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 profit as gained from this.
Note.
Kai Names:
* Ranma Stormgard (Saotome) - Wild Horse
* Braxus Stormgard - Swift Blade
Wild Horse of Kai
By Montymouse
' ' - Thought
" " - Speech
Chapter Nine - Final Liberation
***
Hammerdal - Capital City of Durenor
The muster of the army and the preparation of the Durenese fleet took fourteen days to complete. Ranma hoped that they would arrive in time to liberate Holmgard before the Darklord's armies penetrated the city's defenses. During Ranma's stay in the capital city of Hammerdal as a guest of the King, every day he would devote himself to long periods of exercise and mediation as he continued to work out how he had performed the Chi move he had done in desperation against the Helghast.
While staying in Hammerdal, Ranma was visited by his mother Oriah Stormgard, who by now was almost due to give birth, and her husband Jerek. Ranma told them how he and his brother were the only surviving Kai warriors left, but he did not tell them about the fate of his brother because he still had hope that he was alive. Oriah then taught Ranma some techniques in advanced healing while he waited for the fleet to be assembled. Jerek told Ranma some good news for a change that Lord Rhygar had been found by Lord Axim near the outskirts of Hammerdal and was still alive. He had sustained numerous wounds and injuries but he was in good hands as Hammerdal had the best healers and physicians in all of Durenor. Ranma was of course relieved that Rhygar was alive, as he didn't really want to lose a good man during the war.
Training with his father Jerek, Ranma noticed during his rigorous training exercises with the Sommerswerd that his martial arts and Kai Sixth Sense had become more sensitive than before, and he could foretell things far into the future before they happened. Also he found out his martial arts senses had become more developed and his reaction speed was much faster. He could also tell if someone was lying or not. It was due to the power of the Sommerswerd that had somehow improved Ranma's, abilities but he didn't know the extent of the improvements.
In the courtyard of the Hammerdal Citadel, we see two individuals practising their swordmanship.
"Come on Ranma, let me see how well you have improved since the last time we met," Jerek said.
"Okay father." Ranma wanted to impress his father with his skill with the sword. Of course, Ranma was better at fighting unarmed with his father, but with a weapon he had to adapt a little because Jerek was an expert swordsman with tons of experience to back it up.
Ranma took hold of the Sommerswerd and demonstrated to his father his Kai skills of balance and speed as taught to him by his Kai masters. With breathtaking speed, Ranma was able to spin and twist the weapon around his head and body; the movements of his hands becoming a dazzling blur. To finish off Ranma's display of swordmanship and Kai Weaponskill, he struck the edge of another weapon, sending it spinning across the courtyard so fast that it embedded itself into the marble pillar, narrowly missing Jerek who just managed to dodge.
"Oops," was all Ranma had to say, as he hadn't really intended to aim at his father.
"Impressive my son. I see that the Kai training had done wonders for you, but you have to work on your finishing skills," Jerek said as he walked towards the pillar to pull out the weapon imbedded in it.
Hearing the sounds of clapping from behind him, Ranma turned around to see his pregnant mother Oriah. She had been watching Ranma from afar, also wanting to see how well her son was doing. She was impressed with Ranma's skill with the sword.
"Very good Ranma. It was very entertaining, especially the last bit where you tired to kill your father," teased Oriah.
She knew that her husband was an extremely skilled warrior so there was no real danger to him, but it did surprise her how well her son had adapted to their family style of swordmanship.
"Sorry about that," Ranma said, embarrassed.
"No need to apologise son, accidents can happen, and besides it makes me proud to see you all grown up. Have you found someone yet?" asked Oriah. Ranma turned a bit red by her question.
"Not yet," Ranma managed to say out.
"That's not what Saria was telling me."
"What has she been telling you?" asked Ranma.
"Oh nothing, just that she said that you've found a girl that you like. You don't have to tell me about her now but inform me when you two are engaged," Oriah teased Ranma as he started to turn redder from embarrassment and shyness.
"Mom!"
"What? Can't I expect grandchildren from you or your brother in the future?"
Ranma felt like banging his head against a wall repeatedly, but he noticed that his father had managed to get the imbedded weapon out of the wall.
"Oriah dear, I think that enough torturing Ranma for now. Should you be resting?" suggested Jerek.
"I'm not a glass doll you know, husband dear," Oriah said, annoyed. She didn't like taking orders at all just because she was pregnant.
"I know dear, but you are almost due so take it easy okay," Jerek said.
"Fine," she said to her husband. "By the way I hope you succeed in your mission, Ranma my son. You will visit us when you have time won't you?"
"Of course mother," Ranma said as he resumes his training.
Oriah followed Jerek as they prepared to make their way back to their village. It was nice for them to see their son but they were wondering where the other was as all Ranma had told them was that he was on another mission. Ranma continued to practice his Weaponskill as he waited for the news that the warfleet had finally been assembled to help aid Holmgard and Sommerlund.
***
It was the thirty-three days since Ranma had left Holmgard for Hammerdal and since then he had encountered many dangers that could easily have ended Ranma's quest; but because of his determination and prowess he had overcome and succeeds where anyone else would have failed. Lord Axim told Ranma that the preparation for war was now complete.
Today was the day the Durenese home fleet would set sail to aid Sommerlund. We see Ranma riding with Lord Axim and accompanying them was a heavily armed escort of the King's royal bodyguards. Reaching the Port, they made they way to the harbour where the Durenese home fleet was currently anchored.
"Isn't this a marvellous sight to behold, Lord Wild Horse?" Lord Axim said.
Ranma couldn't believe how many ships were stationed in the harbour ready to set sail. He had expected a reasonably large fleet but this took the cake, as there had to be at least sixty or seventy galleons. Ranma noticed with his keen eyesight that on each warship there were many brave and eager warriors ready to face the Darklords and aid their brothers in arms.
"Very impressive, Lord Axim. When can we expect to set sail?" Ranma asked.
"The men and fleet are ready, they are merely waiting till we give the word. You shall be onboard our flagship Durenor while I will be on the second flagship Kalkarm."
"Which one is it?" Ranma asked, as all the ships looked identical to him.
"That one, my Lord." Lord Axim pointed to the biggest ship out there in the harbour.
Ranma looked to where Lord Axim was pointing with awe at the size of the flagship Durenor, a warship with a great curving prow and tall masts, which emphasised its sheer power and strength. Ranma and Lord Axim parted and boarded their separate flagships. As Ranma was boarding the ship, Admiral Calfen, Commander of the Fleet greeted him.
"Lord Wild Horse, I am honored by your presence." Admiral Calfen greeted him along with his senior officers.
"Err... Thanks, we should set sail now."
"As you wish, My Lord." Admiral Calfen bowed as he shouted to his officers to order the fleet to set sail for Sommerlund.
An hour later, Ranma could see the harbour of Port Bax far behind him, the domes of Port Bax now merely dots on the horizon. For the next few days and nights the mighty fleet of Durenor steered swiftly towards the Holmgulf. Ranma noticed that the confidence and eagerness were slowly fading away, and although the voyage was fast, there was still a sense of unease. Even the proud and confident Lord Axim was close to despair.
Admiral Calfen and Ranma were on the ship's deck, hoping that the weather would brighten up.
"This black mood that haunts our decks is the evil work of the Darklords. I know of their power to turn a man's mind, but the curse that befalls us is a sorcery we cannot even see to destroy. How I pray that this spell would end, for even if we arrive at our destination, I fear that we will be too weak in mind to break our foes."
"We can only hope," Ranma replied, though he too was being to lose confidence, and his hopes of lifting the siege at Holmgard were beginning to fade.
The next day the black curse that had been haunting the Durenese fleet was lifted but the spell was replaced by a threat far more deadly, as a veil of sea fog had rolled across the still ocean from the broken spine of land known as the Kirlundin Isles.
"Curse it! I'd rather be in a storm than this! It's like someone is trying to prevent us from reaching Holmgard," Admiral Calfen said. The fog was making navigating through very difficult and he could no longer see the rest of the fleet.
Ranma was watching the fog and his experience of weather led him to a one logical conclusion.
'This is no natural fog,'
Ranma thought as he placed his hand on the hilt of the Sommerswerd. His martial arts and Kai Sixth Sense were telling him that this fog had a more sinister motive.
"Admiral Calfen, prepare your men for battle. I am sensing darker powers are at work," Ranma said.
"Why my Lord? It's just a simple fog and there's nothing to fe..." The Admiral was cut off as one of his officers had spotted something in the fog.
"Enemy ships on the starboard side!"
Both Ranma and Admiral Calfen rushed over to the starboard side of the flagship. There they saw strange dark shapes hidden within the mist. As they grow larger they could see the distinct outline of a ship.
"Prepare for battle!" The admiral's cry was repeated along the many decks of the Durenese fleet.
"All hands on Deck!"
"My Lord, you are right. I am sorry for not trusting you," the Admiral said.
"There's no need to be sorry, just get ready for battle," Ranma replied.
As the black ships approached through the fog, a horrific sight befell the Admiral and the rest of the crew.
'Not again! Why is it that I have to keeping fighting them all the time? It's always them! Can't they put more variety into their minions?' Ranma thought as he saw what was on board those ships.
The ships were death-hulks; sunken ships crewed by the living corpses of drowned sailors. They had been summoned to the surface by great wizardry and they were closing for battle. Suddenly the fog vanished, and Ranma could see the death hulks had barred the entrance to the Holmgulf. In the centre of the line was their sinister flagship. Swiftly it sailed towards Ranma's ship, a huge ram protruding from its black prow.
The Admiral ordered his crew to use evasive maneuvers, but the flagship was too quick. As it ripped its way through the hull of the Durenor, Ranma could hear the Admiral's last desperate order.
"Abandon Ship!"
Ranma's instinct quickly took over; knowing he had to find a way off the Durenor before it sank. He took the only option that he had left, which was to jump onto the deck of the death hulk flagship. As he hit the rotting timbers, Ranma expected to land on the deck, but instead he crashed straight through it.
'That was a great idea, wasn't it, Ranma?' Ranma thought to himself as he tried to get up.
The stench of decay that filled Ranma's nostrils was overwhelming as he clambered up onto the deck of the ship. Looking around, Ranma could hear groans and moans coming from behind him. Quickly unsheathing the Sommerswerd, he turned around to see half a dozen ghastly zombies staggering out of the gloom, their twisted hands extended towards Ranma's throat.
'Well, I could do with a warm up first.' Ranma smirked as he charged head on.
"For Kai and for Sommerlund!" Ranma shouted.
Ranma could feel the power of the Sommerswerd unleashed as it was glowing brightly. Filled with renewed confidence, Ranma fought his way through the undead horde, the blade of the Sommerswerd easily killing zombies with a single hit as the weapon was quite deadly to them.
***
After taking out two undead zombies, Ranma noticed a tower on this ship. He sensed a source of evil power lurked at the top of the tower. Suddenly a flash of searing flame shot from the tower, and exploded into the side of a Durenese warship less than fifty yards away. Ranma watched with horror as soldiers leapt from the deck, their clothes and hair in flames. Determined to stop this, Ranma gripped his sword Sommerswerd tightly and rushed up towards the evil tower.
Before he could reach the entrance to the tower two undead zombies stopped him; but they were no match against Ranma's swordmanship, and the glowing power of the Sommerswerd easily sliced them apart. Reaching the entrance, Ranma gave a swift kick to the wooden door, which shattered quite easily. Expecting the worst, Ranma went in with the Sommerswerd glowing brightly.
Entering the tower, there in front of Ranma was an old woman in a crimson robe. The old woman has been watching the battle between her undead forces and the warfleet of Durenor. Sensing Ranma's chaotic and goodly aura, she turned around to reveal that she wore a tall, curved tokmor, a magician's headdress. In her right hand was a black staff that bore the emblem of a serpent.
"I've been expecting you, Wild Horse. I must admit I am surprised to see you alive after the excellent entertainment that I had laid out for you. I can only apologise for that, but I hope to correct matters shortly," the sorceress said,
"Who the hell are you?" demanded Ranma. He knew he had to be carefully as he could sense huge amounts of evil being emitted by this old woman. Ranma then realised that her staff was shaped like a serpent.
'So she is the one that has been trying to assassinate me from day one to Durenor. She probably is the one who commands the death hulk fleet against the Durenor warfleet,' Ranma thought. He knew what he had to do.
"Vonotar," she simply said.
Ranma instantly recognised the name and reached for his Crystal Star Pendant that Banedon had given to him, remembering that Vonotar was a renegade wizard from the Magician's Guild of Toran. From what Banedon had said to him in Sommerlund, he was a master of the black arts. Ranma realised that if he destroyed Vonotar, hopefully the evil death hulk fleet would destroy itself. The one question that went through Ranma mind was...
"As I remember, the infamous Vonotar was a male. You are surely obliviously a female!" Ranma shouted as the old women sweatdropped.
'Just barely,' Ranma thought, as it was difficult to tell.
"I was! Curse that damn red haired girl!" the female Vonotar muttered as he remembered what the girl had done to him.
*Flashback*
Vonotar and his Giak warriors were pursing the red haired girl Ranko across the Sommerlund forest. She had managed to take out three of her pursuers as she tried to lead them away from Ranma. She could have outrun them easily, but she wanted to have a bit of fun.
"Die witch!" Vonotar shouted as he tried to hit her with his fireballs.
Suddenly, Ranko stopped in mid air and turned around.
"Hey, I resent being called a witch! I'm too beautiful to be called a witch. More like a Goddess!" Ranko shouted as she threw a lightning bolt at one of the Giak riders. She then vanished into thin air.
Vonotar and his remaining two Giak riders were looking furiously around to see if they could spot her, but they saw nothing.
"Over here!" a voice shouted from behind. They turned to see that she was indeed behind them.
Vonotar ordered his remaining riders to kill her.
The two Giak riders circled around her and then charged at her from both sides, hoping that she would be caught in their trap. Ranko had already seen their pathetic attempt to trap her, but she played along. When the two Giak riders on Kraans were a few hundred yards away from her, she simply disappeared. The two riders didn't have time to change their course and they crashed head on with each other before spiralling down into the forest.
Vonotar sweatdropped as the Giaks crashed into each other. After seeing them go down, he placed his hand on his face and sighed deeply.
'Why can't I get proper help? Why do I have to be struck with these idiots?' Vonotar thought.
"Hey Voney, catch!" Vonotar heard her and turned around to see Ranko throwing some sort of ball at him.
He dodged it just in time and watched as it passed by him and landed on the ground. Looking to see what would have happened to him, Vonotar was surprised the ball seemed to be filled with water instead of an explosion.
"Ha, you missed!" Vonotar said. He looked back at Ranko to see that she had more than one ball; she threw at least a dozen more balloons at him. Of course, Vonotar managed to avoid all of them except one.
SPLASH!
"Is that all you got, witch?" Vonotar taunted, though he was surprisingly soaking wet from just the one water balloon.
Ranko just smirked as she threw something else at him before she simply vanished. Vonotar caught it with ease, as it was a mirror. Looking at his reflection, he noticed something wrong with the image that he was looking at, but couldn't place his finger on it.
Until five seconds later, when a feminine scream echoed throughout the forest. Anyone who listened carefully could make out...
"RANKO, YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!!!"
*End of Flashback*
"Yeah right, you really expect me to believe that you are the traitorous Vonotar?" Ranma said sarcastically, though inside Ranma knew he had to be careful as he had sensed so strong a strong dark aura that the Darklords had obliviously powered her up.
Vonotar sweatdropped even more from Ranma's observations
"Hang on sec." Vonotar went over to the table and poured a cup of hot water over her head as she chanted and fired off a black lightning bolt at Ranma, who easily dodged by rolling to his left.
Getting up, Ranma raised an eyebrow with interest as the water turned the old woman into a hunchbacked bald man.
'That was interesting. Glad that's not happening to me.'
"See... I am the great Vonotar. Now, Wild Horse, it is time for you to die!" He suddenly cast two huge black fireballs at Ranma, who had to use all his speed and his training to avoid them.
The two fireballs narrowly avoided his head as Ranma hit the floor, flying past him and blowing out a side of the tower.
Getting up from the floor, a voice calling from above him made his blood freeze. Looking up, he could see Vonotar hovering above him, his left hand pointing at Ranma's head.
"How I shall delight in the irony of your death, Wild Horse. It's been entertaining, but your quest has failed and now you must die!" Vonotar taunted as he started to chant another dark spell to finish Ranma off.
A blinding flash of orange flame shot out from Vonotar's hand towards Ranma. Seeing the orange flash, all Ranma had time to do was to try to shield himself from the blazing fireball that was heading towards him.
In a fraction of a second, the searing burst of flame changed direction in mid air and was drawn towards the blade of the Sommerswerd. The bolt of energy disappeared into the golden blade like water into a drain, reminding Ranma that the Sommerswerd was no ordinary blade, but was a magical sword, which had the ability to absorb magic.
'Thank Ishir and Kai for this sword!' Ranma thought as he looked at the Sommerswerd, still glowing brightly and without a trace of damage, this magic sword had saved his life.
"What the hell happened to my fireball?" Vonotar cursed as he realised that the sword was no ordinary sword.
"So Wild Horse, I see that you have the legendary Sword of the Sun. Sorry, I can't hang around as I must dash." Vonotar pulled out a jewel from his ornate tokmor and threw it at Ranma.
Ranma's Sixth Sense sensed immediate danger from the jewel. He started to get out of the room when there was a flash of flame and a cloud of choking green gas that started to fill the room. Ranma could smell the acidic stench as he exited the tower onto the deck of the ship. As Ranma landed on the deck he caught a glimpse of the traitorous sorcerer - or sorceress as she was now wet - as she paddled a small boat into the fog frantically paddled a small boat into the fog.
"We will meet again, Wild Horse! Next time we meet you will die!" Vonotar shouted as he paddled away.
Ranma could not do anything to pursue the fleeing Vonotar as he had other problems, like taking on the rest of the undead crew that was surrounding him, not forgetting that the ship was in flames. On the other end of the ship, Ranma could see the Durenese warship Kalkarm, but he would have to go through the undead crew first.
Cutting through the undead horde with ease as the Sommerswerd was cutting them down like a hot knife through butter, Ranma was almost at the Kalkarm when two shadowy figures jumped out from nowhere and blocked his path. Ranma instantly recognised them as Helghast.
"Not you again!" Ranma shouted. The last time he had met these creatures, he almost hadn't survived the encounter.
The two shadowy figures gave out a hideous cry as they charged toward Ranma with their black weapons drawn, but this time Ranma was prepared. The Sommerswerd started to glow with a brilliant light as Ranma struck down one of the Helghast, killing it instantly. The second Helghast missed Ranma completely as he managed to duck down in time and pierce its decaying chest with his glowing blade.
Once Ranma had dispatched the two creatures, he started to run and with a mighty jump, he managed to leap across the water between the two ships and landed on the deck of the Durenese warship.
'Made it!' Ranma thought as he turned to see the undead ship explode in flames and sink slowly.
The soldiers onboard had been involved in a desperate battle, but had fought off the enemy and were cutting the grappling ropes that held the ship to the death hulk. The soldiers almost mistook Ranma for one of the undead until their superiors recognised him as a Kai Lord. From out of the smoke appeared a person that Ranma was glad to see... Lord Axim.
His face and uniform was bloodied and his shield badly scarred, but he didn't seem to be wounded or injured seriously.
"Lord Axim, am I glad to see you."
Lord Axim gave him a smile. He had feared for Ranma's life as he saw the ship that Ranma was on destroyed in the initial assault. Ranma sheathed the Sommerswerd in his scabbard
"Thank the Gods you are alive Wild Horse. The fight has been bitter and our losses are high, but I am heartened indeed to see you are standing and in one piece before me now," Lord Axim said as he led Ranma to the ship's rails.
Ranma could still see the many undead ships, many still in flames, as the Kalkarm carefully maneuvered out of the tangle of wreckage. Ranma felt the winds starting to stir as it filled the tattered sails and carried away the smoke of the battle. Lord Axim ordered the Royal Arms of Durenor to be hoist aloft so that other ships could rally to the Kalkarm. For the first time since the fog had set in, Ranma could see the rest of the Durenese fleet as all the death hulks started to sink beneath the waves.
"Their sorcery is broken, we have won this battle," Lord Axim said as he asked one of his officers to assess the damage and report the losses.
He then asked the ship's doctor to come and help Ranma with any wounds that he had sustained, but Ranma said that it wasn't necessary as his Kai discipline of Healing and his martial arts conditioning were already starting to mend the serious wounds.
Lord Axim approached Ranma, who was sitting on the rails of the ship.
"Lord Wild Horse, our losses have been dear, and we have lost at least twenty ships. We now have fifty ships left, but our spirits are not broken. We drive away the Darklord's Armies from Sommerlund."
"That is good to hear, Lord Axim. We will destroy them as an act of remembrance to those who have lost their lives on this day," Ranma said, and Lord Axim nodded.
"Indeed, our victory here has given us confidence, and our morale is high. The men will now fight with optimism and determination, so when we reach Holmgard we will be victorious."
"How long till we reach Holmgard?"
"We estimate we will reach Holmgard in two days' time."
"Good," Ranma said. Again Lord Axim nodded.
He left Ranma, as other things on the ship needed his attention.
'So we will arrive on the thirty seventh day. This is a good sign of things to come,' Ranma thought as he went below deck to get his well-earned rest before they reached Holmgard and lifted the siege.
***
The Durenese warfleet had finally arrived in Sommerlund without too much trouble on the thirty-seventh day. Just in time, as Ranma remembered that the defenders could only hold out for forty days. Using the cover of darkness, the warfleet of fifty ships from Durenor managed to avoid detection, allowing them to keep the element of surprise.
On board the flagship, the Kalkarm, at the prow, stood two men. Ranma was dressed in his Kai uniform but with a chainmail waistcoat underneath, with his magnificent sword by his side. The second person was Lord Axim, who was standing proud and dressed in full Wargear.
Ranma could see the capital that he was meant to relieve, watching the spires of Holmgard on the horizon. Ranma was glad that the city was still standing defiantly against the army of the Darklords, although constantly under siege and that he had arrived in time. Flickering in the darkness, Ranma could see with his enhanced eyesight the small fires which burned throughout the capital, evidence of the Darklords still trying to penetrate the capital defenses.
"My Lord, we have arrived just in time, I see," Lord Axim said. He could still see the defenders of Holmgard still holding out against vast army of the Darklords.
"Yes Lord Axim, despite Vonotar's attempts to destroy us, we have succeeded. It is time for us to remove the plague that has been invading Sommerlund."
"We wouldn't have succeeded if it wasn't for you, Lord Wild Horse," Lord Axim said. He saw Ranma shake his head.
"I cannot take all the credit, Lord Axim. Many have died during this invasion, but tonight we shall take vengeance on the Darklords," Ranma said, remembering his brother's sacrifice in protecting Prince Pelethar.
"You are too modest, Lord Wild Horse of the Kai but you are right: we shall take vengeance. The moonless sky will aid us this night. We shall enter the harbour unseen; come the dawn, my men will scatter the wretched foe like dead leaves upon the wind of a storm. We shall show them no mercy."
Ranma nodded to Lord Axim's statement.
"No Mercy then," Ranma said. It was payback time.
An hour later, Ranma entered Holmgard harbour at the head of the Durenese fleet as he unsheathed the Sommerswerd and prepared to fulfil his destiny. The weakened and almost exhausted Sommlending defenders saw the glowing blade of the Sommerswerd, and they knew that Lord Wild Horse had succeeded in his quest. It was like a beacon of light and hope for the defenders of Holmgard, and they were filled with renewed confidences and determination.
As Ranma watched from the ship as it entered the harbour, he could see that Holmgard had suffered much since his departure. Many of the houses and shops were now heaps of ashes as the Darklord's army with their evil engines of war surrounded the walls, sending their flaming arcs of fireballs shooting through the air. The people fought the fires as best they could, but they were hungry and exhausted and close to surrender.
At first, as the Durenese warfleet entered the harbour, the fleet was mistaken for the enemy, and cries of despair could be heard all along the quay. But as the first of the soldiers set foot in the city and unfurled the royal arms of Durenor, the news of Ranma's return spread quickly. The cries of despair had changed to a chorus of cheers:
'Lord Wild Horse of the Kai has returned.'
***
Eager to help, Ranma made his way towards the battlements of Holmgard to survey the damage and destruction that the Darklords had caused. Passing through the streets, everyone seemed tired and hungry, but as they recognised Ranma as the Kai Lord their expressions change from sadness to signs of hope. Ranma was almost there when someone pulled him into an alleyway. Instinctively, Ranma reached for the Sommerswerd, but relaxed when he saw who it was that had pulled him in.
"Ranko, what are you doing here?" asked Ranma as he calmed down and removed his hand from the hilt of his sword.
"You've done it! You've saved Sommerlund, like I knew you would!" Ranko immediately gave him an amazon-like glomp and a quick kiss.
"Err... Thanks Ranko, would you mind letting go please?"
Ranma had taken on hordes of Giaks, Kraans, and undead, even an evil wizard and had defeated them all. Still, he had no idea about handling the affections of Ranko; but the funny thing was that Ranma was starting to get used to it rather than rejecting or becoming scared by it. (Unlike a certain other Ranma that I know.)
"Sure, sorry about that."
"No problem Ranko, but what are you doing here anyway?"
"I just wanted to congratulate you on your success, and I see that you have the Sword of the Sun. You must be worthy of handling its power as it has chosen you as its wielder."
"Thanks, but I did this for my brother and my fallen warriors."
"Oh, you'll be surprised at what is in store for you." Ranko smiled brightly at him.
"What do you mean?"
Ranko was about to reply when Ranma heard someone calling him. Turning around, Ranma could see Lord Axim calling for him to come with him. Ranma signalled to him that he would be over there in a moment.
"Now Ranko, what was it that you wer... huh?" Ranma looked back at Ranko, but she had disappeared again, just like at their last encounter.
'She's gone again. Well, it was nice to see you again Ranko,' Ranma thought as he saw Lord Axim waiting for him.
"Lord Wild Horse, please come with me. There is someone who wants to see you," Lord Axim said.
"Who is it?"
"They won't say, they just want to see you." Ranma looked at Lord Axim's eyes, and saw that he did know whom it was but wanted to keep it a secret. So Ranma followed him through the streets of Holmgard.
Reaching the battlements of Holmgard, Ranma noticed a few tents erected behind the wall with different banners. Lord Axim led Ranma through the tents until they reached a regal blue tent. It wasn't the colour that surprised Ranma; it was the banner that was erected outside the tent. The banner was a white Pegasus that represented the Crown Prince Pelethar of Sommerlund.
'It can't be,' Ranma thought as his hopes were raised.
Lord Axim, stepping inside, led Ranma into the tent. He immediately saw Prince Pelethar alive and well. He was still in his armor but looked exhausted. Seeing Ranma, he immediately got up and walked toward him, greeting him with open arms.
"Lord Wild Horse, am I glad to see you again since the last we saw of each other was at Alema Bridge. You have saved all Sommerlund, and for that we are eternally grateful." Prince Pelethar shook Ranma's hand.
"I am glad that you are well Prince Pelethar. I had thought you had been slain, but thank Ishir that you are alive."
"Indeed, there is also someone else who wants to see you." Prince Pelethar smiled as he pointed behind Ranma. Ranma turned around to see someone that he had never expected to see again.
Behind him was a fairly well built man with brown hair and blue eyes. He was wearing the tattered remains of a Kai uniform that definitely needed repairs. In his hand he held a silver bow, and on his shoulder was perched some sort of creature perched that vaguely resembled a bird. By his waist were two weapons: one was a beautifully crafted sword like the Sommerswerd, and the second was a shortsword that Ranma instantly recognised as the Stormgard family weapon.
Ranma was gobsmacked as he walked over to him.
"Here, Ranma, I think this belongs to you." He handed Ranma the Silver Bow of Duadon.
"Braxus, is that you?" asked Ranma. He couldn't believe his eyes.
"Yeah it's me, who did you expect? The toothfairy?" Braxus joked as he gave Ranma a brotherly hug.
"It is you, Braxus, you're alive."
"Last time I checked."
"But how?" asked Ranma.
"Let me give you the short version. We were nearly overrun by the Darklord's forces and only Prince Pelethar and me was left. We thought we were doomed, but thanks to a red haired girl that appeared from nowhere we were saved."
"Is this true?" Ranma asked Prince Pelethar, who nodded.
"Yes. Your brother Swift Blade fought bravely, and we were nearly doomed until this red haired pony-tailed Goddess came and teleported us to safety."
"Yeah, she saved us, but she wanted me to go on another quest. She said that this quest would help you and save Sommerlund, so I agreed. Once I had completed the quest she teleported us back here. They were really surprised to see another Kai Lord and Prince Pelethar alive."
'Thanks Ranko, I owe you one.' Ranma thought gratefully, knowing had to make it up to Ranko somehow.
"So what did you get?" asked Ranma. Braxus drew the beautiful sword from his scabbard.
"This is... Excalibur," Braxus replied. Ranma whistled in awe at the beauty of the sword.
Ranma drew the Sommerswerd and compared it with Braxus' Excalibur. Both swords were glowing brightly, and both Prince Pelethar and Lord Axim were staring at the two swords with awe and astonishment.
"Surely the forces of evil are quaking in their boots," whispered Prince Pelethar.
"A gift from the Gods!" Lord Axim said.
"'Cough!' Lord Wild Horse and Swift Blade, we would like for you to come with us to the battlement," announced an officer.
"We'll be right there. Come, Ranma, let us vanquish the darkness from our lands," Braxus said, to which Ranma nodded.
Ranma and Braxus sheathed both their magical weapons as they followed the officer along with Prince Pelethar and Lord Axim. Climbing the tallest watchtower in the capital, Ranma asked Braxus what the creature was that was perched on his shoulder, but he replied that it was his companion and he would tell him everything later. First thing was to lift the siege that had been plaguing Holmgard for the past month.
Finally they reached the top of the tower. Kai Lords Wild Horse and Swift Blade, along with Prince Pelethar and Lord Axim, stood proudly as they waited for the first light of dawn.
"Ready Ranma? You know what you have to do?" Braxus whispered to Ranma, who nodded.
Reaching for the Sommerswerd, Ranma could feel both the power and his confidence rise as he saw the first light appearing on the horizon. As the light of dawn crept slowly over the horizon, thousands of thousands of black clad enemies were massed around the city wall, huddled like beetles in the trenches that covered the plains.
In the midst of this horde, Ranma could see a great red tent had been erected bearing the symbol of a broken skull. It is the mark of Zagarna, Lord of Kaag, and a Darklord of Helgedad. His greatest ambition was the destruction of Holmgard; his fiercest desire to lead his army to victory over the House of Ulnar and claim Sommerlund for his own.
But victory was not to be his this day.
Ranma drew the legendary Sword of the Sun, the Sommerswerd, and as he raised the weapon above his head, a shaft of dawn sunlight caught upon the tip of the golden sword and a brilliant flash of blinding white flame ran the entire length of the blade. Ranma could feel his confidence and power flowing within him as the power of the Sommerswerd electrified him.
Lord Axim and Prince Pelethar had to take a step back as the power that flowed through Ranma was awesome; Swift Blade seemed unaffected by the increase in power being emitted by his brother. Ranma's senses reel, and his body reacted instinctively. Ranma lowered the Sommerswerd and pointed the blade towards the tent of Lord Zagarna. A mighty roar was heard, as the power of the Sommerswerd was unleashed in a searing white beam. The tent exploded and a brilliant fireball of white flame mushroomed skyward. A long and terrible cry rent the air.
It was Lord Zagarna. The leader of the evil army was no more.
Gripped with fear and panic, the vast black army rose up and ran in chaos from the city wall. The impossible had happened; their invincible master was slain. Again the Sommerswerd had returned to defeat them.
Prince Pelethar and Lord Axim gave out the order as the flags of both war banners of Durenor and Sommerlund were raised high on top of the tower. Signaling the army and the allies of Durenor to ride out of the city gates in pursuit of the panic-stricken enemy as they ran blindly towards the Durncrag Mountains.
Ranma fell to his knees exhausted, never having expected so much power to flow within him, not even when he used the Moko Takabisha the first time on the Helghast. Braxus, seeing Ranma about to collapse, caught him just in time.
"Ranma, we have won. Holmgard is saved and the murder of the Kai has finally been avenged," Braxus said.
"I need a holiday," Ranma said.
"I bet you do. So do I!" Braxus started to laugh with Ranma.
"Lord Wild Horse, Swift Blade, come, we have much to do before you two will receive a well earned rest." Lord Axim smiled as he walked down from the tower.
As they were walking down, Ranma and Braxus heard in the background the people of Sommerlund cheering as the siege had been lifted, and they heard the people chanting the names of the two Kai Lords.
***
Somewhere in 'Aon'
Three powerful individuals were watching what was happening in Sommerlund
"You see? I told you that this mortal would be the one, dear," Ishir, Priestess of the Moon, said.
"Yes, yes, I know dear, you have proven me wrong once again. It will be interesting to see how far this mortal will do in future trials that he, Braxus and Banedon will face," replied Kai, Lord of the Sun.
Ishir smiled as she made sure that Kai wasn't listening to her conversation with the person next to her.
"Well done, Ranko," Ishir whispered to her. Ranko nodded and smiled at Ishir.
"Thanks Ishir."
"Ranko, would you mind checking on the progress of Ranma, Braxus and Banedon as a favor for me?" asked Ishir to Ranko.
"Of course not," Ranko replied. 'It will be a pleasure.'
The three individuals continued to watch the forces of Darkness being forced back by the armies of Sommerlund and Durenor led by Prince Pelethar and Lord Axim. Ahead of the army were the Kai Lords Wild Horse and Swift Blade with their swords Excalibur and Sommerswerd raised high.
***
Toran
Messengers from Holmgard finally reached Toran. Toran was almost in smoking ruins, but luckily the Magician's Guild was still intact, Ranko having managed to stop Vonotar from destroying the Guild from within. Banedon and most of his fellow Guildmasters had managed to survive Lord Zagarna's Phase Two, but they did lose some of their most experienced Guildmasters during the initial assault.
Banedon received word from the messenger that Kai Lords Wild Horse and Swift Blade had managed to destroy the Darklord's armies and that it was Wild Horse that had managed to destroy the Darklord himself. Most of the Guildmasters were celebrating as Sommerlund was saved.
'Thank Ishir, Ranma and Braxus are alive. I must see them soon but first I have to stay here before I can do anything,' Banedon thought as he went to check on the condition of his fellow Guildmasters.
Soon word spread across Magnamund about the defeat of the Darklord's forces and how only two surviving members of the Kai were responsible for their defeat and that they had saved Sommerlund from falling.
Rumours and tales were told of how Lord Wild Horse had managed to bring the armies of Durenor to Sommerlund to lift the siege on Holmgard. Tales about how Kai Lord Swift Blade came back with Prince Pelethar, whom they had thought dead, and had kept together the defenders of Holmgard until his brother Lord Wild Horse had arrived to turn the tide of battle. It sounded as if it was made from the stuff of legends as the tales of the courage and heroism of Lord Wild Horse and Swift Blade would be told for generations.
***
Somewhere in Southern Magnamund
News of Ranma and Braxus' victory over the Darklords eventually reached Southern Magnamund. Most of the population wasn't really interested as it wasn't their business, but a few were.
One of the individuals that was interested by the news was an old but wise person, currently sitting down in the living room next to his wife in their citadel. They had recently received news about what was happening in Northern Magnamund.
*Tales of Wild Horse and Swift Blade are proving to be an interesting topic, don't you think, dear?* the man communicated telepathically to his wife.
*Hmm... they have potential to become the greatest Kai Lords even known. This Wild Horse sorta reminds me of you,* she replied telepathically. She was dressed in a purple nightgown that matched her eyes.
*Thanks for the complement.*
*Why did you help Ranma Stormgard against the Helghast in the Wildlands?*
*Because I truly believe this is the one whom prophecy says will not just save Magnamund, but all the other worlds too.*
*I believe you. Besides, at least one of the prophecies has come true.* She snuggled up to his side.
*Thanks. We will be watching them for now before we make our move. I want to know just how good this Wild Horse and Swift Blade will be.* He kissed her on the forehead.
*Sensible plan, my husband dear. Are you coming?* She got up and gestured to the bedroom.
*Be there in moment, love.* He placed his staff in a secure place.
*Yes, this Wild Horse will be interesting,* were his final thoughts as he went to his bedchamber.
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 profit as gained from this.
Note.
Kai Names:
* Ranma Stormgard (Saotome) - Wild Horse
* Braxus Stormgard - Swift Blade
Wild Horse of Kai
By Montymouse
' ' - Thought
" " - Speech
Chapter Nine - Final Liberation
***
Hammerdal - Capital City of Durenor
The muster of the army and the preparation of the Durenese fleet took fourteen days to complete. Ranma hoped that they would arrive in time to liberate Holmgard before the Darklord's armies penetrated the city's defenses. During Ranma's stay in the capital city of Hammerdal as a guest of the King, every day he would devote himself to long periods of exercise and mediation as he continued to work out how he had performed the Chi move he had done in desperation against the Helghast.
While staying in Hammerdal, Ranma was visited by his mother Oriah Stormgard, who by now was almost due to give birth, and her husband Jerek. Ranma told them how he and his brother were the only surviving Kai warriors left, but he did not tell them about the fate of his brother because he still had hope that he was alive. Oriah then taught Ranma some techniques in advanced healing while he waited for the fleet to be assembled. Jerek told Ranma some good news for a change that Lord Rhygar had been found by Lord Axim near the outskirts of Hammerdal and was still alive. He had sustained numerous wounds and injuries but he was in good hands as Hammerdal had the best healers and physicians in all of Durenor. Ranma was of course relieved that Rhygar was alive, as he didn't really want to lose a good man during the war.
Training with his father Jerek, Ranma noticed during his rigorous training exercises with the Sommerswerd that his martial arts and Kai Sixth Sense had become more sensitive than before, and he could foretell things far into the future before they happened. Also he found out his martial arts senses had become more developed and his reaction speed was much faster. He could also tell if someone was lying or not. It was due to the power of the Sommerswerd that had somehow improved Ranma's, abilities but he didn't know the extent of the improvements.
In the courtyard of the Hammerdal Citadel, we see two individuals practising their swordmanship.
"Come on Ranma, let me see how well you have improved since the last time we met," Jerek said.
"Okay father." Ranma wanted to impress his father with his skill with the sword. Of course, Ranma was better at fighting unarmed with his father, but with a weapon he had to adapt a little because Jerek was an expert swordsman with tons of experience to back it up.
Ranma took hold of the Sommerswerd and demonstrated to his father his Kai skills of balance and speed as taught to him by his Kai masters. With breathtaking speed, Ranma was able to spin and twist the weapon around his head and body; the movements of his hands becoming a dazzling blur. To finish off Ranma's display of swordmanship and Kai Weaponskill, he struck the edge of another weapon, sending it spinning across the courtyard so fast that it embedded itself into the marble pillar, narrowly missing Jerek who just managed to dodge.
"Oops," was all Ranma had to say, as he hadn't really intended to aim at his father.
"Impressive my son. I see that the Kai training had done wonders for you, but you have to work on your finishing skills," Jerek said as he walked towards the pillar to pull out the weapon imbedded in it.
Hearing the sounds of clapping from behind him, Ranma turned around to see his pregnant mother Oriah. She had been watching Ranma from afar, also wanting to see how well her son was doing. She was impressed with Ranma's skill with the sword.
"Very good Ranma. It was very entertaining, especially the last bit where you tired to kill your father," teased Oriah.
She knew that her husband was an extremely skilled warrior so there was no real danger to him, but it did surprise her how well her son had adapted to their family style of swordmanship.
"Sorry about that," Ranma said, embarrassed.
"No need to apologise son, accidents can happen, and besides it makes me proud to see you all grown up. Have you found someone yet?" asked Oriah. Ranma turned a bit red by her question.
"Not yet," Ranma managed to say out.
"That's not what Saria was telling me."
"What has she been telling you?" asked Ranma.
"Oh nothing, just that she said that you've found a girl that you like. You don't have to tell me about her now but inform me when you two are engaged," Oriah teased Ranma as he started to turn redder from embarrassment and shyness.
"Mom!"
"What? Can't I expect grandchildren from you or your brother in the future?"
Ranma felt like banging his head against a wall repeatedly, but he noticed that his father had managed to get the imbedded weapon out of the wall.
"Oriah dear, I think that enough torturing Ranma for now. Should you be resting?" suggested Jerek.
"I'm not a glass doll you know, husband dear," Oriah said, annoyed. She didn't like taking orders at all just because she was pregnant.
"I know dear, but you are almost due so take it easy okay," Jerek said.
"Fine," she said to her husband. "By the way I hope you succeed in your mission, Ranma my son. You will visit us when you have time won't you?"
"Of course mother," Ranma said as he resumes his training.
Oriah followed Jerek as they prepared to make their way back to their village. It was nice for them to see their son but they were wondering where the other was as all Ranma had told them was that he was on another mission. Ranma continued to practice his Weaponskill as he waited for the news that the warfleet had finally been assembled to help aid Holmgard and Sommerlund.
***
It was the thirty-three days since Ranma had left Holmgard for Hammerdal and since then he had encountered many dangers that could easily have ended Ranma's quest; but because of his determination and prowess he had overcome and succeeds where anyone else would have failed. Lord Axim told Ranma that the preparation for war was now complete.
Today was the day the Durenese home fleet would set sail to aid Sommerlund. We see Ranma riding with Lord Axim and accompanying them was a heavily armed escort of the King's royal bodyguards. Reaching the Port, they made they way to the harbour where the Durenese home fleet was currently anchored.
"Isn't this a marvellous sight to behold, Lord Wild Horse?" Lord Axim said.
Ranma couldn't believe how many ships were stationed in the harbour ready to set sail. He had expected a reasonably large fleet but this took the cake, as there had to be at least sixty or seventy galleons. Ranma noticed with his keen eyesight that on each warship there were many brave and eager warriors ready to face the Darklords and aid their brothers in arms.
"Very impressive, Lord Axim. When can we expect to set sail?" Ranma asked.
"The men and fleet are ready, they are merely waiting till we give the word. You shall be onboard our flagship Durenor while I will be on the second flagship Kalkarm."
"Which one is it?" Ranma asked, as all the ships looked identical to him.
"That one, my Lord." Lord Axim pointed to the biggest ship out there in the harbour.
Ranma looked to where Lord Axim was pointing with awe at the size of the flagship Durenor, a warship with a great curving prow and tall masts, which emphasised its sheer power and strength. Ranma and Lord Axim parted and boarded their separate flagships. As Ranma was boarding the ship, Admiral Calfen, Commander of the Fleet greeted him.
"Lord Wild Horse, I am honored by your presence." Admiral Calfen greeted him along with his senior officers.
"Err... Thanks, we should set sail now."
"As you wish, My Lord." Admiral Calfen bowed as he shouted to his officers to order the fleet to set sail for Sommerlund.
An hour later, Ranma could see the harbour of Port Bax far behind him, the domes of Port Bax now merely dots on the horizon. For the next few days and nights the mighty fleet of Durenor steered swiftly towards the Holmgulf. Ranma noticed that the confidence and eagerness were slowly fading away, and although the voyage was fast, there was still a sense of unease. Even the proud and confident Lord Axim was close to despair.
Admiral Calfen and Ranma were on the ship's deck, hoping that the weather would brighten up.
"This black mood that haunts our decks is the evil work of the Darklords. I know of their power to turn a man's mind, but the curse that befalls us is a sorcery we cannot even see to destroy. How I pray that this spell would end, for even if we arrive at our destination, I fear that we will be too weak in mind to break our foes."
"We can only hope," Ranma replied, though he too was being to lose confidence, and his hopes of lifting the siege at Holmgard were beginning to fade.
The next day the black curse that had been haunting the Durenese fleet was lifted but the spell was replaced by a threat far more deadly, as a veil of sea fog had rolled across the still ocean from the broken spine of land known as the Kirlundin Isles.
"Curse it! I'd rather be in a storm than this! It's like someone is trying to prevent us from reaching Holmgard," Admiral Calfen said. The fog was making navigating through very difficult and he could no longer see the rest of the fleet.
Ranma was watching the fog and his experience of weather led him to a one logical conclusion.
'This is no natural fog,'
Ranma thought as he placed his hand on the hilt of the Sommerswerd. His martial arts and Kai Sixth Sense were telling him that this fog had a more sinister motive.
"Admiral Calfen, prepare your men for battle. I am sensing darker powers are at work," Ranma said.
"Why my Lord? It's just a simple fog and there's nothing to fe..." The Admiral was cut off as one of his officers had spotted something in the fog.
"Enemy ships on the starboard side!"
Both Ranma and Admiral Calfen rushed over to the starboard side of the flagship. There they saw strange dark shapes hidden within the mist. As they grow larger they could see the distinct outline of a ship.
"Prepare for battle!" The admiral's cry was repeated along the many decks of the Durenese fleet.
"All hands on Deck!"
"My Lord, you are right. I am sorry for not trusting you," the Admiral said.
"There's no need to be sorry, just get ready for battle," Ranma replied.
As the black ships approached through the fog, a horrific sight befell the Admiral and the rest of the crew.
'Not again! Why is it that I have to keeping fighting them all the time? It's always them! Can't they put more variety into their minions?' Ranma thought as he saw what was on board those ships.
The ships were death-hulks; sunken ships crewed by the living corpses of drowned sailors. They had been summoned to the surface by great wizardry and they were closing for battle. Suddenly the fog vanished, and Ranma could see the death hulks had barred the entrance to the Holmgulf. In the centre of the line was their sinister flagship. Swiftly it sailed towards Ranma's ship, a huge ram protruding from its black prow.
The Admiral ordered his crew to use evasive maneuvers, but the flagship was too quick. As it ripped its way through the hull of the Durenor, Ranma could hear the Admiral's last desperate order.
"Abandon Ship!"
Ranma's instinct quickly took over; knowing he had to find a way off the Durenor before it sank. He took the only option that he had left, which was to jump onto the deck of the death hulk flagship. As he hit the rotting timbers, Ranma expected to land on the deck, but instead he crashed straight through it.
'That was a great idea, wasn't it, Ranma?' Ranma thought to himself as he tried to get up.
The stench of decay that filled Ranma's nostrils was overwhelming as he clambered up onto the deck of the ship. Looking around, Ranma could hear groans and moans coming from behind him. Quickly unsheathing the Sommerswerd, he turned around to see half a dozen ghastly zombies staggering out of the gloom, their twisted hands extended towards Ranma's throat.
'Well, I could do with a warm up first.' Ranma smirked as he charged head on.
"For Kai and for Sommerlund!" Ranma shouted.
Ranma could feel the power of the Sommerswerd unleashed as it was glowing brightly. Filled with renewed confidence, Ranma fought his way through the undead horde, the blade of the Sommerswerd easily killing zombies with a single hit as the weapon was quite deadly to them.
***
After taking out two undead zombies, Ranma noticed a tower on this ship. He sensed a source of evil power lurked at the top of the tower. Suddenly a flash of searing flame shot from the tower, and exploded into the side of a Durenese warship less than fifty yards away. Ranma watched with horror as soldiers leapt from the deck, their clothes and hair in flames. Determined to stop this, Ranma gripped his sword Sommerswerd tightly and rushed up towards the evil tower.
Before he could reach the entrance to the tower two undead zombies stopped him; but they were no match against Ranma's swordmanship, and the glowing power of the Sommerswerd easily sliced them apart. Reaching the entrance, Ranma gave a swift kick to the wooden door, which shattered quite easily. Expecting the worst, Ranma went in with the Sommerswerd glowing brightly.
Entering the tower, there in front of Ranma was an old woman in a crimson robe. The old woman has been watching the battle between her undead forces and the warfleet of Durenor. Sensing Ranma's chaotic and goodly aura, she turned around to reveal that she wore a tall, curved tokmor, a magician's headdress. In her right hand was a black staff that bore the emblem of a serpent.
"I've been expecting you, Wild Horse. I must admit I am surprised to see you alive after the excellent entertainment that I had laid out for you. I can only apologise for that, but I hope to correct matters shortly," the sorceress said,
"Who the hell are you?" demanded Ranma. He knew he had to be carefully as he could sense huge amounts of evil being emitted by this old woman. Ranma then realised that her staff was shaped like a serpent.
'So she is the one that has been trying to assassinate me from day one to Durenor. She probably is the one who commands the death hulk fleet against the Durenor warfleet,' Ranma thought. He knew what he had to do.
"Vonotar," she simply said.
Ranma instantly recognised the name and reached for his Crystal Star Pendant that Banedon had given to him, remembering that Vonotar was a renegade wizard from the Magician's Guild of Toran. From what Banedon had said to him in Sommerlund, he was a master of the black arts. Ranma realised that if he destroyed Vonotar, hopefully the evil death hulk fleet would destroy itself. The one question that went through Ranma mind was...
"As I remember, the infamous Vonotar was a male. You are surely obliviously a female!" Ranma shouted as the old women sweatdropped.
'Just barely,' Ranma thought, as it was difficult to tell.
"I was! Curse that damn red haired girl!" the female Vonotar muttered as he remembered what the girl had done to him.
*Flashback*
Vonotar and his Giak warriors were pursing the red haired girl Ranko across the Sommerlund forest. She had managed to take out three of her pursuers as she tried to lead them away from Ranma. She could have outrun them easily, but she wanted to have a bit of fun.
"Die witch!" Vonotar shouted as he tried to hit her with his fireballs.
Suddenly, Ranko stopped in mid air and turned around.
"Hey, I resent being called a witch! I'm too beautiful to be called a witch. More like a Goddess!" Ranko shouted as she threw a lightning bolt at one of the Giak riders. She then vanished into thin air.
Vonotar and his remaining two Giak riders were looking furiously around to see if they could spot her, but they saw nothing.
"Over here!" a voice shouted from behind. They turned to see that she was indeed behind them.
Vonotar ordered his remaining riders to kill her.
The two Giak riders circled around her and then charged at her from both sides, hoping that she would be caught in their trap. Ranko had already seen their pathetic attempt to trap her, but she played along. When the two Giak riders on Kraans were a few hundred yards away from her, she simply disappeared. The two riders didn't have time to change their course and they crashed head on with each other before spiralling down into the forest.
Vonotar sweatdropped as the Giaks crashed into each other. After seeing them go down, he placed his hand on his face and sighed deeply.
'Why can't I get proper help? Why do I have to be struck with these idiots?' Vonotar thought.
"Hey Voney, catch!" Vonotar heard her and turned around to see Ranko throwing some sort of ball at him.
He dodged it just in time and watched as it passed by him and landed on the ground. Looking to see what would have happened to him, Vonotar was surprised the ball seemed to be filled with water instead of an explosion.
"Ha, you missed!" Vonotar said. He looked back at Ranko to see that she had more than one ball; she threw at least a dozen more balloons at him. Of course, Vonotar managed to avoid all of them except one.
SPLASH!
"Is that all you got, witch?" Vonotar taunted, though he was surprisingly soaking wet from just the one water balloon.
Ranko just smirked as she threw something else at him before she simply vanished. Vonotar caught it with ease, as it was a mirror. Looking at his reflection, he noticed something wrong with the image that he was looking at, but couldn't place his finger on it.
Until five seconds later, when a feminine scream echoed throughout the forest. Anyone who listened carefully could make out...
"RANKO, YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!!!"
*End of Flashback*
"Yeah right, you really expect me to believe that you are the traitorous Vonotar?" Ranma said sarcastically, though inside Ranma knew he had to be careful as he had sensed so strong a strong dark aura that the Darklords had obliviously powered her up.
Vonotar sweatdropped even more from Ranma's observations
"Hang on sec." Vonotar went over to the table and poured a cup of hot water over her head as she chanted and fired off a black lightning bolt at Ranma, who easily dodged by rolling to his left.
Getting up, Ranma raised an eyebrow with interest as the water turned the old woman into a hunchbacked bald man.
'That was interesting. Glad that's not happening to me.'
"See... I am the great Vonotar. Now, Wild Horse, it is time for you to die!" He suddenly cast two huge black fireballs at Ranma, who had to use all his speed and his training to avoid them.
The two fireballs narrowly avoided his head as Ranma hit the floor, flying past him and blowing out a side of the tower.
Getting up from the floor, a voice calling from above him made his blood freeze. Looking up, he could see Vonotar hovering above him, his left hand pointing at Ranma's head.
"How I shall delight in the irony of your death, Wild Horse. It's been entertaining, but your quest has failed and now you must die!" Vonotar taunted as he started to chant another dark spell to finish Ranma off.
A blinding flash of orange flame shot out from Vonotar's hand towards Ranma. Seeing the orange flash, all Ranma had time to do was to try to shield himself from the blazing fireball that was heading towards him.
In a fraction of a second, the searing burst of flame changed direction in mid air and was drawn towards the blade of the Sommerswerd. The bolt of energy disappeared into the golden blade like water into a drain, reminding Ranma that the Sommerswerd was no ordinary blade, but was a magical sword, which had the ability to absorb magic.
'Thank Ishir and Kai for this sword!' Ranma thought as he looked at the Sommerswerd, still glowing brightly and without a trace of damage, this magic sword had saved his life.
"What the hell happened to my fireball?" Vonotar cursed as he realised that the sword was no ordinary sword.
"So Wild Horse, I see that you have the legendary Sword of the Sun. Sorry, I can't hang around as I must dash." Vonotar pulled out a jewel from his ornate tokmor and threw it at Ranma.
Ranma's Sixth Sense sensed immediate danger from the jewel. He started to get out of the room when there was a flash of flame and a cloud of choking green gas that started to fill the room. Ranma could smell the acidic stench as he exited the tower onto the deck of the ship. As Ranma landed on the deck he caught a glimpse of the traitorous sorcerer - or sorceress as she was now wet - as she paddled a small boat into the fog frantically paddled a small boat into the fog.
"We will meet again, Wild Horse! Next time we meet you will die!" Vonotar shouted as he paddled away.
Ranma could not do anything to pursue the fleeing Vonotar as he had other problems, like taking on the rest of the undead crew that was surrounding him, not forgetting that the ship was in flames. On the other end of the ship, Ranma could see the Durenese warship Kalkarm, but he would have to go through the undead crew first.
Cutting through the undead horde with ease as the Sommerswerd was cutting them down like a hot knife through butter, Ranma was almost at the Kalkarm when two shadowy figures jumped out from nowhere and blocked his path. Ranma instantly recognised them as Helghast.
"Not you again!" Ranma shouted. The last time he had met these creatures, he almost hadn't survived the encounter.
The two shadowy figures gave out a hideous cry as they charged toward Ranma with their black weapons drawn, but this time Ranma was prepared. The Sommerswerd started to glow with a brilliant light as Ranma struck down one of the Helghast, killing it instantly. The second Helghast missed Ranma completely as he managed to duck down in time and pierce its decaying chest with his glowing blade.
Once Ranma had dispatched the two creatures, he started to run and with a mighty jump, he managed to leap across the water between the two ships and landed on the deck of the Durenese warship.
'Made it!' Ranma thought as he turned to see the undead ship explode in flames and sink slowly.
The soldiers onboard had been involved in a desperate battle, but had fought off the enemy and were cutting the grappling ropes that held the ship to the death hulk. The soldiers almost mistook Ranma for one of the undead until their superiors recognised him as a Kai Lord. From out of the smoke appeared a person that Ranma was glad to see... Lord Axim.
His face and uniform was bloodied and his shield badly scarred, but he didn't seem to be wounded or injured seriously.
"Lord Axim, am I glad to see you."
Lord Axim gave him a smile. He had feared for Ranma's life as he saw the ship that Ranma was on destroyed in the initial assault. Ranma sheathed the Sommerswerd in his scabbard
"Thank the Gods you are alive Wild Horse. The fight has been bitter and our losses are high, but I am heartened indeed to see you are standing and in one piece before me now," Lord Axim said as he led Ranma to the ship's rails.
Ranma could still see the many undead ships, many still in flames, as the Kalkarm carefully maneuvered out of the tangle of wreckage. Ranma felt the winds starting to stir as it filled the tattered sails and carried away the smoke of the battle. Lord Axim ordered the Royal Arms of Durenor to be hoist aloft so that other ships could rally to the Kalkarm. For the first time since the fog had set in, Ranma could see the rest of the Durenese fleet as all the death hulks started to sink beneath the waves.
"Their sorcery is broken, we have won this battle," Lord Axim said as he asked one of his officers to assess the damage and report the losses.
He then asked the ship's doctor to come and help Ranma with any wounds that he had sustained, but Ranma said that it wasn't necessary as his Kai discipline of Healing and his martial arts conditioning were already starting to mend the serious wounds.
Lord Axim approached Ranma, who was sitting on the rails of the ship.
"Lord Wild Horse, our losses have been dear, and we have lost at least twenty ships. We now have fifty ships left, but our spirits are not broken. We drive away the Darklord's Armies from Sommerlund."
"That is good to hear, Lord Axim. We will destroy them as an act of remembrance to those who have lost their lives on this day," Ranma said, and Lord Axim nodded.
"Indeed, our victory here has given us confidence, and our morale is high. The men will now fight with optimism and determination, so when we reach Holmgard we will be victorious."
"How long till we reach Holmgard?"
"We estimate we will reach Holmgard in two days' time."
"Good," Ranma said. Again Lord Axim nodded.
He left Ranma, as other things on the ship needed his attention.
'So we will arrive on the thirty seventh day. This is a good sign of things to come,' Ranma thought as he went below deck to get his well-earned rest before they reached Holmgard and lifted the siege.
***
The Durenese warfleet had finally arrived in Sommerlund without too much trouble on the thirty-seventh day. Just in time, as Ranma remembered that the defenders could only hold out for forty days. Using the cover of darkness, the warfleet of fifty ships from Durenor managed to avoid detection, allowing them to keep the element of surprise.
On board the flagship, the Kalkarm, at the prow, stood two men. Ranma was dressed in his Kai uniform but with a chainmail waistcoat underneath, with his magnificent sword by his side. The second person was Lord Axim, who was standing proud and dressed in full Wargear.
Ranma could see the capital that he was meant to relieve, watching the spires of Holmgard on the horizon. Ranma was glad that the city was still standing defiantly against the army of the Darklords, although constantly under siege and that he had arrived in time. Flickering in the darkness, Ranma could see with his enhanced eyesight the small fires which burned throughout the capital, evidence of the Darklords still trying to penetrate the capital defenses.
"My Lord, we have arrived just in time, I see," Lord Axim said. He could still see the defenders of Holmgard still holding out against vast army of the Darklords.
"Yes Lord Axim, despite Vonotar's attempts to destroy us, we have succeeded. It is time for us to remove the plague that has been invading Sommerlund."
"We wouldn't have succeeded if it wasn't for you, Lord Wild Horse," Lord Axim said. He saw Ranma shake his head.
"I cannot take all the credit, Lord Axim. Many have died during this invasion, but tonight we shall take vengeance on the Darklords," Ranma said, remembering his brother's sacrifice in protecting Prince Pelethar.
"You are too modest, Lord Wild Horse of the Kai but you are right: we shall take vengeance. The moonless sky will aid us this night. We shall enter the harbour unseen; come the dawn, my men will scatter the wretched foe like dead leaves upon the wind of a storm. We shall show them no mercy."
Ranma nodded to Lord Axim's statement.
"No Mercy then," Ranma said. It was payback time.
An hour later, Ranma entered Holmgard harbour at the head of the Durenese fleet as he unsheathed the Sommerswerd and prepared to fulfil his destiny. The weakened and almost exhausted Sommlending defenders saw the glowing blade of the Sommerswerd, and they knew that Lord Wild Horse had succeeded in his quest. It was like a beacon of light and hope for the defenders of Holmgard, and they were filled with renewed confidences and determination.
As Ranma watched from the ship as it entered the harbour, he could see that Holmgard had suffered much since his departure. Many of the houses and shops were now heaps of ashes as the Darklord's army with their evil engines of war surrounded the walls, sending their flaming arcs of fireballs shooting through the air. The people fought the fires as best they could, but they were hungry and exhausted and close to surrender.
At first, as the Durenese warfleet entered the harbour, the fleet was mistaken for the enemy, and cries of despair could be heard all along the quay. But as the first of the soldiers set foot in the city and unfurled the royal arms of Durenor, the news of Ranma's return spread quickly. The cries of despair had changed to a chorus of cheers:
'Lord Wild Horse of the Kai has returned.'
***
Eager to help, Ranma made his way towards the battlements of Holmgard to survey the damage and destruction that the Darklords had caused. Passing through the streets, everyone seemed tired and hungry, but as they recognised Ranma as the Kai Lord their expressions change from sadness to signs of hope. Ranma was almost there when someone pulled him into an alleyway. Instinctively, Ranma reached for the Sommerswerd, but relaxed when he saw who it was that had pulled him in.
"Ranko, what are you doing here?" asked Ranma as he calmed down and removed his hand from the hilt of his sword.
"You've done it! You've saved Sommerlund, like I knew you would!" Ranko immediately gave him an amazon-like glomp and a quick kiss.
"Err... Thanks Ranko, would you mind letting go please?"
Ranma had taken on hordes of Giaks, Kraans, and undead, even an evil wizard and had defeated them all. Still, he had no idea about handling the affections of Ranko; but the funny thing was that Ranma was starting to get used to it rather than rejecting or becoming scared by it. (Unlike a certain other Ranma that I know.)
"Sure, sorry about that."
"No problem Ranko, but what are you doing here anyway?"
"I just wanted to congratulate you on your success, and I see that you have the Sword of the Sun. You must be worthy of handling its power as it has chosen you as its wielder."
"Thanks, but I did this for my brother and my fallen warriors."
"Oh, you'll be surprised at what is in store for you." Ranko smiled brightly at him.
"What do you mean?"
Ranko was about to reply when Ranma heard someone calling him. Turning around, Ranma could see Lord Axim calling for him to come with him. Ranma signalled to him that he would be over there in a moment.
"Now Ranko, what was it that you wer... huh?" Ranma looked back at Ranko, but she had disappeared again, just like at their last encounter.
'She's gone again. Well, it was nice to see you again Ranko,' Ranma thought as he saw Lord Axim waiting for him.
"Lord Wild Horse, please come with me. There is someone who wants to see you," Lord Axim said.
"Who is it?"
"They won't say, they just want to see you." Ranma looked at Lord Axim's eyes, and saw that he did know whom it was but wanted to keep it a secret. So Ranma followed him through the streets of Holmgard.
Reaching the battlements of Holmgard, Ranma noticed a few tents erected behind the wall with different banners. Lord Axim led Ranma through the tents until they reached a regal blue tent. It wasn't the colour that surprised Ranma; it was the banner that was erected outside the tent. The banner was a white Pegasus that represented the Crown Prince Pelethar of Sommerlund.
'It can't be,' Ranma thought as his hopes were raised.
Lord Axim, stepping inside, led Ranma into the tent. He immediately saw Prince Pelethar alive and well. He was still in his armor but looked exhausted. Seeing Ranma, he immediately got up and walked toward him, greeting him with open arms.
"Lord Wild Horse, am I glad to see you again since the last we saw of each other was at Alema Bridge. You have saved all Sommerlund, and for that we are eternally grateful." Prince Pelethar shook Ranma's hand.
"I am glad that you are well Prince Pelethar. I had thought you had been slain, but thank Ishir that you are alive."
"Indeed, there is also someone else who wants to see you." Prince Pelethar smiled as he pointed behind Ranma. Ranma turned around to see someone that he had never expected to see again.
Behind him was a fairly well built man with brown hair and blue eyes. He was wearing the tattered remains of a Kai uniform that definitely needed repairs. In his hand he held a silver bow, and on his shoulder was perched some sort of creature perched that vaguely resembled a bird. By his waist were two weapons: one was a beautifully crafted sword like the Sommerswerd, and the second was a shortsword that Ranma instantly recognised as the Stormgard family weapon.
Ranma was gobsmacked as he walked over to him.
"Here, Ranma, I think this belongs to you." He handed Ranma the Silver Bow of Duadon.
"Braxus, is that you?" asked Ranma. He couldn't believe his eyes.
"Yeah it's me, who did you expect? The toothfairy?" Braxus joked as he gave Ranma a brotherly hug.
"It is you, Braxus, you're alive."
"Last time I checked."
"But how?" asked Ranma.
"Let me give you the short version. We were nearly overrun by the Darklord's forces and only Prince Pelethar and me was left. We thought we were doomed, but thanks to a red haired girl that appeared from nowhere we were saved."
"Is this true?" Ranma asked Prince Pelethar, who nodded.
"Yes. Your brother Swift Blade fought bravely, and we were nearly doomed until this red haired pony-tailed Goddess came and teleported us to safety."
"Yeah, she saved us, but she wanted me to go on another quest. She said that this quest would help you and save Sommerlund, so I agreed. Once I had completed the quest she teleported us back here. They were really surprised to see another Kai Lord and Prince Pelethar alive."
'Thanks Ranko, I owe you one.' Ranma thought gratefully, knowing had to make it up to Ranko somehow.
"So what did you get?" asked Ranma. Braxus drew the beautiful sword from his scabbard.
"This is... Excalibur," Braxus replied. Ranma whistled in awe at the beauty of the sword.
Ranma drew the Sommerswerd and compared it with Braxus' Excalibur. Both swords were glowing brightly, and both Prince Pelethar and Lord Axim were staring at the two swords with awe and astonishment.
"Surely the forces of evil are quaking in their boots," whispered Prince Pelethar.
"A gift from the Gods!" Lord Axim said.
"'Cough!' Lord Wild Horse and Swift Blade, we would like for you to come with us to the battlement," announced an officer.
"We'll be right there. Come, Ranma, let us vanquish the darkness from our lands," Braxus said, to which Ranma nodded.
Ranma and Braxus sheathed both their magical weapons as they followed the officer along with Prince Pelethar and Lord Axim. Climbing the tallest watchtower in the capital, Ranma asked Braxus what the creature was that was perched on his shoulder, but he replied that it was his companion and he would tell him everything later. First thing was to lift the siege that had been plaguing Holmgard for the past month.
Finally they reached the top of the tower. Kai Lords Wild Horse and Swift Blade, along with Prince Pelethar and Lord Axim, stood proudly as they waited for the first light of dawn.
"Ready Ranma? You know what you have to do?" Braxus whispered to Ranma, who nodded.
Reaching for the Sommerswerd, Ranma could feel both the power and his confidence rise as he saw the first light appearing on the horizon. As the light of dawn crept slowly over the horizon, thousands of thousands of black clad enemies were massed around the city wall, huddled like beetles in the trenches that covered the plains.
In the midst of this horde, Ranma could see a great red tent had been erected bearing the symbol of a broken skull. It is the mark of Zagarna, Lord of Kaag, and a Darklord of Helgedad. His greatest ambition was the destruction of Holmgard; his fiercest desire to lead his army to victory over the House of Ulnar and claim Sommerlund for his own.
But victory was not to be his this day.
Ranma drew the legendary Sword of the Sun, the Sommerswerd, and as he raised the weapon above his head, a shaft of dawn sunlight caught upon the tip of the golden sword and a brilliant flash of blinding white flame ran the entire length of the blade. Ranma could feel his confidence and power flowing within him as the power of the Sommerswerd electrified him.
Lord Axim and Prince Pelethar had to take a step back as the power that flowed through Ranma was awesome; Swift Blade seemed unaffected by the increase in power being emitted by his brother. Ranma's senses reel, and his body reacted instinctively. Ranma lowered the Sommerswerd and pointed the blade towards the tent of Lord Zagarna. A mighty roar was heard, as the power of the Sommerswerd was unleashed in a searing white beam. The tent exploded and a brilliant fireball of white flame mushroomed skyward. A long and terrible cry rent the air.
It was Lord Zagarna. The leader of the evil army was no more.
Gripped with fear and panic, the vast black army rose up and ran in chaos from the city wall. The impossible had happened; their invincible master was slain. Again the Sommerswerd had returned to defeat them.
Prince Pelethar and Lord Axim gave out the order as the flags of both war banners of Durenor and Sommerlund were raised high on top of the tower. Signaling the army and the allies of Durenor to ride out of the city gates in pursuit of the panic-stricken enemy as they ran blindly towards the Durncrag Mountains.
Ranma fell to his knees exhausted, never having expected so much power to flow within him, not even when he used the Moko Takabisha the first time on the Helghast. Braxus, seeing Ranma about to collapse, caught him just in time.
"Ranma, we have won. Holmgard is saved and the murder of the Kai has finally been avenged," Braxus said.
"I need a holiday," Ranma said.
"I bet you do. So do I!" Braxus started to laugh with Ranma.
"Lord Wild Horse, Swift Blade, come, we have much to do before you two will receive a well earned rest." Lord Axim smiled as he walked down from the tower.
As they were walking down, Ranma and Braxus heard in the background the people of Sommerlund cheering as the siege had been lifted, and they heard the people chanting the names of the two Kai Lords.
***
Somewhere in 'Aon'
Three powerful individuals were watching what was happening in Sommerlund
"You see? I told you that this mortal would be the one, dear," Ishir, Priestess of the Moon, said.
"Yes, yes, I know dear, you have proven me wrong once again. It will be interesting to see how far this mortal will do in future trials that he, Braxus and Banedon will face," replied Kai, Lord of the Sun.
Ishir smiled as she made sure that Kai wasn't listening to her conversation with the person next to her.
"Well done, Ranko," Ishir whispered to her. Ranko nodded and smiled at Ishir.
"Thanks Ishir."
"Ranko, would you mind checking on the progress of Ranma, Braxus and Banedon as a favor for me?" asked Ishir to Ranko.
"Of course not," Ranko replied. 'It will be a pleasure.'
The three individuals continued to watch the forces of Darkness being forced back by the armies of Sommerlund and Durenor led by Prince Pelethar and Lord Axim. Ahead of the army were the Kai Lords Wild Horse and Swift Blade with their swords Excalibur and Sommerswerd raised high.
***
Toran
Messengers from Holmgard finally reached Toran. Toran was almost in smoking ruins, but luckily the Magician's Guild was still intact, Ranko having managed to stop Vonotar from destroying the Guild from within. Banedon and most of his fellow Guildmasters had managed to survive Lord Zagarna's Phase Two, but they did lose some of their most experienced Guildmasters during the initial assault.
Banedon received word from the messenger that Kai Lords Wild Horse and Swift Blade had managed to destroy the Darklord's armies and that it was Wild Horse that had managed to destroy the Darklord himself. Most of the Guildmasters were celebrating as Sommerlund was saved.
'Thank Ishir, Ranma and Braxus are alive. I must see them soon but first I have to stay here before I can do anything,' Banedon thought as he went to check on the condition of his fellow Guildmasters.
Soon word spread across Magnamund about the defeat of the Darklord's forces and how only two surviving members of the Kai were responsible for their defeat and that they had saved Sommerlund from falling.
Rumours and tales were told of how Lord Wild Horse had managed to bring the armies of Durenor to Sommerlund to lift the siege on Holmgard. Tales about how Kai Lord Swift Blade came back with Prince Pelethar, whom they had thought dead, and had kept together the defenders of Holmgard until his brother Lord Wild Horse had arrived to turn the tide of battle. It sounded as if it was made from the stuff of legends as the tales of the courage and heroism of Lord Wild Horse and Swift Blade would be told for generations.
***
Somewhere in Southern Magnamund
News of Ranma and Braxus' victory over the Darklords eventually reached Southern Magnamund. Most of the population wasn't really interested as it wasn't their business, but a few were.
One of the individuals that was interested by the news was an old but wise person, currently sitting down in the living room next to his wife in their citadel. They had recently received news about what was happening in Northern Magnamund.
*Tales of Wild Horse and Swift Blade are proving to be an interesting topic, don't you think, dear?* the man communicated telepathically to his wife.
*Hmm... they have potential to become the greatest Kai Lords even known. This Wild Horse sorta reminds me of you,* she replied telepathically. She was dressed in a purple nightgown that matched her eyes.
*Thanks for the complement.*
*Why did you help Ranma Stormgard against the Helghast in the Wildlands?*
*Because I truly believe this is the one whom prophecy says will not just save Magnamund, but all the other worlds too.*
*I believe you. Besides, at least one of the prophecies has come true.* She snuggled up to his side.
*Thanks. We will be watching them for now before we make our move. I want to know just how good this Wild Horse and Swift Blade will be.* He kissed her on the forehead.
*Sensible plan, my husband dear. Are you coming?* She got up and gestured to the bedroom.
*Be there in moment, love.* He placed his staff in a secure place.
*Yes, this Wild Horse will be interesting,* were his final thoughts as he went to his bedchamber.
TBC...
***