Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu or Ranma's Cousin Iori
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Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½. 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 ½ manga and during the King of Fighters '98.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 36: Ryugenzawa… Watch Your Step…
A train speeding along its tracks in the middle of the night. A train that isn't frequently
used by people. For this train goes to only on destination and back. Ryugenzawa. And
people have heard the stories about how that place is filled with monsters. The only ones
on the train are the Conductor and his seven passengers. Six of them happen to be Ranma
and his 'Five Warriors'.
(------)
Ranma looks out the window of the train. The only thing on his mind on the moment is
getting Leona back. He loves her, and he doesn't know what his life would be like without
her. A solitary tear rolls down his cheek when he thinks about what happened to Leona the
last time they were together. That bastard Goenitz hurt her. A vision of Leona's face
appears in from of him. He reaches out to it, to caress her cheek, but it disappears. Ranma
makes a silent vow that he WILL get Leona back and that he will kick Goenitz's ass for
what he's done to all of them.
Chizuru steals glances at Ranma. This boy has impressed her a lot since the Finals in the
King of Fighters '98 Tournament. He has acted very mature and calm. The only thing
destroying Ranma's seemingly peaceful image was the sadness and rage he felt as his loved
ones were hurt and he couldn't help. She realizes that maybe Ranma isn't that bad a guy…
Maybe…
Kyo fidgets in his seat. He got seated next to Iori since Chizuru INSISTED on sitting in
their assigned seats, even though they basically have the whole train to themselves. Kyo
remembers how Iori easily kicked his ass in the finals; so he does not feel at ease being
next to the man that would rip his head off as soon as look at him.
Iori looks at the squeamish Kyo and considers tearing the fool's head off. But then he
remembers that they 'need' him at the moment so he concentrates on suppressing his urges
to tear Kyo limb from limb.
Kima looks at Ranma, and wonders how he can handle all this. He has shown remarkable
self-control… Well… That was until he saw the Nerima Crew again… But they deserved
what they got, ignoring his feelings and mocking his pain the way they did.
Terry looks out the window and thinks of Mary. He hopes he'll come back to her after this.
Then he looks at Iori and wonders when Iori is going to tear Kyo's head off.
(------)
The seventh passenger sits in the car behind the one with Ranma and his 'merry' crew of
fighters. This seventh passenger happens to be no other then that master of the pole
himself, BILLY KANE… Who seems to be coming down with a cold since the passenger
car he's in is not heated during the cold night.
Billy: ACHOO!!!! SNIFF! Damn Geese… WHY THE HELL DO I HAVE TO
FOLLOW THEM!?!?
Billy's cell phone rings. Billy answers it.
Billy: Hello?
Geese: I heard that.
Billy: EEP! HOW THE HELL DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAID!?
Geese: … That is a secret. Anyway, keep track of Ranma. I am curious as to how he'll
be able to face the other Hakkeshu now that his power isn't being sealed.
Billy: … You want me to follow them into battle?
Geese: Yes.
Billy: … BUT I MIGHT GET KILLED!!!
Geese: That's a risk I'm willing to take. Well Billy, don't call back until this is over. Bye.
Billy stares wide-eyed at his cell phone.
Billy: …………………………… Crap.
(------)
The train makes it to its destination. Kyo is the first one to disembark from the train,
screaming something about sweet freedom from the accursed Yagami. The others get off
shortly afterwards, followed by Billy wearing a black trench coat with the collar up,
Groucho Marx glasses, and a rainbow wig. A group of people come out of a small building
next the small train station to greet them.
People: Hello, and welcome to Ryugenzawa. We are the Tourist Bureau of Ryugenzawa.
We wish you good luck when you spend your time here. Please spend at the gift-shop as
well.
Iori (Sweat-drops): Gift-shop?
Tourist Bureau: THAT'S RIGHT! We would like for you to spend time at the gift-shop.
Ranma: Sorry, but we're not here to…
Chizuru and Kima run past Ranma and look at the souvenir-stand.
Chizuru & Kima: These googly-eyed rocks are sooooooooooo adorable. And look at these
googly-eyed pieces of wood!
All the guys sweat-drop so more.
(------)
After wasting two straight hours at the 'gift-shop', our heroes make their way into the
forest, with Kyo and Iori acting as the pack-mules, by carrying large bags of souvenirs the
girls bought.
Kyo: This sucks…
Iori: For once, I agree with you…
This causes Chizuru and Kima to smack Kyo and Iori in the back of their heads.
Kyo & Iori: OW!
The group notices the chuckling of the man in the cheap coat, crappy Groucho Marx
glasses, and clown wig behind them. Ranma smirks.
Ranma: Hi Billy!
Billy face-faults as the other fighters go wide-eyed. Billy then takes gets up and takes off
the glasses and wig.
Billy: HOW'D YOU KNOW IT WAS ME!?
Ranma: You didn't do anything to hide your aura… And your disguise was pretty crappy
too…
Billy face-faults again.
Ranma (Picks Billy up by the collar of his coat): Look you; I do not need you coming
along. If I bring more people then necessary, then Leona may get hurt because I didn't
follow instructions that that bastard Goenitz left me before he ran off. DO YOU
UNDERSTAND!?
Billy (Teary-eyed): But… But… THE BOSS WILL KILL ME FOR NOT FOLLOWING
HIS ORDERS!
Ranma lets out a heavy sigh. Iori and Kyo run up to Billy and drop all the packages on
him.
Billy (Under the weight): … Ow…
Ranma (Looks at Iori and Kyo): WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING!?
Iori: Simple really. If Billy WANTS to come along, he can carry all the stuff, and leave
the fighting to the 'men'.
Billy: Oh… You mean Chizuru and Kima are men too?
This earns Billy a well-deserved beat-down by the hands of Chizuru and Kima. This goes
on for a bit, until an irritable Ranma gets their attention.
Ranma: WILL YOU STOP BEATING BILLY, AND GET A MOVE ON? WE HAVE
TO SAVE LEONA!
Chizuru & Kima (Blush): Sorry.
Billy (As he lies on the ground under sacks of souvenirs): I can't feel my spleen…
Iori (Stares at Billy): Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
(------)
The group heads deeper into the forest, at one point while walking the ground underneath
Kyo gives way and he falls into a pit. He staggers in it for a bit until 20 or so good-sized
rocks fall from a nearby tree, and pummel Kyo. The fighters stare at the bruised form of
Kyo.
Kyo: It hurts… It hurts…
Ranma: Oh yeah. I forgot to tell you. Watch out for monster traps… They're all around
this place.
Iori: Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
Chizuru (Looks at Kyo): I think we'll need someone to carry Kyo.
Chizuru, Ranma, Kima, and Terry look at Billy who is trying to carry all the souvenirs, and
then at Iori.
Iori: HA HA HA HA… (Eyes widen). HUH? Why are you looking at me like that?
(------)
Ten minutes later, Iori grumbles about how it's unfair that he has to carry Kyo aka the
'dead-weight' across his back, and imagines throwing Kyo's unconscious form over the
nearest cliff. This causes Iori to start laughing again, but Kima holds her sword to his
throat.
Kima: Not another God damned laugh from you, okay?
Iori (Stares at the sword in Kima's hand): … Okay…
Billy: Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
All the people stare at Billy. Kima then charges at Billy, who can now seem to do the mile-
run, even with 100+ lbs of souvenirs tied to his back. The others then just stare as the
receding forms of Kima chasing Billy into the horizon. Then Ranma sharply turns his head
to smirking Iori.
Ranma: I know what you're thinking, so DON'T YOU DARE LAUGH!
Iori (Stares at Ranma): … Wuss.
Suddenly the fighters her Kima shriek in the distance. They start running the direction they
saw her chase Billy. When they get to a clearing they see Billy had fallen into one of the
monster traps and they see Kima checking over a young man who had apparently fallen
into one-too-many monster traps. The boy is wearing a blue hakama shirt and brown
hakama pants. He has a white bandana tied around his forehead, and he has short, dark-
brown hair. Ranma recognizes the guy instantly when he sees the guy is still grasping a
push broom.
Ranma: Shinnosuke…
Terry: What was that?
Ranma: Shinnosuke. The guy's name is Shinnosuke… He takes care of the Ryugenzawa
forest along with his Grandfather… Sigh… We better bring him back… He doesn't look
like he's up to living much longer…
So Ranma takes the unconscious Shinnosuke, and Ranma walks in the direction he thinks
Shinnosuke's home is.
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Halfway there, Shinnosuke's eyes open, and he gets himself off of Ranma.
Shinnosuke: Who are you?
Ranma: It's me, Ranma. Don't you remember? … (Eyes widen). Oh yeah… You
don't… You have the worst memory.
Shinnosuke: Listen all of you, go home! This place is filled with monster traps and…
Shinnosuke suddenly breaks through the ground, and is caught in a small pit. Then a group
of rocks falls from a nearby tree and land on top of Shinnosuke…
Ranma: … Idiot…
Iori: Just how many God damned traps are there around here?
Terry: Beats me…
(------)
Finally the group makes it to the small one-story house where Shinnosuke lives. Ranma
knocks on the door. He hears someone say, "Come in" from inside. Ranma walks in to see
Shinnosuke's grandfather lying on a futon. The old man moves his head to the side and
looks at Ranma carrying his unconscious grandson across his back.
Old man: Ah… So you came back…
Ranma: Yep… Thought I'd drop off Shinnosuke.
Old man: Ah yes… Shin-boy can be quite bothersome…
Suddenly, Shinnosuke wakes up again and makes it to his feet.
Old man: Ah, Shinnosuke, welcome back to the world of the living.
Shinnosuke (Stares at his grandfather): ………… Do I know you?
Shinnosuke's grandfather slowly lifts himself of off the futon, winds up his fist and…
Old man: MEGATON PUNCH!!!
!!!
With that, the old man's fist is embedded in Shinnosuke's face; the back-round's covered
in the rotating color pattern of red, yellow, and orange, with big white kanji in the back-
round that means "Megaton Punch" when translated. The old man then lowers himself
back onto the futon as the fighters stare at this.
Terry (Thinks): That move is probably as powerful as my Burn Knuckle…
Ranma: Uh, sir, can I ask you a favor?
Old man (Turns his head to Ranma): What is it boy?
Ranma: May I borrow the Unicorn Mongoose Horn?
The other fighters stare at Ranma for a bit.
Iori, Kima, Chizuru, Billy, Terry, and Kyo: … Unicorn Mongoose Horn?
Ranma: Yes. It is the 'natural enemy' of the Orochi. It's basically a mongoose with a
horn on its head. The sound made by blowing into the horn can put the Orochi to sleep.
(Turns back to the old man). Anyway, may I please borrow it? It's really important to us
at the moment.
Old man: Sure.
The old man gets off his futon, goes to his stacked drawer cabinet, and pulls out a plate
with white dust and a strap on it.
Old man (Hands Ranma the plate): Here you go.
Ranma (Wide-eyed): WHAT HAPPENED!?!?
Old man: Sigh… It was a bit over a week ago, Shinnosuke was outside cleaning…
----
Shinnosuke brushes the ground around the outside of the house.
Shinnosuke: This will take forever… I need to clean this up quickly.
Suddenly the winds pick up at a tremendous pace, blowing the excess dust and bit of
garbage away from the building.
Shinnosuke (Stares at the now clean area): … Well that was convenient…
Male voice: Excuse me…
Shinnosuke looks behind him to see a large group. One's a large man with strange colored
hair, being white and gray with blonde highlights on top, while black on the side, wearing a
blue military-style coat, a woman with blue hair in a green combat outfit slung over his
shoulder, and three items under his other arm. There's a large man with blonde hair and his
right eye is completely red in color; with two women dressed similarly but one has a
blonde hair and wears a white jacket while the other has reddish brown hair and wears a
dark red jacket; slung over his shoulders. There's a large man with white hair, a woman
with violet hair, and a boy with dark red hair, all dressed in a similar color scheme. The
final person is also a large man, dressed all in black, with hair that is blonde on top and
black on the sides. The large man with the items under his arm and blue haired woman on
his shoulder steps up to Shinnosuke.
Man: Excuse me, but do you happen to know where the horn made from a unicorn
mongoose happens to be?
Shinnosuke: Hmm… I think so… (Thinks for a bit). No, sorry. I forgot where it is.
Maybe you should ask my grandfather. (Turns to the house). Grandfather, we have
company.
Old man (Walking out of the house): Hold on, I'm here… (Turns to the large group).
Now, who are you and what can I do for you?
Man: You may call me "Kamikaze" for now. And, what I want is to see the Unicorn
Mongoose Horn.
Old man: That's it? You just want to see it? Well, that not bad at all. Here, let me show
you.
The old man walks back into the house to retrieve the "Unicorn Mongoose Horn". He
comes out and holds it in his hand, giving a brief history of the little horn.
Old man: You see, this whistle is made from the horn of a Unicorn Mongoose, a creature
that hasn't existed in over 800 years, because it was a rare creature and hunters sent it into
extinction. This horn has been in my family for over 30 generations, its sound makes a
beautiful note that can echo for a 100 mile radius and…
Kamikaze (Interrupts): Is this the same horn that has the affect of putting those of Orochi
blood into a forced hibernation?
Old man (Surprised): Uh… Why yes… How did you know that?
Kamikaze (Smiles): May I see that whistle a bit closer?
Old man: Sure, I don't see why not.
The old man hands "Kamikaze" the whistle. The man takes a look at it and smiles. He
then closes his hand and crushes the horn. The old man and his grandson Shinnosuke's
eyes bulge.
Old man & Shinnosuke: WHAT!?!? WHY DID YOU DO THAT!?!?
Kamikaze (Opens his hand and lets the dust particles and strap of the whistle fall to the
ground): Just getting rid of something before it becomes a problem down the line.
Shinnosuke: YOU BASTARD!
Shinnosuke rushes at "Kamikaze", but the large man with white hair steps in front of
Shinnosuke. Shinnosuke smashes his push broom onto the large white-hared man's
collarbone, breaking his broom in two. Shinnosuke then stared wide-eyed at his broken
broom.
Shinnosuke: What the? …
White-haired man: That tickled…
The white-haired man then does an uppercut, and sends Shinnosuke flying.
Kamikaze: Now… If you'd be so kind old man…
Old man (Scowls and sweats): What do you want you ruffians?
Kamikaze: Now, if you want us to spare your life, you will lead us to your "Spring of
Life". I have three 'friends' that are in need of it.
The old man is reluctant, but he agrees. He leads them to a pool in the back. Once there,
"Kamikaze" hands the blue-haired girl that was on his shoulders to the violet-haired
woman, and he hands the three items to the dark red-haired boy. The man takes a few
amethyst gems out of his pocket, crushes them in his hand, and lets the particles of the
gems fall into the water. Suddenly winds pick up, and start to stir the waters. "Kamikaze"
starts to speak in a language the old man doesn't understand. Soon, the pool is giving off a
miasma of violet colored energy. "Kamikaze" then turns to face the red-eyed man,
carrying the two unconscious, similarly dressed women.
Kamikaze: Toss them in.
The red-eyed man complies and tosses the two unconscious women in. The pool starts to
glow. Then the women break through the waters, both glowing a violet color, and
coughing up water.
Blonde: COUGH! HACK! WHAT THE HELL!?!?
Brunette: DAMN IT! WHO THE F*CK DID THAT!?!?
Kamikaze: Feel better?
Blonde & Brunette (Look at "Kamikaze"): GOENITZ! WHAT THE HELL!?
Goenitz: Well, if this makes you feel any better; you are now truly alive.
Blonde & Brunette: "Truly alive"?
Goenitz: Look at the sign next to the spring.
The Blonde and Brunette turn to see a sign that says, "Spring of Life". They turn to each
other, tears of joy in their eyes.
Blonde: Vice…
Vice: Yes Mature? …
Mature: You know what this means, don't you?
Vice: I sure do…
Mature & Vice: WE'RE FREE!!!
Vice and Mature start dancing around while in the spring, neither noticing the violet
colored aura around them that is now dying down. They get out of the spring and start
beating on the red-eyed man.
Vice & Mature: TAKE THIS! ! AND THIS! ! AND SOME OF
THIS YOU PIRATE HAKKESHU WANNABE!!! ! ! !
! !
After five minutes of this, the white-haired man and the large man in black manage to pull
Vice and Mature off the red-eyed man. Goenitz walks up to the red-eyed man.
Goenitz: How're you feeling Rugal?
Rugal (On ground, in pain): Ow…
Goenitz: Don't worry it will soon be over…
Goenitz then punts Rugal into the Spring of Life. Rugal doesn't seem to come up, even
after three minutes…
Goenitz: … Well… He's dead; let's go…
Goenitz turns away, when the violet glowing form of Rugal slowly stands up from the
waters of the spring.
Rugal: I LIVE AGAIN!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!! (Eyes Vice and
Mature hatefully). And NOW, I shall give you two Orochi WHORES all you've
deserved…
Rugal starts to stalk up to Vice and Mature. For once the girls actually seem afraid of
him… That is until the ground gives way underneath Rugal, he falls into a small pit, and
30 or so, good-sized rocks fall from a nearby tree and land on top of Rugal. They all stare
at Rugal's unconscious form.
Vice: … Now THAT was unexpected…
Mature: But still, oh so delightful to watch…
----
Ranma and his crew stare at the old man. Ranma lets out a slight sigh of depression.
Goenitz knew about the horn and got rid of it before they could use it. Ranma is also
afraid. He knows Leona is still with them. Ranma then asks another question.
Ranma: Sir, what happened to them after that?
Old man: Well, the man called "Goenitz" had that white-haired fellow carry that "Rugal"
person. They walked off in a northeastern direction. And in that direction is…
Ranma: The man spring that feeds the "Spring of Life", correct?
Old man: Yes.
Ranma sighs for a bit and places his hand over his face, thinking about the next course of
action… Until Billy interrupts his train of thought.
Billy: If you don't mind, can I put these souvenirs down? THEY'RE HEAVY!!!
Old man: Why yes, you can put them down by the side of the house. Shinnosuke, help this
person.
Shinnosuke goes to help Billy bring all the crap Chizuru and Kima bought outside. Ranma
then looks at Iori, Chizuru, Kima, Terry, and Kyo who is starting to regain consciousness.
Kyo: My head hurts… Where are we?
Ranma: Everyone, listen up. I don't know what we'll face when we get there. I have a
few ideas, but I can tell you that you do NOT want to know. So please, bare with me. I
need your help with this. So please, I need to know if you will give this your all. Because
any mistake could mean your doom.
Iori (Mutters): And people say I'm morbid…
Kima (Elbows Iori in his chest): Insensitive jerk.
Iori: Ouch.
Ranma: Please, stop fighting, all of you. We will need to work as a team. And if you're
not capable, we'll be doomed. So please, I know this will be asking a lot, but put aside
your differences, for at least until this is over, okay?
Most of the fighters are then quiet for a bit, but they eventually agree to it; seeing as how
this is very important to Ranma.
(------)
Shinnosuke is now leading the group to the cave where the waters that flow into the
"Spring of Life" come from. They are now in a large forested are, with grasses that reach
up to their necks. A large flying squirrel flies overhead, scaring the crap out of the fighters
that are not familiar with the place.
Terry: WHAT THE HELL?
Kima: It… It looked like a flying squirrel…
Chizuru: But… Flying squirrels aren't THAT big!
Billy (In a Bullwinkle-like voice): Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat.
Iori smacks Billy in the back of the head.
Iori: Bad joke Billy. BAD JOKE!
Billy (Mutters as he rubs the back of his head): Like yours are any better…
Iori ignores Billy and the group continues traveling through Ryugenzawa.
(------)
The group stops by a waterfall to rest. Terry takes off his cap and shakes some of the sweat
from it. Billy takes off his bandana and wrings it, getting the sweat out of it. Kima takes
off the heavier part of her armor, trying to cool down. Chizuru actually takes off the top
part of her robe and reveals she wears a black t-shirt underneath. Iori takes off his shoes
and rubs his feet and looks at Ranma and Shinnosuke.
Iori: Just how much farther? This place feels like a God damned jungle. And my feet are
killing me from all this god damned walking.
Ranma: Wow… The great Iori bitching… This is an historic event.
Iori grumbles under his breath. He then sees Kyo swimming in the large pool by the
waterfall.
Kyo: THIS IS GREAT! COME ON GUYS! YOU SHOULD TRY IT!
Shinnosuke: YOU FOOL! GET OUT OF THERE NOW!!!
Kyo: Why? It's refreshing, and…
Suddenly, a HUGE platypus appears behind Kyo. Kyo tries to swim away, but the
platypus just swipes it's tail at Kyo, sending the boy flying back onto the 'beach' that
surrounds the pool pf water the water fall flows into.
Kyo (Face-down on the ground): ……… Ow…
Iori (Stares at Kyo for a bit, then goes into his 'trademarked' laughter): Hm hm hm hm,
heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
Kyo: Can this day get any worse?
Suddenly, the shadow of a HUGE bird appears from over head. Soon, a sound similar to
that of a bomb being dropped can be heard. Ranma, Shinnosuke, Iori, Kima, Terry, Billy,
and Chizuru run for cover. Kyo slowly gets up to see a large projectile shape coming down
towards him…
!!!
(------)
The fighters have continued on their way, FAR FROM Kyo, who now reeks of bird crap.
Kyo mutters about how this has been his worst day ever. Iori just keeps chuckling to
himself, wanting to remember this day for the rest of his life.
Soon however, they make it too the outside of a large hill, which looks like stuff had burst
through the top of it a long time ago. The cave opening looks like the jaws of a huge beast,
ready to snap shut at any minute.
The Heroes walk bravely inside, prepared for anything that could go wrong. However,
they see Ranma is shocked.
Ranma: IT'S GONE!
Iori: What is?
Ranma: The Orochi… You all see that large spring? (They nod their heads). Well,
THAT is where the Orochi body sleeps… And… It's not there…
Chizuru: So what do you think?
Ranma: I think they took it… And before you ask, no… I don't know where they would
have taken it…
Kima (Looks around): This place is filled with a miasma of Orochi power… But, it
seems… I'm not sure how to put it…
Iori: "Stale".
They all look at Iori.
Iori: This miasma chocking the place has been here awhile… It could mean that it is a
spell of some sort… One made awhile ago, and still in affect… Meaning…
Ranma: Meaning whoever set it up, wanted it to be found?
Iori (Nods his head): Correct. I get the feeling that if we find where this power is
originating from…
Ranma (Interrupts): We find the Hakkeshu, and Orochi…
Chizuru pulls out a few wards from her pocket. She traces a kanji on the ground with her
finger, and places the wards on top of it. She makes an intelligible chant, and the ward
picks up into the air, amidst a golden light. The ward then flies further into the cave.
Chizuru: Follow it!
The group now starts running after the ward. They barely keep up with it, with all the
twists, turns, and sudden changes in path the ward seems to do. Finally it stops and floats
to the ground. The fighters see they are in a huge cavern with the cave. On the floor
within this cavern is the symbol of Orochi apparently drawn in blood. With in the center of
the symbol, there are the Sacred Treasures of the Shingi Trioca within a pillar of light that
reaches from the floor to the top of the ceiling.
Ranma: They set this up… But why?
Kima looks around it for as bit, apparently studying it. She puts her hand on the ground
near the symbol and closes her eyes, apparently studying the chi flow of it. She then looks
at Ranma.
Kima: This is some sort of temporal displacement.
The rest of the group: A what?
Kima (Shakes her head): Sigh… Let me put it this way. You ever heard of the 'astral
plane'? That is, a plane of existence coinciding with our own?
The group, with the exception of Chizuru shakes their heads.
Kima: Well, let me put it this way. This little mark her, is like a portal, or a gate, to
another plane of existence. Something like a 'pocket dimension'.
Terry: A "pocket dimension"? Here?
Kima: I think so… And where this will lead to exactly, I have no idea.
Ranma: Indeed. But wherever it goes, it's safe to say that the other Hakkeshu are there.
Chizuru: What now?
Ranma: Simple. I'm going. Leona's there, and I WILL rescue her.
Chizuru: WHY? YOU KNOW IT'S A TRAP!
Ranma (Stares at Chizuru): Because… I love her. That is more than enough reason.
Ranma walks up to the pillar of light radiating from the three Sacred Treasures of the
Shingi Trioca. He instinctively places his hand on it; for some reason, the light doesn't
burn him.
Ranma: I am Ranma Saotome… The Tenth Hakkeshu… I have brought my five warriors
with me. Allow me entry.
Suddenly the pillar begins to shimmer, a neutral voice sounds from it.
Voice: Enter, Ranma Saotome: The Tenth Hakkeshu, Terry Bogard: The Eternal Legend,
Iori Yagami: The Hero of Darkness, Kyo Kusanagi: The Hero of Light, Chizuru Kagura:
The Holy Priest, Kima: The Weapons Master, and Billy Kane: The Fallen Champion.
Billy (Eyes widen): FALLEN CHAMPION!? WAIT A MINUTE I NEVER AGREED
TO HELP!!!
Suddenly, the light grows brighter, enveloping the cavern in a light with such an intensity
they have to close their eyes.
When the light dies down. Only Shinnosuke remains in the cavern with the symbol of
Orochi and the three treasures.
Shinnosuke: They're gone… (Stares at the pillar of light emanating from the treasures). I
wish you people all good luck… I get the feeling you'll need it…
(------)
End Chapter 36
Next Time: Ranma and his warriors make it to plane of existence known only as "Orochi
Space". Welcome to the world where the Hakkeshu have control… And we get to see
Vice and Mature again!
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.
(------)
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½. 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.
(------)
Note: This takes place well after the Ranma ½ manga and during the King of Fighters '98.
(------)
Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 36: Ryugenzawa… Watch Your Step…
A train speeding along its tracks in the middle of the night. A train that isn't frequently
used by people. For this train goes to only on destination and back. Ryugenzawa. And
people have heard the stories about how that place is filled with monsters. The only ones
on the train are the Conductor and his seven passengers. Six of them happen to be Ranma
and his 'Five Warriors'.
(------)
Ranma looks out the window of the train. The only thing on his mind on the moment is
getting Leona back. He loves her, and he doesn't know what his life would be like without
her. A solitary tear rolls down his cheek when he thinks about what happened to Leona the
last time they were together. That bastard Goenitz hurt her. A vision of Leona's face
appears in from of him. He reaches out to it, to caress her cheek, but it disappears. Ranma
makes a silent vow that he WILL get Leona back and that he will kick Goenitz's ass for
what he's done to all of them.
Chizuru steals glances at Ranma. This boy has impressed her a lot since the Finals in the
King of Fighters '98 Tournament. He has acted very mature and calm. The only thing
destroying Ranma's seemingly peaceful image was the sadness and rage he felt as his loved
ones were hurt and he couldn't help. She realizes that maybe Ranma isn't that bad a guy…
Maybe…
Kyo fidgets in his seat. He got seated next to Iori since Chizuru INSISTED on sitting in
their assigned seats, even though they basically have the whole train to themselves. Kyo
remembers how Iori easily kicked his ass in the finals; so he does not feel at ease being
next to the man that would rip his head off as soon as look at him.
Iori looks at the squeamish Kyo and considers tearing the fool's head off. But then he
remembers that they 'need' him at the moment so he concentrates on suppressing his urges
to tear Kyo limb from limb.
Kima looks at Ranma, and wonders how he can handle all this. He has shown remarkable
self-control… Well… That was until he saw the Nerima Crew again… But they deserved
what they got, ignoring his feelings and mocking his pain the way they did.
Terry looks out the window and thinks of Mary. He hopes he'll come back to her after this.
Then he looks at Iori and wonders when Iori is going to tear Kyo's head off.
(------)
The seventh passenger sits in the car behind the one with Ranma and his 'merry' crew of
fighters. This seventh passenger happens to be no other then that master of the pole
himself, BILLY KANE… Who seems to be coming down with a cold since the passenger
car he's in is not heated during the cold night.
Billy: ACHOO!!!! SNIFF! Damn Geese… WHY THE HELL DO I HAVE TO
FOLLOW THEM!?!?
Billy's cell phone rings. Billy answers it.
Billy: Hello?
Geese: I heard that.
Billy: EEP! HOW THE HELL DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAID!?
Geese: … That is a secret. Anyway, keep track of Ranma. I am curious as to how he'll
be able to face the other Hakkeshu now that his power isn't being sealed.
Billy: … You want me to follow them into battle?
Geese: Yes.
Billy: … BUT I MIGHT GET KILLED!!!
Geese: That's a risk I'm willing to take. Well Billy, don't call back until this is over. Bye.
Billy stares wide-eyed at his cell phone.
Billy: …………………………… Crap.
(------)
The train makes it to its destination. Kyo is the first one to disembark from the train,
screaming something about sweet freedom from the accursed Yagami. The others get off
shortly afterwards, followed by Billy wearing a black trench coat with the collar up,
Groucho Marx glasses, and a rainbow wig. A group of people come out of a small building
next the small train station to greet them.
People: Hello, and welcome to Ryugenzawa. We are the Tourist Bureau of Ryugenzawa.
We wish you good luck when you spend your time here. Please spend at the gift-shop as
well.
Iori (Sweat-drops): Gift-shop?
Tourist Bureau: THAT'S RIGHT! We would like for you to spend time at the gift-shop.
Ranma: Sorry, but we're not here to…
Chizuru and Kima run past Ranma and look at the souvenir-stand.
Chizuru & Kima: These googly-eyed rocks are sooooooooooo adorable. And look at these
googly-eyed pieces of wood!
All the guys sweat-drop so more.
(------)
After wasting two straight hours at the 'gift-shop', our heroes make their way into the
forest, with Kyo and Iori acting as the pack-mules, by carrying large bags of souvenirs the
girls bought.
Kyo: This sucks…
Iori: For once, I agree with you…
This causes Chizuru and Kima to smack Kyo and Iori in the back of their heads.
Kyo & Iori: OW!
The group notices the chuckling of the man in the cheap coat, crappy Groucho Marx
glasses, and clown wig behind them. Ranma smirks.
Ranma: Hi Billy!
Billy face-faults as the other fighters go wide-eyed. Billy then takes gets up and takes off
the glasses and wig.
Billy: HOW'D YOU KNOW IT WAS ME!?
Ranma: You didn't do anything to hide your aura… And your disguise was pretty crappy
too…
Billy face-faults again.
Ranma (Picks Billy up by the collar of his coat): Look you; I do not need you coming
along. If I bring more people then necessary, then Leona may get hurt because I didn't
follow instructions that that bastard Goenitz left me before he ran off. DO YOU
UNDERSTAND!?
Billy (Teary-eyed): But… But… THE BOSS WILL KILL ME FOR NOT FOLLOWING
HIS ORDERS!
Ranma lets out a heavy sigh. Iori and Kyo run up to Billy and drop all the packages on
him.
Billy (Under the weight): … Ow…
Ranma (Looks at Iori and Kyo): WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING!?
Iori: Simple really. If Billy WANTS to come along, he can carry all the stuff, and leave
the fighting to the 'men'.
Billy: Oh… You mean Chizuru and Kima are men too?
This earns Billy a well-deserved beat-down by the hands of Chizuru and Kima. This goes
on for a bit, until an irritable Ranma gets their attention.
Ranma: WILL YOU STOP BEATING BILLY, AND GET A MOVE ON? WE HAVE
TO SAVE LEONA!
Chizuru & Kima (Blush): Sorry.
Billy (As he lies on the ground under sacks of souvenirs): I can't feel my spleen…
Iori (Stares at Billy): Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
(------)
The group heads deeper into the forest, at one point while walking the ground underneath
Kyo gives way and he falls into a pit. He staggers in it for a bit until 20 or so good-sized
rocks fall from a nearby tree, and pummel Kyo. The fighters stare at the bruised form of
Kyo.
Kyo: It hurts… It hurts…
Ranma: Oh yeah. I forgot to tell you. Watch out for monster traps… They're all around
this place.
Iori: Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
Chizuru (Looks at Kyo): I think we'll need someone to carry Kyo.
Chizuru, Ranma, Kima, and Terry look at Billy who is trying to carry all the souvenirs, and
then at Iori.
Iori: HA HA HA HA… (Eyes widen). HUH? Why are you looking at me like that?
(------)
Ten minutes later, Iori grumbles about how it's unfair that he has to carry Kyo aka the
'dead-weight' across his back, and imagines throwing Kyo's unconscious form over the
nearest cliff. This causes Iori to start laughing again, but Kima holds her sword to his
throat.
Kima: Not another God damned laugh from you, okay?
Iori (Stares at the sword in Kima's hand): … Okay…
Billy: Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
All the people stare at Billy. Kima then charges at Billy, who can now seem to do the mile-
run, even with 100+ lbs of souvenirs tied to his back. The others then just stare as the
receding forms of Kima chasing Billy into the horizon. Then Ranma sharply turns his head
to smirking Iori.
Ranma: I know what you're thinking, so DON'T YOU DARE LAUGH!
Iori (Stares at Ranma): … Wuss.
Suddenly the fighters her Kima shriek in the distance. They start running the direction they
saw her chase Billy. When they get to a clearing they see Billy had fallen into one of the
monster traps and they see Kima checking over a young man who had apparently fallen
into one-too-many monster traps. The boy is wearing a blue hakama shirt and brown
hakama pants. He has a white bandana tied around his forehead, and he has short, dark-
brown hair. Ranma recognizes the guy instantly when he sees the guy is still grasping a
push broom.
Ranma: Shinnosuke…
Terry: What was that?
Ranma: Shinnosuke. The guy's name is Shinnosuke… He takes care of the Ryugenzawa
forest along with his Grandfather… Sigh… We better bring him back… He doesn't look
like he's up to living much longer…
So Ranma takes the unconscious Shinnosuke, and Ranma walks in the direction he thinks
Shinnosuke's home is.
(------)
Halfway there, Shinnosuke's eyes open, and he gets himself off of Ranma.
Shinnosuke: Who are you?
Ranma: It's me, Ranma. Don't you remember? … (Eyes widen). Oh yeah… You
don't… You have the worst memory.
Shinnosuke: Listen all of you, go home! This place is filled with monster traps and…
Shinnosuke suddenly breaks through the ground, and is caught in a small pit. Then a group
of rocks falls from a nearby tree and land on top of Shinnosuke…
Ranma: … Idiot…
Iori: Just how many God damned traps are there around here?
Terry: Beats me…
(------)
Finally the group makes it to the small one-story house where Shinnosuke lives. Ranma
knocks on the door. He hears someone say, "Come in" from inside. Ranma walks in to see
Shinnosuke's grandfather lying on a futon. The old man moves his head to the side and
looks at Ranma carrying his unconscious grandson across his back.
Old man: Ah… So you came back…
Ranma: Yep… Thought I'd drop off Shinnosuke.
Old man: Ah yes… Shin-boy can be quite bothersome…
Suddenly, Shinnosuke wakes up again and makes it to his feet.
Old man: Ah, Shinnosuke, welcome back to the world of the living.
Shinnosuke (Stares at his grandfather): ………… Do I know you?
Shinnosuke's grandfather slowly lifts himself of off the futon, winds up his fist and…
Old man: MEGATON PUNCH!!!
!!!
With that, the old man's fist is embedded in Shinnosuke's face; the back-round's covered
in the rotating color pattern of red, yellow, and orange, with big white kanji in the back-
round that means "Megaton Punch" when translated. The old man then lowers himself
back onto the futon as the fighters stare at this.
Terry (Thinks): That move is probably as powerful as my Burn Knuckle…
Ranma: Uh, sir, can I ask you a favor?
Old man (Turns his head to Ranma): What is it boy?
Ranma: May I borrow the Unicorn Mongoose Horn?
The other fighters stare at Ranma for a bit.
Iori, Kima, Chizuru, Billy, Terry, and Kyo: … Unicorn Mongoose Horn?
Ranma: Yes. It is the 'natural enemy' of the Orochi. It's basically a mongoose with a
horn on its head. The sound made by blowing into the horn can put the Orochi to sleep.
(Turns back to the old man). Anyway, may I please borrow it? It's really important to us
at the moment.
Old man: Sure.
The old man gets off his futon, goes to his stacked drawer cabinet, and pulls out a plate
with white dust and a strap on it.
Old man (Hands Ranma the plate): Here you go.
Ranma (Wide-eyed): WHAT HAPPENED!?!?
Old man: Sigh… It was a bit over a week ago, Shinnosuke was outside cleaning…
----
Shinnosuke brushes the ground around the outside of the house.
Shinnosuke: This will take forever… I need to clean this up quickly.
Suddenly the winds pick up at a tremendous pace, blowing the excess dust and bit of
garbage away from the building.
Shinnosuke (Stares at the now clean area): … Well that was convenient…
Male voice: Excuse me…
Shinnosuke looks behind him to see a large group. One's a large man with strange colored
hair, being white and gray with blonde highlights on top, while black on the side, wearing a
blue military-style coat, a woman with blue hair in a green combat outfit slung over his
shoulder, and three items under his other arm. There's a large man with blonde hair and his
right eye is completely red in color; with two women dressed similarly but one has a
blonde hair and wears a white jacket while the other has reddish brown hair and wears a
dark red jacket; slung over his shoulders. There's a large man with white hair, a woman
with violet hair, and a boy with dark red hair, all dressed in a similar color scheme. The
final person is also a large man, dressed all in black, with hair that is blonde on top and
black on the sides. The large man with the items under his arm and blue haired woman on
his shoulder steps up to Shinnosuke.
Man: Excuse me, but do you happen to know where the horn made from a unicorn
mongoose happens to be?
Shinnosuke: Hmm… I think so… (Thinks for a bit). No, sorry. I forgot where it is.
Maybe you should ask my grandfather. (Turns to the house). Grandfather, we have
company.
Old man (Walking out of the house): Hold on, I'm here… (Turns to the large group).
Now, who are you and what can I do for you?
Man: You may call me "Kamikaze" for now. And, what I want is to see the Unicorn
Mongoose Horn.
Old man: That's it? You just want to see it? Well, that not bad at all. Here, let me show
you.
The old man walks back into the house to retrieve the "Unicorn Mongoose Horn". He
comes out and holds it in his hand, giving a brief history of the little horn.
Old man: You see, this whistle is made from the horn of a Unicorn Mongoose, a creature
that hasn't existed in over 800 years, because it was a rare creature and hunters sent it into
extinction. This horn has been in my family for over 30 generations, its sound makes a
beautiful note that can echo for a 100 mile radius and…
Kamikaze (Interrupts): Is this the same horn that has the affect of putting those of Orochi
blood into a forced hibernation?
Old man (Surprised): Uh… Why yes… How did you know that?
Kamikaze (Smiles): May I see that whistle a bit closer?
Old man: Sure, I don't see why not.
The old man hands "Kamikaze" the whistle. The man takes a look at it and smiles. He
then closes his hand and crushes the horn. The old man and his grandson Shinnosuke's
eyes bulge.
Old man & Shinnosuke: WHAT!?!? WHY DID YOU DO THAT!?!?
Kamikaze (Opens his hand and lets the dust particles and strap of the whistle fall to the
ground): Just getting rid of something before it becomes a problem down the line.
Shinnosuke: YOU BASTARD!
Shinnosuke rushes at "Kamikaze", but the large man with white hair steps in front of
Shinnosuke. Shinnosuke smashes his push broom onto the large white-hared man's
collarbone, breaking his broom in two. Shinnosuke then stared wide-eyed at his broken
broom.
Shinnosuke: What the? …
White-haired man: That tickled…
The white-haired man then does an uppercut, and sends Shinnosuke flying.
Kamikaze: Now… If you'd be so kind old man…
Old man (Scowls and sweats): What do you want you ruffians?
Kamikaze: Now, if you want us to spare your life, you will lead us to your "Spring of
Life". I have three 'friends' that are in need of it.
The old man is reluctant, but he agrees. He leads them to a pool in the back. Once there,
"Kamikaze" hands the blue-haired girl that was on his shoulders to the violet-haired
woman, and he hands the three items to the dark red-haired boy. The man takes a few
amethyst gems out of his pocket, crushes them in his hand, and lets the particles of the
gems fall into the water. Suddenly winds pick up, and start to stir the waters. "Kamikaze"
starts to speak in a language the old man doesn't understand. Soon, the pool is giving off a
miasma of violet colored energy. "Kamikaze" then turns to face the red-eyed man,
carrying the two unconscious, similarly dressed women.
Kamikaze: Toss them in.
The red-eyed man complies and tosses the two unconscious women in. The pool starts to
glow. Then the women break through the waters, both glowing a violet color, and
coughing up water.
Blonde: COUGH! HACK! WHAT THE HELL!?!?
Brunette: DAMN IT! WHO THE F*CK DID THAT!?!?
Kamikaze: Feel better?
Blonde & Brunette (Look at "Kamikaze"): GOENITZ! WHAT THE HELL!?
Goenitz: Well, if this makes you feel any better; you are now truly alive.
Blonde & Brunette: "Truly alive"?
Goenitz: Look at the sign next to the spring.
The Blonde and Brunette turn to see a sign that says, "Spring of Life". They turn to each
other, tears of joy in their eyes.
Blonde: Vice…
Vice: Yes Mature? …
Mature: You know what this means, don't you?
Vice: I sure do…
Mature & Vice: WE'RE FREE!!!
Vice and Mature start dancing around while in the spring, neither noticing the violet
colored aura around them that is now dying down. They get out of the spring and start
beating on the red-eyed man.
Vice & Mature: TAKE THIS! ! AND THIS! ! AND SOME OF
THIS YOU PIRATE HAKKESHU WANNABE!!! ! ! !
! !
After five minutes of this, the white-haired man and the large man in black manage to pull
Vice and Mature off the red-eyed man. Goenitz walks up to the red-eyed man.
Goenitz: How're you feeling Rugal?
Rugal (On ground, in pain): Ow…
Goenitz: Don't worry it will soon be over…
Goenitz then punts Rugal into the Spring of Life. Rugal doesn't seem to come up, even
after three minutes…
Goenitz: … Well… He's dead; let's go…
Goenitz turns away, when the violet glowing form of Rugal slowly stands up from the
waters of the spring.
Rugal: I LIVE AGAIN!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!! (Eyes Vice and
Mature hatefully). And NOW, I shall give you two Orochi WHORES all you've
deserved…
Rugal starts to stalk up to Vice and Mature. For once the girls actually seem afraid of
him… That is until the ground gives way underneath Rugal, he falls into a small pit, and
30 or so, good-sized rocks fall from a nearby tree and land on top of Rugal. They all stare
at Rugal's unconscious form.
Vice: … Now THAT was unexpected…
Mature: But still, oh so delightful to watch…
----
Ranma and his crew stare at the old man. Ranma lets out a slight sigh of depression.
Goenitz knew about the horn and got rid of it before they could use it. Ranma is also
afraid. He knows Leona is still with them. Ranma then asks another question.
Ranma: Sir, what happened to them after that?
Old man: Well, the man called "Goenitz" had that white-haired fellow carry that "Rugal"
person. They walked off in a northeastern direction. And in that direction is…
Ranma: The man spring that feeds the "Spring of Life", correct?
Old man: Yes.
Ranma sighs for a bit and places his hand over his face, thinking about the next course of
action… Until Billy interrupts his train of thought.
Billy: If you don't mind, can I put these souvenirs down? THEY'RE HEAVY!!!
Old man: Why yes, you can put them down by the side of the house. Shinnosuke, help this
person.
Shinnosuke goes to help Billy bring all the crap Chizuru and Kima bought outside. Ranma
then looks at Iori, Chizuru, Kima, Terry, and Kyo who is starting to regain consciousness.
Kyo: My head hurts… Where are we?
Ranma: Everyone, listen up. I don't know what we'll face when we get there. I have a
few ideas, but I can tell you that you do NOT want to know. So please, bare with me. I
need your help with this. So please, I need to know if you will give this your all. Because
any mistake could mean your doom.
Iori (Mutters): And people say I'm morbid…
Kima (Elbows Iori in his chest): Insensitive jerk.
Iori: Ouch.
Ranma: Please, stop fighting, all of you. We will need to work as a team. And if you're
not capable, we'll be doomed. So please, I know this will be asking a lot, but put aside
your differences, for at least until this is over, okay?
Most of the fighters are then quiet for a bit, but they eventually agree to it; seeing as how
this is very important to Ranma.
(------)
Shinnosuke is now leading the group to the cave where the waters that flow into the
"Spring of Life" come from. They are now in a large forested are, with grasses that reach
up to their necks. A large flying squirrel flies overhead, scaring the crap out of the fighters
that are not familiar with the place.
Terry: WHAT THE HELL?
Kima: It… It looked like a flying squirrel…
Chizuru: But… Flying squirrels aren't THAT big!
Billy (In a Bullwinkle-like voice): Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat.
Iori smacks Billy in the back of the head.
Iori: Bad joke Billy. BAD JOKE!
Billy (Mutters as he rubs the back of his head): Like yours are any better…
Iori ignores Billy and the group continues traveling through Ryugenzawa.
(------)
The group stops by a waterfall to rest. Terry takes off his cap and shakes some of the sweat
from it. Billy takes off his bandana and wrings it, getting the sweat out of it. Kima takes
off the heavier part of her armor, trying to cool down. Chizuru actually takes off the top
part of her robe and reveals she wears a black t-shirt underneath. Iori takes off his shoes
and rubs his feet and looks at Ranma and Shinnosuke.
Iori: Just how much farther? This place feels like a God damned jungle. And my feet are
killing me from all this god damned walking.
Ranma: Wow… The great Iori bitching… This is an historic event.
Iori grumbles under his breath. He then sees Kyo swimming in the large pool by the
waterfall.
Kyo: THIS IS GREAT! COME ON GUYS! YOU SHOULD TRY IT!
Shinnosuke: YOU FOOL! GET OUT OF THERE NOW!!!
Kyo: Why? It's refreshing, and…
Suddenly, a HUGE platypus appears behind Kyo. Kyo tries to swim away, but the
platypus just swipes it's tail at Kyo, sending the boy flying back onto the 'beach' that
surrounds the pool pf water the water fall flows into.
Kyo (Face-down on the ground): ……… Ow…
Iori (Stares at Kyo for a bit, then goes into his 'trademarked' laughter): Hm hm hm hm,
heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
Kyo: Can this day get any worse?
Suddenly, the shadow of a HUGE bird appears from over head. Soon, a sound similar to
that of a bomb being dropped can be heard. Ranma, Shinnosuke, Iori, Kima, Terry, Billy,
and Chizuru run for cover. Kyo slowly gets up to see a large projectile shape coming down
towards him…
!!!
(------)
The fighters have continued on their way, FAR FROM Kyo, who now reeks of bird crap.
Kyo mutters about how this has been his worst day ever. Iori just keeps chuckling to
himself, wanting to remember this day for the rest of his life.
Soon however, they make it too the outside of a large hill, which looks like stuff had burst
through the top of it a long time ago. The cave opening looks like the jaws of a huge beast,
ready to snap shut at any minute.
The Heroes walk bravely inside, prepared for anything that could go wrong. However,
they see Ranma is shocked.
Ranma: IT'S GONE!
Iori: What is?
Ranma: The Orochi… You all see that large spring? (They nod their heads). Well,
THAT is where the Orochi body sleeps… And… It's not there…
Chizuru: So what do you think?
Ranma: I think they took it… And before you ask, no… I don't know where they would
have taken it…
Kima (Looks around): This place is filled with a miasma of Orochi power… But, it
seems… I'm not sure how to put it…
Iori: "Stale".
They all look at Iori.
Iori: This miasma chocking the place has been here awhile… It could mean that it is a
spell of some sort… One made awhile ago, and still in affect… Meaning…
Ranma: Meaning whoever set it up, wanted it to be found?
Iori (Nods his head): Correct. I get the feeling that if we find where this power is
originating from…
Ranma (Interrupts): We find the Hakkeshu, and Orochi…
Chizuru pulls out a few wards from her pocket. She traces a kanji on the ground with her
finger, and places the wards on top of it. She makes an intelligible chant, and the ward
picks up into the air, amidst a golden light. The ward then flies further into the cave.
Chizuru: Follow it!
The group now starts running after the ward. They barely keep up with it, with all the
twists, turns, and sudden changes in path the ward seems to do. Finally it stops and floats
to the ground. The fighters see they are in a huge cavern with the cave. On the floor
within this cavern is the symbol of Orochi apparently drawn in blood. With in the center of
the symbol, there are the Sacred Treasures of the Shingi Trioca within a pillar of light that
reaches from the floor to the top of the ceiling.
Ranma: They set this up… But why?
Kima looks around it for as bit, apparently studying it. She puts her hand on the ground
near the symbol and closes her eyes, apparently studying the chi flow of it. She then looks
at Ranma.
Kima: This is some sort of temporal displacement.
The rest of the group: A what?
Kima (Shakes her head): Sigh… Let me put it this way. You ever heard of the 'astral
plane'? That is, a plane of existence coinciding with our own?
The group, with the exception of Chizuru shakes their heads.
Kima: Well, let me put it this way. This little mark her, is like a portal, or a gate, to
another plane of existence. Something like a 'pocket dimension'.
Terry: A "pocket dimension"? Here?
Kima: I think so… And where this will lead to exactly, I have no idea.
Ranma: Indeed. But wherever it goes, it's safe to say that the other Hakkeshu are there.
Chizuru: What now?
Ranma: Simple. I'm going. Leona's there, and I WILL rescue her.
Chizuru: WHY? YOU KNOW IT'S A TRAP!
Ranma (Stares at Chizuru): Because… I love her. That is more than enough reason.
Ranma walks up to the pillar of light radiating from the three Sacred Treasures of the
Shingi Trioca. He instinctively places his hand on it; for some reason, the light doesn't
burn him.
Ranma: I am Ranma Saotome… The Tenth Hakkeshu… I have brought my five warriors
with me. Allow me entry.
Suddenly the pillar begins to shimmer, a neutral voice sounds from it.
Voice: Enter, Ranma Saotome: The Tenth Hakkeshu, Terry Bogard: The Eternal Legend,
Iori Yagami: The Hero of Darkness, Kyo Kusanagi: The Hero of Light, Chizuru Kagura:
The Holy Priest, Kima: The Weapons Master, and Billy Kane: The Fallen Champion.
Billy (Eyes widen): FALLEN CHAMPION!? WAIT A MINUTE I NEVER AGREED
TO HELP!!!
Suddenly, the light grows brighter, enveloping the cavern in a light with such an intensity
they have to close their eyes.
When the light dies down. Only Shinnosuke remains in the cavern with the symbol of
Orochi and the three treasures.
Shinnosuke: They're gone… (Stares at the pillar of light emanating from the treasures). I
wish you people all good luck… I get the feeling you'll need it…
(------)
End Chapter 36
Next Time: Ranma and his warriors make it to plane of existence known only as "Orochi
Space". Welcome to the world where the Hakkeshu have control… And we get to see
Vice and Mature again!
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.