Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu or Ranma's Cousin Iori
(------)
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 37: Orochi Space: Lightning and Light
Palaces
Goenitz frowns. He feels the Tenth Hakkeshu has made it. And… He found the 'sixth
warrior' with him. Goenitz was so sure that if Ranma even found out about the sixth, he
would have chosen Krauser. Goenitz chuckles to himself, about how Ranma seems to have
luck even greater than Kusanagi. That's something, considering Ranma's 'track-record' of
luck he's had so far.
Fate is funny at times…
(------)
Our group of heroes: Ranma, Iori, Kyo, Chizuru, Terry, Kima, and Billy fall through a
huge vortex, without any site of exit in the horizon. This multicolored area of light seems
to have them in a free-fall like state. How does the group take to it?
Ranma (As he falls): WAAAAAAAAAHHH!!! THIS SUCKS!!!
Kyo (Glomps Chizuru as he falls): SAVE ME!!!
Chizuru (Bats Kyo off of her as she falls): DAMN IT KYO! !
Kima (Glomps Iori as she falls): IORI, SAVE ME!!!
Iori (Stares at Kima as he falls): ……… What?
Terry (As he falls): YAHOO!!! THIS IS GREAT!
Billy (As he falls): I'M GONNA HURL!!!
Suddenly a hole of light open up beneath their falling forms. They all seem to have the
same reaction.
All the fighters: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
Kyo (Glomps Iori): SAVE ME!!!
Iori: ACK!!! GET OFF OF ME YOU HENTAI FREAK!!!
And the fighters fall into the light… To reappear through a hole in the sky of a strange
area… Thus they continue to fall.
Fighters: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!
Iori: DOESN'T THE FALLING STOP!?!?
As if to answer Iori, they finally land… In a lake filled with cold water.
!!!
Of course, certain Jusenkyo curses take affect…
Ranko & Iori (Gets out of the water): WHY THE HELL DOES IT ALWAYS HAVE TO
BE COLD WATER!?!?
Kyo (Glomps Ranko): RANKYO MY LOVE! YOU HAVE COME TO BE WITH YOUR
KYO-SAMA!!!
!!! !!!
Ranma and Iori retract their fists from Kyo's face, and he falls back into the spring. No
one seems to react to Iori now being a phoenix-man and Ranma being a girl, since they
know of their curses. (Except for Kyo who still hasn't realized the truth about his
"Rankyo").
The fighters then get out of the lake, with Billy dragging the unconscious Kyo out. Iori
and Ranko perform their Dark Thrust attack and heat the water with their Orochi fire. They
jump in and the hot water changes them back into their original forms. They calmly step
out of the water. Ranma then looks around.
Ranma: Anyone know where… Or WHAT this place is?
The fighters take a look at their surroundings. They seem to be in what looks like a park,
except the sky is made of flowing energy in different shades of purple, higher up, he sees
what is a pattern of floating landmasses that seemingly 'touch' the 'sky'. Ranma runs
towards what looks like the edge of the park, and sees that they are just on a floating piece
of land, and that the whole area of violet colored energy.
Kima: What do you think Ranma?
Ranma: I'm not sure…
Terry: Well, one things for certain… (They others turn to face him). We're not in Kansas
anymore.
The fighters face-fault at Terry's bad joke. Terry just scratches the back of his head in
embarrassment.
Ranma (Gets up): Terry… That was bad…
Terry: Yeah… Sorry… (Looks around, and sees a pedestal with nothin on it). Hey!
What's that?
Ranma and Terry then run up to inspect it. Ranma sees there's a plaque on it and reads it.
Ranma: "What was once shall never be. What is to happen is only foreseen"… What the
heck?
Chizuru walks up to the plaque, and studies the encryption on the plaque. Her eyes then
widen when she notices there seems to be six symbols on two of the left and right sides of
the plaque, with a huge symbol of the Orochi underneath the encryption.
Chizuru: Wait a minute. This is a puzzle… A sun… A moon… A phoenix… A wolf…
A crane… And a monkey… Hmm… (Smiles). I GOT IT! I think we have to touch the
symbol that corresponds with us. Kyo touch the sun, Iori touch the moon…
Iori (Interrupts): Yeah, yeah, I think we get the idea…
The six warriors touch their respective symbols, with Billy whining about how his is a
stupid monkey… Nothing happens.
Chizuru: I don't understand… Why didn't anything happen? (Eyes widen with
realization). Wait. Ranma. Touch the symbol of the Orochi.
Ranma then touches the symbol, the ground shakes, and a bridge formation forms from the
edge of the floating piece of land they are on, to another piece of floating landmass.
Ranma: Shall we get going?
The other fighters nod their heads in agreement, and they start to fun across the bridge.
(------)
Once at the new land formation, they look around. It is a somewhat dry area, like desert,
except it isn't hot. There seems to be dark clouds in the 'sky' above the landmass. Kima
sees a sign about the size of an adult man made of silver with raised kanji of "inazuma" or
"lightning" on it. The fighters can see what looks like a Catholic church on the horizon.
Iori: So, we check out that church, right?
Ranma: It's a start…
Kyo: I'll lead the way! There's nothing I can do!
Kyo takes a few steps inward towards the area and…
!
The fighters just stand there and stare in awe at the charred Kyo as he falls to the ground;
his skin covered in ash, and his hair an afro.
Kyo (On ground, charred): COUGH! HACK! Damn lightning…
!
Kyo (Looks like a piece of KFC extra-crispy): ……… Ow…
Chizuru: That's odd… Lightning isn't supposed to strike the same place twice.
!
Chizuru (Sweat drops): Or three times for that matter…
!
Chizuru (Sweat drops even more): ………… And definitely not four…
Ranma, Terry, Kima, and Billy sweat drop, Kyo writhes on the ground in pain, and Iori…
Iori: Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
(------)
After making a hundred-meter dash to the church to avoid being hit by lightning. Ranma
literally kicks the door to the church open and the fighters run inside. They all breathe
heavily to catch their breath.
Terry: That… That was tiresome…
Ranma: Yeah… But at least no one else got hit by lightning.
!
The fighters turn to look at the door. A now charred Kyo, his hair an afro and smoke rises
from clothes walks inside.
Kyo (Scowls): COUGH! Speak for yourself. HACK!
Terry: … As Kasumi would put it, "Oh my!"
Iori: Woah… Check this place out…
The fighters take Iori's advice and look around. The place indeed looks like a 16th century
European cathedral on the inside. The ceiling is high up, there are pews in a row, with
what looks like a half-mile walking distance from the back to the altar. Lightning strikes
outside close to the church, and the stained glass windows are illuminated. Ranma notices
the pictures are not from the biblical stories of the New Testament… But they are of
another deity…
Ranma (In a low voice): Orochi…
Chizuru: (Studies the stained glass windows): Yes… These are pictures of the Orochi on
these windows…
The fighters walk and study the windows. One shows a picture of a white colored Orochi
with its eight heads cradling the earth. Another shows the Orochi looking 'sad' as is shows
multiple images of humans cutting down trees, shooting at animals, mining mountains, and
throwing wastes into the oceans. They look at one that is mostly blank, and the Orochi
with it back turned, facing the blank part of the window. And the next is of the Orochi
destroying a human village, except the Orochi is altered. Gone is the friendly appearance,
and now it looks bigger, and more dangerous, with more defined jade scales, and sharper
teeth. Next shows The Orochi surrounded by eight women tied to altars. The one after that
shows two men and one woman; the two men have flames in their hands.
Ranma: I'm beginning to notice a pattern here…
Kima: Indeed. I think this is telling the tale of the Orochi.
Iori: So? This isn't what we came here for. We need to find Leona or someone, or some
sort of puzzle so we can continue.
Suddenly organ music starts playing a funeral dirge.
Billy (Sarcastic): That's comforting…
Ranma: It sounds like it's coming from behind the altar.
The crew walks up calmly to the altar, prepared for whatever may happen. What they
didn't expect to find when they got there was a huge organ, with the tubes reaching to the
top of the ceiling of the church. And the person playing it is…
Ranma, Iori, Kima, Terry, Chizuru, Kyo, and Billy: VICE!!!
Vice (Turns around): What? Were you expecting maybe Marilyn Monroe?
Chizuru: OROCHI WHORE!!!
Vice: HEY! This is my palace! If you aren't going to act nice, GET OUT!
Ranma: Uh… "Palace"?
Vice: Yeah, this area is attuned to the Hakkeshu of Lightning, namely me, and so I have
control over this place?
Ranma: Okay… So now what? Am I supposed to fight you or something?
Vice: You're supposed to… But I don't wanna fight.
Terry: Oh? And why not?
Vice (Smiles): Because… (Eyes turn into little hearts). I LOVE IORI-SAMA!!!
Iori: Huh?
Vice (Glomps Iori): IORI-SAMA!!! AT LAST WE CAN BE TOGETHER!!!
Kima: HEY! LEAVE MY STUDENT ALONE!
Vice (Glomps tightly on Iori): NO! IORI-SAMA AND I ARE MEANT TO BE
TOGETHER!!!
Kima (Grabs Iori's arm): Come one Iori, we're leaving!
Vice (Grabs tightly onto Iori's other arm): NO! Iori-sama wants to be here with me!
Kima: NO WAY SNAKE SLUT!
Vice: YES WAY BIRD BITCH!
Iori: Don't I get a say in this?
Vice & Kima (Demon head trick): NO!!!
Iori (Low voice): … Okay... Just checking…
Thus Vice and Kima play tug of war with Iori as the 'rope'.
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kyo: IT IS NOT FAIR! ALL WOMEN SHOULD BE FAWNING OVER ME!!!
Vice and Kima each use a fist to punch Kyo in the face, then they go back to fighting over
Iori.
Chizuru: Now that he had coming…
Billy: Yes indeedy…
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Iori: WILL YOU TWO STOP!? MY ARMS ARE KILLING ME HERE!!!
Vice and Kima let go. Iori then flexes his arms, trying to get the feeling back into them.
Iori: That's it; I'm leaving.
Vice (Glomps onto Iori's leg): NO!
Iori (Shakes his leg): ARGH! GET OFFA ME! YOU'RE WORSE THAN THOSE OLD
PERVERTS!!!
Vice (Teary eyed): But… But… SNIFF…
Iori: Oh no, please don't…
Vice: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! IORI-SAMA HATES HIS VICE-
CHAN! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!
Ranma: Damn… She's almost as good as Soun at this… Almost…
Iori (Frustrated): ARGH! I DON'T HATE YOU!!!
Vice: SNIFF! Really?
Iori: Yes, I don't hate…
Vice (Glomps Iori): THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU,
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK
YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU IORI-SAMA, I AM FOREVER IN
YOUR DEBT!!!
Iori: … Whatever…
Kima (Eyes Vice): Grr…
Iori (Smirks): What's wrong Kima? Jealous?
!
Kima (Retracts fist from Iori's face): Not at all… "Iori-sama".
Iori (With a black-eye and Vice glomping him): Note to self… Don't piss Kima off…
(------)
And thus, Vice has joined the group, all the while, clasped onto Iori's left arm, and Kima,
in retaliation, clasped onto Iori's right arm. At least Vice was kind enough to take the time
to explain where they are, and why she was helping the other Hakkeshu in the first place.
Ranma: Okay, this is confusing… Can you tell me one more time?
Vice: Sigh… Okay… But just one more time. This is "Orochi Space", a 'pocket
dimension' where the Orochi was imprisoned by The Shingi Trioca over 1800 years ago.
Here the Orochi's influence has control, so in turn each land is connected to one of the
Hakkeshu. That means that each landmass here has a 'palace' in it, that corresponds to the
Hakkeshu whose element has the greatest influence over the landmass. To connect each
land, one has to defeat or appease the Hakkeshu of that land and then go through a 'trial'.
Each trial is different. Some using the mind, some using physical strength, some using the
spirit, and others being a combination of two or a combination of all three.
Ranma: Okay, that explains a lot… So… Is that why the lightning has stopped striking
us?
Vice: Yes. I have complete control in my 'realm', so you don't have to worry.
Kyo: I don't believe you.
Vice smiles, points at Kyo, the sky goes dark again, and…
!!!
Kyo (Charred): … Okay… COUGH! I believe you…
Vice (Smiles even wider): Good…
(------)
After walking a bit more through the desert-like area, the group makes it to an area that has
five rings, and eight stone statue Orochi heads with their jaws open.
Ranma: What do we have to do?
Vice: That's easy. Put the ring in the mouths of five Orochi head statues. You get it in the
right five, and the next bridge forms.
Iori: So it's basically, finding the right pattern?
Vice: Yep.
Chizuru: Do you know it?
Vice: Of course I do! I set up this trial. A trial of memorization!
Terry: Okay… Can you please do this then?
Vice: Sure. Whatever…
Vice stick a ring in the first, second, fifth, sixth, and eighth statue heads' mouths. The
statues' mouths clamp shut on the rings, and they sink into the ground. The third, fourth,
and seventh statue heads, then grow in length, seemingly coming alive. They shoot out
towards the next landmass and they bite down onto it. Their necks make the stairs to the
next piece of floating land.
Vice: Now was that cool, or what?
Kyo (Mutters): More like, "or what"…
!!!
A further charred Kyo lies on the ground twitching.
Vice: Remember, you're still in my realm boy.
Kyo (Charred): COUGH! Yes ma'am…
Vice (Smiles): Ah… This is power…
Iori: Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
Kima (Thinks): Note to self, Iori likes it when a person beats on Kyo…
(------)
And thus, Ranma and crew make their way up the statues to the next landmass. They see
the place is like a field made of glass, something that looks like a castle in the distance, and
a sign that is made from assorted jewels, with English writing on it.
Ranma (Reads the sign): Light…
Vice: Oh good. This is Mature's area.
Terry (Looks around): Well… Nothing looks like it can go wrong here…
Diamonds 12 ft in length spring up from the ground and surround Chizuru.
Chizuru: … This is bad…
Vice: Oh. I forgot. Mature hates the Yata like Iori-sama and I hate the Kusanagi.
Chizuru: … This is DEFINITELY BAD!
Vice (Smirks): For you anyway…
Ranma (Breaks down the jewel 'spears'): Damn, these things are solid.
All the fighters stare at Ranma.
Ranma: … What?
Vice (Inspects one of the pieces Ranma broke): … Diamonds… He broke through
diamond with his bare hand. DAMN HE'S STRONG!
Ranma: So? It wasn't that hard to break.
All the other fighters face-fault.
Ranma: … Was it something I said?
Chizuru (Gets up): Ranma… Do you realize diamond is one of the densest materials in the
world?
Ranma: Really? COOL! I must be getting really strong!
Chizuru face-faults again. If the others weren't already on the ground they would have
face-faulted again as well.
Ranma: Well… Let's get going!
Chizuru (On the ground): ARE YOU NUTS!? MATURE'S OUT TO KILL ME!!!
Ranma: No problem. I'll get you across!
Before Chizuru can respond, Ranma takes her in his arms and starts to bound towards the
building in the distance.
Chizuru (Blushes): HEY! PUT ME DOWN!!!
Iori (Stares at The receding form of Ranma carrying Chizuru): … Hm hm hm…
!
Vice & Kima (Hands on Iori's mouth): Iori, we like you, but please… DON'T LAUGH
ANYMORE!!!
Iori just nods his head.
Kyo (Mutters): What a wimp. Giving into women like that.
Another lightning bolt from Vice's plane shoots upwards towards Kyo…
!
Kyo (Charred): Someone… Make the hurting stop…
Iori is about to laugh again, but Kima and Vice give Iori a glare that makes him think
twice.
Billy (To no one in particular): This has been a real interesting assignment indeed…
(------)
And so, the group makes their way across the area made of glass. They stop in front of
what looks like a Medieval-Europe castle made of assorted jewels. Naturally, Billy tries to
pry some assorted jewels from the castle.
Billy (Eyes are dollar signs): Diamonds, and emeralds, and rubies oh my! Diamonds, and
emeralds, and rubies oh my! Diamonds, and emeralds, and rubies oh my! …
Vice: You do realize that if Mature catches you doing that, she is gonna kill you, right?
Billy (Sweat drops): … Okay, this is enough for me.
Ranma (Looks at the Huge door made of what looks like sapphires): So… How do we
open this thing?
Vice: That's simple… You knock.
Ranma (Sweat drops): … You're joking, right?
Vice: Watch and learn…
Vice walks up to the main gate of the castle and knock on it with the knuckle of her right
hand. The doors slowly open. Vice then turns to face the group with a smug look on her
face.
Vice (Smirks): See?
Ranma: That's interesting.
Terry: Indeed. Shall we go in?
Vice: Sure! Follow me!
Vice jaunts into Mature's castle merrily. The other fighters look at each other then make
their way into Mature's castle.
(------)
Once inside the group sees the castle for what it is. It is truly a cross between a fully
furnished castle, and a jeweler's collection. The whole place made of perfect gemstones of
different shapes and sizes. They see Vice come out of a larger room.
Vice: Hey guys, Mature wants to talk to you.
The fighters look at each other.
Vice: Sigh… Don't be skeptic; she just wants to talk.
The fighters then just sigh and they head into Mature's 'throne room'. In there, they see
that it is a vast room, with the walls and floor made of diamond, with assorted amber
carvings of the sun in the walls, that emit light, that is reflected all over the room by the
four chandeliers made of assorted jewels. They see Mature in a darker corner of the room,
sitting on a glass throne, with little spots of light reflected onto her, giving her a surreal
look.
Mature: So… How're you guys doing?
Ranma (Walks up to Mature): Please Mature. We know this is your realm and ask you,
may we please pass.
Mature (Scratches her chin): Hmm… That is a reasonable request… BUT…
Ranma (Winces): But…
Mature: I'll let you pass on two conditions.
Ranma (Raises an eye-brow): Oh?
Mature: One is you spend the night here. I think you'll need to regain some strength. You
guys must also be hungry…
Ranma: And the other?
Mature (Gets out of her throne and poses): You let me go along with you. Staying in this
place alone is driving me NUTS! I need some action.
All the fighters sweat-drop.
Kyo: Geez… What a ham…
One of the chandeliers comes off of the ceiling and crashes down on Kyo.
!
Kyo (Cut up, tangled in chandelier frame): … Ow…
Billy then walks up to Kyo and starts picking up assorted jewels.
Billy (Eyes are dollar signs): This one will be for my retirement fund, this one will be for
my Ferrari, this will be for my mansion, this will be for my in-ground pool, and this one…
Mature (Screams): STOP STEALING MY JEWELS!!!
Billy: EEP! YES MA'AM!
(------)
The fighters make themselves a bit comfortable at Mature's 'palace'. They had dinner,
which was pretty uneventful, with the exception of Billy trying to steal some of the
silverware. After dinner and when Mature showed the fighters to their 'rooms' however, is
another story…
Ranma stands on the balcony of Mature's palace, looking up at the 'sky'. He sees the other
landmasses up at higher elevations. He sighs. He wants to know where his 'Lechan' is.
He has been fearing for her safety ever since he woke up in the hospital.
Ranma (Looks up at the sky): Lechan… Wherever you are, I hope you're safe.
Vice and Mature walk up to Ranma quietly.
Vice: Um… Master Orochi?
Mature: We've been meaning to ask you a few questions…
Ranma (Turns around): Sigh… Look… I am not the Orochi; I am Ranma Saotome, of the
School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. Why is that so hard for you people to understand
that?
Vice: I'm sorry Master Oro… Er… Master Ranma.
Ranma (Shakes his head): Listen; please don't call me master. I am not better or more
important than any of you. From what I understand, you are better than me, since you are
both full-blooded Hakkeshu, while I am only a half-blood.
Vice and Mature get on their knees and bow down low.
Vice: No! You are our master. We know you do not like it, but we feel it is our duty to
give you the respect you deserve.
Ranma: Deserve?
Mature: Yes. You are the Soul Fragment of the Orochi. To us, your word is law. The
only reason we followed Goenitz before is because he literally had control over whether we
lived or died. But now that we can live once again, and that you are now in the scene, we
feel it is our duty to follow you.
Vice (Smiles): And Iori-sama of course!
Mature frowns at Vice, but softens when she sees Ranma smile at Vice's antics. Mature
feels amazed that her 'lord' can seemingly be so carefree. Ranma then focuses on the two
of them.
Ranma: Do any of you know what happened to Lechan?
Vice and Mature frown. Ranma takes this as a bad omen.
Ranma (Eyes start to water): Is she okay?
Vice: We are sorry master, but Leona is… Well… Um…
Ranma: Please tell me. What did that bastard Goenitz do to her?
Mature: To be honest, we're not sure. But we can tell you that whatever he did, it's not
good… We are sorry to be the bearers of bad news for you.
Ranma: Sigh… It's okay… It's not your fault… But please, can you leave? I need some
time to be alone.
Vice and Mature get up from the ground, bow their heads respectfully, and leave Ranma
alone. Once they're gone, Ranma tightens his fist and smashes it down on the diamond
railing, smashing it to pieces and cutting his hand a bit.
Ranma: Damn you Goenitz… Damn you to hell! When I get Lechan back, I promise to
stop you once and for all, so that you can NEVER hurt her, or anyone close to me ever
again. EVER!
(------)
Goenitz smiles. His plane of existence is of course, the wind. And the wind is everywhere
in the "Orochi Space". So Goenitz literally has his ears everywhere. And he knows that
the Tenth Hakkeshu is in pain…
Goenitz: Soon… Soon his spirit will finally be broken, and then… Hm hm… Our God
Orochi can finally be awakened, and we shall have what is rightfully ours! And those two
TRAITORS Vice and Mature will get what's coming to them as well. After all, I needed
the Hakkeshu of the "Eight Serpent Formation" to open the gate to "Orochi Space". And
now that I have done that… They are… (Smiles wickedly). Expendable… And know
this Tenth Hakkeshu, the easy time you had getting through the "Orochi Space" IS OVER!
Now… Now you have those that will work to turn you instead of being turned…
Goenitz's laughter echoes throughout his realm. His sick schemes coming closer to
reality… In this dimension anyway…
(------)
End Chapter 37
Next Time: The warriors make their way to Mature's trial, and they go to the next 'realm'
in the "Orochi Space". The Earth… Will Yashiro have his revenge on Iori!?
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 37: Orochi Space: Lightning and Light
Palaces
Goenitz frowns. He feels the Tenth Hakkeshu has made it. And… He found the 'sixth
warrior' with him. Goenitz was so sure that if Ranma even found out about the sixth, he
would have chosen Krauser. Goenitz chuckles to himself, about how Ranma seems to have
luck even greater than Kusanagi. That's something, considering Ranma's 'track-record' of
luck he's had so far.
Fate is funny at times…
(------)
Our group of heroes: Ranma, Iori, Kyo, Chizuru, Terry, Kima, and Billy fall through a
huge vortex, without any site of exit in the horizon. This multicolored area of light seems
to have them in a free-fall like state. How does the group take to it?
Ranma (As he falls): WAAAAAAAAAHHH!!! THIS SUCKS!!!
Kyo (Glomps Chizuru as he falls): SAVE ME!!!
Chizuru (Bats Kyo off of her as she falls): DAMN IT KYO! !
Kima (Glomps Iori as she falls): IORI, SAVE ME!!!
Iori (Stares at Kima as he falls): ……… What?
Terry (As he falls): YAHOO!!! THIS IS GREAT!
Billy (As he falls): I'M GONNA HURL!!!
Suddenly a hole of light open up beneath their falling forms. They all seem to have the
same reaction.
All the fighters: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
Kyo (Glomps Iori): SAVE ME!!!
Iori: ACK!!! GET OFF OF ME YOU HENTAI FREAK!!!
And the fighters fall into the light… To reappear through a hole in the sky of a strange
area… Thus they continue to fall.
Fighters: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!
Iori: DOESN'T THE FALLING STOP!?!?
As if to answer Iori, they finally land… In a lake filled with cold water.
!!!
Of course, certain Jusenkyo curses take affect…
Ranko & Iori (Gets out of the water): WHY THE HELL DOES IT ALWAYS HAVE TO
BE COLD WATER!?!?
Kyo (Glomps Ranko): RANKYO MY LOVE! YOU HAVE COME TO BE WITH YOUR
KYO-SAMA!!!
!!! !!!
Ranma and Iori retract their fists from Kyo's face, and he falls back into the spring. No
one seems to react to Iori now being a phoenix-man and Ranma being a girl, since they
know of their curses. (Except for Kyo who still hasn't realized the truth about his
"Rankyo").
The fighters then get out of the lake, with Billy dragging the unconscious Kyo out. Iori
and Ranko perform their Dark Thrust attack and heat the water with their Orochi fire. They
jump in and the hot water changes them back into their original forms. They calmly step
out of the water. Ranma then looks around.
Ranma: Anyone know where… Or WHAT this place is?
The fighters take a look at their surroundings. They seem to be in what looks like a park,
except the sky is made of flowing energy in different shades of purple, higher up, he sees
what is a pattern of floating landmasses that seemingly 'touch' the 'sky'. Ranma runs
towards what looks like the edge of the park, and sees that they are just on a floating piece
of land, and that the whole area of violet colored energy.
Kima: What do you think Ranma?
Ranma: I'm not sure…
Terry: Well, one things for certain… (They others turn to face him). We're not in Kansas
anymore.
The fighters face-fault at Terry's bad joke. Terry just scratches the back of his head in
embarrassment.
Ranma (Gets up): Terry… That was bad…
Terry: Yeah… Sorry… (Looks around, and sees a pedestal with nothin on it). Hey!
What's that?
Ranma and Terry then run up to inspect it. Ranma sees there's a plaque on it and reads it.
Ranma: "What was once shall never be. What is to happen is only foreseen"… What the
heck?
Chizuru walks up to the plaque, and studies the encryption on the plaque. Her eyes then
widen when she notices there seems to be six symbols on two of the left and right sides of
the plaque, with a huge symbol of the Orochi underneath the encryption.
Chizuru: Wait a minute. This is a puzzle… A sun… A moon… A phoenix… A wolf…
A crane… And a monkey… Hmm… (Smiles). I GOT IT! I think we have to touch the
symbol that corresponds with us. Kyo touch the sun, Iori touch the moon…
Iori (Interrupts): Yeah, yeah, I think we get the idea…
The six warriors touch their respective symbols, with Billy whining about how his is a
stupid monkey… Nothing happens.
Chizuru: I don't understand… Why didn't anything happen? (Eyes widen with
realization). Wait. Ranma. Touch the symbol of the Orochi.
Ranma then touches the symbol, the ground shakes, and a bridge formation forms from the
edge of the floating piece of land they are on, to another piece of floating landmass.
Ranma: Shall we get going?
The other fighters nod their heads in agreement, and they start to fun across the bridge.
(------)
Once at the new land formation, they look around. It is a somewhat dry area, like desert,
except it isn't hot. There seems to be dark clouds in the 'sky' above the landmass. Kima
sees a sign about the size of an adult man made of silver with raised kanji of "inazuma" or
"lightning" on it. The fighters can see what looks like a Catholic church on the horizon.
Iori: So, we check out that church, right?
Ranma: It's a start…
Kyo: I'll lead the way! There's nothing I can do!
Kyo takes a few steps inward towards the area and…
!
The fighters just stand there and stare in awe at the charred Kyo as he falls to the ground;
his skin covered in ash, and his hair an afro.
Kyo (On ground, charred): COUGH! HACK! Damn lightning…
!
Kyo (Looks like a piece of KFC extra-crispy): ……… Ow…
Chizuru: That's odd… Lightning isn't supposed to strike the same place twice.
!
Chizuru (Sweat drops): Or three times for that matter…
!
Chizuru (Sweat drops even more): ………… And definitely not four…
Ranma, Terry, Kima, and Billy sweat drop, Kyo writhes on the ground in pain, and Iori…
Iori: Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
(------)
After making a hundred-meter dash to the church to avoid being hit by lightning. Ranma
literally kicks the door to the church open and the fighters run inside. They all breathe
heavily to catch their breath.
Terry: That… That was tiresome…
Ranma: Yeah… But at least no one else got hit by lightning.
!
The fighters turn to look at the door. A now charred Kyo, his hair an afro and smoke rises
from clothes walks inside.
Kyo (Scowls): COUGH! Speak for yourself. HACK!
Terry: … As Kasumi would put it, "Oh my!"
Iori: Woah… Check this place out…
The fighters take Iori's advice and look around. The place indeed looks like a 16th century
European cathedral on the inside. The ceiling is high up, there are pews in a row, with
what looks like a half-mile walking distance from the back to the altar. Lightning strikes
outside close to the church, and the stained glass windows are illuminated. Ranma notices
the pictures are not from the biblical stories of the New Testament… But they are of
another deity…
Ranma (In a low voice): Orochi…
Chizuru: (Studies the stained glass windows): Yes… These are pictures of the Orochi on
these windows…
The fighters walk and study the windows. One shows a picture of a white colored Orochi
with its eight heads cradling the earth. Another shows the Orochi looking 'sad' as is shows
multiple images of humans cutting down trees, shooting at animals, mining mountains, and
throwing wastes into the oceans. They look at one that is mostly blank, and the Orochi
with it back turned, facing the blank part of the window. And the next is of the Orochi
destroying a human village, except the Orochi is altered. Gone is the friendly appearance,
and now it looks bigger, and more dangerous, with more defined jade scales, and sharper
teeth. Next shows The Orochi surrounded by eight women tied to altars. The one after that
shows two men and one woman; the two men have flames in their hands.
Ranma: I'm beginning to notice a pattern here…
Kima: Indeed. I think this is telling the tale of the Orochi.
Iori: So? This isn't what we came here for. We need to find Leona or someone, or some
sort of puzzle so we can continue.
Suddenly organ music starts playing a funeral dirge.
Billy (Sarcastic): That's comforting…
Ranma: It sounds like it's coming from behind the altar.
The crew walks up calmly to the altar, prepared for whatever may happen. What they
didn't expect to find when they got there was a huge organ, with the tubes reaching to the
top of the ceiling of the church. And the person playing it is…
Ranma, Iori, Kima, Terry, Chizuru, Kyo, and Billy: VICE!!!
Vice (Turns around): What? Were you expecting maybe Marilyn Monroe?
Chizuru: OROCHI WHORE!!!
Vice: HEY! This is my palace! If you aren't going to act nice, GET OUT!
Ranma: Uh… "Palace"?
Vice: Yeah, this area is attuned to the Hakkeshu of Lightning, namely me, and so I have
control over this place?
Ranma: Okay… So now what? Am I supposed to fight you or something?
Vice: You're supposed to… But I don't wanna fight.
Terry: Oh? And why not?
Vice (Smiles): Because… (Eyes turn into little hearts). I LOVE IORI-SAMA!!!
Iori: Huh?
Vice (Glomps Iori): IORI-SAMA!!! AT LAST WE CAN BE TOGETHER!!!
Kima: HEY! LEAVE MY STUDENT ALONE!
Vice (Glomps tightly on Iori): NO! IORI-SAMA AND I ARE MEANT TO BE
TOGETHER!!!
Kima (Grabs Iori's arm): Come one Iori, we're leaving!
Vice (Grabs tightly onto Iori's other arm): NO! Iori-sama wants to be here with me!
Kima: NO WAY SNAKE SLUT!
Vice: YES WAY BIRD BITCH!
Iori: Don't I get a say in this?
Vice & Kima (Demon head trick): NO!!!
Iori (Low voice): … Okay... Just checking…
Thus Vice and Kima play tug of war with Iori as the 'rope'.
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kyo: IT IS NOT FAIR! ALL WOMEN SHOULD BE FAWNING OVER ME!!!
Vice and Kima each use a fist to punch Kyo in the face, then they go back to fighting over
Iori.
Chizuru: Now that he had coming…
Billy: Yes indeedy…
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Vice (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Kima (Tugs on Iori): MINE!
Iori: WILL YOU TWO STOP!? MY ARMS ARE KILLING ME HERE!!!
Vice and Kima let go. Iori then flexes his arms, trying to get the feeling back into them.
Iori: That's it; I'm leaving.
Vice (Glomps onto Iori's leg): NO!
Iori (Shakes his leg): ARGH! GET OFFA ME! YOU'RE WORSE THAN THOSE OLD
PERVERTS!!!
Vice (Teary eyed): But… But… SNIFF…
Iori: Oh no, please don't…
Vice: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! IORI-SAMA HATES HIS VICE-
CHAN! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!
Ranma: Damn… She's almost as good as Soun at this… Almost…
Iori (Frustrated): ARGH! I DON'T HATE YOU!!!
Vice: SNIFF! Really?
Iori: Yes, I don't hate…
Vice (Glomps Iori): THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU,
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK
YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU IORI-SAMA, I AM FOREVER IN
YOUR DEBT!!!
Iori: … Whatever…
Kima (Eyes Vice): Grr…
Iori (Smirks): What's wrong Kima? Jealous?
!
Kima (Retracts fist from Iori's face): Not at all… "Iori-sama".
Iori (With a black-eye and Vice glomping him): Note to self… Don't piss Kima off…
(------)
And thus, Vice has joined the group, all the while, clasped onto Iori's left arm, and Kima,
in retaliation, clasped onto Iori's right arm. At least Vice was kind enough to take the time
to explain where they are, and why she was helping the other Hakkeshu in the first place.
Ranma: Okay, this is confusing… Can you tell me one more time?
Vice: Sigh… Okay… But just one more time. This is "Orochi Space", a 'pocket
dimension' where the Orochi was imprisoned by The Shingi Trioca over 1800 years ago.
Here the Orochi's influence has control, so in turn each land is connected to one of the
Hakkeshu. That means that each landmass here has a 'palace' in it, that corresponds to the
Hakkeshu whose element has the greatest influence over the landmass. To connect each
land, one has to defeat or appease the Hakkeshu of that land and then go through a 'trial'.
Each trial is different. Some using the mind, some using physical strength, some using the
spirit, and others being a combination of two or a combination of all three.
Ranma: Okay, that explains a lot… So… Is that why the lightning has stopped striking
us?
Vice: Yes. I have complete control in my 'realm', so you don't have to worry.
Kyo: I don't believe you.
Vice smiles, points at Kyo, the sky goes dark again, and…
!!!
Kyo (Charred): … Okay… COUGH! I believe you…
Vice (Smiles even wider): Good…
(------)
After walking a bit more through the desert-like area, the group makes it to an area that has
five rings, and eight stone statue Orochi heads with their jaws open.
Ranma: What do we have to do?
Vice: That's easy. Put the ring in the mouths of five Orochi head statues. You get it in the
right five, and the next bridge forms.
Iori: So it's basically, finding the right pattern?
Vice: Yep.
Chizuru: Do you know it?
Vice: Of course I do! I set up this trial. A trial of memorization!
Terry: Okay… Can you please do this then?
Vice: Sure. Whatever…
Vice stick a ring in the first, second, fifth, sixth, and eighth statue heads' mouths. The
statues' mouths clamp shut on the rings, and they sink into the ground. The third, fourth,
and seventh statue heads, then grow in length, seemingly coming alive. They shoot out
towards the next landmass and they bite down onto it. Their necks make the stairs to the
next piece of floating land.
Vice: Now was that cool, or what?
Kyo (Mutters): More like, "or what"…
!!!
A further charred Kyo lies on the ground twitching.
Vice: Remember, you're still in my realm boy.
Kyo (Charred): COUGH! Yes ma'am…
Vice (Smiles): Ah… This is power…
Iori: Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
Kima (Thinks): Note to self, Iori likes it when a person beats on Kyo…
(------)
And thus, Ranma and crew make their way up the statues to the next landmass. They see
the place is like a field made of glass, something that looks like a castle in the distance, and
a sign that is made from assorted jewels, with English writing on it.
Ranma (Reads the sign): Light…
Vice: Oh good. This is Mature's area.
Terry (Looks around): Well… Nothing looks like it can go wrong here…
Diamonds 12 ft in length spring up from the ground and surround Chizuru.
Chizuru: … This is bad…
Vice: Oh. I forgot. Mature hates the Yata like Iori-sama and I hate the Kusanagi.
Chizuru: … This is DEFINITELY BAD!
Vice (Smirks): For you anyway…
Ranma (Breaks down the jewel 'spears'): Damn, these things are solid.
All the fighters stare at Ranma.
Ranma: … What?
Vice (Inspects one of the pieces Ranma broke): … Diamonds… He broke through
diamond with his bare hand. DAMN HE'S STRONG!
Ranma: So? It wasn't that hard to break.
All the other fighters face-fault.
Ranma: … Was it something I said?
Chizuru (Gets up): Ranma… Do you realize diamond is one of the densest materials in the
world?
Ranma: Really? COOL! I must be getting really strong!
Chizuru face-faults again. If the others weren't already on the ground they would have
face-faulted again as well.
Ranma: Well… Let's get going!
Chizuru (On the ground): ARE YOU NUTS!? MATURE'S OUT TO KILL ME!!!
Ranma: No problem. I'll get you across!
Before Chizuru can respond, Ranma takes her in his arms and starts to bound towards the
building in the distance.
Chizuru (Blushes): HEY! PUT ME DOWN!!!
Iori (Stares at The receding form of Ranma carrying Chizuru): … Hm hm hm…
!
Vice & Kima (Hands on Iori's mouth): Iori, we like you, but please… DON'T LAUGH
ANYMORE!!!
Iori just nods his head.
Kyo (Mutters): What a wimp. Giving into women like that.
Another lightning bolt from Vice's plane shoots upwards towards Kyo…
!
Kyo (Charred): Someone… Make the hurting stop…
Iori is about to laugh again, but Kima and Vice give Iori a glare that makes him think
twice.
Billy (To no one in particular): This has been a real interesting assignment indeed…
(------)
And so, the group makes their way across the area made of glass. They stop in front of
what looks like a Medieval-Europe castle made of assorted jewels. Naturally, Billy tries to
pry some assorted jewels from the castle.
Billy (Eyes are dollar signs): Diamonds, and emeralds, and rubies oh my! Diamonds, and
emeralds, and rubies oh my! Diamonds, and emeralds, and rubies oh my! …
Vice: You do realize that if Mature catches you doing that, she is gonna kill you, right?
Billy (Sweat drops): … Okay, this is enough for me.
Ranma (Looks at the Huge door made of what looks like sapphires): So… How do we
open this thing?
Vice: That's simple… You knock.
Ranma (Sweat drops): … You're joking, right?
Vice: Watch and learn…
Vice walks up to the main gate of the castle and knock on it with the knuckle of her right
hand. The doors slowly open. Vice then turns to face the group with a smug look on her
face.
Vice (Smirks): See?
Ranma: That's interesting.
Terry: Indeed. Shall we go in?
Vice: Sure! Follow me!
Vice jaunts into Mature's castle merrily. The other fighters look at each other then make
their way into Mature's castle.
(------)
Once inside the group sees the castle for what it is. It is truly a cross between a fully
furnished castle, and a jeweler's collection. The whole place made of perfect gemstones of
different shapes and sizes. They see Vice come out of a larger room.
Vice: Hey guys, Mature wants to talk to you.
The fighters look at each other.
Vice: Sigh… Don't be skeptic; she just wants to talk.
The fighters then just sigh and they head into Mature's 'throne room'. In there, they see
that it is a vast room, with the walls and floor made of diamond, with assorted amber
carvings of the sun in the walls, that emit light, that is reflected all over the room by the
four chandeliers made of assorted jewels. They see Mature in a darker corner of the room,
sitting on a glass throne, with little spots of light reflected onto her, giving her a surreal
look.
Mature: So… How're you guys doing?
Ranma (Walks up to Mature): Please Mature. We know this is your realm and ask you,
may we please pass.
Mature (Scratches her chin): Hmm… That is a reasonable request… BUT…
Ranma (Winces): But…
Mature: I'll let you pass on two conditions.
Ranma (Raises an eye-brow): Oh?
Mature: One is you spend the night here. I think you'll need to regain some strength. You
guys must also be hungry…
Ranma: And the other?
Mature (Gets out of her throne and poses): You let me go along with you. Staying in this
place alone is driving me NUTS! I need some action.
All the fighters sweat-drop.
Kyo: Geez… What a ham…
One of the chandeliers comes off of the ceiling and crashes down on Kyo.
!
Kyo (Cut up, tangled in chandelier frame): … Ow…
Billy then walks up to Kyo and starts picking up assorted jewels.
Billy (Eyes are dollar signs): This one will be for my retirement fund, this one will be for
my Ferrari, this will be for my mansion, this will be for my in-ground pool, and this one…
Mature (Screams): STOP STEALING MY JEWELS!!!
Billy: EEP! YES MA'AM!
(------)
The fighters make themselves a bit comfortable at Mature's 'palace'. They had dinner,
which was pretty uneventful, with the exception of Billy trying to steal some of the
silverware. After dinner and when Mature showed the fighters to their 'rooms' however, is
another story…
Ranma stands on the balcony of Mature's palace, looking up at the 'sky'. He sees the other
landmasses up at higher elevations. He sighs. He wants to know where his 'Lechan' is.
He has been fearing for her safety ever since he woke up in the hospital.
Ranma (Looks up at the sky): Lechan… Wherever you are, I hope you're safe.
Vice and Mature walk up to Ranma quietly.
Vice: Um… Master Orochi?
Mature: We've been meaning to ask you a few questions…
Ranma (Turns around): Sigh… Look… I am not the Orochi; I am Ranma Saotome, of the
School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. Why is that so hard for you people to understand
that?
Vice: I'm sorry Master Oro… Er… Master Ranma.
Ranma (Shakes his head): Listen; please don't call me master. I am not better or more
important than any of you. From what I understand, you are better than me, since you are
both full-blooded Hakkeshu, while I am only a half-blood.
Vice and Mature get on their knees and bow down low.
Vice: No! You are our master. We know you do not like it, but we feel it is our duty to
give you the respect you deserve.
Ranma: Deserve?
Mature: Yes. You are the Soul Fragment of the Orochi. To us, your word is law. The
only reason we followed Goenitz before is because he literally had control over whether we
lived or died. But now that we can live once again, and that you are now in the scene, we
feel it is our duty to follow you.
Vice (Smiles): And Iori-sama of course!
Mature frowns at Vice, but softens when she sees Ranma smile at Vice's antics. Mature
feels amazed that her 'lord' can seemingly be so carefree. Ranma then focuses on the two
of them.
Ranma: Do any of you know what happened to Lechan?
Vice and Mature frown. Ranma takes this as a bad omen.
Ranma (Eyes start to water): Is she okay?
Vice: We are sorry master, but Leona is… Well… Um…
Ranma: Please tell me. What did that bastard Goenitz do to her?
Mature: To be honest, we're not sure. But we can tell you that whatever he did, it's not
good… We are sorry to be the bearers of bad news for you.
Ranma: Sigh… It's okay… It's not your fault… But please, can you leave? I need some
time to be alone.
Vice and Mature get up from the ground, bow their heads respectfully, and leave Ranma
alone. Once they're gone, Ranma tightens his fist and smashes it down on the diamond
railing, smashing it to pieces and cutting his hand a bit.
Ranma: Damn you Goenitz… Damn you to hell! When I get Lechan back, I promise to
stop you once and for all, so that you can NEVER hurt her, or anyone close to me ever
again. EVER!
(------)
Goenitz smiles. His plane of existence is of course, the wind. And the wind is everywhere
in the "Orochi Space". So Goenitz literally has his ears everywhere. And he knows that
the Tenth Hakkeshu is in pain…
Goenitz: Soon… Soon his spirit will finally be broken, and then… Hm hm… Our God
Orochi can finally be awakened, and we shall have what is rightfully ours! And those two
TRAITORS Vice and Mature will get what's coming to them as well. After all, I needed
the Hakkeshu of the "Eight Serpent Formation" to open the gate to "Orochi Space". And
now that I have done that… They are… (Smiles wickedly). Expendable… And know
this Tenth Hakkeshu, the easy time you had getting through the "Orochi Space" IS OVER!
Now… Now you have those that will work to turn you instead of being turned…
Goenitz's laughter echoes throughout his realm. His sick schemes coming closer to
reality… In this dimension anyway…
(------)
End Chapter 37
Next Time: The warriors make their way to Mature's trial, and they go to the next 'realm'
in the "Orochi Space". The Earth… Will Yashiro have his revenge on Iori!?
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