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 39: Orochi Space: Mountain Palace
Ranma and his crew of Kima, Chizuru, Terry, Kyo, Billy, Mature, and Vice have made it to
the edge of the "Earth Realm". What is before them is stonewall about four ft tall and 3 ft
long. There are lots of markings on the wall, like hieroglyphics… Except all the markings
on the wall are of the same thing… The symbol of Orochi…
Billy: Bloody hell, what the hell is this thing for?
Chizuru: I take it that this is the trial?
Terry (Looks at the wall): I think so… But I'm not sure…
Mature (Walks up to the stone and studies it): Yes… This is the trial…
Ranma: What do we do here?
Mature (Studies the markings a bit more): … Hmm… AHA! I GOT IT! I know what we
have to do!
Ranma: What do we do?
Mature: This is a trial of eyesight.
Kima: "Eyesight"?
Mature: Well, you see all the markings on the wall?
Ranma: Yes. Your point?
Mature: Well one of these marking is different from the others. All we have to do is find
which one is different, and the next bridge should form.
Chizuru (Looks the stonewall up and down): … There must be at least over 1,500 little
drawing of the symbol of Orochi! HOW THE HELL DO THEY EXPECT US TO SEE
WHICH ONE IS DIFFERENT!?!?
Vice: Uh… I think that was the point… He didn't want us to continue…
Ranma: That jerk!
Kyo: I got an idea!
The fighters stare at Kyo.
Kyo: Are we supposed to touch the symbol that's different when we find it?
Mature: I think so. That way, it knows you found it.
Kyo: GREAT! Then I'll touch them all!
The fighters stare at Kyo in shock… He actually came up with a good idea…
Terry: Wow… That actually makes sense…
Ranma: Yeah…
Vice: Good thing Iori-sama isn't here to see Kyo act intelligent. He may have a heart
attack from the shock.
Kyo: HEY! I AM NOT STUPID! Now, I shall find the right one, and get us to the next
plane.
Kyo touches one of the markings and gets electrocuted.
Kyo (As electricity courses through him): GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
IT HURTS!!!
Ranma kicks Kyo, and Kyo goes flying away from the stonewall. The fighters stare at the
smoking form of Kyo.
Kyo: … Ouch…
Ranma (Looks at the wall): I guess Yashiro wasn't so dumb. If we touch the wrong one,
we'll get electrocuted…
Terry: So, we'll just have to look this over then, won't we?
Suddenly, there is a huge explosion from the center of the realm. The group hears a
screech of some unknown creature coming from what looks to be a blast of violet fire.
This shocks some of the group, and Billy tosses his rod at the wall in shock.
Billy (Points towards where they saw the display of violet fire): WHAT THE HELL IS
THAT!?!?
Suddenly, the ground starts shaking.
Billy: AND WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!?!?
The fighters turn around and see that Billy's rod hit one of the markings… The marking is
glowing violet, and the wall sinks into the ground. Suddenly a stone bridge covered in the
marking of the Orochi symbol forms from the edge of the landmass they are on, to the next
landmass. Billy in his shock had beaten the trial by accident. The fighters stare at the area.
Ranma, Kima, Chizuru, Terry, Kyo, Mature, and Vice: ………………
Billy: I DID IT! I SOLVED THIS STUPID TRIAL! I AM THE GREATEST!!!
Terry: Talk about a one in a million shot…
Chizuru: Yeah… Really…
Mature: I guess every dog has its day…
Billy keeps dancing around, praising himself about how he is the greatest, until he suddenly
notices a form in the 'sky' flying towards them.
Billy: GAH! INCOMING!!!
Billy throws himself to the ground. The other fighters turn around to stare at the oncoming
form from the guy. When it gets into focus, the fighters' tension disappears.
Ranma: Hey Iori!
Iori lands in front of the group. He looks a bit worse for wear, but otherwise, an awe-
inspiring form. He has the backpack slung over his left shoulder, the sword belt around his
waits, the sheathed sword on the left side of his body; he isn't wearing his shirt and jacket,
and he has his wings spread out as he stands there. A single thought goes through the mind
of all the female fighters.
Chizuru, Kima, Vice, & Mature (Think): HE'S GORGEOUS!
Vice follows that train and glomps onto Iori.
Vice (Eyes are little hearts): IORI-SAMA!
Iori (Sweat drops): … Nice to see you too Vice…
Mature (Starts beating on Iori's right shoulder): STUPID IORI! YOU'RE CORRUPTING
VICEY POOH AGAIN!
Iori (Stares at Mature who's beating on him): … "Vicey Pooh"?
Iori picks up Vice and Mature by the back of their shirt collars with a hand and moves them
to the side. He then moves towards Kima, unbuckles the sword belt, and hands Kima back
her sheathed sword.
Iori: Here.
Kima (Takes her sword): Thanks.
Iori (Turns to Ranma): Hey Ranma, did you guys find the next trial?
Ranma: Yes. And we solved it as well.
Billy: "We"? HEY, I SOLVED IT!
Ranma: Only by luck.
Billy: … Sure, rain on my parade.
Iori just ignores Billy and goes into his backpack and takes out his canteen with his right
hand. He conjures his violet flame atop his left index finger, and has it to the bottom of the
canteen. He then pours some of the heated water on himself, making the wings shrink back
into his back. He then takes out his shirt and jacket from the pack and puts them back on.
Iori: Shall we get going? We don't have all day.
Ranma: Right. LET'S GO!
Billy (Picks up his rod): Hey, wait for me!
And thus, the group of warriors is off across the bridge to get to the next 'realm'.
(------)
When they make it across, they see one thing about this realm. The whole landmass is a
mountain about 200 ft up.
Terry (Looks up): … Crap…
Ranma (Looks at Mature): Uh Mature… Did you pack us any climbing gear?
Mature (Shakes her head): No. I'm sorry I wasn't expecting this.
Ranma: It's okay. Well… (Spits into his hands and rubs them together). Time to get
climbing.
Billy: Wait a minute… You want us to climb up THAT!?
Ranma: Yeah.
Billy (Mutters): I am not getting paid enough to do this… When I get back, I'm gonna ask
the boss for a raise…
Mature (Pulls a ruby out of Billy's backpack): Well, with all the jewels you stole from my
'palace', I think you got yourself a decent 'bonus'…
Billy: EEP!
Iori: Billy, you are one greedy bastard. What do you need all that money for?
Billy: Well, I want it so Lily and I can live the peaceful life.
Iori (Lifts an eyebrow): "Lily"? (Smirks). Who's that Billy? Did you get a girlfriend?
Billy: NO! Lily's my little sister.
The fighters with the exception of Terry; stare at Billy.
Ranma, Iori, Chizuru, Kima, Kyo, Vice, & Mature: YOU HAVE A LITTLE SISTER!?
The force the fighters asked their question with, blows Billy onto his back.
Billy: … Ouch…
Terry: Well you guys… (Fighters turn towards Terry). To be honest, yeah, Billy does
have a younger sister. She's sometimes called the "Lily Kane: Queen of South Town".
She's actually a pretty popular lady back home. Hell, even Joe seems to follow her around
when he's there. I think he has a crush on her…
Billy (Readies his rod): JOE DOES WHAT!? HAS WHAT!? THAT'S IT! I'M
KILLING HIM! NO ONE DOES THAT TO MY SISTER WHILE I'M AROUND!!!
Terry: Geez, easy Billy, don't have a seizure… So what if Joe has a crush on her…
Billy: Terry… Listen… He's Joe… You know Joe…
Terry (Scratches his chin): Hmm… Good point… Oh well, at least he's finally gotten
serious about someone… I think…
Billy: Who?
Terry: Kasumi. Haven't you noticed how Mary would kick him in the ass whenever Joe
would glomp Kasumi?
Billy: Oh yeah… I have… Well at least he'll leave my sister alone now…
Ranma (Glows with rage): Joe… Must… Hurt… Joe…
Terry: … Oh yeah… Kasumi is one of Ranma's friends… Well, looks like Joe's screwed
when we get back…
Iori: Uh Ranma… Calm down… We still got some climbing to do.
Ranma (Calms himself down): Sigh… You're right Iori. Well, better now than never.
Kyo: Aw… But I no wanna climb…
Ranma: Kyo… Shut up and climb before I beat you to a bloody pulp…
Iori (Smiles, clenches his fists): Or I do… Whichever comes first…
Kyo: Damn… This whole damn trip has sucked from the get-go…
Ranma and crew start climbing as best they can without gear.
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Four hours later…
After climbing a good 200 ft and actually making it to the top, the group takes their time to
rest.
Chizuru (Breathes heavily): That… That… That was awful…
Terry: Ha! Now that was a good workout.
Kima: Sometimes, it's REALLY good to have wings…
Billy (Pounds on the ground with his fists): I'M POOR AGAIN!
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
Mature: Oh quit crying! So your backpack opened, and you lost most of 'your' jewels.
Big whoop.
Billy: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!
Kyo: OWWIES! I GOT BLISTERS FROM CLIMBING! RANMA, THIS IS ALL
YOUR FAULT!
Ranma: Will you guys quit complaining?
Voice: They can't. They're all idiots… And so are you…
The group turns to where they heard the voice coming from, and see none other then…
Terry: … Yamazaki?
Ryuji Yamazaki sits peacefully in a patch of grass and flowers. A butterfly lands on the
flower he holds up to his nose to smell from. The fighters stare in complete shock at the
site.
Vice: … Well this was TOTALLY unexpected…
Mature: Who would have expected Yamazaki's 'palace' to be a patch of flowers? I was
expecting a tower with HUGE gargoyle statues and traps and such…
Yamazaki (Rolls the flower's stem between his index finger and thumb): And this you
hate?
Vice (Shrugs her shoulders): Eh… I have no complaints…
Ranma (Eyes Yamazaki hatefully): You…
Yamazaki: Yes?
Ranma: You were the person that threw that dagger into my mother's back, weren't you?
Yamazaki: Yeah… And I STILL haven't gotten paid my eight million bucks either…
!
Yamazaki rubs his jaw, which is on fire from the uppercut Ranma dealt him. Yamazaki
then smiles casually at Ranma.
Yamazaki: So you want to fail the trial?
Ranma: Huh?
Yamazaki: My trial is very simple. A test of willpower and understanding. Can you keep
yourself calm enough so you don't kill me? And can you listen to my story with an open
mind?
Ranma: Huh? What do you mean?
Yamazaki: … YOU IDIOT, I JUST EXPLAINED!
Iori (Grabs Yashiro by the front collar of his shirt): DON'T CALL MY COUSIN AN
IDIOT!
Yamazaki: Okay, okay, YEESH! You Yagamis sure are violent… (Smiles). Almost as
violent as me… Must be the Orochi blood… Now, if you'd please let go off me.
Iori smashes Yamazaki into the ground with enough force that Yamazaki leaves an
indentation in the ground. Iori then walks a bit away from Yamazaki.
Yamazaki: … Ow… That hurts you know…
Ranma walks up to Yamazaki, and eyes him with a menacing glare that makes Yamazaki
flinch.
Ranma: Yamazaki, I'm giving you I minute to start your explanation. You better give the
others and me good reason NOT to kick your ass in. After you hurt my mother and put her
on her deathbed, I have wanted to kill you…
Yamazaki (Sweats): Um… As I said, kill me, and you won't get to the next landmass.
And you'll NEVER see your precious 'Lechan' AGAIN!
!
Ranma has Yamazaki's head in a vice-like grip, digging his fingers into the sides of
Yamazaki's head.
Yamazaki: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?!? YOU CAN'T KILL ME!!!
Ranma: Listen, DON'T YOU EVER SAY HER NAME! YOU'LL MAKE IT DIRTY!
And… I can hurt you thousands of times over without killing you; therefore, I'd still pass
your 'trial'…
Yamazaki (With tint of fear in his voice): You wouldn't?
Ranma (Smiles evilly): Try me… These past couple of days, I have been pushed to the
edge… And… (Moves his hand with lightning quick speed, and moves his hand from
Yamazaki's face to around Yamazaki's jugular). I WILL RETALIATE!
Yamazaki (Sweats): WAIT! YOU'LL STIILL FAIL THE OTHER TRIAL! YOU HAVE
TO LISTEN TO MY STORY WITH AN OPEN MIND!!! PLEASE!!!
Ranma holds his grip on Yamazaki's throat a bit more, but finally relents and throws the
Yakuza gangster to the ground.
Yamazaki (Rubs his throat): COUGH! HACK! That hurt…
Ranma: That was my point. Now, begin your story so we can continue on into this God-
forsaken place.
Mature (Interrupts): It's called a, "pocket dimension".
Ranma: Whatever…
Yamazaki: … Okay, gather round children, it's time you heard a special story…
The fighters gather around Yamazaki, so to make sure this isn't a trick and so he can't run
away.
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Yamazaki: Okay… Long ago, back on August 8th, 1964, a little child was born… The
boy's father had left him and his mother when he was still a baby, and the boy's mother
died 6 years later…
Ranma eyes Yamazaki wearily, but doesn't interrupt.
Yamazaki: Since the boy had no parents to look up to, he became a dweller in the streets
of Hong Kong, trying to survive by any means possible, trying to ward off the dangers of
crime, weather, and starvation. That is until a powerful man came up to the boy… A
respected crime-lord in the criminal circles of Hong Kong… He saw a warrior's spirit in
the boy's eyes and he took the boy under his wing. The young boy grew up training, and
being acquainted to the criminal activities in Hong Kong. Years went by, and the boy grew
up into a strong, young, and devilishly handsome young man sporting a cunning sense in
crime and great fashion sense…
Iori (Coughs into his hand): Cough, cough, BULLSHIT, cough, cough, BULLSHIT,
cough, cough…
Yamazaki eyes Iori hatefully, but then decides to drop it and goes back to his story telling.
Yamazaki: ANYWAY, as I was saying… The boy grew up, and soon was the able right-
hand man to the crime boss. Their organization became one of the most powerful crime-
circles in Hong Kong… That was, until that fateful night, when the boy lost himself
forever…
Ranma raises his eyebrow at the way Yamazaki said, "that fateful night". There seemed to
be a pang of sadness to it…
Yamazaki: Well, the boy, sorry, the man and his boss went to strike a deal with a rival
gang… The man felt that something was wrong… He told his boss, but he just laughed it
off, and told his subordinate that it was just premonition… Damn was he EVER wrong…
The rival gang ambushed them and literally mowed through them with automatic weapons.
The man took 48 hits, while his boss… His boss got totally blown apart… Even though
the man survived he wished he didn't. When he got back to HQ, the others looked at him
in awe… He himself was devastated in all ways. Physically, mentally, and spiritually.
They automatically started talking to each other, 'deciding' who would be the new 'boss'.
The man didn't care though… He went to his room and locked himself in there for eight
days straight. Not eating, sleeping, or going to the bathroom… All he did was think…
Yamazaki suddenly smiles wickedly. This puts Ranma and the others on edge.
Yamazaki: While he was thinking he noticed many interesting things about himself…
Even though he didn't get any medical attention, his body was healing by itself at an
incredible rate… And as he saw his own blood, it filled him with a new sensation. The
sight of his own blood actually excited him… Pain was his only friend now… And he
realized by the eighth day, that he liked it that way… When he got out of his room, he
went to his deceased Boss's quarters, and opened up a chest to get his 'friend'. He took out
his boss's favorite knife, one that was made by a Spanish artisan. It was called "Rojo
Diablo", or "Red Devil", because it's purpose was to be covered in the blood of the boss's
enemies. The man then went downstairs to see his 'partners' still bickering amongst
themselves about who should be the next 'boss'. The man solved their problem for them…
He slaughtered them all… Their blood covering him totally, filling him with a feeling of
ecstasy, like he had never felt before… EH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH!!!
Yamazaki starts laughing for a bit, and the others ready themselves. Yamazaki is not a
mentally stable person, and may snap at any time. Yamazaki finally calms himself down
and continues his story…
Yamazaki: Well, afterwards, the man went out to find the rival gang… He slaughtered
them all one at a time… The Boss of that gang, who organized the ambush died slowly,
and painfully by the hands of the man… He's was one of the few people who got to know
what it was like to be skinned alive… Eh heh heh heh… But… This was not the end of
the man… From then on, he became a professional assassin. A crazy, sadistic maniac,
who loved to torture his victims before they died! Many powerful crime lords, who had
been satisfied with his work, hired him… Even more so than they had expected to, because
of one thing. His pay… They would offer him 85,000 dollars up front, and depending on
how the hit went would change the price. If he felt it was too easy, he would jack-up the
price. If he thoroughly enjoyed himself, he may actually give some money back. He
became a 'personality' to the criminal underworld… And that is why… I am who I am…
Yamazaki then takes out his dagger and charges at Ranma with his Judgment Dagger
attack, swiping at Ranma with his dagger four times, but Ranma kicks it out of Yamazaki's
hand at the fourth swing. The other fighters literally dog-pile on Yamazaki, keeping him
down. Yamazaki calls forth a burst of inhuman strength, and literally lifts himself up, and
tosses all the other fighters off of him. He then notices Ranma has his dagger.
Yamazaki: Give that back pig-tailed boy… You don't know how to handle "Rojo
Diablo"… So give her back.
Yamazaki then performs his Serpent Charmer attack at Ranma, punching at him with such
speed, that his fist is only seen as a black-colored blur. Ranma avoids the punch, and runs
up to Yamazaki. He grabs Yamazaki's wrist and stabs the blade through Yamazaki's left
hand, and turns it while he has it embedded into it.
Yamazaki (Takes the blade out): GAH! SONUVABITCH THAT HURTS! WHAT THE
F*CK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?!?
Ranma (Walks up to Yamazaki): I never said I forgave you for hurting my mother… And
that was a bit of payback on my part… And I'll say this… After hearing your story, I
came to a conclusion… You truly are a sick son of a bitch…
Yamazaki: DIE YOU LITTLE…
!!!
Yamazaki falls to the ground limply as Ranma removes his fist from Yamazaki's chest.
Ranma notices he cracked Yamazaki's ribcage, but the jerk is just unconscious.
Ranma: That will teach you. (Turns to the group). Well gang, lets go. We got to climb
down this mountain and continue. The sooner we…
Iori: We know… Let's just get going… God, sometimes you just babble on and on just
like Chizuru.
Chizuru & Ranma: HEY!
Iori: Well you do.
Kima: Well, let's get going! We do have a lot to do.
Terry: That's true…
Kyo: BUT I'M TIRED OF CLIMBING!!!
Iori (Smirks): Hey Kyo… I can get you down quickly…
Kyo (Eyes sparkle): Really?
Iori (Smirk widens): Yes…
Iori grabs Kyo by the back of his collar and tosses him down the side of the cliff.
Kyo (As he falls): WAAAAAAAAAH!!! ! GAH! THAT HURT!
! OWWIES! ! OUCHIES! ! MY KNEE CAPS,
GOOD GOD MY KNEE CAPS! ! …
Iori (Stares at the receding form of Kyo): … Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA
HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
Vice: Sigh… I just love Iori-sama's sense of humor…
Kima: Sigh… I'm never going to get him to change that laugh, am I?
Billy: Not in a million years…
Ranma: Anyway, let's get going. Kyo is at the bottom of the other side by now, and we
have to catch up to him.
And so our group makes it's way down the side of the mountain…
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Goenitz shakes his head in disgust… So far, two of the Hakkeshu have turned against him,
and the other two were complete morons with how they did things…
Goenitz (Mutters): Four realms… They got through FOUR REALMS! DAMN THEM!
They shouldn't have made it this far with so little trouble… I haven't had enough time to
completely 'reprogram' her yet… Oh well, they be at the water palace next, so I'll have to
make do with how I've 'trained' her thus far… And a little cheating of course…
Goenitz then starts walking down a stone corridor with torches aligning the walls. He then
makes it to a dungeon-like area, but there is only on occupant… Leona… He walks up to
her bloodied, chained form and stops right in front of her.
Goenitz: And how are we feeling today?
Leona (Slowly opens her eyes and faces Goenitz with a look of hate): … Get bent…
Goenitz (Frowns): Oh, don't be that way… You'll be with your 'Ranchan' soon enough…
Suddenly Leona forces herself to her knees, a light of hope in her eyes.
Leona (In a voice barely above a whisper): Ranchan…
Leona zones out, thinking about Ranma. Goenitz uses that moment of unawareness against
her. He grabs her by the throat and chokes her, and she pries at his large hand with his
hands to make him let go.
Leona: URK! Let go… Let go of me you bastard…
Goenitz: Oh good… You still have some life left to you… That's exactly what I need…
Goenitz uses his free hand and conjures up a circlet from out of thin air. It is made of silver
and has a tanzanite gemstone in the center of it. He then places it on her forehead, and it
wraps and tightens itself around her head. Goenitz let's go and energy courses through
Leona, putting her in unbearable pain, and making her cough of blood. She falls to the
ground, and curls up in a fetal position… Suddenly, her hair turns red, her eyes pale, and
her clothes darken. She tries to jump at Goenitz so she can rip him apart. Sadly, the chains
hold her back.
Leona: RAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHH!!!
Goenitz (Smiles): No matter how many times I see it, the Riot of Blood is truly an amazing
thing to see… Well now, this will do nicely…
Goenitz raises his left hand towards her, and the winds pick up around her. Leona
disappears and the chains fall to the ground.
Goenitz: Go my weapon… Go to the Water Palace… Destroy them… DESTROY
THEM ALL!
Goenitz walks back down the corridor to his 'throne room', and sits down in a black leather
chair adorned with silver dragon carvings. He lifts his left hand and summons a glass of
white wine. He takes a sip from the glass and smiles…
Goenitz (Thinks): And now you shall lose Tenth Hakkeshu… I know you cannot lift a
finger against the one you love… You would rather take the pain than hurt her… And that
will be your downfall… By Orochi-sama, I love being me!
Goenitz's laughter echoes throughout his realm… Another part of his scheme to break
Ranma is about to go into action…
(------)
End Chapter 39
Next Time: The Water Palace… Riot of Blood Leona… The group gets separated… And
a ghost…
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 39: Orochi Space: Mountain Palace
Ranma and his crew of Kima, Chizuru, Terry, Kyo, Billy, Mature, and Vice have made it to
the edge of the "Earth Realm". What is before them is stonewall about four ft tall and 3 ft
long. There are lots of markings on the wall, like hieroglyphics… Except all the markings
on the wall are of the same thing… The symbol of Orochi…
Billy: Bloody hell, what the hell is this thing for?
Chizuru: I take it that this is the trial?
Terry (Looks at the wall): I think so… But I'm not sure…
Mature (Walks up to the stone and studies it): Yes… This is the trial…
Ranma: What do we do here?
Mature (Studies the markings a bit more): … Hmm… AHA! I GOT IT! I know what we
have to do!
Ranma: What do we do?
Mature: This is a trial of eyesight.
Kima: "Eyesight"?
Mature: Well, you see all the markings on the wall?
Ranma: Yes. Your point?
Mature: Well one of these marking is different from the others. All we have to do is find
which one is different, and the next bridge should form.
Chizuru (Looks the stonewall up and down): … There must be at least over 1,500 little
drawing of the symbol of Orochi! HOW THE HELL DO THEY EXPECT US TO SEE
WHICH ONE IS DIFFERENT!?!?
Vice: Uh… I think that was the point… He didn't want us to continue…
Ranma: That jerk!
Kyo: I got an idea!
The fighters stare at Kyo.
Kyo: Are we supposed to touch the symbol that's different when we find it?
Mature: I think so. That way, it knows you found it.
Kyo: GREAT! Then I'll touch them all!
The fighters stare at Kyo in shock… He actually came up with a good idea…
Terry: Wow… That actually makes sense…
Ranma: Yeah…
Vice: Good thing Iori-sama isn't here to see Kyo act intelligent. He may have a heart
attack from the shock.
Kyo: HEY! I AM NOT STUPID! Now, I shall find the right one, and get us to the next
plane.
Kyo touches one of the markings and gets electrocuted.
Kyo (As electricity courses through him): GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
IT HURTS!!!
Ranma kicks Kyo, and Kyo goes flying away from the stonewall. The fighters stare at the
smoking form of Kyo.
Kyo: … Ouch…
Ranma (Looks at the wall): I guess Yashiro wasn't so dumb. If we touch the wrong one,
we'll get electrocuted…
Terry: So, we'll just have to look this over then, won't we?
Suddenly, there is a huge explosion from the center of the realm. The group hears a
screech of some unknown creature coming from what looks to be a blast of violet fire.
This shocks some of the group, and Billy tosses his rod at the wall in shock.
Billy (Points towards where they saw the display of violet fire): WHAT THE HELL IS
THAT!?!?
Suddenly, the ground starts shaking.
Billy: AND WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!?!?
The fighters turn around and see that Billy's rod hit one of the markings… The marking is
glowing violet, and the wall sinks into the ground. Suddenly a stone bridge covered in the
marking of the Orochi symbol forms from the edge of the landmass they are on, to the next
landmass. Billy in his shock had beaten the trial by accident. The fighters stare at the area.
Ranma, Kima, Chizuru, Terry, Kyo, Mature, and Vice: ………………
Billy: I DID IT! I SOLVED THIS STUPID TRIAL! I AM THE GREATEST!!!
Terry: Talk about a one in a million shot…
Chizuru: Yeah… Really…
Mature: I guess every dog has its day…
Billy keeps dancing around, praising himself about how he is the greatest, until he suddenly
notices a form in the 'sky' flying towards them.
Billy: GAH! INCOMING!!!
Billy throws himself to the ground. The other fighters turn around to stare at the oncoming
form from the guy. When it gets into focus, the fighters' tension disappears.
Ranma: Hey Iori!
Iori lands in front of the group. He looks a bit worse for wear, but otherwise, an awe-
inspiring form. He has the backpack slung over his left shoulder, the sword belt around his
waits, the sheathed sword on the left side of his body; he isn't wearing his shirt and jacket,
and he has his wings spread out as he stands there. A single thought goes through the mind
of all the female fighters.
Chizuru, Kima, Vice, & Mature (Think): HE'S GORGEOUS!
Vice follows that train and glomps onto Iori.
Vice (Eyes are little hearts): IORI-SAMA!
Iori (Sweat drops): … Nice to see you too Vice…
Mature (Starts beating on Iori's right shoulder): STUPID IORI! YOU'RE CORRUPTING
VICEY POOH AGAIN!
Iori (Stares at Mature who's beating on him): … "Vicey Pooh"?
Iori picks up Vice and Mature by the back of their shirt collars with a hand and moves them
to the side. He then moves towards Kima, unbuckles the sword belt, and hands Kima back
her sheathed sword.
Iori: Here.
Kima (Takes her sword): Thanks.
Iori (Turns to Ranma): Hey Ranma, did you guys find the next trial?
Ranma: Yes. And we solved it as well.
Billy: "We"? HEY, I SOLVED IT!
Ranma: Only by luck.
Billy: … Sure, rain on my parade.
Iori just ignores Billy and goes into his backpack and takes out his canteen with his right
hand. He conjures his violet flame atop his left index finger, and has it to the bottom of the
canteen. He then pours some of the heated water on himself, making the wings shrink back
into his back. He then takes out his shirt and jacket from the pack and puts them back on.
Iori: Shall we get going? We don't have all day.
Ranma: Right. LET'S GO!
Billy (Picks up his rod): Hey, wait for me!
And thus, the group of warriors is off across the bridge to get to the next 'realm'.
(------)
When they make it across, they see one thing about this realm. The whole landmass is a
mountain about 200 ft up.
Terry (Looks up): … Crap…
Ranma (Looks at Mature): Uh Mature… Did you pack us any climbing gear?
Mature (Shakes her head): No. I'm sorry I wasn't expecting this.
Ranma: It's okay. Well… (Spits into his hands and rubs them together). Time to get
climbing.
Billy: Wait a minute… You want us to climb up THAT!?
Ranma: Yeah.
Billy (Mutters): I am not getting paid enough to do this… When I get back, I'm gonna ask
the boss for a raise…
Mature (Pulls a ruby out of Billy's backpack): Well, with all the jewels you stole from my
'palace', I think you got yourself a decent 'bonus'…
Billy: EEP!
Iori: Billy, you are one greedy bastard. What do you need all that money for?
Billy: Well, I want it so Lily and I can live the peaceful life.
Iori (Lifts an eyebrow): "Lily"? (Smirks). Who's that Billy? Did you get a girlfriend?
Billy: NO! Lily's my little sister.
The fighters with the exception of Terry; stare at Billy.
Ranma, Iori, Chizuru, Kima, Kyo, Vice, & Mature: YOU HAVE A LITTLE SISTER!?
The force the fighters asked their question with, blows Billy onto his back.
Billy: … Ouch…
Terry: Well you guys… (Fighters turn towards Terry). To be honest, yeah, Billy does
have a younger sister. She's sometimes called the "Lily Kane: Queen of South Town".
She's actually a pretty popular lady back home. Hell, even Joe seems to follow her around
when he's there. I think he has a crush on her…
Billy (Readies his rod): JOE DOES WHAT!? HAS WHAT!? THAT'S IT! I'M
KILLING HIM! NO ONE DOES THAT TO MY SISTER WHILE I'M AROUND!!!
Terry: Geez, easy Billy, don't have a seizure… So what if Joe has a crush on her…
Billy: Terry… Listen… He's Joe… You know Joe…
Terry (Scratches his chin): Hmm… Good point… Oh well, at least he's finally gotten
serious about someone… I think…
Billy: Who?
Terry: Kasumi. Haven't you noticed how Mary would kick him in the ass whenever Joe
would glomp Kasumi?
Billy: Oh yeah… I have… Well at least he'll leave my sister alone now…
Ranma (Glows with rage): Joe… Must… Hurt… Joe…
Terry: … Oh yeah… Kasumi is one of Ranma's friends… Well, looks like Joe's screwed
when we get back…
Iori: Uh Ranma… Calm down… We still got some climbing to do.
Ranma (Calms himself down): Sigh… You're right Iori. Well, better now than never.
Kyo: Aw… But I no wanna climb…
Ranma: Kyo… Shut up and climb before I beat you to a bloody pulp…
Iori (Smiles, clenches his fists): Or I do… Whichever comes first…
Kyo: Damn… This whole damn trip has sucked from the get-go…
Ranma and crew start climbing as best they can without gear.
(------)
Four hours later…
After climbing a good 200 ft and actually making it to the top, the group takes their time to
rest.
Chizuru (Breathes heavily): That… That… That was awful…
Terry: Ha! Now that was a good workout.
Kima: Sometimes, it's REALLY good to have wings…
Billy (Pounds on the ground with his fists): I'M POOR AGAIN!
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
Mature: Oh quit crying! So your backpack opened, and you lost most of 'your' jewels.
Big whoop.
Billy: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!
Kyo: OWWIES! I GOT BLISTERS FROM CLIMBING! RANMA, THIS IS ALL
YOUR FAULT!
Ranma: Will you guys quit complaining?
Voice: They can't. They're all idiots… And so are you…
The group turns to where they heard the voice coming from, and see none other then…
Terry: … Yamazaki?
Ryuji Yamazaki sits peacefully in a patch of grass and flowers. A butterfly lands on the
flower he holds up to his nose to smell from. The fighters stare in complete shock at the
site.
Vice: … Well this was TOTALLY unexpected…
Mature: Who would have expected Yamazaki's 'palace' to be a patch of flowers? I was
expecting a tower with HUGE gargoyle statues and traps and such…
Yamazaki (Rolls the flower's stem between his index finger and thumb): And this you
hate?
Vice (Shrugs her shoulders): Eh… I have no complaints…
Ranma (Eyes Yamazaki hatefully): You…
Yamazaki: Yes?
Ranma: You were the person that threw that dagger into my mother's back, weren't you?
Yamazaki: Yeah… And I STILL haven't gotten paid my eight million bucks either…
!
Yamazaki rubs his jaw, which is on fire from the uppercut Ranma dealt him. Yamazaki
then smiles casually at Ranma.
Yamazaki: So you want to fail the trial?
Ranma: Huh?
Yamazaki: My trial is very simple. A test of willpower and understanding. Can you keep
yourself calm enough so you don't kill me? And can you listen to my story with an open
mind?
Ranma: Huh? What do you mean?
Yamazaki: … YOU IDIOT, I JUST EXPLAINED!
Iori (Grabs Yashiro by the front collar of his shirt): DON'T CALL MY COUSIN AN
IDIOT!
Yamazaki: Okay, okay, YEESH! You Yagamis sure are violent… (Smiles). Almost as
violent as me… Must be the Orochi blood… Now, if you'd please let go off me.
Iori smashes Yamazaki into the ground with enough force that Yamazaki leaves an
indentation in the ground. Iori then walks a bit away from Yamazaki.
Yamazaki: … Ow… That hurts you know…
Ranma walks up to Yamazaki, and eyes him with a menacing glare that makes Yamazaki
flinch.
Ranma: Yamazaki, I'm giving you I minute to start your explanation. You better give the
others and me good reason NOT to kick your ass in. After you hurt my mother and put her
on her deathbed, I have wanted to kill you…
Yamazaki (Sweats): Um… As I said, kill me, and you won't get to the next landmass.
And you'll NEVER see your precious 'Lechan' AGAIN!
!
Ranma has Yamazaki's head in a vice-like grip, digging his fingers into the sides of
Yamazaki's head.
Yamazaki: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?!? YOU CAN'T KILL ME!!!
Ranma: Listen, DON'T YOU EVER SAY HER NAME! YOU'LL MAKE IT DIRTY!
And… I can hurt you thousands of times over without killing you; therefore, I'd still pass
your 'trial'…
Yamazaki (With tint of fear in his voice): You wouldn't?
Ranma (Smiles evilly): Try me… These past couple of days, I have been pushed to the
edge… And… (Moves his hand with lightning quick speed, and moves his hand from
Yamazaki's face to around Yamazaki's jugular). I WILL RETALIATE!
Yamazaki (Sweats): WAIT! YOU'LL STIILL FAIL THE OTHER TRIAL! YOU HAVE
TO LISTEN TO MY STORY WITH AN OPEN MIND!!! PLEASE!!!
Ranma holds his grip on Yamazaki's throat a bit more, but finally relents and throws the
Yakuza gangster to the ground.
Yamazaki (Rubs his throat): COUGH! HACK! That hurt…
Ranma: That was my point. Now, begin your story so we can continue on into this God-
forsaken place.
Mature (Interrupts): It's called a, "pocket dimension".
Ranma: Whatever…
Yamazaki: … Okay, gather round children, it's time you heard a special story…
The fighters gather around Yamazaki, so to make sure this isn't a trick and so he can't run
away.
(------)
Yamazaki: Okay… Long ago, back on August 8th, 1964, a little child was born… The
boy's father had left him and his mother when he was still a baby, and the boy's mother
died 6 years later…
Ranma eyes Yamazaki wearily, but doesn't interrupt.
Yamazaki: Since the boy had no parents to look up to, he became a dweller in the streets
of Hong Kong, trying to survive by any means possible, trying to ward off the dangers of
crime, weather, and starvation. That is until a powerful man came up to the boy… A
respected crime-lord in the criminal circles of Hong Kong… He saw a warrior's spirit in
the boy's eyes and he took the boy under his wing. The young boy grew up training, and
being acquainted to the criminal activities in Hong Kong. Years went by, and the boy grew
up into a strong, young, and devilishly handsome young man sporting a cunning sense in
crime and great fashion sense…
Iori (Coughs into his hand): Cough, cough, BULLSHIT, cough, cough, BULLSHIT,
cough, cough…
Yamazaki eyes Iori hatefully, but then decides to drop it and goes back to his story telling.
Yamazaki: ANYWAY, as I was saying… The boy grew up, and soon was the able right-
hand man to the crime boss. Their organization became one of the most powerful crime-
circles in Hong Kong… That was, until that fateful night, when the boy lost himself
forever…
Ranma raises his eyebrow at the way Yamazaki said, "that fateful night". There seemed to
be a pang of sadness to it…
Yamazaki: Well, the boy, sorry, the man and his boss went to strike a deal with a rival
gang… The man felt that something was wrong… He told his boss, but he just laughed it
off, and told his subordinate that it was just premonition… Damn was he EVER wrong…
The rival gang ambushed them and literally mowed through them with automatic weapons.
The man took 48 hits, while his boss… His boss got totally blown apart… Even though
the man survived he wished he didn't. When he got back to HQ, the others looked at him
in awe… He himself was devastated in all ways. Physically, mentally, and spiritually.
They automatically started talking to each other, 'deciding' who would be the new 'boss'.
The man didn't care though… He went to his room and locked himself in there for eight
days straight. Not eating, sleeping, or going to the bathroom… All he did was think…
Yamazaki suddenly smiles wickedly. This puts Ranma and the others on edge.
Yamazaki: While he was thinking he noticed many interesting things about himself…
Even though he didn't get any medical attention, his body was healing by itself at an
incredible rate… And as he saw his own blood, it filled him with a new sensation. The
sight of his own blood actually excited him… Pain was his only friend now… And he
realized by the eighth day, that he liked it that way… When he got out of his room, he
went to his deceased Boss's quarters, and opened up a chest to get his 'friend'. He took out
his boss's favorite knife, one that was made by a Spanish artisan. It was called "Rojo
Diablo", or "Red Devil", because it's purpose was to be covered in the blood of the boss's
enemies. The man then went downstairs to see his 'partners' still bickering amongst
themselves about who should be the next 'boss'. The man solved their problem for them…
He slaughtered them all… Their blood covering him totally, filling him with a feeling of
ecstasy, like he had never felt before… EH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH!!!
Yamazaki starts laughing for a bit, and the others ready themselves. Yamazaki is not a
mentally stable person, and may snap at any time. Yamazaki finally calms himself down
and continues his story…
Yamazaki: Well, afterwards, the man went out to find the rival gang… He slaughtered
them all one at a time… The Boss of that gang, who organized the ambush died slowly,
and painfully by the hands of the man… He's was one of the few people who got to know
what it was like to be skinned alive… Eh heh heh heh… But… This was not the end of
the man… From then on, he became a professional assassin. A crazy, sadistic maniac,
who loved to torture his victims before they died! Many powerful crime lords, who had
been satisfied with his work, hired him… Even more so than they had expected to, because
of one thing. His pay… They would offer him 85,000 dollars up front, and depending on
how the hit went would change the price. If he felt it was too easy, he would jack-up the
price. If he thoroughly enjoyed himself, he may actually give some money back. He
became a 'personality' to the criminal underworld… And that is why… I am who I am…
Yamazaki then takes out his dagger and charges at Ranma with his Judgment Dagger
attack, swiping at Ranma with his dagger four times, but Ranma kicks it out of Yamazaki's
hand at the fourth swing. The other fighters literally dog-pile on Yamazaki, keeping him
down. Yamazaki calls forth a burst of inhuman strength, and literally lifts himself up, and
tosses all the other fighters off of him. He then notices Ranma has his dagger.
Yamazaki: Give that back pig-tailed boy… You don't know how to handle "Rojo
Diablo"… So give her back.
Yamazaki then performs his Serpent Charmer attack at Ranma, punching at him with such
speed, that his fist is only seen as a black-colored blur. Ranma avoids the punch, and runs
up to Yamazaki. He grabs Yamazaki's wrist and stabs the blade through Yamazaki's left
hand, and turns it while he has it embedded into it.
Yamazaki (Takes the blade out): GAH! SONUVABITCH THAT HURTS! WHAT THE
F*CK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?!?
Ranma (Walks up to Yamazaki): I never said I forgave you for hurting my mother… And
that was a bit of payback on my part… And I'll say this… After hearing your story, I
came to a conclusion… You truly are a sick son of a bitch…
Yamazaki: DIE YOU LITTLE…
!!!
Yamazaki falls to the ground limply as Ranma removes his fist from Yamazaki's chest.
Ranma notices he cracked Yamazaki's ribcage, but the jerk is just unconscious.
Ranma: That will teach you. (Turns to the group). Well gang, lets go. We got to climb
down this mountain and continue. The sooner we…
Iori: We know… Let's just get going… God, sometimes you just babble on and on just
like Chizuru.
Chizuru & Ranma: HEY!
Iori: Well you do.
Kima: Well, let's get going! We do have a lot to do.
Terry: That's true…
Kyo: BUT I'M TIRED OF CLIMBING!!!
Iori (Smirks): Hey Kyo… I can get you down quickly…
Kyo (Eyes sparkle): Really?
Iori (Smirk widens): Yes…
Iori grabs Kyo by the back of his collar and tosses him down the side of the cliff.
Kyo (As he falls): WAAAAAAAAAH!!! ! GAH! THAT HURT!
! OWWIES! ! OUCHIES! ! MY KNEE CAPS,
GOOD GOD MY KNEE CAPS! ! …
Iori (Stares at the receding form of Kyo): … Hm hm hm hm, heh heh heh heh, HA HA
HA HA HA HAAAAA!!!
Vice: Sigh… I just love Iori-sama's sense of humor…
Kima: Sigh… I'm never going to get him to change that laugh, am I?
Billy: Not in a million years…
Ranma: Anyway, let's get going. Kyo is at the bottom of the other side by now, and we
have to catch up to him.
And so our group makes it's way down the side of the mountain…
(------)
Goenitz shakes his head in disgust… So far, two of the Hakkeshu have turned against him,
and the other two were complete morons with how they did things…
Goenitz (Mutters): Four realms… They got through FOUR REALMS! DAMN THEM!
They shouldn't have made it this far with so little trouble… I haven't had enough time to
completely 'reprogram' her yet… Oh well, they be at the water palace next, so I'll have to
make do with how I've 'trained' her thus far… And a little cheating of course…
Goenitz then starts walking down a stone corridor with torches aligning the walls. He then
makes it to a dungeon-like area, but there is only on occupant… Leona… He walks up to
her bloodied, chained form and stops right in front of her.
Goenitz: And how are we feeling today?
Leona (Slowly opens her eyes and faces Goenitz with a look of hate): … Get bent…
Goenitz (Frowns): Oh, don't be that way… You'll be with your 'Ranchan' soon enough…
Suddenly Leona forces herself to her knees, a light of hope in her eyes.
Leona (In a voice barely above a whisper): Ranchan…
Leona zones out, thinking about Ranma. Goenitz uses that moment of unawareness against
her. He grabs her by the throat and chokes her, and she pries at his large hand with his
hands to make him let go.
Leona: URK! Let go… Let go of me you bastard…
Goenitz: Oh good… You still have some life left to you… That's exactly what I need…
Goenitz uses his free hand and conjures up a circlet from out of thin air. It is made of silver
and has a tanzanite gemstone in the center of it. He then places it on her forehead, and it
wraps and tightens itself around her head. Goenitz let's go and energy courses through
Leona, putting her in unbearable pain, and making her cough of blood. She falls to the
ground, and curls up in a fetal position… Suddenly, her hair turns red, her eyes pale, and
her clothes darken. She tries to jump at Goenitz so she can rip him apart. Sadly, the chains
hold her back.
Leona: RAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHH!!!
Goenitz (Smiles): No matter how many times I see it, the Riot of Blood is truly an amazing
thing to see… Well now, this will do nicely…
Goenitz raises his left hand towards her, and the winds pick up around her. Leona
disappears and the chains fall to the ground.
Goenitz: Go my weapon… Go to the Water Palace… Destroy them… DESTROY
THEM ALL!
Goenitz walks back down the corridor to his 'throne room', and sits down in a black leather
chair adorned with silver dragon carvings. He lifts his left hand and summons a glass of
white wine. He takes a sip from the glass and smiles…
Goenitz (Thinks): And now you shall lose Tenth Hakkeshu… I know you cannot lift a
finger against the one you love… You would rather take the pain than hurt her… And that
will be your downfall… By Orochi-sama, I love being me!
Goenitz's laughter echoes throughout his realm… Another part of his scheme to break
Ranma is about to go into action…
(------)
End Chapter 39
Next Time: The Water Palace… Riot of Blood Leona… The group gets separated… And
a ghost…
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