memories. You must have noticed that during the training the body you where in was growing up."
"Now that you mention it you're right, I did notice but paid no attention to it. I was enjoying the training to much."
"Yes I know how much you like martial arts. Like I said the things you saw in your dreams are my memories."
"But if they are your memories, how did I get them, who are you?"
"Before I introduce myself I'll tell you something about the Art you are learning. The martial art you are learning is called the Hokuto Shin Ken. It's and Art that is almost two thousand years old. It is said to have a divine origin. This art is on, if not the most powerful art in existence. There can be only one Hokuto Shin Ken master at a time and there can be only a male heir. Before you ask how it's possible for me to know this, I'll tell you. When my father was the master he started to look for a new successor when he felt it was needed. He traveled many years but was unable to find a worthy heir. During his travels he met a young woman who he started to like. One day they settled down to live out their lives, yet my father still felt the need to find an heir so he told his wife he would go out one last time to find and heir. He told her he would be away for 6 months. She knew how important this was to him and agreed. So my father set out one last time."
"Ah, let me guess. He was unable to find a worthy male heir so decided to train you."
"No exactly. After nine months he came home, three months later then he told his wife. When he came home he found the house was no longer inhabited with just one person. There where two people living there, his wife and their daughter. She told him that while he was away she found out she was pregnant and two weeks before he came back she was born. The man was truly happy when he saw his daughter and right then when he was there he decided to ignore one of the most important rules of the Hokuto Shin Ken. He was going to make their daughter the new heir. He knew if he didn't do this, the art would be lost because he was unable to find a worthy heir. So he was going to train his daughter when she reached the proper age, in her case four years."
"Hey wait a sec, that means that you are.."
"Yes Ranma I am that daughter and the man and woman who I'm telling you about are my father and mother. My mother was happy my father would finally settle down with her. He was happy he would finally be able to find an heir. Yet their happiness was not for long for my mother came down with a terrible sickness, one which not even my father, with all the knowledge of the Hokuto Shin Ken, could cure. She passed away when I was eight months old. I have no memories of my mother. This event made my father doubt about his decision, he knew the training was to be a very hard one, I could even die during the training. Then one night he told me he had dreamed about my mother who told him not to give up. I would be strong and become a worthy heir. After this he decided to train me in the Art and when I was four years old he began my training. After about two years of training I had mastered more then anyone else had in two years. I was what he called a miracle student. I mastered techniques in such a short period. He told me if I kept his up I would be a master at the age of fifteen. He was right about that, when I was fifteen years old I had mastered every technique yet my emotional state was not perfect yet so he would train me until he found me fit to become his heir. But before I became his heir something happened. One day I was out to gather food for dinner, when I came home I found our house in shambles and my father was lying on the ground. When I asked what happened he told me but three things.
One: "It was the master of the yang side of our school, he told me it was the Fist of the Southern Cross who did this."
Two: "Don't stay here, I am going to die and you are not ready to face him. It's his intention to finish of anyone who knows the Hokuto Shin Ken." I would not be able to beat him, even though I knew almost every technique, yet for one. He hoped I would be able to master this final technique when he died.
Three: "I love you my daughter and I am proud to see you like you are today. You are a worthy heir of the art." He then died in my hands.
I was struck with sadness unlike any other. First I lost my mother before I had a chance to know her, this has always left a sort of void in my hart and when my father died something happened, as his life left his body in my arms I could feel him inside me. Every since that day I have tried to find out what happened to me yet was unable to. So I did what my father told me to, I ran as fast as I could. I soon found myself being followed by someone. I could feel that this was the man that killed my father. I ran through the forest but soon was cornered on a cliff and just when I turned around I saw the man stand before me as he attacked, his hand passed through my chest. He then laughed and said that the Hokuto Shin Ken was now extinct and he shoved me of the cliff. The wound he inflicted and the fall would weren't the things that killed me. As I fell I ended up in a pool of water and due to the blood loss and the wound I drowned there. I think you know what pool I am talking about."
Ranma could sense that the girl had stopped fighting so she stopped also. "You mean you where the one who drowned in the spring that created the spring of drwoned girl?"
Ranma heard no answer but felt the girl step closer and soon found her blindfold removed. As soon as her eyes had adapted to the light she saw a girl stand before her. She knew she was the one who she had been training with. She was baffled when she saw her, she looked a lot like Ranma. Then main difference was that she had a slightly thinner figure, longer hair and green eyes. For the rest she was her mirror image of Ranma, her hair even had the exact same color as Ranma's. Ranma was unable to speak so the girl spoke first.
"My name is Hotaru, master of the Hokuto Shin Ken and your sensei." The girl bowed and then smiled to Ranma.
"Uh nice to meet cha. Could you please explain something to me?"
"Sure you can ask anything you want."
"If you drowned in that spring then how did I get your memories?" Ranma had a very puzzled look on her face.
"When I drowned in the spring I died yes but only my body died. My soul became trapped in the spring and I was conscious while I was there. It seemed I was doomed to be trapped there forever. At first I was so afraid of being stuck there forever but after awhile I discovered several things. I found my self able to see outside of the spring, even though it was a small part, I was able to see out nonetheless. I saw animals and people come and go. After several people had fallen into my spring I discovered I was able to get in their body and merge with their mind. Even though it was tempting I decided not to do this. So many more decades passed during this time I was beginning to feel the need to find an heir for the Art. So I decided to see if there was a worthy heir among the people who fell into the spring. None of the people who fell in met up to my standards and it seemed I was doomed to be there forever. That was until one day a young boy came to Jusenkyo and was knocked in my spring by his father. That boy was you Ranma, when you fell in I started to see if you would be able to learn the Hokuto Shin Ken. When I peeked in your body I found a hart of a true martial artist. You where someone who would protect the people who needed it even if it would kill you. I also saw a potential in you I had never seen before. From what my father had told me you had the same if not a higher potential then me. I decided to merge with you, after I did this I was dormant in your mind. That was until you where back here in China and started to meditate to prepare yourself for the fight to come. When I sensed this I decided it was time to begin your training, I showed you one of the things of my school. You picked it up with only seeing it once, I was amazed at your skill and wanted to continue your training. I felt in your mind that you also wanted to get this over with as soon as possible and go home to Akane. So I waited with the training until you had cured Akane. Ever since that day I have been instructing you with the help of my own memories. I have to say that you are exceeding every expectation I had. You are worthy of the power of the Hokuto Shin Ken."
Ranma was silent for several minutes as her brain processed the information she had received. "Ah now I see and let me guess you know about Akane and the fight and everything about me through my memories? Also does this mean you are no longer trapped in the spring?"
"Yes I know everything about you also my conscious in now no longer trapped in the spring as I am now a part of you. I hope you are not angry at me for not asking you if I could merge with you."
"No I'm not mad, I'm glad I was able to help I'm also very happy you are willing to teach me this Hokuto Shin Ken, from what I have seen it's a very powerful art. Yet one thing puzzles me, why did you choose this time to tell me this, couldn't this wait until I was asleep?"
"I chose this time for I could feel you where holding back the Hokuto in this fight and wanted to ask you why."
"This is an Anything Goes fight so I'm not allowed to use the techniques from another school."
"HAHAHAHA!" the girls started to laugh and Ranma had no idea what to think of it. "I think you are mistaken. From what I have seen in your memories I know that the Mosabetsu Kakuto Ryu is a style that contains many different styles. It has incorporated almost all of the strong points of every art in it and even now grows with the knowledge you have obtained. You see, you are allowed to use the Amazon Wu Shu and the Hokuto Shin Ken in this fight if you want."
Ranma started to think about what she had said and the slapped her head. "OH man, you're right. I just think it would be proper to ask my teachers if it's okay to incorporate their techniques in my style."
"Oh if that's what you want then I grant you permission to incorporate the Hokuto in your style."
"You mean it? All right, can I go back to the fight now? I'm really anxious to finish it."
"You can go but before you go I have to tell you something. If you choose to incorporate the Hokuto Shin Ken in you art, you will no longer be the Ranma Saotome from before, you will be a different person. Also I have seen in your mind that you are going to train your fiancée in the Musabetsu Kakuto Ryu and even the Hokuto Shin Ken. I have to tell you that there can be only one heir to the Hokuto. I know how much you want to help her so I will allow you to teach her some of the things of the Hokuto Shin Ken but only some. I think you know what to teach her and what not too. Do you agree with this? If not I will be forced to erase all of the knowledge of the Hokuto Shin Ken from your mind and I have the power to do this."
"I know what you mean, I have more or less chosen this to be the last fight of the Ranma Saotome born in Japan and decided to be the first fight of the new Ranma Saotome born in China when I met you. Also after the things you told me I understand, I will teach Akane only a small part of the Hokuto Shin Ken."
"Good Ranma, my student. Now remember you are not a master yes so we will continue our training. Also remember you are the only living student and practitioner of the Hokuto Shin Ken so make me proud." Hotaru stepped forward and hugged Ranma. "Good luck Ranma."
Ranma returned the hug. "Thank you sensei."
As the last words left Ranma's mouth she was back in the Tendo dojo. It took her only a minute to see what was going on. Happosai had launched himself into an attack and was flying towards him with an incredible speed.
Happosai had decided to put almost all of his strength behind this attack. This attack was derived from a sword technique; he could not remember the sword technique. The bases of this technique was to attack so fast and hard that it would penetrate any defense. He knew that Ranma was not going to be able to dodge this and this saddened him.
Ranma saw Happosai coming and smirked. When Happosai was close enough she simply jumped away from the attack, she did this with such great speed that she literally seemed to disappear from the spot. Everyone in the boggled as they saw Ranma dodge the attack with such great speed.
As Happosai flew passed Ranma one thought ran through his mind. How the hell did he do that, now one is that fast. Happosai came to a halt several meters behind Ranma. He turned and saw Ranma standing there with a somewhat sad smile on her face. "What are you smiling about Ranma?"
Ranma dropped out of her stance and looked at everyone in the room and then looked at Happosai. "I am just happy that this fight is so exciting, you see this is the last fight of Ranma Saotome born in Japan."
When everyone heard Ranma say this they gasped. After some time Cologne was the first to speak. "What do you mean son in law? Are you giving up martial arts?"
"Oh no Cologne I am not going to give up martial arts but when I was in China a new Ranma was born, one who would do everything to help his family and friends. Also when I was there I began learning a new art. Starting as of now I am Ranma Saotome of the Saotome Musabetsu Kakuto Ryu AND sole living student and practitioner of the Hokuto Shin Ken."
The last words came out with an amount of pride they had never heard in her voice. "And before you ask me about this, I will explain this when I feel ready to, okay?"
Everyone though about this for a minute and then nodded as Akane spoke. "Very well Ranma we will wait until you feel ready."
"Thank you." She then turned to face Happosai. "Now what do you say I show you what the new Ranma is capable of?"
Happosai grinned, his hart was jumping from joy, he now knew Ranma would be a worthy heir to the school and he also wanted to see what this Hokuto Shin Ken was. "Sure Ranma my boy, let's get this over with." Happosai changed his stance into a defensive one and waited.
Ranma saw this stance and smiled, she the dropped into a stance no one recognized. Suddenly everyone felt an enormous amount of power coming form Ranma. I almost literally knocked them of their feet.
"Okay here I come. Hokuto Hyakuretsu Ken!!" Ranma attacked, the Hundred crack fist, when used normally, was incredibly fast and strong, now that Ranma used it, it was even faster and stronger as he combined it with his amaguriken punches.
Happosai boggled as he saw Ranma disappear and reappear in front of him. He tried to defend from her attack but was unable to, with in a fraction of a second he was struck by every punch. As soon as the attack stopped he slumped to the ground totally battered and beaten.
Ranma saw Happosai slump to the ground and kneeled next to him. "Hey you okay?"
Happosai looked at Ranma and tried to smile. "I'm fine Ranma, it seems you truly are my superior. You have defeated me and I give you the title: Grandmaster of the School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. I am glad you have beaten me, now if you would excuse me I think I need some rest." With that said he lost conscious.
Ranma told everyone to wait while she brought Happosai to his room. When she came there she put him on his futon and pressed several of his pressure points to help him heal. She then went back to the dojo.
After Ranma left Cologne began to think of way to force him to marry Shampoo. We need his strength in our clan. Also this Hokuto Shin Ken seems like a powerful art and we need it also. She started to think of ways to get Ranma in her clan, these thoughts where interrupted when Ranma re- entered the dojo and went over to Akane.
Ranma walked over to Akane and whispered something in her ear. "Akane could I talk to you for a sec, in private?"
Akane nodded and together they went outside, Ranma picked her up and sat down on the roof of the house. Akane looked at Ranma. "What did you want to talk about Ranma?"
"I have been wondering, how would you like it if Shampoo was of my back."
"You mean no more Ranma airen? I would love that, she is a nice girl but I would like her to stay out of our hair."
"I have a plan to make this possible but it will mean you will have to fight Shampoo in a duel and beat her."
"You mean me fight Shampoo, but even though I don't like to tell you this, she is so good. I don't think I would be able to beat her like I am now."
"Don't worry about that. We will train together and within one week you will be able to beat her very easily. Trust me, okay?"
Akane thought about what Ranma had said. She knew Ranma was a good teacher and would not lie to her, so she decided to trust her. "Very well Ranma I will do as you say."
"Okay then when we get back I want you to tell her this." Ranma whispered something in Akane's ear and had to repeat it a few times until she got it right. They then got down and went back to the dojo again.
When they enterd Akane walked up to Shampoo. She took a deep breath and repeated what Ranma had told her. In Chinese, "Shampoo of the Joketsuzoku amazons. I challenge you to a fight for Ranma's hand. The loser will give up on Ranma. If you accept, the fight will be in one week." Even though her Chinese was bad, Shampoo and Cologne got the message.
Shampoo looked at her great grandmother, who nodded. The Shampoo answered in her best Japanese. "Shampoo accepts the challenge, one week from no we fight."
Cologne was smiling inwardly, she knew Shampoo was able to beat Akane for she was way better then her and she would train Shampoo herself.
Ranma saw that Cologne was happy with this challenge and thought. You smile now Cologne but after I'm done with Akane she will wipe the floor with Shampoo.
"Okay Shampoo, we will fight in one week, until then." Akane turned around and went back to the house. She wanted to get some sleep, tomorrow would be a hard day. After Akane had left, so did Cologne, Shampoo and Mouse.
Soun hearing her daughter issue a challenge bursted in tears. "WWWHAAAAHHHHHH, my little girl is growing up."
Kasumi went over to her father and comforted him. "SSSSHHHH, it's okay father."
Ranma walked over to Soun and placed her hand on his shoulder. "You bet it's gonna be okay, when I'm done training Akane she will beat Shampoo in no time flat."
Nodoka heard her son say that she was going to help her fiancée train and win was proud of this. "Oh my son, you really are a man, standing with your fiancée like this. I am so proud." She went over to her female son (wow talk about a contradiction) and hugged her.
"Uhm yeah thanks mom. If it's okay with you I will go to bed now, I'm exhausted by this fight and need some sleep." Ranma pried his mother's hands of and went to bed. As soon as her head the pillow she fell asleep.
This night she didn't dream of training, this time she dreamed of being with Akane, just walking and talking and no other trouble.
That morning Ranma was awoken by an upset Kasumi, she came storming in the room. "RANMA, RANMA wake up, please wake up."
Ranma slowly opened her eyes and looked at her new alarm clock. "Eh, whatsa matter ksumi?" Because Ranma was still sleepy her speech wasn't very good.
"It's grandfather Happosai, he isn't feeling very good and wants to see you right now." Kasumi left the room in a hurry.
Ranma, never having seen Kasumi like this decided to get a move on. She got up and made her way to Happosai's room. When she came there everyone was sitting next o Happosai's bed. Ranma looked at the old man and could see something was wrong. "What's the matter Happosai?"
Happosai turned his head and faced Ranma. "Ah Ranma you are here. I would like to have a chat with you please." Happosai's voice was weak and broken.
Ranma could tell something was very wrong, she hoped she could help him. "Why don't you rest first and I'll see if I can help you. Okay?"
"No Ranma this cannot wait, and helping me is of no use. Soun could you and the others please give Ranma and me some privacy?"
"Yes master." Soun's answer was unlike his usual begging kind of yes master's. He also sensed something was amiss and would respect his sensei's wishes. He motioned the others to leave Ranma and Happosai alone. They all left the room and went over to the living room.
"What is it? Why did you insist on talking to me? I think you should get better first." Ranma had sat down next to Happosai.
"I don't have time to rest. First of all I would like to congratulate you on your victory yesterday. Like I thought, you are worthy of the title Anything Goes Grandmaster." Happosai took some time to catch his breath, he was very weak.
"Thanks but now you must rest, I'll see if I can help." Ranma was about to press some of Happosai's pressure points to help him but was stopped when Happosai held up his hand and spoke. "No Ranma, it's to late for help now. You see I'm dying."
"WHAT, WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE DYING??" Ranma was taken back by Happosai's words.
"It's true Ranma, I don't have very long to live. You see my fight last night was the last of my life. When you challenged me for the title I was glad the time had finally come. When this fight was over I could finally rest. You see I have been alive for so many years and stayed alive to find someone worthy of the Grandmaster title. When I saw you for the first time I saw your potential and just knew you would be the new grandmaster one day. Ever since that day all of our fights have been leading up to this point. Yesterday my suffering finally ended, you see I have wanted to die for such a long time but was unable to. I had to find a heir first and yesterday you inherited the title."
Ranma was completely taken back by Happosai's words. Happosai wanted to die? "You mean all the panty stealing, chest groping was to train me? You could have simply told me you where going to train me."
"I could have but you see I knew that if it would seem as if I was an old pervert all the time you would fight me with all your might. If I'd have told you I was going to train you it would just have been a training, now it was real life and in life you learn more then with any kind of training. So I hope you can forgive me for this."
"I see now, you're right you know. Life itself is harder then any training. Also I do forgive you for everything and I think the ret here will do the same."
"Thank Ranma, now there is only one thing left to do."
"What's that?"
"Please help me sit up, I need to show you something." Happosai tried to get up and Ranma helped him to sit up, when he was up he continued. "Now please take of my shirt."
At first Ranma thought this was one of his perverted schemes but he soon realized he was being honest with him. Ranma helped to take of his shirt. Happosai then turned his back to Ranma. What Ranma saw on his back made her jump a bit. On his back was a tattoo of a dragon, it was unlike any dragon she had seen before. She had no words to describe it for it was simply beautiful. "Happosai it's beautiful, where did you get it?"
"It was given to me by my master."
"Huh what do you mean master, what master?"
"Did you really think I was the true founder of the school of anything goes martial arts. I was also a puple in the art, I am the third grandmaster of this art. I received this tattoo from my master after I got the title from him. He before me had received the tattoo from his master. The tattoo has a very special meaning. You see it's a sign that you are an honerary Amazon warrior, even if you are a male. Many years ago the second Anything goes Grandmaster saved the Amazon village in China from extinction as it was attacked a nearby village. My master saw the fight and found it wrong, the other village was attacking the amazons just because they wanted their land so he intervened. With his skills he defeated almost every warrior of the enemy village. The amazons who witnessed his fight told their elder who in their turn made him an honorary Amazon warrior and told him he was now one of them. They also said that when the time came for a new anything goes grandmaster to arise, the tattoo would be passed on. I have never told Cologne this for I felt it to be wrong, the things I did to her where not very nice. If she had known about the tattoo she would have to respect me no mater what I had done before. And now the time has come to give you this tattoo, show it to Cologne and Shampoo will lose any claim she has on you and you will be free to marry Akane."
"Huh you mean I'm gonna get a tattoo, I don't know if mom will..." Ranma was cut short as Happosai took hold of her hand and Ranma felt something flow though her body. The feeling went all the way to her right shoulder, when it came there she started to feel a tingling sensation. Soon this turned into a slight burning feeling and no soon after it was as if someone was using a laser to write something in her back. The pain only lasted for a few seconds when it stopped Ranma felt a warm feeling coming from her shoulder. When she looked she saw the same tattoo Happosai had. She then looked at Happosai and saw the tattoo was gone from his shoulder. "Whoa how did you.."
Happosai keeled over and Ranma caught him. "It's done Ranma, you are now the official heir to the Musabetsu Kakuto Ryu and a honorary Amazon warrior. I can finally rest now. I have but one favor to ask you."
Ranma swallowed, he knew Happosai was going to die. "Sure anything."
"I would like you to ask Soun if I can be buried in their yard next to the dojo. You see I have made many enemies in my life and some of them might try to get a hold of my body. If they would get a hold of it they could do terrible things so if I'm buried here and you are the only ones to know this I can truly rest. Also this place is the first place I was ever able to call home, you where like family to me. After I am gone I don't want all of you to grief about me for to long, tomorrow I want you to go on with your lives. Okay? It's my last request."
Ranma felt her hart sink, even though he was an old pervert most of the time he was family. "I will ask Mr. Tendo to do as you wish. Also if anyone ever comes asking for you we will tell them you left and won't let anyone touch your grave."
"Thank you Ranmaaa." With this Happosai died in Ranma's arms.
Ranma closed her eyes and cried she had lost a sensei and family. Gently she picked Happosai up and left the room. She went downstairs to the living room.
Everyone was gathered in the living room and all where wondering what was going on upstairs. "Say Akane, do you have any idea what's going on with those two?"
"I have no idea Nabiki. I'm going to ask.."
"OH MY, grandfather Happosai what happened to him." Kasumi saw Ranma step in while carrying Happosai in her arms.
Everyone's heads snapped in Ranma's direction and all gasped when they saw the pail Happosai and the tears on Ranma's cheeks. Nodoka got up and went to her son's side. "Ranma what happened?"
Ranma looked at all the people in the room and then walked away from his mother and over to Soun. "Tendo Soun, Saotome Genma, our master has passed away."
Soun did not fail to notice Ranma's "our", it seemed Ranma had finally accepted him as a teacher.
Genma hearing these words went over to stand next to his son and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Ranma looked at her father, who nodded and bowed his head in respect for his sensei. "Tendo Soun, our master had one last request."
"Tell me and I will see it is granted." Soun's voice was a steady one, even though he was sad inside. He and Genma had spend a great deal of their life with the old man and even though he treated them like crap most of the time he also had taken care of them when they where in need of help.
"He has asked me to be buried here in your yard next to the dojo."
"I see, I will grant his request and bury him here. I think I know why he wants to be buried here so as of today no one here knows the where abouts of Happosai. Now come, Genma, Ranma, let us bury our master with honor.
The three left the house with Happosai still in Ranma's arms and all knew that this was something the three of them had to do alone. When they left Kasumi and Akane started to cry, they would miss the little pervert. Nabiki was also crying but only on the inside. Nodoka made her way to the three young girls to comfort them. She wished she was with her son now but she had to do this first.
Outside The two students and new Grandmaster made a grave next to the dojo where they buried their master. After they where done they prayed and left the grave unmarked, only the family would know where he was buried. When the men cam inside they had a stern yet sad look on their face and Ranma went over to Akane and her sister to comfort them. Sure she was sad but it seemed like the others needed help more then her. She hugged Akane and stayed with her and her sisters until they felt ready to go on. She told them about how Happosai had considered the people in this house as a family and how he wanted them to go on with their lives.
That day no one went to school and that night everyone cried as they fell asleep.
The next day everyone was sitting down at the table and was trying to get on with their lives. Everyone was silent at the breakfast table as they ate their food. When they where done Akane and Nabiki got ready to go to school. Just when Akane was about to leave Ranma stopped her. "Akane wait up, I'm going with ya."
"Huh what do you mean Ranma? Are you going to school today?"
"Yes Akane, I have been sitting at home long enough. It is time I face how I am today and I get on with my life. Starting today a new Ranma will attend Furinkan High." Ranma put on her shoes, as Kasumi prepared her bento. Then together with Akane they went to school.
As usual Ranma was walking on the fence and Akane was down on the ground. "Say Akane, when we get back from school today we will make our homework and then start your training in the dojo. Also staring tomorrow we will practice every morning, every spare minute of your time will be filled with training."
Akane looked at Ranma. It seemed as if nothing had happened yesterday. "Ranma aren't you a bit to excited today, you do know what happened yesterday?"
"OF COURSE I DO." Ranma yelled at Akane who was taken back by Ranma's reaction. "I'm sorry Akane, it's just he asked us to get on with our lives as soon as possible and right now you have something else to worry about. The fight with Shampoo is in 6 days and we have to get you in shape."
"I know Ranma it's just that I kinda miss him. But you're right I have to get into shape."
"Good now I have one question. Why is it that you lose your temper so easily?"
Akane thought about this for a bit and she had to admit she had been wondering the same thing. Why do I get angry so fast and some time ago she found the answer. "I think it has to do with my mother, I don't remember her very well. All I really remember I her telling me she would stay with me forever and that we would do all these fun things. When she died I thought she had lied to me and got angry about that and ever since that day I would lose my temper really fast." When she was done a few tears made her down her face.
Ranma listened to Akane and felt sorry for her, she jumped down and placed an arm around her neck. "Ssshhh it's okay, I understand now. I had to ask this because your temper is what is holding you back to become a better martial artist. In order to improve you will have to learn how to control your emotions, when you have achieved this you will be able to learn things you never dreamt of being possible. I think that this is what your mother would like to see from you. She did not leave you or lie to you. Death is something that comes for everyone at one point and her time was then. I am sure that all she wants is to see you get along with your life and not be angry at her or others all the time. Don't you think so?"
"I guess you're right Ranma. I will try and get a better grip on my emotions."
Ranma got on her toes and kissed Akane on her cheek. Akane felt this and nearly freaked. "Ranma, what did you do that for? What of someone saw us?"
"What did you just promise, and what's so bad about me kissing the woman I love huh? I don't care if anyone saw this."
"Oh okay." Together they went to school but before they came there they saw several large banners hang from the school. As soon as they read these, a huge sweat drop appeared on their heads.
They read in this order: "Ranma has gone missing."
"It's time to help Akane get on with her life."
"Akane we will defeat you once again."
"And make you happy."
Ranma looked at Akane and saw her temper rise. "Now now Akane, keep your calm, consider this your first lesson for today. I want you to defeat those guys without losing your cool and I also want you to dodge their attacks instead of blocking them okay?"
Akane heard Ranma's words and took several deep breaths to calm down. "Okay Ranma I will do as you ask me. But tell me what do mean with dodge their attacks, I can easily block them?"
"I know Akane it's just that you try to block every attack thrown at you. This is fine when the attacks are weak but when they are strong you will get hurt if you try and block them. In the end you are better of dodging an attack then blocking one. So today you will try and dodge the attacks instead of blocking them, you may block if it's the only choice. Now show those punks what you are made of. Oh one more thing, if Kuno's there let me handle him please."
"Okay Ranma." Akane straightened her back and with a steady pace entered the school grounds as she was met by almost every boy in school. She did not rush in but kept her head cool and simply walked towards the charging mob.
Ranma in her turn chose to watch the events from the top of the wall. She smiled when she felt how calm Akane was, she would do just fine.
To be continued.
Well we finally know who the girl in Ranma's dreams is and what she is doing. Next time we will see if Akane is able to defeat Shampoo and how Cologne will react to Ranma's new tattoo. Also Ranma will try and deal with Kuno and make him clear she isn't interested
