Coming up in a future chapter, I'm going to attempt something that has
never been done before: A Happosai and Cologne Lemon scene! Am I sick
little puppy? Am I joking? Am I just trying to hold your interest? Yes.
Can you handle it? Tell me at: oddball22@hotmail.com
DISCLAIMER: You know how hard it is thinking up witty disclaimer
remarks? Oh yeah, these characters aren't mine.
And now for another exciting episode...
Ranma 1/2: New Challenges
Winds Calling
Chapter 7
Akane slowly realized someone was calling her name. She tried to shake her head to snap
herself awake and that's when she discovered she was sitting in a chair.
Opening her eyes, she was greeted by a brick wall. On her left and right
were big shelves filled with multiple bottles that contained some sort
of clear liquid.
The voice spoke again. "Akane?"
She blinked her eyes. "Nabiki?"
"Finally!" Nabiki cheered. "I swear sis, when you're asleep,
you're as dead to the world as Ranma."
Akane realized that her ankles were tied together and her arms
were tied behind the back of her chair. The postion left her sore and
uncomfortable. Normally she could probably break the thick rope that
bound them, but her arms were practically asleep from the tight knots
that reduced bloodflow. She began to clench and unclench her hands to
get the blood flowing again.
"Oneechan, where are you?"
"I'm behind you, tied in a chair the same as you I imagine." She
sighed. "I'm not supposed to get caught up in these things. They're only
supposed to come after you or Ranma and one of you goes to rescue the
other."
Akane was silent a moment. "Where's dad and Kasumi?"
Nabiki sighed again. "They were here earlier, but were led off
to another room. Where, I can only guess."
"I'm sorry you got caught up in this, Nabiki," Akane apologized.
Nabiki giggled. "What's so funny?"
"Well, at least I'll be saved too when Ranma comes to rescue
you!" Nabiki laughed some more.
"Nabiki!"
"Kasumi, are you alright?" Soun asked.
"Hai, I'm fine I think," she replied slowly. Both were tied up
in the same manner as Nabiki and Akane.
"Don't worry daughter, I'll get us out of this!" he said. "And
if I find they mistreated any one of my babies, I..."
"You will do no such thing!" Soun was stopped by Kasumi's
forceful command. "You are injured and are in no condition to do
anything. Just wait for Ranma and the others to come. They will save
us."
Soun sighed. "I guess you're right. If only I kept practiced in
the Art, I wouldn't have broken my leg and then I could've done
something when they attacked the dojo."
"Don't blame yourself, father," she comforted him. "There were
too many of them for even you to handle."
"You right again as usual, though my pride would rather me not
face those facts."
"We'll be fine father, you'll see."
"I hope you're right."
It was 4pm when the train carrying Ryoga, Kenji, and Yuri
arrived at Nerima station. As they disembarked, they were greeted by the
Saotome matriarch and a purple-haired Amazon. The two women quickly
escorted the trio out of the station and found a quiet area where they
explained the situation.
"What!?" Ryoga exclaimed. "Akane-san's been kidnapped! How could
Ranma let that happen!? I'm going to save her and pound that jerk!"
"You will do no such thing!" Ryoga stopped cold as Nodoka
addressed him. "If you want someone to blame, blame me!"
"Obasama?" he asked, disbelievingly.
"I'm the one who dragged my husband and son out of the house,"
she said sadly. "If I hadn't, then they would've been there to prevent
this."
"Gomen," Ryoga apologized.
Nodoka sighed. "You are forgiven, but we are going to have a
little talk after this is over, okay?" Ryoga nodded meekly.
Kenji decided it was time to step in. "So, what you're saying
is, the Tendos have been kidnapped and the others have gone to rescue
them?" She nodded. "Okay, well the two of us will head up there and see
if there is anything we can do to help, then."
That's when Nodoka noticed the young girl dressed similarly as
Kenji standing there. "Oh, I didn't even notice your friend there."
Yuri smiled and executed a short bow. "I'm Soyokaze Yuri,
Saotome-obasama. Kenji's sister!"
"Such a polite young lady!" Nodoka exclaimed. "But are you sure
you'll be all right going with them?"
Kenji turned to her. "Mrs. Saotome is right. It would be better
if you stayed here. These people are dangerous."
"Oh no, you don't!" Yuri replied, hotly. "I'm coming with you! I
don't want to risk losing you now."
Kenji grimaced. "I know how you feel, I don't want to lose you
either. That's why you have to stay here. You don't know what you're up
against."
"Then you shouldn't go either!" Yuri yelled.
"I owe these people a debt of honor!" Kenji countered. "They
saved my life!"
Yuri smiled. "Fine! Then I owe them a debt of honor, too! They
saved my brother and brought him back to me!" She leveled her eyes at
him. "I'm going."
Ryoga sighed. "Soyokaze, we don't have time for this! Just
bring her along. She looks like she could handle herself in a fight, and
we could use all the help we can get."
Kenji glanced back and forth between the two and sighed.
"Alright, I know when I'm beat." He settle his gaze on his sister. "But
I'm sticking with you. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you."
Yuri hugged him. "Thanks, `niichan. I won't let anyone hurt you
either."
Nodoka cleared her throat. "Well, if you three are decided,
here is a map with directions Elder Cologne left for you." She handed
them the map, and they thanked her. "Come Shampoo-chan, we'll head to my
house. Good luck."
Ryoga spoke up again. "Don't worry Mrs. Saotome, we'll bring
them back."
With that, the group cornered a couple of cabs. The two women
took one back to the Saotome house, and the trio took the other, hoping
they would arrive in time.
Ranma glanced at his watch: 6pm.
"You better be right about this, Saotome," Mousse muttered to
his left. "I do not like surrendering."
"You got any better ideas?" Ranma countered. The
Amazon shook his head. A hand squeezed Ranma's right arm.
"We're with you Ranchan," Ukyo said. She winked at him.
"Arigato, Ucchan."
Genma didn't say anything, but watched his son. Truth be told,
he was proud of Ranma. Not only was he an excellent martial artist, but
he had an uncanny knack for feeling out a situation, developing a plan,
and getting people to work together on that plan. It validated some of
Genma's guilt of everything he had put his son through on their training
trip.
Ranma gave the signal to his comrades and they rose, heading
for the front gate of the compound. They were soon were in sight of the
guards, who eyed them suspiciously. When they came close enough, they
were ordered to halt. Ranma counted at least twenty guards in sight.
There were probably more on the other side of the giant, solid iron
gate.
He took a position slightly in front of the others. "My name is
Saotome Ranma. I think your boss is expecting me."
"Stay right there while I call him," one of the guards said. He
went over and picked up a phone. After a short conversation, he hung up.
Five minutes later, the gate swung open.
There were indeed more guards on the other side, but there was
also a figure standing in the middle who was radiating power; both
command and literal. Ranma wondered.
The man, who was obviously the leader, stepped forward. He was
also the only one with hood removed so you could see his face, and he
was wearing black robes as opposed to the brown worn by the rest of his
minions. He was bald, but had a black mustache and beard covering his
face. "Welcome to my home, Ranma-san. You may call me Kyrnn. Please,
won't you come in?"
"We came for our friends," Ranma said evenly. "We have yours, so
we've come to make the trade."
Kyrnn's eyes narrowed. "And a trade we will make. But if you
want to see your friends alive, you'll join me." Ranma inhaled, then
nodded to the group and they started foreword. Krynn smiled. "Excellent!
You'll see there is much we can do for each other!"
"I doubt it," Ukyo spat.
Krynn laughed. "My, what spirit! Just like another girl I
know..."
"You better not have hurt any of them," Ranma growled.
"What kind of host do you think I am?" Krynn appeared shocked.
By now, Ranma's group was inside the gate and it closed behind them.
"Now if you will be so kind as to relinquish my loyal followers..."
Ranma tossed his bundle to the ground. Mousse and Genma
followed with theirs. Krynn gestured to a trio of his minions who picked
up the three unconscious men and carried them off.
"They're just sleeping and should wake up soon," Ranma
explained. "Now, do we get our people?"
Krynn smiled in a way that sent shivers down Ranma's spine. "Of
course! Just follow me."
He turned and walked toward the main building and Ranma
gestured for his friends to follow.
"Come on Happi, they'll be going in right now!"
"I'm coming, Cologne." Happosai leaped down from the tree he was
sitting in to join Cologne on the ground. He smiled at her. "Just like
the good ol' days, eh?"
The old woman groaned. "Don't remind me. Remember what I told
you earlier."
Happosai sighed. "I know. We have to disappear if there is
going to be any choice to fight the coming disaster."
"Agreed." Cologne's voice was solemn. "The kids must survive on
their own from now on, and we can't tell them what we know. Now, let's
go."
The two elders timed their leap and flew over the wall when the
cameras weren't looking. Once inside, the duo moved rapidly, crossing
the distance to the back of the main building. Leaping up to a second
story window, Cologne tapped the glass in several spots and it promptly
fell inward. The two intruders moved inside and prepared to confront any
occupants, but they were in luck, no one was there. The window was put
back into place.
"We stick to the plan, Happi," Cologne said. "I'll take the
lower two floors and you take the upper two."
Happosai winked, then slowly opened the door. "Coast is clear.
Let's go!"
They split up and began to search.
"Let's put them in here to recover."
"Good idea, I don't wanna lug these guys around, anymore."
The three minions who carried the three unconscious forms of
their brethren, placed them a small room containing a couple of bunk
beds. After depositing them the sleeping forms, they took off, grumbling
about menial labor.
As soon as he heard the door shut again, Tofu easily undid his
bounds and sat up. He then checked the other occupants. His surroundings appeared to be one of the windowless
sleeping chambers in one of the barracks. He was hoping
they'd take him to the main building. he thought.
He walked to the door and listened. No sounds. Putting his hood
over his head, he slowly opened the door and walked out. As he began to
walk down the hall, another cloaked figure appeared and started to walk
towards him. To Tofu's relief, the figure ignored him. As soon as they
passed, the doc swung around and tapped a few pressure points. The
wizard fell to the ground and Tofu carried him back to the room.
Then Dr. Ono Tofu began the search in earnest.
High upon a hill, three figures watched Ranma and co. enter the
main building, escorted by the mages.
"Great, they've been captured," Kenji huffed. "Come on, we
better go in after them."
Ryoga placed a hand on Kenji's arm. "Hold on! I only see Ranma,
his father, Ukyo-san, and Mousse. Where are the others? Mrs. Saotome
said the group included more people. Cologne, Happosai and Tofu-sensei."
"So where are they?" Kenji asked.
Ryoga shrugged. "I don't know. I guess they must be operating
on some sort of plan."
"So what do we do, Hibiki-san?" Yuri asked. "You know them
better then us."
"The only thing we can do," Ryoga replied. "Wait, and be ready
to strike when the right moment comes."
Yuri thought for a moment. "How will we know when to strike?"
Ryoga smiled. "Knowing Ranma, I think we'll be able to tell."
"Right," Kenji agreed. "I guess what we should discuss, are the
actions we'll take once the time is right."
The other two nodded and began to plan.
Ranma's group was led into a larger room on the fourth floor.
It appeared to be a study, with bookshelves lining the room and a large
ornate desk at the opposite side from the entry door. Krynn led the way
and stopped in front of the desk. Twelve cloaked figures kept guard
around them.
"How do you like my office?" he asked.
Ranma shrugged. "I've seen better."
"I thought we were going to see the Tendos!" Ukyo exclaimed.
Krynn nodded. "Oh, you'll see them soon enough. But only when I
decide the moment is right. Now let's talk about what you can do for
me."
"No true martial artist uses his skills for evil," Genma intoned
solemnly.
"Nor will any Amazon," Mousse added.
Krynn shook his head. "You don't seem to understand. You really
don't have a choice here. You work for me, and I release your friends
alive. You don't, and I release your friends in a not-so alive
condition."
Kyrnn studied the faces of his captives. "Well, I'll let you think it over while
I see to your friends. When I get back, you better be ready with an
answer." He turned to his guards. "If they try anything, you have my
permission to kill, maim, and torture them. I'll leave the choice up to
you, Kato."
The one known as Kato bowed. "As you wish, Master."
Krynn made a few wavy gestures with his hands and promptly
disappeared.
Cologne was on the first floor now, having failed to find any
sign of them on the second. Coming across another set of metal double
doors, she cautiously opened them and peeked inside. It appeared to be
the big building that was attached to the main one; a spacious gym
where, apparently, the wizards worked a variety of skills. No one was
inside and the lights were dimmed so she slipped inside and began
looking for clues.
About halfway through, she was startled by a voice. "Now, I
don't remember inviting you."
Cologne turned around and cursed herself. I didn't even sense
anybody nearby! How did he do it? The one who made the comment was
floating several feet in the air and wearing a black cloak with the hood
down.
"My name is Krynn and I can sense the power in you, old one," he
said, eyes narrowing. "In fact, that's how I knew you were here. You
really couldn't hide your power well enough."
Cologne laughed. "I have no need to hide my power, since my
last defeat was 200 years ago. Though you're welcome to try."
"I'll do more than try, I'll succeed," he stated solemnly. "And
by the way, this gym is sound-proofed and shock-proofed so no one else
will hear you scream."
The two faced each other down for what seemed like an eternity,
but was only a couple of minutes. Then Krynn led off with a few
fireballs. Cologne easily dodged as he gathered her ki energy, sending
multiple ki-blasts at her target. He didn't even bother dodging.
When the dust settled after the repeated impacts, Cologne was
frightened to see him undamaged.
"Oh, come now," he laughed. "Is that all you've got?"
The Amazon matriarch jumped towards the floating figure
intending to attack with her staff. Just as Krynn tried to punch her out
of the air, she sped up and zipped behind him, aiming for the back of
his neck. As her staff came down, she was instantly blown back before
she could connect.
She impacted the wall, back first, and bounced to the floor,
summoning her ki energy to heal herself.
The black-cloaked man grinned evilly as he advanced on her.
Nodoka and Shampoo were having tea and having a subdued
conversation. As Shampoo was about to take a sip from her cup, she lost
her grip and the cup fell to the floor, breaking in two. She apologized
as they worked to clean it up, but Shampoo couldn't help but think this
was some kind of omen.
On the third floor, Happosai was making slow progress. He had
to do more dodging of patrols and was still unable to locate anyone.
Taking a step back inside the hallway, he got a sudden chill. Something
was wrong, very wrong.
His eyes narrowed and he dashed off, hoping he wasn't too late.
never been done before: A Happosai and Cologne Lemon scene! Am I sick
little puppy? Am I joking? Am I just trying to hold your interest? Yes.
Can you handle it? Tell me at: oddball22@hotmail.com
DISCLAIMER: You know how hard it is thinking up witty disclaimer
remarks? Oh yeah, these characters aren't mine.
And now for another exciting episode...
Ranma 1/2: New Challenges
Winds Calling
Chapter 7
Akane slowly realized someone was calling her name. She tried to shake her head to snap
herself awake and that's when she discovered she was sitting in a chair.
Opening her eyes, she was greeted by a brick wall. On her left and right
were big shelves filled with multiple bottles that contained some sort
of clear liquid.
The voice spoke again. "Akane?"
She blinked her eyes. "Nabiki?"
"Finally!" Nabiki cheered. "I swear sis, when you're asleep,
you're as dead to the world as Ranma."
Akane realized that her ankles were tied together and her arms
were tied behind the back of her chair. The postion left her sore and
uncomfortable. Normally she could probably break the thick rope that
bound them, but her arms were practically asleep from the tight knots
that reduced bloodflow. She began to clench and unclench her hands to
get the blood flowing again.
"Oneechan, where are you?"
"I'm behind you, tied in a chair the same as you I imagine." She
sighed. "I'm not supposed to get caught up in these things. They're only
supposed to come after you or Ranma and one of you goes to rescue the
other."
Akane was silent a moment. "Where's dad and Kasumi?"
Nabiki sighed again. "They were here earlier, but were led off
to another room. Where, I can only guess."
"I'm sorry you got caught up in this, Nabiki," Akane apologized.
Nabiki giggled. "What's so funny?"
"Well, at least I'll be saved too when Ranma comes to rescue
you!" Nabiki laughed some more.
"Nabiki!"
"Kasumi, are you alright?" Soun asked.
"Hai, I'm fine I think," she replied slowly. Both were tied up
in the same manner as Nabiki and Akane.
"Don't worry daughter, I'll get us out of this!" he said. "And
if I find they mistreated any one of my babies, I..."
"You will do no such thing!" Soun was stopped by Kasumi's
forceful command. "You are injured and are in no condition to do
anything. Just wait for Ranma and the others to come. They will save
us."
Soun sighed. "I guess you're right. If only I kept practiced in
the Art, I wouldn't have broken my leg and then I could've done
something when they attacked the dojo."
"Don't blame yourself, father," she comforted him. "There were
too many of them for even you to handle."
"You right again as usual, though my pride would rather me not
face those facts."
"We'll be fine father, you'll see."
"I hope you're right."
It was 4pm when the train carrying Ryoga, Kenji, and Yuri
arrived at Nerima station. As they disembarked, they were greeted by the
Saotome matriarch and a purple-haired Amazon. The two women quickly
escorted the trio out of the station and found a quiet area where they
explained the situation.
"What!?" Ryoga exclaimed. "Akane-san's been kidnapped! How could
Ranma let that happen!? I'm going to save her and pound that jerk!"
"You will do no such thing!" Ryoga stopped cold as Nodoka
addressed him. "If you want someone to blame, blame me!"
"Obasama?" he asked, disbelievingly.
"I'm the one who dragged my husband and son out of the house,"
she said sadly. "If I hadn't, then they would've been there to prevent
this."
"Gomen," Ryoga apologized.
Nodoka sighed. "You are forgiven, but we are going to have a
little talk after this is over, okay?" Ryoga nodded meekly.
Kenji decided it was time to step in. "So, what you're saying
is, the Tendos have been kidnapped and the others have gone to rescue
them?" She nodded. "Okay, well the two of us will head up there and see
if there is anything we can do to help, then."
That's when Nodoka noticed the young girl dressed similarly as
Kenji standing there. "Oh, I didn't even notice your friend there."
Yuri smiled and executed a short bow. "I'm Soyokaze Yuri,
Saotome-obasama. Kenji's sister!"
"Such a polite young lady!" Nodoka exclaimed. "But are you sure
you'll be all right going with them?"
Kenji turned to her. "Mrs. Saotome is right. It would be better
if you stayed here. These people are dangerous."
"Oh no, you don't!" Yuri replied, hotly. "I'm coming with you! I
don't want to risk losing you now."
Kenji grimaced. "I know how you feel, I don't want to lose you
either. That's why you have to stay here. You don't know what you're up
against."
"Then you shouldn't go either!" Yuri yelled.
"I owe these people a debt of honor!" Kenji countered. "They
saved my life!"
Yuri smiled. "Fine! Then I owe them a debt of honor, too! They
saved my brother and brought him back to me!" She leveled her eyes at
him. "I'm going."
Ryoga sighed. "Soyokaze, we don't have time for this! Just
bring her along. She looks like she could handle herself in a fight, and
we could use all the help we can get."
Kenji glanced back and forth between the two and sighed.
"Alright, I know when I'm beat." He settle his gaze on his sister. "But
I'm sticking with you. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you."
Yuri hugged him. "Thanks, `niichan. I won't let anyone hurt you
either."
Nodoka cleared her throat. "Well, if you three are decided,
here is a map with directions Elder Cologne left for you." She handed
them the map, and they thanked her. "Come Shampoo-chan, we'll head to my
house. Good luck."
Ryoga spoke up again. "Don't worry Mrs. Saotome, we'll bring
them back."
With that, the group cornered a couple of cabs. The two women
took one back to the Saotome house, and the trio took the other, hoping
they would arrive in time.
Ranma glanced at his watch: 6pm.
"You better be right about this, Saotome," Mousse muttered to
his left. "I do not like surrendering."
"You got any better ideas?" Ranma countered. The
Amazon shook his head. A hand squeezed Ranma's right arm.
"We're with you Ranchan," Ukyo said. She winked at him.
"Arigato, Ucchan."
Genma didn't say anything, but watched his son. Truth be told,
he was proud of Ranma. Not only was he an excellent martial artist, but
he had an uncanny knack for feeling out a situation, developing a plan,
and getting people to work together on that plan. It validated some of
Genma's guilt of everything he had put his son through on their training
trip.
Ranma gave the signal to his comrades and they rose, heading
for the front gate of the compound. They were soon were in sight of the
guards, who eyed them suspiciously. When they came close enough, they
were ordered to halt. Ranma counted at least twenty guards in sight.
There were probably more on the other side of the giant, solid iron
gate.
He took a position slightly in front of the others. "My name is
Saotome Ranma. I think your boss is expecting me."
"Stay right there while I call him," one of the guards said. He
went over and picked up a phone. After a short conversation, he hung up.
Five minutes later, the gate swung open.
There were indeed more guards on the other side, but there was
also a figure standing in the middle who was radiating power; both
command and literal. Ranma wondered.
The man, who was obviously the leader, stepped forward. He was
also the only one with hood removed so you could see his face, and he
was wearing black robes as opposed to the brown worn by the rest of his
minions. He was bald, but had a black mustache and beard covering his
face. "Welcome to my home, Ranma-san. You may call me Kyrnn. Please,
won't you come in?"
"We came for our friends," Ranma said evenly. "We have yours, so
we've come to make the trade."
Kyrnn's eyes narrowed. "And a trade we will make. But if you
want to see your friends alive, you'll join me." Ranma inhaled, then
nodded to the group and they started foreword. Krynn smiled. "Excellent!
You'll see there is much we can do for each other!"
"I doubt it," Ukyo spat.
Krynn laughed. "My, what spirit! Just like another girl I
know..."
"You better not have hurt any of them," Ranma growled.
"What kind of host do you think I am?" Krynn appeared shocked.
By now, Ranma's group was inside the gate and it closed behind them.
"Now if you will be so kind as to relinquish my loyal followers..."
Ranma tossed his bundle to the ground. Mousse and Genma
followed with theirs. Krynn gestured to a trio of his minions who picked
up the three unconscious men and carried them off.
"They're just sleeping and should wake up soon," Ranma
explained. "Now, do we get our people?"
Krynn smiled in a way that sent shivers down Ranma's spine. "Of
course! Just follow me."
He turned and walked toward the main building and Ranma
gestured for his friends to follow.
"Come on Happi, they'll be going in right now!"
"I'm coming, Cologne." Happosai leaped down from the tree he was
sitting in to join Cologne on the ground. He smiled at her. "Just like
the good ol' days, eh?"
The old woman groaned. "Don't remind me. Remember what I told
you earlier."
Happosai sighed. "I know. We have to disappear if there is
going to be any choice to fight the coming disaster."
"Agreed." Cologne's voice was solemn. "The kids must survive on
their own from now on, and we can't tell them what we know. Now, let's
go."
The two elders timed their leap and flew over the wall when the
cameras weren't looking. Once inside, the duo moved rapidly, crossing
the distance to the back of the main building. Leaping up to a second
story window, Cologne tapped the glass in several spots and it promptly
fell inward. The two intruders moved inside and prepared to confront any
occupants, but they were in luck, no one was there. The window was put
back into place.
"We stick to the plan, Happi," Cologne said. "I'll take the
lower two floors and you take the upper two."
Happosai winked, then slowly opened the door. "Coast is clear.
Let's go!"
They split up and began to search.
"Let's put them in here to recover."
"Good idea, I don't wanna lug these guys around, anymore."
The three minions who carried the three unconscious forms of
their brethren, placed them a small room containing a couple of bunk
beds. After depositing them the sleeping forms, they took off, grumbling
about menial labor.
As soon as he heard the door shut again, Tofu easily undid his
bounds and sat up. He then checked the other occupants. His surroundings appeared to be one of the windowless
sleeping chambers in one of the barracks. He was hoping
they'd take him to the main building. he thought.
He walked to the door and listened. No sounds. Putting his hood
over his head, he slowly opened the door and walked out. As he began to
walk down the hall, another cloaked figure appeared and started to walk
towards him. To Tofu's relief, the figure ignored him. As soon as they
passed, the doc swung around and tapped a few pressure points. The
wizard fell to the ground and Tofu carried him back to the room.
Then Dr. Ono Tofu began the search in earnest.
High upon a hill, three figures watched Ranma and co. enter the
main building, escorted by the mages.
"Great, they've been captured," Kenji huffed. "Come on, we
better go in after them."
Ryoga placed a hand on Kenji's arm. "Hold on! I only see Ranma,
his father, Ukyo-san, and Mousse. Where are the others? Mrs. Saotome
said the group included more people. Cologne, Happosai and Tofu-sensei."
"So where are they?" Kenji asked.
Ryoga shrugged. "I don't know. I guess they must be operating
on some sort of plan."
"So what do we do, Hibiki-san?" Yuri asked. "You know them
better then us."
"The only thing we can do," Ryoga replied. "Wait, and be ready
to strike when the right moment comes."
Yuri thought for a moment. "How will we know when to strike?"
Ryoga smiled. "Knowing Ranma, I think we'll be able to tell."
"Right," Kenji agreed. "I guess what we should discuss, are the
actions we'll take once the time is right."
The other two nodded and began to plan.
Ranma's group was led into a larger room on the fourth floor.
It appeared to be a study, with bookshelves lining the room and a large
ornate desk at the opposite side from the entry door. Krynn led the way
and stopped in front of the desk. Twelve cloaked figures kept guard
around them.
"How do you like my office?" he asked.
Ranma shrugged. "I've seen better."
"I thought we were going to see the Tendos!" Ukyo exclaimed.
Krynn nodded. "Oh, you'll see them soon enough. But only when I
decide the moment is right. Now let's talk about what you can do for
me."
"No true martial artist uses his skills for evil," Genma intoned
solemnly.
"Nor will any Amazon," Mousse added.
Krynn shook his head. "You don't seem to understand. You really
don't have a choice here. You work for me, and I release your friends
alive. You don't, and I release your friends in a not-so alive
condition."
Kyrnn studied the faces of his captives. "Well, I'll let you think it over while
I see to your friends. When I get back, you better be ready with an
answer." He turned to his guards. "If they try anything, you have my
permission to kill, maim, and torture them. I'll leave the choice up to
you, Kato."
The one known as Kato bowed. "As you wish, Master."
Krynn made a few wavy gestures with his hands and promptly
disappeared.
Cologne was on the first floor now, having failed to find any
sign of them on the second. Coming across another set of metal double
doors, she cautiously opened them and peeked inside. It appeared to be
the big building that was attached to the main one; a spacious gym
where, apparently, the wizards worked a variety of skills. No one was
inside and the lights were dimmed so she slipped inside and began
looking for clues.
About halfway through, she was startled by a voice. "Now, I
don't remember inviting you."
Cologne turned around and cursed herself. I didn't even sense
anybody nearby! How did he do it? The one who made the comment was
floating several feet in the air and wearing a black cloak with the hood
down.
"My name is Krynn and I can sense the power in you, old one," he
said, eyes narrowing. "In fact, that's how I knew you were here. You
really couldn't hide your power well enough."
Cologne laughed. "I have no need to hide my power, since my
last defeat was 200 years ago. Though you're welcome to try."
"I'll do more than try, I'll succeed," he stated solemnly. "And
by the way, this gym is sound-proofed and shock-proofed so no one else
will hear you scream."
The two faced each other down for what seemed like an eternity,
but was only a couple of minutes. Then Krynn led off with a few
fireballs. Cologne easily dodged as he gathered her ki energy, sending
multiple ki-blasts at her target. He didn't even bother dodging.
When the dust settled after the repeated impacts, Cologne was
frightened to see him undamaged.
"Oh, come now," he laughed. "Is that all you've got?"
The Amazon matriarch jumped towards the floating figure
intending to attack with her staff. Just as Krynn tried to punch her out
of the air, she sped up and zipped behind him, aiming for the back of
his neck. As her staff came down, she was instantly blown back before
she could connect.
She impacted the wall, back first, and bounced to the floor,
summoning her ki energy to heal herself.
The black-cloaked man grinned evilly as he advanced on her.
Nodoka and Shampoo were having tea and having a subdued
conversation. As Shampoo was about to take a sip from her cup, she lost
her grip and the cup fell to the floor, breaking in two. She apologized
as they worked to clean it up, but Shampoo couldn't help but think this
was some kind of omen.
On the third floor, Happosai was making slow progress. He had
to do more dodging of patrols and was still unable to locate anyone.
Taking a step back inside the hallway, he got a sudden chill. Something
was wrong, very wrong.
His eyes narrowed and he dashed off, hoping he wasn't too late.
