Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu or Ranma's Cousin Iori
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Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2. That is property of Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own The King of Fighters, that is property of SNK. I do however suggest you look up information on these two properties. You won't be disappointed.
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Note: This takes place after the Ranma 1/2 manga and little while after the King of Fighters '97.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 4: Hakkeshu of Fire, Hakkeshu of Water
Ranma can hardly believe his luck. He finds out (the hard way) that he's the Tenth Hakkeshu, and therefore the heir to the Orochi's goals (Destroying the human race). He walks all over Tokyo for a week finding neither hide nor hair of his cousin, by luck he meets up with a former King of Fighters champion Terry "Lonely Wolf" Bogard, who happens to have a bounty hunter for a girl friend. And to top it all off, she helps him get the first piece of information he needs to find Iori. All he needs to do is go to Brazil to read it. Hell, she even payed for his plane ticket. Thing were Starting to look up for Ranma
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It was a long 16-hour flight, but finally the plane lands. Ranma steps out of the gate and looks around. He sees a group of three people. They are 2 men and 1 woman. The two men are dressed almost exactly alike with jeans, black boots, white shirt, greenish brown sleeveless jackets, bands in their right wrists, gloves on their left hands, and bullet belts slung over their left shoulders, under their jackets. The only differences are one has blonde hair with sunglasses and a blue cap, and the other has long bark brown hair, a red bandana with green splotches, and he is holding a sign with Ranma's name spelled on it in English and Japanese upside down. The Blonde smacks the Brunette in the back of the head, and the Brunette quickly turns the sign right side up. The woman however, is what catches Ranma's eye. She has blue hair that falls down to mid-back on her. She is wearing a traditional female military uniform, a pair of triangle earrings, a bead necklace, and she has a pair of green tinted blue eyes. These features however a blocked from Ranma's mind by her aura. It is similar to Ranma's is two aspects. One she contains Orochi power herself, and two she has a power that is similar to Ranma's curse. It is not the same, but he feels she has a connection to water.
Ranma (Thinking): Great! Just what I need. I step off of the plane for no more than a couple of seconds and I encounter a Hakkeshu already! I hope this doesn't lead to trouble.
The woman walks up to Ranma.
Woman: Excuse me, are you Ranma Saotome?
Ranma (Snaps back to reality): Huh? Oh, yes. Yes I am. By the way, are you Lieutenant Leona Heidern, by any chance?
Woman: Yes. I am Leona. Now quickly, get your luggage and follow me to the jeep. We have a long drive ahead of us.
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Ranma goes and gets his luggage at baggage claim and then has to take it through customs. While they wait in line, The Blonde and the Brunette introduce themselves as Clark Steele and Ralf Jones (respectively). As they step out to the jeep, Leona tells Ranma, they can't allow outsiders to know where the base is. So they put a blindfold over Ranma's eyes and put handcuffs on his wrists behind his back. Ranma doesn't like it, but he wants to find out this information so bad he puts up with it. He just hopes it's worth it.
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Finally, they reach the Ikari base camp. Leona removes the blindfold and Ranma looks at what appears to be a normal military training facility, but Ranma gets the feeling, in this case looks can be deceiving. Than Leona removes the handcuffs and helps Ranma get put of the jeep. Ranma wastes no time.
Ranma: (To Leona): Where do you keep the information?
Leona: Slow down Saotome. We still need to check you in.
Ranma: Why? This isn't a hotel.
Ralph: No, it's better. It's Maison Heidern. (Clark slaps Ralph on the back of the head for the stupid joke). Ow! That hurt Clark!
Ranma (To Clark): Thanks.
Clark (Smiling): Don't mention it.
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Leona explains to Ranma that they check in visitors as a security measure. She takes Ranma to the main office in it is a large man. The man is in his mid-forties; he is easily 6.5', wearing a blue military general uniform, and an eye patch. The man looks up from his papers at the two when they enter.
Man (To Leona): Is this Ranma Saotome?
Leona: Yes it is Sir.
Man: Doesn't look like what I was expecting. (To Ranma) You honestly expect me to believe, that you bested Terry Bogard.
Ranma: I don't expect you to believe anything except I'm here to find out information on Iori Yagami.
Man: Good choice of words.
Ranma: May I ask who you are.
Man: I am Commander Heidern. I am the one in charge around here. Leona is my adopted daughter as well as my second in command. She will be the one keeping you under surveillance at all times while you are here. You are to treat her with the same amount of respect you would treat me. (Eye narrows). Do I make myself clear?
Ranma (Slightly afraid): Sir, yes Sir!
Heidern (Chuckling): He learns quickly.
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While on the way to the information tent. Leona takes the time to ask Ranma questions of her own.
Leona: Why are you searching for Iori?
Ranma: He's my cousin. Isn't that reason enough?
Leona: No, it's not. Everyone has an ulterior motive when it comes to doing things.
Ranma: Sigh... Promise you won't tell.
Leona: Sorry, but I have to report everything you say and do here.
Ranma: Then how about I tell you when we're not here?
Leona (Thinks for a moment before answering): Fair enough.
Leona and Ranma finally reach the Information tent. The tent is a covering for an underground bunker filled with computers and many people moving about. Leona signs them in at the front desk and they go to the nearest open computer. Leona pulls up a file they have on Iori Yagami
NAME: YAGAMI, IORI
BIRTHDATE: MARCH 25, 1976
HAIR: RED
EYES: REDDISH BROWN
HEIGHT: 1.82 m (6')
WEIGHT: 76 kg (165 lbs)
BLOOD TYPE: 0
FAMILY: NONE. ALL DECEASED(?)
HOBBIES: BAND
FAVORITE FOOD: MEAT
FAVORITE SPORT: ALL
MOST VALUABLE: BASE GUITAR OF RICKENBACHER
HATES THE MOST: VIOLENCE AND KUSANAGI, KYO
FIGHTING STYLE: YAGAMI STYLE ANCIENT MARTIAL ARTS AND INSTINCT
NOTES: SUPOSSED LAST DECENDANT OF YAGAMI CLAN, PART OF THE CURSED BLOODLINE OF OROCHI. WEILDS MAGATAMA NO OROCHI. CAN GO INTO A PHASE KNOW AS "RIOT OF BLOOD". CAN BE FOUND TRAVELLING AROUND PARTS OF JAPAN AND ANYWHERE KUSANAGI, KYO MAY GO. PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION WHEN DEALING WITH HIM. HAS AN EFFECTION FOR THE KING OF FIGHTERS TOURNAMENTS, (MOST LIKELY TO FIND AND KILL KUSANAGI, KYO). HAD TEAMED UP WITH KUSANAGI, KYO AND KAGURA, CHIZURU AT LAST TOURNAMENT TO FIGHT ENTITY THAT CALLED ITSELF OROCHI. PRESUMED DEAD FROM BATTLE BUT NOT CONFIRMED. MIA.
Ranma is just dumbfounded by what he read. Sure, it gave him some valuable information, but now Ranma doesn't know what to think. It seems his cousin may be no better than what Blue Mary told him about another Hakkeshu, Ryuji Yamazaki, worse, Iori may be dead; along with Ranma's hopes of controlling this evil power. Leona stares at Ranma a while before engaging conversation.
Leona: What's wrong Ranma?
Ranma (Looks at Leona): I don't know. I just down know. (Head drops down on the table).
Leona: Let's go somewhere to talk about this.
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Leona takes Ranma to her room to talk. Being of higher standing, and a 'special soldier' allows her to be one of the few people there to have their own room. It is a simply one large room with a bed, a desk, chair, and bookshelf with some books. There is a bathroom connected to it so Leona has her own private bathing facilities. She sets Ranma on the bed and she asks him what's wrong. Ranma is still unsure of himself, but he feels he can trust her.
Ranma: If Iori is dead, my chance at a normal life is over.
Leona: Why's that?
Ranma: Look, I know I can't tell you without this being reported, but here goes.
Ranma swallows his pride and concentrates his ki into his hand. It comes out as the purple flames of Orochi. Leona stares awestruck. A few moments pass, and she asks Ranma a question...
Leona: Magatama no Orochi. So, are you a Hakkeshu?
Ranma (Looking towards the ground and in a voice barely above a whisper): Yes.
Ranma doesn't know what to say. In his mind he's screaming at himself for being so careless. They'll lock him away and treat him like the animal he is. That he is less than human, not deserving of love. Especially the love of Akane. With that thought the tears fall from his eyes. He wants to scream in rage, yet, he can't seem to make the smallest sound. He curses himself again
Ranma (Thinking): Dammit, what's wrong with me, why the hell am I doing this. Crying isn't something a man among men would do. (Stops). That's right, I'm not a man. I'm a Goddamn monster, a plague among men. Just thinking about what I did to Ryoga... Argh, I'm such a beast. (The tears pour out faster and the purple flame grows bigger and dissipates).
All of a sudden, Ranma feels something wrapped around him. He opens his eyes and sees that it's Leona's arms.
Ranma: L, Leona!?
Leona (In soothing tones): Shhhh. It'll be all right Ranma; it'll be all right.
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For the first time, someone is actually showing Ranma this sort of kindness besides his mother. He always secretly hoped it would be Akane. But those days are gone. Akane will never be able to love him for what he is, considering what he's done to Ryoga. He admits to himself she always liked him better. They got along much more than him and Akane ever could. Ranma curses Ryoga for being such a bastard. If it weren't for him, this problem would have never surfaced. Now he's won. Ryoga got rid of him, and he probably now has Akane as well.
After a while, Ranma finally gains some composure. Leona tells Ranma how she understands him more than he can understand. She confesses to him that she herself is one of the Hakkeshu. Specifically, the Hakkeshu of water. This doesn't surprise Ranma; it just confirms his earlier suspicions. She begins to tell Ranma of her life. How Goenitz; one of the Four Heavenly Kings ruined it by awakening the Orochi power in her, how Heidern found her, adopted her, and trained her, how she entered the King of Fighters Tournament twice only to go into the Riot of Blood the last time because the other three Heavenly Kings wanted her to emit enough power along with Iori by fighting the other fighters, so they could awaken Orochi, and how Iori seemed to disappear when Kyo struck Iori in the back while Iori engulfed himself and Orochi in crimson flames. Ranma can hardly believe what he's hearing her say, but he believes it. After all, Ranma has seen stuff just as strange if not stranger. Ranma has a sudden thought which bring a smile to his face.
Ranma: Leona, how much power do you have over water?
Leona (Surprised): Not much power. Why do you ask?
Ranma: I was hoping you could help me get rid of my curse.
Leona: The Orochi blood?
Ranma (Shakes his head): No, but something almost as bad.
Now it is Ranma's turn to tell his story. Ranma goes to the bathroom to cup two cups of water one hot, one cold. He explains how his father had taken him from his mother when he was a small kid, to train him how to be "a man among men". He explained how Pops was (and still is) underhanded, got him engaged to a few girls so he could get some food or money, how his father trained him at Jusenkyo. Ranma does his classic change from boy to girl with cold water and back with hot routine. Leona just stares at him, not believing what she just saw. Ranma continues with how he got into trouble in a Chinese Amazon village. How his Pops took him back to Japan only to give him another fiancée, how everyone there was either trying to kill him, marry him, or both, how he finally went back to Jusenkyo, only to be attacked by an angry Phoenix God, how he pledged his emotions to Akane, the failed wedding attempt when they returned, how Akane went back to her old ways, and started beating on him again, how he went through the Riot of Blood and almost killed Ryoga, how he saw the fear and hatred in Akane's eyes and ran, how his mother explained what he was to him, how he met up with Terry Bogard and Blue Mary, and finally why he's here now.
Leona just stares dumbfounded at what she just heard. She shakes her head for a bit, and then asks Ranma what he plans to do when he finds Iori.
Ranma: I'll probably ask him if he'll take me on as his student, and teach me how to gain better control of my powers so I don't become the destroyer of the human race
Leona: You're joking about all this, right?
Ranma: I wish I were.
Leona: Damn. I'm sorry; it's just that... This is so...
Ranma (Interrupts): Unbelievable?
Leona: Yeah. I'm sorry; I just can't believe all this.
Ranma: Are you gong to report what I said and showed you?
Leona: No. They'll think I'm having a mental breakdown.
Ranma: Well that's good, I guess. . (Looks down at his stomach). Sorry I'm hungry, what do you do for a meal around here?
Leona (Looks at watch): Sorry, we've been talking for so long we missed dinner, and now it's time for curfew. Tell you what the earlier to bed the earlier to rise...
Ranma (Interrupts): And the earlier to eat!
Leona (Stifles a giggle): Exactly. Here you go. (Gives Ranma a pillow and blanket).
Ranma (Confused): What's this for?
Leona (Smirks): for you to sleep. After all, Commander Heidern did say to watch you at all times.
Ranma (A bit pale): You want me to sleep in here...with YOU!?
Leona: Well yes, and no. I take the bed, you take the desk.
Ranma (Color returns to face): Okay, fair enough.
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Ranma is actually sleeping quite peacefully. (Considering he's sleeping hunched over on a metal desk). Ranma is awakened from sleep by the sound of crying coming Leona.
Leona (Asleep): No, nooooooo.
Ranma (Runs over to her): Leona wake up. (Shakes her). Wake up!
Leona (Snaps back to reality): Wha... (Breathes heavily). Oh God... Thank you Ranma for waking me. I can't stand it.
Ranma (Confused): What happened?
Leona (Fearful): A nightmare. I see this almost every night. It's actually a memory that keeps haunting me. I see what I did when I first went into the Riot of Blood. I see dead bodies everywhere including my parents. I see blood on my hands, their blood. I look up and there's Goenitz, laughing at what I did. He puts his hand on my forehead and then... There's nothing.
Leona breaks down, she cries into Ranma's chest. He embraces her. Now it's his turn to do the comforting as she tries to get over her own personal demons. Ranma makes soothing sounds to comfort her. Eventually she falls asleep. As Ranma holds her he realizes something. He feels something for the woman he has never felt before. He knows what it is but he doesn't know if he should admit to it. He feels love for her.
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Leona wakes up. She feels very warm. She looks up and sees Ranma. There are dark circles under his eyes and his arms are still wrapped around her, yet he has a smile on his face. She realizes what happened.
Leona (Thinks): He must have watched over and held me all night.
Leona: Uh, Ranma. You can let me go now, I'll be alright.
Ranma: Are you sure?
Leona: Positive. Now come on, get going to the mess hall. You better get going to the Mess Hall, or there won't be anything left to eat.
Ranma looking fearful lets Leona go and makes a mad dash for the Mess Hall saying something along the lines of "I'll get you something to eat too." Leona heads to her bathroom, washing her face and remembering the feel of his arms. It makes her feel warm and secure.
Leona (Thinks): What is with me? I've never felt so dependant on a person in my life. I mean sure I had Heidern to raise and train me, but I never felt he actually needed me and I never felt that I needed him. But Ranma... it's different. I feel a need in me to be with him. And that he needs me just as well. Can it be I love him?
Before Leona can think it through further, Ranma comes into the room. He's carrying a huge stack of pancakes, some toast, eggs sunny-side up and scrambled, some bacon, and a pot of coffee with two cup. Leona just stares at all the food.
Leona: How were you able to get all this food?
Ranma: You're friends Ralph, Clark, and a bunch of others ganged up on me when I went to the Mess Hall. They were...How shall I put this? ... Pissed off royally that I spent the night in you room. They had clubs, guns, knives, muscle, and a lot of anger.
Leona (Shocked): Are you all right?
Ranma: Me? I'm all right; your friends on the other hand are a different story. There are now about 30 guys in the Infirmary. And that meant 30 guys less in the mess Hall so...
Leona: You took their breakfast.
Ranma (Smiles): Exactly. I brought this here for you as well Leona.
Leona can't help but blush at that. They sit down and eat breakfast together in Leona's room.
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In the afternoon Leona goes to Heidern's office. She makes a request to Heidern that she should travel with Ranma to keep him out of trouble as he searches for Iori. After all anyone that's followed Iori has gotten into trouble. Heidern is reluctant at first, but after thinking of how he saw what Ranma did to thirty of his men it's now easier for him to believe that Ranma probably had kicked Terry's ass. So Heidern comes to the conclusion. It's not wise to mess with someone of Ranma's skill level and agrees to let Leona accompany him.
They get to the airport and board a plane heading back for Japan. Of course, not wanting to attract attention, Leona gets them separated seats. (Hers in first class, his in coach of course). As they take off into the sky, Ranma contemplates many things.
Ranma (Thinks): I know I care for her, so why can't I tell her. Argh! Is it too early? That could be it but still, I am Ranma Saotome of the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts, I should be able to overcome anything... Yet... I know I can't handle this power on my own it's too dangerous. I have the power to be either Humanity's savior, or it's destroyer. Dang! I just leave it at it's too early to tell her. I just wonder why she wanted to go on this journey with me? After all she was the one that said "Everyone has an ulterior motive when it comes to doing things". What could hers be? ... And... WILL I EVER THINK IN CLEAR THOUGHTS AGAIN!?!?
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End chapter 4
Next Time: Ranma continues his search for his cousin Iori with Leona's help. Their search will take them to another nightclub, where everybody's favorite kunoichi, Mai Shiranui is having the time of her life. Too bad her boyfriend Andy Bogard (Terry's little brother) is having trouble keeping up with her. And what's this with a man watching Ranma from the shadows? Find out in the next chapter of Ranma the Tenth Hakkeshu, or Ranma's Cousin Iori.
This is RedPriest17, signing off.
Send you questions and comments to either RedPriest17@aol.com or Ryutsurugi@yahoo.com.
Note: Flames will be read and than fueled to feed the Orochi fire.
.
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Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2. That is property of Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own The King of Fighters, that is property of SNK. I do however suggest you look up information on these two properties. You won't be disappointed.
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Note: This takes place after the Ranma 1/2 manga and little while after the King of Fighters '97.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 4: Hakkeshu of Fire, Hakkeshu of Water
Ranma can hardly believe his luck. He finds out (the hard way) that he's the Tenth Hakkeshu, and therefore the heir to the Orochi's goals (Destroying the human race). He walks all over Tokyo for a week finding neither hide nor hair of his cousin, by luck he meets up with a former King of Fighters champion Terry "Lonely Wolf" Bogard, who happens to have a bounty hunter for a girl friend. And to top it all off, she helps him get the first piece of information he needs to find Iori. All he needs to do is go to Brazil to read it. Hell, she even payed for his plane ticket. Thing were Starting to look up for Ranma
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It was a long 16-hour flight, but finally the plane lands. Ranma steps out of the gate and looks around. He sees a group of three people. They are 2 men and 1 woman. The two men are dressed almost exactly alike with jeans, black boots, white shirt, greenish brown sleeveless jackets, bands in their right wrists, gloves on their left hands, and bullet belts slung over their left shoulders, under their jackets. The only differences are one has blonde hair with sunglasses and a blue cap, and the other has long bark brown hair, a red bandana with green splotches, and he is holding a sign with Ranma's name spelled on it in English and Japanese upside down. The Blonde smacks the Brunette in the back of the head, and the Brunette quickly turns the sign right side up. The woman however, is what catches Ranma's eye. She has blue hair that falls down to mid-back on her. She is wearing a traditional female military uniform, a pair of triangle earrings, a bead necklace, and she has a pair of green tinted blue eyes. These features however a blocked from Ranma's mind by her aura. It is similar to Ranma's is two aspects. One she contains Orochi power herself, and two she has a power that is similar to Ranma's curse. It is not the same, but he feels she has a connection to water.
Ranma (Thinking): Great! Just what I need. I step off of the plane for no more than a couple of seconds and I encounter a Hakkeshu already! I hope this doesn't lead to trouble.
The woman walks up to Ranma.
Woman: Excuse me, are you Ranma Saotome?
Ranma (Snaps back to reality): Huh? Oh, yes. Yes I am. By the way, are you Lieutenant Leona Heidern, by any chance?
Woman: Yes. I am Leona. Now quickly, get your luggage and follow me to the jeep. We have a long drive ahead of us.
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Ranma goes and gets his luggage at baggage claim and then has to take it through customs. While they wait in line, The Blonde and the Brunette introduce themselves as Clark Steele and Ralf Jones (respectively). As they step out to the jeep, Leona tells Ranma, they can't allow outsiders to know where the base is. So they put a blindfold over Ranma's eyes and put handcuffs on his wrists behind his back. Ranma doesn't like it, but he wants to find out this information so bad he puts up with it. He just hopes it's worth it.
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Finally, they reach the Ikari base camp. Leona removes the blindfold and Ranma looks at what appears to be a normal military training facility, but Ranma gets the feeling, in this case looks can be deceiving. Than Leona removes the handcuffs and helps Ranma get put of the jeep. Ranma wastes no time.
Ranma: (To Leona): Where do you keep the information?
Leona: Slow down Saotome. We still need to check you in.
Ranma: Why? This isn't a hotel.
Ralph: No, it's better. It's Maison Heidern. (Clark slaps Ralph on the back of the head for the stupid joke). Ow! That hurt Clark!
Ranma (To Clark): Thanks.
Clark (Smiling): Don't mention it.
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Leona explains to Ranma that they check in visitors as a security measure. She takes Ranma to the main office in it is a large man. The man is in his mid-forties; he is easily 6.5', wearing a blue military general uniform, and an eye patch. The man looks up from his papers at the two when they enter.
Man (To Leona): Is this Ranma Saotome?
Leona: Yes it is Sir.
Man: Doesn't look like what I was expecting. (To Ranma) You honestly expect me to believe, that you bested Terry Bogard.
Ranma: I don't expect you to believe anything except I'm here to find out information on Iori Yagami.
Man: Good choice of words.
Ranma: May I ask who you are.
Man: I am Commander Heidern. I am the one in charge around here. Leona is my adopted daughter as well as my second in command. She will be the one keeping you under surveillance at all times while you are here. You are to treat her with the same amount of respect you would treat me. (Eye narrows). Do I make myself clear?
Ranma (Slightly afraid): Sir, yes Sir!
Heidern (Chuckling): He learns quickly.
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While on the way to the information tent. Leona takes the time to ask Ranma questions of her own.
Leona: Why are you searching for Iori?
Ranma: He's my cousin. Isn't that reason enough?
Leona: No, it's not. Everyone has an ulterior motive when it comes to doing things.
Ranma: Sigh... Promise you won't tell.
Leona: Sorry, but I have to report everything you say and do here.
Ranma: Then how about I tell you when we're not here?
Leona (Thinks for a moment before answering): Fair enough.
Leona and Ranma finally reach the Information tent. The tent is a covering for an underground bunker filled with computers and many people moving about. Leona signs them in at the front desk and they go to the nearest open computer. Leona pulls up a file they have on Iori Yagami
NAME: YAGAMI, IORI
BIRTHDATE: MARCH 25, 1976
HAIR: RED
EYES: REDDISH BROWN
HEIGHT: 1.82 m (6')
WEIGHT: 76 kg (165 lbs)
BLOOD TYPE: 0
FAMILY: NONE. ALL DECEASED(?)
HOBBIES: BAND
FAVORITE FOOD: MEAT
FAVORITE SPORT: ALL
MOST VALUABLE: BASE GUITAR OF RICKENBACHER
HATES THE MOST: VIOLENCE AND KUSANAGI, KYO
FIGHTING STYLE: YAGAMI STYLE ANCIENT MARTIAL ARTS AND INSTINCT
NOTES: SUPOSSED LAST DECENDANT OF YAGAMI CLAN, PART OF THE CURSED BLOODLINE OF OROCHI. WEILDS MAGATAMA NO OROCHI. CAN GO INTO A PHASE KNOW AS "RIOT OF BLOOD". CAN BE FOUND TRAVELLING AROUND PARTS OF JAPAN AND ANYWHERE KUSANAGI, KYO MAY GO. PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION WHEN DEALING WITH HIM. HAS AN EFFECTION FOR THE KING OF FIGHTERS TOURNAMENTS, (MOST LIKELY TO FIND AND KILL KUSANAGI, KYO). HAD TEAMED UP WITH KUSANAGI, KYO AND KAGURA, CHIZURU AT LAST TOURNAMENT TO FIGHT ENTITY THAT CALLED ITSELF OROCHI. PRESUMED DEAD FROM BATTLE BUT NOT CONFIRMED. MIA.
Ranma is just dumbfounded by what he read. Sure, it gave him some valuable information, but now Ranma doesn't know what to think. It seems his cousin may be no better than what Blue Mary told him about another Hakkeshu, Ryuji Yamazaki, worse, Iori may be dead; along with Ranma's hopes of controlling this evil power. Leona stares at Ranma a while before engaging conversation.
Leona: What's wrong Ranma?
Ranma (Looks at Leona): I don't know. I just down know. (Head drops down on the table).
Leona: Let's go somewhere to talk about this.
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Leona takes Ranma to her room to talk. Being of higher standing, and a 'special soldier' allows her to be one of the few people there to have their own room. It is a simply one large room with a bed, a desk, chair, and bookshelf with some books. There is a bathroom connected to it so Leona has her own private bathing facilities. She sets Ranma on the bed and she asks him what's wrong. Ranma is still unsure of himself, but he feels he can trust her.
Ranma: If Iori is dead, my chance at a normal life is over.
Leona: Why's that?
Ranma: Look, I know I can't tell you without this being reported, but here goes.
Ranma swallows his pride and concentrates his ki into his hand. It comes out as the purple flames of Orochi. Leona stares awestruck. A few moments pass, and she asks Ranma a question...
Leona: Magatama no Orochi. So, are you a Hakkeshu?
Ranma (Looking towards the ground and in a voice barely above a whisper): Yes.
Ranma doesn't know what to say. In his mind he's screaming at himself for being so careless. They'll lock him away and treat him like the animal he is. That he is less than human, not deserving of love. Especially the love of Akane. With that thought the tears fall from his eyes. He wants to scream in rage, yet, he can't seem to make the smallest sound. He curses himself again
Ranma (Thinking): Dammit, what's wrong with me, why the hell am I doing this. Crying isn't something a man among men would do. (Stops). That's right, I'm not a man. I'm a Goddamn monster, a plague among men. Just thinking about what I did to Ryoga... Argh, I'm such a beast. (The tears pour out faster and the purple flame grows bigger and dissipates).
All of a sudden, Ranma feels something wrapped around him. He opens his eyes and sees that it's Leona's arms.
Ranma: L, Leona!?
Leona (In soothing tones): Shhhh. It'll be all right Ranma; it'll be all right.
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For the first time, someone is actually showing Ranma this sort of kindness besides his mother. He always secretly hoped it would be Akane. But those days are gone. Akane will never be able to love him for what he is, considering what he's done to Ryoga. He admits to himself she always liked him better. They got along much more than him and Akane ever could. Ranma curses Ryoga for being such a bastard. If it weren't for him, this problem would have never surfaced. Now he's won. Ryoga got rid of him, and he probably now has Akane as well.
After a while, Ranma finally gains some composure. Leona tells Ranma how she understands him more than he can understand. She confesses to him that she herself is one of the Hakkeshu. Specifically, the Hakkeshu of water. This doesn't surprise Ranma; it just confirms his earlier suspicions. She begins to tell Ranma of her life. How Goenitz; one of the Four Heavenly Kings ruined it by awakening the Orochi power in her, how Heidern found her, adopted her, and trained her, how she entered the King of Fighters Tournament twice only to go into the Riot of Blood the last time because the other three Heavenly Kings wanted her to emit enough power along with Iori by fighting the other fighters, so they could awaken Orochi, and how Iori seemed to disappear when Kyo struck Iori in the back while Iori engulfed himself and Orochi in crimson flames. Ranma can hardly believe what he's hearing her say, but he believes it. After all, Ranma has seen stuff just as strange if not stranger. Ranma has a sudden thought which bring a smile to his face.
Ranma: Leona, how much power do you have over water?
Leona (Surprised): Not much power. Why do you ask?
Ranma: I was hoping you could help me get rid of my curse.
Leona: The Orochi blood?
Ranma (Shakes his head): No, but something almost as bad.
Now it is Ranma's turn to tell his story. Ranma goes to the bathroom to cup two cups of water one hot, one cold. He explains how his father had taken him from his mother when he was a small kid, to train him how to be "a man among men". He explained how Pops was (and still is) underhanded, got him engaged to a few girls so he could get some food or money, how his father trained him at Jusenkyo. Ranma does his classic change from boy to girl with cold water and back with hot routine. Leona just stares at him, not believing what she just saw. Ranma continues with how he got into trouble in a Chinese Amazon village. How his Pops took him back to Japan only to give him another fiancée, how everyone there was either trying to kill him, marry him, or both, how he finally went back to Jusenkyo, only to be attacked by an angry Phoenix God, how he pledged his emotions to Akane, the failed wedding attempt when they returned, how Akane went back to her old ways, and started beating on him again, how he went through the Riot of Blood and almost killed Ryoga, how he saw the fear and hatred in Akane's eyes and ran, how his mother explained what he was to him, how he met up with Terry Bogard and Blue Mary, and finally why he's here now.
Leona just stares dumbfounded at what she just heard. She shakes her head for a bit, and then asks Ranma what he plans to do when he finds Iori.
Ranma: I'll probably ask him if he'll take me on as his student, and teach me how to gain better control of my powers so I don't become the destroyer of the human race
Leona: You're joking about all this, right?
Ranma: I wish I were.
Leona: Damn. I'm sorry; it's just that... This is so...
Ranma (Interrupts): Unbelievable?
Leona: Yeah. I'm sorry; I just can't believe all this.
Ranma: Are you gong to report what I said and showed you?
Leona: No. They'll think I'm having a mental breakdown.
Ranma: Well that's good, I guess. . (Looks down at his stomach). Sorry I'm hungry, what do you do for a meal around here?
Leona (Looks at watch): Sorry, we've been talking for so long we missed dinner, and now it's time for curfew. Tell you what the earlier to bed the earlier to rise...
Ranma (Interrupts): And the earlier to eat!
Leona (Stifles a giggle): Exactly. Here you go. (Gives Ranma a pillow and blanket).
Ranma (Confused): What's this for?
Leona (Smirks): for you to sleep. After all, Commander Heidern did say to watch you at all times.
Ranma (A bit pale): You want me to sleep in here...with YOU!?
Leona: Well yes, and no. I take the bed, you take the desk.
Ranma (Color returns to face): Okay, fair enough.
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Ranma is actually sleeping quite peacefully. (Considering he's sleeping hunched over on a metal desk). Ranma is awakened from sleep by the sound of crying coming Leona.
Leona (Asleep): No, nooooooo.
Ranma (Runs over to her): Leona wake up. (Shakes her). Wake up!
Leona (Snaps back to reality): Wha... (Breathes heavily). Oh God... Thank you Ranma for waking me. I can't stand it.
Ranma (Confused): What happened?
Leona (Fearful): A nightmare. I see this almost every night. It's actually a memory that keeps haunting me. I see what I did when I first went into the Riot of Blood. I see dead bodies everywhere including my parents. I see blood on my hands, their blood. I look up and there's Goenitz, laughing at what I did. He puts his hand on my forehead and then... There's nothing.
Leona breaks down, she cries into Ranma's chest. He embraces her. Now it's his turn to do the comforting as she tries to get over her own personal demons. Ranma makes soothing sounds to comfort her. Eventually she falls asleep. As Ranma holds her he realizes something. He feels something for the woman he has never felt before. He knows what it is but he doesn't know if he should admit to it. He feels love for her.
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Leona wakes up. She feels very warm. She looks up and sees Ranma. There are dark circles under his eyes and his arms are still wrapped around her, yet he has a smile on his face. She realizes what happened.
Leona (Thinks): He must have watched over and held me all night.
Leona: Uh, Ranma. You can let me go now, I'll be alright.
Ranma: Are you sure?
Leona: Positive. Now come on, get going to the mess hall. You better get going to the Mess Hall, or there won't be anything left to eat.
Ranma looking fearful lets Leona go and makes a mad dash for the Mess Hall saying something along the lines of "I'll get you something to eat too." Leona heads to her bathroom, washing her face and remembering the feel of his arms. It makes her feel warm and secure.
Leona (Thinks): What is with me? I've never felt so dependant on a person in my life. I mean sure I had Heidern to raise and train me, but I never felt he actually needed me and I never felt that I needed him. But Ranma... it's different. I feel a need in me to be with him. And that he needs me just as well. Can it be I love him?
Before Leona can think it through further, Ranma comes into the room. He's carrying a huge stack of pancakes, some toast, eggs sunny-side up and scrambled, some bacon, and a pot of coffee with two cup. Leona just stares at all the food.
Leona: How were you able to get all this food?
Ranma: You're friends Ralph, Clark, and a bunch of others ganged up on me when I went to the Mess Hall. They were...How shall I put this? ... Pissed off royally that I spent the night in you room. They had clubs, guns, knives, muscle, and a lot of anger.
Leona (Shocked): Are you all right?
Ranma: Me? I'm all right; your friends on the other hand are a different story. There are now about 30 guys in the Infirmary. And that meant 30 guys less in the mess Hall so...
Leona: You took their breakfast.
Ranma (Smiles): Exactly. I brought this here for you as well Leona.
Leona can't help but blush at that. They sit down and eat breakfast together in Leona's room.
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In the afternoon Leona goes to Heidern's office. She makes a request to Heidern that she should travel with Ranma to keep him out of trouble as he searches for Iori. After all anyone that's followed Iori has gotten into trouble. Heidern is reluctant at first, but after thinking of how he saw what Ranma did to thirty of his men it's now easier for him to believe that Ranma probably had kicked Terry's ass. So Heidern comes to the conclusion. It's not wise to mess with someone of Ranma's skill level and agrees to let Leona accompany him.
They get to the airport and board a plane heading back for Japan. Of course, not wanting to attract attention, Leona gets them separated seats. (Hers in first class, his in coach of course). As they take off into the sky, Ranma contemplates many things.
Ranma (Thinks): I know I care for her, so why can't I tell her. Argh! Is it too early? That could be it but still, I am Ranma Saotome of the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts, I should be able to overcome anything... Yet... I know I can't handle this power on my own it's too dangerous. I have the power to be either Humanity's savior, or it's destroyer. Dang! I just leave it at it's too early to tell her. I just wonder why she wanted to go on this journey with me? After all she was the one that said "Everyone has an ulterior motive when it comes to doing things". What could hers be? ... And... WILL I EVER THINK IN CLEAR THOUGHTS AGAIN!?!?
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End chapter 4
Next Time: Ranma continues his search for his cousin Iori with Leona's help. Their search will take them to another nightclub, where everybody's favorite kunoichi, Mai Shiranui is having the time of her life. Too bad her boyfriend Andy Bogard (Terry's little brother) is having trouble keeping up with her. And what's this with a man watching Ranma from the shadows? Find out in the next chapter of Ranma the Tenth Hakkeshu, or Ranma's Cousin Iori.
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