Sweat poured from Ranma's forehead as he stood facing
his opponent. This had been the hardest battle of his life and
his body was already showing the signs of the struggle. Bruises
and shallow cuts covered much of his body and his muscles were
burning from the exertion. Ranma's only consolation was that
his opponent was also rather bruised, though not as badly.
Suddenly, his opponent relaxed his stance and bowed. It
took quite a bit of effort on Ranma's part to return the bow
without falling over from exhaustion.
"Very well, young man," the old man who had been Ranma's
opponent said. "You have proven yourself worthy of being
admitted into the school of Hakkyokuseiken."
Ranma smiled. "Thank you, Master Jubei. I am eager to
learn."
"Good boy. Very good. But for now, this old man needs
a little rest. It's been quite a while since I've encountered
a young man as skilled as yourself," Jubei said before turning
toward his house.
Ranma breathed a silent sigh of relief and reached into
his backpack for the small picture he carried with him everywhere.
He gazed at it wistfully for a moment before gathering up his
belongings and following Master Jubei into what would be his home
and training ground for the next few months.
==================================================================
Author's note:
First of all, let me say that this is far, far from over.
I plan for this to be something I work on when the muse hits me.
It will be a series of short scenes in which Ranma meets those
under whom he wishes to be trained. I may eventually do a side
"chapter" or so describing the reactions of all those left behind
in Nerima. No guarantees, though on anything except that this will
be ongoing for a LONG time. I can easily envision 50, 60 chapters
or more. Also, if you'd like, write a short scene that fits into
this loose story line and send it to me. I may post it as a
chapter; giving you FULL credit of course, and this will help to
diversify the story and keep it more interesting.
his opponent. This had been the hardest battle of his life and
his body was already showing the signs of the struggle. Bruises
and shallow cuts covered much of his body and his muscles were
burning from the exertion. Ranma's only consolation was that
his opponent was also rather bruised, though not as badly.
Suddenly, his opponent relaxed his stance and bowed. It
took quite a bit of effort on Ranma's part to return the bow
without falling over from exhaustion.
"Very well, young man," the old man who had been Ranma's
opponent said. "You have proven yourself worthy of being
admitted into the school of Hakkyokuseiken."
Ranma smiled. "Thank you, Master Jubei. I am eager to
learn."
"Good boy. Very good. But for now, this old man needs
a little rest. It's been quite a while since I've encountered
a young man as skilled as yourself," Jubei said before turning
toward his house.
Ranma breathed a silent sigh of relief and reached into
his backpack for the small picture he carried with him everywhere.
He gazed at it wistfully for a moment before gathering up his
belongings and following Master Jubei into what would be his home
and training ground for the next few months.
==================================================================
Author's note:
First of all, let me say that this is far, far from over.
I plan for this to be something I work on when the muse hits me.
It will be a series of short scenes in which Ranma meets those
under whom he wishes to be trained. I may eventually do a side
"chapter" or so describing the reactions of all those left behind
in Nerima. No guarantees, though on anything except that this will
be ongoing for a LONG time. I can easily envision 50, 60 chapters
or more. Also, if you'd like, write a short scene that fits into
this loose story line and send it to me. I may post it as a
chapter; giving you FULL credit of course, and this will help to
diversify the story and keep it more interesting.