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 well after the Ranma 1/2 manga and during the King of Fighters '98.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 34: Leopold Goenitz: Master of the Winds
Ranma stares at the man who appeared in the huge burst of wind. He doesn't like how this man knows he is the Tenth Hakkeshu. Ranma feels Leona shake with fear from the sight of this man, so he hugs her closely to him, trying to reassure her she'll be okay.
Ranma looks around at everyone in attendance. The camera crews film this, waiting to see what happens next. He sees Iori is visibly angry. His mother is wide-eyed at the sight of this man, her aura a mixture of anger and fear. Chizuru has a look of absolute horror on her face. Saishu looks on with a neutral face, but Ranma can feel Saishu's aura is filled with fear. Vice and Mature have neutral expressions on their faces, but Ranma can feel they are annoyed and fearful because of the man. The Hero Team and Rugal are still knocked out cold. All the ways the people react to this man's presence tells him one thing...
The man is bad news...
Leona hugs Ranma tighter when the man takes a step closer to the Anything Goes Team. The man smirks as he eyes them.
Man (As he steps closer to them): Ranma Saotome... Born in Japan on July 5th, 1981. Hair, black. Eyes, blue. Height 1.79 m or 5'9". Weight 69 kg or 150 lbs. Blood type, A. Hobbies include martial arts, training, and eating. Favorite food, okonomiyaki. Favorite sport is all. Most valuable, Leona Heidern. Hates the most are cats, old perverts, Genma Saotome, and Akane Tendo's 'alleged' cooking. Fighting style, Anything Goes Martial Arts and Yagami Style Ancient Martial Arts.
Ranma's eyes widen with all the info the man knows about him. Ranma turns his body so he is still hugging Leona, but he has her to his right side, while his left side faces the man so he can protect Leona from the man. Ranma's eyes never leave the man.
Ranma (To the man): How did you know all that stuff about me? Just who are you?
Man (Smirks): Well, an associate of mine by the name of Nabiki Tendo gave me that information. It cost me a pretty penny too. As for who I am... (Does a slight bow). I am Leopold Goenitz, also known as "Kamikaze no Goniezuu", or "Goenitz the Divine Wind". I am one of your "Four Heavenly Kings" master Orochi.
Ranma's eyes widen in horror, he feels Leona shake a bit more in his arms. This is the man... The man that had ruined Leona's life. The man that had supposedly died two years ago by the hands of Iori and Kyo. Ranma's fear suddenly turns to anger. This man had hurt Lechan. He wouldn't let him get away with that. Ranma eyes the man hatefully and speaks in a calm, neutral voice.
Ranma: What is it you want here Goenitz?
Goenitz: Simple really. (Raises his finger towards Ranma). You.
Ranma (Narrows his eyes): And why is that?
Goenitz: That is simple as well. You are the soul fragment of our God, the Orochi. It is your destiny to destroy the human race for what they have done to the planet.
Ranma: And what, pray-tell, makes it my destiny?
Goenitz (Smiles): And why do you try to make things difficult Orochi? You know what the filthy humans have done to you. They have attacked you, they have abused you mentally, physically, and spiritually, they give you no peace, they are a constant bother; blaming you for things that simply aren't your fault, and most of them would try to kill you as soon as look at you. So, you answer me this Orochi? Why fight against fate? They have wronged you many a times. THEY DESERVE TO DIE!
Ranma breaks his gaze from Goenitz and looks towards the ground. This goes on for five minutes with Ranma looking at the ground. The other fighters in the arena want to do SOMETHING; but those that know of Goenitz know his Orochi powers are incredibly strong, and that his own martial arts skill is not too shabby either. So they just stand there on the sides, waiting for Goenitz to make a move.
The television crews get all of this on screen; people all over the world see what's going on. The fighters that know Ranma go through different reactions.
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Kyokugen-ryu Dojo...
Ryo: SHIT! THIS SUCKS!
Robert: Dude, calm down! There's nothing we can do. We're in South America, while they're in Japan.
Kasumi: So? We'll get down there then. After all there are such things as airplanes.
Robert: I know that Kobojutsu Girl! BUT THERE ARE NONE THAT WILL GET US DOWN THERE WHEN WE NEED TO! By the time we get down there, this will be over.
Yuri (Holds up Roberts wallet): Ever heard of a "Concord Jet"?
King: Yeah. Those jet airplanes can get us down there in six to eight hours from here instead of twenty-six...
Robert: ACK! SEATS ON THOSE PLANES COST A FORTUNE!!!
Yuri (Takes out ten major credit cards out of Robert's wallet): No problem.
Robert (Eyes widen): NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
With that, Yuri, Ryo, King, and Kasumi sprint to the airport while Robert chases after them, screaming about how this is going to put him into debt. Takuma Sakazaki however...
Takuma (Drunk, looks at a Tengu mask hanging on the wall): At last we meet Mr. Karate...
Takuma charges at the mask and pokes his eye on the nose of the mask. He flops around on the ground in his drunken stupor.
Takuma: GAAAAAAAAAHHH!!! THAT HURTS!!!
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Mai Shiranui's apartment...
Mai (Staring at the TV wide-eyed): Oh Ranma...
Kasumi: Poor Ranma...
Mary (Turning to Terry): TERRY, WE GOTTA...
As soon as Mary started to talk Terry was sprinting out of Mai's apartment. Kima saw this and opened the window to Mai's apartment. She got her upper torso outside so she could spread her wings without having to fit them through the window afterwards. Kima then took off to the direction of the stadium. Leaving Mai, Mary, Andy, Joe, and Kasumi staring at them.
Mai: Wow...
Kasumi: I believe we should go too.
Joe (Holds up his car keys): I got a jeep!
Andy (Nods his head): That'll do.
With that Mary takes the keys from Joe's hand and they start making their way to the parking garage.
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Ucchan's Okonomiyaki...
Ukyo turns off the TV, and puts out the fire beneath her grill. She turns to her customers.
Ukyo: Sorry, but I will be delayed. If you need anything else, please talk to Konatsu.
With that Ukyo readies her Battle Spatula and runs out the door. The China Team follows, since they were there eating Okonomiyaki. Happosai bounds out the door as well.
Happosai (As he sprints on the rooftops): RANMA, WAIT FOR ME! I'M COMING TO HELP!!!
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Geese Tower...
Geese watches the events after the tournament happening on the TV. He turns to Billy.
Geese: BILLY!
Billy: Uh, yes boss?
Geese: Get the limo ready. We need to get down to the airport.
Billy: Uh, you going on vacation?
Geese (Narrows his eyes at Billy): No you idiot, I need to protect a business inversion. I NEED TO GET TO JAPAN NOW!!!
Billy (Eyes widen): EEP! RIGHT AWAY BOSS!
With that Billy runs down a flight of stairs outside of Geese's office. Geese takes his private elevator down, taking out a cell phone and calling for his helicopter to be readied for departure.
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The Tendo Dojo...
The same craziness and fighting that was going on before, except Nabiki is staring at the TV set. She seethes with rage at what Goenitz said.
Nabiki (Thinks): DAMN IT! WHY DID YOU TELL HIM I GAVE YOU THE INFORMATION!? Now Ranma won't want to come back here. You better get rid of Leona, YOU HERE ME LEOPOLD!?!?
Four martial artists turn to see the TV.
Ryoga (Full body-cast): HEY! SOMEONE'S GOING AGAINST SAOTOME!
Mousse: Yes...
Kuno: That means...
Taro (Smiles): Fem-boy will be distracted...
Taro and Mousse run outside to the koi pond in the back and jump in. Mousse turns into a duck, and Taro turns into a winged Minataur-like creature thanks to their Jusenkyo curses. They both fly off to the stadium. The other people in the household finally notice this and decide they should go down to the stadium as well.
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The Ikari Warrior's hotel room...
Heidern gets up calmly. He turns to Ralf and Clark.
Heidern: MEN, WE'RE LEAVING!
With that Heidern and his men run out of the room to the stadium.
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The King of Fighters stadium...
Goenitz stands before Ranma. His patience is wearing thin. He asked the boy a question, and he still hasn't answered him.
Goenitz: Nothing to say?
Leona feels Ranma hug her tightly. He moves his vision up from the ground and stares Goenitz in the eyes. Goenitz is impressed by the bravery his 'master' is showing before him.
Ranma (Breathes heavily for a second to clear his mind): You are right about one thing. There are people that have made me just want to give up on life at times. There are people that have made my life hell. And I would be lying if I said I have never thought of just ending them, just so I could live in peace, so I could enjoy life for once...
Goenitz smiles, apparently he has gotten through to the Tenth Hakkeshu. Leona stares at Ranma in disbelief as well as a lot of other people. Iori and Chizuru look like they're about to tear Ranma apart. Nodoka looks like she's about to cry at how her son is just giving up.
Ranma then smirks and an aura of confidence seems to grow around him. This has an effect of calming Leona's fear of this man. Ranma continues speaking.
Ranma: But... I won't! I won't give in because I have learned many things over the past months. Like what my mom once told me, that there is no such thing as fate, that we shape and mold our own future to get the outcome that we desire. And then there are other people. Sure, I have been treated like shit by some people, treated like some sort of prize by others, and have just been hated, with people calling me a demon. But you know what? They are only a few people, and they're the worst ones that society has to offer. I have seen and met the good people, made many friends, and fought many people that gave me a good challenge. Many people giving me strength through their friendship, or just being there to give me a good fight to help me take some stress off of my mind. Like Terry Bogard, who would be there as a friend, giving me advice and a good challenge. Mary Ryan, one of the first people to see me as a person and tried to be nice to me. Mai Shiranui, who's energetic attitude and helpful nature helped me feel better about myself. That dork Andy Bogard, for even though he was stupid at times, he is a friend to me. That smiling fool Joe Higashi, always good for a laugh. The Sakazaki family, showing me that Martial Arts can truly be handed down through a family line without breaking apart, and offering me good sparring sessions from time-to-time. Wolfgang Krauser, for he was an excellent challenge for me and treated he me as an equal on the battlefield. Kasumi, the first, and only girl in Nerima that never questioned who I was and what I would do. Kima, sure, may have been trying to kill me, but I realize that she was doing what she thought was right, and was trying to protect the honor of her people. Ukyo Kuonji, my first true friend, who my father had treated horribly, but she looked past that and brought herself to forgive me. Chizuru Kagura, who may have been a pain at times but I feel deep down, she might care for me. My cousin Iori, who has literally pounded into my head that I shouldn't be so damn weak around people anymore, that I should get my point across with my fists when words just won't work. My mom, for being a pillar of strength for me, giving me the courage to go on when I thought life just wasn't worth living anymore. And my dear, dear Lechan. For if it wasn't for her continual support and unconditional love for me, I wouldn't have been able to continue, that I may have just stopped it all and just gone and have lied down in a gutter to die. So you see, even though I have had my ups and downs, I know who I am and what I want. For I am NOT the Orochi, I am NOT a destroyer, and I am NOT a demon. I am Ranma Saotome, of the School of Anything Goes Martial Arts, and I just want to live life peacefully, with an occasional challenge in fights. And... (Smile widens). I want to live the rest of my life with Lechan... For she is the first person that gave me a kindness that I always hoped to have and that I could give back in return... Love.
Most people watching and listening to this are awed by what he said. He had spoken from the heart, saying what he truly felt, telling of his hopes and desires. Though some would consider them simple, his desires have always been out of reach. But now that he has said his peace, he feels he can take on the world.
Leona feels happier then she's ever felt before with those words. He admitted that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. And that is what she wanted as well...
Iori is filled with pride. His cousin spoke about what he truly wanted. He showed spine. He couldn't be prouder with Ranma at the momet.
Nodoka couldn't be happier. Her son is acting so manly before a person that challenges his beliefs. And the fact that he said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Leona did not pass over her head either. She'd get to keep her promise to Guidel.
Chizuru is in awe by the boy. She, to be honest, has hated him, detested his very existence. But now... Now she isn't so sure... She could tell he spoke his beliefs with a pure heart, seemingly glowing with an aura of confidence that can draw one in. And him saying that he saw her as a friend makes her consider her past train of thoughts. Is Ranma as bad as she had thought? It may be she has not given him the credit he deserves.
Goenitz stares at Ranma. His anger rising inside of him. He had truly not expected Ranma to have such a high level of confidence. He smiles viciously. For if he can't reason with him, there are 'other' methods...
Goenitz (Eyes Ranma): So... You won't fulfill your destiny then?
Ranma: I already told you. I don't believe in destiny.
Goenitz (Smiles): Very well. I tried to do this the easy way for 'your' sake Saotome. Now we'll do things my way...
Goenitz pulls an amethyst gem out of his pocket. He crushes it into dust in his grip. He lets the powder float all over Rugal. Rugal glows and rises to his feet, his cuts and bruises healing instantly.
Rugal: I LIVE AGAIN!!!
Goenitz: Idiot. You didn't die again. You were just unconscious.
Chizuru (Screams out): WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "DIE AGAIN"!?
Goenitz (Turns to Chizuru): You truly are a fool Kagura! Rugal DID die. I chose to bring him back, for I had use for the idiot. This whole tournament was my plan from the start, and you fell for it!
Rugal: HEY! I AM NOT AN IDIOT! AND I WAS THE ONE THAT THOUGHT TO USE THE TOURNAMENT TO GAIN ENERGY!!!
Goenitz backhands Rugal and sends him flying into a wall. Ranma stares at the ease with which Goenitz has hit Rugal in the face. This means only one thing. Goenitz is powerful.
Rugal (Imbedded into a wall): ... Ouch...
Goenitz (Turns to the secretaries): Well Vice, Mature, do you two also wish to remain in the land of the living?
Vice & Mature (Nod their heads): YES!
Goenitz: Then help me. We will need to take Ranma with us.
Vice (Glomps Iori): BUT I NO WANNA GO AGAINST IORI-SAMA!!!
Mature (Starts hitting Iori in the back of the head): STUPID IORI! YOU CORRUPTED VICE-CHAN!!!
Iori: ... Stop that... Please... Wait a minute... (Eyes Mature). "Vice-chan"?
The two secretaries ignore Iori's question and continue to harass him. Goenitz turns back to Ranma as Rugal walks up to Goenitz.
Rugal: That hurt!
Goenitz: Don't worry. This will be over soon. (Gets into a fighting stance, which for him is standing straight with his bent at 155-degree angles.). You will come with me, whether you want to or not.
Ranma (Gets into fighting stance): Don't count on it.
Leona (Gets into her fighting stance): Yeah! I won't allow you to ruin Ranchan's life as you did with mine.
Iori (Gets into his fighting stance): I won't allow you to live this time Goenitz.
Chizuru (Walks up, gets into her fighting stance): I may have made a mistake, but I will make amends for it.
Nodoka (Walks up, gets into her fighting stance): I won't allow you to hurt my son.
Saishu (walks up): Ranma may be a Yagami, but... (Gets into his fighting stance). I won't allow you to harm innocents any longer.
Goenitz stares at them all and erupts into laughter. His cold mirth sending chills up their spines.
Goenitz: YOU ARE ALL HILARIOUS! But... Do you really think I didn't come prepared?
Goenitz takes a set of beads out of his coat's pocket and tosses them at Ranma. The beads wrap onto Ranma's right arm and won't come off, no matter how hard he tugs on them.
Ranma: WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO!?!?
Goenitz: You like? They are the Yasakani Beads, the Sacred Treasure of your family. They have the power to protect the body from 'outside influence'. As long as you have those beads on, your Orochi power is sealed.
With that, Goenitz floats into the air and snaps his fingers. The ground beneath the other fighters erupts and they go flying about. Ranma dodges most of the upwards-flying debris, but then a really strong punch connects with his chest, knocking the air out of him, and cracking a few of his ribs. When the dust settles, Yashiro can be seen standing in the middle of the crater. His clothes are now dark red and a brownish white instead of red and a bluish white, and he is now very tanned.
Yashiro: I am "Inui ta Daichi no Yashiro", or "Yashiro the Parched Earth". I am one of the "Heavenly Kings" of Orochi. Sorry about that Orochi-sama, but you need a wake-up call.
Then lightning starts to shoot towards the stadium from a seemingly clear sky, striking all over the stadium. Ranma gets struck by lightning over and over again. He barely gets to his feet when a huge bolt of lightning strikes the ground in front of him. Shermie appears before him, but her hair is now violet instead of red, and her hot-pink leather outfit is now blood red.
Shermie (Slightly bows): I am "Arakuru Inakou no Sherumii", or "Shermie the Insanely Violent Thunder"; also one of your Heavenly Kings Orochi-sama. Please, allow me to have this dance.
With that Shermie does a roundhouse kick that electrocutes Ranma upon impact. He goes flying. When he lands he can barely feel anything, his whole body numbed by pain. Ranma somehow manages to make it to his feet, his anger now starting to rise. All of a sudden the torches in the arena flicker to life again, but this time with purple fire. The fire spews and gathers on the center of the arena. When the flames die down, Chris stands there, but his hair is now a dark red instead of brown and his clothes are now colored dark red and reddish white instead of blue and white. Chris turns his palms upwards, and Magatama no Orochi ignites from both his palms. He then turns to face Ranma.
Chris: I am "Honoo no Mei no Kurisu", or "Chris the Flame of Darkness". I am at your service soul fragment of the great Orochi. So don't make me kill you. Or should I say, don't make us kill you?
With that Yashiro and Shermie walk to either side of Chris, and Goenitz lands behind them.
Chris: We are...
Chris, Yashiro, Shermie, & Goenitz: THE FOUR HEAVENLY KINGS OF OROCHI!
Ranma is tired, he has been beaten up earlier today by Rugal, and now these people have abused him with their entrances. He looks around. The Heavenly Kings stand there smugly, Rugal is getting himself off of the wall, leaving a huge imprint of himself in it, Vice, Mature, and Saishu is now unconscious, Iori is getting to his feet, obviously angry, Leona is getting to her feet as well, but she seems to be favoring her left leg, Chizuru's white outfit is now turning red; a rock from the explosion Yashiro caused pierced her left shoulder and she is now bleeding considerably, the Hero Team is STILL unconscious, and being buried under rubble isn't helping them much, his mother Nodoka gets to her feet, a look of determination on her face, and surprisingly, one member of the television crew is unscathed, but shaking with fear as he tries to hold his camera to relay the images to televisions around the world.
Ranma the checks himself out. His left arm is dislocated at the shoulder, he feels the left side of his ribcage is cracked and on the verge of breaking, his left collarbone hurts like hell, he can't feel his right leg at all, but somehow stands on it, his body is overall numb from all the electrical shocks he received from Shermie's lightning, and he still can't get the beads off.
Ranma (Mutters): This doesn't look good...
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Kima flies through the air, going as fast as she can. She saw from a distance great explosions, and she didn't like it one bit. She looks down. Surprisingly, Terry Bogard has sprinted and kept up with her all this time. She had to admit, that guy had stamina. Kima see that is won't be long now before they reach the King of Fighters stadium. She just hopes that Ranma can hold out for that long.
Kima (Thinks): Please Ranma, hang on! We'll be there!
Terry (Thinks): Damn, I don't know how long I can keep this up. But I just have to keep running, I gotta get there. Ranma is going to need all the help he can get, and I'm not going to let him down!
And the two race against time to help their friends.
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Ranma can't take this anymore. He is in so much pain, and these people are at their peak. He may be outmatched in strength and numbers at the moment, but that doesn't stop him. He has too much at stake just to give up. He has his friends, his family, and Lechan to look out for. They are the most precious things to him, and so he can't give up for if not for his own sake, then for theirs. Ranma walks up to them with a cold-as-ice gleam in his eyes. Walking is taking a lot of effort on Ranma's part, his body protesting every move he makes with a sting of pain. Goenitz turns his vision to Ranma.
Goenitz: So... Are you ready to listen to reason Orochi?
!
Goenitz staggers backwards for a bit as the other Heavenly Kings stare wide-eyed at him. Goenitz feels his chin on fire from the punch Ranma dealt him with his good arm. And with that Goenitz's anger rises to new heights.
Goenitz: YOU LITTLE SHIT! YOU ASKED FOR THIS!
With that Goenitz starts pounding on Ranma, kicking and punching him nonstop, wanting the boy to yield to him, to accept his fate. Ranma's body is turning black and blue, his world starting to go dark. Goenitz is about to hit Ranma again when he feels a cold stinging sensation to his neck. He looks to see Nodoka is right next to him. She has the Kusanagi Katana unsheathed and the sharp edge right up to his throat. He can see she is in pain herself but she ignores it, her anger fueling her. The death-cold glare she gives him tells him all he needs to know. Never piss off a mother.
Nodoka: Care to find out how well this katana can cut off your head? Now leave my son alone you twisted son of a bitch. As my son said, he will make his own destiny, so leave him alone!
Goenitz starts to sweat. The Kusanagi Katana is at his throat, ready to cut his head off at a moment's notice. Goenitz for once is afraid, but he doesn't show it. Goenitz sees a familiar person in the corner of his eye and smiles.
Nodoka (Narrows her eyes, presses the blade to his throat, draws a little blood): What are you smiling at you bastard?
Goenitz: YASHIRO, RESTRAIN RANMA!
With that Yashiro grabs Ranma from behind, his arms pin Ranma's arms to his sides, and he lifts Ranma off of the ground.
Nodoka (Eyes Goenitz): You are in no position to make him a hostage. After all, the other Heavenly Kings need him more then they need you.
Goenitz: Oh, I know that... I just don't want him interfering... NOW!
With that, from one of the corridors where the teams originally walked into the arena a dagger goes flying towards them. It strikes Nodoka in her back, piercing the back of her ribs and lungs. Ranma's eyes widen with horror as she drops the katana and falls to the ground as blood pours from her mouth. Nodoka lands facedown, the blood-covered dagger prominently sticking out of her back. Ranma tries to get free, but Yashiro's grip on him holds him tight. Ranma's nightmare has come true. He screams out in anguish.
Ranma (Tears our from his eyes): NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
A man walks into the light from the corridor the dagger came from. When illuminated, they see it is Ryuji Yamazaki.
Yamazaki: There you go, one Kusanagi Katana ready and waiting for you. NOW WHERE'S MY EIGHT MILLION BUCKS!?
Iori (Furious): YOU SONUVABITCH!!!
Iori ignores the pain that is rocking through his body. He charges at the Yakuza bastard, ready to tear his heart out and make him eat it before he dies. Yamazaki looks at the sight of the charging Iori with a bit of horror, but then he smiles.
Yamazaki: GUILLOTINE!
Yamazaki knees the oncoming Iori into the air, grabs him by the head, smashes him into the ground, scrapes and grind him into the ground, and then final he gives Iori one final ki-charged kick, sending Iori flying into the air. Iori lands with a sickening thud. Iori tries to make it back to his feet as Ranma tries to free himself from Yashiro's steel grip.
Leona and Chizuru then charge at the Heavenly Kings. Chizuru forgets about the pain in her shoulder and prepares a sealing ward as she runs. Leona's ankle is killing her and is starting to swell, but she ignores it and moves towards Ranma. Chizuru manages to place the ward on Yashiro's forehead; freezing him into place and Leona does her Rybo Spark super move. Yashiro is caught in the explosives, he flings Ranma into the air, and Leona and Chizuru manage to catch Ranma with the little strength they have left. When the dust from the explosion clears, they see Yashiro really isn't that affected by the blast of explosives from Leona's Rybo Spark super. Goenitz walks towards them with the Kusanagi Katana in his hand.
Goenitz (Frowns, narrows his eyes at them): You have all been a pain in the ass.
And with that, Goenitz stabs the katana through Chizuru's right shoulder in one swift motion, making her yelp out in pain. He then kicks her in the chest, sending her flying off of the now blood-covered katana. She stares at him with hate-filled eyes.
Chizuru (Breathes heavily as she lies against a wall): You... Bastard...
Iori leaps at Goenitz from behind him, and Goenitz twirls around with the katana quickly. A spray of blood follows shortly after. Iori falls to the ground in a pool of his own blood.
Goenitz: Heh... That was easier then I thought...
Ranma is now trying to get the beads off of his right arm with his teeth, since his left arm is dislocated at the shoulder. Leona also grabs onto the beads and pulls furiously, but it doesn't work. Goenitz runs up to Ranma and kicks him in the face, sending him flying. Ranma lands and sees the Goenitz now holds Leona by the back of her head and her shoulders, and he holds the Kusanagi Katana to her neck.
Goenitz: Now, I suggest you stop this foolishness Orochi. It's time to grow up and fulfill your destiny... Or this little girl will have to die...
Leona: DON'T LISTEN TO HIM RANMA! DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME! JUST RUN!!!
Goenitz (Presses katana into her neck, draws a bit of blood): And who gave you permission to talk? SO BE QUIET!
Ranma tries to power up to do a ki blast, but the ki is too out of focus. He is in too much pain to concentrate on it, and the beads are somehow affecting him. Ranma looks at Goenitz. Ranma then stoops to the ground and picks up a jagged rock. He holds it to his own throat.
Ranma: You kill her, and I'll kill myself.
Goenitz and Ranma stare at each other in determination. Leona watches Ranma with tear-filled eyes, not wanting to see him kill himself. Chizuru stares at Ranma with newfound respect for the boy. Silence follows for the next couple of minutes; everything seems to have come to a standstill. Goenitz then clears his throat.
Goenitz (Smiles): Very well... I won't kill her...
With that Goenitz releases Leona and smashes her across the back with his arm, as she falls he kicks her in the face; making her body jerk upwards, he then smashes his elbow into her stomach, sending her flying into a wall. Ranma drops the jagged piece of rock and runs towards Leona.
Goenitz (Smirks): Predictable.
Goenitz seemingly teleports in front of Ranma, and gives him a beating he won't soon forget. Ranma falls to the ground. He's a bruised, bloodied, and broken mess, but his eyes still hold a look of determination. Goenitz stares at the boy and lets out a heavy sigh.
Goenitz: I'll admit this to you... "Ranma"... You are truly one in a million. I have broken people tougher then you in only a fraction of the time, and in fact, you still aren't broken... Well... Not mentally or spiritually anyway... Tell you what. You gather your five warriors; the warrior of light, the warrior of darkness, the holy priest, the eternal legend, and the weapons master, and follow me to Ryugenzawa with them in tow. I'm sure you know by now what the importance of that place is, correct?
Ranma doesn't say anything, but gives Goenitz a cold glare of hate.
Goenitz (Smiles evilly): Tell you what? I'll give you an even better reason to follow me there.
Goenitz walks up to Leona's fallen form. Ranma tries to get himself up, but his body simply isn't responding anymore. Tears fall from Ranma's eyes as Goenitz picks the deathly-afraid Leona up from off of the ground.
Ranma (Cries, voice barely above a whisper): Please... Let her go... I'll go to Ryugenzawa... Just don't hurt her anymore.
Ranma's pleas fall on deaf ears. Goenitz then proceeds to toss Leona into the air, as she falls back down he smashes her solar plexus with his elbow, and straightens his arm all off a sudden, smashing her in the face with the back of his fist. Leona is on the ground coughing up blood. Goenitz then proceeds to kick her the gut a few times and then brings the heel of his foot crashing down on her back. The force of the blow makes her fall unconscious.
Ranma (As he tries to drag his body across the ground): LECHAN!!!
Goenitz (Holds Leona up by the back of her neck): You want her back, then come to Ryugenzawa, AND BECOME ONE WITH YOUR DESTINY! (Snaps his head towards Rugal). RUGAL!
Rugal who was staring in wide-eyed awe at Goenitz' strength and cruelty finally comes to his senses.
Rugal: Ah, yes sir?
Goenitz: Grab Vice and Mature. We're leaving!
Rugal grabs the unconscious Vice and Mature and the other three Heavenly Kings runs towards Goenitz. Yamazaki just stands there.
Yamazaki: What about my money!?
Goenitz: If you want your money then come over here. To do what we have to do, we need to form the "Eight Serpent Formation". That includes you Hakkeshu of the Mountain.
Yamazaki: Aw crap and a half!
Yamazaki begrudgedly walks over to them. Goenitz hands Leona's unconscious form to Yamazaki and he holds out his free hand towards Ranma. The beads untangle themselves from Ranma's arm and fly back into Goenitz's hand. The winds pick up again and Goenitz smiles at Ranma.
Goenitz: Be seeing you soon... "Ranma".
With that, all eight Hakkeshu and Rugal disappear into the gust of wind. Ranma is left there, looking around at all the destruction. He couldn't stop it. He couldn't protect the ones he loved. He failed.
Ranma does the only thing reasonable. He gives into the pain and finally lets unconsciousness claim him, the tears pour from both his eyes as his head hits the ground.
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End Chapter 34
Next Time: Ranma wakes up in a hospital and knows what he has to do. He deals with the problems of his past, gathers his eight warriors, and heads out to Ryugenzawa
Send your questions and comments 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 well after the Ranma 1/2 manga and during the King of Fighters '98.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 34: Leopold Goenitz: Master of the Winds
Ranma stares at the man who appeared in the huge burst of wind. He doesn't like how this man knows he is the Tenth Hakkeshu. Ranma feels Leona shake with fear from the sight of this man, so he hugs her closely to him, trying to reassure her she'll be okay.
Ranma looks around at everyone in attendance. The camera crews film this, waiting to see what happens next. He sees Iori is visibly angry. His mother is wide-eyed at the sight of this man, her aura a mixture of anger and fear. Chizuru has a look of absolute horror on her face. Saishu looks on with a neutral face, but Ranma can feel Saishu's aura is filled with fear. Vice and Mature have neutral expressions on their faces, but Ranma can feel they are annoyed and fearful because of the man. The Hero Team and Rugal are still knocked out cold. All the ways the people react to this man's presence tells him one thing...
The man is bad news...
Leona hugs Ranma tighter when the man takes a step closer to the Anything Goes Team. The man smirks as he eyes them.
Man (As he steps closer to them): Ranma Saotome... Born in Japan on July 5th, 1981. Hair, black. Eyes, blue. Height 1.79 m or 5'9". Weight 69 kg or 150 lbs. Blood type, A. Hobbies include martial arts, training, and eating. Favorite food, okonomiyaki. Favorite sport is all. Most valuable, Leona Heidern. Hates the most are cats, old perverts, Genma Saotome, and Akane Tendo's 'alleged' cooking. Fighting style, Anything Goes Martial Arts and Yagami Style Ancient Martial Arts.
Ranma's eyes widen with all the info the man knows about him. Ranma turns his body so he is still hugging Leona, but he has her to his right side, while his left side faces the man so he can protect Leona from the man. Ranma's eyes never leave the man.
Ranma (To the man): How did you know all that stuff about me? Just who are you?
Man (Smirks): Well, an associate of mine by the name of Nabiki Tendo gave me that information. It cost me a pretty penny too. As for who I am... (Does a slight bow). I am Leopold Goenitz, also known as "Kamikaze no Goniezuu", or "Goenitz the Divine Wind". I am one of your "Four Heavenly Kings" master Orochi.
Ranma's eyes widen in horror, he feels Leona shake a bit more in his arms. This is the man... The man that had ruined Leona's life. The man that had supposedly died two years ago by the hands of Iori and Kyo. Ranma's fear suddenly turns to anger. This man had hurt Lechan. He wouldn't let him get away with that. Ranma eyes the man hatefully and speaks in a calm, neutral voice.
Ranma: What is it you want here Goenitz?
Goenitz: Simple really. (Raises his finger towards Ranma). You.
Ranma (Narrows his eyes): And why is that?
Goenitz: That is simple as well. You are the soul fragment of our God, the Orochi. It is your destiny to destroy the human race for what they have done to the planet.
Ranma: And what, pray-tell, makes it my destiny?
Goenitz (Smiles): And why do you try to make things difficult Orochi? You know what the filthy humans have done to you. They have attacked you, they have abused you mentally, physically, and spiritually, they give you no peace, they are a constant bother; blaming you for things that simply aren't your fault, and most of them would try to kill you as soon as look at you. So, you answer me this Orochi? Why fight against fate? They have wronged you many a times. THEY DESERVE TO DIE!
Ranma breaks his gaze from Goenitz and looks towards the ground. This goes on for five minutes with Ranma looking at the ground. The other fighters in the arena want to do SOMETHING; but those that know of Goenitz know his Orochi powers are incredibly strong, and that his own martial arts skill is not too shabby either. So they just stand there on the sides, waiting for Goenitz to make a move.
The television crews get all of this on screen; people all over the world see what's going on. The fighters that know Ranma go through different reactions.
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Kyokugen-ryu Dojo...
Ryo: SHIT! THIS SUCKS!
Robert: Dude, calm down! There's nothing we can do. We're in South America, while they're in Japan.
Kasumi: So? We'll get down there then. After all there are such things as airplanes.
Robert: I know that Kobojutsu Girl! BUT THERE ARE NONE THAT WILL GET US DOWN THERE WHEN WE NEED TO! By the time we get down there, this will be over.
Yuri (Holds up Roberts wallet): Ever heard of a "Concord Jet"?
King: Yeah. Those jet airplanes can get us down there in six to eight hours from here instead of twenty-six...
Robert: ACK! SEATS ON THOSE PLANES COST A FORTUNE!!!
Yuri (Takes out ten major credit cards out of Robert's wallet): No problem.
Robert (Eyes widen): NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
With that, Yuri, Ryo, King, and Kasumi sprint to the airport while Robert chases after them, screaming about how this is going to put him into debt. Takuma Sakazaki however...
Takuma (Drunk, looks at a Tengu mask hanging on the wall): At last we meet Mr. Karate...
Takuma charges at the mask and pokes his eye on the nose of the mask. He flops around on the ground in his drunken stupor.
Takuma: GAAAAAAAAAHHH!!! THAT HURTS!!!
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Mai Shiranui's apartment...
Mai (Staring at the TV wide-eyed): Oh Ranma...
Kasumi: Poor Ranma...
Mary (Turning to Terry): TERRY, WE GOTTA...
As soon as Mary started to talk Terry was sprinting out of Mai's apartment. Kima saw this and opened the window to Mai's apartment. She got her upper torso outside so she could spread her wings without having to fit them through the window afterwards. Kima then took off to the direction of the stadium. Leaving Mai, Mary, Andy, Joe, and Kasumi staring at them.
Mai: Wow...
Kasumi: I believe we should go too.
Joe (Holds up his car keys): I got a jeep!
Andy (Nods his head): That'll do.
With that Mary takes the keys from Joe's hand and they start making their way to the parking garage.
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Ucchan's Okonomiyaki...
Ukyo turns off the TV, and puts out the fire beneath her grill. She turns to her customers.
Ukyo: Sorry, but I will be delayed. If you need anything else, please talk to Konatsu.
With that Ukyo readies her Battle Spatula and runs out the door. The China Team follows, since they were there eating Okonomiyaki. Happosai bounds out the door as well.
Happosai (As he sprints on the rooftops): RANMA, WAIT FOR ME! I'M COMING TO HELP!!!
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Geese Tower...
Geese watches the events after the tournament happening on the TV. He turns to Billy.
Geese: BILLY!
Billy: Uh, yes boss?
Geese: Get the limo ready. We need to get down to the airport.
Billy: Uh, you going on vacation?
Geese (Narrows his eyes at Billy): No you idiot, I need to protect a business inversion. I NEED TO GET TO JAPAN NOW!!!
Billy (Eyes widen): EEP! RIGHT AWAY BOSS!
With that Billy runs down a flight of stairs outside of Geese's office. Geese takes his private elevator down, taking out a cell phone and calling for his helicopter to be readied for departure.
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The Tendo Dojo...
The same craziness and fighting that was going on before, except Nabiki is staring at the TV set. She seethes with rage at what Goenitz said.
Nabiki (Thinks): DAMN IT! WHY DID YOU TELL HIM I GAVE YOU THE INFORMATION!? Now Ranma won't want to come back here. You better get rid of Leona, YOU HERE ME LEOPOLD!?!?
Four martial artists turn to see the TV.
Ryoga (Full body-cast): HEY! SOMEONE'S GOING AGAINST SAOTOME!
Mousse: Yes...
Kuno: That means...
Taro (Smiles): Fem-boy will be distracted...
Taro and Mousse run outside to the koi pond in the back and jump in. Mousse turns into a duck, and Taro turns into a winged Minataur-like creature thanks to their Jusenkyo curses. They both fly off to the stadium. The other people in the household finally notice this and decide they should go down to the stadium as well.
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The Ikari Warrior's hotel room...
Heidern gets up calmly. He turns to Ralf and Clark.
Heidern: MEN, WE'RE LEAVING!
With that Heidern and his men run out of the room to the stadium.
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The King of Fighters stadium...
Goenitz stands before Ranma. His patience is wearing thin. He asked the boy a question, and he still hasn't answered him.
Goenitz: Nothing to say?
Leona feels Ranma hug her tightly. He moves his vision up from the ground and stares Goenitz in the eyes. Goenitz is impressed by the bravery his 'master' is showing before him.
Ranma (Breathes heavily for a second to clear his mind): You are right about one thing. There are people that have made me just want to give up on life at times. There are people that have made my life hell. And I would be lying if I said I have never thought of just ending them, just so I could live in peace, so I could enjoy life for once...
Goenitz smiles, apparently he has gotten through to the Tenth Hakkeshu. Leona stares at Ranma in disbelief as well as a lot of other people. Iori and Chizuru look like they're about to tear Ranma apart. Nodoka looks like she's about to cry at how her son is just giving up.
Ranma then smirks and an aura of confidence seems to grow around him. This has an effect of calming Leona's fear of this man. Ranma continues speaking.
Ranma: But... I won't! I won't give in because I have learned many things over the past months. Like what my mom once told me, that there is no such thing as fate, that we shape and mold our own future to get the outcome that we desire. And then there are other people. Sure, I have been treated like shit by some people, treated like some sort of prize by others, and have just been hated, with people calling me a demon. But you know what? They are only a few people, and they're the worst ones that society has to offer. I have seen and met the good people, made many friends, and fought many people that gave me a good challenge. Many people giving me strength through their friendship, or just being there to give me a good fight to help me take some stress off of my mind. Like Terry Bogard, who would be there as a friend, giving me advice and a good challenge. Mary Ryan, one of the first people to see me as a person and tried to be nice to me. Mai Shiranui, who's energetic attitude and helpful nature helped me feel better about myself. That dork Andy Bogard, for even though he was stupid at times, he is a friend to me. That smiling fool Joe Higashi, always good for a laugh. The Sakazaki family, showing me that Martial Arts can truly be handed down through a family line without breaking apart, and offering me good sparring sessions from time-to-time. Wolfgang Krauser, for he was an excellent challenge for me and treated he me as an equal on the battlefield. Kasumi, the first, and only girl in Nerima that never questioned who I was and what I would do. Kima, sure, may have been trying to kill me, but I realize that she was doing what she thought was right, and was trying to protect the honor of her people. Ukyo Kuonji, my first true friend, who my father had treated horribly, but she looked past that and brought herself to forgive me. Chizuru Kagura, who may have been a pain at times but I feel deep down, she might care for me. My cousin Iori, who has literally pounded into my head that I shouldn't be so damn weak around people anymore, that I should get my point across with my fists when words just won't work. My mom, for being a pillar of strength for me, giving me the courage to go on when I thought life just wasn't worth living anymore. And my dear, dear Lechan. For if it wasn't for her continual support and unconditional love for me, I wouldn't have been able to continue, that I may have just stopped it all and just gone and have lied down in a gutter to die. So you see, even though I have had my ups and downs, I know who I am and what I want. For I am NOT the Orochi, I am NOT a destroyer, and I am NOT a demon. I am Ranma Saotome, of the School of Anything Goes Martial Arts, and I just want to live life peacefully, with an occasional challenge in fights. And... (Smile widens). I want to live the rest of my life with Lechan... For she is the first person that gave me a kindness that I always hoped to have and that I could give back in return... Love.
Most people watching and listening to this are awed by what he said. He had spoken from the heart, saying what he truly felt, telling of his hopes and desires. Though some would consider them simple, his desires have always been out of reach. But now that he has said his peace, he feels he can take on the world.
Leona feels happier then she's ever felt before with those words. He admitted that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. And that is what she wanted as well...
Iori is filled with pride. His cousin spoke about what he truly wanted. He showed spine. He couldn't be prouder with Ranma at the momet.
Nodoka couldn't be happier. Her son is acting so manly before a person that challenges his beliefs. And the fact that he said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Leona did not pass over her head either. She'd get to keep her promise to Guidel.
Chizuru is in awe by the boy. She, to be honest, has hated him, detested his very existence. But now... Now she isn't so sure... She could tell he spoke his beliefs with a pure heart, seemingly glowing with an aura of confidence that can draw one in. And him saying that he saw her as a friend makes her consider her past train of thoughts. Is Ranma as bad as she had thought? It may be she has not given him the credit he deserves.
Goenitz stares at Ranma. His anger rising inside of him. He had truly not expected Ranma to have such a high level of confidence. He smiles viciously. For if he can't reason with him, there are 'other' methods...
Goenitz (Eyes Ranma): So... You won't fulfill your destiny then?
Ranma: I already told you. I don't believe in destiny.
Goenitz (Smiles): Very well. I tried to do this the easy way for 'your' sake Saotome. Now we'll do things my way...
Goenitz pulls an amethyst gem out of his pocket. He crushes it into dust in his grip. He lets the powder float all over Rugal. Rugal glows and rises to his feet, his cuts and bruises healing instantly.
Rugal: I LIVE AGAIN!!!
Goenitz: Idiot. You didn't die again. You were just unconscious.
Chizuru (Screams out): WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "DIE AGAIN"!?
Goenitz (Turns to Chizuru): You truly are a fool Kagura! Rugal DID die. I chose to bring him back, for I had use for the idiot. This whole tournament was my plan from the start, and you fell for it!
Rugal: HEY! I AM NOT AN IDIOT! AND I WAS THE ONE THAT THOUGHT TO USE THE TOURNAMENT TO GAIN ENERGY!!!
Goenitz backhands Rugal and sends him flying into a wall. Ranma stares at the ease with which Goenitz has hit Rugal in the face. This means only one thing. Goenitz is powerful.
Rugal (Imbedded into a wall): ... Ouch...
Goenitz (Turns to the secretaries): Well Vice, Mature, do you two also wish to remain in the land of the living?
Vice & Mature (Nod their heads): YES!
Goenitz: Then help me. We will need to take Ranma with us.
Vice (Glomps Iori): BUT I NO WANNA GO AGAINST IORI-SAMA!!!
Mature (Starts hitting Iori in the back of the head): STUPID IORI! YOU CORRUPTED VICE-CHAN!!!
Iori: ... Stop that... Please... Wait a minute... (Eyes Mature). "Vice-chan"?
The two secretaries ignore Iori's question and continue to harass him. Goenitz turns back to Ranma as Rugal walks up to Goenitz.
Rugal: That hurt!
Goenitz: Don't worry. This will be over soon. (Gets into a fighting stance, which for him is standing straight with his bent at 155-degree angles.). You will come with me, whether you want to or not.
Ranma (Gets into fighting stance): Don't count on it.
Leona (Gets into her fighting stance): Yeah! I won't allow you to ruin Ranchan's life as you did with mine.
Iori (Gets into his fighting stance): I won't allow you to live this time Goenitz.
Chizuru (Walks up, gets into her fighting stance): I may have made a mistake, but I will make amends for it.
Nodoka (Walks up, gets into her fighting stance): I won't allow you to hurt my son.
Saishu (walks up): Ranma may be a Yagami, but... (Gets into his fighting stance). I won't allow you to harm innocents any longer.
Goenitz stares at them all and erupts into laughter. His cold mirth sending chills up their spines.
Goenitz: YOU ARE ALL HILARIOUS! But... Do you really think I didn't come prepared?
Goenitz takes a set of beads out of his coat's pocket and tosses them at Ranma. The beads wrap onto Ranma's right arm and won't come off, no matter how hard he tugs on them.
Ranma: WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO!?!?
Goenitz: You like? They are the Yasakani Beads, the Sacred Treasure of your family. They have the power to protect the body from 'outside influence'. As long as you have those beads on, your Orochi power is sealed.
With that, Goenitz floats into the air and snaps his fingers. The ground beneath the other fighters erupts and they go flying about. Ranma dodges most of the upwards-flying debris, but then a really strong punch connects with his chest, knocking the air out of him, and cracking a few of his ribs. When the dust settles, Yashiro can be seen standing in the middle of the crater. His clothes are now dark red and a brownish white instead of red and a bluish white, and he is now very tanned.
Yashiro: I am "Inui ta Daichi no Yashiro", or "Yashiro the Parched Earth". I am one of the "Heavenly Kings" of Orochi. Sorry about that Orochi-sama, but you need a wake-up call.
Then lightning starts to shoot towards the stadium from a seemingly clear sky, striking all over the stadium. Ranma gets struck by lightning over and over again. He barely gets to his feet when a huge bolt of lightning strikes the ground in front of him. Shermie appears before him, but her hair is now violet instead of red, and her hot-pink leather outfit is now blood red.
Shermie (Slightly bows): I am "Arakuru Inakou no Sherumii", or "Shermie the Insanely Violent Thunder"; also one of your Heavenly Kings Orochi-sama. Please, allow me to have this dance.
With that Shermie does a roundhouse kick that electrocutes Ranma upon impact. He goes flying. When he lands he can barely feel anything, his whole body numbed by pain. Ranma somehow manages to make it to his feet, his anger now starting to rise. All of a sudden the torches in the arena flicker to life again, but this time with purple fire. The fire spews and gathers on the center of the arena. When the flames die down, Chris stands there, but his hair is now a dark red instead of brown and his clothes are now colored dark red and reddish white instead of blue and white. Chris turns his palms upwards, and Magatama no Orochi ignites from both his palms. He then turns to face Ranma.
Chris: I am "Honoo no Mei no Kurisu", or "Chris the Flame of Darkness". I am at your service soul fragment of the great Orochi. So don't make me kill you. Or should I say, don't make us kill you?
With that Yashiro and Shermie walk to either side of Chris, and Goenitz lands behind them.
Chris: We are...
Chris, Yashiro, Shermie, & Goenitz: THE FOUR HEAVENLY KINGS OF OROCHI!
Ranma is tired, he has been beaten up earlier today by Rugal, and now these people have abused him with their entrances. He looks around. The Heavenly Kings stand there smugly, Rugal is getting himself off of the wall, leaving a huge imprint of himself in it, Vice, Mature, and Saishu is now unconscious, Iori is getting to his feet, obviously angry, Leona is getting to her feet as well, but she seems to be favoring her left leg, Chizuru's white outfit is now turning red; a rock from the explosion Yashiro caused pierced her left shoulder and she is now bleeding considerably, the Hero Team is STILL unconscious, and being buried under rubble isn't helping them much, his mother Nodoka gets to her feet, a look of determination on her face, and surprisingly, one member of the television crew is unscathed, but shaking with fear as he tries to hold his camera to relay the images to televisions around the world.
Ranma the checks himself out. His left arm is dislocated at the shoulder, he feels the left side of his ribcage is cracked and on the verge of breaking, his left collarbone hurts like hell, he can't feel his right leg at all, but somehow stands on it, his body is overall numb from all the electrical shocks he received from Shermie's lightning, and he still can't get the beads off.
Ranma (Mutters): This doesn't look good...
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Kima flies through the air, going as fast as she can. She saw from a distance great explosions, and she didn't like it one bit. She looks down. Surprisingly, Terry Bogard has sprinted and kept up with her all this time. She had to admit, that guy had stamina. Kima see that is won't be long now before they reach the King of Fighters stadium. She just hopes that Ranma can hold out for that long.
Kima (Thinks): Please Ranma, hang on! We'll be there!
Terry (Thinks): Damn, I don't know how long I can keep this up. But I just have to keep running, I gotta get there. Ranma is going to need all the help he can get, and I'm not going to let him down!
And the two race against time to help their friends.
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Ranma can't take this anymore. He is in so much pain, and these people are at their peak. He may be outmatched in strength and numbers at the moment, but that doesn't stop him. He has too much at stake just to give up. He has his friends, his family, and Lechan to look out for. They are the most precious things to him, and so he can't give up for if not for his own sake, then for theirs. Ranma walks up to them with a cold-as-ice gleam in his eyes. Walking is taking a lot of effort on Ranma's part, his body protesting every move he makes with a sting of pain. Goenitz turns his vision to Ranma.
Goenitz: So... Are you ready to listen to reason Orochi?
!
Goenitz staggers backwards for a bit as the other Heavenly Kings stare wide-eyed at him. Goenitz feels his chin on fire from the punch Ranma dealt him with his good arm. And with that Goenitz's anger rises to new heights.
Goenitz: YOU LITTLE SHIT! YOU ASKED FOR THIS!
With that Goenitz starts pounding on Ranma, kicking and punching him nonstop, wanting the boy to yield to him, to accept his fate. Ranma's body is turning black and blue, his world starting to go dark. Goenitz is about to hit Ranma again when he feels a cold stinging sensation to his neck. He looks to see Nodoka is right next to him. She has the Kusanagi Katana unsheathed and the sharp edge right up to his throat. He can see she is in pain herself but she ignores it, her anger fueling her. The death-cold glare she gives him tells him all he needs to know. Never piss off a mother.
Nodoka: Care to find out how well this katana can cut off your head? Now leave my son alone you twisted son of a bitch. As my son said, he will make his own destiny, so leave him alone!
Goenitz starts to sweat. The Kusanagi Katana is at his throat, ready to cut his head off at a moment's notice. Goenitz for once is afraid, but he doesn't show it. Goenitz sees a familiar person in the corner of his eye and smiles.
Nodoka (Narrows her eyes, presses the blade to his throat, draws a little blood): What are you smiling at you bastard?
Goenitz: YASHIRO, RESTRAIN RANMA!
With that Yashiro grabs Ranma from behind, his arms pin Ranma's arms to his sides, and he lifts Ranma off of the ground.
Nodoka (Eyes Goenitz): You are in no position to make him a hostage. After all, the other Heavenly Kings need him more then they need you.
Goenitz: Oh, I know that... I just don't want him interfering... NOW!
With that, from one of the corridors where the teams originally walked into the arena a dagger goes flying towards them. It strikes Nodoka in her back, piercing the back of her ribs and lungs. Ranma's eyes widen with horror as she drops the katana and falls to the ground as blood pours from her mouth. Nodoka lands facedown, the blood-covered dagger prominently sticking out of her back. Ranma tries to get free, but Yashiro's grip on him holds him tight. Ranma's nightmare has come true. He screams out in anguish.
Ranma (Tears our from his eyes): NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
A man walks into the light from the corridor the dagger came from. When illuminated, they see it is Ryuji Yamazaki.
Yamazaki: There you go, one Kusanagi Katana ready and waiting for you. NOW WHERE'S MY EIGHT MILLION BUCKS!?
Iori (Furious): YOU SONUVABITCH!!!
Iori ignores the pain that is rocking through his body. He charges at the Yakuza bastard, ready to tear his heart out and make him eat it before he dies. Yamazaki looks at the sight of the charging Iori with a bit of horror, but then he smiles.
Yamazaki: GUILLOTINE!
Yamazaki knees the oncoming Iori into the air, grabs him by the head, smashes him into the ground, scrapes and grind him into the ground, and then final he gives Iori one final ki-charged kick, sending Iori flying into the air. Iori lands with a sickening thud. Iori tries to make it back to his feet as Ranma tries to free himself from Yashiro's steel grip.
Leona and Chizuru then charge at the Heavenly Kings. Chizuru forgets about the pain in her shoulder and prepares a sealing ward as she runs. Leona's ankle is killing her and is starting to swell, but she ignores it and moves towards Ranma. Chizuru manages to place the ward on Yashiro's forehead; freezing him into place and Leona does her Rybo Spark super move. Yashiro is caught in the explosives, he flings Ranma into the air, and Leona and Chizuru manage to catch Ranma with the little strength they have left. When the dust from the explosion clears, they see Yashiro really isn't that affected by the blast of explosives from Leona's Rybo Spark super. Goenitz walks towards them with the Kusanagi Katana in his hand.
Goenitz (Frowns, narrows his eyes at them): You have all been a pain in the ass.
And with that, Goenitz stabs the katana through Chizuru's right shoulder in one swift motion, making her yelp out in pain. He then kicks her in the chest, sending her flying off of the now blood-covered katana. She stares at him with hate-filled eyes.
Chizuru (Breathes heavily as she lies against a wall): You... Bastard...
Iori leaps at Goenitz from behind him, and Goenitz twirls around with the katana quickly. A spray of blood follows shortly after. Iori falls to the ground in a pool of his own blood.
Goenitz: Heh... That was easier then I thought...
Ranma is now trying to get the beads off of his right arm with his teeth, since his left arm is dislocated at the shoulder. Leona also grabs onto the beads and pulls furiously, but it doesn't work. Goenitz runs up to Ranma and kicks him in the face, sending him flying. Ranma lands and sees the Goenitz now holds Leona by the back of her head and her shoulders, and he holds the Kusanagi Katana to her neck.
Goenitz: Now, I suggest you stop this foolishness Orochi. It's time to grow up and fulfill your destiny... Or this little girl will have to die...
Leona: DON'T LISTEN TO HIM RANMA! DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME! JUST RUN!!!
Goenitz (Presses katana into her neck, draws a bit of blood): And who gave you permission to talk? SO BE QUIET!
Ranma tries to power up to do a ki blast, but the ki is too out of focus. He is in too much pain to concentrate on it, and the beads are somehow affecting him. Ranma looks at Goenitz. Ranma then stoops to the ground and picks up a jagged rock. He holds it to his own throat.
Ranma: You kill her, and I'll kill myself.
Goenitz and Ranma stare at each other in determination. Leona watches Ranma with tear-filled eyes, not wanting to see him kill himself. Chizuru stares at Ranma with newfound respect for the boy. Silence follows for the next couple of minutes; everything seems to have come to a standstill. Goenitz then clears his throat.
Goenitz (Smiles): Very well... I won't kill her...
With that Goenitz releases Leona and smashes her across the back with his arm, as she falls he kicks her in the face; making her body jerk upwards, he then smashes his elbow into her stomach, sending her flying into a wall. Ranma drops the jagged piece of rock and runs towards Leona.
Goenitz (Smirks): Predictable.
Goenitz seemingly teleports in front of Ranma, and gives him a beating he won't soon forget. Ranma falls to the ground. He's a bruised, bloodied, and broken mess, but his eyes still hold a look of determination. Goenitz stares at the boy and lets out a heavy sigh.
Goenitz: I'll admit this to you... "Ranma"... You are truly one in a million. I have broken people tougher then you in only a fraction of the time, and in fact, you still aren't broken... Well... Not mentally or spiritually anyway... Tell you what. You gather your five warriors; the warrior of light, the warrior of darkness, the holy priest, the eternal legend, and the weapons master, and follow me to Ryugenzawa with them in tow. I'm sure you know by now what the importance of that place is, correct?
Ranma doesn't say anything, but gives Goenitz a cold glare of hate.
Goenitz (Smiles evilly): Tell you what? I'll give you an even better reason to follow me there.
Goenitz walks up to Leona's fallen form. Ranma tries to get himself up, but his body simply isn't responding anymore. Tears fall from Ranma's eyes as Goenitz picks the deathly-afraid Leona up from off of the ground.
Ranma (Cries, voice barely above a whisper): Please... Let her go... I'll go to Ryugenzawa... Just don't hurt her anymore.
Ranma's pleas fall on deaf ears. Goenitz then proceeds to toss Leona into the air, as she falls back down he smashes her solar plexus with his elbow, and straightens his arm all off a sudden, smashing her in the face with the back of his fist. Leona is on the ground coughing up blood. Goenitz then proceeds to kick her the gut a few times and then brings the heel of his foot crashing down on her back. The force of the blow makes her fall unconscious.
Ranma (As he tries to drag his body across the ground): LECHAN!!!
Goenitz (Holds Leona up by the back of her neck): You want her back, then come to Ryugenzawa, AND BECOME ONE WITH YOUR DESTINY! (Snaps his head towards Rugal). RUGAL!
Rugal who was staring in wide-eyed awe at Goenitz' strength and cruelty finally comes to his senses.
Rugal: Ah, yes sir?
Goenitz: Grab Vice and Mature. We're leaving!
Rugal grabs the unconscious Vice and Mature and the other three Heavenly Kings runs towards Goenitz. Yamazaki just stands there.
Yamazaki: What about my money!?
Goenitz: If you want your money then come over here. To do what we have to do, we need to form the "Eight Serpent Formation". That includes you Hakkeshu of the Mountain.
Yamazaki: Aw crap and a half!
Yamazaki begrudgedly walks over to them. Goenitz hands Leona's unconscious form to Yamazaki and he holds out his free hand towards Ranma. The beads untangle themselves from Ranma's arm and fly back into Goenitz's hand. The winds pick up again and Goenitz smiles at Ranma.
Goenitz: Be seeing you soon... "Ranma".
With that, all eight Hakkeshu and Rugal disappear into the gust of wind. Ranma is left there, looking around at all the destruction. He couldn't stop it. He couldn't protect the ones he loved. He failed.
Ranma does the only thing reasonable. He gives into the pain and finally lets unconsciousness claim him, the tears pour from both his eyes as his head hits the ground.
(------)
End Chapter 34
Next Time: Ranma wakes up in a hospital and knows what he has to do. He deals with the problems of his past, gathers his eight warriors, and heads out to Ryugenzawa
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