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 while after the King of Fighters '97.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 10: Little Date
It is now been a couple of hours since Ranma and Leona shared a kiss and made plans to go on a date. Ranma decides to tell his mother about it so she wouldn't worry about where they're going. Surprising to him, his mother doesn't seem to mind them taking the time of from training. While they wait for Saturday, they train.
Iori begins the breaking point training. Surprisingly, he gets the hang of the training (Smashing the boulders into itty bits with one touch of a finger) real quick, so Ranma tells Iori; the point is to let the swinging boulder hit him to build up his endurance. Iori goes through two days of it, and surprisingly, he gets to very high endurance levels and strength very quickly.
Ranma and Leona for those two days have been working on gathering ki. Ranma goes into explanations of the four types of ki attacks. Emotional, environmental, elemental, and raw. He explains that emotional is the easiest to perform, but it drains the user very quickly. He also tells her that environmental is using the energy from your surroundings; the earth, the wind, plants, and the sun's energy. He explains elemental is like himself and Iori. It's when the ki comes out as an element; such as fire in his and Iori's case. And raw is just calling upon your own energy reserves. It's hard to focus, but with a clear mind and no emotions in the way, it makes the ki very powerful, and dangerous. Interesting enough, Leona with Ranma's help, starts to become real good at environmental ki. She can summon energy from any form of water and liquid in her surroundings, including the air. She sets off a dark blue ki blast from the energy she can collect. Ranma suggests the name Mizu Ken (Water Fist/Strike), for her attack, since she summons the energy from sources of water. Ranma hasn't gained anything special from the training yet, but he feels good. Because he knows that he himself is not only a fast learner, but now knows he can teach his martial arts knowledge to others. Finally, Saturday arrives.
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Ranma looks for some decent clothes to wear. The only thing formal, he has is his green Maoist uniform. Iori seems interested by the fact that Ranma is trying to look nice (for once), so he gives Ranma one of his white shirts and red pants. Ranma likes how he looks in it, when he has the shirt tucked in and no belt on the pants' legs. Ranma heads downstairs to where Leona is waiting. There he finds her in her military outfit. It may be a bit much, but she does look very nice in it. She seems to be in awe at the idea that Ranma dresses up nice for her. They give Nodoka their good-byes and tell her they'll be home later. As they walk out, Iori turns to his aunt for a talk.
Iori: Where are they going?
Nodoka: They're going out on a date Iori.
Iori: Okay... (Eyes widen). A DATE?
Nodoka (Smiles): Yes. Isn't that marvelous?
Iori: Yeah, I guess... I just never figured Leona to be the type of person to go on dates. I see her as the type that would cringe at anything romantic.
Nodoka: Why's that?
Iori: Well, she only seems to be interested in the fight, and becoming stronger.
Nodoka: So? That doesn't mean she can't have other interests. How about you Iori?
Iori (Cringes): It's... A long story...
Nodoka: We have all the time we need. We can talk about it over dinner if you want?
Iori: Yeah, that would be better, just give me time to gather my thoughts.
Nodoka: All right. There are many things we can talk about. We still have a lot of catching up to do.
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Ranma and Leona head out to a nice French restaurant, called Chez Pierre. Ranma looks at the prices and his jaw nearly drops to the floor. Then he remembers he still has the money his mom gave him before he left to find Iori and is very thankful for that. They are seated and order their food. They engage in small talk while seated and waiting for their meal. Ranma tells her about some of his more, famous adventures.
Ranma: I was having trouble breaking through Prince Kirin's defense when I noticed my hands had weird marks all over them; they looked like his chopsticks made them. So I started to add balls of water, from the pool we were standing in, in with the punches I was throwing, and he couldn't block them, and they were able to hurt him pretty bad.
Leona (Wide-eyed): What did you call those fighters again?
Ranma: The Seven Lucky Gods Martial Artists. They were pretty good. Well, some of them were. The others were just plain annoying. Kirin, Monlon, Bishamonten, and Ebiten were pretty good. The whole reason I went after them was because they kidnapped Akane. (Gets a dark gleam in his eyes). Akane...
Leona: Please. I understand that it must hurt you to be pushed aside by the one you loved, but look at it this way. You have me now.
Ranma (Smiles): I know. I consider myself very lucky because of that. It's just that I can't believe after all I did for her, she just tosses me aside like I was nothing to her. I pulled her fat out of the fire so many times, it's not funny. I've risked life and limb, and for what? To be hated for what I am... I have a question.
Leona: What is it?
Ranma (A bit nervous): May I call you Lechan?
Leona (Smiles): Sure. But only if I can call you Ranchan. (Sees Ranma visibly tense). What's wrong?
Ranma: Sorry, Lechan. It's just that my friend Ukyo would call me that. It makes me tense up at the idea of her going after me.
Leona: That's all right. You need to get over the past. What happened to the guy that kissed me the other night, all fired up about getting on with his life?
Ranma (Smiles): He's right here. He just needs time to think.
Leona (Smiles and winks): You, think? That's a new one.
Ranma (Frowns, than smiles): I told you, I can do anything.
Leona: Oh, really?
Ranma: Yes, really.
Leona (Winks): I may hold you to that, you know.
Ranma blushes immensely with that, and Leona lets out a good laugh. There meal is served. Ranma gets cracked crab, with scalloped potatoes and green tea. Leona gets a fresh Caesar Salad with blue cheese dressing and a glass of white-wine. The rest of the meal is pretty much uneventful.
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Back at Nodoka's home, we see Iori and Nodoka kneeling at a table, with their meal. A bowl of steak sukiyaki and some sashimi. Iori relates some of the more troublesome parts of his life to Nodoka. And he also explains why he's had girl trouble of his own.
Iori: And than in '96 I actually met two women that liked me. They're names were Mature and Vice. They themselves were also Hakkeshu.
Nodoka (Surprised): You had two members of the Hakkeshu falling for you? Why didn't you pursue one of them?
Iori (Sorrowful): I killed them. I didn't mean to. I had gown into the Riot of Blood because I had repressed my Orochi power for a bit to fight Goenitz. Unfortunately, as it came flowing back, it came in such a surge, that I went into the Riot of Blood. Mature and Vice tried to restrain me, but I killed them instead. I couldn't help myself.
Nodoka: It's all right. I'm sorry you lost them.
Iori: I am too. They were the only women that showed any interest in me. Hell, they were the only people at the time that held ANY interest in me... Too bad Vice would take her emotions to the extreme sometimes...
Nodoka: That's all right Iori. It's in the past. You can move on with your life. My son has, and it makes me very proud of him. I can keep my promise to Guidel now. If he were still alive, he'd be thrilled at this turn of events.
Iori (Curious): Promise? Guidel? What are you talking about?
Nodoka (Solemn): What I'm about to tell you, you must not breathe word of it to either Ranma or Leona. (Iori nods his head). Guidel and I made a promise to each other that our bloodlines would one day be connected. So he betrothed his daughter Leona to my son, when Ranma was born.
Iori (Eyes widen, screams): WHAAAAAT!?
Nodoka: You heard me. By the vow we made, Leona is Ranma's fiancée.
Iori: When do you plan to tell them?
Nodoka (Smiles): I don't. They love each other well enough. And, from what I've seen of what my husband has done to him, if you push Ranma in things like this, he'll just act stubborn. So I'll let him decide for himself. He deserves that much. So please don't tell them. I don't want to ruin both their chances at happiness. I can tell they love each other very much. (Iori just nods dumbly).
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Dinner is finished and Ranma and Leona walk of to the nearest movie theater. They are trying to decide what movie to see. Neither is interested in what's playing so they skip it. They go to the park to walk side by side and chat a little.
Leona: Ranchan.
Ranma: Yes Lechan?
Leona: So far, I've had a wonderful evening.
Ranma: So have I.
Leona: I hope it never ends.
Ranma: So do I.
They look into each other's eyes. Ranma puts his hands on Leona's shoulders and moves in to kiss her, only to be disrupted by an all too familiar chant coming from behind him.
Male voice: RANMA, PREPARE TO DIE!!!
Ranma: No... It can't be... It just can't be! (He turns to see what he dreads). Ryoga...
Leona: Did you say Ryoga? As in, the man that sent you into the Riot of Blood?
Ranma nods his head and gets into a fighting stance.
Ryoga: Ranma, because of you I've seen Hell! You honor-less coward!
Ranma (Angry): You've seen Hell? YOU'VE SEEN HELL? What do you think you did to me PIG BOY? Do you honestly think that when you sent me into the Riot of Blood, I enjoyed it? The pain I was in and the horrors I committed upon you were you're damn fault. And honor-less you call me? Who was it that made me make a promise to keep a secret? Who was it that used that secret against me? Who was it that tried to break up my engagement every chance he got? Who was it that slept in the same Goddamn bed as my ex-fiancée, and as a pig no doubt? (People in the park turn their heads as they hear all this). And who was it that always blamed me for all their problems? (Stops) Okay, that was you and everybody else in Goddamn Nerima. So answer me PIG, ANSWER! If anything, because of you Ryoga Hibiki, I've seen Hell.
Ryoga can't believe what he just heard. The old Ranma would always take the verbal assault in stride. Ryoga never expected Ranma to chastise him. He gets angry with himself because he knows Ranma's right.
Ryoga (Thinks): No this can't be. It's his entire fault all this has happened; he's the monster, not I. (Out loud). IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT SAOTOME!!!
Ryoga charges at Ranma with his umbrella, only to have Ranma catch it and hold it in place, keeping Ryoga from moving forward. Ryoga is made furious by this and lets go of the umbrella and jumps up into the air. He tries to land on Ranma's head, but Ranma just send a punch towards him and sends him back about 40 ft. Ryoga gets up, only to be greeted by the sight of purple flames gathering in Ranma's right hand. The flames take on a green tint. It grows into a ball of green fire turning purple at its edges. Ranma takes a step forward and releases it upon the hapless Ryoga.
Ranma: Orochi Hokodan!
Ryoga: Damn you Ranma! AHHHHHH!!!
The blast collides, sending Ryoga flying on Orochi Airways. Leona stands shocked by what Ranma just did. So do the spectators to this. Suddenly the spectators break out in applause for what Ranma did. Ranma turns to Leona and Smiles.
Ranma: Lechan?
Leona: Yes Ranchan?
Ranma: Let's go home. I feel wiped out.
Leona: Okay.
Ranma takes Leona by the hand and they walk back to Nodoka's
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Once home, Ranma and Leona are bombarded by questions from Nodoka. When Ranma gets to the part about him meeting Ryoga and how Ryoga challenged him. Nodoka is furious at the lost boy.
Nodoka: Doesn't that boy have anything better to do? By the Kami, he is a selfish, egotistical, pig.
Ranma: True. But it's all right Mom. I taught him a lesson. I confronted him with all that he's done, and probably shattered his little dream world. And to top it off, I used an improved version of one of his moves against him. He'll think the next time, before he shoots his mouth off spouting about revenge and crap like that for stuff I didn't do.
Iori: You did turn him into a pig.
Ranma: That's his fault. He was late to our duel, and he was the one who set up the time and place. It was his decision to follow me to China. I'm sorry he got cursed, but it wouldn't have happened if he weren't so damn dense and didn't follow me to Jusenkyo.
Nodoka: What was the move?
Ranma: I used his Shi Shi Hokodan, enhanced by my Orochi power. I was able to use a lot of the frustration he caused me in the blast.
Nodoka: Just be careful. When you use negative emotion based ki, it sets you on a path for self-destruction. Just like it did that Hibiki boy.
Ranma: All right Mom. I promise you, I won't use the attack often.
Nodoka: Okay then. Well, it's late. I suggest we all go to bed. I'm sure you all have a lot of training to do in the morning.
Ranma: Yes Mom.
Iori: Yes Auntie.
Leona: Yes Nodosan.
Nodoka: Good. Now, good night all of you.
Ranma, Iori, Leona: Good night.
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Nodoka can't sleep. She gets a feeling that her son's fights have caught some unnecessary attention from a certain priestess. When she feels all the others in the house are asleep. She goes down the stairs. She sees a woman that she expected to come.
Nodoka: Chizuru...
The two set up some tea for themselves and "discuss" a bit about Ranma.
Chizuru: I want to know something Nodoka. How?
Nodoka: How what?
Chizuru: How did he get so strong? I can honestly say your son hasn't been... Discreet in his travels...
Nodoka: What do you mean Mirror Keeper?
Chizuru: You're son in his travels has taken out dozens of fighters, destroyed Yoyogi-koen Park, and has brought attention to himself. But there's one thing about it that scares me.
Nodoka: What scares you.
Chizuru: I honestly don't know what to think of him. It wasn't until that boy challenged him, that Ranma had any malevolence to his attack. All his attacks are his own will, enhanced by the Orochi power. I said I would interfere, should he fall down the wrong path, but I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt and will ask what did that boy do to him?
Nodoka: It is because of that boy, that Ranma went into the Riot of Blood. That boy, no PIG is an honor-less coward that has bothered my son for years.
Chizuru (Nods her head): All right. I'll accept that, for now. I think I will need his help.
Nodoka (Confused): His help? Why?
Chizuru: I've felt a dark force. It's been growing. I first thought it was your son, when he showed himself to be the Tenth Hakkeshu. That in itself, makes him dangerous. But, what I originally felt was not him. Something else is out there. Something ominous that makes my hair stand on end. I believe your son may be the only one that can help us.
Nodoka (Angry): Why do you force this upon him. He is only a child still.
Chizuru: Weren't you the one that said he's strong willed?
Nodoka: What's your point?
Chizuru: I believe his strong will may be what may save us all. If he should fail, we are all doomed.
Nodoka: I thought you said he's humanity's worst enemy?
Chizuru: At this point, I'm willing to except the lesser of the two evils... For now...
Nodoka (Furious): Get out of my house at once!
Chizuru (Stands up): Very well. But there's no denying fate. He is the Tenth Hakkeshu and will be humanity's downfall.
Nodoka: And I say that there is no fate, that we make our own path through life. There are many possibilities for the future, and we must strive for the one we want.
Chizuru (Smiles): You always were the optimistic type Nodoka. I shall take my leave now. I have... Much to consider...
Nodoka: Fine. Just go.
Chizuru disappears in a small burst of light. Nodoka stands up and looks around. When she feels Chizuru is gone she goes to check on her son. Surprisingly, both he and Iori are out like light bulbs. She takes a good look at her son and thinks to herself.
Nodoka (Thinks): I don't like it, but I know you're right Chizuru. I've felt this ominous presence as well. I believe only my son has the strength and will to beat this thing, but I don't want to lose him. It may very well be the end of him. He is inexperienced, with his power. Why can't you have those damn Kusanagi do anything. After all, they are the ones that supposedly save the world all the time. I guess you're one of the few that realize it's my family, the Yagamis that actually save it. I hope whatever it is, Ranma, can handle it.
She goes to her son and kisses him softly on the forehead. Than she trudges off to her room, making sure not to wake Leona, and lets sleep claim her as she settles into her bed
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End Chapter 10
Next Time: The hidden danger is revealed as it brings back to life three deceased fighters from the past King of Fighters Tournaments. Paving way to the setup of the next King of Fighters Tournament in 1998.
Send your comments and questions to either RedPriest17@aol.com or Ryutsurugi@yahoo.com.
This is RedPriest17, signing off.
Note: Flames will be read and than used to fuel 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 while after the King of Fighters '97.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 10: Little Date
It is now been a couple of hours since Ranma and Leona shared a kiss and made plans to go on a date. Ranma decides to tell his mother about it so she wouldn't worry about where they're going. Surprising to him, his mother doesn't seem to mind them taking the time of from training. While they wait for Saturday, they train.
Iori begins the breaking point training. Surprisingly, he gets the hang of the training (Smashing the boulders into itty bits with one touch of a finger) real quick, so Ranma tells Iori; the point is to let the swinging boulder hit him to build up his endurance. Iori goes through two days of it, and surprisingly, he gets to very high endurance levels and strength very quickly.
Ranma and Leona for those two days have been working on gathering ki. Ranma goes into explanations of the four types of ki attacks. Emotional, environmental, elemental, and raw. He explains that emotional is the easiest to perform, but it drains the user very quickly. He also tells her that environmental is using the energy from your surroundings; the earth, the wind, plants, and the sun's energy. He explains elemental is like himself and Iori. It's when the ki comes out as an element; such as fire in his and Iori's case. And raw is just calling upon your own energy reserves. It's hard to focus, but with a clear mind and no emotions in the way, it makes the ki very powerful, and dangerous. Interesting enough, Leona with Ranma's help, starts to become real good at environmental ki. She can summon energy from any form of water and liquid in her surroundings, including the air. She sets off a dark blue ki blast from the energy she can collect. Ranma suggests the name Mizu Ken (Water Fist/Strike), for her attack, since she summons the energy from sources of water. Ranma hasn't gained anything special from the training yet, but he feels good. Because he knows that he himself is not only a fast learner, but now knows he can teach his martial arts knowledge to others. Finally, Saturday arrives.
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Ranma looks for some decent clothes to wear. The only thing formal, he has is his green Maoist uniform. Iori seems interested by the fact that Ranma is trying to look nice (for once), so he gives Ranma one of his white shirts and red pants. Ranma likes how he looks in it, when he has the shirt tucked in and no belt on the pants' legs. Ranma heads downstairs to where Leona is waiting. There he finds her in her military outfit. It may be a bit much, but she does look very nice in it. She seems to be in awe at the idea that Ranma dresses up nice for her. They give Nodoka their good-byes and tell her they'll be home later. As they walk out, Iori turns to his aunt for a talk.
Iori: Where are they going?
Nodoka: They're going out on a date Iori.
Iori: Okay... (Eyes widen). A DATE?
Nodoka (Smiles): Yes. Isn't that marvelous?
Iori: Yeah, I guess... I just never figured Leona to be the type of person to go on dates. I see her as the type that would cringe at anything romantic.
Nodoka: Why's that?
Iori: Well, she only seems to be interested in the fight, and becoming stronger.
Nodoka: So? That doesn't mean she can't have other interests. How about you Iori?
Iori (Cringes): It's... A long story...
Nodoka: We have all the time we need. We can talk about it over dinner if you want?
Iori: Yeah, that would be better, just give me time to gather my thoughts.
Nodoka: All right. There are many things we can talk about. We still have a lot of catching up to do.
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Ranma and Leona head out to a nice French restaurant, called Chez Pierre. Ranma looks at the prices and his jaw nearly drops to the floor. Then he remembers he still has the money his mom gave him before he left to find Iori and is very thankful for that. They are seated and order their food. They engage in small talk while seated and waiting for their meal. Ranma tells her about some of his more, famous adventures.
Ranma: I was having trouble breaking through Prince Kirin's defense when I noticed my hands had weird marks all over them; they looked like his chopsticks made them. So I started to add balls of water, from the pool we were standing in, in with the punches I was throwing, and he couldn't block them, and they were able to hurt him pretty bad.
Leona (Wide-eyed): What did you call those fighters again?
Ranma: The Seven Lucky Gods Martial Artists. They were pretty good. Well, some of them were. The others were just plain annoying. Kirin, Monlon, Bishamonten, and Ebiten were pretty good. The whole reason I went after them was because they kidnapped Akane. (Gets a dark gleam in his eyes). Akane...
Leona: Please. I understand that it must hurt you to be pushed aside by the one you loved, but look at it this way. You have me now.
Ranma (Smiles): I know. I consider myself very lucky because of that. It's just that I can't believe after all I did for her, she just tosses me aside like I was nothing to her. I pulled her fat out of the fire so many times, it's not funny. I've risked life and limb, and for what? To be hated for what I am... I have a question.
Leona: What is it?
Ranma (A bit nervous): May I call you Lechan?
Leona (Smiles): Sure. But only if I can call you Ranchan. (Sees Ranma visibly tense). What's wrong?
Ranma: Sorry, Lechan. It's just that my friend Ukyo would call me that. It makes me tense up at the idea of her going after me.
Leona: That's all right. You need to get over the past. What happened to the guy that kissed me the other night, all fired up about getting on with his life?
Ranma (Smiles): He's right here. He just needs time to think.
Leona (Smiles and winks): You, think? That's a new one.
Ranma (Frowns, than smiles): I told you, I can do anything.
Leona: Oh, really?
Ranma: Yes, really.
Leona (Winks): I may hold you to that, you know.
Ranma blushes immensely with that, and Leona lets out a good laugh. There meal is served. Ranma gets cracked crab, with scalloped potatoes and green tea. Leona gets a fresh Caesar Salad with blue cheese dressing and a glass of white-wine. The rest of the meal is pretty much uneventful.
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Back at Nodoka's home, we see Iori and Nodoka kneeling at a table, with their meal. A bowl of steak sukiyaki and some sashimi. Iori relates some of the more troublesome parts of his life to Nodoka. And he also explains why he's had girl trouble of his own.
Iori: And than in '96 I actually met two women that liked me. They're names were Mature and Vice. They themselves were also Hakkeshu.
Nodoka (Surprised): You had two members of the Hakkeshu falling for you? Why didn't you pursue one of them?
Iori (Sorrowful): I killed them. I didn't mean to. I had gown into the Riot of Blood because I had repressed my Orochi power for a bit to fight Goenitz. Unfortunately, as it came flowing back, it came in such a surge, that I went into the Riot of Blood. Mature and Vice tried to restrain me, but I killed them instead. I couldn't help myself.
Nodoka: It's all right. I'm sorry you lost them.
Iori: I am too. They were the only women that showed any interest in me. Hell, they were the only people at the time that held ANY interest in me... Too bad Vice would take her emotions to the extreme sometimes...
Nodoka: That's all right Iori. It's in the past. You can move on with your life. My son has, and it makes me very proud of him. I can keep my promise to Guidel now. If he were still alive, he'd be thrilled at this turn of events.
Iori (Curious): Promise? Guidel? What are you talking about?
Nodoka (Solemn): What I'm about to tell you, you must not breathe word of it to either Ranma or Leona. (Iori nods his head). Guidel and I made a promise to each other that our bloodlines would one day be connected. So he betrothed his daughter Leona to my son, when Ranma was born.
Iori (Eyes widen, screams): WHAAAAAT!?
Nodoka: You heard me. By the vow we made, Leona is Ranma's fiancée.
Iori: When do you plan to tell them?
Nodoka (Smiles): I don't. They love each other well enough. And, from what I've seen of what my husband has done to him, if you push Ranma in things like this, he'll just act stubborn. So I'll let him decide for himself. He deserves that much. So please don't tell them. I don't want to ruin both their chances at happiness. I can tell they love each other very much. (Iori just nods dumbly).
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Dinner is finished and Ranma and Leona walk of to the nearest movie theater. They are trying to decide what movie to see. Neither is interested in what's playing so they skip it. They go to the park to walk side by side and chat a little.
Leona: Ranchan.
Ranma: Yes Lechan?
Leona: So far, I've had a wonderful evening.
Ranma: So have I.
Leona: I hope it never ends.
Ranma: So do I.
They look into each other's eyes. Ranma puts his hands on Leona's shoulders and moves in to kiss her, only to be disrupted by an all too familiar chant coming from behind him.
Male voice: RANMA, PREPARE TO DIE!!!
Ranma: No... It can't be... It just can't be! (He turns to see what he dreads). Ryoga...
Leona: Did you say Ryoga? As in, the man that sent you into the Riot of Blood?
Ranma nods his head and gets into a fighting stance.
Ryoga: Ranma, because of you I've seen Hell! You honor-less coward!
Ranma (Angry): You've seen Hell? YOU'VE SEEN HELL? What do you think you did to me PIG BOY? Do you honestly think that when you sent me into the Riot of Blood, I enjoyed it? The pain I was in and the horrors I committed upon you were you're damn fault. And honor-less you call me? Who was it that made me make a promise to keep a secret? Who was it that used that secret against me? Who was it that tried to break up my engagement every chance he got? Who was it that slept in the same Goddamn bed as my ex-fiancée, and as a pig no doubt? (People in the park turn their heads as they hear all this). And who was it that always blamed me for all their problems? (Stops) Okay, that was you and everybody else in Goddamn Nerima. So answer me PIG, ANSWER! If anything, because of you Ryoga Hibiki, I've seen Hell.
Ryoga can't believe what he just heard. The old Ranma would always take the verbal assault in stride. Ryoga never expected Ranma to chastise him. He gets angry with himself because he knows Ranma's right.
Ryoga (Thinks): No this can't be. It's his entire fault all this has happened; he's the monster, not I. (Out loud). IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT SAOTOME!!!
Ryoga charges at Ranma with his umbrella, only to have Ranma catch it and hold it in place, keeping Ryoga from moving forward. Ryoga is made furious by this and lets go of the umbrella and jumps up into the air. He tries to land on Ranma's head, but Ranma just send a punch towards him and sends him back about 40 ft. Ryoga gets up, only to be greeted by the sight of purple flames gathering in Ranma's right hand. The flames take on a green tint. It grows into a ball of green fire turning purple at its edges. Ranma takes a step forward and releases it upon the hapless Ryoga.
Ranma: Orochi Hokodan!
Ryoga: Damn you Ranma! AHHHHHH!!!
The blast collides, sending Ryoga flying on Orochi Airways. Leona stands shocked by what Ranma just did. So do the spectators to this. Suddenly the spectators break out in applause for what Ranma did. Ranma turns to Leona and Smiles.
Ranma: Lechan?
Leona: Yes Ranchan?
Ranma: Let's go home. I feel wiped out.
Leona: Okay.
Ranma takes Leona by the hand and they walk back to Nodoka's
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Once home, Ranma and Leona are bombarded by questions from Nodoka. When Ranma gets to the part about him meeting Ryoga and how Ryoga challenged him. Nodoka is furious at the lost boy.
Nodoka: Doesn't that boy have anything better to do? By the Kami, he is a selfish, egotistical, pig.
Ranma: True. But it's all right Mom. I taught him a lesson. I confronted him with all that he's done, and probably shattered his little dream world. And to top it off, I used an improved version of one of his moves against him. He'll think the next time, before he shoots his mouth off spouting about revenge and crap like that for stuff I didn't do.
Iori: You did turn him into a pig.
Ranma: That's his fault. He was late to our duel, and he was the one who set up the time and place. It was his decision to follow me to China. I'm sorry he got cursed, but it wouldn't have happened if he weren't so damn dense and didn't follow me to Jusenkyo.
Nodoka: What was the move?
Ranma: I used his Shi Shi Hokodan, enhanced by my Orochi power. I was able to use a lot of the frustration he caused me in the blast.
Nodoka: Just be careful. When you use negative emotion based ki, it sets you on a path for self-destruction. Just like it did that Hibiki boy.
Ranma: All right Mom. I promise you, I won't use the attack often.
Nodoka: Okay then. Well, it's late. I suggest we all go to bed. I'm sure you all have a lot of training to do in the morning.
Ranma: Yes Mom.
Iori: Yes Auntie.
Leona: Yes Nodosan.
Nodoka: Good. Now, good night all of you.
Ranma, Iori, Leona: Good night.
(------)
Nodoka can't sleep. She gets a feeling that her son's fights have caught some unnecessary attention from a certain priestess. When she feels all the others in the house are asleep. She goes down the stairs. She sees a woman that she expected to come.
Nodoka: Chizuru...
The two set up some tea for themselves and "discuss" a bit about Ranma.
Chizuru: I want to know something Nodoka. How?
Nodoka: How what?
Chizuru: How did he get so strong? I can honestly say your son hasn't been... Discreet in his travels...
Nodoka: What do you mean Mirror Keeper?
Chizuru: You're son in his travels has taken out dozens of fighters, destroyed Yoyogi-koen Park, and has brought attention to himself. But there's one thing about it that scares me.
Nodoka: What scares you.
Chizuru: I honestly don't know what to think of him. It wasn't until that boy challenged him, that Ranma had any malevolence to his attack. All his attacks are his own will, enhanced by the Orochi power. I said I would interfere, should he fall down the wrong path, but I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt and will ask what did that boy do to him?
Nodoka: It is because of that boy, that Ranma went into the Riot of Blood. That boy, no PIG is an honor-less coward that has bothered my son for years.
Chizuru (Nods her head): All right. I'll accept that, for now. I think I will need his help.
Nodoka (Confused): His help? Why?
Chizuru: I've felt a dark force. It's been growing. I first thought it was your son, when he showed himself to be the Tenth Hakkeshu. That in itself, makes him dangerous. But, what I originally felt was not him. Something else is out there. Something ominous that makes my hair stand on end. I believe your son may be the only one that can help us.
Nodoka (Angry): Why do you force this upon him. He is only a child still.
Chizuru: Weren't you the one that said he's strong willed?
Nodoka: What's your point?
Chizuru: I believe his strong will may be what may save us all. If he should fail, we are all doomed.
Nodoka: I thought you said he's humanity's worst enemy?
Chizuru: At this point, I'm willing to except the lesser of the two evils... For now...
Nodoka (Furious): Get out of my house at once!
Chizuru (Stands up): Very well. But there's no denying fate. He is the Tenth Hakkeshu and will be humanity's downfall.
Nodoka: And I say that there is no fate, that we make our own path through life. There are many possibilities for the future, and we must strive for the one we want.
Chizuru (Smiles): You always were the optimistic type Nodoka. I shall take my leave now. I have... Much to consider...
Nodoka: Fine. Just go.
Chizuru disappears in a small burst of light. Nodoka stands up and looks around. When she feels Chizuru is gone she goes to check on her son. Surprisingly, both he and Iori are out like light bulbs. She takes a good look at her son and thinks to herself.
Nodoka (Thinks): I don't like it, but I know you're right Chizuru. I've felt this ominous presence as well. I believe only my son has the strength and will to beat this thing, but I don't want to lose him. It may very well be the end of him. He is inexperienced, with his power. Why can't you have those damn Kusanagi do anything. After all, they are the ones that supposedly save the world all the time. I guess you're one of the few that realize it's my family, the Yagamis that actually save it. I hope whatever it is, Ranma, can handle it.
She goes to her son and kisses him softly on the forehead. Than she trudges off to her room, making sure not to wake Leona, and lets sleep claim her as she settles into her bed
(------)
End Chapter 10
Next Time: The hidden danger is revealed as it brings back to life three deceased fighters from the past King of Fighters Tournaments. Paving way to the setup of the next King of Fighters Tournament in 1998.
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