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Ranma 1/2: New Challenges
Minor Disturbances

Chapter 10





She had just laid down to go to sleep for the night. Then,
without warning she could actually feel `it' descend upon her. She lost
all control of her body, almost as she had been paralyzed. She could
feel her senses leave her, one by one.

She gasped and moaned, but there was no escape.

Touch was first as her body went numb. Her sense of smell
disappeared next, followed by hearing. The world went black as her sight
left her, and all she could sense was her dry mouth, before that too,
went away.

{You have one more sense.}

Miyo realized she did, even as `it' took control...






"So you think that's where they're headed?" Tenma asked.

Akara nodded. "The fallback point was recently changed to the
Kuno estate, if we were ever seperated. If any of the army survived,
they would gather there." She looked up at him. Ever since that one
night, things had been easier between them, but by no means were all the
issues resolved.

Miyo asked in fright. If they heard, they
didn't show it.

"Then we should make haste," Kae agreed. "The House of Kuno is
still three day's travel northward from here."

The three travelers had been on the move for a couple of days
already, ever since leaving the battlefield that once was the camp of
Senshin's army. They had pushed themselves hard ever since then, trying
to stay ahead of the Dark Shogun's army. Chances were that it was
somewhere in the area and they didn't want to risk discovery. Their
advantage was that three people could move a whole lot faster than an
army, so they hoped to make the Kuno Estate in time to warn them.

For most of the trip, they worked in silence, more intent on
making good time then idle conversation. Kae had vanished several times,
supposedly to recon the area around them, leaving Tenma and Akara alone
for long periods at a time. This usually when they talked. In the past
few days they had talked a little of themselves, and getting to know
each other.

Tenma wished he could go faster, but Akara was holding him back
some. While in top physical shape and a good martial artist, her
endurance wasn't as great as Tenma's, and seemingly Kae's as well.

The kunoichi was a mystery. She said little, and refused to
open up at all to Akara's probes. The youngest Tendo began to wonder
what kind of secrets Kae held.

She kept these thoughts to herself, however.





I don't understand, Miyo thought, worridly. But in truth, she
did. She understood all of what was happening, except how she could be
here.

Glancing down revealed her hands and the rest of her body, but
it was translucent. It was almost like being a ghost, floating in mid-
air. She had control of herself, but was unable to control where she
floated. It was more like some sort of virtual-reality she was watching.

But she wasn't wearing any sort of VR gear now. Instead, she
was forced to watch as the three travelers made their way north.





Akara scanned the map. "There's a town in that direction." She
pointed east. "I remember being there two weeks ago. We could probably
barter for some horses and make better time."

"Maybe, but it would take several hours to get there," Kae
observed.

"But we could be there by this time tomorrow if we got some
horses!" Akara countered. She turned towards the single male member of
the group. "What do you think, Tenma?" Her look said he'd better say
yes.

Tenma gulped. "Well, I suppose it could be worth a shot." He
looked up. "At the very least we lose a few hours. I estimate we're at
least a day ahead of the army as it is. But we can gain a full day if do
get a few horses."

Akara smiled. "Thank you, Tenma."

Tenma laughed nervously, disarmed by her gaze. "Uh sure, no
problem."

Kae frowned. "Very well, if that is your decision, I suggest we
get moving. If we're lucky, we can make the town before nightfall."





Miyo thought to herself, her fear
diminishing some and logical thought returning.

{Just watch}

Miyo was was so stunned by the voice, she didn't reply.






In fact, they did make the town just as the sun disappeared
over the horizon. But their hopes were dashed when it looked like the
town was deserted. Nobody could be seen and many of the wooden buildings
had their windows boarded up.

The three walked down what was obviously once the main dirt
road through town.

"Well, this was a waste," Kae said evenly.

Akara was aghast. "I don't get it. This town was lively with
people a couple of weeks ago."

"Obviously, the townsfolk got scared of the Dark Shogun's army
and left," the kunoichi explained. "Quite understandable."

Akara's facial features darkened. "The Dark Shogun again! He
doesn't even have to show up to cause misery!" With a mighty kick, Akara
lashed out at a wooden fence post and snapped in half.

"Feel better?" Tenma asked.

"No!" she retorted, then stomped off. She stopped after a few
yards and sighed noisly. Then she turned back around. "Okay, I'll be
better, but we better get going."

"We should make camp for the night," Kae suggested. "We've had a
long day of travel and we need to rest and regain our strength. We'll
leave again at first light."

Tenma sighed. "Good idea." He nodded towards a barn-like
structure. "I suppose we could stay in that tonight."

The kunoichi nodded. "I'll meet you there later. I want to
reconnoiter the area." She leapt to the top of a nearby building without
waiting for a response, and then was gone.

"Coming?" Akara asked, sarcastically. "Or are you going after
her?"

Tenma noticed his gaze had lingered to where the ninja woman
had gone. He quickly turned back to Akara and walked towards the barn.
"Whatever. If I didn't know better I'd swear you were jealous."

She joined him and they walked to the barn, crossing her arms
over her chest. "Me? Jealous of a pervert like you!? HA!"

Tenma sighed. "Don't even bring that up again! I told you it
was an accident, I didn't mean to walk in on you in that stream!"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh sure. You just wanted a good look,
like every other man!"

"Jeez, you can be so uncute!"

"What did you say!?" She stopped, noticing some activity from
the top of the barn. "Tenma, look out!"

He stopped, too. "What?"

He then sensed something approaching from above and
instinctively flipped out of the way. A figure was attacking from above
and had struck the ground right where Tenma was standing moment before.
There was a small explosion when the figure landed, and the dirt flew
up, obscuring who it was.

Nobody moved for the next few seconds, then the figure emerged
from the dust cloud yelling.

"Saotome Tenma, Prepare to Die!"




Miyo asked. But
there was no answer from whatever spoke to her before. Instead, she
watched helplessly as the man in the yellow shirt and headband attacked
Tenma.





"Ryo!" Tenma exclaimed, while dodging the slash from the guy's
weapon. "Long time no see, buddy! How ya been?"

"How have I been!?" Ryo yelled back. "Is that all you can say to
me!?"

Akara was aghast yet again as Ryo attacked Tenma with an...
umbrella? "Tenma? You know this guy?"

The pair exchanged a flurry of attacks. Well, Ryo launched a
flurry of attacks and Tenma dodged them. "Sure! Hibiki Ryo, meet Tendo
Akara!"

Ryo missed yet again with an umbrella swipe. "Quit trying to
distract me!"

"So why are you trying to kill Tenma?" Akara asked, still
somewhat confused but recovering rapidly.

Ryo ignored her, but stopped attacking and pointed his umbrella
at Tenma. "Why are you here? Did Satsu finally kick your sorry butt
out?"

"Chill, pig-boy," Tenma said, sobering. "He died." He turned
away.

Ryo holstered his umbrella on top of the backpack he wore, his
face solemn. "He's dead?" Tenma nodded and Ryo snorted. "Figures. I
thought you'd be the death of him."

"I had nothing to do with it!" Tenma yelled. "There was an
earthquake and a rockslide buried him! I... I couldn't get to him in
time."

Ryo turned back around and headed for the barn. "I won't kill
you today, Saotome. In honor of the memory of Satsu." He reached the
barn doors. "Oh, you can stay in here for the night if you want." Then
he disappeared inside.

Akara walked up to Tenma. "Who was that and how do you know
him?"

"Like I said, his name is Hibiki Ryo. He and I trained under
Satsu for awhile together." Tenma sighed. "He was one of my only friends
until he left."

"Why did he leave?"

He shook his head. "I don't really know. He just seemed to grow
increasingly unhappy. He said he'd prove himself to both Satsu and I,
and then left."

Akara didn't say anymore as they entered the barn, and Tenma
didn't volunteer any additional information. With the exception of a
dark look sent Tenma's way, Ryo was quiet as well while the bed mats
were unrolled. Kae didn't say anything either when she returned.

Yep, there was a whole lot of silence going on.







Akara's mostly asleep mind felt something. Her hand
unconciously tried to bat it away, which only worked for a few seconds
before the sensation returned. As her brain ascended out of the layer of
dramland and into reality, she realized what the sensation was.

A tongue was licking her face.

So she screamed.

The tongue disappeared, so she opened her eyes and saw Tenma
sleeping face. Naturally, she came to one conclusion.

"TENMA NO HENTAI!"

*WHAM!*

"What'd you do that for!?" Tenma yelled from the other side of
the hole in the barn wall. By this time, the other two occupants of the
barn had woken up.

"What's going on?" Ryo asked sleepily.

Akara was on her feet by now, and fuming. "You were... you
were... You were licking my face!"

Tenma was back up as well, and back inside the barn. "I was
what!? I was asleep! I didn't do nothin'!"

"I don't care if you think you are my fiance," Akara said. "That
doesn't give you the right to try and take advantage of me!"

"Tenma!" Ryo shouted, getting into the conversation/yelling
contest. "How dare you try and take advantage of an innocent girl!"

"Stay out this!" Tenma and Akara shouted at him in unison.

Kae sighed and shook her head. Then she looked up and
saw something "Excuse me, but since it seem Tenma-san was asleep at the
time, so maybe this is what licked Akara-san."

The three teens stopped and glanced at the light brown horse
Kae was pointing at. The next sound was of six eyes blinking.

"Ah, geez," Tenma grumbled as he proceeded to pack his sleeping
mat. "Stupid uncute tomboy."

Akara hmmph'ed and walked over to the horse, who tried to once
again lick her face. This time, Akara let it. She giggled as it tickled
her nose.

Ryo laughed. "I guess he likes you. Normally he doesn't like
anybody but me."

"He's yours?" Akara asked. "Why didn't we see him last night?"

"Gaijin doesn't like to be confined, so I let him roam while I
sleep. He always comes back in the mornings."

Kae blinked. "You named your horse, `foreigner'?"

Ryo chuckled. "Yeah. Just because he's not like other horses."

"Come on," Tenma said at last, his backpack packed. "We're
wasting time, we should go."

"Where?" Ryo asked. The gist of the situation was explained to
him. "Well, if you need to get to the Kuno castle fast, I could take
Akara-san on Gaijin."

The youngest Tendo smiled at him. "Thank you, Ryo-kun. You're
so nice!"

Ryo chuckled nervously. "No problem!"

Something unpleasant passed through Tenma's stomach. "That's
not a good idea."

"Tenma-san is right," Kae agreed. "I doubt your horse has the
stamina to carry two people the distance we need to travel. However, if
Akara-san could borrow Gaijin and they went full speed, she could make
the Kuno estate by nightfall."

"But Gaijin won't let anybody else ride..." Ryo stopped as Akara
mounted Gaijin barebacked. "Well I'll be..."

"A pig's uncle?" Tenma suggested.

"Shut up, Tenma!" Ryo snarled. He turned back to Akara and
Gaijin. "I guess." He petted Gaijin's nose. "You'll take care of her,
boy?" The horse snorted. "Alright, be careful, Akara-san."

"I will," she replied, nodding. "Thanks again, Ryo-kun." She
trotted up to Tenma. "Thanks for all your help, Tenma, and... I'm sorry
about this morning."

Tenma sighed and waved her off. "It's ok, Akara. I've gotten
hit worse. And I should arrive at the Kuno estate by tomorrow evening,
so, I'll see you later."

"Okay." For a few seconds, her eyes met his, and it seemed as if
a multitude of ideas and feelings passed between them. Then it was over
and Akara was giddying Gaijin into action.

The trio watched as woman and horse disappeared northward.





Miyo asked yet again. But again, there was no answer. I seem to be watching this story
in segments. Some parts were obviously left out, but enough remain for
me to at least partiall understand what's going on.

The scenery blurred once again, and Miyo's ghostly body was
dragged somewhere else.






"I still don't think a jerk like you deserves her," Ryo was
saying as they traveled northward.

Tenma sighed. "That's the 50th time you've said that in the
last two hours."

"Why is she with you anyway?"

"I told you. Satsu sent me to meet with Tendo Senshin, and now
I've been roped into helping him. The two old men seemed to have
conspired to engage me to Akara."

Ryo grumbled.
He thought back to their last meeting. `Thank you, Ryo-kun. You're so
nice!'

"Yo, bacon-breath, snap out of it!" Tenma commanded, waving his
hand in front of Ryo's face. "Don't tell me you're falling for the
tomboy."

"Shut up, Tenma!" Ryo yelled back. "It's none of your business!"
He looked around. "Say, where'd that ninja woman go?"

Tenma shrugged. "Don't know. She likes to scout around." As if
on cue, Kae leapt from a nearby tree and landed on the dirt road beside
the two men. "Find anything?"

"I think so," she replied, but before she could say more,
several dozen men in black samurai armor stormed out of the surrounding
forest. The trio found themselves with no where to go.

"Who are these clowns?" Ryo asked, drawing his battle umbrella.

"Ryo, meet the Dark Shogun's army," Tenma offered. "Or at least
a large scouting party."

"Actually, they're my personal troops," A new voice proclaimed.
The man who belonged to the voice stepped out between his troops and
presented himself. His he wore less black armor than his troops, and a
black cape flowed from his neck. He also wore no mask. "It's good to
finally meet you Saotome Tenma."

"Who're you?" the pig-tailed martial artist asked.

"Allow me to introduce myself," the man said. "I am Genshi, one
of the Dark Shogun's generals. You're capture and detainment has been
ordered, so I shall carry it out."

"Why me?" Tenma asked, surprise.

Genshi shrugged. "The Dark Shogun has his reasons. Now, will
you surrender quietly, or do we have to play a little first?"

Tenma cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Just try me." He could
sense Ryo taking a similar stance to his right.

"Very well, if that's the way you want it. Kae, do it now."

A split second of surprise was all they had, as the ninja woman
lanced out with both hands and struck their necks. The two boys crumpled
to the ground.

"Very good, kunoichi," Genshi said, coming up to her. "Keep this
up and you will have a home in the Dark Shogun's realm."

"I live to serve," Kae intoned, her eyes glinting dangerously.






Miyo watched in shock as the bodies of the two boys were hauled
off. I just don't get it. I can honestly say I didn't expect that. Why
did she do it?

{Watch and learn}

But the voice didn't reply.

The scenery blurred yet again.







Again, night was beginning to fall as Akara reached her
destination. She had to take a couple of breaks to let Gaijin rest, but
there were no interruptions and the journey was made smoothly. She began
to relax when the high walls of the Kuno castle came into view.

Situated on a large plateau and surrounded by high walls, the
Kuno Estate was a formidable fortress. Only a few small paths led up to
the main gates that enclosed a small city within, making sieges
difficult at best. Which was good, considering the Kuno army was
relatively small.

The desire of the people in within to remain free and their
belief in their safety from any threat are what pursuaded the Kuno
family to ally against the Dark Shogun. It was with in this walled
estate, that Akara hoped to find the rest of her father's army, and
maybe her family as well.

She rode up to the closed gate, and was told to halt by the
guards standing at the top of the gate's spires. "State your business!"

"I'm Tendo Akara, daughter of Tendo Senshin. I demand to be let
in!"

"Do you have proof of your identity?" one of the guards called.

"Of course not!" She yelled back. "If
father or sisters are in there, get them to come. They will be able to
recognize me!"

The guards took a moment to confer amonst themselves. Then one
took off. The other looked back down. "We will shall if you are who you
claim to be. In the meantime, you will wait where you are."

Akara sighed, but jumped off of Gaijin. She settled down to wait while Gaijin grazed on the
grass.

It was almost an hour later when the gate was finally opened.
Akara walked Gaijin in, but stopped when she saw who was waiting for her
on the other side.

"Sister!" Akara hugged the older girl. "Kimiko! I thought I'd
never see you again after..." Her voice dropped off as a few tears
stained her cheeks.

"It's alright, imoutochan," Kimiko soothed while the gates were
closed and locked again. Gaijin nosed Akara. "And it looks like you've
brought a friend with you."

Akara pulled herself out of the hug. "Yeah, this is Gaijin, a
horse that belongs to one of Tenma's friends."

Gaijin whinny'ed happily while Kimiko stroked his head. "Well
he certainly seems friendly."

Worry crossed Akara's features. "What about Dad and Nayrumi?"

Kimiko started to walk down the stone streets and Akara went
with her. Gaijin seemed content to follow behind the two girls.

"They're fine," she said, but something that flitted across the
older girl's face told Akara that something wasn't fine. "They're
waiting in Lord Kuno's mansion in the center of town. I suggest you save
your other questions for when we arrive. Father and Nayrumi can explain
best."

Akara knew she wouldn't get anything else out of her older
sister, so she let her self be led along wile losing herself to her
thoughts.

She sighed, and tried to banish the dark feeling she had gotten
during her journey here. She looked up at the darkening sky.





A short walk later brought the pair to the mansion, and Akara
turned Gaijin loose to roam with the rest of the horses. Then they were
ushered into the throne room. As they entered, Akara beheld the older
man, who was obviously Lord Kuno, sitting on his throne. Her father and
other sister were standing off to the left and there was another boy
standing off to the right that she didn't recognize.

A short man, dessed in dark royal clothes, stopped them midway
across the floor towards the thrown. "Who approaches Lord Kuno?"

"I am Tendo Kimiko and I bring my sister, Tendo Akara," Kimiko
stated.

The little man nodded then stepped aside, allowing the two
girls to continue. They stopped in front of the throne. Kimiko dropped
to one knee and bowed her head. Akara, not knowing what else to do,
mimicked the motion.

"You may rise," Lord Kuno said, speaking for the first time. The
two women stood up, to be joined by their father and other sister.
"Indeed Senshin-san, she is most beautiful. What do you think Tateyama?"

The boy dressed in a blue hakama standing off to the right,
walked a few paces forward. His gaze traveled over Kimiko's gentle
features, passed Nayrumi's intellectual gaze, and settled on Akara's
face. He smiled and nodded. "Indeed, they are all beautiful, father."

"Have you decided then?" the father asked. Akara had a sudden
sick feeling in her stomach.

"Yes," Tateyama Kuno said at last. "I pick Tendo Akara to be my
bride." The sick feeling was confirmed.

Lord Kuno nodded. "Very well! The wedding will be held in two
days time!"

"WHAT!?" Akara screeched, finally finding her voice through the
disbelief. "What's going on?"

"Mind your manners, woman," Lord Kuno commanded. "In order to
gain our help, I have decreed that Tateyam may pick one of Senshin-san's
daughters for a bride if he wanted." He chuckled lightly. "I'm afraid
the women around here are not my son's type."

"I am NOT getting married!" Akara said forcfully.

Tateyama reached up to caress Akara's face, only to find it
slapped away. "How dare you touch me like that!"

"Do you think she may be too much for you son?" Lord Kuno asked.
"After, yo may pick another if you choose."

His son's frown slowly turned into smile. "No. I like my women
feisty. I shall wed this fierce tigress!"

Lord Kuno clapped his hands. "So it shall be! Let us make ready
for the celebration!"

Akara was suddenly surrounded by several more women clothed in
beautiful kimonos, and they started to drag her away. As she left the
royal court, she could make our the faces of her family, and they all
seemed to echo the same sentiment. It was strongest on her father's
face.

They all seemed to say, "I'm sorry."




Miyo floated there, awaiting the next scene, but it didn't
come. Instead, blackness descended. There was a flash, and she suddenly
found herself back in her bed. She felt drained of all her strength, and
yet was still unable to move.

She took several long breaths, while she waited for her
strength to return and her heart to slow down from it's rapid beating.
She blinked and looked around at her room.

She did know she was due for another one of those dreams, but
she never expected anything like this. She got about two a month, but
she didn't have any last month. Then two of the most vivid dream
experiences she had ever had, hit her this month, but she was at a loss
as to explain why the change occured.

One thing was for certain, someone or something was behind
this, but she didn't know who or why. All she could do, is hope to
weather the experience and record what she learned.

Though she'd record this latest experience in her book, she
couldn't do it now. She was tired and it was 1 am in the morning.
Something told her she'd be missing the dance tonight.