The Dark Side of the Art
By: Q
A Ranma 1/2 - Street Fighter - King of Fighters crossover
Disclaimer: None of the character within this story belong to me, they
belong to Rumiko Takahashi, Capcom, and SNK respectively.
Family Reunion
"If you learn this technique you will be even better than 'Him', in fact you'll be unbeatable! You'd like that, right?" Genma patiently asked his child.
"Yep, I want to be as good as 'him'!" replied the enthusiastic 6 year old. Genma quickly tied the poor child up with fish sausages. "Okay get in there and learn the Neko-ken!"
"Right!" Genma's meal tick... er, pride and joy yelled while jumping into the pit. Genma wasted no time in sealing the pit "It'll work for sure this time." Genma checked his camping bag and pulled out the herbal shampoo 110. "With this I'll just erase any memory of the cat fist training, and get some some nice kittens, an....."
"Well now, if it isn't Genma. How have you been old man?" Genma turned towards the voice only to stare in shock at the figure before him.
"Ra...Ranma?!" Genma was sweating bullets, he knew he was taking a chance when he took Keiko to teach her the Neko-ken. Nodoka warned him not to do any crazy training exercises with her because if he did he WOULD be caught. He hadn't thought anyone was capable of actually catching him, of course he never considered Ranma to be around. The chances of the ungrateful brat being around was scant at best.
Ranma did a quick scan of the area and his cold face turned back towards the fat fool in front of him. "Where is she?" his tone of voice left no room for argument. Of course Genma missed that small fact "where's who?" Genma asked while trying to look innocent. Ranma shook his head, how did he ever trust this man was beyond him. Genma was as bad, if not worse, of a liar then he was.... well, then he used to be. "Don't screw with me old man, I'm not in the mood." Ranma let a little of his aura go.
"Ow, hey, quit it, stop, that hurts.... Poppa!"
Ranma jumped over Genma homing in on the sound. He quickly spotted a metal door laying on the ground, obviously recently dug up. Faster than the eye could see, Ranma ripped the door off it's hinges and subconsciously threw it in the general direction of Genma . Ranma moved even faster as he jumped into the pit and exited with a cringing red head.
"Shh... It's alright, hey, come on..." Ranma held the girl close to him as she buried her head into his chest. "Hey, Keiko, it's me, Ranma." Ranma was relieved when Keiko slowly started to look up at him. "R..Ranma? is that really you?" Ranma smiled at her, one of the few people to still receive one from him, and spoke in a teasing manner "I promised I'd see you again didn't I 'Ranko', or did you think I was lying?"
"Hey, what are two talking about?" Genma barked out angrily.
Ranma's smile slowly left his face as he placed Keiko on the ground and ripped the remaining sausages off of her. "That was the last straw old man. I never thought you'd repeat the same mistake twice.... actually, I guess that was pretty stupid of me, but your daughter?!" Ranma finally stood up and faced Genma.
"How did you know she was my daughter? or her name for that matter?" Genma asked while completely ignoring Ranma's previous accusations.
"Do you really think I wouldn't know my own sister?...... and did you really think you would get away with doing this to her?" Ranma was engulfed in a blood red aura as he spoke.
"She's not your sister, you decided that yourself! Her welfare is non of your concern!" Genma shouted.
"Well I'm making it my concern, I'm taking 'Ranko' with me." Ranma smirked at his one time father.
"I will not allow it!" Genma rushed at Ranma hoping to catch him off guard.
"Hell Fire" Ranma softly spoke....
__________
Nodoka sat across from Kasumi and Nabiki "I really didn't expect for Genma to take her away for this long..."
"It's okay, how were you supposed to know what Genma was thinking?" Kasumi tried to comfort the distraught women.
'How indeed' Nabiki rolled her eyes at Kasumi's efforts. "Don't worry auntie I'm almost positive that Ra... er, Keiko will be alright." both Nabiki and Nodoka flinched at the slip, while Kasumi blinked. 'I'd better ask Nabiki what that was about.' The eldest Tendo daughter thought.
"Really, you think so?" Nodoka asked, appearing to be hanging on Nabiki's every word. Said women began to squirm but continued on nonetheless "Yep, I got some friends on the look out. Even though I don't want to get your hopes up I think Keiko will show up before you know it..."
*Knock* *Knock*
All three women blinked. Kasumi patted Nodoka on the hand one last time "Don't worry auntie I'll go get it."
"So Nabiki.... um, what makes you think Keiko will show up so soon?" Nodoka asked with hope in her eyes. Before she even received an answer, she received something even better, not to mention excited and talking a mile a minute.
"Mom! I'm back, guess who brought me home! I bet you can't guess! You should've saw the cool move he did to dad. He was like "Hell Fire" and he sounded all cool, and then all this fire came out of nowhere and Dad was "Ahhh! put it out, put it out" and rolling on the floor and....mmph..."
"Keiko!" Nodoka tried to get her daughters attention while also covering her mouth.
"hmmph?" Keiko blinked at her mom.
"Are you alright? where have you been? Did you eat okay? Where's your father? He isn't hurt is he? ..." Nodoka quickly did her impersonation of her daughter. The three other adults in the house each sported sweatdrops as they watched the two run at the mouth.
"Mom, look who I came with!" Keiko quickly ran over to her escort and jumped on his shoulders when he knelt down.
Nodoka wasn't sure what to feel, joy that both her children were back, worry that her daughter returned without her husband, or fear at what Ranma's return meant. "Hello.... Ranma"
The room was silent for a while as everyone held their breath waiting for Ranma's reply.
"Hello Mrs. Saotome, forgive me for showing up with out any warning but I figured you wanted to see your daughter as soon as possible.... Okay, Keiko, It's time for me to go." Ranma lowered his sister and probably biggest fan to the floor.
"What?! But you just got here!" pouting at first Keiko's expression changed in a second to a smug grin. "Besides, you can't leave yet, you promised you'd tell me all about the cool people you meet."
"I did promise that..."
"And you wouldn't break your promise to me, would you?" Keiko decided to take the kid gloves off as she employed the world famous 'puppy dog eyes' routine.
"N-No I wouldn't do that." Ranma stuttered while being overwhelmed with the act his sister was putting on for him. "I'll see you tomorrow, near your front yard around two, alright?"
"Why don't you just stay here?" Kasumi and Nabiki both glanced at Nodoka, as Keiko continued to try to get Ranma to stay.
"Sorry but I don't think me staying here would be a good idea. Besides, like a said, I'll see you tomorrow anyway. I promise."
"Well..... okay, but you better tell me some good stories tomorrow!" Keiko said with her hands on her hips.
Ranma tried to keep a straight face, he really did, but he couldn't help but chuckle at the idea of him getting scolded by his six year old sister. After nodding his head he slowly began to leave the house.
"Ranma?" Nodoka called him back "where is your fat... where is Genma?"
"I'd like to say six feet under..... but more than likely he's on his way back with only mild burns..... well maybe a little more than mild." Ranma shrugged his shoulders "I was in a hurry. It was.... good to see you two again." Ranma told the two Tendo sisters.
__________
The house was still filled with tension after Ranma's departure, it was as if they were waiting for the other shoe to eventually drop.
"I guess we should be going." Nabiki was the first to get over the rather anticlimactic turn of events.
"R-right, we'll see you again soon auntie..." Kasumi trailed off still looking towards the door Ranma exited just a few moments before.
"Yeah, like tomorrow." Nabiki smirked while walking towards the door to leave.
Kasumi blinked when Nabiki cross her eyes path, then looked towards Nodoka "You don't mind if we stop by tomorrow do you?"
"No, I don't mind at all, in fact I'd be thrilled if you would." Nodoka smiled at the younger women.
"Well until then, by Keiko" Kasumi gave a little wave to the girl before leaving to catch up with her sister.
"Bye auntie!" Keiko yelled from the doorway as she watched Kasumi and Nabiki disappear down the road.
"So Keiko, why don't you tell me what's happened to you since you left with your father." Nodoka patted the couch seat beside her.
"Okay"
__________
Ranma slowly walked through the streets of Nerima taking in the sights. Even though he had came through Nerima a few months ago, hadn't stayed long enough to look around, not like this time at least. "Things look so different than they did seven years ago." Ranma words were carried away by the winds, as he catalogued some of the more memorable areas he walked by. Each one home to a different battle he had. The entire district looked almost brand new, no craters or destroyed walls, the fences all were standing up straight, even the roofs were completely covered with sturdy shingles.
Eventually Ranma arrived at a rather nice looking hotel, after all he might have to bring Keiko here if things got to crazy tomorrow. After paying for the room, Ranma entered it and began to hang up his Chinese robe, he paused as he stared at the long black robe with red trim. 'Master.... I think I've found it....' continuing to undress Ranma couldn't help but notice how his style in close slightly changed once again after spending time training in China. 'I guess now that I'm back in Nerima I'm finally starting to notice the differences in me since I last lived here."
Instead of his favorite red chinese shirt, he now wore a black chinese robe over a red sleeveless muscle shirt that clung to his upper body. the outline of a black dragon was sown onto the back, a gift from an old 'friend'. He also wore a pair of black Chinese pants that were a bit baggier than his older pair. Finally finishing off the ensemble were a pair of red boots covered mostly by his pants leg.
Standing by the window, Ranma let his loose ponytail sway in the breeze and watched the lights of Nerima die down.
__________
"Oh my, what a surprise to see you here Mr. Saotome." Kasumi and Nabiki were both surprised to see Genma sitting across from their father covered in bandages.
"Hello Kasumi, Nabiki it's been awhile." Genma nodded to the women.
"Yeah, I haven't seen you since you left with little Keiko." Nabiki deadpanned.
"*Ahem* I don't suppose you two are returning from my home by any chance?" Nabiki noticed Genma looking at Kasumi when he asked his question. 'Probably knows she won't scold him for taking Keiko away, and letting Ranma get her.'
"Yes actually, we just saw her and Keiko." Kasumi, surprisingly, left out a certain someone's name.
"What! Ranma brought her back?!"
*Spfff*
Soun turned his best friend into a panda thanks to the sake he was drinking. "Saotome, how did Ranma find out about Keiko... and how did he get her from the demon that kidnapped her from you?" Soun had been a bit suspicious about Genma's claim that a demon looking for Ranma had come and stole Keiko while burning Genma.
"I thought Keiko said Ranma took her from Genma." Kasumi stated while heading for the kitchen.
"Ranma?"
Everyone whipped their heads towards the steps to see Akane coming down the stairs with her pet P-chan in her arms. Akane bit her lip and squeezed the little piggy extra tight as she repeated her question "Did you say Ranma? Have you seen him."
"Um..." Kasumi seemed unsure of herself.
"Yeah, Ranma brought Keiko home earlier this evening." Nabiki decided it was a lost cause to hope for Kasumi to lie, or to keep Ranma's return a secret.
"Ranma's back...." Akane trailed off.
"bwee!" Ryou.... er P-chan seemed to bristle.
"Calm down, I didn't say he was staying." Nabiki calmly replied.
"What! Ranma's leaving?!" Soun stood up.
"Calm down, I didn't say he was leaving." Nabiki calmly replied.
"What! Ranma's not leaving?!" Genma all but shrieked after changing back with the pot of hot water he keep nearby whenever he visited the Dojo.
"Calm down, I didn't say he was staying... wait, didn't I already say that? Look, I don't know what Ranma is going to be doing yet, so just CALM DOWN!"
"Now, now, Nabiki no need to get all worked up." Soun tried to tell his daughter. He received a cold stare for his efforts.
"But Nabiki, he did say he was going to see Keiko again tomorrow." Nabiki redirected her stare towards her sister. "Why, thank you Kasumi."
"You're welcome." Kasumi totally ignored the sarcasm in her sister's voice.
"What! Ranma's ..." Genma trailed off as everyone produced the 'cold stare' in his direction.
"Don't you dare start that up again." Nabiki ordered, er suggested to Genma. "And yes Ranma will be seeing Keiko tomorrow."
"I wonder if I should bring them some cookies tomorrow, I'm sure we'll be out for awhile, Ranma has a lot of time to cover." Everyone blinked at Kasumi's comment.
"We'll?" came from more than one person.
"Of course, I can't wait to hear of all the things Ranma has gotten himself into since he left." and with that Kasumi finally made her way into the kitchen.
"Now that you mention it, I can't wait to hear it either." Nabiki smirked.
"Both of you are going to see him tomorrow?!" Akane asked as if the very thought was incomprehensible.
"I wouldn't recommend it girls. Ranma is a monster! He tried to burn me alive!" Genma implored.
"Hmm, Ranma said he only gave you mild burns..." Nabiki seemed to think out loud.
"Ranma burned you like that Saotome?" Soun gasped finally making the connection that Ranma was the 'demon' that stole Keiko.
"Why that no good, perverted, egotistical jerk! Wait till I get my hands on him!" Akane seemed to revert to her younger self as she started to rant about Ranma.
"*Ahem* Akane, I do believe that this is between Ranma and his father, besides Ranma really doesn't have anything to do with you period." Nabiki pointed out for her dear sister.
"...." Akane opened and closed her mouth a few times while trying to work around Nabiki's logic. Eventually Nabiki just grabbed Akane by the shoulders and directed her back up the stairs "Besides, you have to teach the weekend classes tomorrow."
After Nabiki and Akane left the downstairs area Genma and Soun stared at each other for a moment.
"Tendo..."
"Saotome..."
"Ha Ha! We still have a chance!" they both shouted, Genma quickly sobered up though.
"However, we're going to have to be careful this time, Ranma's not as easy to control as he used to be." Soun nodded in agreement with his friends statement.
"Yes, but if anyone can pull it off, it's us!" Soun shouted.
__________
"Hello." came a groggy voice over the telephone.
"Hey, I didn't wake you up did I?" was the amused reply.
"Of course not, I'm always up at..." the phone was quiet for a second before the first voice came back " 3'O Clock in the morning! who in the world calls at 3 in the morning?"
"So... you're saying I did wake you up." the voice still sounded amused.
"Yes, dammit. who is this anyway?"
"You don't recognize my voice? I'm hurt."
"Sorry, but cut me some slack it's in the middle of the night Ran-chan... RAN-CHAN!" Ukyo finally gained full consciousness.
"Yo, Ucchan. I know it's late but I was just sitting here thinking and time kind of got away from me..." Ranma sounded a little apologetic.
"Yeah, yeah, what's up? You usually just write to me, what's with the phone call in the middle of the night... you sound a bit... up beat. Something's definitely wrong here." Ukyo joked.
"Well I guess I am acting a bit strange. But give me a break I just came back to Nerima earlier today... well I guess yesterday after traveling with Keiko for a couple of days, I saw Kasumi and Nabiki without any problems, and I even got to put Genma in his place, all in this one week." Ukyo could see Ranma almost smiling on the other end.
"Wow, that's a lot... YOU'RE IN NERIMA!" Ukyo almost ignored that part from earlier.
"That's right, I meeting Keiko tom... well, later today. I was thinking of bringing her by with me to your place tomorrow. Even though no one is supposed to show up I'm betting I'm going to be coming with more than just Keiko. Is that alright?"
"Sure, I'll close up around one, how does that sound?"
"Perfect."
__________
"Hmm, Keiko seems to have a lot of... older friends." Ranma whispered under his breath, out loud he called out "Hello Keiko... Nabiki, Kasumi, Akane, Soun, Nodoka, Mr. Panda. You all came... how considerate of you."
Not even Kasumi could ignore the amount of sarcasm in his voice.
"Well it has been awhile since any of us have seen you." Kasumi tried to placate.
Ranma raised an eyebrow at Nabiki and Nodoka who shrugged their shoulders "You never told them?"
Nabiki and Nodoka looked at each other, than at Ranma and shook their heads in the negative.
"This isn't the first time you've seen Ranma since he left?" Akane demanded from her sister.
"Yep, Ranma saw mom and auntie Nabiki at the Ucchan's!" Keiko helpfully informed Akane.
[Dear! Why didn't you tell me?] the panda formally known as Genma waved the sign at his wife.
"As much as I would enjoy listening to you guy tear into each other... (Ranma noted his mother hang her head at the panda's sign) figuratively, I do have a promise to Keiko to keep." After saying, Ranma sat her on his shoulders and began walking away forcing the others to catch up.
"Don't you have classes or something?" Ranma asked after getting tired of Akane drilling holes in the back of his head.
"No I don't, for your information." Akane turned her head to the side, pointedly looking away from Ranma.
Ranma shrugged his shoulders, causing Keiko to squeal, he really didn't care if she had classes or not. His plan was to shut her up anyway and his plan was successful... mostly.
"Yeah, she cancelled them for a family emergency."
"NABIKI!"
No plan is perfect, right?
__________
Eventually the silent, for the most part, group reached the 'Ucchan's'.
"It seems it's closed." Kasumi stated the obvious.
"Don't worry I called Ucchan last night, she closed early so we could have the place to ourselves." Ranma forgot who he was talking to.
"So, you wanted no one around to notice you and Ukyo cheating behind my back!" Akane pointed an accusing finger at Ranma.
"..." Was the reply to her statement. After a few moments of staring at her Ranma turned towards the others. 'Let's see Kasumi seems confused, Nabiki's shaking her head, Soun and Genma seem to be trying to keep themselves from lashing out at me, and moth... Nodoka looks like she trying to hold in a... smile?'
"Akane, (Nabiki took a short breath) Ranma can't cheat on you because you guys aren't a couple, I thought we went through this last night."
Akane's finger went limp and her head dropped out of embarrassment "Oh right."
"Whatever, let's go Keiko... Ow! and what was that for?" Ranma asked his sister who just yanked his head back.
"Stop calling me Keiko!" she demanded.
"Wha.... Oh, that's right it's 'Ranko' now" Ranma smiled at her.
"Ranko?" asked everyone except Nodoka and Nabiki as they made their way into the restaurant.
"Hey Ran-chan, Ranko... I see you guessed right." Ukyo smiled at the pair.
Ranma rolled his eyes "It doesn't take a genius to figure these guys would tag along, I mean they seem to love making my life difficult... some of them that is" Ranma corrected.
The others had the good graces to blush at the comment.
"Well come on and sit down, I'll fix us all something to eat." Ukyo ushered Ranma and Kei... Ranko to a seat.
The others soon followed filling in a booth and a spare table.
"Yay, I love Ucchan's okonomiyaki, it's the best!" Ranko cheered.
"Well said, Ranko." Ranma ruffled her red hair "Ucchan does make the best, believe me."
"I'm surprised you're still friends with Ukyo. When you left it seemed you hated everybody." Akane pierced Ranma with her gaze... at least she tried to.
Ranma completely ignored Akane and turned back to his sister "So, Ranko you said you wanted to know about my travels?"
"Yep, I want to know everything!"
"Hmm, where should I start... Tell me, what do you already know?"
"I know that you went on a ten year training trip, then you got cursed, then you meet your wife Shampoo, then you came here to Nerima, where you meet your new fiancee Akane... Um, then you beat up her friend Ryouga, and then Shampoo came back to be with you with her Grandmother, but she was upset 'cause you left her at the ... um, alter was it? After a couple of fights with different people, Ucchan came back. After getting Ucchan to be your girlfriend you had some more fights with all kinds of crazy people. Like Ryu Kumon, and some monster named after underwear, um let's see, a dragon lady or was it a guy, and even a firebird! And after every thing you and Akane tried to get married but because you already had a wife and a girlfriend you couldn't get married. Oh yeah, and your curse turns you into a girl when you get wet." Ranko beamed at her brother.
Ranma on the other hand had a HUGE sweatdrop on his head. "Um right... Just how did you find all this out?"
"Well, Shiro's dad told me some, and some of the older kids used to tell stories, and auntie Nabiki and Ucchan told me a little." Ranko answered while rubbing her chin, seemingly in thought.
"I see." Ranma couldn't help but smile at Ranko's small form trying to look studious. "And did anyone tell about everything that went on after I tried to... marry Akane?"
"Nope, no one will ever tell me." Ranko crossed her arms in exasperation.
"Here you guys go." Ukyo placed food in front of everyone.
"Okay I guess I'll start after the attempted wedding. Now Ranko, I'm not going to sugarcoat anything so this isn't going to sound nice at all." Ranma noted Ranko baffled expression "I mean I'm going to be honest and tell you exactly what happened no matter who it makes look bad, including myself. I'm not sure you'll still feel the same way about everybody after I'm finished. Are you sure you want me to tell you."
Ranko looked at everyone else's face trying to get an idea of what to say, her mom looked sad, her dad and Mr. Tendo looked worried, and everyone else had various levels of shame on their faces.
Ranko quickly remembered when she decided to take the nickname of Ranko over her real name of Keiko. She had been confused over the conflicting stories about her secret hero Ranma. Some stories claimed he was a perverted boy who loved to hurt people and could change himself into a redheaded women named Ranko. Some people believed Ranma was a young man who had to deal with many hardships thanks to situations he couldn't control, such as a curse to turn into a women, and people coming for revenge out of the woodworks. While others said he was just a conceited, egotistic, womanizing, dumb jock that was punished for his ways with a curse to turn into a women.
Eventually she decided to find out the truth about him. She hoped he was the honorable and brave warrior that some of the people believed him to be. So she asked the only person she trusted to give her a truthful answer, the chef at the 'Ucchan's'. Ukyo was the only person in Nerima who was both a friend and one time enemy to him, and it was rumored that she was even his girlfriend.
After explaining the situation to Ukyo, Keiko was happy to hear that Ukyo actually still communicated with Ranma. Unfortunately, Ukyo wouldn't tell Keiko everything about Ranma, but what she did mention was more than enough to strengthen Keiko's fascination with him. She actually looked up even more to the legendary Ranma after finding out that he was not some kind of Martial arts god, or some other type of perfect person. Instead he was a mere boy who trained his body to be one of the greatest fighters in his generation. A person who had many imperfections but in the end was always willing to help anyone in need. He basically, was just a normal man forced into an abnormal life who persevered with skill, determination, and a little luck. And best of all Ukyo even confirmed the biggest question she had, but was almost afraid to ask... Was his last name really Saotome and was he actually her elder brother. After Ukyo grudgingly admitted he was her brother, also stating the resemblance between Keiko and Ranma's cursed form, as well as how Keiko reminded Ukyo of Ranma when he was her age, Keiko decided to try to be as good as Ranma. A few months later Nabiki slipped out that Nodoka originally wanted to name Keiko after Ranma's cursed form, but Genma wouldn't allow it. However with Genma promising Keiko that she would be as great a martial artist as that Ranma fellow, as Genma would put it, she decided to adopt the name Ranko.
Coming back to the present Ranko realized if she hadn't sought out the truth she might not have ever met Ranma. So with a serious face she looked at her big brother and nodded her head "I want to know the truth."
Ranma smiled at her bravery and began "Even though I left months after the failed wedding, things had begun to spiral out of control for me after fighting Saffron the king of phoenix mountain, and self proclaimed god. I'm assuming that the firebird everyone mentioned I fought was actually him..." Ranko nodded, happy that she hadn't missed a story about Ranma prior to the wedding "Anyway I had started to have strange urges during my fights..."
__________
(That's Right It's Time For A Flashback)
Everyone gave Ranma wide berth back as they headed back to Japan. Even though Ranma's action during his fight with Saffron all but seemed to shout his feelings for Akane, it was his current state that everyone was really worried about. He barely moved from his spot by the railing since they boarded the boat to return to Japan, he hadn't smiled since Akane woke up at Jusendo, he hadn't even spoke more than two words to anyone since the fight for that matter. They all just thought Ranma needed some space to come to terms with his killing of Saffron, they were sure it was eating him up alive. They were only partially right.
Ranma was happy for the peace he was given. If he couldn't have inner peace than he could at least have it surrounding him on the outside, right? 'I not sure what has me more worried. The fact that I'm not extremely regretful about killing Saffron, or the fact that I still find the thought of fighting him to the death again so thrilling and inviting. Who am I kidding, I know I shouldn't worry to much about finishing off Saffron, Someone was dieing and that jerk wouldn't allow them to be saved. As a martial artist it's my duty to help those in need. I'm definitely worried about the fact that I would love to do this again... only without there being an innocent life on the line. Yes, a fight to the finish, both fighter determined to fight till their dieing breath that would be wonderful... Stop!" Ranma slammed his fist into the boat railing while letting his smile drop. He decided he really needed to get some sleep, they would be back in Japan tomorrow.
__________
'I can't believe this crap!' Silently fumed a certain pig-tailed martial artist. Ranma paced back and forth across the roof of the Tendo estate. Ranma was completely pissed off. He was pissed of at his pop, mom, and Mr. Tendo for even trying to pull this off. He was pissed with Kasumi and Nabiki for going along with it. He was pissed at Ukyo and Shampoo for taking it upon themselves to stop it. He was pissed at Ryouga, Mousse, and Happosai for adding insult to injury with the 'spring of drowned boy'. He was pissed with Akane for giving in to their parents instead of trying to wait until they were both ready.
But most of all, the person he truly despised at the moment was no one other than himself. 'I can't believe I just stood there like some lost kid, as everyone else pushed and shoved me in any direction they so pleased. Ukyo and Shampoo had no right to stop the wedding like that, but I don't think anyone else would have done it, not even me, and I know now is not the time for any marriage! That's it I refuse to be some stepping stone for others. It's time I took control of my life.'
Mind made up, Ranma finally entered the dojo for some well needed sleep. 'Things are going to be changing around here.'
The next morning things started as they usually did. Ranma found himself thrown into the pond by his father in panda form, the added panda strength needed to send the boy from the dojo to the pond. Ranma quickly exited the pond and began his daily fight with Genma. After knocking his fat father into the pond, Ranma began making his way towards the house for some, hopefully Kasumi cooked, breakfast. He stopped his trek to the house as he felt his father sneak up behind him, without even thinking, Ranma turned towards him and laid into Genma with a Amaguriken punch. As Genma laid on his back with his eyes twirling Ranma's eyes darted back and forth across the yard. 'Damn, why did I use that attack? it was just a sparring match. Sure the bastard deserves what ever I give him, in fact he's lucky I let him off with just that.' Ranma whole mindset started to return to the state it was in the previous night. Once entering the house Ranma approached the dining table with trepidation 'Okay... where is everybody? Isn't it time for breakfast? Oh please no, not today...' Ranma slowly headed for the kitchen thinking sneaky thoughts. About a foot away from the entrance Ranma felt a cold chill go down his back as he heard voices from inside the kitchen.
"Are you sure that'll taste okay? I really think I should add some extra stuff for flavor."
"Extra stuff? um... what did you have in mind Akane?
"What about some sugar?"
"That's baking powder..."
"Well how about some hot sauce?"
"That's ketchup..."
"What about some duck sauce?"
"That's mustard... Don't you think we should leave the... grits the way it is?"
"Grits? what's that? I'm making soup."
"That's... soup"
'To hell with that!' Ranma thought as he turned away from the kitchen only to run into his mother.
"Good morning Ranma."
"Morning Mom, I'm going to take my bath then head out, so tell... Kasumi I'll be missing breakfast." Ranma tried to squeeze by his mother.
"But Ranma, Kasumi isn't making breakfast, Akane is. I'm sure she would love for you to try some, you wouldn't want to make your fiancee upset would you?" Nodoka laced her question with steel.
"O-Of course not..." Ranma blurted out 'Damn today was supposed to be different!'. As soon as Ranma say his mother smile at him he figured maybe things weren't so bad anyway.
"Why doesn't the soup come out the pan Kasumi?"
"I'm not really sure Akane..."
'I've been wrong before.'
__________
"Ha, 'eat her cooking' she says, 'she'll be happy you did' she says, 'It's not manly to thrown up your fiancee's cooking in front of her and her family' she says. Well I don't care what she says I am not putting my self through that any more." Ranma yelled to blue sky from the roof of Furinken High. After finishing a lunch thankfully prepared by Kasumi, Ranma spotted Ryouga heading for Akane. "Wow, the pig's back already, he must have been trying to leave Nerima." Ranma chuckled at his own weak joke. His laugh trailed off as he watched Akane smile and run over to Ryouga, while Ryouga gave Akane something in a box. After Akane opened up whatever it was, it was hard to tell from his distance, she gave Ryouga a hug.
"Damn you Ryouga. Always trying claim what's mine for yourself. Well I'm about to teach you a lesson you'll never forget." Ranma smiled as he jumped to the nearest window seal and continued down.
By the time Ranma reached the bottom which didn't take any time at all physically. But mentally was more than enough time for Ranma to come back to himself. 'There I go again letting myself lose control and getting angrier than I should. First I enjoy fighting Saffron to the death, then I fly off the handle after the failed wedding, followed by using one of my more special techniques on pop during a regular sparing match, and now I'm about to go beat up Ryouga just for talking to Akane. I need to get a hold of myself, and soon before I blow up at some body.'
While Ranma was contemplating how to gain control over his new and dangerous urgings, Ryouga spotted him. After crying out his challenge Ryouga was further pushed on by the fact that Ranma was ignoring him. 'Now that he's beat Saffron he thinks I'm no challenge. I'll show him who's the strongest!' Ryouga throw several bandanas at Ranma, Ryouga almost smirked as the bandanas flew ever closer to the unmoving Ranma.
Ranma blinked as he felt a warning of danger flare within him. Ranma spotted the projectiles heading for him ducked them all. He barely had time to roll as Ryouga crashed into the ground where he stood only moments before.
"So now you're paying attention... good." Ryouga sneered at Ranma.
"I don't feel like fighting right now, so why don't you try again later." Ranma brushed off Ryouga and began walking away.
"What are you doing Ranma?! You can't just walk away from a fight!" Akane called out.
'Moron, first she gets upset if I beat Ryouga, and when I decide not to fight him she still gets on my case. What does she want me to do, loose to him... maybe, that just might be it. She actually wants me to lose to that pig.' Ranma felt his anger return. "You're absolutely right Akane, I can't just walk away can I" Ranma turned towards Ryouga with a cold look in his eyes. "Alright Ryouga if you want a fight I'll give it to you, but be warned, I'm no longer holding back."
Ryouga was at first shocked to see Ranma's face but as he heard Ranma's warning he began to bristle. "Holding back! Yeah right you couldn't hurt me with your best punch! there's no way you've been holding back." Ryouga charged Ranma after delivering his lines.
"Why don't I prove it to you." Ranma replied as he waited for Ryouga to close the distance. Once Ryouga moved close enough he went for the breaking point technique, only to have his hands swept away from the ground by Ranma's right foot followed up with Ranma still low to the ground continuing to spin after the sweep into a devastating backhand. As Ryouga's head was knocked sideways, Ranma grabbed his shirt with his free right hand and connected with his amaguriken to the temple of Ryouga's head with his left in less than 3 seconds. After letting go of Ryouga's shirt Ranma stood over Ryouga "I bet you wondering why those punches hurt more than usual... Well let's just say I didn't just ignore using my ki to strengthen my body when we started learning ki projectiles." Ranma slowly stepped back as Ryouga climbed to his feet. "If you really want to keep up with me Ryouga you're going to have to do more than just learn a lot of tricks. Your going to have understand them inside and out, otherwise you'll always be limited."
"Shut up! Don't you dare tell me how to fight!" Ryouga screamed before joining the fight once again. Before Ryouga could even throw another punch Ranma connected with a kick to Ryouga throat. Ryouga staggered back.
"And don't YOU dare challenge me without knowing your proper place!" Ranma growled at Ryouga.
Everyone in the schoolyard was stunned by the change of intensity of the fight. Sure Ranma was always spouting off about being the best and Ryouga always screamed his "Die Saotome" line. But this fight was completely unlike any the two had ever had.
"Stop it Ranma your hurting him!" Akane screamed. She was tempted to go out there and break up the fight as usual but something about Ranma was different, very different.
"Alright Ranma, you want to get serious than let's go." Ryouga replied in calm tone.
Everyone was really starting to panic now. Ranma was looking really scary and Ryouga was acting calm, If those weren't a sign of the end of the world then... well... then it sure as hell meant something really bad was about to happen.
Ukyo watched Ranma with a growing sense of dread, this was a side of Ranma she had never seen. She hoped she would never have to face this version of him.
Ryouga slowly approached Ranma again, while in a tight defensive stance. However he was fighting with himself not to just charge in as Ranma stood there almost begging for Ryouga to attack him. Ranma continued to stand up straight with his arms by his side as Ryouga inched closer. 'I'll finally show you your place Ryouga and I'll show Akane that you'll never beat me!' Ranma finally entered his own stance, surprisingly he entered what looked like a loose boxing stance while bouncing from foot to foot. One thing that Ranma always found frustrating was that with as many weird matches where he ended up fighting under restricting rules or fights where special techniques were involved he was never able to really show how skilled in hand to hand he was. It was always ki attacks of some sort that decided the matches lately, due to his inexperience with them. Now that he could really hold his own in that regard it was time to bring it back to the basics. Ranma was going to take Ryouga back to martial arts 101.
Ryouga finally attacked with straight punch to backhand finishing with a mid level kick combo. Ranma in turn smacked the first fist away and ducked the backhand while kicking the Ryouga's leg with the bottom of his foot. Ryouga decided to throw a high kick followed by a axe kick towards Ranma's shoulder as his next attack. Ducking the high kick Ranma quickly sprung towards Ryouga and caught him with his leg raised for his axe kick. Holding Ryouga by the chest, pinning both arms and one leg Ranma suplexed Ryouga.
"Damn, Ranma's really trying to kick his ass." Daisuke pointed out to his partner in crime.
"Yeah, I would have expected Ryouga to use a move like that before Ranma." Hiroshi countered.
"Well, his style is Anything Goes... and I don't know what Ryouga's style is." Daisuke was starting to get into the conversation now.
"Would you two shut up!" called someone from in the crowd.
Nabiki was frozen in place, originally she was going to take bets but she almost immediately sensed something different about Ranma. Now Nabiki was afraid she would need to call and book a hospital room for Ranma or Ryouga... or both. 'Ranma can't seriously expect to beat Ryouga in a slug fest does he, then again Ranma did say he was going to stop holding back...'
Ryouga slammed his fist on the ground, the slam didn't really hurt him, but his leg was sore from the position he was in when he was slammed. Ryouga took a deep breath 'Alright my high endurance for pain isn't giving me the usual advantage, I'll go for the Shi Shi Hokodan' So saying Ryouga got into position.
Ranma shook his head 'Ryouga always was a little to straightforward.' Instead of standing back and trying to match ki attacks with him, Ranma just rushed forward as soon as Ryouga opened his mouth and filled it with his fist.
"Damn..." trailed off more than one student.
Ms. Hinako was hiding behind some of the students while still in her child persona. "S.. Sc... Scary!"
"That's it Ranma! You won't make a fool out of me!" Ryouga finally tried to reach back to the times when he had to use real skill in a fight instead of just bowling over his opponents. Ryouga unleashed one of his most complex combinations he knew. He feinted a punch to the face while swinging a left cross punch, expecting Ranma to dodge both, he spun with cross into spinning jump kick. After landing from the kick with his back towards Ranma, he waited a fraction of second for Ranma to start to retaliate, before springing into a front flip catching Ranma on the chin. Once hearing Ranma connect with the ground, Ryouga while not missing a beat landed his front flip and quickly went into an even higher black flip hoping to land with his knees in Ranma's gut.
Ryouga was disappointed but not surprised when Ranma rolled out of the way just in the knick of time. While Ranma was still trying to raise Ryouga jumped at him with a flying kick. Ranma dropped back to the floor reacting with his gut instinct as Ryouga flew by.
Ranma, deciding it was time to finish the fight, let Ryouga charge him one last time. Ryouga ran at Ranma and went into a slide in hopes of catching him off guard and snatching Ranma's legs out from under him. Ranma, almost reminiscent of Ryouga, jumped into his own back flip timing it so that he would land only about a foot further than Ryouga. He grabbed Ryouga's shirt while rolling backwards. Pulling Ryouga up and forwards while he himself was falling backwards into the roll, Ranma placed his bent legs under Ryouga and sent him flipping into the air. Ryouga unaccustomed to spending that much time spinning in the air, barely landed upright on his hands and knees.
However, Ranma had actually jumped into the air right after him and shot off a tree branch to land only seconds after Ryouga. Using the added speed from the tree branch and applying just a little of his amaguriken speed, Ranma delivered a knife hand to the back of Ryouga's head. Ranma stood up with a huge grin on his face "Now that was a good fight."
The crowd became silent as they watched Ranma stroll away from the fight with a spring to his step. "Um... do you think that Ryouga guy is alright?" asked someone in the crowd, snapping Akane, Ukyo, and Nabiki out of their trance.
Akane let out sigh of relief as she checked up on him "I think he's just knocked out."
"Still, Ranma did quite a number on him." Nabiki wondered out load "What do you think has gotten into him?" even though she had her own suspicions she wanted to hear their thoughts.
"I think Ranma needs to stop picking on Ryouga, this is the worst time yet!" cried Akane, even though she didn't sound to convinced with her own words.
Ukyo hung her head "He's probably still really upset over the wedding thing. and seeing Ryouga again so soon didn't help."
"I think you may be right." Nabiki looked towards the direction Ranma left in. 'But I have a feeling the status quo around here is about to seriously change.'
__________
Ranma slowly packed his camping gear 'That was intense, I've always tried to shy away from really fighting like that, but I got to admit it was fun. I can't do that anymore, I have to really reign in these urges before it's too late. Hopefully a few weeks away will be all I need.'
Leaving a note on the refrigerator, Ranma headed out. Little did he know that this upcoming training trip would lead him into getting involved with some of the most deadliest fighters alive, and adding himself to the list.
To Be Continued
Next Time: The Evil Intent Ranma's training doesn't go exactly as planned as he learns a new way to cope with his urges other than just suppressing them. His decision will attract the one known as The Supreme Master of the Fist, along with Ranma's new master.
quail12001@yahoo.com
Family Reunion
"If you learn this technique you will be even better than 'Him', in fact you'll be unbeatable! You'd like that, right?" Genma patiently asked his child.
"Yep, I want to be as good as 'him'!" replied the enthusiastic 6 year old. Genma quickly tied the poor child up with fish sausages. "Okay get in there and learn the Neko-ken!"
"Right!" Genma's meal tick... er, pride and joy yelled while jumping into the pit. Genma wasted no time in sealing the pit "It'll work for sure this time." Genma checked his camping bag and pulled out the herbal shampoo 110. "With this I'll just erase any memory of the cat fist training, and get some some nice kittens, an....."
"Well now, if it isn't Genma. How have you been old man?" Genma turned towards the voice only to stare in shock at the figure before him.
"Ra...Ranma?!" Genma was sweating bullets, he knew he was taking a chance when he took Keiko to teach her the Neko-ken. Nodoka warned him not to do any crazy training exercises with her because if he did he WOULD be caught. He hadn't thought anyone was capable of actually catching him, of course he never considered Ranma to be around. The chances of the ungrateful brat being around was scant at best.
Ranma did a quick scan of the area and his cold face turned back towards the fat fool in front of him. "Where is she?" his tone of voice left no room for argument. Of course Genma missed that small fact "where's who?" Genma asked while trying to look innocent. Ranma shook his head, how did he ever trust this man was beyond him. Genma was as bad, if not worse, of a liar then he was.... well, then he used to be. "Don't screw with me old man, I'm not in the mood." Ranma let a little of his aura go.
"Ow, hey, quit it, stop, that hurts.... Poppa!"
Ranma jumped over Genma homing in on the sound. He quickly spotted a metal door laying on the ground, obviously recently dug up. Faster than the eye could see, Ranma ripped the door off it's hinges and subconsciously threw it in the general direction of Genma . Ranma moved even faster as he jumped into the pit and exited with a cringing red head.
"Shh... It's alright, hey, come on..." Ranma held the girl close to him as she buried her head into his chest. "Hey, Keiko, it's me, Ranma." Ranma was relieved when Keiko slowly started to look up at him. "R..Ranma? is that really you?" Ranma smiled at her, one of the few people to still receive one from him, and spoke in a teasing manner "I promised I'd see you again didn't I 'Ranko', or did you think I was lying?"
"Hey, what are two talking about?" Genma barked out angrily.
Ranma's smile slowly left his face as he placed Keiko on the ground and ripped the remaining sausages off of her. "That was the last straw old man. I never thought you'd repeat the same mistake twice.... actually, I guess that was pretty stupid of me, but your daughter?!" Ranma finally stood up and faced Genma.
"How did you know she was my daughter? or her name for that matter?" Genma asked while completely ignoring Ranma's previous accusations.
"Do you really think I wouldn't know my own sister?...... and did you really think you would get away with doing this to her?" Ranma was engulfed in a blood red aura as he spoke.
"She's not your sister, you decided that yourself! Her welfare is non of your concern!" Genma shouted.
"Well I'm making it my concern, I'm taking 'Ranko' with me." Ranma smirked at his one time father.
"I will not allow it!" Genma rushed at Ranma hoping to catch him off guard.
"Hell Fire" Ranma softly spoke....
__________
Nodoka sat across from Kasumi and Nabiki "I really didn't expect for Genma to take her away for this long..."
"It's okay, how were you supposed to know what Genma was thinking?" Kasumi tried to comfort the distraught women.
'How indeed' Nabiki rolled her eyes at Kasumi's efforts. "Don't worry auntie I'm almost positive that Ra... er, Keiko will be alright." both Nabiki and Nodoka flinched at the slip, while Kasumi blinked. 'I'd better ask Nabiki what that was about.' The eldest Tendo daughter thought.
"Really, you think so?" Nodoka asked, appearing to be hanging on Nabiki's every word. Said women began to squirm but continued on nonetheless "Yep, I got some friends on the look out. Even though I don't want to get your hopes up I think Keiko will show up before you know it..."
*Knock* *Knock*
All three women blinked. Kasumi patted Nodoka on the hand one last time "Don't worry auntie I'll go get it."
"So Nabiki.... um, what makes you think Keiko will show up so soon?" Nodoka asked with hope in her eyes. Before she even received an answer, she received something even better, not to mention excited and talking a mile a minute.
"Mom! I'm back, guess who brought me home! I bet you can't guess! You should've saw the cool move he did to dad. He was like "Hell Fire" and he sounded all cool, and then all this fire came out of nowhere and Dad was "Ahhh! put it out, put it out" and rolling on the floor and....mmph..."
"Keiko!" Nodoka tried to get her daughters attention while also covering her mouth.
"hmmph?" Keiko blinked at her mom.
"Are you alright? where have you been? Did you eat okay? Where's your father? He isn't hurt is he? ..." Nodoka quickly did her impersonation of her daughter. The three other adults in the house each sported sweatdrops as they watched the two run at the mouth.
"Mom, look who I came with!" Keiko quickly ran over to her escort and jumped on his shoulders when he knelt down.
Nodoka wasn't sure what to feel, joy that both her children were back, worry that her daughter returned without her husband, or fear at what Ranma's return meant. "Hello.... Ranma"
The room was silent for a while as everyone held their breath waiting for Ranma's reply.
"Hello Mrs. Saotome, forgive me for showing up with out any warning but I figured you wanted to see your daughter as soon as possible.... Okay, Keiko, It's time for me to go." Ranma lowered his sister and probably biggest fan to the floor.
"What?! But you just got here!" pouting at first Keiko's expression changed in a second to a smug grin. "Besides, you can't leave yet, you promised you'd tell me all about the cool people you meet."
"I did promise that..."
"And you wouldn't break your promise to me, would you?" Keiko decided to take the kid gloves off as she employed the world famous 'puppy dog eyes' routine.
"N-No I wouldn't do that." Ranma stuttered while being overwhelmed with the act his sister was putting on for him. "I'll see you tomorrow, near your front yard around two, alright?"
"Why don't you just stay here?" Kasumi and Nabiki both glanced at Nodoka, as Keiko continued to try to get Ranma to stay.
"Sorry but I don't think me staying here would be a good idea. Besides, like a said, I'll see you tomorrow anyway. I promise."
"Well..... okay, but you better tell me some good stories tomorrow!" Keiko said with her hands on her hips.
Ranma tried to keep a straight face, he really did, but he couldn't help but chuckle at the idea of him getting scolded by his six year old sister. After nodding his head he slowly began to leave the house.
"Ranma?" Nodoka called him back "where is your fat... where is Genma?"
"I'd like to say six feet under..... but more than likely he's on his way back with only mild burns..... well maybe a little more than mild." Ranma shrugged his shoulders "I was in a hurry. It was.... good to see you two again." Ranma told the two Tendo sisters.
__________
The house was still filled with tension after Ranma's departure, it was as if they were waiting for the other shoe to eventually drop.
"I guess we should be going." Nabiki was the first to get over the rather anticlimactic turn of events.
"R-right, we'll see you again soon auntie..." Kasumi trailed off still looking towards the door Ranma exited just a few moments before.
"Yeah, like tomorrow." Nabiki smirked while walking towards the door to leave.
Kasumi blinked when Nabiki cross her eyes path, then looked towards Nodoka "You don't mind if we stop by tomorrow do you?"
"No, I don't mind at all, in fact I'd be thrilled if you would." Nodoka smiled at the younger women.
"Well until then, by Keiko" Kasumi gave a little wave to the girl before leaving to catch up with her sister.
"Bye auntie!" Keiko yelled from the doorway as she watched Kasumi and Nabiki disappear down the road.
"So Keiko, why don't you tell me what's happened to you since you left with your father." Nodoka patted the couch seat beside her.
"Okay"
__________
Ranma slowly walked through the streets of Nerima taking in the sights. Even though he had came through Nerima a few months ago, hadn't stayed long enough to look around, not like this time at least. "Things look so different than they did seven years ago." Ranma words were carried away by the winds, as he catalogued some of the more memorable areas he walked by. Each one home to a different battle he had. The entire district looked almost brand new, no craters or destroyed walls, the fences all were standing up straight, even the roofs were completely covered with sturdy shingles.
Eventually Ranma arrived at a rather nice looking hotel, after all he might have to bring Keiko here if things got to crazy tomorrow. After paying for the room, Ranma entered it and began to hang up his Chinese robe, he paused as he stared at the long black robe with red trim. 'Master.... I think I've found it....' continuing to undress Ranma couldn't help but notice how his style in close slightly changed once again after spending time training in China. 'I guess now that I'm back in Nerima I'm finally starting to notice the differences in me since I last lived here."
Instead of his favorite red chinese shirt, he now wore a black chinese robe over a red sleeveless muscle shirt that clung to his upper body. the outline of a black dragon was sown onto the back, a gift from an old 'friend'. He also wore a pair of black Chinese pants that were a bit baggier than his older pair. Finally finishing off the ensemble were a pair of red boots covered mostly by his pants leg.
Standing by the window, Ranma let his loose ponytail sway in the breeze and watched the lights of Nerima die down.
__________
"Oh my, what a surprise to see you here Mr. Saotome." Kasumi and Nabiki were both surprised to see Genma sitting across from their father covered in bandages.
"Hello Kasumi, Nabiki it's been awhile." Genma nodded to the women.
"Yeah, I haven't seen you since you left with little Keiko." Nabiki deadpanned.
"*Ahem* I don't suppose you two are returning from my home by any chance?" Nabiki noticed Genma looking at Kasumi when he asked his question. 'Probably knows she won't scold him for taking Keiko away, and letting Ranma get her.'
"Yes actually, we just saw her and Keiko." Kasumi, surprisingly, left out a certain someone's name.
"What! Ranma brought her back?!"
*Spfff*
Soun turned his best friend into a panda thanks to the sake he was drinking. "Saotome, how did Ranma find out about Keiko... and how did he get her from the demon that kidnapped her from you?" Soun had been a bit suspicious about Genma's claim that a demon looking for Ranma had come and stole Keiko while burning Genma.
"I thought Keiko said Ranma took her from Genma." Kasumi stated while heading for the kitchen.
"Ranma?"
Everyone whipped their heads towards the steps to see Akane coming down the stairs with her pet P-chan in her arms. Akane bit her lip and squeezed the little piggy extra tight as she repeated her question "Did you say Ranma? Have you seen him."
"Um..." Kasumi seemed unsure of herself.
"Yeah, Ranma brought Keiko home earlier this evening." Nabiki decided it was a lost cause to hope for Kasumi to lie, or to keep Ranma's return a secret.
"Ranma's back...." Akane trailed off.
"bwee!" Ryou.... er P-chan seemed to bristle.
"Calm down, I didn't say he was staying." Nabiki calmly replied.
"What! Ranma's leaving?!" Soun stood up.
"Calm down, I didn't say he was leaving." Nabiki calmly replied.
"What! Ranma's not leaving?!" Genma all but shrieked after changing back with the pot of hot water he keep nearby whenever he visited the Dojo.
"Calm down, I didn't say he was staying... wait, didn't I already say that? Look, I don't know what Ranma is going to be doing yet, so just CALM DOWN!"
"Now, now, Nabiki no need to get all worked up." Soun tried to tell his daughter. He received a cold stare for his efforts.
"But Nabiki, he did say he was going to see Keiko again tomorrow." Nabiki redirected her stare towards her sister. "Why, thank you Kasumi."
"You're welcome." Kasumi totally ignored the sarcasm in her sister's voice.
"What! Ranma's ..." Genma trailed off as everyone produced the 'cold stare' in his direction.
"Don't you dare start that up again." Nabiki ordered, er suggested to Genma. "And yes Ranma will be seeing Keiko tomorrow."
"I wonder if I should bring them some cookies tomorrow, I'm sure we'll be out for awhile, Ranma has a lot of time to cover." Everyone blinked at Kasumi's comment.
"We'll?" came from more than one person.
"Of course, I can't wait to hear of all the things Ranma has gotten himself into since he left." and with that Kasumi finally made her way into the kitchen.
"Now that you mention it, I can't wait to hear it either." Nabiki smirked.
"Both of you are going to see him tomorrow?!" Akane asked as if the very thought was incomprehensible.
"I wouldn't recommend it girls. Ranma is a monster! He tried to burn me alive!" Genma implored.
"Hmm, Ranma said he only gave you mild burns..." Nabiki seemed to think out loud.
"Ranma burned you like that Saotome?" Soun gasped finally making the connection that Ranma was the 'demon' that stole Keiko.
"Why that no good, perverted, egotistical jerk! Wait till I get my hands on him!" Akane seemed to revert to her younger self as she started to rant about Ranma.
"*Ahem* Akane, I do believe that this is between Ranma and his father, besides Ranma really doesn't have anything to do with you period." Nabiki pointed out for her dear sister.
"...." Akane opened and closed her mouth a few times while trying to work around Nabiki's logic. Eventually Nabiki just grabbed Akane by the shoulders and directed her back up the stairs "Besides, you have to teach the weekend classes tomorrow."
After Nabiki and Akane left the downstairs area Genma and Soun stared at each other for a moment.
"Tendo..."
"Saotome..."
"Ha Ha! We still have a chance!" they both shouted, Genma quickly sobered up though.
"However, we're going to have to be careful this time, Ranma's not as easy to control as he used to be." Soun nodded in agreement with his friends statement.
"Yes, but if anyone can pull it off, it's us!" Soun shouted.
__________
"Hello." came a groggy voice over the telephone.
"Hey, I didn't wake you up did I?" was the amused reply.
"Of course not, I'm always up at..." the phone was quiet for a second before the first voice came back " 3'O Clock in the morning! who in the world calls at 3 in the morning?"
"So... you're saying I did wake you up." the voice still sounded amused.
"Yes, dammit. who is this anyway?"
"You don't recognize my voice? I'm hurt."
"Sorry, but cut me some slack it's in the middle of the night Ran-chan... RAN-CHAN!" Ukyo finally gained full consciousness.
"Yo, Ucchan. I know it's late but I was just sitting here thinking and time kind of got away from me..." Ranma sounded a little apologetic.
"Yeah, yeah, what's up? You usually just write to me, what's with the phone call in the middle of the night... you sound a bit... up beat. Something's definitely wrong here." Ukyo joked.
"Well I guess I am acting a bit strange. But give me a break I just came back to Nerima earlier today... well I guess yesterday after traveling with Keiko for a couple of days, I saw Kasumi and Nabiki without any problems, and I even got to put Genma in his place, all in this one week." Ukyo could see Ranma almost smiling on the other end.
"Wow, that's a lot... YOU'RE IN NERIMA!" Ukyo almost ignored that part from earlier.
"That's right, I meeting Keiko tom... well, later today. I was thinking of bringing her by with me to your place tomorrow. Even though no one is supposed to show up I'm betting I'm going to be coming with more than just Keiko. Is that alright?"
"Sure, I'll close up around one, how does that sound?"
"Perfect."
__________
"Hmm, Keiko seems to have a lot of... older friends." Ranma whispered under his breath, out loud he called out "Hello Keiko... Nabiki, Kasumi, Akane, Soun, Nodoka, Mr. Panda. You all came... how considerate of you."
Not even Kasumi could ignore the amount of sarcasm in his voice.
"Well it has been awhile since any of us have seen you." Kasumi tried to placate.
Ranma raised an eyebrow at Nabiki and Nodoka who shrugged their shoulders "You never told them?"
Nabiki and Nodoka looked at each other, than at Ranma and shook their heads in the negative.
"This isn't the first time you've seen Ranma since he left?" Akane demanded from her sister.
"Yep, Ranma saw mom and auntie Nabiki at the Ucchan's!" Keiko helpfully informed Akane.
[Dear! Why didn't you tell me?] the panda formally known as Genma waved the sign at his wife.
"As much as I would enjoy listening to you guy tear into each other... (Ranma noted his mother hang her head at the panda's sign) figuratively, I do have a promise to Keiko to keep." After saying, Ranma sat her on his shoulders and began walking away forcing the others to catch up.
"Don't you have classes or something?" Ranma asked after getting tired of Akane drilling holes in the back of his head.
"No I don't, for your information." Akane turned her head to the side, pointedly looking away from Ranma.
Ranma shrugged his shoulders, causing Keiko to squeal, he really didn't care if she had classes or not. His plan was to shut her up anyway and his plan was successful... mostly.
"Yeah, she cancelled them for a family emergency."
"NABIKI!"
No plan is perfect, right?
__________
Eventually the silent, for the most part, group reached the 'Ucchan's'.
"It seems it's closed." Kasumi stated the obvious.
"Don't worry I called Ucchan last night, she closed early so we could have the place to ourselves." Ranma forgot who he was talking to.
"So, you wanted no one around to notice you and Ukyo cheating behind my back!" Akane pointed an accusing finger at Ranma.
"..." Was the reply to her statement. After a few moments of staring at her Ranma turned towards the others. 'Let's see Kasumi seems confused, Nabiki's shaking her head, Soun and Genma seem to be trying to keep themselves from lashing out at me, and moth... Nodoka looks like she trying to hold in a... smile?'
"Akane, (Nabiki took a short breath) Ranma can't cheat on you because you guys aren't a couple, I thought we went through this last night."
Akane's finger went limp and her head dropped out of embarrassment "Oh right."
"Whatever, let's go Keiko... Ow! and what was that for?" Ranma asked his sister who just yanked his head back.
"Stop calling me Keiko!" she demanded.
"Wha.... Oh, that's right it's 'Ranko' now" Ranma smiled at her.
"Ranko?" asked everyone except Nodoka and Nabiki as they made their way into the restaurant.
"Hey Ran-chan, Ranko... I see you guessed right." Ukyo smiled at the pair.
Ranma rolled his eyes "It doesn't take a genius to figure these guys would tag along, I mean they seem to love making my life difficult... some of them that is" Ranma corrected.
The others had the good graces to blush at the comment.
"Well come on and sit down, I'll fix us all something to eat." Ukyo ushered Ranma and Kei... Ranko to a seat.
The others soon followed filling in a booth and a spare table.
"Yay, I love Ucchan's okonomiyaki, it's the best!" Ranko cheered.
"Well said, Ranko." Ranma ruffled her red hair "Ucchan does make the best, believe me."
"I'm surprised you're still friends with Ukyo. When you left it seemed you hated everybody." Akane pierced Ranma with her gaze... at least she tried to.
Ranma completely ignored Akane and turned back to his sister "So, Ranko you said you wanted to know about my travels?"
"Yep, I want to know everything!"
"Hmm, where should I start... Tell me, what do you already know?"
"I know that you went on a ten year training trip, then you got cursed, then you meet your wife Shampoo, then you came here to Nerima, where you meet your new fiancee Akane... Um, then you beat up her friend Ryouga, and then Shampoo came back to be with you with her Grandmother, but she was upset 'cause you left her at the ... um, alter was it? After a couple of fights with different people, Ucchan came back. After getting Ucchan to be your girlfriend you had some more fights with all kinds of crazy people. Like Ryu Kumon, and some monster named after underwear, um let's see, a dragon lady or was it a guy, and even a firebird! And after every thing you and Akane tried to get married but because you already had a wife and a girlfriend you couldn't get married. Oh yeah, and your curse turns you into a girl when you get wet." Ranko beamed at her brother.
Ranma on the other hand had a HUGE sweatdrop on his head. "Um right... Just how did you find all this out?"
"Well, Shiro's dad told me some, and some of the older kids used to tell stories, and auntie Nabiki and Ucchan told me a little." Ranko answered while rubbing her chin, seemingly in thought.
"I see." Ranma couldn't help but smile at Ranko's small form trying to look studious. "And did anyone tell about everything that went on after I tried to... marry Akane?"
"Nope, no one will ever tell me." Ranko crossed her arms in exasperation.
"Here you guys go." Ukyo placed food in front of everyone.
"Okay I guess I'll start after the attempted wedding. Now Ranko, I'm not going to sugarcoat anything so this isn't going to sound nice at all." Ranma noted Ranko baffled expression "I mean I'm going to be honest and tell you exactly what happened no matter who it makes look bad, including myself. I'm not sure you'll still feel the same way about everybody after I'm finished. Are you sure you want me to tell you."
Ranko looked at everyone else's face trying to get an idea of what to say, her mom looked sad, her dad and Mr. Tendo looked worried, and everyone else had various levels of shame on their faces.
Ranko quickly remembered when she decided to take the nickname of Ranko over her real name of Keiko. She had been confused over the conflicting stories about her secret hero Ranma. Some stories claimed he was a perverted boy who loved to hurt people and could change himself into a redheaded women named Ranko. Some people believed Ranma was a young man who had to deal with many hardships thanks to situations he couldn't control, such as a curse to turn into a women, and people coming for revenge out of the woodworks. While others said he was just a conceited, egotistic, womanizing, dumb jock that was punished for his ways with a curse to turn into a women.
Eventually she decided to find out the truth about him. She hoped he was the honorable and brave warrior that some of the people believed him to be. So she asked the only person she trusted to give her a truthful answer, the chef at the 'Ucchan's'. Ukyo was the only person in Nerima who was both a friend and one time enemy to him, and it was rumored that she was even his girlfriend.
After explaining the situation to Ukyo, Keiko was happy to hear that Ukyo actually still communicated with Ranma. Unfortunately, Ukyo wouldn't tell Keiko everything about Ranma, but what she did mention was more than enough to strengthen Keiko's fascination with him. She actually looked up even more to the legendary Ranma after finding out that he was not some kind of Martial arts god, or some other type of perfect person. Instead he was a mere boy who trained his body to be one of the greatest fighters in his generation. A person who had many imperfections but in the end was always willing to help anyone in need. He basically, was just a normal man forced into an abnormal life who persevered with skill, determination, and a little luck. And best of all Ukyo even confirmed the biggest question she had, but was almost afraid to ask... Was his last name really Saotome and was he actually her elder brother. After Ukyo grudgingly admitted he was her brother, also stating the resemblance between Keiko and Ranma's cursed form, as well as how Keiko reminded Ukyo of Ranma when he was her age, Keiko decided to try to be as good as Ranma. A few months later Nabiki slipped out that Nodoka originally wanted to name Keiko after Ranma's cursed form, but Genma wouldn't allow it. However with Genma promising Keiko that she would be as great a martial artist as that Ranma fellow, as Genma would put it, she decided to adopt the name Ranko.
Coming back to the present Ranko realized if she hadn't sought out the truth she might not have ever met Ranma. So with a serious face she looked at her big brother and nodded her head "I want to know the truth."
Ranma smiled at her bravery and began "Even though I left months after the failed wedding, things had begun to spiral out of control for me after fighting Saffron the king of phoenix mountain, and self proclaimed god. I'm assuming that the firebird everyone mentioned I fought was actually him..." Ranko nodded, happy that she hadn't missed a story about Ranma prior to the wedding "Anyway I had started to have strange urges during my fights..."
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(That's Right It's Time For A Flashback)
Everyone gave Ranma wide berth back as they headed back to Japan. Even though Ranma's action during his fight with Saffron all but seemed to shout his feelings for Akane, it was his current state that everyone was really worried about. He barely moved from his spot by the railing since they boarded the boat to return to Japan, he hadn't smiled since Akane woke up at Jusendo, he hadn't even spoke more than two words to anyone since the fight for that matter. They all just thought Ranma needed some space to come to terms with his killing of Saffron, they were sure it was eating him up alive. They were only partially right.
Ranma was happy for the peace he was given. If he couldn't have inner peace than he could at least have it surrounding him on the outside, right? 'I not sure what has me more worried. The fact that I'm not extremely regretful about killing Saffron, or the fact that I still find the thought of fighting him to the death again so thrilling and inviting. Who am I kidding, I know I shouldn't worry to much about finishing off Saffron, Someone was dieing and that jerk wouldn't allow them to be saved. As a martial artist it's my duty to help those in need. I'm definitely worried about the fact that I would love to do this again... only without there being an innocent life on the line. Yes, a fight to the finish, both fighter determined to fight till their dieing breath that would be wonderful... Stop!" Ranma slammed his fist into the boat railing while letting his smile drop. He decided he really needed to get some sleep, they would be back in Japan tomorrow.
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'I can't believe this crap!' Silently fumed a certain pig-tailed martial artist. Ranma paced back and forth across the roof of the Tendo estate. Ranma was completely pissed off. He was pissed of at his pop, mom, and Mr. Tendo for even trying to pull this off. He was pissed with Kasumi and Nabiki for going along with it. He was pissed at Ukyo and Shampoo for taking it upon themselves to stop it. He was pissed at Ryouga, Mousse, and Happosai for adding insult to injury with the 'spring of drowned boy'. He was pissed with Akane for giving in to their parents instead of trying to wait until they were both ready.
But most of all, the person he truly despised at the moment was no one other than himself. 'I can't believe I just stood there like some lost kid, as everyone else pushed and shoved me in any direction they so pleased. Ukyo and Shampoo had no right to stop the wedding like that, but I don't think anyone else would have done it, not even me, and I know now is not the time for any marriage! That's it I refuse to be some stepping stone for others. It's time I took control of my life.'
Mind made up, Ranma finally entered the dojo for some well needed sleep. 'Things are going to be changing around here.'
The next morning things started as they usually did. Ranma found himself thrown into the pond by his father in panda form, the added panda strength needed to send the boy from the dojo to the pond. Ranma quickly exited the pond and began his daily fight with Genma. After knocking his fat father into the pond, Ranma began making his way towards the house for some, hopefully Kasumi cooked, breakfast. He stopped his trek to the house as he felt his father sneak up behind him, without even thinking, Ranma turned towards him and laid into Genma with a Amaguriken punch. As Genma laid on his back with his eyes twirling Ranma's eyes darted back and forth across the yard. 'Damn, why did I use that attack? it was just a sparring match. Sure the bastard deserves what ever I give him, in fact he's lucky I let him off with just that.' Ranma whole mindset started to return to the state it was in the previous night. Once entering the house Ranma approached the dining table with trepidation 'Okay... where is everybody? Isn't it time for breakfast? Oh please no, not today...' Ranma slowly headed for the kitchen thinking sneaky thoughts. About a foot away from the entrance Ranma felt a cold chill go down his back as he heard voices from inside the kitchen.
"Are you sure that'll taste okay? I really think I should add some extra stuff for flavor."
"Extra stuff? um... what did you have in mind Akane?
"What about some sugar?"
"That's baking powder..."
"Well how about some hot sauce?"
"That's ketchup..."
"What about some duck sauce?"
"That's mustard... Don't you think we should leave the... grits the way it is?"
"Grits? what's that? I'm making soup."
"That's... soup"
'To hell with that!' Ranma thought as he turned away from the kitchen only to run into his mother.
"Good morning Ranma."
"Morning Mom, I'm going to take my bath then head out, so tell... Kasumi I'll be missing breakfast." Ranma tried to squeeze by his mother.
"But Ranma, Kasumi isn't making breakfast, Akane is. I'm sure she would love for you to try some, you wouldn't want to make your fiancee upset would you?" Nodoka laced her question with steel.
"O-Of course not..." Ranma blurted out 'Damn today was supposed to be different!'. As soon as Ranma say his mother smile at him he figured maybe things weren't so bad anyway.
"Why doesn't the soup come out the pan Kasumi?"
"I'm not really sure Akane..."
'I've been wrong before.'
__________
"Ha, 'eat her cooking' she says, 'she'll be happy you did' she says, 'It's not manly to thrown up your fiancee's cooking in front of her and her family' she says. Well I don't care what she says I am not putting my self through that any more." Ranma yelled to blue sky from the roof of Furinken High. After finishing a lunch thankfully prepared by Kasumi, Ranma spotted Ryouga heading for Akane. "Wow, the pig's back already, he must have been trying to leave Nerima." Ranma chuckled at his own weak joke. His laugh trailed off as he watched Akane smile and run over to Ryouga, while Ryouga gave Akane something in a box. After Akane opened up whatever it was, it was hard to tell from his distance, she gave Ryouga a hug.
"Damn you Ryouga. Always trying claim what's mine for yourself. Well I'm about to teach you a lesson you'll never forget." Ranma smiled as he jumped to the nearest window seal and continued down.
By the time Ranma reached the bottom which didn't take any time at all physically. But mentally was more than enough time for Ranma to come back to himself. 'There I go again letting myself lose control and getting angrier than I should. First I enjoy fighting Saffron to the death, then I fly off the handle after the failed wedding, followed by using one of my more special techniques on pop during a regular sparing match, and now I'm about to go beat up Ryouga just for talking to Akane. I need to get a hold of myself, and soon before I blow up at some body.'
While Ranma was contemplating how to gain control over his new and dangerous urgings, Ryouga spotted him. After crying out his challenge Ryouga was further pushed on by the fact that Ranma was ignoring him. 'Now that he's beat Saffron he thinks I'm no challenge. I'll show him who's the strongest!' Ryouga throw several bandanas at Ranma, Ryouga almost smirked as the bandanas flew ever closer to the unmoving Ranma.
Ranma blinked as he felt a warning of danger flare within him. Ranma spotted the projectiles heading for him ducked them all. He barely had time to roll as Ryouga crashed into the ground where he stood only moments before.
"So now you're paying attention... good." Ryouga sneered at Ranma.
"I don't feel like fighting right now, so why don't you try again later." Ranma brushed off Ryouga and began walking away.
"What are you doing Ranma?! You can't just walk away from a fight!" Akane called out.
'Moron, first she gets upset if I beat Ryouga, and when I decide not to fight him she still gets on my case. What does she want me to do, loose to him... maybe, that just might be it. She actually wants me to lose to that pig.' Ranma felt his anger return. "You're absolutely right Akane, I can't just walk away can I" Ranma turned towards Ryouga with a cold look in his eyes. "Alright Ryouga if you want a fight I'll give it to you, but be warned, I'm no longer holding back."
Ryouga was at first shocked to see Ranma's face but as he heard Ranma's warning he began to bristle. "Holding back! Yeah right you couldn't hurt me with your best punch! there's no way you've been holding back." Ryouga charged Ranma after delivering his lines.
"Why don't I prove it to you." Ranma replied as he waited for Ryouga to close the distance. Once Ryouga moved close enough he went for the breaking point technique, only to have his hands swept away from the ground by Ranma's right foot followed up with Ranma still low to the ground continuing to spin after the sweep into a devastating backhand. As Ryouga's head was knocked sideways, Ranma grabbed his shirt with his free right hand and connected with his amaguriken to the temple of Ryouga's head with his left in less than 3 seconds. After letting go of Ryouga's shirt Ranma stood over Ryouga "I bet you wondering why those punches hurt more than usual... Well let's just say I didn't just ignore using my ki to strengthen my body when we started learning ki projectiles." Ranma slowly stepped back as Ryouga climbed to his feet. "If you really want to keep up with me Ryouga you're going to have to do more than just learn a lot of tricks. Your going to have understand them inside and out, otherwise you'll always be limited."
"Shut up! Don't you dare tell me how to fight!" Ryouga screamed before joining the fight once again. Before Ryouga could even throw another punch Ranma connected with a kick to Ryouga throat. Ryouga staggered back.
"And don't YOU dare challenge me without knowing your proper place!" Ranma growled at Ryouga.
Everyone in the schoolyard was stunned by the change of intensity of the fight. Sure Ranma was always spouting off about being the best and Ryouga always screamed his "Die Saotome" line. But this fight was completely unlike any the two had ever had.
"Stop it Ranma your hurting him!" Akane screamed. She was tempted to go out there and break up the fight as usual but something about Ranma was different, very different.
"Alright Ranma, you want to get serious than let's go." Ryouga replied in calm tone.
Everyone was really starting to panic now. Ranma was looking really scary and Ryouga was acting calm, If those weren't a sign of the end of the world then... well... then it sure as hell meant something really bad was about to happen.
Ukyo watched Ranma with a growing sense of dread, this was a side of Ranma she had never seen. She hoped she would never have to face this version of him.
Ryouga slowly approached Ranma again, while in a tight defensive stance. However he was fighting with himself not to just charge in as Ranma stood there almost begging for Ryouga to attack him. Ranma continued to stand up straight with his arms by his side as Ryouga inched closer. 'I'll finally show you your place Ryouga and I'll show Akane that you'll never beat me!' Ranma finally entered his own stance, surprisingly he entered what looked like a loose boxing stance while bouncing from foot to foot. One thing that Ranma always found frustrating was that with as many weird matches where he ended up fighting under restricting rules or fights where special techniques were involved he was never able to really show how skilled in hand to hand he was. It was always ki attacks of some sort that decided the matches lately, due to his inexperience with them. Now that he could really hold his own in that regard it was time to bring it back to the basics. Ranma was going to take Ryouga back to martial arts 101.
Ryouga finally attacked with straight punch to backhand finishing with a mid level kick combo. Ranma in turn smacked the first fist away and ducked the backhand while kicking the Ryouga's leg with the bottom of his foot. Ryouga decided to throw a high kick followed by a axe kick towards Ranma's shoulder as his next attack. Ducking the high kick Ranma quickly sprung towards Ryouga and caught him with his leg raised for his axe kick. Holding Ryouga by the chest, pinning both arms and one leg Ranma suplexed Ryouga.
"Damn, Ranma's really trying to kick his ass." Daisuke pointed out to his partner in crime.
"Yeah, I would have expected Ryouga to use a move like that before Ranma." Hiroshi countered.
"Well, his style is Anything Goes... and I don't know what Ryouga's style is." Daisuke was starting to get into the conversation now.
"Would you two shut up!" called someone from in the crowd.
Nabiki was frozen in place, originally she was going to take bets but she almost immediately sensed something different about Ranma. Now Nabiki was afraid she would need to call and book a hospital room for Ranma or Ryouga... or both. 'Ranma can't seriously expect to beat Ryouga in a slug fest does he, then again Ranma did say he was going to stop holding back...'
Ryouga slammed his fist on the ground, the slam didn't really hurt him, but his leg was sore from the position he was in when he was slammed. Ryouga took a deep breath 'Alright my high endurance for pain isn't giving me the usual advantage, I'll go for the Shi Shi Hokodan' So saying Ryouga got into position.
Ranma shook his head 'Ryouga always was a little to straightforward.' Instead of standing back and trying to match ki attacks with him, Ranma just rushed forward as soon as Ryouga opened his mouth and filled it with his fist.
"Damn..." trailed off more than one student.
Ms. Hinako was hiding behind some of the students while still in her child persona. "S.. Sc... Scary!"
"That's it Ranma! You won't make a fool out of me!" Ryouga finally tried to reach back to the times when he had to use real skill in a fight instead of just bowling over his opponents. Ryouga unleashed one of his most complex combinations he knew. He feinted a punch to the face while swinging a left cross punch, expecting Ranma to dodge both, he spun with cross into spinning jump kick. After landing from the kick with his back towards Ranma, he waited a fraction of second for Ranma to start to retaliate, before springing into a front flip catching Ranma on the chin. Once hearing Ranma connect with the ground, Ryouga while not missing a beat landed his front flip and quickly went into an even higher black flip hoping to land with his knees in Ranma's gut.
Ryouga was disappointed but not surprised when Ranma rolled out of the way just in the knick of time. While Ranma was still trying to raise Ryouga jumped at him with a flying kick. Ranma dropped back to the floor reacting with his gut instinct as Ryouga flew by.
Ranma, deciding it was time to finish the fight, let Ryouga charge him one last time. Ryouga ran at Ranma and went into a slide in hopes of catching him off guard and snatching Ranma's legs out from under him. Ranma, almost reminiscent of Ryouga, jumped into his own back flip timing it so that he would land only about a foot further than Ryouga. He grabbed Ryouga's shirt while rolling backwards. Pulling Ryouga up and forwards while he himself was falling backwards into the roll, Ranma placed his bent legs under Ryouga and sent him flipping into the air. Ryouga unaccustomed to spending that much time spinning in the air, barely landed upright on his hands and knees.
However, Ranma had actually jumped into the air right after him and shot off a tree branch to land only seconds after Ryouga. Using the added speed from the tree branch and applying just a little of his amaguriken speed, Ranma delivered a knife hand to the back of Ryouga's head. Ranma stood up with a huge grin on his face "Now that was a good fight."
The crowd became silent as they watched Ranma stroll away from the fight with a spring to his step. "Um... do you think that Ryouga guy is alright?" asked someone in the crowd, snapping Akane, Ukyo, and Nabiki out of their trance.
Akane let out sigh of relief as she checked up on him "I think he's just knocked out."
"Still, Ranma did quite a number on him." Nabiki wondered out load "What do you think has gotten into him?" even though she had her own suspicions she wanted to hear their thoughts.
"I think Ranma needs to stop picking on Ryouga, this is the worst time yet!" cried Akane, even though she didn't sound to convinced with her own words.
Ukyo hung her head "He's probably still really upset over the wedding thing. and seeing Ryouga again so soon didn't help."
"I think you may be right." Nabiki looked towards the direction Ranma left in. 'But I have a feeling the status quo around here is about to seriously change.'
__________
Ranma slowly packed his camping gear 'That was intense, I've always tried to shy away from really fighting like that, but I got to admit it was fun. I can't do that anymore, I have to really reign in these urges before it's too late. Hopefully a few weeks away will be all I need.'
Leaving a note on the refrigerator, Ranma headed out. Little did he know that this upcoming training trip would lead him into getting involved with some of the most deadliest fighters alive, and adding himself to the list.
To Be Continued
Next Time: The Evil Intent Ranma's training doesn't go exactly as planned as he learns a new way to cope with his urges other than just suppressing them. His decision will attract the one known as The Supreme Master of the Fist, along with Ranma's new master.
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