Chapter # 10

Chapter # 10

Kyoto, mid 1800's-

It was barely past noon now but time seemed to move slowly that way. That is, in a moment of intensity. A challenge had just been sent from Sanosuke to an awaiting Ranma. This was going to be interesting…

Tilting his head slightly to see around him, Sanosuke noted, "I see you've been training pretty hard. You wanna cool down before I beat you up too much?"

Ranma spat on the ground, looked up, and said amusingly, "Heh. 'Them's fightin' words.' And no, no-no-no. I'm warmed up now. I'd like no time better than now to fight. Not to mention, humble your cocky butt."

It was surprising to Sanosuke that he would be referred to as being cocky; that is, since it was coming from a boy who issued a challenge the moment after he woke up from being knocked unconscious. But that fact didn't change the situation much. He had a fight on his hands; one that was more for fun than for survival, which he didn't get very often. He took out a roll of red tape and began wrapping his hands with it. As he did, he looked up and said, "So confident are you? I doubt you'll be spurting off such nonsense when I'm through with this fight, which, I don't think will last past a minute before you're on the floor." He smiled keenly and finished tightening his wrap moving his wrist about to make sure it fit in all the right places.

It appeared as though no damage had been done to Ranma's coolness. He shrugged off the comment and came back, "Hey, I can win anything if it's got martial arts in the name." He pointed to himself arrogantly, "I haven't yet lost to any martial arts tournament and I'm not about to start now!"

He already knew Sanosuke was ready and lunged at him. It took the other by surprise not expecting such speed. In a blur Ranma appeared in front of Sanosuke for a mid air kick. Luckily Sanosuke's reflexes came in to play as he stepped away and prepared his own attack. He started at Ranma with a barrage of quick hand attacks.

Ranma found himself going on defense and thought, * Wow! I guess this Sano guy wasn't kidding that he was good! I'm having trouble just blocking his upper strikes. When he busts out with kicks as well, I may have a problem.* he grinned viciously then thought, * But not with what I'm about to pull!*

Sanosuke saw Ranma couldn't get in an attack since he was having to parry so much. A sneer crossed his face and he began to go full throttle on his opponent. Sanosuke's hands flew even faster now through the air. He snickered to himself, "I've got him now! Only a two minutes into this fight and it's practically over!"

"Not yet it ain't!" shouted the pig-tailed martial artist. Sanosuke was shocked by his aggressive threat. Noticing Sano flinching, Ranma burst out, "Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire Technique! GAAAA!!!" In an explosion of speed, Ranma took the advantage. In each passing second he shot out over a hundred strikes, most of which landed a hit.

Shist!* Sanosuke could feel his body being pummeled and slammed in every which direction. * I didn't think Ranma had it in him to punch so quickly! I gotta do something before this gets much further!* he yelled, "Is that all you have, Ranma? 'Cause speed's not the only thing I've got!" With that he leashed out with a sudden uppercut that sent Ranma soaring.

When the dust settled where the youth landed, one thing was clear to Ranma, * Dang he's got a powerful punch! I can't let him keep hitting me dead on if that's the case! But thanks to Ryoga, I know how to handle his type.*

Dirt was scraped up as Ranma leapt some fifteen feet into the air. Sanosuke stood amazed that his opponent could jump to such heights! Ranma spun in the air and came down delivering a crushing side kick to Sanosuke's shoulder. The latter clutched his throbbing shoulder in pain but took a ready stance in anticipation of his next move. Ranma moved in maneuvering his way in for the final blow. This was going to be it!

Simultaneously, the two screamed, "It's time I finished this!!! GRAAA!!!" Ranma was coming in to use a finishing crescent kick while Sanosuke was readying a surprise attack with his 'injured' arm. The two came crashing into each other when a two familiar voices sounded from the sidelines-

Megumi and Kaoru screamed in unison, "Sano! Kenshin! What the heck are you doing?!"

The two fighters stopped in mid action creating an awkward scene. Caught off guard, Ranma's kick faltered landing him on top of Sanosuke who had already started his punch but being surprised had his arm clutched around Ranma's neck and shoulders.

Ranma and Sanosuke watched wide-eyed in a face fault as the two girls accompanied by Yahiko, Tsubame, Misao, and Aoshi came into view. Why, the gumi had come home earlier than expected, with guests no less! Everyone stood there completely shocked and left without words, especially the challengers.

Finally, Ranma broke out stuttering, "I-I, uh-that is we were doing the-wait, no-you see--"

Yahiko looked disgusted and said blankly, "Don't. Don't even try explaining. You two lovers just come back inside the dojo when you've finshed."

Despite, Ranma still tried in vain to make a coherent sentence, "Bu-but, hey hold on! No, we didn't-it's not what it looks like!"

A voice from below that was Sanosuke huffed, "Ranma, they're gone already. Now will you get the heck off me before I really beat you up?!"