Ranma/Lone Wolf Crossover Fanfiction
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2 or the Lone Wolf Series or any other characters. The rights to Ranma 1/2 belong to Rumiko Takahashi and for the Lone Wolf Series Joe Dever. This story is created solely for entertainment purposes and no profits are gained from this.
Wild Horse of Kai
By Montymouse
' ' - Thought
" " - Speech
Chapter Five A - Training Day
***
It's been roughly two and a half years since Ranma and Braxus first came to the Kai Monastery to become potential Kai Lords. The training was very tough and rigorous which was the standard requirement for all initiates to begin with. This was done so that only the strong and talented people would be selected and trained in the true ways of the Kai. The Kai monks who over the centuries have mastered all the skills of a warrior taught those who were the most talented. The training that all Kai initiates have to go through in order to become a Kai lord tested both the initiates' fighting prowess and endurance but also their mental side.
The first stage for an initiate to become a Kai Lord was to learn and master the ten basic Kai disciplines. These disciplines tested all areas of a warrior both physically and mentally. Only an initiate that had learnt and mastered these Kai disciplines could become a Kai warrior and be taught the more demanding and advanced disciplines available. Only a selected few had ever reached the highest rank possible of a Kai Grand Master to which Sun Eagle attained: he was the very first Kai Lord and founder of the Kai.
Normally only people from Sommerlund and quite possibly from Durenor were recruited as Kai initiates at the Kai Monastery, so when our two journeymen from Durenor came to the Kai Monastery they were a bit wary and cautious about those two, especially Ranma. Braxus was easily accepted as a Kai initiate but with the case of Ranma, most of the Kai monks were a bit suspicious of him and were quite surprised when he said that he wanted to join them with his brother.
A meeting was held with most of the Kai Lords present to discuss if they should allow this Ranma Stormgard to join them. Some of the Kai lords voted that Ranma's request for application to be trained as a Kai Lord be refused on the basis that he was a foreigner judging from his looks, and only people locally should be accepted. But the more senior and experienced Kai Lords including Storm Hawk and Wise Heart voted that it was time to make some changes in the recruiting methods to allow people from different parts of Magnamund to join and not just from Sommerlund. In the end it was voted that Ranma should be allowed to join their ranks with a little divine persuasion/intervention from Ishir and Ranko.
Wise Heart was the most senior and experienced Kai Grand Master at the Kai Monastery and he had sensed Ranma and Braxus Stormgard's potential as Kai warriors. Also he had received vague visions and messages from Kai during his mediation sessions to allow these two in as they could help the order of the Kai against the forces of Evil. This prompted him to allow the two into the Kai order during the meeting. Additionally, Storm Hawk had agreed to tutor them in his classes if no one else wanted to do so.
So it was on that day that Ranma and Braxus were sworn into the order of the Kai to protect the land of Magnamund and to serve Kai as protectors of the people. The first year of training for both of them went as well as could be expected as Ranma had mastered the physical and more practical aspects of the Kai disciplines which were hunting, weaponskill, sixth sense and camouflage. Also during the tutoring to teach the mental discipline of Mindblast, Ranma found it more difficult to focus his mind to actually use it as weapon but during one session he came up with a idea and started to develop a different kind projection method of attack. Instead of using his mind/willpower, he could use his Ki instead. He had picked up some information about using chi as a potential weapon when he had visited an old temple with his father during his training trip. The only person he told about his secret development was his brother Braxus and he just told him to keep it a secret until he succeed in actually making it work.
The reason why Ranma easily mastered these disciplines was because he was quite adaptable and was quick to learn new methods and techniques so these disciplines were quite natural for him. Back in his former home world, he constantly had to use these skills and it sure came in handy especially the Kai discipline of Camouflage when it came to avoiding trouble and people who made an 'arrangement' with Genma, usually about him. When it came to more mental aspects of the Kai disciplines it took him longer to learn them as they required Ranma to concentrate, but in the end Ranma was determined to master them.
Braxus had also easily mastered the Kai disciplines of hunting, tracking and weaponskill due to his father's training when he was young. Also the discipline of healing came naturally to him as his mother had taught him. Most of the Kai monks were quite surprised at how well they had mastered these disciplines but to master four disciplines in a year was quite an accomplishment for those two. Most of the young initiates and masters accepted him as one of them rather than an outsider; and anyway Ranma was friendly enough so why not make friends with him?
A few people who had disagreed or had doubts about him quickly changed their minds as they saw what Ranma did to one of them who didn't like outsiders joining them when he challenged him to a fight. The result was that he took him out in under a minute and that person was meant to be one of the best fighters of the whole group of young warriors. Those who watched that demonstration were quite impressed with Ranma's fighting skills, especially Storm Hawk and Wise Heart.
There had been a long tradition that the Kai Lords bestow a Kai name upon each young novice after they completed their first year of training at the Kai Monastery. These names were chosen by their tutors who were in a position to judge them and give out appropriate names to them with the aim of reflecting their individual strengths and qualities.
Braxus was named 'Swift Blade' by Storm Hawk to represent his speed and his swordmanship. He had proven to be a difficult opponent to fight against during weapons training. Ranma on the other hand was first given the name of 'Brave Dancer' to represent his skill and agility but Ranma didn't want that name as it didn't suit him at all and persuaded Storm Hawk to let him chose an appropriate name for himself. It was Braxus who mentioned that he should use the name 'Wild Horse' as a Kai name and suggested to his tutor Storm Hawk that it would be more appropriate, and he agreed to allow Ranma to have that name. So it was from then that Braxus would be known as 'Swift Blade' and Ranma as 'Wild Horse' as their Kai names during their training.
***
Early Morning. In the courtyard of the Kai Monastery, there was currently a group of young Kai initiates practicing their weapons training with the bow and arrow. Rune Star was the Kai tutor in this lesson and was currently watching the young initiates on their progress. We also see that Braxus is among the group of initiates. They were about to fire their arrows at targets at the far end of the courtyard.
"Warriors, take up your bows and ready your aim at those targets," called out Rune Star as he pointed to the target that they were supposed to hit.
All the young warriors took up their bows and aimed at the targets as they pulled back their bowstrings and readied their aim.
"Ready... FIRE!" shouted Rune Star as a cloud of twenty arrows were released and sent toward the still targets.
Braxus' aim was true and hit dead on target. Less than half the arrows fired found their mark while the others strayed off course or missed them completely.
'Damn, some of them really need a lot of practice. Hmm... Swift Blade is doing quite well; he rarely misses. So is his brother Wild Horse. I wonder where he is from?' thought Rune Star as he assessed the morning archery test.
"All those who have missed their targets, you need more practice to steady your aim. Remember that it's all about accuracy, not about power. Those who hit the target, well done. I expect this level of performance from you lot." Rune Star ordered those who missed to try again until they actually hit the targets. He also asked Swift Blade aka Braxus to go and fetch some more arrows, as they were a bit short on them.
Braxus was just going to the armory to fetch more arrows for his class when he noticed his brother Wild Horse aka Ranma at the monastery gates, probably coming back from the forest as he was carrying some firewood. He also noticed that he was covered in chalk pieces in his hair and clothing.
"Hi Ranma. I see that you feel asleep in Storm Hawk's class again." Braxus made his way over to where Ranma was.
"Yeah, how did you know?" replied Ranma as he placed the wood down on the ground.
"Yeah it's common knowledge around here that you do well in practical and physical aspects of disciplines but you find it difficult in the mental areas," Braxus said.
"Oh," was Ranma reply.
'Hmm... rumours do spread quite quickly around here,' though Ranma.
"So what did you do now that made you go and collect some firewood?" asked Braxus.
"Well it's like this..." Ranma began to explain what had happened.
***
Earlier that day in Storm Hawk's class
While Braxus was being taught by Rune Star, Ranma was in another part of the monastery being taught by Storm Hawk who was currently teaching another class on the mental side of a being a warrior. There were three Kai disciplines that a Kai warrior should learn before moving on to the next stage of these disciplines; these were mindshield, mindblast and mind over matter. These three were the basic mental disciplines and currently Storm Hawk was teaching his class about the mental discipline of mindshield.
"Now class, many evil creatures especially the Darklords and minions of Naar use psychic attacks against your mind in order to weaken your resolve and combat prowess. Mindshield is the basic form of mental defense that will protect you from minor psychic attacks. Hopefully some of you will master this discipline and later learn the most advanced type of mental defense which is only available to a Kai Lord." As Storm Hawk lectured his students, he quietly scanned the classroom to see how well his students were doing. All of them were taking notes down and were eagerly taking in what he had to say apart from one student in the corner.
'Not again! Why is he the only one that falls asleep in my classes? All the other tutors say that he is one of their top students but not in my class,' thought Storm Hawk.
"Wild Horse wake up will you and pay attention!" shouted Storm Hawk from where he was sitting. Getting no response, he then threw a piece of chalk toward Ranma who was currently asleep again in his tutorial class.
"Ouch!" Ranma said as he rubbed his forehead, noticing that he had white chalk all over him.
'What hit me?' thought a confused Ranma as he looked around the class to see his fellow classmates looking at him and his tutor standing there in front of him with his arms crossed.
"Err... Good Afternoon, Sensei," was the only thing Ranma could say.
'Oh crap, I'm in trouble again,' thought Ranma.
"It's nice to see that you have returned to us Wild Horse. Now please tell me why were you asleep in my class again?" Storm Hawk said as the rest of the class held in their laughter at the display between those two.
"Err... I was bored," Ranma said.
"You were bored. Well, if you are bored, Wild Horse maybe you should go out and do something to keep you awake let's say collect some firewood for tonight. What do you think?" Storm Hawk said.
'What am I going to do with him?' thought Storm Hawk.
"Yes Sensei," Ranma said as he bowed gently and walked out of the class. Storm Hawk then resumed his teaching his class.
***
"So that's what happened." As Ranma finished his explanation to his brother he could see he was laughing at him.
"What is so funny?" asked Ranma.
"Nothing, well it's just quite funny that you are the best student in all other classes apart from Storm Hawks' and you constantly get sent out. You know you should put in more effort in his class," replied Braxus.
"It's not like I do it on purpose. It's just that when I was with my Genma, I was told that the Art was the only thing important, anything else didn't matter that included a normal life and education," Ranma explained.
"Yeah, I agree with that but Ranma, remember that you are in a different world and away from your father. You been given a second chance now so try to live by your rules not your father," replied Braxus.
"I suppose you're right, but I have to go now, see ya later." Ranma picked his firewood and quickly rushed back to his class before his tutor got too annoyed.
"See you later," replied Braxus as he resumed what he was doing.
'I'd better keep an eye out for him, just to keep him out of trouble,' thought Braxus.
***
Watching those two from balcony were two people, both dressed to represent their rank and experience. The person near the balcony had blond hair with white highlights and was the Kai Grand Master, Wise Heart, while the person next to him was one of his closest advisors and fellow Kai Lords.
"I had my doubts about letting this Ranma Stormgard into our order at first. But it seems that Ranma is fitting quite nicely into our organisation," he said as he watched them near the gates.
"I knew that you would change your mind, Rising Eagle," replied Wise Heart.
"It seems that Wild Horse has fallen asleep again in Storm Hawk's class," commented Rising Eagle as he watched the two goes their separate ways.
"Yes, that one seems to get in trouble in his class only. I heard from my fellow Kai Lords that Wild Horse is quite keen and is one of the top students in his generation along with Swift Blade, Dancing Hawk and Shining Star." Wise Heart walked away from the balcony.
"Those four Kai initiates have exceptional talent and potential to be great warriors. I have high hopes for them in the future," Rising Eagle said as he followed Wise Heart back into the room.
"Indeed I expect them to do well. Also what is this problem that I heard with Wild Horse during the teaching of Animal Kinship with Fire Fox?" asked Wise Heart.
"Well, what I heard from Fire Fox was that when Wild Horse was asked to guess the intentions of an animal, he was doing quite well until he came to the last animal was a small feline cat. Then all hell broke loose as Wild Horse went crazy and ran around the room like he was possessed or something. It wasn't until he had knocked himself out that he returned to normal. Fire Fox examined him and it seems that he has a psychological fear of anything feline. The fear seems to be quite deeply rooted," Rising Eagle said sadly.
"Do you know the cause of his fear?" asked Wise Heart in a serious tone.
"Apparently from what Wild Horse said, it was his former father, Genma Saotome, who actually inflicted his fear on him when he was young before he was adopted by Stormgard's family," replied Rising Eagle.
He explained to Wise Heart what Ranma had told him about his fear of felines and how he got it. After he finished his explanation, Wise Heart sat there digesting what Rising Eagle had said.
"Do you know where this Genma Saotome currently is?" asked Wise Heart in a serious and deadly tone.
'If I ever meet this Genma, their will only be one person that will walk away with his head on his shoulders,' thought Wise Heart as he considered Genma was as evil as the Darklords themselves.
"We currently don't know. I tried to asked Wild Horse and Swift Blade if they knew where he was but they said they didn't know," replied Rising Eagle.
'Probably dead; or he better be,' thought Rising Eagle.
***
Genma Saotome started to have a sneezing fit as he felt his danger senses goes into overdrive. He was currently in his cursed form after his fruitless search for his naïve son in China. Genma decided to visit his old friend Soun Tendo because he was scared of what his wife would do to him.
***
"What can we do to ease his fear? If the agents of Naar ever hear about this they may use this against him and we be forced to make him leave the monastery," asked a concerned Wise Heart.
"Yes, there is. Fire Fox said using some mental techniques he could ease his fear to a minimal level so that he wouldn't freak out or be immobilised by his fear for a short while. It'll just mean that his reaction speed and combat skill will be slowed down against feline opponents. It will take some time to slowly erase his fear of cats but he is making progress," replied Rising Eagle.
"Good, it would be such a shame to lose one of our most talented warriors with so much potential because of this condition caused by his father. We will be keeping an eye on him but right now we have other matters to concern ourselves with, especially next year. You know what I mean, don't you Rising Eagle?" answered Wise Heart.
"Ah... yes. The feast of Fehmarn. It's been quite some time since I last saw my fellow Kai brothers, so we had better make the necessary preparations for next spring," replied Rising Eagle.
"It's has been quite awhile hasn't it? This time I heard that all the Kai Lords will be present. Remember the last time we held the festival?" Wise Heart sat down behind his desk and started to sort his paperwork.
"Yeah I remember, only half of us were present and I think it was because of a border dispute between two regions or something," replied Rising Eagle as he tried to recall what had happened last spring.
"Forget about it, it's in the past now. We should be looking forward to the festival and making the necessary preparations," Wise Heart said.
"Right then. I'll better check on progress of our young warriors. May Kai protect you." He saluted Wise Heart in a formal Kai salute and exited Wise Heart's chamber.
"May Ishir be with you too," replied Wise Heart and resumed his work.
***
It was evening at the Kai monastery and a few Kai warriors were stationed on the castle walls on the lookout for anything unusual. Most of the young warriors were in their own quarters either sleeping, relaxing or quietly studying. We see our two Kai warriors Ranma and Braxus currently sharing their quarters with two other warriors, Shining Star and Dancing Hawk.
Shining Star and Dancing Hawk were both from Sommerlund and were sent by their fathers to improve their martial skills and Kai abilities. Shining Star or Gordo Truon was taller than Ranma and had blond hair and brown eyes. The other person, known as Baradas Kelow or by his Kai name Dancing Hawk, had dark brown hair and brown eyes. They were about the same age as Ranma and Braxus. They quickly made good friends as they were in the same boat as them and they could help each other when they needed it.
Tonight, the two Kai warriors were sitting at a table, currently playing a friendly game of cards with Ranma and Braxus or by known as Kai names Wild Horse and Swift Blade.
"So... Dancing Hawk, what brings you here to the monastery?" asked Ranma as he dealt out the cards to his companions.
"Well, my father decided to send me here so I could learn some discipline and manners as I was quite the trouble maker back at my home town Raditch," replied Dancing Hawk as reached for his two cards.
"How about you Shining Star?" asked Ranma as dealt two cards to next person sitting to Dancing Hawk.
"I was sent because I wanted to bring honour to my family and to make a name for myself," Shining Star simply replied.
"Isn't they're another reason why you wanted to join?" asked Braxus as he could see something in Shining Star's eyes that suggested he had another agenda.
"Well there is. You see there's a girl that I really like and I knew her since childhood. She lives opposite my home in Farsell but her father wouldn't allow me to date her," explained Shining Star.
"And you think that by become a Kai Lord would make her father see that you are worthy of dating his daughter," added Ranma as he had worked out Shining Star real intentions.
"Yeah that's about it," replied Shining Star as he started to blush under his confession. The rest of the group started to laugh. Shining Star got annoyed because he thought they were laughing at him.
"Don't take it seriously Shining Star, we not laughing at you. You know we were just joking. We've all been there, haven't we? Well, except Ranma there," explained Braxus to reassure him that they were still friends and to lighten the mood.
"Anyway here is a picture of her. Her name is Eliza Aspen." Shining Star pulled a hand sketch picture of her to show to the three from his tunic.
"She's not bad, not bad at all," Braxus commented as he looked at the picture. The other two nodded in agreement and gave it back to him.
"Thanks, so how about you two, why did you join?" questioned Shining Star as he put away the picture.
"Me and my brother decided to join because a simple and humble life in the village would be fine for most others but not for us," Braxus replied as he quickly glanced at his two cards.
"Ah... you want the active and adventurous life and you think that becoming a Kai warrior will provide you that," Shining Star said.
"Got it in one," answered Ranma as he looked at his cards.
As the four Kai warriors played their friendly game of cards, everyone had won at least one or two rounds of cards except Ranma who had yet win one game.
"Wild Horse, you haven't won one single game yet, you sure that you know how to play this game?" asked Dancing Hawk.
"Of course I do, it's just that I'm have spot of bad luck," answered Ranma.
"You must have the worst luck in all of Magnamund because we played over twenty rounds of cards and you haven't won yet. I bet even a blind man have a better chance at winning than you," added Dancing Hawk.
"I think I know why you are so bad at cards. It because you don't hide your facial expressions and emotions hidden when you try to conceal your intentions," explained Braxus as he glance at his cards.
"What does supposed to mean?" asked a confused Ranma by his brother's statement.
"It means that you don't have poker face," Dancing Hawk said as checked his cards to find that he was out of this round.
"Yeah that's right, it's just that we can all read you like a open book, Wild Horse. It's just that you don't control your facial expression, for example when you have a winning pair, you face lights up and you smile and vice versa. It's a dead give away to all of us." Shining Star showed his hand to indicate that he had won this round and started to deal out a new hand of cards.
"Don't worry Wild Horse, I will teach you all that I know about playing card and how to put up a good poker face as I was known as the Card King in my home village," offered Dancing Hawk as received his pair from Shining Star.
"Thanks Shining Star I appreciate the help," replied Ranma as they continued their card game.
"No problem, now let's finish this game before we turn in for the night," replied Dancing Hawk. The rest nodded in agreement as they had to get up early in the morning for outdoor training.
Soon after, they all went to their bunkbeds to get some sleep because they knew that their tutor Rising Eagle always woke them up at first light to begin their training which usually started off with a 10 mile cross country run and through the Sommerlund Woods. They weren't looking really forward to it but all four of them were determined to be the best.
***
Somewhere in the Universe 'Aon'
The Goddess Ishir noticed Ranko who wasn't dressed in her usual cloaked hood and robe but was dressed a red/yellow sundress which hugged her curves quite nicely and showed off her assets quite well. She was currently watching Ranma during his endurance training and cross-country run with his fellow Kai warriors through a viewing crystal.
'Yummy,' thought Ranko as she saw Ranma's nicely toned body through his sweaty clothes.
"Ranko dear, may I have a word with you?" asked Ishir gently.
"Coming Ishir," Ranko said as she turned off her viewing crystal and walked over to where Ishir was.
"Ranko, I heard that you have been picking on Genma Saotome, Ranma's former father in his home universe. You know that we can't intervene directly or hurt people in other dimensions," explained Ishir.
"I know, but that Genma deserves it the most because of what he had done to poor little Ranma when he was young," replied Ranko as she could sense the pain that Ranma felt when she first scanned Ranma memories.
"I don't really blame you for you actions, but remember we must still uphold the rules that we follow. Do you understand Ranko dear?" Ishir said.
'Oh well, the damage has been done and besides, I could have done worse, much worse and if my fellow Goddess Bast hears about this, Genma is as good as kitty litter,' thought Ishir.
"Yes I do, thank you for your kindness Ishir." She bowed gently to Ishir and was about to walk away until Ishir called her.
"Before you go Ranko, I have another thing to ask you about. You used to have really short red hair and dress like a tomboy the last time I saw you. Now you have long flowing hair tied in a ponytail and your dress sense is quite different from what you used to wear. This new look that you have, does it involved a certain pig tailed martial artist?" teased Ishir as she saw Ranko pause for a moment.
"I'm not listening, I'm not listening," was all she said repeatedly in a sing song voice trying to ignore Ishir's last question as she skipped merrily away from Ishir into nearby portal.
'I knew it! She is interested in this mortal. It's about time she was. I wonder if Ranma knows about her?' thought Ishir.
TBC...
***
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2 or the Lone Wolf Series or any other characters. The rights to Ranma 1/2 belong to Rumiko Takahashi and for the Lone Wolf Series Joe Dever. This story is created solely for entertainment purposes and no profits are gained from this.
Wild Horse of Kai
By Montymouse
' ' - Thought
" " - Speech
Chapter Five A - Training Day
***
It's been roughly two and a half years since Ranma and Braxus first came to the Kai Monastery to become potential Kai Lords. The training was very tough and rigorous which was the standard requirement for all initiates to begin with. This was done so that only the strong and talented people would be selected and trained in the true ways of the Kai. The Kai monks who over the centuries have mastered all the skills of a warrior taught those who were the most talented. The training that all Kai initiates have to go through in order to become a Kai lord tested both the initiates' fighting prowess and endurance but also their mental side.
The first stage for an initiate to become a Kai Lord was to learn and master the ten basic Kai disciplines. These disciplines tested all areas of a warrior both physically and mentally. Only an initiate that had learnt and mastered these Kai disciplines could become a Kai warrior and be taught the more demanding and advanced disciplines available. Only a selected few had ever reached the highest rank possible of a Kai Grand Master to which Sun Eagle attained: he was the very first Kai Lord and founder of the Kai.
Normally only people from Sommerlund and quite possibly from Durenor were recruited as Kai initiates at the Kai Monastery, so when our two journeymen from Durenor came to the Kai Monastery they were a bit wary and cautious about those two, especially Ranma. Braxus was easily accepted as a Kai initiate but with the case of Ranma, most of the Kai monks were a bit suspicious of him and were quite surprised when he said that he wanted to join them with his brother.
A meeting was held with most of the Kai Lords present to discuss if they should allow this Ranma Stormgard to join them. Some of the Kai lords voted that Ranma's request for application to be trained as a Kai Lord be refused on the basis that he was a foreigner judging from his looks, and only people locally should be accepted. But the more senior and experienced Kai Lords including Storm Hawk and Wise Heart voted that it was time to make some changes in the recruiting methods to allow people from different parts of Magnamund to join and not just from Sommerlund. In the end it was voted that Ranma should be allowed to join their ranks with a little divine persuasion/intervention from Ishir and Ranko.
Wise Heart was the most senior and experienced Kai Grand Master at the Kai Monastery and he had sensed Ranma and Braxus Stormgard's potential as Kai warriors. Also he had received vague visions and messages from Kai during his mediation sessions to allow these two in as they could help the order of the Kai against the forces of Evil. This prompted him to allow the two into the Kai order during the meeting. Additionally, Storm Hawk had agreed to tutor them in his classes if no one else wanted to do so.
So it was on that day that Ranma and Braxus were sworn into the order of the Kai to protect the land of Magnamund and to serve Kai as protectors of the people. The first year of training for both of them went as well as could be expected as Ranma had mastered the physical and more practical aspects of the Kai disciplines which were hunting, weaponskill, sixth sense and camouflage. Also during the tutoring to teach the mental discipline of Mindblast, Ranma found it more difficult to focus his mind to actually use it as weapon but during one session he came up with a idea and started to develop a different kind projection method of attack. Instead of using his mind/willpower, he could use his Ki instead. He had picked up some information about using chi as a potential weapon when he had visited an old temple with his father during his training trip. The only person he told about his secret development was his brother Braxus and he just told him to keep it a secret until he succeed in actually making it work.
The reason why Ranma easily mastered these disciplines was because he was quite adaptable and was quick to learn new methods and techniques so these disciplines were quite natural for him. Back in his former home world, he constantly had to use these skills and it sure came in handy especially the Kai discipline of Camouflage when it came to avoiding trouble and people who made an 'arrangement' with Genma, usually about him. When it came to more mental aspects of the Kai disciplines it took him longer to learn them as they required Ranma to concentrate, but in the end Ranma was determined to master them.
Braxus had also easily mastered the Kai disciplines of hunting, tracking and weaponskill due to his father's training when he was young. Also the discipline of healing came naturally to him as his mother had taught him. Most of the Kai monks were quite surprised at how well they had mastered these disciplines but to master four disciplines in a year was quite an accomplishment for those two. Most of the young initiates and masters accepted him as one of them rather than an outsider; and anyway Ranma was friendly enough so why not make friends with him?
A few people who had disagreed or had doubts about him quickly changed their minds as they saw what Ranma did to one of them who didn't like outsiders joining them when he challenged him to a fight. The result was that he took him out in under a minute and that person was meant to be one of the best fighters of the whole group of young warriors. Those who watched that demonstration were quite impressed with Ranma's fighting skills, especially Storm Hawk and Wise Heart.
There had been a long tradition that the Kai Lords bestow a Kai name upon each young novice after they completed their first year of training at the Kai Monastery. These names were chosen by their tutors who were in a position to judge them and give out appropriate names to them with the aim of reflecting their individual strengths and qualities.
Braxus was named 'Swift Blade' by Storm Hawk to represent his speed and his swordmanship. He had proven to be a difficult opponent to fight against during weapons training. Ranma on the other hand was first given the name of 'Brave Dancer' to represent his skill and agility but Ranma didn't want that name as it didn't suit him at all and persuaded Storm Hawk to let him chose an appropriate name for himself. It was Braxus who mentioned that he should use the name 'Wild Horse' as a Kai name and suggested to his tutor Storm Hawk that it would be more appropriate, and he agreed to allow Ranma to have that name. So it was from then that Braxus would be known as 'Swift Blade' and Ranma as 'Wild Horse' as their Kai names during their training.
***
Early Morning. In the courtyard of the Kai Monastery, there was currently a group of young Kai initiates practicing their weapons training with the bow and arrow. Rune Star was the Kai tutor in this lesson and was currently watching the young initiates on their progress. We also see that Braxus is among the group of initiates. They were about to fire their arrows at targets at the far end of the courtyard.
"Warriors, take up your bows and ready your aim at those targets," called out Rune Star as he pointed to the target that they were supposed to hit.
All the young warriors took up their bows and aimed at the targets as they pulled back their bowstrings and readied their aim.
"Ready... FIRE!" shouted Rune Star as a cloud of twenty arrows were released and sent toward the still targets.
Braxus' aim was true and hit dead on target. Less than half the arrows fired found their mark while the others strayed off course or missed them completely.
'Damn, some of them really need a lot of practice. Hmm... Swift Blade is doing quite well; he rarely misses. So is his brother Wild Horse. I wonder where he is from?' thought Rune Star as he assessed the morning archery test.
"All those who have missed their targets, you need more practice to steady your aim. Remember that it's all about accuracy, not about power. Those who hit the target, well done. I expect this level of performance from you lot." Rune Star ordered those who missed to try again until they actually hit the targets. He also asked Swift Blade aka Braxus to go and fetch some more arrows, as they were a bit short on them.
Braxus was just going to the armory to fetch more arrows for his class when he noticed his brother Wild Horse aka Ranma at the monastery gates, probably coming back from the forest as he was carrying some firewood. He also noticed that he was covered in chalk pieces in his hair and clothing.
"Hi Ranma. I see that you feel asleep in Storm Hawk's class again." Braxus made his way over to where Ranma was.
"Yeah, how did you know?" replied Ranma as he placed the wood down on the ground.
"Yeah it's common knowledge around here that you do well in practical and physical aspects of disciplines but you find it difficult in the mental areas," Braxus said.
"Oh," was Ranma reply.
'Hmm... rumours do spread quite quickly around here,' though Ranma.
"So what did you do now that made you go and collect some firewood?" asked Braxus.
"Well it's like this..." Ranma began to explain what had happened.
***
Earlier that day in Storm Hawk's class
While Braxus was being taught by Rune Star, Ranma was in another part of the monastery being taught by Storm Hawk who was currently teaching another class on the mental side of a being a warrior. There were three Kai disciplines that a Kai warrior should learn before moving on to the next stage of these disciplines; these were mindshield, mindblast and mind over matter. These three were the basic mental disciplines and currently Storm Hawk was teaching his class about the mental discipline of mindshield.
"Now class, many evil creatures especially the Darklords and minions of Naar use psychic attacks against your mind in order to weaken your resolve and combat prowess. Mindshield is the basic form of mental defense that will protect you from minor psychic attacks. Hopefully some of you will master this discipline and later learn the most advanced type of mental defense which is only available to a Kai Lord." As Storm Hawk lectured his students, he quietly scanned the classroom to see how well his students were doing. All of them were taking notes down and were eagerly taking in what he had to say apart from one student in the corner.
'Not again! Why is he the only one that falls asleep in my classes? All the other tutors say that he is one of their top students but not in my class,' thought Storm Hawk.
"Wild Horse wake up will you and pay attention!" shouted Storm Hawk from where he was sitting. Getting no response, he then threw a piece of chalk toward Ranma who was currently asleep again in his tutorial class.
"Ouch!" Ranma said as he rubbed his forehead, noticing that he had white chalk all over him.
'What hit me?' thought a confused Ranma as he looked around the class to see his fellow classmates looking at him and his tutor standing there in front of him with his arms crossed.
"Err... Good Afternoon, Sensei," was the only thing Ranma could say.
'Oh crap, I'm in trouble again,' thought Ranma.
"It's nice to see that you have returned to us Wild Horse. Now please tell me why were you asleep in my class again?" Storm Hawk said as the rest of the class held in their laughter at the display between those two.
"Err... I was bored," Ranma said.
"You were bored. Well, if you are bored, Wild Horse maybe you should go out and do something to keep you awake let's say collect some firewood for tonight. What do you think?" Storm Hawk said.
'What am I going to do with him?' thought Storm Hawk.
"Yes Sensei," Ranma said as he bowed gently and walked out of the class. Storm Hawk then resumed his teaching his class.
***
"So that's what happened." As Ranma finished his explanation to his brother he could see he was laughing at him.
"What is so funny?" asked Ranma.
"Nothing, well it's just quite funny that you are the best student in all other classes apart from Storm Hawks' and you constantly get sent out. You know you should put in more effort in his class," replied Braxus.
"It's not like I do it on purpose. It's just that when I was with my Genma, I was told that the Art was the only thing important, anything else didn't matter that included a normal life and education," Ranma explained.
"Yeah, I agree with that but Ranma, remember that you are in a different world and away from your father. You been given a second chance now so try to live by your rules not your father," replied Braxus.
"I suppose you're right, but I have to go now, see ya later." Ranma picked his firewood and quickly rushed back to his class before his tutor got too annoyed.
"See you later," replied Braxus as he resumed what he was doing.
'I'd better keep an eye out for him, just to keep him out of trouble,' thought Braxus.
***
Watching those two from balcony were two people, both dressed to represent their rank and experience. The person near the balcony had blond hair with white highlights and was the Kai Grand Master, Wise Heart, while the person next to him was one of his closest advisors and fellow Kai Lords.
"I had my doubts about letting this Ranma Stormgard into our order at first. But it seems that Ranma is fitting quite nicely into our organisation," he said as he watched them near the gates.
"I knew that you would change your mind, Rising Eagle," replied Wise Heart.
"It seems that Wild Horse has fallen asleep again in Storm Hawk's class," commented Rising Eagle as he watched the two goes their separate ways.
"Yes, that one seems to get in trouble in his class only. I heard from my fellow Kai Lords that Wild Horse is quite keen and is one of the top students in his generation along with Swift Blade, Dancing Hawk and Shining Star." Wise Heart walked away from the balcony.
"Those four Kai initiates have exceptional talent and potential to be great warriors. I have high hopes for them in the future," Rising Eagle said as he followed Wise Heart back into the room.
"Indeed I expect them to do well. Also what is this problem that I heard with Wild Horse during the teaching of Animal Kinship with Fire Fox?" asked Wise Heart.
"Well, what I heard from Fire Fox was that when Wild Horse was asked to guess the intentions of an animal, he was doing quite well until he came to the last animal was a small feline cat. Then all hell broke loose as Wild Horse went crazy and ran around the room like he was possessed or something. It wasn't until he had knocked himself out that he returned to normal. Fire Fox examined him and it seems that he has a psychological fear of anything feline. The fear seems to be quite deeply rooted," Rising Eagle said sadly.
"Do you know the cause of his fear?" asked Wise Heart in a serious tone.
"Apparently from what Wild Horse said, it was his former father, Genma Saotome, who actually inflicted his fear on him when he was young before he was adopted by Stormgard's family," replied Rising Eagle.
He explained to Wise Heart what Ranma had told him about his fear of felines and how he got it. After he finished his explanation, Wise Heart sat there digesting what Rising Eagle had said.
"Do you know where this Genma Saotome currently is?" asked Wise Heart in a serious and deadly tone.
'If I ever meet this Genma, their will only be one person that will walk away with his head on his shoulders,' thought Wise Heart as he considered Genma was as evil as the Darklords themselves.
"We currently don't know. I tried to asked Wild Horse and Swift Blade if they knew where he was but they said they didn't know," replied Rising Eagle.
'Probably dead; or he better be,' thought Rising Eagle.
***
Genma Saotome started to have a sneezing fit as he felt his danger senses goes into overdrive. He was currently in his cursed form after his fruitless search for his naïve son in China. Genma decided to visit his old friend Soun Tendo because he was scared of what his wife would do to him.
***
"What can we do to ease his fear? If the agents of Naar ever hear about this they may use this against him and we be forced to make him leave the monastery," asked a concerned Wise Heart.
"Yes, there is. Fire Fox said using some mental techniques he could ease his fear to a minimal level so that he wouldn't freak out or be immobilised by his fear for a short while. It'll just mean that his reaction speed and combat skill will be slowed down against feline opponents. It will take some time to slowly erase his fear of cats but he is making progress," replied Rising Eagle.
"Good, it would be such a shame to lose one of our most talented warriors with so much potential because of this condition caused by his father. We will be keeping an eye on him but right now we have other matters to concern ourselves with, especially next year. You know what I mean, don't you Rising Eagle?" answered Wise Heart.
"Ah... yes. The feast of Fehmarn. It's been quite some time since I last saw my fellow Kai brothers, so we had better make the necessary preparations for next spring," replied Rising Eagle.
"It's has been quite awhile hasn't it? This time I heard that all the Kai Lords will be present. Remember the last time we held the festival?" Wise Heart sat down behind his desk and started to sort his paperwork.
"Yeah I remember, only half of us were present and I think it was because of a border dispute between two regions or something," replied Rising Eagle as he tried to recall what had happened last spring.
"Forget about it, it's in the past now. We should be looking forward to the festival and making the necessary preparations," Wise Heart said.
"Right then. I'll better check on progress of our young warriors. May Kai protect you." He saluted Wise Heart in a formal Kai salute and exited Wise Heart's chamber.
"May Ishir be with you too," replied Wise Heart and resumed his work.
***
It was evening at the Kai monastery and a few Kai warriors were stationed on the castle walls on the lookout for anything unusual. Most of the young warriors were in their own quarters either sleeping, relaxing or quietly studying. We see our two Kai warriors Ranma and Braxus currently sharing their quarters with two other warriors, Shining Star and Dancing Hawk.
Shining Star and Dancing Hawk were both from Sommerlund and were sent by their fathers to improve their martial skills and Kai abilities. Shining Star or Gordo Truon was taller than Ranma and had blond hair and brown eyes. The other person, known as Baradas Kelow or by his Kai name Dancing Hawk, had dark brown hair and brown eyes. They were about the same age as Ranma and Braxus. They quickly made good friends as they were in the same boat as them and they could help each other when they needed it.
Tonight, the two Kai warriors were sitting at a table, currently playing a friendly game of cards with Ranma and Braxus or by known as Kai names Wild Horse and Swift Blade.
"So... Dancing Hawk, what brings you here to the monastery?" asked Ranma as he dealt out the cards to his companions.
"Well, my father decided to send me here so I could learn some discipline and manners as I was quite the trouble maker back at my home town Raditch," replied Dancing Hawk as reached for his two cards.
"How about you Shining Star?" asked Ranma as dealt two cards to next person sitting to Dancing Hawk.
"I was sent because I wanted to bring honour to my family and to make a name for myself," Shining Star simply replied.
"Isn't they're another reason why you wanted to join?" asked Braxus as he could see something in Shining Star's eyes that suggested he had another agenda.
"Well there is. You see there's a girl that I really like and I knew her since childhood. She lives opposite my home in Farsell but her father wouldn't allow me to date her," explained Shining Star.
"And you think that by become a Kai Lord would make her father see that you are worthy of dating his daughter," added Ranma as he had worked out Shining Star real intentions.
"Yeah that's about it," replied Shining Star as he started to blush under his confession. The rest of the group started to laugh. Shining Star got annoyed because he thought they were laughing at him.
"Don't take it seriously Shining Star, we not laughing at you. You know we were just joking. We've all been there, haven't we? Well, except Ranma there," explained Braxus to reassure him that they were still friends and to lighten the mood.
"Anyway here is a picture of her. Her name is Eliza Aspen." Shining Star pulled a hand sketch picture of her to show to the three from his tunic.
"She's not bad, not bad at all," Braxus commented as he looked at the picture. The other two nodded in agreement and gave it back to him.
"Thanks, so how about you two, why did you join?" questioned Shining Star as he put away the picture.
"Me and my brother decided to join because a simple and humble life in the village would be fine for most others but not for us," Braxus replied as he quickly glanced at his two cards.
"Ah... you want the active and adventurous life and you think that becoming a Kai warrior will provide you that," Shining Star said.
"Got it in one," answered Ranma as he looked at his cards.
As the four Kai warriors played their friendly game of cards, everyone had won at least one or two rounds of cards except Ranma who had yet win one game.
"Wild Horse, you haven't won one single game yet, you sure that you know how to play this game?" asked Dancing Hawk.
"Of course I do, it's just that I'm have spot of bad luck," answered Ranma.
"You must have the worst luck in all of Magnamund because we played over twenty rounds of cards and you haven't won yet. I bet even a blind man have a better chance at winning than you," added Dancing Hawk.
"I think I know why you are so bad at cards. It because you don't hide your facial expressions and emotions hidden when you try to conceal your intentions," explained Braxus as he glance at his cards.
"What does supposed to mean?" asked a confused Ranma by his brother's statement.
"It means that you don't have poker face," Dancing Hawk said as checked his cards to find that he was out of this round.
"Yeah that's right, it's just that we can all read you like a open book, Wild Horse. It's just that you don't control your facial expression, for example when you have a winning pair, you face lights up and you smile and vice versa. It's a dead give away to all of us." Shining Star showed his hand to indicate that he had won this round and started to deal out a new hand of cards.
"Don't worry Wild Horse, I will teach you all that I know about playing card and how to put up a good poker face as I was known as the Card King in my home village," offered Dancing Hawk as received his pair from Shining Star.
"Thanks Shining Star I appreciate the help," replied Ranma as they continued their card game.
"No problem, now let's finish this game before we turn in for the night," replied Dancing Hawk. The rest nodded in agreement as they had to get up early in the morning for outdoor training.
Soon after, they all went to their bunkbeds to get some sleep because they knew that their tutor Rising Eagle always woke them up at first light to begin their training which usually started off with a 10 mile cross country run and through the Sommerlund Woods. They weren't looking really forward to it but all four of them were determined to be the best.
***
Somewhere in the Universe 'Aon'
The Goddess Ishir noticed Ranko who wasn't dressed in her usual cloaked hood and robe but was dressed a red/yellow sundress which hugged her curves quite nicely and showed off her assets quite well. She was currently watching Ranma during his endurance training and cross-country run with his fellow Kai warriors through a viewing crystal.
'Yummy,' thought Ranko as she saw Ranma's nicely toned body through his sweaty clothes.
"Ranko dear, may I have a word with you?" asked Ishir gently.
"Coming Ishir," Ranko said as she turned off her viewing crystal and walked over to where Ishir was.
"Ranko, I heard that you have been picking on Genma Saotome, Ranma's former father in his home universe. You know that we can't intervene directly or hurt people in other dimensions," explained Ishir.
"I know, but that Genma deserves it the most because of what he had done to poor little Ranma when he was young," replied Ranko as she could sense the pain that Ranma felt when she first scanned Ranma memories.
"I don't really blame you for you actions, but remember we must still uphold the rules that we follow. Do you understand Ranko dear?" Ishir said.
'Oh well, the damage has been done and besides, I could have done worse, much worse and if my fellow Goddess Bast hears about this, Genma is as good as kitty litter,' thought Ishir.
"Yes I do, thank you for your kindness Ishir." She bowed gently to Ishir and was about to walk away until Ishir called her.
"Before you go Ranko, I have another thing to ask you about. You used to have really short red hair and dress like a tomboy the last time I saw you. Now you have long flowing hair tied in a ponytail and your dress sense is quite different from what you used to wear. This new look that you have, does it involved a certain pig tailed martial artist?" teased Ishir as she saw Ranko pause for a moment.
"I'm not listening, I'm not listening," was all she said repeatedly in a sing song voice trying to ignore Ishir's last question as she skipped merrily away from Ishir into nearby portal.
'I knew it! She is interested in this mortal. It's about time she was. I wonder if Ranma knows about her?' thought Ishir.
TBC...
***