Disclaimer: All characters from Ranma1/2 depicted in this piece of writing belong to
Rumiko Takahashi & Viz Communications. All characters from Valkyrie Profile are the
creations of Enix & Project Profile.
All characters from Ah! My Goddess do not belong to me either.
No copyright infringement is meant & no attempt to past this as my own creation is made.
Legend:****** means a switch of point of view.
Valkyrie Ranma Side Story: Scarlet Dawn.
"Your father certainly took it well eh, Nabiki?" quipped Cologne as she waited in the outskirts
of Nerima for the transport to China.
"I would appreciate some respect for the family of the deceased thank you," replied Nabiki, who
was wiping tears off her cheeks. "Saotome's death has been quite a loss to all of us, and we do
regard him as part of the family. Too bad it's not the older Saotome, which incidentally I don't
regard as family. That would have been a cause of celebration."
"I was merely stating a fact, young one, I had fully expected Soun Tendo to audible from here,
even if it is some 40 kilometers away from the Tendo Dojo." Nabiki decided not to dignify the
question with an answer and turned her head away with a sniff.
There was silence for a few minutes before Nabiki asked again, " So, we will be flying to the
village directly?" Cologne sighed tiredly before saying " Usually, but the multiple trips between
Japan and China has the PLA and the JSDF really flustered. The officers on our payroll can only
guarantee our safety through the Sea of Japan and onto the Hainan airbase near Nanjing.
"Fortunately the Chinese Navy can transport lend us one of their speedboats. From there, we shall
proceed to Mulan Point, one of the secret piers, which is an Amazon stronghold and sail north
towards the Yangtze (1) intersection with the Yellow (2) river. Shampoo and the others should be
waiting there."
Nabiki than decided to ask Cologne the one thing she never figured out about her. " So, Cologne,
how did you find out about this. I've tapped your lines before, but I've never heard you calling
the Amazon village's only telephone. Since our little game's over, why not spill the beans?"
Cologne's eyes scanned the skies as she answered, "I used e-mail." Ignoring Nabiki's surprised
expression, she pointed her staff at the sky. " Here comes our transport now."
"A helicopter?" as she heard the twirling sound of rotor blades "They are just full of surprises,
these Amazons." Nabiki's jaws dropped as she laid eyes on the approaching Soviet Hind-D bearing
the insignia of the PLA air force " How the hell did THAT get here?"
As Nabiki mumbled about the incompetence and corruption of the JSDF, Cologne could not help but
think she has forgotten something about traveling on the Yangtze through that particular route.
Five hours after the battle of Phoenix Mountain, Nabiki sat on the deck on the rowboat she had
managed to procure from the Amazons. "I really have to repay Cologne for this but how?" pondered
Nabiki. " Owing someone a favor is like being held hostage, and I'd like to get it paid as
quickly as possible."
Nabiki's frown deepened, seeing Cologne pressing the tip of her staff against Akane's chest.
"If Ranma was around he'd make some crack of her small chest, namely how flat it is. Not that he
could do something like that now that he's worm food,"
thought Nabiki wryly. "Just as well, Akane would probably kill him once she recovers from this.
Too bad modern medicine can't do anything about chi rejection."
Nabiki winced as she heard another screech from Akane, and tried not to think of the scars Akane
would have all over herself from all that scratching. The chi Ranma had infused into her gave
some serious strength; augmenting her already formidable physical prowess as well as giving her
some serious speed power ups. The downside of it seems to be that after the first two hours,
Akane started scratching herself furiously, her new strength drawing blood after 3 minutes.
By the time Nabiki, along with Cologne had reached the pier to rendezvous with them two and a
half hours ago, Akane was hysterical. Ryoga and Mousse both had to hold her, while Genma
rowed the boat and kept an eye on Shampoo, whose face was streaked with tears from crying over
the loss of her husband and staring daggers at Akane.
Cologne's attempts to hit her pressure points, including the infamous one Happosai had used on
Ranma were futile. The swirling foreign chi clashed with Akane's own and Cologne's own infusion
of chi through the pressure points only worsened the situation, causing her to scream even louder
while her own chi was absorbed into the vortex of clashing life force. The tremendous effort of
breaking out of the suction of the draining took a lot out of Cologne.
Desperate, Cologne was forced to suppress Akane with her staff, while trying to direct the flow
of the chi inside her. Akane's screams of agony indicated that Cologne's treatment was indeed
having an effect on her. Still they can't really tell if it's working and the elder was in no
condition to talk.
The entire scene took an almost surreal feel when all four of the warriors involved began to
glow brightly, with Akane's own shimmering blue, drawing in the other three's chi and the streams
of distinct auras began to join the kaleidoscope of different clashing life force.
The stalemate ended as Cologne broke contact and removed her staff and sat down panting. Ryoga
and Mousse were on the other hand flung away by the backlash, heading straight down towards the
raging waters of the Yangtze. Mousse was dunked into the river but Ryoga managed to use Mousse as
a trampoline in mid-air and crash-landed back into the boat, while Mousse screamed bloody murder
all the way down into the river.
A duck with glasses landed beside Shampoo, who for once did not hit it with a bonbori but rather
splashed it a hot water flask first then brained him. Nabiki turned her attention to Cologne
who was trying to hide her labored breathing and pale complexion. "This girl will be trouble in
the future to herself and to others," said Cologne to Nabiki " Somehow we must cure this
condition of hers before..." and the elder found herself cut off in mid sentence by a
high-pitched wail.
Cologne's eyes widened in shock as she turned her head, facing some thick mist hanging just above
the water, blocking the boats path. Closer observation revealed some vaguely humanoid faces
within the swirling mass of shades that made up the "mist" though none were exactly complete,
usually with a part torn off. Loud screams and moans, along with cries for vengeance could be
heard echoing through the cool crisp air of the river.
"By the ancestors! How could I have forgotten about the lost souls!" Turning to the other
passengers of the vessel, she barked out her orders, "Ryoga! Whatever you do, don't think ill of
Ranma! Genma! If you even think of anything unwholesome of your deceased son, the village gets a
new panda rug! Mousse! Shampoo! I believe you know what to do in this situation! Nabiki! Forgive
and forget every grudge you may have against Ranma or you may be joining him very soon!" Pausing
to catch her breath, she added, "Most of all think HAPPY thoughts!"
Noticing the Amazon's paled complexions and their frantically nodded agreement, Nabiki studied
Cologne with interest as she sat down, grasping Akane's hand. "Why all this positive thinking
Cologne-san? And what are you doing to Akane?"
"Trying to save her, Nabiki. If her thoughts are negative at any point in that mist, she may
allow the lost souls to invade her mind. And subsequently, her soul." Replied Cologne. Then she
added silently " Or worse, the reverse may happen instead. If she becomes a soul devourer; I will
have to kill her and I really don't want to if possible, not with Ranma gone, it'd be such a
waste of talent." Turning to the urn containing Ranma's ashes, she whispered " Please Ranma,
protect her as you always did in life," and began chanting the Amazon prayer of warding.
Nabiki gulped as she realized just what this meant for her. "C'mon girl, think happy thoughts!
For the love of all that's holy think happy thoughts! I have no intention of ending up as ghost
food!"
**************************************************************************************
Ranma. Where are you Ranma?!
Why aren't you saving me Ranma?! Like you always did?!
Where's my knight in the red silk shirt and pigtails?!
Why didn't you protect me Ranma?! When they hurt me?!
I don't want this Ranma! It hurts! Save me Ranma! All that pain, that irritating itch!
I can't reach them Ranma! Those ants are biting me from the inside Ranma!
They're everywhere! More of them have just arrived Ranma!
From Cologne, from Mousse, even Ryoga! More pain and itch from them! Why?!
Why Ryoga! Why are you doing this! Has all that gentleness been nothing but lies?!
What have I done to you?!
Nabiki! Why aren't you helping me?!
Do I mean so little to you?!
Someone, save me!
Please!!
**************************************************************************************
"This is going better than I expected," thought Cologne with sarcasm. "Three hundred souls
repelled, only two million more to go." Cologne's chants got louder every time the screams and
wails grew more numerous. The tides of the Yangtze were fortunately carrying them across at a
rapid pace through the ghostly barrier. Cologne estimated in about twenty minutes, they should
reach the pier, barring any complications.
It had only been fifteen minutes, but it felt like fifteen years for the crew of the boat.
Cologne's prayers and the combined mental discipline of the crew prevented any of them from
falling prey to the siren call of the lost souls. " Even Genma Saotome proved his worth, perhaps
I have underestimated him. Nabiki Tendo really has a strong presence of mind as well. They should
do well if there are no complications, but it's the youngest that really worries me." Then
Cologne looked at the lying form of Akane Tendo who was still glowing like a beacon from the
clashing chi.
"Why?" Pondered the elder "Conflicting life force should have repelled them instead. What is it
that attracts the restless spirits? What is the answer to all of this?" Sighing, Cologne
devoted her entire mind to praying when she felt a powerful aura envelope the entire area,
shocking the elder to within an inch of her centuries old life.
"What sort of being could possess such vileness? All the demons I've met are literal saints in
comparison!" Cologne felt her faith shaken further as the lost souls scattered in all directions
at the arrival of this monster. "Ye Gods, aid me in my hour of need! What creature can scare away
the vengeful spirits of two million dead?"
Cologne's heart was filled with despair as she saw Akane's chi flare in response to the evil
presence. "Has the worst scenario I have feared come true?" In response to the gathering menace,
the old warrior felt something she has not felt since she was a mere toddler.
Fear.
*************************************************************************************
Who are you! And what are you doing in my head?!
Oh my. A little spitfire, hmm?
What has that got to do with you! I like being who I am!
Spunky too! Yes, you will do nicely.
What are you talking about? Why the hell are you here?!
Me? Oh nothing much really. Just here to teach you just how pathetic your life really is.
...Leave me alone! Now!
I beg your pardon? Exactly how are you going to force me, hmm?
Don't mess with me, bitch! I'm a lot stronger than I ever was!
Really, than those must have been another girl's thoughts I've heard screaming, crying for help?
You've been reading my mind! How dare you!
You would not consider having my thoughts shoved into your face without permission very polite
either.
Tit for tat, Miss Tendo, tit for tat.
Leave you whore! Now!
Very well...Miss Tendo. We shall meet again.
*********************************************************************************
Cologne had began singing the funeral march of the Amazons when faced with the certainty of death
in battle with Shampoo and Mousse, who was still rubbing his head, following her lead. Ryoga, who
too felt the aura, was determined to bring his opponent with him. No way he was going down
without a fight!
Even Nabiki, the only non-combatant, had felt the dark, engulfing presence was determined to meet
her death with dignity, while Genma was predictably frantically searching for a way to escape.
All of them except for Cologne and Akane were shivering from the sudden cold.
A thick fog had covered them and they could barely make out the forms of each other, while
Mousse's coke bottle glasses were foggy from his own breath, not that it could work well in the
first place under these conditions.
"Where is it?" was the collective thought of everyone on the boat, trying to get a glimpse of
whatever was plaguing them.
The deathly silence was shattered as the sound of someone singing soprano rang out from the east.
The expressions of the Amazons were uniformly relived and, the others who upon seeing the Amazon
reaction had their courage strengthened. A baffled Nabiki asked Cologne, "What going on Cologne-
san? What is that singing?"
"The Hymn of Athena! It's an Amazon War Party! We are saved!" yelled an overjoyed Mousse who then
stepped to the end of the boat facing them and began to holler for their attention. The lights
from the torches were soon followed by five junks, with each junk carrying twenty warriors each
and led by an elder.
While the elders continued to sing the Hymn of Athena to bolster the warrior's faith, the
warriors themselves lit arrows with spell paper charms attached, and fired in the general
direction of the fog. A sharp hiss of pain was heard as the arrows ignited in mid-air forming an
inferno and a bolt of black lightning shot out from the fog in retaliation, sinking one of the
ships before the fog dispersed and the presence vanished. Triumphant cheers traveled erupted from
the fleet even as the shipwrecked Amazons scurried to grab anything available to stay afloat.
As the four remaining vessels moved to guide the rowboat in while simultaneously rescuing the
Crews of the sunken ship, the crews onboard the rowboat heaved a collective sigh of relief. All
of them were covered in sweat from fear and mental exhaustion, though none would actually admit
it.
Akane, who was still flaring her chi, which was starting to take a darker shade of gray, was the
only exception. Her face was twisted in pain and despite being unconscious she drained anyone who
got too close.
The Elders of the War Party allowed Cologne to rest as they took her place directing the flow of
chi, in an effort to stop the endless attraction of malevolent beings and save the girl.
The alternative would be too horrible to contemplate, at least for the non-Amazons.
Nabiki approached one of the Amazon warriors, who was giving orders to the others to chain the
rowboat to the largest junk, the Amazon flagship, the Joketzou. Nabiki tapped her on the shoulders
and asked in heavily accented Chinese, "Excuse me?"
The Amazon turned around and answered in unaccented Japanese, "Yes, what do you want...Outsider?"
Nabiki ignored the implied slur and asked in her practiced polite voice, glad that she could
avoid speaking in a foreign language, "I am very grateful for your assistance, but I do not
understand why you would launch such a large armada to escort your Elder, even if she is the
Matriarch. Surely this is not your usual welcoming committee, considering the limited resources
of your people."
The Amazon raised an eyebrow and replied, "You are certainly a sharp one. Yes, we do not usually
send out such a large fleet to escort even the Matriarch. However, our seer had a vision of
danger, and she was the one to petition this move. I will pass your thanks to her." She then
stalked back to the Joketzou, with the crew from Nerima following her.
As the Amazon armada head for Mulan point, the lost souls gathered at above the Yangtze once
again, howling in impotent rage as their prize was snatched away, helpless as their designated
prey headed for the relative safety of dry land. Even the waters of the Yangtze seem to shake
with impotent fury as its prize was snatched away.
No matter, there will be more bloodbaths in the near future, just as it had always been. It can
wait, until the enemies tear each other apart. By then, the Yangtze simply can't lose.
For a pier that does not exist, Mulan Point was very heavily fortified. Barbed wires adorned the
top of 6-meter high concrete walls and sentries were armed with AK-47s and M-16 rifles patrolled
side by side with spear wielding counterparts. There even were infrared-based alarm systems and
movement detectors, with Stinger hand-held missiles, howitzers and 81mm mortars completing the
look.
Ryoga, Mousse and Shampoo who had never expected to see this ultra-modern setting were dumbstruck.
While Ryoga had on some occasions accidentally entered even more heavily guarded facilities while
looking for the Tendo Dojo, he and the Amazons were experiencing culture shock, which was pretty
ironic since these were technically their own people that they were talking about for the Amazons.
All threeof them, including Shampoo were speechless and wondered if they had stumbled upon a PLA
base instead.
"I don't believe this! They have MEN on patrol with women here, and some of them are actually
LEADING!" exclaimed Mousse, and could barely suppress his gleeful expression.
Shampoo on the other hand was so incensed she reverted to her native tongue, completely
forgettingabout Ryoga, "This is scandalous! What do males know of fighting?! They shouldn't be
here! Where is the Amazon pride?! Those women are behaving like foolish outsiders! Why are they
using firearms?!"
"Before you display your naïveté, Xian Pu. I would suggest you switch to Japanese in respect of
our guests here." A gravely voice rang out. The trio from Nerima turned around and saw a
redheaded pigtailed woman. She was dressed in a mish mash of Chinese chain mail and flak jacket. Her
visible green eye bore into Xian Pu while she idly scratched her left eye.
"Ulachi" Shampoo spat out the name like it was a vicious curse, "What Nyuzhen (3) girl do here?
Aiyah!" sneered Shampoo, "Shampoo so forgetful! Of course dirty place go with dirty outsider
slut!"
Ulachi narrowed her eyes at the insult and snapped her fingers and the sentries surrounding them
pointed their collective weapons at three outsiders. Shampoo attempted to swing her bonbori
before any of the sentries could react but she was halted mid-swing, as Ulachi shoved the
business end of a golden flintlock (4) into Shampoo's nose.
Mousses and Ryoga's attempts to save her were halted as two shots were fired just inches from
their foot, and since neither were capable of withstanding a hail of bullets decided to settle
for just glaring at Ulachi.
"Listen, pup. You are about twenty years too young to tangle with me. Maybe if you live to your
great grandmother's age, you may be able to last some oh...five minutes before you bite the dust.
The only reason I haven't splattered whatever little gray matter you have is because you are the
Matriarch's great granddaughter."
The redhead then pistol-whipped Shampoo to the ground, and pointed the flintlock at her just as
she was standing up. "That was a warning, Xian Pu. If I ever hear another degrading comment about
us naturalized Amazons, Khu Lon can't protect you. You understand that, you northern scum. Don't
think we do not know of your intentions on our weapons. We know of that build up north in the
Yellow river pier."
"Getting acquainted, I see," croaked out Cologne, who was haggard and drained. She was wobbly and
walked instead of hopping on her staff per usual. Her formidable presence was subdued greatly and
she looked like death warmed over. Yet, she was still impressive enough that the local Amazons
pointed their weapons away while Ulachi hid her gun with the hidden weapons technique. Even
Shampoo restrained herself from attacking the Nyuzhen Amazon, due to the presence of Cologne who
would not forgive her for attacking a fellow Amazon without a formal challenge.
Cologne slightly bowed her head and said "I apologize for my heir's disrespect to you, Ulachi.
She is still young and reckless, and has offended you and your subordinates . Please, accept my
apologies."
Shampoo's attempt to protest this was stopped by Cologne, who cleared her throat to silence
Shampoo. Ulachi for her part played the part of modest host perfectly. The unofficial local
leader of the Amazons stated in a painfully fake respectful tone, "Nonsense, Elder. She was
merely stating a fact. We could not possibly compare with the magnificence that is your village,
Honored Elder."
Cologne sneered inwardly while thanking her ancestors that she had transferred the Nyuzhen Amazons
out of the main village itself. "It's been ten years since I last saw her, and she is still as
slick and powerful as ever. Without Ranma's help, fighting her on her own turf is suicide. Time
to fire my last salvo and leave," thought Cologne.
Cologne used a small amount of her remaining chi to carry her voice across Mulan Point "Warrior
Ulachi, there is something I simply must know. How is it that with all your weapons, you would
rather send out junks and archers. This may sound harsh but...are you holding out on us?"
Ulachi broke into a sly smile, as she answered "Nothing of the sort, Cologne-sama. We are merely
using the suitable tool for the task, a basic tenet of the Art of War, which I'm sure that you,
Cologne-sama knows by heart."
Cologne seethed inwardly at the three insults hidden in the sentence "She's deliberately omitted
my title, hinted that I forgot my roots AND insulted my tactical sense! Yet, I cannot attack her
as she hid the words well! I'd be impressed if I wasn't the one at the receiving end."
Not wanting to remain at the pier any longer, Cologne decided to beat a hasty retreat. The elder
wrapped her hand over an outstretched fist to signal her gratitude and departure then headed for
the refueling speedboat, their transport for the trip to Japan. The guards who have been idly
playing with their weapons during the entire exchange, snapped back to attention as Ulachi waved
her right arm.
They marched into a hut in the right corner of the base to housing the elders, Nabiki and Akane.
Sounds of chains could be heard as Akane came out of the hut, flanked by the elders each holding
a chain connected to Akane's wrists, heels and neck. She was covered in a blue cotton coat, as
her old dress already torn and tattered. The shackles were engraved with Amazon spells of
sealing and warding, the former to prevent Akane from draining anyone while the latter for
preventing malevolent sprits from approaching her.
Nabiki, who was walking beside her sister, was mentally exhausted but forced her overworked mind
to continue to work towards a solution. Despite her best efforts however, Nabiki still drew a
blank. Turning to the urn held in her hands, she whispered, "Ranma, if you can hear me...please,
help me."
**************************************************************************************
It's starting again. The pain and the itch are starting again.
Always there, the itch and pain. That never-ending pain is always around.
When will this end? Do I want this to end?
I've never been more powerful in my life. I've also never felt more pain in my life.
Is this what Ranma meant by sacrificing for the Art? This suffering is what the Art's all about?
Ranma...who is Ranma? I feel like I'm losing my mind. Why am I feeling so mellow now?
What's happening to me? Why do I feel so...hungry?
Why do I feel like I want more chi inside me? Why am I enjoying the rush of energy that they
bring?
It's not right! I should not be doing this! The chi is not even mine! Ranma said so, never steal
another's chi!
Ranma, he with the flowing red hair...red? When was his hair red? What's going on?
What's going on here? His hair's black, isn't it? Or is it red, or even silvery-red? Ranma's a
he right?
Is he a he? Who is he? Ranma...or is it Ranko? Isn't Ranko someone Ranma made up for Auntie
Nodoka?
Isn't she?
**************************************************************************************
Unseen by anyone below, a figure shrouded in black mist was giggling with delight. The feminine
voice it has was smooth and polished. It would set at ease most hearts, except for those who knew
the creature. It could not believe just how resourceful those old crones are! "To think that it
is mortals that shall aid my vengeance in the end! All that hidden pain! The envy, lust, hate,
confusion and denial! She shall be the one to carry out my will! Just a few more strokes, and she
will gladly become one of us."
The unholy specter eyed the speedboat Akane and company will be riding and scanned the other
passengers and the inhabitants of Mulan Point. "Hmm, a pity really. Such potential with the
fanged boy, and the other mortal youth are not too bad either. The old one is already too fixed
in her ways, no point wasting effort on her. The others however...what's this?"
The shrouded figure scrutinized Ulachi intensively and broke into a vicious smile "Very
interesting. Very interesting indeed," it said, before vanishing from sight.
It wished to be ready for it's new child after all.
Akane's howls echoed throughout her room even as Ryoga and Mousse nailed the chains to the floor,
while Shampoo and Ukyo tossed the furniture out of the window to clear the room, smashing any
thing too bulky to be thrown from the window. Ryoga closed his eyes to avoid looking at Akane,
while trying to tune out her screams and kept repeating under his breath, "I'm sorry, Akane-san."
While Ryoga was apologetic and Mousse was remorseful, as he has no grudge against Akane, Ukyo and
Shampoo were taking out their anger and grief on Akane's furniture. Shampoo was given orders by
Cologne not to aggravate Akane's condition by attacking her verbally or physically and could only
settle for the occasional cold stare and sneer. Ukyo was for her part kept in line by Happosai,
who surprisingly kept himself from fondling any of the girls when he met up with the returning
members of the Nerima Wrecking Crew. Happosai had backed up Cologne's decision to chain up Akane
once he saw her condition and had even offered his silky darlings to wrap up Akane's hands to
prevent her from scratching herself.
Once the rest of the Wrecking Crew finished pounding Happosai into putty, Kasumi offered to
encase her youngest sister's hands in plaster casts, and managed to keep her emotions in check
while Genma took over from the slightly physically weaker Mousse in helping Ryoga to suppress
Akane. When Ukyo stormed in seeking vengeance upon learning of her Ran-chan's death, Happosai
struck her immobilization point and managed to extract a vow not to attack Akane in any way
unless ordered by him, Cologne, or in the case Akane went berserk.
*******************************************************************************
Damn all of them! All they care about is their own well-being!
Chaining me up like some animal! Why?! Because they are afraid of me!
I instinctively drain anyone who comes near me, and I cant help myself!
I need the chi to stop that damn pain! Now they are rendering me helpless!
Is this what they were like all along?! Have I been lied to all my life?!
Even Kasumi and Daddy's helping them! Everything I knew was false!
To think this all started when I saw that pervert boy in the bathroom!
He was the one that gave me all of this! He died and piled all his troubles on me!
Nothing like the girl I saw coming into the dojo with her panda.
She's the one who never lied to me. She never insulted me, humiliated me or even did anything bad
to me.
This is THEIR fault! All of them, Ranma, Ryoga, Shampoo, even Nabiki.
It's been a conspiracy, and I fell for it hook, line and sinker!
You're the only one who never lied to me, the girl with the silver-red hair.
I should have seen the signs, the subtle differences between you and that boy.
It was right before my eyes! Yet, I never knew until now!
How could deluded I was, to not notice the truth right in front of me!
Still, that will only make our union sweeter, whoever you are, the girl with the silver-red hair.
***************************************************************************
Ranma's funeral was a quiet affair. One of Nabiki's more respectable photos of Ranma was
framed and enlarged. Kasumi took on the duty of bowing to all visitors while Nabiki took on the
role of master-of-ceremony, roles usually reserved for parents or children of the deceased.
Nodoka had at first been in charge of arrangements until she passed out from grief and fatigue
before the ceremony had even begun. Genma was simply too much of a boor to be trusted with such
delicate tasks, not to mention he might swipe the donations for food and sake. Soun Tendo was
crying so much he will need treatment for dehydration and Akane was still incapacitated.
Half way through the wake, Genma and Soun decided to leave and drown their sorrows in sake.
Twenty minutes after their departure, a woman with twin ponytails who resembled an older version
of an Akane/Nabiki hybrid arrived. While the fiancées excluding the absent Kodachi tensed up at
the arrival of another possible fiancée and/or debtor of Genma Saotome, Nabiki lamented about how
Ranma's problems still plagued them after his death.
Had the situation been less chaotic, they might have prevented the upcoming tragedy.
The Kuno Mansion on its best days was the proverbial lions' den, and a literal death trap on it's
worst. Yet, it has never been like this even during the madness of its worse master. Wooden
swords, razor hoops and gymnastic ribbons lay broken on the floor.
The skinned corpse of the alligator Mr. Turtle hung from the chandelier in the living room of the
Mansion, while the heads of Tatewaki and Kodachi Kuno were impaled upon the crystals of the
chandelier itself, their eyes orbs of fury mingled with fear.
As Ode to Joy played at full blast from the hi-fi of the Kuno living room, the decapitated bodies
of the Kuno siblings were sprawled on the floor, with their bodies slit open from the belly up,
and their hearts missing.
Floating just above them was a figure shrouded in shadows. Chewing could be heard as well as the
sounds of sucking. The shady figure let out a contended sigh as it stated calmly, "Perfect. The
heart has the right amount of hate, despair, lust and denial. Could use a little flambé treatment,
but I am pressed for time so I must leave now."
Turning to face the corpses of the Kunos, it said mockingly, "You have been most generous hosts,
and I enjoyed your screams, this most appropriate song, and this scrumptious meal. I am sure my
new associate will enjoy this treat. I apologize for her absence as she is currently undergoing
growing pains, but the persuasion of your...gifts to her should help her to pull through. A good
day to you, honored hosts."
The specter held out its hands exposing two still beating half-eaten hearts. As it began a slow
chant, the hearts began to glow, and floated off the hands towards each other. The two organs
began to merge with each other while anguished screams came from the heads of Tatewaki Kuno and
Kodachi Kuno. As the crescendo of the music reached a peak, the hearts merged into a throbbing
scarlet gem. The heads stopped shouting almost as quickly as they begun while the red orb gained
two streaks of ghostly gray surrounding it.
"Soon, Valkyrie, soon. Once the final steps are completed, your end shall finally arrive. My
vengeance against your kind shall finally begin." The figure withdrew its hands and the new soul
crystal and took off for the Tendo Dojo
**************************************************************************************
Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War, appeared in front of a temple in Central Japan.
Her face was pale from exhaustion; her spear was tainted with the stench and poison of the Undead
and scratch marks were visible on her exposed forearms.
As Athena staggered into the garden of the temple, a barrage of miniature missiles assailed her
and she dodged as far as her body let her, while the projectiles hit the wall behind her
instead. Turning to face her assailant, she saw Banpei-kun preparing to charge her.
Wasting no time, Athena stuck out her spear while Banpei charged straight into it, not able to
react fast enough to halt in his tracks. Banpei gave out a high-pitched squeak as the spear
penetrated before his system went into emergency self-repair mode to fix
the damage Athena's spear had done to it.
Athena turned to face the main entrance to the temple home as she heard flustered footsteps
approaching, only to have Belldandy brush past her as she went to check on Banpei. After the
Middle Norn heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing that Skuld's creation was not damaged too badly,
she turned to Athena with a stern expression ready to lecture Athena on the proper behavior of
elders until she caught sight of Athena's condition and her expression switched to one of shocked
horror.
"Athena-san! What has happened to you?' gasped Belldandy. Then she noticed the peculiar stench
emitting from Athena, as well as the stains on her spear and armor." You've been fighting Undead?
Has there been a provocation on Midgard I'm not aware of?" asked Belldandy in confusion.
Athena shook her head. "No, Belldandy. It is not an actual provocation by any of Nifelhiem's top
brass... yet, thus cannot be considered an act of war on their part. Raganork 2 should not occur
anytime soon. Still the large number of Undead I found converging on the intersection of the
Yellow River and the Yangtze is definitely not natural, even for a site choke full of lost souls
like the intersection of the River of Sorrow."
"Something is afoot, Belldandy. Something big, possibly worse than Mara and her Queen of Terror
incident." Athena handed a sheet of paper to Belldandy, who looked increasingly worried with
every sentence spoken by the goddess of War and Wisdom.
With a look of disgust, Athena spoke. "This is the copy of a note I found lying in the middle of
the swarm of Undead over there. Apparently, this is what caused that filth to converge there.
I would give you the original note, if I did not know of your aversion to such things like notes
written on the skin of a vampire in tainted undead blood." She gestured to a leather bag with
powerful magic runes written inscribed tied to her waist "As you can see Belldandy, whoever wrote
this was overflowing with undead power and, shockingly, some Divine essence as well."
"Divine essence? Can it be...Urd!" She shouted in panic as she sprinted to her sister's room. She
sighed in relief when she spotted Urd still resting on her futon, tired out from her ordeals on
Asgard. She headed to the living room where Athena lay sprawled onto the floor.
"Any idea who it was, Athena-san?" Asked Belldandy as she began dressing Athena's wounds.
"If I did I wouldn't be so worried. As it is, I have absolutely no idea who it was."
Athena stood up, brushing aside Belldandy's attempts to dress her more minor wounds.
"Thank you, but I need to hand this over to Ygddrasil Central at once. I suggest you
inform Lenneth or any member of her party that will likely approach you of this note. Do pass my
sincere apologies to Skuld over the damage dealt to her creation. Good day." she said, leaving
the temple grounds.
Belldandy smoothed over the crumpled paper and frowned as she saw the messy handwriting the
note was written in. she sighed and tried to decipher Athena's rushed copy as best as she could.
The note was strangely enough in Japanese and read as follows.
Pain.
Ever since that day Ranma, that pigtailed bastard forced his chi into me.
Pain and hunger was the only feeling I have and even now, with all my power, I still feel the
pain HE inflicted on me.
Like a million ants gnawing on my insides, that chi flowing through me makes it itch and hurt
inside. I want to scratch it, but I cant REACH IT!! No matter how much I scratch it,
how I badly bleed from it I still feel that pain. The pains I feel from my bleeding scratches
are nothing compared to the gnawing feeling inside me.
All of this is HIS fault. Ever since he came into my world, everything went WRONG! So horribly
WRONG! Along with him came all the craziness that should not exist! From the top martial artist
I got reduced to damsel in distress! That pervert destroyed everything I lived for!
I lost my hair and Dr Tofu because of HIM! I became a joke because of HIM!
RANMA!! Marry HIM! HAH! I'd rather copulate with P-Chan than him! And now as his final slight
against me, he gave me this! This...this CURSE! Trying to turn me into a monster like HIM!! It
also fucking HURTS! I scratched & scratched but it won't STOP!! That ITCH and That PAIN! Ever
had ants biting and crawling on your skin? Try having them just BENEATH Your skin, gnawing away
every second of their lives!
Just like RANMA! That BOY who ruined my life! Gnawing me! Taunting me! Insulting me! How dare he!
That cockroach that won't DIE!! When he did finally leave me, he gave me THIS! He's won! AGAIN!
They all say he's dead. DEAD! HIM?! Get REAL!! He won't die THAT easily. I know it! He's out
there! Having bimbos, whores, sluts what have you hanging around him.
Somewhere. Somehow. He's out there. I know my pain will never end until I devour him totally.
I get respite from this pain when I devour the soul and their entire residue chi and residue
life force. The thrill as their warm beating heart pulsates in my hand all that fear. Hatred.
Helplessness. The rush of power as I drink in their soul. It is absolutely WONDERFUL!
Probably the only thing I can thank that bastard Saotome for is the thrill when he gave me
his chi. Thanks to him, I know the thrill of chi rushing through me. No wonder that brat Hinako
loves to drain us. It is the only good thing that happened to me so far, ever since HE came into
my life.
The pain is starting again. I need to feed once more but I am starting to get tired of humans.
The Musk is unique and the Amazons really put a fight, while the screams of the Phoenix mountainfolk
is sweet music to my ears. The Undead I've eaten so far are however...stale.
I have been told the Gods are exceptionally delicious though. If what that Undead hussy
Genevieve says is true, than those so-called Gods are blinder than I thought.
If they have truly accepted...HIM. I personally cannot fathom why they will do so, but I will not
bother trying. Any group, which has done what they did to me, is probably full of idiots.
Ranma, soon I shall rip you asunder. For you see, Ranma, I'm better than you now. To think that
I used to think how unfair it is that you are so much better than me in the Art. Now I know why.
For I am destined for greater things. All who I devour shall contribute to your complete demise,
Ranma. Can you hear it, Ranma? All those lovely screams. Those who I have consumed cry out for
your blood, Ranma. Calling for your utter annihilation.
You know, Ranma? I'm going to heed them. You will die slowly, watching in terror as I pull out
your soul and savor the moment; watching your lifeblood slowly slip away. Looking forward to it,
Ranma? I certainly am.
Of course, there is another reason I can finally painfully finish you only now, Ranma. It's
because of her. The girl you have entrapped inside you. Have you any idea how much frustrating it
is to spare your miserable life, as I couldn't bear to hurt her.
Those crimson-platinum tresses, that pair of golden blue eyes that mesmerized me, that bewitching
angelic face. You dare to claim to be the real one when YOU are the twisted mockery. I've seen
what she really looks like, Ranma.
All the others are cheated by the false image that the curse presented, and even I only see it
in my dreams. Until it became so clear as I ripped out the heart of the boy who approached me 2
days ago. Another pervert, obviously. All boys are, even Ryoga. How could I have been so blind!
Those eyes! That aura! To think it took me so long to connect!
All of them will pay! Kasumi, Nabiki, my Daddy. All of them! Those hypocrites shall all PAY!!
Wait for me, my sweet Ranko. Yes, that's a nice name to call you. My wild, untamed goddess. Soon
You shall be a part of me forever. I finally found a way to separate you from HIM!
Soon, my pain shall end once HE is no more and you forever a part of me. All that I ask of you
Is to wait. I shall liberate you once my rebirth is complete.
Once my new body is ready, I shall make you a part of me.
I promise to devour you whole, my sweet Ranko.
Belldandy blinked in surprise as she noticed the bottom part of the paper was lighter in tone
than the rest of the paper. Recognizing one of Athena's favorite methods of hiding a message, the
Middle Norn infused her right thumb with ether, and gently rubbed the lower part of the paper
clockwise, until words written in the official lingo of Yggdrasil Central appeared.
(Note: I've not been able to find the lower part of this note that may give us the details of
this transformation. Due to the high level of Undead activity in the area, I will lead a complete
sweep of the vicinity later with back up. Distribute this note to any allies you meet Belldandy;
we do not need to strengthen this new soul devourer. I suggest a high level of alert on your part
,Belldandy and you have permission to use your full powers on Midgard.
Take care, Belldandy. This is your biggest test yet.)
Belldandy's emotions switched between the fear of confrontation with the Undead Hordes,
disgust at the boasts of the note's writer, and worry for Ranma's safety. Sighing, she went
about the house to strengthening the wards around the temple and praying for the safety of those
who might be caught in the coming battles. Then she said an extra set for Keiichi, all the while
preparing for something she'd hoped she would never have to.
War.
Glossary ( I do not claim that all information here's accurate, would like any help with facts
here.)
1:Yangtze-The longest river of China, it is the longest river and in Mandarin, the official
language of China, is called the Changjiang or Long River. It stretches most of China and is the
fastest route through China short of air-travel. It is also the dumping ground of corpses from
massacres, including the infamous Nanking (Nanjing) massacre during the Sino-Japanese War and the
Yangzhou Ten Day slaughter by the Manchurians during the establishment of the Qing Dynasty. Many
unwanted babies were also drowned here or it's tributaries. A truly tragic place.
2:Yellow River- The Yellow River is the largest (not longest) river of China and is found in
north China. Its fertile banks made it the site of many of China's earliest capitals and
settlements. The yellow soil of its banks, hence it's name, regularly floods however and it's
claimed millions of lives. The epidemics that break out every time it floods has earned the
Yellow River the name of River of Sorrows, and that who ever tame the river, tames China.
3:Nyuzhen: The nomadic tribes who are the natives of Manchuria, the Nyuzhen have been called many
names, from their original name to the Jin (Gold) people by the Chinese during the Southern Song
dynasty after Kaifeng, then the Chinese Capital fell to their armies. Also known as the Jurchens
to the other races that had contact with them. Genghis Khan wiped out the Jin kingdom later on
but they rallied in the 1600s to form the Qing (Clear or Clean, depending on context) kingdom and
later conquered China again, forming the Qing dynasty. Possibly the most renamed people in
history, not including the slang term of Bannerman (Qiren) often used. Only a handful of Nyuzhen
still live on their ancestral lands nowadays though.
4:flintlock: The flintlock is the predecessor of the modern pistol, and was commonly used in the
1700s and early 1800s. Watch the Sol Blanca anime for a look at this or Treasure Island series or
books for a more vivid description.
(Extra information)
The pigtail: The Nyuzhen introduced the pigtail hairstyle to the Han Chinese, only those of the
Eight Banners (5) could wear it among the Nyuzhen (about 99% of the tribe). The Chinese however
were forced to wear it to show their loyalty to the Qing Emperor, failing which the punishment
is the execution of the entire extended family.
Cutting it off is considered rebelling against the Qing Emperor for Chinese while is considered
severing ties with the tribe for Nyuzhen, and only men or warriors may wear the pigtail. Handing
the cut off pigtail however means handing your life, loyalty and soul to the person accepting it
for a Nyuzhen and is usually only reserved for the savior of one's life or new master.
(Yes, this little tidbit of information will be important later on in the story^_^.)
(5) The Eight Banners: Representing the Eight Clans of the Nyuzhen, they are divided into the
Orthodox (Zhen) Colors of Gold, Blue White and Red and the Framed (Xiang) Colors of Gold, Blue,
White and Red.
Frame as in framing up the picture, that is. This is the closest equivalent I can get in English.
Just a reminder, this is not a character bashing fic, I use all characters as and when the story
demands. Just to clarify and prevent potential flames.
Author's notes: As you can see, Akane (don't tell me you haven't guessed it!) will be playing a
very big part in this story, mainly as the one of the main villains. How did she get the ability
to suck souls? Well she has some uncontrollable chi within her at this point, which is divine in
nature, it has basically driven her mad with pain and the chi leak allows her to drain external
sources (think a chi black hole), and since she needs the rush of a chi drain to temporally ease
the constant pain of a foreign chi in her, she has become like a chi junkie of sorts, or more
appropriately, a chi vampire. Since she cant drain like Hinako, pulling out the heart will be
the easiest way as it is the muscle pumping the chi around the human body.
Her going mad? Considering that she was borderline psycho to begin with plus the fact that
Ranma's chi was causing her pain could easily push her over the edge. Who transformed her into
Undead? All this and more will be revealed in Chapter 3 of Valkyrie Ranma: Fighting the Shadowy
Gods.
Later
JF_1999
Rumiko Takahashi & Viz Communications. All characters from Valkyrie Profile are the
creations of Enix & Project Profile.
All characters from Ah! My Goddess do not belong to me either.
No copyright infringement is meant & no attempt to past this as my own creation is made.
Legend:****** means a switch of point of view.
Valkyrie Ranma Side Story: Scarlet Dawn.
"Your father certainly took it well eh, Nabiki?" quipped Cologne as she waited in the outskirts
of Nerima for the transport to China.
"I would appreciate some respect for the family of the deceased thank you," replied Nabiki, who
was wiping tears off her cheeks. "Saotome's death has been quite a loss to all of us, and we do
regard him as part of the family. Too bad it's not the older Saotome, which incidentally I don't
regard as family. That would have been a cause of celebration."
"I was merely stating a fact, young one, I had fully expected Soun Tendo to audible from here,
even if it is some 40 kilometers away from the Tendo Dojo." Nabiki decided not to dignify the
question with an answer and turned her head away with a sniff.
There was silence for a few minutes before Nabiki asked again, " So, we will be flying to the
village directly?" Cologne sighed tiredly before saying " Usually, but the multiple trips between
Japan and China has the PLA and the JSDF really flustered. The officers on our payroll can only
guarantee our safety through the Sea of Japan and onto the Hainan airbase near Nanjing.
"Fortunately the Chinese Navy can transport lend us one of their speedboats. From there, we shall
proceed to Mulan Point, one of the secret piers, which is an Amazon stronghold and sail north
towards the Yangtze (1) intersection with the Yellow (2) river. Shampoo and the others should be
waiting there."
Nabiki than decided to ask Cologne the one thing she never figured out about her. " So, Cologne,
how did you find out about this. I've tapped your lines before, but I've never heard you calling
the Amazon village's only telephone. Since our little game's over, why not spill the beans?"
Cologne's eyes scanned the skies as she answered, "I used e-mail." Ignoring Nabiki's surprised
expression, she pointed her staff at the sky. " Here comes our transport now."
"A helicopter?" as she heard the twirling sound of rotor blades "They are just full of surprises,
these Amazons." Nabiki's jaws dropped as she laid eyes on the approaching Soviet Hind-D bearing
the insignia of the PLA air force " How the hell did THAT get here?"
As Nabiki mumbled about the incompetence and corruption of the JSDF, Cologne could not help but
think she has forgotten something about traveling on the Yangtze through that particular route.
Five hours after the battle of Phoenix Mountain, Nabiki sat on the deck on the rowboat she had
managed to procure from the Amazons. "I really have to repay Cologne for this but how?" pondered
Nabiki. " Owing someone a favor is like being held hostage, and I'd like to get it paid as
quickly as possible."
Nabiki's frown deepened, seeing Cologne pressing the tip of her staff against Akane's chest.
"If Ranma was around he'd make some crack of her small chest, namely how flat it is. Not that he
could do something like that now that he's worm food,"
thought Nabiki wryly. "Just as well, Akane would probably kill him once she recovers from this.
Too bad modern medicine can't do anything about chi rejection."
Nabiki winced as she heard another screech from Akane, and tried not to think of the scars Akane
would have all over herself from all that scratching. The chi Ranma had infused into her gave
some serious strength; augmenting her already formidable physical prowess as well as giving her
some serious speed power ups. The downside of it seems to be that after the first two hours,
Akane started scratching herself furiously, her new strength drawing blood after 3 minutes.
By the time Nabiki, along with Cologne had reached the pier to rendezvous with them two and a
half hours ago, Akane was hysterical. Ryoga and Mousse both had to hold her, while Genma
rowed the boat and kept an eye on Shampoo, whose face was streaked with tears from crying over
the loss of her husband and staring daggers at Akane.
Cologne's attempts to hit her pressure points, including the infamous one Happosai had used on
Ranma were futile. The swirling foreign chi clashed with Akane's own and Cologne's own infusion
of chi through the pressure points only worsened the situation, causing her to scream even louder
while her own chi was absorbed into the vortex of clashing life force. The tremendous effort of
breaking out of the suction of the draining took a lot out of Cologne.
Desperate, Cologne was forced to suppress Akane with her staff, while trying to direct the flow
of the chi inside her. Akane's screams of agony indicated that Cologne's treatment was indeed
having an effect on her. Still they can't really tell if it's working and the elder was in no
condition to talk.
The entire scene took an almost surreal feel when all four of the warriors involved began to
glow brightly, with Akane's own shimmering blue, drawing in the other three's chi and the streams
of distinct auras began to join the kaleidoscope of different clashing life force.
The stalemate ended as Cologne broke contact and removed her staff and sat down panting. Ryoga
and Mousse were on the other hand flung away by the backlash, heading straight down towards the
raging waters of the Yangtze. Mousse was dunked into the river but Ryoga managed to use Mousse as
a trampoline in mid-air and crash-landed back into the boat, while Mousse screamed bloody murder
all the way down into the river.
A duck with glasses landed beside Shampoo, who for once did not hit it with a bonbori but rather
splashed it a hot water flask first then brained him. Nabiki turned her attention to Cologne
who was trying to hide her labored breathing and pale complexion. "This girl will be trouble in
the future to herself and to others," said Cologne to Nabiki " Somehow we must cure this
condition of hers before..." and the elder found herself cut off in mid sentence by a
high-pitched wail.
Cologne's eyes widened in shock as she turned her head, facing some thick mist hanging just above
the water, blocking the boats path. Closer observation revealed some vaguely humanoid faces
within the swirling mass of shades that made up the "mist" though none were exactly complete,
usually with a part torn off. Loud screams and moans, along with cries for vengeance could be
heard echoing through the cool crisp air of the river.
"By the ancestors! How could I have forgotten about the lost souls!" Turning to the other
passengers of the vessel, she barked out her orders, "Ryoga! Whatever you do, don't think ill of
Ranma! Genma! If you even think of anything unwholesome of your deceased son, the village gets a
new panda rug! Mousse! Shampoo! I believe you know what to do in this situation! Nabiki! Forgive
and forget every grudge you may have against Ranma or you may be joining him very soon!" Pausing
to catch her breath, she added, "Most of all think HAPPY thoughts!"
Noticing the Amazon's paled complexions and their frantically nodded agreement, Nabiki studied
Cologne with interest as she sat down, grasping Akane's hand. "Why all this positive thinking
Cologne-san? And what are you doing to Akane?"
"Trying to save her, Nabiki. If her thoughts are negative at any point in that mist, she may
allow the lost souls to invade her mind. And subsequently, her soul." Replied Cologne. Then she
added silently " Or worse, the reverse may happen instead. If she becomes a soul devourer; I will
have to kill her and I really don't want to if possible, not with Ranma gone, it'd be such a
waste of talent." Turning to the urn containing Ranma's ashes, she whispered " Please Ranma,
protect her as you always did in life," and began chanting the Amazon prayer of warding.
Nabiki gulped as she realized just what this meant for her. "C'mon girl, think happy thoughts!
For the love of all that's holy think happy thoughts! I have no intention of ending up as ghost
food!"
**************************************************************************************
Ranma. Where are you Ranma?!
Why aren't you saving me Ranma?! Like you always did?!
Where's my knight in the red silk shirt and pigtails?!
Why didn't you protect me Ranma?! When they hurt me?!
I don't want this Ranma! It hurts! Save me Ranma! All that pain, that irritating itch!
I can't reach them Ranma! Those ants are biting me from the inside Ranma!
They're everywhere! More of them have just arrived Ranma!
From Cologne, from Mousse, even Ryoga! More pain and itch from them! Why?!
Why Ryoga! Why are you doing this! Has all that gentleness been nothing but lies?!
What have I done to you?!
Nabiki! Why aren't you helping me?!
Do I mean so little to you?!
Someone, save me!
Please!!
**************************************************************************************
"This is going better than I expected," thought Cologne with sarcasm. "Three hundred souls
repelled, only two million more to go." Cologne's chants got louder every time the screams and
wails grew more numerous. The tides of the Yangtze were fortunately carrying them across at a
rapid pace through the ghostly barrier. Cologne estimated in about twenty minutes, they should
reach the pier, barring any complications.
It had only been fifteen minutes, but it felt like fifteen years for the crew of the boat.
Cologne's prayers and the combined mental discipline of the crew prevented any of them from
falling prey to the siren call of the lost souls. " Even Genma Saotome proved his worth, perhaps
I have underestimated him. Nabiki Tendo really has a strong presence of mind as well. They should
do well if there are no complications, but it's the youngest that really worries me." Then
Cologne looked at the lying form of Akane Tendo who was still glowing like a beacon from the
clashing chi.
"Why?" Pondered the elder "Conflicting life force should have repelled them instead. What is it
that attracts the restless spirits? What is the answer to all of this?" Sighing, Cologne
devoted her entire mind to praying when she felt a powerful aura envelope the entire area,
shocking the elder to within an inch of her centuries old life.
"What sort of being could possess such vileness? All the demons I've met are literal saints in
comparison!" Cologne felt her faith shaken further as the lost souls scattered in all directions
at the arrival of this monster. "Ye Gods, aid me in my hour of need! What creature can scare away
the vengeful spirits of two million dead?"
Cologne's heart was filled with despair as she saw Akane's chi flare in response to the evil
presence. "Has the worst scenario I have feared come true?" In response to the gathering menace,
the old warrior felt something she has not felt since she was a mere toddler.
Fear.
*************************************************************************************
Who are you! And what are you doing in my head?!
Oh my. A little spitfire, hmm?
What has that got to do with you! I like being who I am!
Spunky too! Yes, you will do nicely.
What are you talking about? Why the hell are you here?!
Me? Oh nothing much really. Just here to teach you just how pathetic your life really is.
...Leave me alone! Now!
I beg your pardon? Exactly how are you going to force me, hmm?
Don't mess with me, bitch! I'm a lot stronger than I ever was!
Really, than those must have been another girl's thoughts I've heard screaming, crying for help?
You've been reading my mind! How dare you!
You would not consider having my thoughts shoved into your face without permission very polite
either.
Tit for tat, Miss Tendo, tit for tat.
Leave you whore! Now!
Very well...Miss Tendo. We shall meet again.
*********************************************************************************
Cologne had began singing the funeral march of the Amazons when faced with the certainty of death
in battle with Shampoo and Mousse, who was still rubbing his head, following her lead. Ryoga, who
too felt the aura, was determined to bring his opponent with him. No way he was going down
without a fight!
Even Nabiki, the only non-combatant, had felt the dark, engulfing presence was determined to meet
her death with dignity, while Genma was predictably frantically searching for a way to escape.
All of them except for Cologne and Akane were shivering from the sudden cold.
A thick fog had covered them and they could barely make out the forms of each other, while
Mousse's coke bottle glasses were foggy from his own breath, not that it could work well in the
first place under these conditions.
"Where is it?" was the collective thought of everyone on the boat, trying to get a glimpse of
whatever was plaguing them.
The deathly silence was shattered as the sound of someone singing soprano rang out from the east.
The expressions of the Amazons were uniformly relived and, the others who upon seeing the Amazon
reaction had their courage strengthened. A baffled Nabiki asked Cologne, "What going on Cologne-
san? What is that singing?"
"The Hymn of Athena! It's an Amazon War Party! We are saved!" yelled an overjoyed Mousse who then
stepped to the end of the boat facing them and began to holler for their attention. The lights
from the torches were soon followed by five junks, with each junk carrying twenty warriors each
and led by an elder.
While the elders continued to sing the Hymn of Athena to bolster the warrior's faith, the
warriors themselves lit arrows with spell paper charms attached, and fired in the general
direction of the fog. A sharp hiss of pain was heard as the arrows ignited in mid-air forming an
inferno and a bolt of black lightning shot out from the fog in retaliation, sinking one of the
ships before the fog dispersed and the presence vanished. Triumphant cheers traveled erupted from
the fleet even as the shipwrecked Amazons scurried to grab anything available to stay afloat.
As the four remaining vessels moved to guide the rowboat in while simultaneously rescuing the
Crews of the sunken ship, the crews onboard the rowboat heaved a collective sigh of relief. All
of them were covered in sweat from fear and mental exhaustion, though none would actually admit
it.
Akane, who was still flaring her chi, which was starting to take a darker shade of gray, was the
only exception. Her face was twisted in pain and despite being unconscious she drained anyone who
got too close.
The Elders of the War Party allowed Cologne to rest as they took her place directing the flow of
chi, in an effort to stop the endless attraction of malevolent beings and save the girl.
The alternative would be too horrible to contemplate, at least for the non-Amazons.
Nabiki approached one of the Amazon warriors, who was giving orders to the others to chain the
rowboat to the largest junk, the Amazon flagship, the Joketzou. Nabiki tapped her on the shoulders
and asked in heavily accented Chinese, "Excuse me?"
The Amazon turned around and answered in unaccented Japanese, "Yes, what do you want...Outsider?"
Nabiki ignored the implied slur and asked in her practiced polite voice, glad that she could
avoid speaking in a foreign language, "I am very grateful for your assistance, but I do not
understand why you would launch such a large armada to escort your Elder, even if she is the
Matriarch. Surely this is not your usual welcoming committee, considering the limited resources
of your people."
The Amazon raised an eyebrow and replied, "You are certainly a sharp one. Yes, we do not usually
send out such a large fleet to escort even the Matriarch. However, our seer had a vision of
danger, and she was the one to petition this move. I will pass your thanks to her." She then
stalked back to the Joketzou, with the crew from Nerima following her.
As the Amazon armada head for Mulan point, the lost souls gathered at above the Yangtze once
again, howling in impotent rage as their prize was snatched away, helpless as their designated
prey headed for the relative safety of dry land. Even the waters of the Yangtze seem to shake
with impotent fury as its prize was snatched away.
No matter, there will be more bloodbaths in the near future, just as it had always been. It can
wait, until the enemies tear each other apart. By then, the Yangtze simply can't lose.
For a pier that does not exist, Mulan Point was very heavily fortified. Barbed wires adorned the
top of 6-meter high concrete walls and sentries were armed with AK-47s and M-16 rifles patrolled
side by side with spear wielding counterparts. There even were infrared-based alarm systems and
movement detectors, with Stinger hand-held missiles, howitzers and 81mm mortars completing the
look.
Ryoga, Mousse and Shampoo who had never expected to see this ultra-modern setting were dumbstruck.
While Ryoga had on some occasions accidentally entered even more heavily guarded facilities while
looking for the Tendo Dojo, he and the Amazons were experiencing culture shock, which was pretty
ironic since these were technically their own people that they were talking about for the Amazons.
All threeof them, including Shampoo were speechless and wondered if they had stumbled upon a PLA
base instead.
"I don't believe this! They have MEN on patrol with women here, and some of them are actually
LEADING!" exclaimed Mousse, and could barely suppress his gleeful expression.
Shampoo on the other hand was so incensed she reverted to her native tongue, completely
forgettingabout Ryoga, "This is scandalous! What do males know of fighting?! They shouldn't be
here! Where is the Amazon pride?! Those women are behaving like foolish outsiders! Why are they
using firearms?!"
"Before you display your naïveté, Xian Pu. I would suggest you switch to Japanese in respect of
our guests here." A gravely voice rang out. The trio from Nerima turned around and saw a
redheaded pigtailed woman. She was dressed in a mish mash of Chinese chain mail and flak jacket. Her
visible green eye bore into Xian Pu while she idly scratched her left eye.
"Ulachi" Shampoo spat out the name like it was a vicious curse, "What Nyuzhen (3) girl do here?
Aiyah!" sneered Shampoo, "Shampoo so forgetful! Of course dirty place go with dirty outsider
slut!"
Ulachi narrowed her eyes at the insult and snapped her fingers and the sentries surrounding them
pointed their collective weapons at three outsiders. Shampoo attempted to swing her bonbori
before any of the sentries could react but she was halted mid-swing, as Ulachi shoved the
business end of a golden flintlock (4) into Shampoo's nose.
Mousses and Ryoga's attempts to save her were halted as two shots were fired just inches from
their foot, and since neither were capable of withstanding a hail of bullets decided to settle
for just glaring at Ulachi.
"Listen, pup. You are about twenty years too young to tangle with me. Maybe if you live to your
great grandmother's age, you may be able to last some oh...five minutes before you bite the dust.
The only reason I haven't splattered whatever little gray matter you have is because you are the
Matriarch's great granddaughter."
The redhead then pistol-whipped Shampoo to the ground, and pointed the flintlock at her just as
she was standing up. "That was a warning, Xian Pu. If I ever hear another degrading comment about
us naturalized Amazons, Khu Lon can't protect you. You understand that, you northern scum. Don't
think we do not know of your intentions on our weapons. We know of that build up north in the
Yellow river pier."
"Getting acquainted, I see," croaked out Cologne, who was haggard and drained. She was wobbly and
walked instead of hopping on her staff per usual. Her formidable presence was subdued greatly and
she looked like death warmed over. Yet, she was still impressive enough that the local Amazons
pointed their weapons away while Ulachi hid her gun with the hidden weapons technique. Even
Shampoo restrained herself from attacking the Nyuzhen Amazon, due to the presence of Cologne who
would not forgive her for attacking a fellow Amazon without a formal challenge.
Cologne slightly bowed her head and said "I apologize for my heir's disrespect to you, Ulachi.
She is still young and reckless, and has offended you and your subordinates . Please, accept my
apologies."
Shampoo's attempt to protest this was stopped by Cologne, who cleared her throat to silence
Shampoo. Ulachi for her part played the part of modest host perfectly. The unofficial local
leader of the Amazons stated in a painfully fake respectful tone, "Nonsense, Elder. She was
merely stating a fact. We could not possibly compare with the magnificence that is your village,
Honored Elder."
Cologne sneered inwardly while thanking her ancestors that she had transferred the Nyuzhen Amazons
out of the main village itself. "It's been ten years since I last saw her, and she is still as
slick and powerful as ever. Without Ranma's help, fighting her on her own turf is suicide. Time
to fire my last salvo and leave," thought Cologne.
Cologne used a small amount of her remaining chi to carry her voice across Mulan Point "Warrior
Ulachi, there is something I simply must know. How is it that with all your weapons, you would
rather send out junks and archers. This may sound harsh but...are you holding out on us?"
Ulachi broke into a sly smile, as she answered "Nothing of the sort, Cologne-sama. We are merely
using the suitable tool for the task, a basic tenet of the Art of War, which I'm sure that you,
Cologne-sama knows by heart."
Cologne seethed inwardly at the three insults hidden in the sentence "She's deliberately omitted
my title, hinted that I forgot my roots AND insulted my tactical sense! Yet, I cannot attack her
as she hid the words well! I'd be impressed if I wasn't the one at the receiving end."
Not wanting to remain at the pier any longer, Cologne decided to beat a hasty retreat. The elder
wrapped her hand over an outstretched fist to signal her gratitude and departure then headed for
the refueling speedboat, their transport for the trip to Japan. The guards who have been idly
playing with their weapons during the entire exchange, snapped back to attention as Ulachi waved
her right arm.
They marched into a hut in the right corner of the base to housing the elders, Nabiki and Akane.
Sounds of chains could be heard as Akane came out of the hut, flanked by the elders each holding
a chain connected to Akane's wrists, heels and neck. She was covered in a blue cotton coat, as
her old dress already torn and tattered. The shackles were engraved with Amazon spells of
sealing and warding, the former to prevent Akane from draining anyone while the latter for
preventing malevolent sprits from approaching her.
Nabiki, who was walking beside her sister, was mentally exhausted but forced her overworked mind
to continue to work towards a solution. Despite her best efforts however, Nabiki still drew a
blank. Turning to the urn held in her hands, she whispered, "Ranma, if you can hear me...please,
help me."
**************************************************************************************
It's starting again. The pain and the itch are starting again.
Always there, the itch and pain. That never-ending pain is always around.
When will this end? Do I want this to end?
I've never been more powerful in my life. I've also never felt more pain in my life.
Is this what Ranma meant by sacrificing for the Art? This suffering is what the Art's all about?
Ranma...who is Ranma? I feel like I'm losing my mind. Why am I feeling so mellow now?
What's happening to me? Why do I feel so...hungry?
Why do I feel like I want more chi inside me? Why am I enjoying the rush of energy that they
bring?
It's not right! I should not be doing this! The chi is not even mine! Ranma said so, never steal
another's chi!
Ranma, he with the flowing red hair...red? When was his hair red? What's going on?
What's going on here? His hair's black, isn't it? Or is it red, or even silvery-red? Ranma's a
he right?
Is he a he? Who is he? Ranma...or is it Ranko? Isn't Ranko someone Ranma made up for Auntie
Nodoka?
Isn't she?
**************************************************************************************
Unseen by anyone below, a figure shrouded in black mist was giggling with delight. The feminine
voice it has was smooth and polished. It would set at ease most hearts, except for those who knew
the creature. It could not believe just how resourceful those old crones are! "To think that it
is mortals that shall aid my vengeance in the end! All that hidden pain! The envy, lust, hate,
confusion and denial! She shall be the one to carry out my will! Just a few more strokes, and she
will gladly become one of us."
The unholy specter eyed the speedboat Akane and company will be riding and scanned the other
passengers and the inhabitants of Mulan Point. "Hmm, a pity really. Such potential with the
fanged boy, and the other mortal youth are not too bad either. The old one is already too fixed
in her ways, no point wasting effort on her. The others however...what's this?"
The shrouded figure scrutinized Ulachi intensively and broke into a vicious smile "Very
interesting. Very interesting indeed," it said, before vanishing from sight.
It wished to be ready for it's new child after all.
Akane's howls echoed throughout her room even as Ryoga and Mousse nailed the chains to the floor,
while Shampoo and Ukyo tossed the furniture out of the window to clear the room, smashing any
thing too bulky to be thrown from the window. Ryoga closed his eyes to avoid looking at Akane,
while trying to tune out her screams and kept repeating under his breath, "I'm sorry, Akane-san."
While Ryoga was apologetic and Mousse was remorseful, as he has no grudge against Akane, Ukyo and
Shampoo were taking out their anger and grief on Akane's furniture. Shampoo was given orders by
Cologne not to aggravate Akane's condition by attacking her verbally or physically and could only
settle for the occasional cold stare and sneer. Ukyo was for her part kept in line by Happosai,
who surprisingly kept himself from fondling any of the girls when he met up with the returning
members of the Nerima Wrecking Crew. Happosai had backed up Cologne's decision to chain up Akane
once he saw her condition and had even offered his silky darlings to wrap up Akane's hands to
prevent her from scratching herself.
Once the rest of the Wrecking Crew finished pounding Happosai into putty, Kasumi offered to
encase her youngest sister's hands in plaster casts, and managed to keep her emotions in check
while Genma took over from the slightly physically weaker Mousse in helping Ryoga to suppress
Akane. When Ukyo stormed in seeking vengeance upon learning of her Ran-chan's death, Happosai
struck her immobilization point and managed to extract a vow not to attack Akane in any way
unless ordered by him, Cologne, or in the case Akane went berserk.
*******************************************************************************
Damn all of them! All they care about is their own well-being!
Chaining me up like some animal! Why?! Because they are afraid of me!
I instinctively drain anyone who comes near me, and I cant help myself!
I need the chi to stop that damn pain! Now they are rendering me helpless!
Is this what they were like all along?! Have I been lied to all my life?!
Even Kasumi and Daddy's helping them! Everything I knew was false!
To think this all started when I saw that pervert boy in the bathroom!
He was the one that gave me all of this! He died and piled all his troubles on me!
Nothing like the girl I saw coming into the dojo with her panda.
She's the one who never lied to me. She never insulted me, humiliated me or even did anything bad
to me.
This is THEIR fault! All of them, Ranma, Ryoga, Shampoo, even Nabiki.
It's been a conspiracy, and I fell for it hook, line and sinker!
You're the only one who never lied to me, the girl with the silver-red hair.
I should have seen the signs, the subtle differences between you and that boy.
It was right before my eyes! Yet, I never knew until now!
How could deluded I was, to not notice the truth right in front of me!
Still, that will only make our union sweeter, whoever you are, the girl with the silver-red hair.
***************************************************************************
Ranma's funeral was a quiet affair. One of Nabiki's more respectable photos of Ranma was
framed and enlarged. Kasumi took on the duty of bowing to all visitors while Nabiki took on the
role of master-of-ceremony, roles usually reserved for parents or children of the deceased.
Nodoka had at first been in charge of arrangements until she passed out from grief and fatigue
before the ceremony had even begun. Genma was simply too much of a boor to be trusted with such
delicate tasks, not to mention he might swipe the donations for food and sake. Soun Tendo was
crying so much he will need treatment for dehydration and Akane was still incapacitated.
Half way through the wake, Genma and Soun decided to leave and drown their sorrows in sake.
Twenty minutes after their departure, a woman with twin ponytails who resembled an older version
of an Akane/Nabiki hybrid arrived. While the fiancées excluding the absent Kodachi tensed up at
the arrival of another possible fiancée and/or debtor of Genma Saotome, Nabiki lamented about how
Ranma's problems still plagued them after his death.
Had the situation been less chaotic, they might have prevented the upcoming tragedy.
The Kuno Mansion on its best days was the proverbial lions' den, and a literal death trap on it's
worst. Yet, it has never been like this even during the madness of its worse master. Wooden
swords, razor hoops and gymnastic ribbons lay broken on the floor.
The skinned corpse of the alligator Mr. Turtle hung from the chandelier in the living room of the
Mansion, while the heads of Tatewaki and Kodachi Kuno were impaled upon the crystals of the
chandelier itself, their eyes orbs of fury mingled with fear.
As Ode to Joy played at full blast from the hi-fi of the Kuno living room, the decapitated bodies
of the Kuno siblings were sprawled on the floor, with their bodies slit open from the belly up,
and their hearts missing.
Floating just above them was a figure shrouded in shadows. Chewing could be heard as well as the
sounds of sucking. The shady figure let out a contended sigh as it stated calmly, "Perfect. The
heart has the right amount of hate, despair, lust and denial. Could use a little flambé treatment,
but I am pressed for time so I must leave now."
Turning to face the corpses of the Kunos, it said mockingly, "You have been most generous hosts,
and I enjoyed your screams, this most appropriate song, and this scrumptious meal. I am sure my
new associate will enjoy this treat. I apologize for her absence as she is currently undergoing
growing pains, but the persuasion of your...gifts to her should help her to pull through. A good
day to you, honored hosts."
The specter held out its hands exposing two still beating half-eaten hearts. As it began a slow
chant, the hearts began to glow, and floated off the hands towards each other. The two organs
began to merge with each other while anguished screams came from the heads of Tatewaki Kuno and
Kodachi Kuno. As the crescendo of the music reached a peak, the hearts merged into a throbbing
scarlet gem. The heads stopped shouting almost as quickly as they begun while the red orb gained
two streaks of ghostly gray surrounding it.
"Soon, Valkyrie, soon. Once the final steps are completed, your end shall finally arrive. My
vengeance against your kind shall finally begin." The figure withdrew its hands and the new soul
crystal and took off for the Tendo Dojo
**************************************************************************************
Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War, appeared in front of a temple in Central Japan.
Her face was pale from exhaustion; her spear was tainted with the stench and poison of the Undead
and scratch marks were visible on her exposed forearms.
As Athena staggered into the garden of the temple, a barrage of miniature missiles assailed her
and she dodged as far as her body let her, while the projectiles hit the wall behind her
instead. Turning to face her assailant, she saw Banpei-kun preparing to charge her.
Wasting no time, Athena stuck out her spear while Banpei charged straight into it, not able to
react fast enough to halt in his tracks. Banpei gave out a high-pitched squeak as the spear
penetrated before his system went into emergency self-repair mode to fix
the damage Athena's spear had done to it.
Athena turned to face the main entrance to the temple home as she heard flustered footsteps
approaching, only to have Belldandy brush past her as she went to check on Banpei. After the
Middle Norn heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing that Skuld's creation was not damaged too badly,
she turned to Athena with a stern expression ready to lecture Athena on the proper behavior of
elders until she caught sight of Athena's condition and her expression switched to one of shocked
horror.
"Athena-san! What has happened to you?' gasped Belldandy. Then she noticed the peculiar stench
emitting from Athena, as well as the stains on her spear and armor." You've been fighting Undead?
Has there been a provocation on Midgard I'm not aware of?" asked Belldandy in confusion.
Athena shook her head. "No, Belldandy. It is not an actual provocation by any of Nifelhiem's top
brass... yet, thus cannot be considered an act of war on their part. Raganork 2 should not occur
anytime soon. Still the large number of Undead I found converging on the intersection of the
Yellow River and the Yangtze is definitely not natural, even for a site choke full of lost souls
like the intersection of the River of Sorrow."
"Something is afoot, Belldandy. Something big, possibly worse than Mara and her Queen of Terror
incident." Athena handed a sheet of paper to Belldandy, who looked increasingly worried with
every sentence spoken by the goddess of War and Wisdom.
With a look of disgust, Athena spoke. "This is the copy of a note I found lying in the middle of
the swarm of Undead over there. Apparently, this is what caused that filth to converge there.
I would give you the original note, if I did not know of your aversion to such things like notes
written on the skin of a vampire in tainted undead blood." She gestured to a leather bag with
powerful magic runes written inscribed tied to her waist "As you can see Belldandy, whoever wrote
this was overflowing with undead power and, shockingly, some Divine essence as well."
"Divine essence? Can it be...Urd!" She shouted in panic as she sprinted to her sister's room. She
sighed in relief when she spotted Urd still resting on her futon, tired out from her ordeals on
Asgard. She headed to the living room where Athena lay sprawled onto the floor.
"Any idea who it was, Athena-san?" Asked Belldandy as she began dressing Athena's wounds.
"If I did I wouldn't be so worried. As it is, I have absolutely no idea who it was."
Athena stood up, brushing aside Belldandy's attempts to dress her more minor wounds.
"Thank you, but I need to hand this over to Ygddrasil Central at once. I suggest you
inform Lenneth or any member of her party that will likely approach you of this note. Do pass my
sincere apologies to Skuld over the damage dealt to her creation. Good day." she said, leaving
the temple grounds.
Belldandy smoothed over the crumpled paper and frowned as she saw the messy handwriting the
note was written in. she sighed and tried to decipher Athena's rushed copy as best as she could.
The note was strangely enough in Japanese and read as follows.
Pain.
Ever since that day Ranma, that pigtailed bastard forced his chi into me.
Pain and hunger was the only feeling I have and even now, with all my power, I still feel the
pain HE inflicted on me.
Like a million ants gnawing on my insides, that chi flowing through me makes it itch and hurt
inside. I want to scratch it, but I cant REACH IT!! No matter how much I scratch it,
how I badly bleed from it I still feel that pain. The pains I feel from my bleeding scratches
are nothing compared to the gnawing feeling inside me.
All of this is HIS fault. Ever since he came into my world, everything went WRONG! So horribly
WRONG! Along with him came all the craziness that should not exist! From the top martial artist
I got reduced to damsel in distress! That pervert destroyed everything I lived for!
I lost my hair and Dr Tofu because of HIM! I became a joke because of HIM!
RANMA!! Marry HIM! HAH! I'd rather copulate with P-Chan than him! And now as his final slight
against me, he gave me this! This...this CURSE! Trying to turn me into a monster like HIM!! It
also fucking HURTS! I scratched & scratched but it won't STOP!! That ITCH and That PAIN! Ever
had ants biting and crawling on your skin? Try having them just BENEATH Your skin, gnawing away
every second of their lives!
Just like RANMA! That BOY who ruined my life! Gnawing me! Taunting me! Insulting me! How dare he!
That cockroach that won't DIE!! When he did finally leave me, he gave me THIS! He's won! AGAIN!
They all say he's dead. DEAD! HIM?! Get REAL!! He won't die THAT easily. I know it! He's out
there! Having bimbos, whores, sluts what have you hanging around him.
Somewhere. Somehow. He's out there. I know my pain will never end until I devour him totally.
I get respite from this pain when I devour the soul and their entire residue chi and residue
life force. The thrill as their warm beating heart pulsates in my hand all that fear. Hatred.
Helplessness. The rush of power as I drink in their soul. It is absolutely WONDERFUL!
Probably the only thing I can thank that bastard Saotome for is the thrill when he gave me
his chi. Thanks to him, I know the thrill of chi rushing through me. No wonder that brat Hinako
loves to drain us. It is the only good thing that happened to me so far, ever since HE came into
my life.
The pain is starting again. I need to feed once more but I am starting to get tired of humans.
The Musk is unique and the Amazons really put a fight, while the screams of the Phoenix mountainfolk
is sweet music to my ears. The Undead I've eaten so far are however...stale.
I have been told the Gods are exceptionally delicious though. If what that Undead hussy
Genevieve says is true, than those so-called Gods are blinder than I thought.
If they have truly accepted...HIM. I personally cannot fathom why they will do so, but I will not
bother trying. Any group, which has done what they did to me, is probably full of idiots.
Ranma, soon I shall rip you asunder. For you see, Ranma, I'm better than you now. To think that
I used to think how unfair it is that you are so much better than me in the Art. Now I know why.
For I am destined for greater things. All who I devour shall contribute to your complete demise,
Ranma. Can you hear it, Ranma? All those lovely screams. Those who I have consumed cry out for
your blood, Ranma. Calling for your utter annihilation.
You know, Ranma? I'm going to heed them. You will die slowly, watching in terror as I pull out
your soul and savor the moment; watching your lifeblood slowly slip away. Looking forward to it,
Ranma? I certainly am.
Of course, there is another reason I can finally painfully finish you only now, Ranma. It's
because of her. The girl you have entrapped inside you. Have you any idea how much frustrating it
is to spare your miserable life, as I couldn't bear to hurt her.
Those crimson-platinum tresses, that pair of golden blue eyes that mesmerized me, that bewitching
angelic face. You dare to claim to be the real one when YOU are the twisted mockery. I've seen
what she really looks like, Ranma.
All the others are cheated by the false image that the curse presented, and even I only see it
in my dreams. Until it became so clear as I ripped out the heart of the boy who approached me 2
days ago. Another pervert, obviously. All boys are, even Ryoga. How could I have been so blind!
Those eyes! That aura! To think it took me so long to connect!
All of them will pay! Kasumi, Nabiki, my Daddy. All of them! Those hypocrites shall all PAY!!
Wait for me, my sweet Ranko. Yes, that's a nice name to call you. My wild, untamed goddess. Soon
You shall be a part of me forever. I finally found a way to separate you from HIM!
Soon, my pain shall end once HE is no more and you forever a part of me. All that I ask of you
Is to wait. I shall liberate you once my rebirth is complete.
Once my new body is ready, I shall make you a part of me.
I promise to devour you whole, my sweet Ranko.
Belldandy blinked in surprise as she noticed the bottom part of the paper was lighter in tone
than the rest of the paper. Recognizing one of Athena's favorite methods of hiding a message, the
Middle Norn infused her right thumb with ether, and gently rubbed the lower part of the paper
clockwise, until words written in the official lingo of Yggdrasil Central appeared.
(Note: I've not been able to find the lower part of this note that may give us the details of
this transformation. Due to the high level of Undead activity in the area, I will lead a complete
sweep of the vicinity later with back up. Distribute this note to any allies you meet Belldandy;
we do not need to strengthen this new soul devourer. I suggest a high level of alert on your part
,Belldandy and you have permission to use your full powers on Midgard.
Take care, Belldandy. This is your biggest test yet.)
Belldandy's emotions switched between the fear of confrontation with the Undead Hordes,
disgust at the boasts of the note's writer, and worry for Ranma's safety. Sighing, she went
about the house to strengthening the wards around the temple and praying for the safety of those
who might be caught in the coming battles. Then she said an extra set for Keiichi, all the while
preparing for something she'd hoped she would never have to.
War.
Glossary ( I do not claim that all information here's accurate, would like any help with facts
here.)
1:Yangtze-The longest river of China, it is the longest river and in Mandarin, the official
language of China, is called the Changjiang or Long River. It stretches most of China and is the
fastest route through China short of air-travel. It is also the dumping ground of corpses from
massacres, including the infamous Nanking (Nanjing) massacre during the Sino-Japanese War and the
Yangzhou Ten Day slaughter by the Manchurians during the establishment of the Qing Dynasty. Many
unwanted babies were also drowned here or it's tributaries. A truly tragic place.
2:Yellow River- The Yellow River is the largest (not longest) river of China and is found in
north China. Its fertile banks made it the site of many of China's earliest capitals and
settlements. The yellow soil of its banks, hence it's name, regularly floods however and it's
claimed millions of lives. The epidemics that break out every time it floods has earned the
Yellow River the name of River of Sorrows, and that who ever tame the river, tames China.
3:Nyuzhen: The nomadic tribes who are the natives of Manchuria, the Nyuzhen have been called many
names, from their original name to the Jin (Gold) people by the Chinese during the Southern Song
dynasty after Kaifeng, then the Chinese Capital fell to their armies. Also known as the Jurchens
to the other races that had contact with them. Genghis Khan wiped out the Jin kingdom later on
but they rallied in the 1600s to form the Qing (Clear or Clean, depending on context) kingdom and
later conquered China again, forming the Qing dynasty. Possibly the most renamed people in
history, not including the slang term of Bannerman (Qiren) often used. Only a handful of Nyuzhen
still live on their ancestral lands nowadays though.
4:flintlock: The flintlock is the predecessor of the modern pistol, and was commonly used in the
1700s and early 1800s. Watch the Sol Blanca anime for a look at this or Treasure Island series or
books for a more vivid description.
(Extra information)
The pigtail: The Nyuzhen introduced the pigtail hairstyle to the Han Chinese, only those of the
Eight Banners (5) could wear it among the Nyuzhen (about 99% of the tribe). The Chinese however
were forced to wear it to show their loyalty to the Qing Emperor, failing which the punishment
is the execution of the entire extended family.
Cutting it off is considered rebelling against the Qing Emperor for Chinese while is considered
severing ties with the tribe for Nyuzhen, and only men or warriors may wear the pigtail. Handing
the cut off pigtail however means handing your life, loyalty and soul to the person accepting it
for a Nyuzhen and is usually only reserved for the savior of one's life or new master.
(Yes, this little tidbit of information will be important later on in the story^_^.)
(5) The Eight Banners: Representing the Eight Clans of the Nyuzhen, they are divided into the
Orthodox (Zhen) Colors of Gold, Blue White and Red and the Framed (Xiang) Colors of Gold, Blue,
White and Red.
Frame as in framing up the picture, that is. This is the closest equivalent I can get in English.
Just a reminder, this is not a character bashing fic, I use all characters as and when the story
demands. Just to clarify and prevent potential flames.
Author's notes: As you can see, Akane (don't tell me you haven't guessed it!) will be playing a
very big part in this story, mainly as the one of the main villains. How did she get the ability
to suck souls? Well she has some uncontrollable chi within her at this point, which is divine in
nature, it has basically driven her mad with pain and the chi leak allows her to drain external
sources (think a chi black hole), and since she needs the rush of a chi drain to temporally ease
the constant pain of a foreign chi in her, she has become like a chi junkie of sorts, or more
appropriately, a chi vampire. Since she cant drain like Hinako, pulling out the heart will be
the easiest way as it is the muscle pumping the chi around the human body.
Her going mad? Considering that she was borderline psycho to begin with plus the fact that
Ranma's chi was causing her pain could easily push her over the edge. Who transformed her into
Undead? All this and more will be revealed in Chapter 3 of Valkyrie Ranma: Fighting the Shadowy
Gods.
Later
JF_1999