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 35: A Gathering of Warriors
Cold. That is all Ranma feels at the moment. A pure, all engulfing, bone-chilling sensation. A feeling that he is not whole, that something important is missing. Ranma then realizes he is actually thinking again. So he wills himself to open his eyes.
A blur of light is the first thing Ranma sees. A light that is too painful to look at. Ranma tries to focus his vision, and the intensity of the light decreases; soon, he can make out shapes. He sees that he is no longer in the arena of the tournament, but in a room. Ranma tries to move his body, but a sharp sting of pain rushes through his entire body. A pain so great Ranma actually yelps out. Ranma stills himself, to calm the pain.
Ranma's ears register a beeping sound. The beep was going at a very fast repetition and is now continuing at a steady pace. He let's his eyes gaze to the side where he heard the noise. He sees a heart monitor. He lets his eyes trail across the room. The room is white, and there is a lot of mechanical equipment strewn all about. Ranma sees he has an IV in his arm. He knows where he is automatically.
Ranma (Thinks): A hospital... I'm in a hospital...... Why am I in a hospital? ...... That's right... 'He' put me here... (Eyes widen in horror). Oh dear God... Mom... Lechan...
Ranma lets out a blood-curdling scream of despair. The sudden exertion of air through his lungs hurts like hell, but he doesn't care about the pain. What he cares about is his family. And he failed them...
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Terry Bogard hears a scream from Ranma's room. No sooner then he hears it, he rushes in. He sees Ranma sitting up in bed.
Terry: RANMA!
Ranma (Head jerks, and eyes widen with pain): GAH! Shit that hurts... Terry? What happened? How long was I out? Why the hell do I hurt so much? ... (Eyes widen with realization). WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OTHERS!?
Terry (Face goes dark): From what I know, you lost... Kima and I got there too late to be of any help in the battle... We got there, and the place was a Goddamn wreck, it was absolute carnage... It's not surprising you're in so much pain. You have seventy-eight fractured bones, three broken ribs, your left arm was broken, dislocated, and reset, your muscles have undergone heavy trauma from what the doctors say had to be bad electrical shock, heavy blood loss that had to be treated with a transfusion, and you had a concussion. As for how long you were out... You were listed as critical condition for the first three days. They took you off of it five days ago.
Ranma: I WAS UNCONSCIOUS EIGHT DAYS!?!? (Eyes widen, grits teeth). GAH! SHIT! That hurts...
Terry: Easy Ranma, don't get excited. You'll only hurt yourself more.
Ranma (Eyes start to water): What about the others that were there?
Terry: Chizuru was a mess... She had to get stitching in her shoulders and a blood transfusion... Iori also needed a blood transfusion and some minor surgery for his chest, but he seems to be doing well now, besides being a bit moody... The Hero Team got off pretty easy with only a few minor burns and bruises... Saishu is out cold; he has a pretty bad concussion... As for your mother, she is alive at least... She had to get a blood transfusion as well...
Terry's gaze looks to the floor and he starts shifting his feet.
Ranma: What else? You're holding back something. DAMN IT TERRY! TELL ME!
Terry lets out a long sigh, and looks Ranma in the eye.
Terry: Your Mother, Nodoka... She's alive for the moment... But the doctors aren't sure about how much longer she'll last... Ranma, when that dagger cut her through the back, it pierced her lungs, cut her ribs, and grazed the left ventricle of her heart. She is in critical condition right now... The doctors say that there's a chance she'll live, but not a very good one... We couldn't find Leona at all... I'm sorry...
Ranma: Lechan... (Eyes narrow). He kidnapped her...
Terry (Confused): Huh?
Ranma: That bastard Goenitz. He kidnapped her because I love her. DAMN IT, I HAVE TO RESCUE... (Eyes widen). GRAH!!! SHIT! WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH!!!
Terry: Um... Ranma... I don't mean to sound rude, but this is a hospital. Don't scream so much, okay?
Ranma: I need to find them... Need to get to Ryugenzawa...
Terry: "Find them"? The Heavenly Kings?
Ranma: Them, and the 'Five Warriors'...
Terry (Curious): 'Five Warriors'?
Ranma: Before I went out like a light, that bastard Goenitz told me to gather "Five Warriors". A Hero of Light, a Hero of Darkness, a Holy Priest, an Eternal Legend, and a Weapons Master... But still, once I find them, I have to go to Ryugenzawa...
Terry: Hold it! You need to rest. You'll be of no good to anyone dead. Look, I know this will be tough for you, but try to rest for a bit. You need to gain back you strength.
Ranma: Rest? REST!? I WAS UNCONCSIOUS FOR EIGHT F*CKING DAYS, I DON'T NEED REST!!! (Eyes widen). GAH!!! SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, SHIT!!! THAT HURTS SO MUCH! What the hell is wrong with my shoulder?
Terry: As I said, they reset it. They had to put a large metal pin in it. Now please Ranma, calm down. The sooner you calm down and rest, the sooner you can get better and go out looking for Leona and the other Hakkeshu, okay?
Ranma: Sigh...... Okay... You win... For now... I need time to think anyway... Need to figure out who those warriors are...
Terry nods his head and leaves Ranma's room. Ranma lets his body fall back onto the bed. Images of fighters and info go through his mind at a steady pace. He's trying to think of who best fits the 'titles' that Goenitz gave him. Soon sleep claims Ranma. In it, he is once again haunted by those cold visions of purple...
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Ranma awakens once again, but it is now the middle of the night. He senses a power to his right and turns to look in that direction. He sees a tall blonde haired man, dressed in a dark reddish brown colored pressed suit, with his arms folded across his chest, sitting in a chair in the room. Ranma can tell this man is a warrior himself from the man's aura alone. But the aura the man gives off disturbs Ranma. It is very concentrated around the man's confidence, and there is an all-encompassing evil intent to it. But... There is also an underlying of honor and discipline to the aura. And then there is a slight similarity the man's aura has to Krauser's own. Ranma is now wary of the man in his room. Ranma tries to look at the man's eyes to see his intent, but cannot, since the shadows cover them totally.
Ranma: Who are you?
Man (Smirks): Ah... You are awake Tenth Hakkeshu.
Ranma tries to move again to get a closer look at the man's shadowed face, but his body is still in too much pain and the sudden movement hurts Ranma further.
Ranma: CRAP! That hurts...
Man: Please. Don't strain yourself. I am not here to harm you.
Ranma: Just who are you? Answer me damn it!
Man (Smiles): Allow me to introduce myself... I am Geese Howard.
Ranma's eyes widen in awe. This is the 'Immortal' Geese Howard. The Shadow King of South Town himself. This is the man that has been the bane of Terry Bogard's existence for most of Terry's life and visa-versa. Ranma becomes curious. What does this man want with him? Ranma decides it's time to take action.
Ranma (Eyes narrow): I know you... You are the man that killed my friend Terry Bogard's father...
Geese: Eh... It was nothing personal. Business really. Master Tung didn't think I was good enough to become the successor to Hakkyokuseiken, so I killed the other man up for the position, Jeff. That way I got what I wanted.
Ranma (Narrows his eyes): Get out.
Geese (Smirks): Don't you want to hear what I have to say? After all... I don't think your "Lechan" will last long being with that group. After all, it's been almost nine days since your defeat.
Ranma (Angry): I said GET OUT!
Geese: So, you plan to stay here in the hospital for over a month and let them do whatever they want to Leona in the meantime?
Ranma (Eyes widen with shock): What?
Geese: You heard me. With the damage you took, you'll be in here for at least a month. That means a whole month with you stuck in here doing nothing while they do God-knows-what to Leona... That is unless... You let me help you...
Ranma (Eyes Geese): And why do you want to 'help' me? There has to be some catch, so just tell me what you want.
Geese: Simple. You are one of the greatest fighters I have ever seen. A true legend in the making... It would be sad to see such talent go to waste.
Ranma: ... Bullshit...
Geese (Chuckles a bit to himself): You're not really as dumb as you let on, are you?
Ranma: My friend Terry has told me a lot about you Geese. And I've dealt with the likes of you before...
Geese: Let me guess... You faced the likes of me in that girl before... A Nabiki Tendo? And by the way... How does it feel to turn into a girl?
Geese smiles as he gets the desired effect he was going for when he sees Ranma's battle aura start to rise. Geese decides that it's time to move in for the kill.
Ranma: How did you know all that?
Geese (Smiles): It's obvious to anyone that's been hanging around here the past couple of days. The Tendo family has been hanging around the hospital, waiting for you to get out. After all, now that Nodoka isn't here to talk sense into them, they feel like getting you to marry Akane. And Nabiki is still selling information on you. Since I could meet her payment standards, I got a lot of nice info on you and your Jusenkyo curse. And a few 'select' pictures too...
Geese then tosses a couple of pictures to Ranma. Ranma looks at the pictures of his girls form, and his face turns into a scowl. He then summons his Magatama no Orochi flame, casting the dark room in an eerie purple light. Ranma then proceeds to incinerate the photos with it
Ranma: That's right... Goenitz said he got his info from Nabiki too... Damn her... She makes a living off of ruining my life... I am so damn tired of it.
Geese: Then let me help you.
Ranma: ... How would you help me, and why would you?
Geese (Thinks a moment before speaking): I would teach you a secret technique for one thing... And why do I help you? ... Let's just say that for the moment, I have my reasons...
Ranma (Eyes Geese): Elaborate.
Geese: ... The technique is a secret of rejuvenation, passed down in the Strolheim Scroll. And, my reason is I want to learn more about you Hakkeshu... And I cannot do that when you are under stress and aren't going to work to be your best.
Ranma: ... Rejuvenation... This will help me heal and I can go and save her?
Geese: Yes. Of course, you are to swear on your honor that you will teach no one else of this technique. Do we have a deal?
Ranma is silent for a long time. A good half-hour passes by in silence. Geese remains calmly seated, allowing Ranma the time he needs to think. Finally Ranma turns his gaze towards Geese.
Ranma: I am going to regret this later on; I just know I will... But Lechan is too important to me... I accept your offer.
Geese then gets up from the chair he was sitting in. He walks up to Ranma and pulls out a small scroll from his jacket pocket.
Geese: This small scroll is a copy of an excerpt from the Strolheim Scroll. This contains the knowledge of the basics of rejuvenation. I suggest you burn it after you learned how to use it.
Geese then places the small scroll in Ranma's hand and walks out of the room. Ranma then studies the scroll intently. Ranma makes a silent vow. He will learn this, and he will heal himself so he can make the wrong things right.
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It is now early in the morning, Iori Yagami stands outside the hospital. They won't let him smoke inside his room so he goes outside to the front. He doesn't know why they keep him there. He is doing well now. That cut to his chest wasn't THAT bad. It was just the sudden shock of getting slashed across the chest that caused him to lose consciousness.
Iori pulls out a cigarette from his pant's back pocket and ignites a small purple flame on his fingertip, using it to light the cigarette. He stares at the lit cigarette for a bit and then just turns off the flame on his finger, throws the cigarette on the ground, and stomps on it. It's been awhile since he smoked; his aunt Nodoka would tell him that it's bad for his health and make him throw the cigarettes in the trash when she would find that he had them. And even though he really wants one at the moment, he doesn't because he knows his aunt may very well be her deathbed... And smoking one behind her back would be disrespecting her.
Iori does something he hasn't done in months. He places his hands over his eyes and cries silently. His life has gone back to hell. His aunt lies dying, Ranma is beaten to hell and back, and Leona is gone... Even his victory over Kyo can give him no joy. Iori stares at the rising sun.
Iori (Mutters to himself): Why is it never easy?
Female voice: Because life is not easy.
Iori turns around to see Kima standing behind him.
Kima: Hi.
Iori (Stares at her): ... Hi...
Kima: How're you holding up?
Iori: In what way? Physically, my health is doing better, spiritually, I feel empty, and mentally... I've always been f*cked up, but now I'm really mad... That bastard ruined our lives. I'll kill him for it.
Kima: What do you mean by "our"?
Iori: My family and I. Goenitz hurt me; practically killed my family, and he took my friend away... I will kill him for that. And there's nothing you can say to make me change my mind.
Kima: I have no intention of stopping you. But I think you'll need an 'edge' over him.
Iori (Eyes Kima): ... You still think a sword will help me?
Kima: It won't hurt your fighting style if you adapt a weapon to it. You saw what that guy did to you with the Kusanagi Katana. He was able to hurt you because that sword gave him extra reach.
Iori (Traces the very light scar across his chest): I guess so... He was able to cut me...
Kima: I'm still surprised that cut healed as well as it did.
Iori: One of the good things about having Orochi blood is that we heal a bit more quickly than other people.
Kima: I guess so... Have you seen your cousin yet?
Iori: Not yet. I think he'll need some time alone, to digest what the hell is going on... He is not going to take any of this well...
Kima: And he hasn't... Terry told me about how he reacted to the news about his mom. Ranma's ready to kill Goenitz.
Iori: And is that a bad thing?
Kima: ... I guess not... I wonder how he'll take to them though...
Kima points across the street, Iori looks to where Kima is pointing to see Soun, Genma, Nabiki, and Akane walk up to the building.
Iori: Great... Just what we need here again...
Iori and Kima walk back inside. They have a feeling they'll need to protect Ranma from the people.
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Kasumi walks around the halls in the hospital. She feels terrible about all that's gone on. She feels because of her giving the Kusanagi Katana to Nodoka, she had sentenced her to death. Kasumi has stayed by Nodoka's side for the most part, checking on the others from time-to-time.
Chizuru walks down the hall with Kasumi. She has been there with Kasumi for most of the time. Chizuru tries to show strength in this time of need for Kasumi, since she feels it is all her fault. She didn't want to listen to them before, always thought that her own ways were correct. She mentally curses herself for not listening to Ranma sooner when he told her about the 'Evil Force' he felt that one time. Now they are all paying for what she feels is the repercussions of her arrogance.
Kasumi (Turns to Chizuru): How are you feeling today Ms. Kagura?
Chizuru: Better than yesterday... My shoulders are feeling better, but they still hurt a bit.
Kasumi: I'm sorry to hear that. By the way, did you know Ranma gained consciousness?
Chizuru: No. I didn't. How long has he been awake?
Kasumi: Since yesterday. I haven't really seen him yet. Terry said Ranma was in a lot of pain, and Iori said to give him some time to comprehend what's going on. I feel so bad for Ranma.
Chizuru (Nods her head): I know you do. And so do I. Ranma will have to face this though. He is the center of all this chaos, and so only he can stop it. I just hope he has the strength to stand up to it.
Kasumi (Stares at the ground for a bit): ... Can we visit Ranma now?
Chizuru (Nods her head): Sure. I've been meaning to talk to Ranma myself. I just hope he is in a mood to talk.
Kasumi: I think he will.
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Ranma lays on the bed, reading the scroll for an uncountable time, committing it to memory. Finally, he feels he is ready. He closes his eyes and concentrates his own internal energies, bending his body's inner flow of energy to become the same flow of his mind. For that is the secret of the rejuvenation technique. Mind over matter. The mind-set is what truly makes the body work the way it does. And if one can make one's own inner energies wield to how the mind wants it to, then one can heal themselves by literally thinking of how the body should be, and the inner energies then just doing what the mind tells them to do.
Ranma continues to concentrate. He feels his flow of energy start to stiffen. He has control. The next experience is almost impossible to describe, being extremely painful. But Ranma forces himself to concentrate, thinking of how his body was before the fight. He feels bones knit, cuts heal, bruises go down, the IV is forced out of his wrist, and then something extremely painful happens. The pin that was set in his left shoulder shoots out and flies with such a force that it smashes through the window. At least his body then easily heals the hole in his shoulder.
After two minutes of concentration Ranma relaxes. He feels extremely drained, but... He does indeed feels better. He can move without pain finally. Ranma allows himself to smile.
Ranma: I did it... I did it... I learned the basics of the Strolheim Scroll...
Ranma looks at the small scroll in his hands, and keeps to his promise. He calls upon the Orochi flame in his hand as well, incinerating the scroll. Ranma closes his eyes and tries to sleep. He'll need his strength if he's to save Leona.
Soon the door opens and Kasumi and Chizuru walk in. The two are practically blown back as they open the door. The energy Ranma exerted caused a miasma of power that literally adds a level of 'force' to the air. Ranma turns his head towards them, and slightly smirks.
Ranma: Hey... How're you guys doing?
Chizuru: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?!?
Ranma: Healing...
Kasumi: Healing?
Ranma: Yes... Healing... Excuse me... I need to rest...
Ranma automatically falls to sleep, the technique drained him of a lot of energy, and he now sleeps to regain it. Chizuru and Kasumi stare at him. Kasumi is the first to speak.
Kasumi: Oh my...
Chizuru: ... You can say that again...
Kasumi: Oh my...
Chizuru (Sweat drops): ... It was a figure of speech...
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Ranma sleeps. But now, in his mind, he sees what he needs. The five warriors he needs to fight Goenitz.
He sees a spirit ward form on the back round of an area. The forms of Kasumi and Chizuru appear before the ward. Soon Kasumi's form falls back into the ward and only Chizuru's form remains.
Chizuru Kagura... The Holy Priest...
Now there is a whirl of shadows across the grounds, the ward sinks into it. He sees the forms of his cousin Iori, Krauser, and Geese rise from the shadow. Soon, the forms of Krauser and Geese fall back into the shadow. Only Iori's form remains standing on the shadow.
Iori Yagami... The Hero of Darkness...
Now a pillar of light shoots through the shadows. The forms of Kasumi, Kyo, Kima, and Saffron are seen. The light intensifies and the forms of Kasumi, Kima, and Saffron fade into the light. Soon, only Kyo's form stands in the light.
Kyo Kusanagi... The Hero of Light...
The light soon fades away and weapons seem to form from the ground. Swords, shields, lances, maces, daggers, armor, and other such items appear all over the ground. Soon, the forms of Kima, Mousse, Mr. Big, and Billy stand on these weapons. But the forms of Mousse, Mr. Big, and Billy break apart into smaller weapons. Only Kima's form stands proudly on the pile of weapons.
Kima... The Weapons Master...
Now the weapons start to melt, the metals form into statues on top of bases with writing. The plaque of Terry's statue says, "The Lonely Wolf". The plaque of Geese's statue says, "The Immortal Geese Howard". The plaque of Ryo's statue says, "The Invincible Dragon". The plaque of Krauser's statue says, "The Emperor of Darkness". Soon, the statues of Geese, Ryo, and Krauser break apart into chunks of metal. Only Terry's statue stands.
Terry Bogard... The Eternal Legend...
Soon Terry's statue falls... And all the pieces form into one big statue. The statue is of a basic male human shape, no real detail. On the plaque it says, "The Fallen Champion". Soon, all starts to go dark, and then all turn to light.
Ranma wakes up.
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Ranma looks around. He sees that Iori, Kima, Chizuru, and Kasumi are in his room, with many others standing outside.
Ranma (Smiles): Hey.
Iori: Ranma... What happened?
Ranma (Smiles): A little health boost...
Kima: Health boost?
Ranma: Yes.
Chizuru: Care to elaborate?
Ranma: Hmm... Sorry, I am not at liberty to do that.
Ranma then gets up from the bed and flexes. The others stare wide-eyed at him.
Iori: Woah...
Kasumi (Wide-eyed): Oh my!
Kima: What now Ranma? You seem okay at the moment.
Ranma (Closes his eye, lets out a heavy sigh): Can I see my mom? Please.
The other fighters move out of the way. Ranma walks around for a bit, but stops. Ranma turns around to face the other fighters.
Ranma: Can someone please lead me to her?
Iori: ... I'll take you. But you aren't going to like what you see...
Ranma: I know. Terry told me what happened... But I have to see... It may be the last time I see her...
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Ranma looks at his mom. The sight breaks his heart. She is unconscious, a breathing mask over her nose and mouth. The heart monitor beeps at a slow steady rate. Tears fall from Ranma's eyes.
Ranma: ... She's truly dying, isn't she?
Iori (Closes his eyes to stop the tears from coming): Yes... She is dying, according to their standards.
Ranma: Any chance that she will survive?
Iori: The doctors say there is a slim chance, but we shouldn't get hopeful.
Ranma walks up to his mother. He places his left hand over hers, and closes his eyes.
Ranma: Mom... Thank you for everything... You have done so much for me in the little time I got to know you... And I thank you for that... Please live... For me... I don't want you to die before we can all be together again. That means you, Lechan, Iori, and me... I just want us as a family one last time...
Ranma stays like that awhile, as if giving silent prayer for her safety. When Ranma opens his eyes, he swears he can see that her mouth slightly curled upwards. Ranma smiles. He knows that even though she can't express herself directly, she can hear him. Iori places his hand on Ranma's shoulder.
Iori: What now?
Ranma: Ryugenzawa...
Iori: ... So... You are going to go through with it.
Ranma (Smirks): But of course! I love Lechan, and I will get her back. You'll see. After all, I need you there with me.
Iori (Smirks, folds his arms across his chest): You asking for help?
Ranma: Yes.
Iori (Smiles wickedly): When do we start?
Suddenly Chizuru comes into the room, dragging Kyo behind her.
Kyo: OWWIES! I STILL HURT!
Chizuru (To Kyo): Quiet! This is a hospital. (Faces Ranma). Ranma, allow Kyo, Iori, and I to help you. You are up against the Hakkeshu, and you will need the Shingi Trioca!
Ranma: Good. I needed you three anyway.
Chizuru, Iori, and Kyo: HUH?
Ranma: Chizuru, you were still conscious near the end of the fight. You remember what Goenitz said about me gathering five warriors.
Chizuru: Yes I do remember that... But not too clearly...
Ranma: I need five warriors. The Warriors are The Heroes of Light and Darkness, the Holy Priest, the Eternal Legend, and the Weapons Master. I know who they are. They are you, Kyo, Iori, Terry, and Kima. Those are the five I know I need to help me. So please Chizuru. Help me stop them.
Chizuru (Without hesitation): I will. My clan has pledged itself to stop the Orochi, and I actually abetted it by holding the tournament. I shall help you as best as I can, for I have to make up for my past mistakes.
Ranma: Thank you.
Kyo: BUT I DON'T WANNA GO!
Ranma & Chizuru: SHUT UP!
Kyo: WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
(------)
Ranma talked to Terry and Kima. Surprisingly both are very willing to help Ranma. Terry took a little time to say Good-bye to his friends, and they are now heading towards the hospital lobby. But a certain group heads up the elevator to meet them.
Genma, Soun, Akane, Nabiki, Ryoga, Kuno, Kodachi, Mousse, and Taro: RANMA!!!
Ranma: Sigh... It's them again.
Soun: NO MORE EXCUSES RANMA! YOU WILL MARRY AKANE!
Genma: BOY, I AM TIRED OF YOU RUNNING OFF! NOW YOU WILL REPAY ME FOR RAISING YOU BY MARRYING AKANE!!!
Akane: MARRY ME RANMA! THE BITCH IS GONE, AND THERE'S NOTHING TO KEEP US APART!
Nabiki: You can't escape this time Saotome. It's time you came back home and paid your dues.
Kuno, Mousse, Taro, and Ryoga: RANMA, PREPARE TO DIE!!!
Kodachi (Twirls her ribbon): OH HOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOOOOOOO!!!
All these people keep babbling on and on about how Ranma owes them, that they own Ranma, or that Ranma made their lives hell so he has to die. Ranma clutches the sides of his head, trying to block out all the talk of these idiots. Nabiki walks up to him.
Nabiki: ARE YOU LISTENING!? (Grabs Ranma's wrist). You are coming back home right now mister! You got A LOT of things you owe us for. Now you are going to marry Akane, and we are going to live together once again!
Akane: YEAH YOU JERK! IT'S TIME WE GOT THIS OVER WITH!
Soun and Genma: HERE, HERE!
Iori feels like going Blood Riot on all these idiots, but he notices something. Ranma's smiling... But it's a smile that mimics Iori's own demeaning smirk. One that he uses when he fights opponents far weaker than himself.
Iori knows they're screwed.
Ranma (Looks Nabiki directly in the eye): Nabiki. You do realize that I know it was you that gave Goenitz all that info, right?
Nabiki: SO!? He got rid of that bitch didn't he? Now you have nothing to hold you back. So you are coming along home with... URK!
Ranma lifts Nabiki off of the ground. His hand closed on her jugular with a steel grip. Nabiki's eyes are wide with fear. Ranma has NEVER stood up to her before. And ESPECIALLY not with violence. She stares at Ranma with pure unadulterated fear.
Ranma: Because of you Leona was kidnapped. Because of you Kyo has an even sicker fascination with 'Ranko'. Because of you, my time in Nerima was made worse because you wanted to make a fast buck. (Tears start to form in eyes). Because of you my mom is dying. I never struck at you before because back then I didn't hit girls. But now I've seen that you should NEVER underestimate your opponent because of their gender. I cannot forgive for all your misgivings against my family and me. So forgive me for the clichéd saying, but... NABIKI TENDO, BECAUSE OF YOU, I'VE SEEN HELL!!!
Ranma then tosses Nabiki to the ground. She massages her throat and tries to catch her breath. Ranma makes his way towards the window.
Nabiki: DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE SAOTOME! YOU ARE MINE! YOU HEAR ME!? I OWN YOUR ASS!
Ranma turns to her with a deadly glare. Iori has a feeling he knows what's going to happen and smirks.
Ranma: I was... This is only a third story window, and the jump won't do me any harm.
Ranma then stars moving toward Nabiki. A darkness to his aura seems to grow, as he gets closer to her.
Ranma: Are you afraid of me?
Iori's smirk widens when he hears Ranma say that.
Ranma: Well... Are you? You should be.
Nabiki (Steels herself): You can't intimidate me Saotome. You're playing my game, and I always win.
Ranma (Eyes her with a cold stare): Then we'll play mine... Martial arts...
Ranma grabs Nabiki by the back of her neck. He smashes her face into the wall a few times and then tosses her at the window. She breaks through the glass and falls three stories. Everyone stares in horror at what Ranma did. Iori is the first one to speak.
Iori: Now THAT was showing backbone...
Ranma: Hm hm hm hm... Heh heh heh heh... HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
Now all the other Nerima cast starts to move away from Ranma. He is no longer what they expected of the martial artist. He never attacked Nabiki before, and now he just threw her out of a third story window. He gathers his Orochi flame in his hand, his face a mask of insanity.
Ranma: DRUNKEN GRAIL GASHER!
When the smoke cleared, the scene was one that makes the Battle of Normandy seem tame in comparison. It will be a loooooooooong while before any of them try to attack or boss around Ranma again...
(------)
Ranma, Chizuru, Iori, Kyo, Terry, and Kima stand outside of the hospital.
Iori: That was quite impressive. I'm proud of you Ranma.
Ranma: What can I say? Because of them, my mom is dying and Leona got kidnapped...
Ranma's eyes widen when he sees Heidern, Ralf, and Clark walk up to him.
Ranma: Hello Commander Heidern...
Heidern: Saotome...
Ranma: Yes sir?
Heidern: Can this old soldier come along?
Ranma (Shakes his head): Sorry sir. I am supposed to bring five warriors with me. Anything else might have drastic consequences... I'm sorry.
Heidern (Lets out a heavy sigh and looks at Ranma): Ranma...
Ranma: Yes?
Heidern: Please... Bring Leona back safely. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if anything happened to her.
Ranma: I will sir. I have every intention of bringing her back safe.
Heidern (Smirks): Good. Or else you would have to deal me.
Ranma (Smirks): Duly noted sir...
Heidern (Salutes Ranma): Good luck to you Ranma. Good luck to all of you.
Ralf and Clark: BUT SIR! IT'S BECAUSE OF THIS HOOLIGAN THAT SHE'S IN...
Heidern (Glares at them): Well this "hooligan" as you put it has the best chance of rescuing her. SO SHUT UP BOTH OF YOU! We are staying in Japan until we get word of what happens. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!?!?!
Ralf and Clark: Yes sir!
Heidern: I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!
Ralf and Clark: YES SIR!!!
Ranma smirks as he sees Heidern walk off with his two stooges. This in a sense gives Ranma hope. Hope because Heidern trusts Ranma to bring Leona back. And he does have every intention of doing just that. After all, Leona is the most important person to him. He would give up his life in a heartbeat to save her...
But if he will have to remains to be seen...
(------)
End Chapter 35
Next Time: Ranma and the gang head out to Ryugenzawa... And a familiar face to the Ranma cast makes an unexpected return... Plus... Someone is following them...
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 35: A Gathering of Warriors
Cold. That is all Ranma feels at the moment. A pure, all engulfing, bone-chilling sensation. A feeling that he is not whole, that something important is missing. Ranma then realizes he is actually thinking again. So he wills himself to open his eyes.
A blur of light is the first thing Ranma sees. A light that is too painful to look at. Ranma tries to focus his vision, and the intensity of the light decreases; soon, he can make out shapes. He sees that he is no longer in the arena of the tournament, but in a room. Ranma tries to move his body, but a sharp sting of pain rushes through his entire body. A pain so great Ranma actually yelps out. Ranma stills himself, to calm the pain.
Ranma's ears register a beeping sound. The beep was going at a very fast repetition and is now continuing at a steady pace. He let's his eyes gaze to the side where he heard the noise. He sees a heart monitor. He lets his eyes trail across the room. The room is white, and there is a lot of mechanical equipment strewn all about. Ranma sees he has an IV in his arm. He knows where he is automatically.
Ranma (Thinks): A hospital... I'm in a hospital...... Why am I in a hospital? ...... That's right... 'He' put me here... (Eyes widen in horror). Oh dear God... Mom... Lechan...
Ranma lets out a blood-curdling scream of despair. The sudden exertion of air through his lungs hurts like hell, but he doesn't care about the pain. What he cares about is his family. And he failed them...
(------)
Terry Bogard hears a scream from Ranma's room. No sooner then he hears it, he rushes in. He sees Ranma sitting up in bed.
Terry: RANMA!
Ranma (Head jerks, and eyes widen with pain): GAH! Shit that hurts... Terry? What happened? How long was I out? Why the hell do I hurt so much? ... (Eyes widen with realization). WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OTHERS!?
Terry (Face goes dark): From what I know, you lost... Kima and I got there too late to be of any help in the battle... We got there, and the place was a Goddamn wreck, it was absolute carnage... It's not surprising you're in so much pain. You have seventy-eight fractured bones, three broken ribs, your left arm was broken, dislocated, and reset, your muscles have undergone heavy trauma from what the doctors say had to be bad electrical shock, heavy blood loss that had to be treated with a transfusion, and you had a concussion. As for how long you were out... You were listed as critical condition for the first three days. They took you off of it five days ago.
Ranma: I WAS UNCONSCIOUS EIGHT DAYS!?!? (Eyes widen, grits teeth). GAH! SHIT! That hurts...
Terry: Easy Ranma, don't get excited. You'll only hurt yourself more.
Ranma (Eyes start to water): What about the others that were there?
Terry: Chizuru was a mess... She had to get stitching in her shoulders and a blood transfusion... Iori also needed a blood transfusion and some minor surgery for his chest, but he seems to be doing well now, besides being a bit moody... The Hero Team got off pretty easy with only a few minor burns and bruises... Saishu is out cold; he has a pretty bad concussion... As for your mother, she is alive at least... She had to get a blood transfusion as well...
Terry's gaze looks to the floor and he starts shifting his feet.
Ranma: What else? You're holding back something. DAMN IT TERRY! TELL ME!
Terry lets out a long sigh, and looks Ranma in the eye.
Terry: Your Mother, Nodoka... She's alive for the moment... But the doctors aren't sure about how much longer she'll last... Ranma, when that dagger cut her through the back, it pierced her lungs, cut her ribs, and grazed the left ventricle of her heart. She is in critical condition right now... The doctors say that there's a chance she'll live, but not a very good one... We couldn't find Leona at all... I'm sorry...
Ranma: Lechan... (Eyes narrow). He kidnapped her...
Terry (Confused): Huh?
Ranma: That bastard Goenitz. He kidnapped her because I love her. DAMN IT, I HAVE TO RESCUE... (Eyes widen). GRAH!!! SHIT! WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH!!!
Terry: Um... Ranma... I don't mean to sound rude, but this is a hospital. Don't scream so much, okay?
Ranma: I need to find them... Need to get to Ryugenzawa...
Terry: "Find them"? The Heavenly Kings?
Ranma: Them, and the 'Five Warriors'...
Terry (Curious): 'Five Warriors'?
Ranma: Before I went out like a light, that bastard Goenitz told me to gather "Five Warriors". A Hero of Light, a Hero of Darkness, a Holy Priest, an Eternal Legend, and a Weapons Master... But still, once I find them, I have to go to Ryugenzawa...
Terry: Hold it! You need to rest. You'll be of no good to anyone dead. Look, I know this will be tough for you, but try to rest for a bit. You need to gain back you strength.
Ranma: Rest? REST!? I WAS UNCONCSIOUS FOR EIGHT F*CKING DAYS, I DON'T NEED REST!!! (Eyes widen). GAH!!! SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, SHIT!!! THAT HURTS SO MUCH! What the hell is wrong with my shoulder?
Terry: As I said, they reset it. They had to put a large metal pin in it. Now please Ranma, calm down. The sooner you calm down and rest, the sooner you can get better and go out looking for Leona and the other Hakkeshu, okay?
Ranma: Sigh...... Okay... You win... For now... I need time to think anyway... Need to figure out who those warriors are...
Terry nods his head and leaves Ranma's room. Ranma lets his body fall back onto the bed. Images of fighters and info go through his mind at a steady pace. He's trying to think of who best fits the 'titles' that Goenitz gave him. Soon sleep claims Ranma. In it, he is once again haunted by those cold visions of purple...
(------)
Ranma awakens once again, but it is now the middle of the night. He senses a power to his right and turns to look in that direction. He sees a tall blonde haired man, dressed in a dark reddish brown colored pressed suit, with his arms folded across his chest, sitting in a chair in the room. Ranma can tell this man is a warrior himself from the man's aura alone. But the aura the man gives off disturbs Ranma. It is very concentrated around the man's confidence, and there is an all-encompassing evil intent to it. But... There is also an underlying of honor and discipline to the aura. And then there is a slight similarity the man's aura has to Krauser's own. Ranma is now wary of the man in his room. Ranma tries to look at the man's eyes to see his intent, but cannot, since the shadows cover them totally.
Ranma: Who are you?
Man (Smirks): Ah... You are awake Tenth Hakkeshu.
Ranma tries to move again to get a closer look at the man's shadowed face, but his body is still in too much pain and the sudden movement hurts Ranma further.
Ranma: CRAP! That hurts...
Man: Please. Don't strain yourself. I am not here to harm you.
Ranma: Just who are you? Answer me damn it!
Man (Smiles): Allow me to introduce myself... I am Geese Howard.
Ranma's eyes widen in awe. This is the 'Immortal' Geese Howard. The Shadow King of South Town himself. This is the man that has been the bane of Terry Bogard's existence for most of Terry's life and visa-versa. Ranma becomes curious. What does this man want with him? Ranma decides it's time to take action.
Ranma (Eyes narrow): I know you... You are the man that killed my friend Terry Bogard's father...
Geese: Eh... It was nothing personal. Business really. Master Tung didn't think I was good enough to become the successor to Hakkyokuseiken, so I killed the other man up for the position, Jeff. That way I got what I wanted.
Ranma (Narrows his eyes): Get out.
Geese (Smirks): Don't you want to hear what I have to say? After all... I don't think your "Lechan" will last long being with that group. After all, it's been almost nine days since your defeat.
Ranma (Angry): I said GET OUT!
Geese: So, you plan to stay here in the hospital for over a month and let them do whatever they want to Leona in the meantime?
Ranma (Eyes widen with shock): What?
Geese: You heard me. With the damage you took, you'll be in here for at least a month. That means a whole month with you stuck in here doing nothing while they do God-knows-what to Leona... That is unless... You let me help you...
Ranma (Eyes Geese): And why do you want to 'help' me? There has to be some catch, so just tell me what you want.
Geese: Simple. You are one of the greatest fighters I have ever seen. A true legend in the making... It would be sad to see such talent go to waste.
Ranma: ... Bullshit...
Geese (Chuckles a bit to himself): You're not really as dumb as you let on, are you?
Ranma: My friend Terry has told me a lot about you Geese. And I've dealt with the likes of you before...
Geese: Let me guess... You faced the likes of me in that girl before... A Nabiki Tendo? And by the way... How does it feel to turn into a girl?
Geese smiles as he gets the desired effect he was going for when he sees Ranma's battle aura start to rise. Geese decides that it's time to move in for the kill.
Ranma: How did you know all that?
Geese (Smiles): It's obvious to anyone that's been hanging around here the past couple of days. The Tendo family has been hanging around the hospital, waiting for you to get out. After all, now that Nodoka isn't here to talk sense into them, they feel like getting you to marry Akane. And Nabiki is still selling information on you. Since I could meet her payment standards, I got a lot of nice info on you and your Jusenkyo curse. And a few 'select' pictures too...
Geese then tosses a couple of pictures to Ranma. Ranma looks at the pictures of his girls form, and his face turns into a scowl. He then summons his Magatama no Orochi flame, casting the dark room in an eerie purple light. Ranma then proceeds to incinerate the photos with it
Ranma: That's right... Goenitz said he got his info from Nabiki too... Damn her... She makes a living off of ruining my life... I am so damn tired of it.
Geese: Then let me help you.
Ranma: ... How would you help me, and why would you?
Geese (Thinks a moment before speaking): I would teach you a secret technique for one thing... And why do I help you? ... Let's just say that for the moment, I have my reasons...
Ranma (Eyes Geese): Elaborate.
Geese: ... The technique is a secret of rejuvenation, passed down in the Strolheim Scroll. And, my reason is I want to learn more about you Hakkeshu... And I cannot do that when you are under stress and aren't going to work to be your best.
Ranma: ... Rejuvenation... This will help me heal and I can go and save her?
Geese: Yes. Of course, you are to swear on your honor that you will teach no one else of this technique. Do we have a deal?
Ranma is silent for a long time. A good half-hour passes by in silence. Geese remains calmly seated, allowing Ranma the time he needs to think. Finally Ranma turns his gaze towards Geese.
Ranma: I am going to regret this later on; I just know I will... But Lechan is too important to me... I accept your offer.
Geese then gets up from the chair he was sitting in. He walks up to Ranma and pulls out a small scroll from his jacket pocket.
Geese: This small scroll is a copy of an excerpt from the Strolheim Scroll. This contains the knowledge of the basics of rejuvenation. I suggest you burn it after you learned how to use it.
Geese then places the small scroll in Ranma's hand and walks out of the room. Ranma then studies the scroll intently. Ranma makes a silent vow. He will learn this, and he will heal himself so he can make the wrong things right.
(------)
It is now early in the morning, Iori Yagami stands outside the hospital. They won't let him smoke inside his room so he goes outside to the front. He doesn't know why they keep him there. He is doing well now. That cut to his chest wasn't THAT bad. It was just the sudden shock of getting slashed across the chest that caused him to lose consciousness.
Iori pulls out a cigarette from his pant's back pocket and ignites a small purple flame on his fingertip, using it to light the cigarette. He stares at the lit cigarette for a bit and then just turns off the flame on his finger, throws the cigarette on the ground, and stomps on it. It's been awhile since he smoked; his aunt Nodoka would tell him that it's bad for his health and make him throw the cigarettes in the trash when she would find that he had them. And even though he really wants one at the moment, he doesn't because he knows his aunt may very well be her deathbed... And smoking one behind her back would be disrespecting her.
Iori does something he hasn't done in months. He places his hands over his eyes and cries silently. His life has gone back to hell. His aunt lies dying, Ranma is beaten to hell and back, and Leona is gone... Even his victory over Kyo can give him no joy. Iori stares at the rising sun.
Iori (Mutters to himself): Why is it never easy?
Female voice: Because life is not easy.
Iori turns around to see Kima standing behind him.
Kima: Hi.
Iori (Stares at her): ... Hi...
Kima: How're you holding up?
Iori: In what way? Physically, my health is doing better, spiritually, I feel empty, and mentally... I've always been f*cked up, but now I'm really mad... That bastard ruined our lives. I'll kill him for it.
Kima: What do you mean by "our"?
Iori: My family and I. Goenitz hurt me; practically killed my family, and he took my friend away... I will kill him for that. And there's nothing you can say to make me change my mind.
Kima: I have no intention of stopping you. But I think you'll need an 'edge' over him.
Iori (Eyes Kima): ... You still think a sword will help me?
Kima: It won't hurt your fighting style if you adapt a weapon to it. You saw what that guy did to you with the Kusanagi Katana. He was able to hurt you because that sword gave him extra reach.
Iori (Traces the very light scar across his chest): I guess so... He was able to cut me...
Kima: I'm still surprised that cut healed as well as it did.
Iori: One of the good things about having Orochi blood is that we heal a bit more quickly than other people.
Kima: I guess so... Have you seen your cousin yet?
Iori: Not yet. I think he'll need some time alone, to digest what the hell is going on... He is not going to take any of this well...
Kima: And he hasn't... Terry told me about how he reacted to the news about his mom. Ranma's ready to kill Goenitz.
Iori: And is that a bad thing?
Kima: ... I guess not... I wonder how he'll take to them though...
Kima points across the street, Iori looks to where Kima is pointing to see Soun, Genma, Nabiki, and Akane walk up to the building.
Iori: Great... Just what we need here again...
Iori and Kima walk back inside. They have a feeling they'll need to protect Ranma from the people.
(------)
Kasumi walks around the halls in the hospital. She feels terrible about all that's gone on. She feels because of her giving the Kusanagi Katana to Nodoka, she had sentenced her to death. Kasumi has stayed by Nodoka's side for the most part, checking on the others from time-to-time.
Chizuru walks down the hall with Kasumi. She has been there with Kasumi for most of the time. Chizuru tries to show strength in this time of need for Kasumi, since she feels it is all her fault. She didn't want to listen to them before, always thought that her own ways were correct. She mentally curses herself for not listening to Ranma sooner when he told her about the 'Evil Force' he felt that one time. Now they are all paying for what she feels is the repercussions of her arrogance.
Kasumi (Turns to Chizuru): How are you feeling today Ms. Kagura?
Chizuru: Better than yesterday... My shoulders are feeling better, but they still hurt a bit.
Kasumi: I'm sorry to hear that. By the way, did you know Ranma gained consciousness?
Chizuru: No. I didn't. How long has he been awake?
Kasumi: Since yesterday. I haven't really seen him yet. Terry said Ranma was in a lot of pain, and Iori said to give him some time to comprehend what's going on. I feel so bad for Ranma.
Chizuru (Nods her head): I know you do. And so do I. Ranma will have to face this though. He is the center of all this chaos, and so only he can stop it. I just hope he has the strength to stand up to it.
Kasumi (Stares at the ground for a bit): ... Can we visit Ranma now?
Chizuru (Nods her head): Sure. I've been meaning to talk to Ranma myself. I just hope he is in a mood to talk.
Kasumi: I think he will.
(------)
Ranma lays on the bed, reading the scroll for an uncountable time, committing it to memory. Finally, he feels he is ready. He closes his eyes and concentrates his own internal energies, bending his body's inner flow of energy to become the same flow of his mind. For that is the secret of the rejuvenation technique. Mind over matter. The mind-set is what truly makes the body work the way it does. And if one can make one's own inner energies wield to how the mind wants it to, then one can heal themselves by literally thinking of how the body should be, and the inner energies then just doing what the mind tells them to do.
Ranma continues to concentrate. He feels his flow of energy start to stiffen. He has control. The next experience is almost impossible to describe, being extremely painful. But Ranma forces himself to concentrate, thinking of how his body was before the fight. He feels bones knit, cuts heal, bruises go down, the IV is forced out of his wrist, and then something extremely painful happens. The pin that was set in his left shoulder shoots out and flies with such a force that it smashes through the window. At least his body then easily heals the hole in his shoulder.
After two minutes of concentration Ranma relaxes. He feels extremely drained, but... He does indeed feels better. He can move without pain finally. Ranma allows himself to smile.
Ranma: I did it... I did it... I learned the basics of the Strolheim Scroll...
Ranma looks at the small scroll in his hands, and keeps to his promise. He calls upon the Orochi flame in his hand as well, incinerating the scroll. Ranma closes his eyes and tries to sleep. He'll need his strength if he's to save Leona.
Soon the door opens and Kasumi and Chizuru walk in. The two are practically blown back as they open the door. The energy Ranma exerted caused a miasma of power that literally adds a level of 'force' to the air. Ranma turns his head towards them, and slightly smirks.
Ranma: Hey... How're you guys doing?
Chizuru: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?!?
Ranma: Healing...
Kasumi: Healing?
Ranma: Yes... Healing... Excuse me... I need to rest...
Ranma automatically falls to sleep, the technique drained him of a lot of energy, and he now sleeps to regain it. Chizuru and Kasumi stare at him. Kasumi is the first to speak.
Kasumi: Oh my...
Chizuru: ... You can say that again...
Kasumi: Oh my...
Chizuru (Sweat drops): ... It was a figure of speech...
(------)
Ranma sleeps. But now, in his mind, he sees what he needs. The five warriors he needs to fight Goenitz.
He sees a spirit ward form on the back round of an area. The forms of Kasumi and Chizuru appear before the ward. Soon Kasumi's form falls back into the ward and only Chizuru's form remains.
Chizuru Kagura... The Holy Priest...
Now there is a whirl of shadows across the grounds, the ward sinks into it. He sees the forms of his cousin Iori, Krauser, and Geese rise from the shadow. Soon, the forms of Krauser and Geese fall back into the shadow. Only Iori's form remains standing on the shadow.
Iori Yagami... The Hero of Darkness...
Now a pillar of light shoots through the shadows. The forms of Kasumi, Kyo, Kima, and Saffron are seen. The light intensifies and the forms of Kasumi, Kima, and Saffron fade into the light. Soon, only Kyo's form stands in the light.
Kyo Kusanagi... The Hero of Light...
The light soon fades away and weapons seem to form from the ground. Swords, shields, lances, maces, daggers, armor, and other such items appear all over the ground. Soon, the forms of Kima, Mousse, Mr. Big, and Billy stand on these weapons. But the forms of Mousse, Mr. Big, and Billy break apart into smaller weapons. Only Kima's form stands proudly on the pile of weapons.
Kima... The Weapons Master...
Now the weapons start to melt, the metals form into statues on top of bases with writing. The plaque of Terry's statue says, "The Lonely Wolf". The plaque of Geese's statue says, "The Immortal Geese Howard". The plaque of Ryo's statue says, "The Invincible Dragon". The plaque of Krauser's statue says, "The Emperor of Darkness". Soon, the statues of Geese, Ryo, and Krauser break apart into chunks of metal. Only Terry's statue stands.
Terry Bogard... The Eternal Legend...
Soon Terry's statue falls... And all the pieces form into one big statue. The statue is of a basic male human shape, no real detail. On the plaque it says, "The Fallen Champion". Soon, all starts to go dark, and then all turn to light.
Ranma wakes up.
(------)
Ranma looks around. He sees that Iori, Kima, Chizuru, and Kasumi are in his room, with many others standing outside.
Ranma (Smiles): Hey.
Iori: Ranma... What happened?
Ranma (Smiles): A little health boost...
Kima: Health boost?
Ranma: Yes.
Chizuru: Care to elaborate?
Ranma: Hmm... Sorry, I am not at liberty to do that.
Ranma then gets up from the bed and flexes. The others stare wide-eyed at him.
Iori: Woah...
Kasumi (Wide-eyed): Oh my!
Kima: What now Ranma? You seem okay at the moment.
Ranma (Closes his eye, lets out a heavy sigh): Can I see my mom? Please.
The other fighters move out of the way. Ranma walks around for a bit, but stops. Ranma turns around to face the other fighters.
Ranma: Can someone please lead me to her?
Iori: ... I'll take you. But you aren't going to like what you see...
Ranma: I know. Terry told me what happened... But I have to see... It may be the last time I see her...
(------)
Ranma looks at his mom. The sight breaks his heart. She is unconscious, a breathing mask over her nose and mouth. The heart monitor beeps at a slow steady rate. Tears fall from Ranma's eyes.
Ranma: ... She's truly dying, isn't she?
Iori (Closes his eyes to stop the tears from coming): Yes... She is dying, according to their standards.
Ranma: Any chance that she will survive?
Iori: The doctors say there is a slim chance, but we shouldn't get hopeful.
Ranma walks up to his mother. He places his left hand over hers, and closes his eyes.
Ranma: Mom... Thank you for everything... You have done so much for me in the little time I got to know you... And I thank you for that... Please live... For me... I don't want you to die before we can all be together again. That means you, Lechan, Iori, and me... I just want us as a family one last time...
Ranma stays like that awhile, as if giving silent prayer for her safety. When Ranma opens his eyes, he swears he can see that her mouth slightly curled upwards. Ranma smiles. He knows that even though she can't express herself directly, she can hear him. Iori places his hand on Ranma's shoulder.
Iori: What now?
Ranma: Ryugenzawa...
Iori: ... So... You are going to go through with it.
Ranma (Smirks): But of course! I love Lechan, and I will get her back. You'll see. After all, I need you there with me.
Iori (Smirks, folds his arms across his chest): You asking for help?
Ranma: Yes.
Iori (Smiles wickedly): When do we start?
Suddenly Chizuru comes into the room, dragging Kyo behind her.
Kyo: OWWIES! I STILL HURT!
Chizuru (To Kyo): Quiet! This is a hospital. (Faces Ranma). Ranma, allow Kyo, Iori, and I to help you. You are up against the Hakkeshu, and you will need the Shingi Trioca!
Ranma: Good. I needed you three anyway.
Chizuru, Iori, and Kyo: HUH?
Ranma: Chizuru, you were still conscious near the end of the fight. You remember what Goenitz said about me gathering five warriors.
Chizuru: Yes I do remember that... But not too clearly...
Ranma: I need five warriors. The Warriors are The Heroes of Light and Darkness, the Holy Priest, the Eternal Legend, and the Weapons Master. I know who they are. They are you, Kyo, Iori, Terry, and Kima. Those are the five I know I need to help me. So please Chizuru. Help me stop them.
Chizuru (Without hesitation): I will. My clan has pledged itself to stop the Orochi, and I actually abetted it by holding the tournament. I shall help you as best as I can, for I have to make up for my past mistakes.
Ranma: Thank you.
Kyo: BUT I DON'T WANNA GO!
Ranma & Chizuru: SHUT UP!
Kyo: WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
(------)
Ranma talked to Terry and Kima. Surprisingly both are very willing to help Ranma. Terry took a little time to say Good-bye to his friends, and they are now heading towards the hospital lobby. But a certain group heads up the elevator to meet them.
Genma, Soun, Akane, Nabiki, Ryoga, Kuno, Kodachi, Mousse, and Taro: RANMA!!!
Ranma: Sigh... It's them again.
Soun: NO MORE EXCUSES RANMA! YOU WILL MARRY AKANE!
Genma: BOY, I AM TIRED OF YOU RUNNING OFF! NOW YOU WILL REPAY ME FOR RAISING YOU BY MARRYING AKANE!!!
Akane: MARRY ME RANMA! THE BITCH IS GONE, AND THERE'S NOTHING TO KEEP US APART!
Nabiki: You can't escape this time Saotome. It's time you came back home and paid your dues.
Kuno, Mousse, Taro, and Ryoga: RANMA, PREPARE TO DIE!!!
Kodachi (Twirls her ribbon): OH HOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOOOOOOO!!!
All these people keep babbling on and on about how Ranma owes them, that they own Ranma, or that Ranma made their lives hell so he has to die. Ranma clutches the sides of his head, trying to block out all the talk of these idiots. Nabiki walks up to him.
Nabiki: ARE YOU LISTENING!? (Grabs Ranma's wrist). You are coming back home right now mister! You got A LOT of things you owe us for. Now you are going to marry Akane, and we are going to live together once again!
Akane: YEAH YOU JERK! IT'S TIME WE GOT THIS OVER WITH!
Soun and Genma: HERE, HERE!
Iori feels like going Blood Riot on all these idiots, but he notices something. Ranma's smiling... But it's a smile that mimics Iori's own demeaning smirk. One that he uses when he fights opponents far weaker than himself.
Iori knows they're screwed.
Ranma (Looks Nabiki directly in the eye): Nabiki. You do realize that I know it was you that gave Goenitz all that info, right?
Nabiki: SO!? He got rid of that bitch didn't he? Now you have nothing to hold you back. So you are coming along home with... URK!
Ranma lifts Nabiki off of the ground. His hand closed on her jugular with a steel grip. Nabiki's eyes are wide with fear. Ranma has NEVER stood up to her before. And ESPECIALLY not with violence. She stares at Ranma with pure unadulterated fear.
Ranma: Because of you Leona was kidnapped. Because of you Kyo has an even sicker fascination with 'Ranko'. Because of you, my time in Nerima was made worse because you wanted to make a fast buck. (Tears start to form in eyes). Because of you my mom is dying. I never struck at you before because back then I didn't hit girls. But now I've seen that you should NEVER underestimate your opponent because of their gender. I cannot forgive for all your misgivings against my family and me. So forgive me for the clichéd saying, but... NABIKI TENDO, BECAUSE OF YOU, I'VE SEEN HELL!!!
Ranma then tosses Nabiki to the ground. She massages her throat and tries to catch her breath. Ranma makes his way towards the window.
Nabiki: DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE SAOTOME! YOU ARE MINE! YOU HEAR ME!? I OWN YOUR ASS!
Ranma turns to her with a deadly glare. Iori has a feeling he knows what's going to happen and smirks.
Ranma: I was... This is only a third story window, and the jump won't do me any harm.
Ranma then stars moving toward Nabiki. A darkness to his aura seems to grow, as he gets closer to her.
Ranma: Are you afraid of me?
Iori's smirk widens when he hears Ranma say that.
Ranma: Well... Are you? You should be.
Nabiki (Steels herself): You can't intimidate me Saotome. You're playing my game, and I always win.
Ranma (Eyes her with a cold stare): Then we'll play mine... Martial arts...
Ranma grabs Nabiki by the back of her neck. He smashes her face into the wall a few times and then tosses her at the window. She breaks through the glass and falls three stories. Everyone stares in horror at what Ranma did. Iori is the first one to speak.
Iori: Now THAT was showing backbone...
Ranma: Hm hm hm hm... Heh heh heh heh... HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
Now all the other Nerima cast starts to move away from Ranma. He is no longer what they expected of the martial artist. He never attacked Nabiki before, and now he just threw her out of a third story window. He gathers his Orochi flame in his hand, his face a mask of insanity.
Ranma: DRUNKEN GRAIL GASHER!
When the smoke cleared, the scene was one that makes the Battle of Normandy seem tame in comparison. It will be a loooooooooong while before any of them try to attack or boss around Ranma again...
(------)
Ranma, Chizuru, Iori, Kyo, Terry, and Kima stand outside of the hospital.
Iori: That was quite impressive. I'm proud of you Ranma.
Ranma: What can I say? Because of them, my mom is dying and Leona got kidnapped...
Ranma's eyes widen when he sees Heidern, Ralf, and Clark walk up to him.
Ranma: Hello Commander Heidern...
Heidern: Saotome...
Ranma: Yes sir?
Heidern: Can this old soldier come along?
Ranma (Shakes his head): Sorry sir. I am supposed to bring five warriors with me. Anything else might have drastic consequences... I'm sorry.
Heidern (Lets out a heavy sigh and looks at Ranma): Ranma...
Ranma: Yes?
Heidern: Please... Bring Leona back safely. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if anything happened to her.
Ranma: I will sir. I have every intention of bringing her back safe.
Heidern (Smirks): Good. Or else you would have to deal me.
Ranma (Smirks): Duly noted sir...
Heidern (Salutes Ranma): Good luck to you Ranma. Good luck to all of you.
Ralf and Clark: BUT SIR! IT'S BECAUSE OF THIS HOOLIGAN THAT SHE'S IN...
Heidern (Glares at them): Well this "hooligan" as you put it has the best chance of rescuing her. SO SHUT UP BOTH OF YOU! We are staying in Japan until we get word of what happens. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!?!?!
Ralf and Clark: Yes sir!
Heidern: I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!
Ralf and Clark: YES SIR!!!
Ranma smirks as he sees Heidern walk off with his two stooges. This in a sense gives Ranma hope. Hope because Heidern trusts Ranma to bring Leona back. And he does have every intention of doing just that. After all, Leona is the most important person to him. He would give up his life in a heartbeat to save her...
But if he will have to remains to be seen...
(------)
End Chapter 35
Next Time: Ranma and the gang head out to Ryugenzawa... And a familiar face to the Ranma cast makes an unexpected return... Plus... Someone is following them...
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