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.
Partners
'You left your best friend all alone in the middle of the road and stole from her.'
'I didn't know...'
'You left a lonely boy alone without a friend.'
'I didn't know...'
'You caused the same boy to become cursed'
'I didn't know...'
'You stole a warriors prize and honor just to feed your belly'
'I didn't know...'
'But you do now and you haven't done anything about it.'
'I... I... what can I do...'
'Die'
'What?'
'Die. Let all those who have been dishonored by you regain it. And those who have dedicated their lives to you move on. For once do the right thing. Not just for them but for your own honor.'
'Yes...'
_________
"I don't think he's going to make it..."
Rose looked at the old Chinese man "I'm inclined to agree at this moment." She turned away from Gen focusing back on the door leading to the comatose young man.
"It's been three weeks since I brought him here. His body gets closer and closer to giving up with each day... it's amazing that he was able to last this long, but I fear the time has come." Gen spoke as he continued to gaze at the men and women walking through the white halls.
"I hate to say this, but it's possibly for the best. I could feel the dark energy his was putting out all the way from my home in Italy. I'm surprised Bison isn't here." Rose thanked whatever Gods had seen to that.
Gen snorted. "Bison isn't stupid enough to face Akuma. Not yet at least. As for the boy... his power is dark, there's no denying it. However, it's not quite evil."
"How can he have such a dark power and not be evil?" questioned the purpled haired women.
"I believe he's angry and hurt, but not evil... there's no way he could fight the raging demon otherwise..." Gen stared intensely at the door to Ranma's room.
"Perhaps I should take a look?" Rose cocked an eyebrow at Gen.
"What do you mean?" Gen slowly turned back to her, before his face took on a understanding look "Yes, perhaps you should..."
__________
'Right, if I die than I can't hurt anyone anymore. And everyone... everyone can be happy. Mom can keep believing in our... her family honor. Akane, Nabiki, and Kasumi won't be forced to marry someone against their will. Shampoo can return to China and her family without any problems. Ukyo can marry anyone she wants. Ryouga, Mousse, and Kuno can... well screw them really. Yes everone would be happy if I just died... If I just gave up. But can I? Can I really give up. I finally took control of my life, will I give it up for them? No, but I'm doing this for myself... to make amends with myself...'
'Do you truly believe that?'
'Who's there?!'
'No one important. So answer me, do you really want to die?'
'It'll solve a lot of problems...'
'I didn't ask you that. I asked you did you want to die.'
'...'
'You don't do you?'
'It's doesn't matter what I want. I know that now... Everything I've done to my friends, how can I do what I want when it makes them suffer?'
'Do you really think it's that bad?'
'You don't understand'
'Why don't you make me understand.'
'W-what?'
'Explain it to me.'
'Now?'
'If not now you won't get another chance.'
'What are you talking about.'
'You're dieing. Soon, more than likely today actually, you will pass away.'
'But I haven't made my decision yet!'
'Akuma's raging demon attack doesn't care. It will kill you today... Unless you beat it. Will you allow Akuma to decide if you live or die?
'AKUMA! He... He beat me. And now he's trying to force me to die?'
'You must decide now, will you control your life like you claim or will you let him decide for you? Think about it...'
'...Hello? Did you leave?... I guess she did. Even if I choose to die for my sins... I will do so on my own terms! And I won't die until I've paid back that bastard Akuma!'
__________
Gen jumped ever so lightly when Rose snapped back to attention. "I've done all I can..." She whispered. Gen relaxed his expression as he felt the stirring of the dark power coming from behind the door slowly strengthen. Glancing at the mysterious women across from him he asked. "What do you think of him?"
"I think he may be saved yet. You were right, he hasn't given in to the evil aspect of the power." After saying she and Gen became quiet as nurses and doctors rushed into the room they had been watching off and on for the past three weeks.
After ten or so minutes everyone slowly pooled out of the room. Many were sporting confused expressions wondering why the equipment started to go crazy all of a sudden.
"Excuse me." Gen gained the attention of one of the nurses. "Can you tell me what's going on?"
The young nurse blinked at the old man and took a step back at the sight of his pure white eyes. "N-nothing, the machines were just acting up a bit. Your... grandson will be fine."
"I see." was Gen's only comment. Letting the nurse scurry to wherever she was needed he returned to his seat. Almost as soon as he relaxed in his chair, Rose stood. "Something wrong?" Gen inquired.
"No. I just want to have another look at him." Rose coolly replied as she entered the room closing the door behind her. Standing over the young man, who she was sure was going to cause her trouble in the future, Rose brushed a few of the bangs away from his face. She watched as the young man slowly opened his eyes, she was slightly surprised that his eyes were a grey-blue hue instead of the usual brown. She leaned down faintly when she noticed him opening his mouth to speak.
"A-an angel."
__________
Ranma fought the last vestiges of the raging demon as it continued to attack him with painful reminders of his less than honorable life. Not sure if he had survived the final onslaught he found himself looking at the most beautiful face he had ever seen... he had never seen a female like her before and couldn't help but think that such a women couldn't be anything less than a true goddess. After all he had fought a god and a demon, maybe he couldn't beat the raging demon attack and had died, which would make her an... it would make her... "A-an angel."
"E-excuse me?" Rose questioned as she straightened back up. The young man blinked at her before gradually letting his eyes take in the rest of her body. His eyes widened as he finally finished his appraisal.
Ranma gulped "Wait... You're not an angel are you?"
"Excuse me?" Rose's voice wasn't nearly as shaken as it was the first time. In fact it sounded a bit frosty.
Not to be deterred, and still pretty out of sorts, Ranma continued. "You can't be an angel... you're a, oh no, you aren't a demon... er, demoness are you?" Ranma began to cast nervous glances around the room.
Rose's tone reached arctic temperatures "Excuse me? How did you ever come to that conclusion"
"I mean angels are supposed to be beautiful right?" Ranma asked while looking contemplative.
"I believe so... are you saying that I'm not beautiful?" Rose clutched the scarf she wore.
"Well no... It's just..." Ranma looked her up and down again, well as best he could from his position on the bed.
"Just what?" She demanded. 'I sure hope he knows that he's walking on extremely thin ice right now.'
"Well angels are supposed to be beautiful and all, but I don't think they're supposed to be all that sexy... I mean angels are supposed to be completely pure, or innocent, or something. A demoness, on the other hand, is suppose to be extremely beautiful and seductive right?" Ranma finally started to detect something wrong. 'Wait a minute! I can feel pain... There's wires hooked up to me... A machine on the other side of the bed... And I'm wearing a hospital gown... Ah damn.' Ranma looked at Rose "I'm not died am I?"
"No... not yet..." Rose retorted while trying to break down what this _boy_ had said. 'First of all he did say I was beautiful... But he called me a demon... But he said I was seductive... But that I wasn't pure...'
Ranma tried to gently remove all the different wires attached to him before sneaking for the door and getting as far away from women who he called a demon. Not prepared for his lack of strength he fell onto a nearby table.
*Splash*
And knocked over the pitcher of water someone left on it.
"THE HELL?!"
Ranma not wanting to stick around for whatever was about to happen, made a scrambled for the door.
*Wham*
Which was abruptly haltered, as the door impacted with his face as he was reaching for it.
"What's going on?" Gen demanded beside the door, never noticing the thump that came from behind it.
"He was... then the table... a girl... the door..." Rose for once in her life was completely and utterly mystified.
"What? You're not making any sense." Gen placed his arms on Rose's shoulders. He tried to back away when she hauled him up by his robe. 'She's a strong one...'
"The boy fell on the table and then he was a girl!" She howled in Gen's face.
"Oh... Um, you still aren't making much sense." Gen blinked 'I didn't just say that did I?' His silent question was answered when Rose growled at him.
"Ow... that hurt." came a distinctive female voice, causing Gen and Rose to both peer in her direction.
"Who the hell are you?" Came the reply in stereo.
"I'm Ranma... what the hell are you two doing in my hospital room!" 'they sure as hell don't look like any doctors or nurses I've ever seen.' Ranma shot back.
"Please young lady..." Gen began.
"Who the hell are you calling a young lady!" Ranma nearly screamed.
"I'm sorry... I take it you don't like being referred to as a women?" Gen queried in a calm voice.
"Damn straight. I'm a guy. This body is thanks to a stupid Chinese curse." The red-head crossed her arms under her chest.
"Please. Do you really expect for us to be..." Rose was interrupted by Gen.
"Jusenkyo?" Gen began to stroke his beard. "I've heard the rumors. I never believed them to be true... tell me since you were a boy before, how does this... curse work?"
Ranma blinked "Um cold water activates it and hot water returns me back to normal..."
"Interesting." Gen nodded to himself. "However it doesn't answer your question or have much to do with the reason why I'm... or rather, why we are here." Gen looked to Rose.
Catching his signal Rose continued. "Sorry, I've never been one for curses or Chinese legends. But Gen, the gentleman beside me here, and I have come because of the power you now channel." Rose bore into Ranma's eyes.
"Your voice... it sounds familiar...you were the one who talked to me in my dream." Ranma narrowed her eyes.
"It wasn't exactly a dream, but yes that was me." Rose presented her a small smile.
"I guess I can hear you guys out since you helped me and all... but can I get out of here first?" Ranma gazed around the white room wearily, he never much trusted big hospitals. And if the view form the window was any indication they were in a pretty nice sized hospital.
"I'll go get a nurse." Gen replied before leaving.
Ranma tried to look everywhere but at the women across from her. 'Man, did I ever put my mouth in it. Calling her a demon. I can feel an extraordinary power coming from her... not to mention a strong aura from the old men as well.'
Rose's face was unreadable even though she was almost giggling at the countenance the young woman, no man had as he/she looked around the room while trying not to let the redness in his cheeks noticeable. "Ranma..."
"Yes." Ranma's head snapped to attention as he answered her a little to forcefully. 'Why am I so nervous? So she's kind of pretty... Okay she's beautiful...' he flinched when he remembered what else he said she was 'seductive, what was I thinking!'
"Allow me to properly introduce myself, My name is Rose and I'm a psychic. I felt the power you gave off in your skirmish with Akuma three weeks ago and hastily made my way to Japan to gain knowledge of you." Rose began to walk towards Ranma.
Ranma gulped again as she watched the way Rose walked to her. 'Now that's a graceful stride...' "Um, Nice to meet you Rose." Ranma shook Rose's hand. Almost immediately afterwards Ranma's eyes bulged "Three weeks ago!"
It was Rose's turn to flinch. "Yes, you've been here for three weeks. I arrived here about a week ago myself. Gen though, has been here since you arrived. In fact he brought you here shortly after your fight."
As if summoned Gen entered the room. Trailing behind him was a young nurse who blinked at the scene. There was a knocked over table, a red-headed girl in a hospital gown, and no sign of the original patient. "Um, where is the young man who was in here earlier?"
Ranma smacked her head, as Gen and Rose smiled weakly at the nurse. Hanging his head Gen exited again "I'll be back in a moment, I'm going to get some water." he pointedly looked at Ranma who nodded in return.
"He'll be in here in a minute. Just hold on." Rose told the nurse in a soft voice that somehow was still able to carry a bit of authority in it.
"A-alright." Ranma felt a slight twinge of pity for the stuttering nurse. True to his word, Gen entered the room with a small white and yellow cup of warm water in only moments.
Ranma took the cup, and not really worried about what the nurse might think, poured the water over her head and regained his manhood. After shaking his head to remove some of the water, he looked back at the slightly shocked face of Rose, the studious stare of Gen, and the nurse with the glazed over look on her. "Um, miss... hello ma'am... excuse me."
"Y-yes. Oh you're back, I wonder where the young lady went." the nurse replied before taking his chart and walking out of the room towards the front desk on their floor. Ranma, Gen, and Rose all looked at each other before Ranma shrugged "She actually took that pretty well..."
__________
A somewhat disheveled Ranma limped behind Rose and Gen towards Rose's hotel room. Whistling at the sight of the 7 story tall hotel, Ranma climbed the steps after Rose and Gen. He grinned sheepishly at the people staring at his battered Chinese outfit. He let out a sigh as the three of them eventually entered the elevator.
Ranma took a good look at his two companions once the elevator doors closed. First was the Chinese man named Gen, he was giving off a tightly controlled aura, Ranma couldn't help but feel something off about... It was slightly different from a battle aura. His hands seemed to be stronger than the usual martial artists hands. His style must have had a lot of finger based moves in it, probably pressure points or something. He was old, that was for sure, not as old as the old ghoul or pervert, maybe in his 70's. The short hair on his head as well as his mustache and extremely long beard, that came to the middle of his chest, had grayed so much that it was pretty much white. The only sign of his original hair color was his black eyebrows. He had to admit the light purple Chinese robe did suit him fairly well, even with the red shoes and sash. The only thing that really stood out was the small fact that the man had no pupils. His eyes were just white... and the old man wasn't blind or anything, at least Ranma didn't think he was blind.
Then there was Rose... scary, sexy, tall, sexy, mysterious, beautiful, and sexy Rose. The purple haired women was wearing an exceptionally revealing red dress. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately... Ranma wasn't sure which, She also wore a dark purple body suit, that matched her hair, underneath her dress. A long yellow scarf was wrapped around her arms coming across her collar and back. It matched the yellow buttons on her red dress as well as the yellow buckle on her dark purple belt. Finishing off her outfit was a pair of red high heels. The most eye catching thing about Rose was, well everything about her caught his eyes, but her hair was definitely interesting. It flowed behind her as she walked no matter how weak the breeze was, except a thick strand that somehow stayed pointing forward.
'Damn she's sexy...wait isn't she psychic? does that mean she can read my mind... please oh please don't let her be able to read my mind... I need to think about something else! yeah that'll keep me from thinking about how sexy she is with her tight purple body suit and red dress that's slit straight up the front... I'm screwed.' Ranma snuck a glance at Rose who locked eyes with him. 'So screwed...'
Ranma stood rooted in place by Rose's stare until the elevator chimed and the door opened. Ranma almost slumped to the floor when Rose turned away from him and headed down the hall. Ranma groaned when he caught Gen chuckling to himself.
"Please have a seat." Rose pleasantly called to Ranma once he made it to the room.
Ranma took a nice look around the hotel room as Rose went to retrieve something for them to drink. He was impressed with the room. It wasn't the one room with a bed and tv that he was familiar with from staying in one whenever Genma suspiciously came up with a good amount of cash. No, the room he was in was more like a living room of some type, the two doors to his right must be the bedroom and bathroom. Ranma sharply turned away from both doors, he really didn't want to think about what could be done in one room and what usually happens to him in the other. Coming back to his earlier idea Ranma banished all thoughts of the attractive women he was in the hotel with by letting his anger and sorrow fill him as he thought back to his 'dream'.
Undetected by Ranma, Rose almost tripped over herself at the exact same moment. Rose was miffed at how easily Ranma disregarded her. Placing the three cups of lemonade on the table that sat between the single chair, being occupied by the pig-tailed youth, on one side and the small couch that Rose and Gen both sat on even though they were at the two ends. Just to test his resolve, and to reaffirm her own sexual appeal even though not even she would admit that, Rose luridly crossed her legs. Her left eye twitched as Ranma totally ignored the action.
Ranma concentration was solely on what it was that he truly desired. Was his honor really that important now that he thought about it. No... Yes... he didn't know and had no one to answer that question for him. Then again regardless of his own honor what about the honor of his friends... actually most of them were taken care of now that he was no longer a Saotome. Shampoo was really the only person he had to concern himself with. Perhaps that was the solution to all his questions. He would challenge the old ghoul to a fight to the death, he would make the speculation that if he won Shampoo could return to China with her honor completely intact, without needing to marry him. If he lost however... well there really wasn't any point worrying about that as the answer was rather obvious. Hmm, the thought of fighting a death match with Cologne was an exciting idea if he wasn't as hurt as he was.
"*Ahem* Ranma, I would like to introduce myself. As Rose stated earlier I am Gen..." Gen paused a moment. "I believe we all wish to keep our last names unknown?"
"I've never had a last name as far as I know." Was Rose's reply.
Gen and Ranma shared a glance at the tone of Rose's voice. "Well I really don't care if you know what my last name used to be..." Ranma voiced before Rose could pick up on the looks he and Gen had. "It's Saotome."
"*Spfff* Saotome?!" Gen for once showed true shock on his face.
"Yeah..." deadpanned a wet female Ranma. "I hope you're going to either try to beat me up for something my father did or leave because of my association with Happosai... cause' if you say your granddaughter is my fiancee..." Ranma let the words trail off.
Gen began to laugh "Oh this is rich... no wonder you survived the raging demon. You study the same style used by 'the greatest evil in Japan'."
Rose gasped and stood tightly clutching her scarf. "What?!"
Gen blinked and let his laugh die off. "I'm sorry Rose, Happosai isn't really that evil... perverted and selfish, but not evil."
"So says you." grumbled the redhead.
"Excuse me?" Rose calmed considerably.
"Happosai and his two students Genma Saotome if I remember and a Tenma, Si..." Gen began to stroke his beard again.
"Tendo, Soun Tendo." Ranma supplied.
"Right, Soun Tendo and Genma Saotome were his students. Anyway the three of them traveled most of Asia about ten years ago. During their travels they stole from restaurants as well as from lingerie stores. They also stole female undergarments from the females themselves, not to mention peeking at them at any place public. However, even with his perversions he can not simply be wrote off as a old pervert. With his 300 years of experience he has devised one of the most complex styles known to man. Many simply scoff at the school due to the antics of it's founder and because it is assumed to be just a combination of moves already developed by other styles rolled into one. Those people however don't know the true secret behind the style of Anything Goes martial arts." Gen's description grew more and more somber as he went along.
"Anything Goes martial arts?" Rose blinked at the unusual name, especially if it was as powerful as Gen was making it out to be.
"Yes, the basic principle is that one will do whatever is necessary to win. As simple as the schools creed is, it is that same simple ness that makes it so powerful. A fighter will do just about anything to win, taking any advantage he can, whether or not it's a weapon, technique, or enhancement of some other kind. But the real reason to fear it is because it's practictioners if truly motivated will fight and train with everything they have until it kills them. At least that stands true for Happosai. I've only seen him truly fight once... and that was more than enough to gain my respect."
Ranma was enthralled with Gen's narrative. It struck a chord deep inside Ranma's heart and filled him with anticapation... he had found what he truly desired.
Rose on the other hand was nowhere near as inspired as Ranma. In fact the way Gen was speaking and the look of pure unadulterated anticipation etched across Ranma's features shook her to her core. Originally she thought that the young man in front of her would be like Akuma, after her initial encounter with him she figured he be more like Ryu, a fighter who wished to become as strong as he could. But now... now she saw the true Ranma. And she hated to admit it but it scared her. He wanted to walk the thin line between life and death with every waking breath... "My God..."
Rose's whisper laced with dread broke Gen from his musings. Looking towards the distraught psychic Gen followed her gaze until his eyes fell upon the teenager.
Ranma sat staring at his trembling hands, he was confused. Actually he was excited, determined, and... frightened, which left him confused.
"Ranma, I will be blunt, I want to make you even stronger than you are now." Gen stated with sincerity. "However... I have my reasons. In return for making you stronger I wish for you to allow me to engage Akuma when he returns for you. Whomever between me and him remain shall meet you in mortal combat. What do you say?"
As Ranma raised his head to peer at Gen, Rose covered her mouth. "Very well, but should some other opponent strong enough arrive... then all bets are off." Ranma's eyes almost blazed with intensity as he gave Gen a feral grin.
"I would like you to accompany me to my home in China. We will travel there by boat once we walk to the coast. I take it you don't speak the language since you picked up your curse." Gen proposed.
"China? Alright... but you're right, I don't speak the language."
"I'll teach on the way as well as train you..." Gen paused an took a breath "Back in China you will have to be re-enrolled in school."
Ranma bite back an angry retort 'he's not forcing me to go to school or China, he's offering me a choice...' "If you insist."
"Well let's not waste any more time. Rose, is there any thing else you wanted to say?" Gen turned to her.
"What?" Rose shook her head to clear it. 'These two in a partnership... an assassin and a fighter with the evil intent... I really didn't see this coming.' "Ranma, please be careful with this power, do not let it control you... And well, try not to get yourself killed. I would hate for my efforts to have been in vain. I don't believe you would like a demoness mad at you." She let a ghost of a smile cross her face.
"R-right... don't die, got it." Ranma nervously rubbed the back of his head while flushed in the face.
"*Ahem* Then if you would excuse us." Gen rose to leave sketching a bow to her.
Rose bowed back then turned to Ranma "Until we meet again young Ranma." and gave him a card.
Ranma looked the card over "It's a tarot card, right?"
"It's a little more than that..." And Rose ushered him out of the room.
__________
Rose sat at the table after her two guest had taking their leave. Taking a deep breath she began to lay three cards across the middle of the table before placing one above and one below the middle card. Removing a final card from her deck she could only stare at it in shock...
"He'll be the..."
__________
Ranma and Gen walked, and trudged, the street of Nerima making their way to Furankin High. "Do we really have to go get my records." Ranma grumbled as he tried to keep pace with the surprisingly, well maybe not, fast old man.
"Yes, I refuse to be killed or shown up by an uneducated child such as you. If you're going to be the one to kill me or Akuma in battle then you should be well educated, otherwise my defeat will be more of a humiliation then a honorable battle."
"Ooooookay..." Ranma was a bit put off by how casually Gen spoke of his death. However, he did kind of understand what Gen was saying about being beaten by a fool, he wondered how he would feel if an idiot beat him in a fight...
"Vile Sorcerer!"
Ranma almost slammed his head into the pavement from the facefault. 'I guess I asked for that...' Ranma looked up to see that he had reached Furankin High without even paying attention. He was confused as to why Kuno was standing in the courtyard in the middle of class, along with most of the students. He hadn't noticed the students who saw him approaching and rushed to inform everyone else.
"At last you have come to battle me in our final confrontation." Kuno unsheathed an actual katana. "I shall return honor to the Saotome's and Tendo's with my blade. You might have escaped from the pig-tailed girl's family blade but mine shall deliver you to your fate."
"Tatewaki Kuno. I've never truly hated you... but today you have crossed a line. You speak to me of the Saotome honor and the Tendo honor, as well as dictate to me my fate? My fate is mine to choose now and forever and any man or woman who dares otherwise will be shown the truth... painfully if need be. Today Kuno, is your day to be shown the truth." Ranma's voice once again held a raging inferno of anger beneath a glacier of cool assurance.
Kuno and Ranma continued to gaze at one another as Gen studied Ranma's change. 'He speaks slightly different... I think he associates his speech pattern with his mentality. He speaks in a unseemly manner when he's relaxed, but once he becomes truly incensed he speaks with poise and grace. I believe his relaxed state is nothing more than an act so well played he doesn't realize it himself.'
"Taste the wrath of heaven!" Kuno ran with more speed than Ranma had ever remembered before. Faking a thrust by drawing back his arms, Kuno launched himself into the air. With his body still in pain Ranma had skipped back to avoid the thrust only to trip when he watched Kuno take to the air. Ranma cocked his head less than an inch as the sword imbedded itself halfway into the ground beside Ranma's face.
Rolling away and taking his time standing, Ranma started to reach for the nick Kuno's sword had left across his cheek. If not for the blood it probably wouldn't even be noticeable. Pausing only inches away from the wound Ranma dropped his hand by his side. "I'm going to pay you back two fold." Ranma promised before grinning once again.
"Isn't it usually ten fold?" One of Nabiki's associates asked her.
"or a hundred?" Added the other, looking towards the older girl.
"Yeah..." Nabiki wasn't paying much attention to her underlings, she had other things to mull over 'Ranma looked really injured when he walked through the gates... And now Kuno was even able to scratch him. What happen to you while you were gone... and more importantly what will you do now?'
Not far from her, Akane and Ukyo stood watching the fight. One not sure what to feel and the other gripping her spatula for dear life.
"Is he going to hurt Kuno like he tried to do to his dad and Ryouga?" Akane voiced.
"Who cares what he does to Kuno. I just hope Ranma doesn't hurt himself any further." Ukyo almost turned her spatula into a shovel.
Ranma rushed at Kuno as the other boy followed his lead. The two sped pass each other at blinding speed. For a bried moment when the two were side by side, some of the gathered students swore they saw flashes of black flames. Coming to a halt with the same distance between them as they had originally held, The two slowly rotated to view one another. The two held that pose for several seconds until Ranma broke the silence.
"Halfway there."
Kuno flinched as he sword broke in half in his hands and a cut appeared on his right cheek. "You...You...You DARE mar my beautiful features?!"
"It would seem that I'm daring lots of people lately." Ranma announced. "But I'm not done with you yet Kuno."
As Ranma charged Kuno again, He almost stumbled when Kuno chucked the bottom half of the sword at Ranma while reaching into his blue robe for a wooden bokken. The crowd gasped at the momentum the broken sword twirled with. Even with the blade cut it still held at least four inches of steel making it a legitimate threat. Some of the girls in the crowed covered their eyes while others covered their mouths and the remaining ones covered both when Ranma began to spin as soon as he reached the sword. The men cringed but kept watching to see where the sword caught Ranma at.
Kuno wasn't taking any chances as he raised his bokken in a defensive stance and waited for Ranma to finish his spin. He braced himself when Ranma launched himself forward still spinning. Kuno watched in horror as Ranma sent a backfist glowing with dark power through his bokken, connecting with his face. As his face jerked right Ranma's left hand followed up his right backfist, clutching the sword by the hilt. Ranma's left hand passed by Kuno with nothing more than a 'woosh' sound.
Kuno slowly looked up at Ranma who stood only arms length away from him. Ranma's face was expressionless in contrast to Kuno's. Kuno shook with barely restrained rage, as he sported an identical cut on his left cheek as he had on his right. "You bastard!" Kuno swung with a clumsy punch at Ranma. Grabbing the punch with his right hand Ranma dropped the blade and sunk his left glowing fist into Kuno's gut. Kuno dropped to his knees heaving before lying down in an almost fetal position.
Gen walked up to Ranma, eyeing the boy on the ground. "Not bad, A bit harsh, but I suppose you have your reasons... or not, it doesn't really matter." Gen shrugged as he and Ranma began to walk by the spectators who dumbly made room for the two.
As the two entered the school and made their way to the office, the students outside were still in semi-shock.
"Man, Ranma really did snap!"
"I heard he's beat almost everbody up! His dad, Ryouga, Mousse, and now Kuno!"
"It looked like somebody got him pretty good though..."
"Maybe it was that old pervert that's always around?"
"What about the old man he came with? Think he did it? After all it's always the old ones that get Ranma, you know."
"What do you think Nabiki?"
The whole mob went silent at the question before turning to the middle Tendo sister.
Nabiki sweated under their gaze, not so much because of them but because she really had no idea. "Well... I really don't know. I haven't heard of the old pervert being around lately...Wait! Why the hell am I answering you all for free?!"
The students began grumbling to themselves. Akane and Ukyo eventually headed to the source for an answer as they entered the school. By the time the crowd quieted and headed for the school doors they were once again riled up when Akane came flying out the doors followed by a mallet brandishing Ranma.
__________
Gen was walking behind the limping Ranma as he kept stopping when he would come upon some odd entry in Ranma's records. 'How can one boy cause so much destrucion to one school...' Little did Gen know that any and every incident that Ranma was part of no matter how small or large were attributed to him solely. So every wall Ryouga or Shampoo broke, every fight on school grouds between the fiancees or rivals, everytime Happosai showed up, any chi draining by Hinako. and even when the principle went on one of his crazier ideas was somehow blamed on Ranma.
Before Gen could question Ranma on his improper school behavior two young women ran up to the pigtailed teen.
"Ranma!"
"Ran-chan"
"Hello Akane, Ucchan..." Ranma thought he saw Ukyo brighten up when he addressed her.
'He still called me Ucchan...' Ukyo tried not to be obvious in her good cheer.
"Where have you been? Auntie's been really sad since you left us like you did." Akane broke Ukyo out of her happy mood.
"I bet she was... She would have preferred for me to depart by way of a knife in my stomach and my head rolling across the floor." Ranma snorted.
"You should be ashamed of yourself talking about auntie like that!" Akane cried while poking Ranma in the chest.
Slapping her hand away Ranma walked past her "Tell her if she wants my head then she's going to have to come and take it. I won't allow anyone to dictate my life to me."
"Don't you walk away from me when I'm talking to you!" Akane shouted.
"Shut up women!" Ranma yelled in annoyance.
"You Jerk!" Akane ran up to Ranma with her trusty mallet in her arms. As she swung it down upon Ranma he turned to her and caught the mallet with the flat of his hand. As he tugged it away from her, Akane stumbled past him towards the door. The two both spun to face the other, Akane with rage filled eyes, and Ranma with a cold facade.
*Wham*
Apparently, Ranma also spun with her mallet still in his arms, point proven when Akane received a blow from it into her stomach. Ukyo's mouth dropped to the floor as she watched Akane fly out the door and onto the ground right in front of the throng of student still outside.
Ranma walked out after Akane. "I told you I won't allow anyone to control my life. That includes deciding if I need a malleting by my one time fiancee. Goodbye Akane Tendo." Ranma tossed the mallet away and began to catch up with Gen who had already started for the gates during Ranma's 'goodbye'.
"R-ran-chan?" Ukyo ran at a controlled pace up to him.
"Yeah?" Ranma asked her with a questioning gaze.
"Do you really hate us all so much?"
"What?... No, I guess it does look that way, but I just need to get away from here. I don't hate any of you... well, maybe Genma." Ranma thought about it a moment. "Yeah, I might hate him. But I don't really hate the rest of you. I just hated the fact that everyone would try to tell me what I had to do. Never asking for my opinion. I can't live that kind of life anymore and I just blew up. You will always be my best friend... So I promise to keep in touch. Deal?"
"Deal Ran-chan." Ukyo tried not to let her tears fall as Ranma turned away and limped off behind Gen.
"So are you ready to begin our journey Ranma?" Gen asked when they were a good distance away from the school.
"Yes, the path I have chosen is set and I'm ready to travel it." Ranma replied with a smirk
__________
"And that's how I left Nerima all those years ago." Ranma smiled at Ranko.
"So you got beat by some guy named Akuma, eh?" Akane challenged.
"Akane! don't speak that name!" Soun clamped his hand across her mouth.
Genma meanwhile attempted to check out around the restuarant for any signs of him.
Nabiki let out a tired sigh. "So just what's so scary about this guy daddy?"
Genma decided to answer so that Soun could make sure Akane didn't doom them all. "Akuma is a... creature so powerful that even the master would not face him. It's rumored that he was once human before he gained some sort of dark power and received the title 'The Master of the Fist.' He travels the world looking for the best martial artists alive and challenges them to a duel to the death if they're strong enough. He's unbeatable. I surprised you lived through the fight boy."
Rose intruded upon the conversation at this point. "Oh I guess you couldn't have known, but right now Ranma is the master of the fist."
Genma blinked at Rose, then blinked at Ranma, then fainted. He was quickly followed by Soun.
"Wow! does that mean you're the best there is?" Ranko asked her older brother.
Ranma smiled at her "Yep, I'm the strongest human alive."
All those still conscious wondered at the wording of that statement.
"Yeah right, I bet you just got lucky when you beat him!" Akane stood up leaning across the table bracing herself on her arms.
Ranma raised an eyebrow "If I didn't know better I'd say that was a challenge..."
"That's right I'm challenging you! I'll show you how good I am." Akane gave him a smug grin.
"No."
"Right here, right... No?" Akane blinked at his answer.
"If you want to fight me you have to earn it."
"You! *Ahem* I'll have you know that I fought Saffron. So what about that?" Akane continued to grin at him.
It was Ranma's turn to blink. 'Ukyo never wrote to me about that... Then again Ukyo's life doesn't revolve around the Tendo's anyway.' Ranma smiled to himself 'Akane never said she beat Saffron or if she fought him alone or with help...' "So? I beat Saffron when I was still a kid." Ranma waved her off.
Akane spluttered for a moment before getting angry. "What are you a coward?" 'That'll get him for sure!'.
Ranma frowned for a moment before he placed his hands on the table in between Akane's. Before she noticed Ranma's hands, he swung them out sweeping Akane's support from under her, then slamming her head onto the table. He pushed her into her chair and threw an envelope at her as she cleared her head.
"You son of a... what's this?" Akane blinked at the envelope.
"An invitation." Ranma smirked. "The upcoming tounament is a two on two battle. One individual from most of the King of Fighters teams will be entering along with some of the more well known underground fighters."
"I have to have a partner?" Akane asked as she started to open the invitation.
"Akane and Ranma will be partners!" Cried the now woke duo of Genma and Soun.
"Sorry that's not possible, I'm already signed up as his partner." Smiled Rose.
"You are?" Everyone blinked when Ranma asked that question.
"Of course, unless you wanted to ask either..." Rose smirked as she trailed off.
"That was low. But you're right I don't want to partner up with either of them." Ranma quickly stated before Rose could name any names.
"Them? them who?" Ranko asked.
"Just some ladi... er, fighters I know. No one important." Ranma tried not to sound to suspicious. The fact that everyone, including Ranko, raised an eyebrow at him shot that down.
"Anyway it's getting kind of late, so..." Ranma said apologetically to Ranko.
"Awww." Ranko whined "I'm not sleepy. I want to know what happened after you left Nerima with the nice man Gen."
"Nice? Gen is an assassin." Ranma chuckled.
The others, with the exception of Rose, blanched at that.
"What's an assassin?" Ranko asked.
Ranma began to open his mouth when Rose interrupted him, seeing as how no one else was going to try to. "Ranma we have a lot of planning ahead of us... we can talk to Ranko tomorrow."
Ranma blinked at the face Rose was giving him. "Right... um, I guess I'll see you tom..."
"I can't let you do that boy." Genma spoke up.
"Oh?" Ranma looked at the man. "And just why is that?"
"You already interrupted Ranko's... dammit, Keiko's training enough as it is." Genma crossed his arms.
Ranma's face hardened as he turned to Nodoka. "And what is your opinion on this?"
Nodoka cleared her voice "Well she does want to be a great martial artist so she needs to train with a good teacher..."
"A good teacher? Do you remeber what I warned you about last time I saw you?" Ranma pressed on.
"Yes, you told me if Genma tried any crazy martial arts training on Ranko you would step in. But Genma hasn't done anything drastic yet." Nodoka hoped Genma wouldn't let her down... again.
"How can you not call the Neko-ken training drastic?" Ranma almost shouted.
The gasp of several other individuals in the building warned Nodoka that she wasn't going to like whatever the Neko-ken was. But still for the sake of her daughter she had to know. "What exactly is the Neko-ken?"
Ranma opened his mouth then closed it back up and turned to everyone else in the room. "No one told her about the Neko-ken in all these years?"
The silence was more than answer enough for him. "I don't believe this." Ranma muttered to himself. "Nodoka..." Both Ranma and Nodoka flinched at that, even though Ranma did a very good job of hiding it, "The Neko-ken is a martial arts technique that requires a child, maybe... I'm not sure if the age is required or if Genma is just a moron. Anyway you take the student and you wrap him or her in fish sausages or some other type of food that will appeal to starving cats... actually it might not even matter what food you use..." Ranma let out a breath to pull himself together, he kept veering off topic, he guessed it was because he really didn't want to explain this. "It's like this, you take the trainee wrap them in food and toss them into a pit with starving cats. As the cats claw for the food the trainee obviously receives scratches and scrapes from the famished cats. Once the pain becomes to much the victim... or trainee if you will, becomes scared of the cats. As the trainee is thrown in again and again the fear becomes too great turning into a full blown phobia of the creatures. Finally when the situation is at it's most desperate the trainee basically retreats into their mind. This allow the body to use simple survival instincts as well as extreme adrenaline to protect itself. With only the cats as examples, the mind uses them as the foundation for it's basic logic."
"What exactly does that mean?" Asked a shaky Nodoka.
"The trainee... or Keiko would have been thrown into a pit of starving cats until the pain and fear drove her to black out and act like a wild animal... a cat to be precise." Ranma declared.
"M-my God!" Nodoka looked at Ranko until she turned back to Ranma "Wait all those years ago you said Genma put you through some kind of training that took away some of your sanity... it was the Neko-ken wasn't it?"
"Exactly."
"B-but... Genma wouldn't do something to hurt you that badly on purpose... he... he's your father!" Nodoka's face was covered in tears.
Genma began to look back and forth between his wife and... Ranma. "Boy stop exaggerating!" Nodoka looked at Genma with hope in her eyes "The only reason you went insane was because you were to weak. Keiko will be fine." 'Right after I used that memory altering shampoo thing.'
Ranma stared at Genma as if he was seeing him for the first time. "You... you still plan on teaching it to her."
Everyone looked at Genma in shock. "Of course I'm going to teach it to her. She will be the best ever. You just don't want her to reach her potential and become better than even you." Genma smirked.
Ranma spoke with ice in his veins "You're correct I don't want her to become better than me. Do you know what I've been through to get to this level. I've come inches from death twice now. Do YOU want her to go through that?"
"Ha! You're just trying to scare her. You seem perfectly fine to me." Genma countered.
"Why don't we ask Ranko then?" Ranma offered.
Genma quickly ran over to the girl who was trying to comfort her mother. "Keiko you want to be the greatest right?"
Ranko began to answer until Ranma cut her off. "That's not the question you should be asking her Genma. The question is does she want to be put back in the dark pit with the cats again."
"Now Keiko..." Genma began.
"Stop!" Nodoka screamed. "Keiko dear, do you want to learn the Neko-ken?"
"Um..." The little girl bit her bottom lip and dragged her foot on the floor in a circle pattern. "Do you use the Neko-ken Ranma?"
Ranma smiled at the girl. "No Ranko I don't use the Neko-ken. You're not really the best if you aren't the one fighting."
Genma snorted "But it is your body that's fighting."
"There is a difference between your body fighting and you fighting. The Neko-ken is almost like being possessed." Ranma spoke to Genma like one would speak to child.
"Ranko?" Nodoka asked.
Ranma clenched his fist, Genma looked at Keiko hopefully, And everyone else just held their breath. "I don't know" Ranko began to cry. "I don't want to upset daddy or Ranma." Keiko began to sniffle.
"Ranko... I'll be honest with you; I really don't want you to try to learn the technique... but if you decide too I won't be mad at you. I promise." Ranma put as much sincerity in his voice as he could.
"That's a good girl Keiko. See you can learn the Neko-ken and keep everybody happy." Genma cheered.
Ranma's eyes grew wide 'Damn that bastard!' As Ranma began to walk towards Genma, small lines appeared on his back. No one looking could make it out as anything, in fact it seemed incomplete. Rose however understand the significance of it. "Ranma!"
Nodoka, Genma, and Ranko turned towards him. "Genma..." Ranma had to restrain himself from attacking the man right then and there. "Show Nodoka the training manual for the Neko-ken."
Genma began to sweat profusely "I... don't have it on me at this moment."
"Rose?"
"It's in his gi on his left side." She helpfully supplied.
Ranma reached for it quicker than Genma expected and grabbed it. As he passed Genma to give it to Nodoka, he was attacked from behind. As Ranma flew through the window to the outside he actually was rather pleased. 'Foolish Genma, I guess I can't let him attack me without retaliating.'
Genma leaped over the broken window and landed on the suspiciously deserted street. For some reason everyone hightailed it out of the area when they saw who was sitting in the restaurant that day. "Boy I don't know what you're trying to pull by planting that book on me, but I won't allow you to trick Nodoka like this."
Ranma began laughing as he stood. "Genma. I let you off easy last time." Ranma slowly turned towards Genma. "But I'm not in a hurry today. So I'll take my time with you."
"Is Ranma going to Hellfire daddy again?" Ranko asked.
"Hopefully that will be all he does... I really don't think we want to see him use 'Death's Embrace' on Genma." Rose answered.
"Death's Embrace?" Nodoka yelped.
"It's what he used to become the 'Master of the Fist'. It's not very nice."
Everyone just nodded in understanding.
Genma charged, throwing combinations that would have left the old Ranma shell shocked. His only reward was a series of dodges by the smirking 'boy' that let the present Genma speechless. 'Ranma didn't even have to block a single punch.' That was a much as Genma was willing to admit, the fact that the whole time Ranma stared him straight in the eyes and held his hands behind his back was not something he wanted to acknowledge.
After taking a moment to contemplate the last exchange, Genma pressed on with a flurry of kicks and punches that even Happosai would have found impressive. Unfortunately, Ranma wasn't Happosai, well that was unfortunate in this situation. Instead Ranma actually had to use his hands to block, even it there were lazy ones. Pouring more and more energy into the attack, Genma fought the urge to scream in frustration, after all he wasn't Akane... At least that was what the old Akane would have done. If Genma what have taken a few more moments to think that through he would have realized that even though Akane no longer acted like that usually, she had been once Ranma returned.
Retreating from the close contact with Ranma, the heaving martial artist took to the air hoping that Ranma had become lax in his mid-air training. Later Genma would look back and realize that this day was probably one of his worst. However it was not later, it still was today, and Genma instead thought today WAS his worst day ever.
Ranma watched the poor excuse for a father leap into the air and decided to humor him. As the two traded attacks Ranma called to the man "If you're going to hold back, then I might as well finish this fight quickly anyway." And as if to bring the point home Ranma allowed Genma's haymaker, thrown in retaliation to Ranma's words, to land and send him flying into the second story wall of 'Ucchans'. Twisting moments before impact and rebounding off the wall, Ranma propelled himself directly over Genma before using his ki to perform the revised version of Gen's 'Oga' technique. Instead of bouncing off the wall and onto the ceiling before shooting down onto your opponent, Ranma thanks to his battles with Akuma and Herb, had figured a way to launch downwards without the use of a ceiling to ricochet from.
Genma flipped to look up expecting to see Ranma soar overhead towards the building across the street and then come back at him. He was caught completely flatfooted, well the airborne equivalent of it, at the sight of Ranma shooting straight down into his stomach with Ranma's lower half enshrouded with that aggravating black aura.
Arms clasped behind his back like during their first skirmish, Ranma drove Genma into the ground. As Genma fought off the pain of the attack, a combination of pavement, surprise, and that damn black aura, seemed to increase the ache more than Genma anticipated, Ranma addressed him for a second time. "It's time for you to give it everything you got Genma." Purposefully walking away from Genma and standing opposite of the onlookers from him, Ranma turned to wait for Genma's answer to his challenge.
Genma slowly stood up and gave Ranma a stare that sent chills down everyone else's spine, particularly Nodoka and Soun. "Ranma, don't ever forget that I'm a master of the Anything Goes style."
Nodoka flinched at the chill in his voice. 'This is just like that time 7 years ago.'
Soun was even more worried "The look he's giving Ranma... It's the same look he had when he decided to lock away the master."
Ranma smiled "I've never forgotten. I think you're the one who needed to be reminded. But it seems you're ready to go at it for real now, don't disappoint me."
Genma disappeared from view and Ranma's body was covered in black shadows. Genma reappeared with a kick meeting the black form of Ranma's head. Everyone gasped when Genma's foot sliced clean through "An after-image!" he bellowed before again leaving everyone's sight.
*Wham*
Everyone looked to the outside wall of the Ucchan's where Genma had slammed against it with his arms crossed over his face and an arm from a black figure constantly attacking his defense. With amazing timing Genma threw his arms out from their crossed position and blasted Ranma with an vacuum blade before Ranma's speed punches connected with his face too many times. The black shadows enshrouding Ranma seemed to vaporize away when he was attacked. Rolling backwards and onto his feet, Ranma gave Genma a wide grin. "Better!"
Angered by Ranma's impudence Genma threw several vacuum blades in rapid succession before vanishing again. Ranma paused a moment at the sight before dodging the blades. As the last two came at both high and low positions Ranma actually jumped onto the higher blade before quickly flipping off.
Genma's invisibility died a painful death at Ranma's move. "Impossible!"
Ranma snorted. "Did you really think your old techniques would be that much of a threat to me? Come on let's finish this like we used to do when you trained me. I'll let you punch or kick me once then I'll do the same, you remember don't you." Ranma almost spit out the last sentence.
"What is he talking about.?" Nodoka asked.
Soun gulped 'If that lady's a psychic it'll probably be pointless to try to stay silent.' "Well, one of our training exercises when we were with the master was to trade punches with each other. It improved our threshold for pain. As well as Genma improving his endurance and me learning the more vulnerable spots on a body. I imagine one of the reasons Ranma was always so good at recovering from injuries was because of similar training with Genma. I honestly don't know when the two of them began that kind of exercise... I'm sure Ranma wasn't very young." Soun amended quickly.
Genma growled "I'll make you regret your arrogance. KIYAH!" Genma practically flew across the space between him and Ranma. The watchers could feel the wind blow as he passed them. Genma's whole body was glowing with power as he neared ever closer to Ranma.
Ranma began to laugh as Genma closed in on him. "Oh before I forget, I hit a pressure point on you." Ranma chuckled.
Genma's aura blinked out of existence when he was only inches away from Ranma. Genma grabbed his hand in pain when he connected with Ranma's unmoving face. "My turn." Ranma cocked his arm back began to swing at Genma, only to stop halfway. Everyone blinked when Genma jumped away before Ranma even began his attack.
"Going for your secret technique eh?" Ranma smiled as Genma continued to jump back from him. "It won't work tonight." Ranma covered his body in black shadows again.
Genma stopped moving and tried to sense Ranma. He was pretty sure the black figure standing where Ranma originally was was an after-image. He gasped as he felt Ranma right behind him, breathing down his neck. "What now Genma?"
Genma tried to jump to the rooftops to escape but was given an rude reminder of his lack of power when he barely made it to the second floor of the buildings. Ranma flipped onto his hands and sprung up into the air. As he reached Genma he threw hundreds of kicks into Genma's back while staying upside down and rising into the air.
"Rising lightning kick!" Was the last thing Genma heard before passing out.
Ranma laid a final kick into Genma back, allowing the kick to send himself flying back to the ground where landed on his hands. Flipping back onto his feet Ranma watched Genma fly a few more feet into the air before plummeting back to earth.
Turning to Nodoka, Ranma picked up the Neko-ken manual and tossed it to her. "Read it. I'll see you tomorrow to hear your decision on Ranko and her training with Genma. Rose if you don't mind, I think we have things to discuss."
Rose nodded to him before giving everyone a smile "It was interesting meeting you all. I hope to see some of you at the 'Masters of the Fist tournament'. I believe there will be a few surprises you don't want to miss." Rose smirked before joining Ranma as he walked towards Ranko.
"I'll see you again tomorrow." Ranma smiled at the little redhead.
"Okay, you promise to tell me some more about what happened when you went with Gen to China?"
"I promise." Ranma nodded. He then faced the others "I'll stop by tomorrow before I leave Ucchan. Until next time Tendo's." Ranma waved as he stepped beside Rose and strolled away.
"Hmm... It will be difficult to get him engaged to one of my daughters..." Soun scratched his chin. He gulped when he felt several piercing glares being sent his way. "But for now I should see to Genma." Soun wasted no time in putting some distance between him and his girls.
Nodoka looked down at the book in her hands. "I have a feeling I won't like what's in here..."
Nabiki spoke up next "Believe me you won't." She then walked over to the unresponsive Genma and kicked him in the belly.
"Nabiki!" Soun cried.
"Come on, you heard he tried to teach the neko-ken to Keiko. He deserves it."
Soun declined to comment.
__________
"You know Bison is coming." Rose mentioned to Ranma.
"I figured he would. Who's he teaming with?"
"Geese."
"Interesting." was all Ranma said.
"Are you sure about Iori and Chizuru teaming up? You do remember what happen to his last partners." Rose glanced at him.
"I believe she can help him." Ranma gave Rose a mysterious smile that suited her better than him.
"Because she's from one of the clans?" Rose raised an eyebrow. 'Kyo's from one of them as well and he sure isn't much of a help to Iori...'
"Heh. I had forgotten about that." Ranma smiled.
Rose stopped walking "It that isn't why..."
"Don't worry about it, you weren't there for all of Yagami's training."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"What about some of the other teams?" Ranma changed the subject.
"Well... Kyo has his teammate." Rose smiled at Ranma's twitch. 'He's still upset at Kyo for trying that move on Iori and Orochi.'
"Well who is it." Ranma pressed on.
Rose gave Ranma a heart stopping smile. "Terry Bogard."
Ranma paused in his walk. "Really. Very Interesting." His smile was almost ear to ear. "This tournament is going to be fun..."
To Be Continued.
Next time: Travels- Ranma's journey from Japan to China with Gen is full of challenges, and not all physical. Also what will Nodoka decide after reading the Neko-ken manual. And what other teams will be announced?
quail12001@yahoo.com
Partners
'You left your best friend all alone in the middle of the road and stole from her.'
'I didn't know...'
'You left a lonely boy alone without a friend.'
'I didn't know...'
'You caused the same boy to become cursed'
'I didn't know...'
'You stole a warriors prize and honor just to feed your belly'
'I didn't know...'
'But you do now and you haven't done anything about it.'
'I... I... what can I do...'
'Die'
'What?'
'Die. Let all those who have been dishonored by you regain it. And those who have dedicated their lives to you move on. For once do the right thing. Not just for them but for your own honor.'
'Yes...'
_________
"I don't think he's going to make it..."
Rose looked at the old Chinese man "I'm inclined to agree at this moment." She turned away from Gen focusing back on the door leading to the comatose young man.
"It's been three weeks since I brought him here. His body gets closer and closer to giving up with each day... it's amazing that he was able to last this long, but I fear the time has come." Gen spoke as he continued to gaze at the men and women walking through the white halls.
"I hate to say this, but it's possibly for the best. I could feel the dark energy his was putting out all the way from my home in Italy. I'm surprised Bison isn't here." Rose thanked whatever Gods had seen to that.
Gen snorted. "Bison isn't stupid enough to face Akuma. Not yet at least. As for the boy... his power is dark, there's no denying it. However, it's not quite evil."
"How can he have such a dark power and not be evil?" questioned the purpled haired women.
"I believe he's angry and hurt, but not evil... there's no way he could fight the raging demon otherwise..." Gen stared intensely at the door to Ranma's room.
"Perhaps I should take a look?" Rose cocked an eyebrow at Gen.
"What do you mean?" Gen slowly turned back to her, before his face took on a understanding look "Yes, perhaps you should..."
__________
'Right, if I die than I can't hurt anyone anymore. And everyone... everyone can be happy. Mom can keep believing in our... her family honor. Akane, Nabiki, and Kasumi won't be forced to marry someone against their will. Shampoo can return to China and her family without any problems. Ukyo can marry anyone she wants. Ryouga, Mousse, and Kuno can... well screw them really. Yes everone would be happy if I just died... If I just gave up. But can I? Can I really give up. I finally took control of my life, will I give it up for them? No, but I'm doing this for myself... to make amends with myself...'
'Do you truly believe that?'
'Who's there?!'
'No one important. So answer me, do you really want to die?'
'It'll solve a lot of problems...'
'I didn't ask you that. I asked you did you want to die.'
'...'
'You don't do you?'
'It's doesn't matter what I want. I know that now... Everything I've done to my friends, how can I do what I want when it makes them suffer?'
'Do you really think it's that bad?'
'You don't understand'
'Why don't you make me understand.'
'W-what?'
'Explain it to me.'
'Now?'
'If not now you won't get another chance.'
'What are you talking about.'
'You're dieing. Soon, more than likely today actually, you will pass away.'
'But I haven't made my decision yet!'
'Akuma's raging demon attack doesn't care. It will kill you today... Unless you beat it. Will you allow Akuma to decide if you live or die?
'AKUMA! He... He beat me. And now he's trying to force me to die?'
'You must decide now, will you control your life like you claim or will you let him decide for you? Think about it...'
'...Hello? Did you leave?... I guess she did. Even if I choose to die for my sins... I will do so on my own terms! And I won't die until I've paid back that bastard Akuma!'
__________
Gen jumped ever so lightly when Rose snapped back to attention. "I've done all I can..." She whispered. Gen relaxed his expression as he felt the stirring of the dark power coming from behind the door slowly strengthen. Glancing at the mysterious women across from him he asked. "What do you think of him?"
"I think he may be saved yet. You were right, he hasn't given in to the evil aspect of the power." After saying she and Gen became quiet as nurses and doctors rushed into the room they had been watching off and on for the past three weeks.
After ten or so minutes everyone slowly pooled out of the room. Many were sporting confused expressions wondering why the equipment started to go crazy all of a sudden.
"Excuse me." Gen gained the attention of one of the nurses. "Can you tell me what's going on?"
The young nurse blinked at the old man and took a step back at the sight of his pure white eyes. "N-nothing, the machines were just acting up a bit. Your... grandson will be fine."
"I see." was Gen's only comment. Letting the nurse scurry to wherever she was needed he returned to his seat. Almost as soon as he relaxed in his chair, Rose stood. "Something wrong?" Gen inquired.
"No. I just want to have another look at him." Rose coolly replied as she entered the room closing the door behind her. Standing over the young man, who she was sure was going to cause her trouble in the future, Rose brushed a few of the bangs away from his face. She watched as the young man slowly opened his eyes, she was slightly surprised that his eyes were a grey-blue hue instead of the usual brown. She leaned down faintly when she noticed him opening his mouth to speak.
"A-an angel."
__________
Ranma fought the last vestiges of the raging demon as it continued to attack him with painful reminders of his less than honorable life. Not sure if he had survived the final onslaught he found himself looking at the most beautiful face he had ever seen... he had never seen a female like her before and couldn't help but think that such a women couldn't be anything less than a true goddess. After all he had fought a god and a demon, maybe he couldn't beat the raging demon attack and had died, which would make her an... it would make her... "A-an angel."
"E-excuse me?" Rose questioned as she straightened back up. The young man blinked at her before gradually letting his eyes take in the rest of her body. His eyes widened as he finally finished his appraisal.
Ranma gulped "Wait... You're not an angel are you?"
"Excuse me?" Rose's voice wasn't nearly as shaken as it was the first time. In fact it sounded a bit frosty.
Not to be deterred, and still pretty out of sorts, Ranma continued. "You can't be an angel... you're a, oh no, you aren't a demon... er, demoness are you?" Ranma began to cast nervous glances around the room.
Rose's tone reached arctic temperatures "Excuse me? How did you ever come to that conclusion"
"I mean angels are supposed to be beautiful right?" Ranma asked while looking contemplative.
"I believe so... are you saying that I'm not beautiful?" Rose clutched the scarf she wore.
"Well no... It's just..." Ranma looked her up and down again, well as best he could from his position on the bed.
"Just what?" She demanded. 'I sure hope he knows that he's walking on extremely thin ice right now.'
"Well angels are supposed to be beautiful and all, but I don't think they're supposed to be all that sexy... I mean angels are supposed to be completely pure, or innocent, or something. A demoness, on the other hand, is suppose to be extremely beautiful and seductive right?" Ranma finally started to detect something wrong. 'Wait a minute! I can feel pain... There's wires hooked up to me... A machine on the other side of the bed... And I'm wearing a hospital gown... Ah damn.' Ranma looked at Rose "I'm not died am I?"
"No... not yet..." Rose retorted while trying to break down what this _boy_ had said. 'First of all he did say I was beautiful... But he called me a demon... But he said I was seductive... But that I wasn't pure...'
Ranma tried to gently remove all the different wires attached to him before sneaking for the door and getting as far away from women who he called a demon. Not prepared for his lack of strength he fell onto a nearby table.
*Splash*
And knocked over the pitcher of water someone left on it.
"THE HELL?!"
Ranma not wanting to stick around for whatever was about to happen, made a scrambled for the door.
*Wham*
Which was abruptly haltered, as the door impacted with his face as he was reaching for it.
"What's going on?" Gen demanded beside the door, never noticing the thump that came from behind it.
"He was... then the table... a girl... the door..." Rose for once in her life was completely and utterly mystified.
"What? You're not making any sense." Gen placed his arms on Rose's shoulders. He tried to back away when she hauled him up by his robe. 'She's a strong one...'
"The boy fell on the table and then he was a girl!" She howled in Gen's face.
"Oh... Um, you still aren't making much sense." Gen blinked 'I didn't just say that did I?' His silent question was answered when Rose growled at him.
"Ow... that hurt." came a distinctive female voice, causing Gen and Rose to both peer in her direction.
"Who the hell are you?" Came the reply in stereo.
"I'm Ranma... what the hell are you two doing in my hospital room!" 'they sure as hell don't look like any doctors or nurses I've ever seen.' Ranma shot back.
"Please young lady..." Gen began.
"Who the hell are you calling a young lady!" Ranma nearly screamed.
"I'm sorry... I take it you don't like being referred to as a women?" Gen queried in a calm voice.
"Damn straight. I'm a guy. This body is thanks to a stupid Chinese curse." The red-head crossed her arms under her chest.
"Please. Do you really expect for us to be..." Rose was interrupted by Gen.
"Jusenkyo?" Gen began to stroke his beard. "I've heard the rumors. I never believed them to be true... tell me since you were a boy before, how does this... curse work?"
Ranma blinked "Um cold water activates it and hot water returns me back to normal..."
"Interesting." Gen nodded to himself. "However it doesn't answer your question or have much to do with the reason why I'm... or rather, why we are here." Gen looked to Rose.
Catching his signal Rose continued. "Sorry, I've never been one for curses or Chinese legends. But Gen, the gentleman beside me here, and I have come because of the power you now channel." Rose bore into Ranma's eyes.
"Your voice... it sounds familiar...you were the one who talked to me in my dream." Ranma narrowed her eyes.
"It wasn't exactly a dream, but yes that was me." Rose presented her a small smile.
"I guess I can hear you guys out since you helped me and all... but can I get out of here first?" Ranma gazed around the white room wearily, he never much trusted big hospitals. And if the view form the window was any indication they were in a pretty nice sized hospital.
"I'll go get a nurse." Gen replied before leaving.
Ranma tried to look everywhere but at the women across from her. 'Man, did I ever put my mouth in it. Calling her a demon. I can feel an extraordinary power coming from her... not to mention a strong aura from the old men as well.'
Rose's face was unreadable even though she was almost giggling at the countenance the young woman, no man had as he/she looked around the room while trying not to let the redness in his cheeks noticeable. "Ranma..."
"Yes." Ranma's head snapped to attention as he answered her a little to forcefully. 'Why am I so nervous? So she's kind of pretty... Okay she's beautiful...' he flinched when he remembered what else he said she was 'seductive, what was I thinking!'
"Allow me to properly introduce myself, My name is Rose and I'm a psychic. I felt the power you gave off in your skirmish with Akuma three weeks ago and hastily made my way to Japan to gain knowledge of you." Rose began to walk towards Ranma.
Ranma gulped again as she watched the way Rose walked to her. 'Now that's a graceful stride...' "Um, Nice to meet you Rose." Ranma shook Rose's hand. Almost immediately afterwards Ranma's eyes bulged "Three weeks ago!"
It was Rose's turn to flinch. "Yes, you've been here for three weeks. I arrived here about a week ago myself. Gen though, has been here since you arrived. In fact he brought you here shortly after your fight."
As if summoned Gen entered the room. Trailing behind him was a young nurse who blinked at the scene. There was a knocked over table, a red-headed girl in a hospital gown, and no sign of the original patient. "Um, where is the young man who was in here earlier?"
Ranma smacked her head, as Gen and Rose smiled weakly at the nurse. Hanging his head Gen exited again "I'll be back in a moment, I'm going to get some water." he pointedly looked at Ranma who nodded in return.
"He'll be in here in a minute. Just hold on." Rose told the nurse in a soft voice that somehow was still able to carry a bit of authority in it.
"A-alright." Ranma felt a slight twinge of pity for the stuttering nurse. True to his word, Gen entered the room with a small white and yellow cup of warm water in only moments.
Ranma took the cup, and not really worried about what the nurse might think, poured the water over her head and regained his manhood. After shaking his head to remove some of the water, he looked back at the slightly shocked face of Rose, the studious stare of Gen, and the nurse with the glazed over look on her. "Um, miss... hello ma'am... excuse me."
"Y-yes. Oh you're back, I wonder where the young lady went." the nurse replied before taking his chart and walking out of the room towards the front desk on their floor. Ranma, Gen, and Rose all looked at each other before Ranma shrugged "She actually took that pretty well..."
__________
A somewhat disheveled Ranma limped behind Rose and Gen towards Rose's hotel room. Whistling at the sight of the 7 story tall hotel, Ranma climbed the steps after Rose and Gen. He grinned sheepishly at the people staring at his battered Chinese outfit. He let out a sigh as the three of them eventually entered the elevator.
Ranma took a good look at his two companions once the elevator doors closed. First was the Chinese man named Gen, he was giving off a tightly controlled aura, Ranma couldn't help but feel something off about... It was slightly different from a battle aura. His hands seemed to be stronger than the usual martial artists hands. His style must have had a lot of finger based moves in it, probably pressure points or something. He was old, that was for sure, not as old as the old ghoul or pervert, maybe in his 70's. The short hair on his head as well as his mustache and extremely long beard, that came to the middle of his chest, had grayed so much that it was pretty much white. The only sign of his original hair color was his black eyebrows. He had to admit the light purple Chinese robe did suit him fairly well, even with the red shoes and sash. The only thing that really stood out was the small fact that the man had no pupils. His eyes were just white... and the old man wasn't blind or anything, at least Ranma didn't think he was blind.
Then there was Rose... scary, sexy, tall, sexy, mysterious, beautiful, and sexy Rose. The purple haired women was wearing an exceptionally revealing red dress. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately... Ranma wasn't sure which, She also wore a dark purple body suit, that matched her hair, underneath her dress. A long yellow scarf was wrapped around her arms coming across her collar and back. It matched the yellow buttons on her red dress as well as the yellow buckle on her dark purple belt. Finishing off her outfit was a pair of red high heels. The most eye catching thing about Rose was, well everything about her caught his eyes, but her hair was definitely interesting. It flowed behind her as she walked no matter how weak the breeze was, except a thick strand that somehow stayed pointing forward.
'Damn she's sexy...wait isn't she psychic? does that mean she can read my mind... please oh please don't let her be able to read my mind... I need to think about something else! yeah that'll keep me from thinking about how sexy she is with her tight purple body suit and red dress that's slit straight up the front... I'm screwed.' Ranma snuck a glance at Rose who locked eyes with him. 'So screwed...'
Ranma stood rooted in place by Rose's stare until the elevator chimed and the door opened. Ranma almost slumped to the floor when Rose turned away from him and headed down the hall. Ranma groaned when he caught Gen chuckling to himself.
"Please have a seat." Rose pleasantly called to Ranma once he made it to the room.
Ranma took a nice look around the hotel room as Rose went to retrieve something for them to drink. He was impressed with the room. It wasn't the one room with a bed and tv that he was familiar with from staying in one whenever Genma suspiciously came up with a good amount of cash. No, the room he was in was more like a living room of some type, the two doors to his right must be the bedroom and bathroom. Ranma sharply turned away from both doors, he really didn't want to think about what could be done in one room and what usually happens to him in the other. Coming back to his earlier idea Ranma banished all thoughts of the attractive women he was in the hotel with by letting his anger and sorrow fill him as he thought back to his 'dream'.
Undetected by Ranma, Rose almost tripped over herself at the exact same moment. Rose was miffed at how easily Ranma disregarded her. Placing the three cups of lemonade on the table that sat between the single chair, being occupied by the pig-tailed youth, on one side and the small couch that Rose and Gen both sat on even though they were at the two ends. Just to test his resolve, and to reaffirm her own sexual appeal even though not even she would admit that, Rose luridly crossed her legs. Her left eye twitched as Ranma totally ignored the action.
Ranma concentration was solely on what it was that he truly desired. Was his honor really that important now that he thought about it. No... Yes... he didn't know and had no one to answer that question for him. Then again regardless of his own honor what about the honor of his friends... actually most of them were taken care of now that he was no longer a Saotome. Shampoo was really the only person he had to concern himself with. Perhaps that was the solution to all his questions. He would challenge the old ghoul to a fight to the death, he would make the speculation that if he won Shampoo could return to China with her honor completely intact, without needing to marry him. If he lost however... well there really wasn't any point worrying about that as the answer was rather obvious. Hmm, the thought of fighting a death match with Cologne was an exciting idea if he wasn't as hurt as he was.
"*Ahem* Ranma, I would like to introduce myself. As Rose stated earlier I am Gen..." Gen paused a moment. "I believe we all wish to keep our last names unknown?"
"I've never had a last name as far as I know." Was Rose's reply.
Gen and Ranma shared a glance at the tone of Rose's voice. "Well I really don't care if you know what my last name used to be..." Ranma voiced before Rose could pick up on the looks he and Gen had. "It's Saotome."
"*Spfff* Saotome?!" Gen for once showed true shock on his face.
"Yeah..." deadpanned a wet female Ranma. "I hope you're going to either try to beat me up for something my father did or leave because of my association with Happosai... cause' if you say your granddaughter is my fiancee..." Ranma let the words trail off.
Gen began to laugh "Oh this is rich... no wonder you survived the raging demon. You study the same style used by 'the greatest evil in Japan'."
Rose gasped and stood tightly clutching her scarf. "What?!"
Gen blinked and let his laugh die off. "I'm sorry Rose, Happosai isn't really that evil... perverted and selfish, but not evil."
"So says you." grumbled the redhead.
"Excuse me?" Rose calmed considerably.
"Happosai and his two students Genma Saotome if I remember and a Tenma, Si..." Gen began to stroke his beard again.
"Tendo, Soun Tendo." Ranma supplied.
"Right, Soun Tendo and Genma Saotome were his students. Anyway the three of them traveled most of Asia about ten years ago. During their travels they stole from restaurants as well as from lingerie stores. They also stole female undergarments from the females themselves, not to mention peeking at them at any place public. However, even with his perversions he can not simply be wrote off as a old pervert. With his 300 years of experience he has devised one of the most complex styles known to man. Many simply scoff at the school due to the antics of it's founder and because it is assumed to be just a combination of moves already developed by other styles rolled into one. Those people however don't know the true secret behind the style of Anything Goes martial arts." Gen's description grew more and more somber as he went along.
"Anything Goes martial arts?" Rose blinked at the unusual name, especially if it was as powerful as Gen was making it out to be.
"Yes, the basic principle is that one will do whatever is necessary to win. As simple as the schools creed is, it is that same simple ness that makes it so powerful. A fighter will do just about anything to win, taking any advantage he can, whether or not it's a weapon, technique, or enhancement of some other kind. But the real reason to fear it is because it's practictioners if truly motivated will fight and train with everything they have until it kills them. At least that stands true for Happosai. I've only seen him truly fight once... and that was more than enough to gain my respect."
Ranma was enthralled with Gen's narrative. It struck a chord deep inside Ranma's heart and filled him with anticapation... he had found what he truly desired.
Rose on the other hand was nowhere near as inspired as Ranma. In fact the way Gen was speaking and the look of pure unadulterated anticipation etched across Ranma's features shook her to her core. Originally she thought that the young man in front of her would be like Akuma, after her initial encounter with him she figured he be more like Ryu, a fighter who wished to become as strong as he could. But now... now she saw the true Ranma. And she hated to admit it but it scared her. He wanted to walk the thin line between life and death with every waking breath... "My God..."
Rose's whisper laced with dread broke Gen from his musings. Looking towards the distraught psychic Gen followed her gaze until his eyes fell upon the teenager.
Ranma sat staring at his trembling hands, he was confused. Actually he was excited, determined, and... frightened, which left him confused.
"Ranma, I will be blunt, I want to make you even stronger than you are now." Gen stated with sincerity. "However... I have my reasons. In return for making you stronger I wish for you to allow me to engage Akuma when he returns for you. Whomever between me and him remain shall meet you in mortal combat. What do you say?"
As Ranma raised his head to peer at Gen, Rose covered her mouth. "Very well, but should some other opponent strong enough arrive... then all bets are off." Ranma's eyes almost blazed with intensity as he gave Gen a feral grin.
"I would like you to accompany me to my home in China. We will travel there by boat once we walk to the coast. I take it you don't speak the language since you picked up your curse." Gen proposed.
"China? Alright... but you're right, I don't speak the language."
"I'll teach on the way as well as train you..." Gen paused an took a breath "Back in China you will have to be re-enrolled in school."
Ranma bite back an angry retort 'he's not forcing me to go to school or China, he's offering me a choice...' "If you insist."
"Well let's not waste any more time. Rose, is there any thing else you wanted to say?" Gen turned to her.
"What?" Rose shook her head to clear it. 'These two in a partnership... an assassin and a fighter with the evil intent... I really didn't see this coming.' "Ranma, please be careful with this power, do not let it control you... And well, try not to get yourself killed. I would hate for my efforts to have been in vain. I don't believe you would like a demoness mad at you." She let a ghost of a smile cross her face.
"R-right... don't die, got it." Ranma nervously rubbed the back of his head while flushed in the face.
"*Ahem* Then if you would excuse us." Gen rose to leave sketching a bow to her.
Rose bowed back then turned to Ranma "Until we meet again young Ranma." and gave him a card.
Ranma looked the card over "It's a tarot card, right?"
"It's a little more than that..." And Rose ushered him out of the room.
__________
Rose sat at the table after her two guest had taking their leave. Taking a deep breath she began to lay three cards across the middle of the table before placing one above and one below the middle card. Removing a final card from her deck she could only stare at it in shock...
"He'll be the..."
__________
Ranma and Gen walked, and trudged, the street of Nerima making their way to Furankin High. "Do we really have to go get my records." Ranma grumbled as he tried to keep pace with the surprisingly, well maybe not, fast old man.
"Yes, I refuse to be killed or shown up by an uneducated child such as you. If you're going to be the one to kill me or Akuma in battle then you should be well educated, otherwise my defeat will be more of a humiliation then a honorable battle."
"Ooooookay..." Ranma was a bit put off by how casually Gen spoke of his death. However, he did kind of understand what Gen was saying about being beaten by a fool, he wondered how he would feel if an idiot beat him in a fight...
"Vile Sorcerer!"
Ranma almost slammed his head into the pavement from the facefault. 'I guess I asked for that...' Ranma looked up to see that he had reached Furankin High without even paying attention. He was confused as to why Kuno was standing in the courtyard in the middle of class, along with most of the students. He hadn't noticed the students who saw him approaching and rushed to inform everyone else.
"At last you have come to battle me in our final confrontation." Kuno unsheathed an actual katana. "I shall return honor to the Saotome's and Tendo's with my blade. You might have escaped from the pig-tailed girl's family blade but mine shall deliver you to your fate."
"Tatewaki Kuno. I've never truly hated you... but today you have crossed a line. You speak to me of the Saotome honor and the Tendo honor, as well as dictate to me my fate? My fate is mine to choose now and forever and any man or woman who dares otherwise will be shown the truth... painfully if need be. Today Kuno, is your day to be shown the truth." Ranma's voice once again held a raging inferno of anger beneath a glacier of cool assurance.
Kuno and Ranma continued to gaze at one another as Gen studied Ranma's change. 'He speaks slightly different... I think he associates his speech pattern with his mentality. He speaks in a unseemly manner when he's relaxed, but once he becomes truly incensed he speaks with poise and grace. I believe his relaxed state is nothing more than an act so well played he doesn't realize it himself.'
"Taste the wrath of heaven!" Kuno ran with more speed than Ranma had ever remembered before. Faking a thrust by drawing back his arms, Kuno launched himself into the air. With his body still in pain Ranma had skipped back to avoid the thrust only to trip when he watched Kuno take to the air. Ranma cocked his head less than an inch as the sword imbedded itself halfway into the ground beside Ranma's face.
Rolling away and taking his time standing, Ranma started to reach for the nick Kuno's sword had left across his cheek. If not for the blood it probably wouldn't even be noticeable. Pausing only inches away from the wound Ranma dropped his hand by his side. "I'm going to pay you back two fold." Ranma promised before grinning once again.
"Isn't it usually ten fold?" One of Nabiki's associates asked her.
"or a hundred?" Added the other, looking towards the older girl.
"Yeah..." Nabiki wasn't paying much attention to her underlings, she had other things to mull over 'Ranma looked really injured when he walked through the gates... And now Kuno was even able to scratch him. What happen to you while you were gone... and more importantly what will you do now?'
Not far from her, Akane and Ukyo stood watching the fight. One not sure what to feel and the other gripping her spatula for dear life.
"Is he going to hurt Kuno like he tried to do to his dad and Ryouga?" Akane voiced.
"Who cares what he does to Kuno. I just hope Ranma doesn't hurt himself any further." Ukyo almost turned her spatula into a shovel.
Ranma rushed at Kuno as the other boy followed his lead. The two sped pass each other at blinding speed. For a bried moment when the two were side by side, some of the gathered students swore they saw flashes of black flames. Coming to a halt with the same distance between them as they had originally held, The two slowly rotated to view one another. The two held that pose for several seconds until Ranma broke the silence.
"Halfway there."
Kuno flinched as he sword broke in half in his hands and a cut appeared on his right cheek. "You...You...You DARE mar my beautiful features?!"
"It would seem that I'm daring lots of people lately." Ranma announced. "But I'm not done with you yet Kuno."
As Ranma charged Kuno again, He almost stumbled when Kuno chucked the bottom half of the sword at Ranma while reaching into his blue robe for a wooden bokken. The crowd gasped at the momentum the broken sword twirled with. Even with the blade cut it still held at least four inches of steel making it a legitimate threat. Some of the girls in the crowed covered their eyes while others covered their mouths and the remaining ones covered both when Ranma began to spin as soon as he reached the sword. The men cringed but kept watching to see where the sword caught Ranma at.
Kuno wasn't taking any chances as he raised his bokken in a defensive stance and waited for Ranma to finish his spin. He braced himself when Ranma launched himself forward still spinning. Kuno watched in horror as Ranma sent a backfist glowing with dark power through his bokken, connecting with his face. As his face jerked right Ranma's left hand followed up his right backfist, clutching the sword by the hilt. Ranma's left hand passed by Kuno with nothing more than a 'woosh' sound.
Kuno slowly looked up at Ranma who stood only arms length away from him. Ranma's face was expressionless in contrast to Kuno's. Kuno shook with barely restrained rage, as he sported an identical cut on his left cheek as he had on his right. "You bastard!" Kuno swung with a clumsy punch at Ranma. Grabbing the punch with his right hand Ranma dropped the blade and sunk his left glowing fist into Kuno's gut. Kuno dropped to his knees heaving before lying down in an almost fetal position.
Gen walked up to Ranma, eyeing the boy on the ground. "Not bad, A bit harsh, but I suppose you have your reasons... or not, it doesn't really matter." Gen shrugged as he and Ranma began to walk by the spectators who dumbly made room for the two.
As the two entered the school and made their way to the office, the students outside were still in semi-shock.
"Man, Ranma really did snap!"
"I heard he's beat almost everbody up! His dad, Ryouga, Mousse, and now Kuno!"
"It looked like somebody got him pretty good though..."
"Maybe it was that old pervert that's always around?"
"What about the old man he came with? Think he did it? After all it's always the old ones that get Ranma, you know."
"What do you think Nabiki?"
The whole mob went silent at the question before turning to the middle Tendo sister.
Nabiki sweated under their gaze, not so much because of them but because she really had no idea. "Well... I really don't know. I haven't heard of the old pervert being around lately...Wait! Why the hell am I answering you all for free?!"
The students began grumbling to themselves. Akane and Ukyo eventually headed to the source for an answer as they entered the school. By the time the crowd quieted and headed for the school doors they were once again riled up when Akane came flying out the doors followed by a mallet brandishing Ranma.
__________
Gen was walking behind the limping Ranma as he kept stopping when he would come upon some odd entry in Ranma's records. 'How can one boy cause so much destrucion to one school...' Little did Gen know that any and every incident that Ranma was part of no matter how small or large were attributed to him solely. So every wall Ryouga or Shampoo broke, every fight on school grouds between the fiancees or rivals, everytime Happosai showed up, any chi draining by Hinako. and even when the principle went on one of his crazier ideas was somehow blamed on Ranma.
Before Gen could question Ranma on his improper school behavior two young women ran up to the pigtailed teen.
"Ranma!"
"Ran-chan"
"Hello Akane, Ucchan..." Ranma thought he saw Ukyo brighten up when he addressed her.
'He still called me Ucchan...' Ukyo tried not to be obvious in her good cheer.
"Where have you been? Auntie's been really sad since you left us like you did." Akane broke Ukyo out of her happy mood.
"I bet she was... She would have preferred for me to depart by way of a knife in my stomach and my head rolling across the floor." Ranma snorted.
"You should be ashamed of yourself talking about auntie like that!" Akane cried while poking Ranma in the chest.
Slapping her hand away Ranma walked past her "Tell her if she wants my head then she's going to have to come and take it. I won't allow anyone to dictate my life to me."
"Don't you walk away from me when I'm talking to you!" Akane shouted.
"Shut up women!" Ranma yelled in annoyance.
"You Jerk!" Akane ran up to Ranma with her trusty mallet in her arms. As she swung it down upon Ranma he turned to her and caught the mallet with the flat of his hand. As he tugged it away from her, Akane stumbled past him towards the door. The two both spun to face the other, Akane with rage filled eyes, and Ranma with a cold facade.
*Wham*
Apparently, Ranma also spun with her mallet still in his arms, point proven when Akane received a blow from it into her stomach. Ukyo's mouth dropped to the floor as she watched Akane fly out the door and onto the ground right in front of the throng of student still outside.
Ranma walked out after Akane. "I told you I won't allow anyone to control my life. That includes deciding if I need a malleting by my one time fiancee. Goodbye Akane Tendo." Ranma tossed the mallet away and began to catch up with Gen who had already started for the gates during Ranma's 'goodbye'.
"R-ran-chan?" Ukyo ran at a controlled pace up to him.
"Yeah?" Ranma asked her with a questioning gaze.
"Do you really hate us all so much?"
"What?... No, I guess it does look that way, but I just need to get away from here. I don't hate any of you... well, maybe Genma." Ranma thought about it a moment. "Yeah, I might hate him. But I don't really hate the rest of you. I just hated the fact that everyone would try to tell me what I had to do. Never asking for my opinion. I can't live that kind of life anymore and I just blew up. You will always be my best friend... So I promise to keep in touch. Deal?"
"Deal Ran-chan." Ukyo tried not to let her tears fall as Ranma turned away and limped off behind Gen.
"So are you ready to begin our journey Ranma?" Gen asked when they were a good distance away from the school.
"Yes, the path I have chosen is set and I'm ready to travel it." Ranma replied with a smirk
__________
"And that's how I left Nerima all those years ago." Ranma smiled at Ranko.
"So you got beat by some guy named Akuma, eh?" Akane challenged.
"Akane! don't speak that name!" Soun clamped his hand across her mouth.
Genma meanwhile attempted to check out around the restuarant for any signs of him.
Nabiki let out a tired sigh. "So just what's so scary about this guy daddy?"
Genma decided to answer so that Soun could make sure Akane didn't doom them all. "Akuma is a... creature so powerful that even the master would not face him. It's rumored that he was once human before he gained some sort of dark power and received the title 'The Master of the Fist.' He travels the world looking for the best martial artists alive and challenges them to a duel to the death if they're strong enough. He's unbeatable. I surprised you lived through the fight boy."
Rose intruded upon the conversation at this point. "Oh I guess you couldn't have known, but right now Ranma is the master of the fist."
Genma blinked at Rose, then blinked at Ranma, then fainted. He was quickly followed by Soun.
"Wow! does that mean you're the best there is?" Ranko asked her older brother.
Ranma smiled at her "Yep, I'm the strongest human alive."
All those still conscious wondered at the wording of that statement.
"Yeah right, I bet you just got lucky when you beat him!" Akane stood up leaning across the table bracing herself on her arms.
Ranma raised an eyebrow "If I didn't know better I'd say that was a challenge..."
"That's right I'm challenging you! I'll show you how good I am." Akane gave him a smug grin.
"No."
"Right here, right... No?" Akane blinked at his answer.
"If you want to fight me you have to earn it."
"You! *Ahem* I'll have you know that I fought Saffron. So what about that?" Akane continued to grin at him.
It was Ranma's turn to blink. 'Ukyo never wrote to me about that... Then again Ukyo's life doesn't revolve around the Tendo's anyway.' Ranma smiled to himself 'Akane never said she beat Saffron or if she fought him alone or with help...' "So? I beat Saffron when I was still a kid." Ranma waved her off.
Akane spluttered for a moment before getting angry. "What are you a coward?" 'That'll get him for sure!'.
Ranma frowned for a moment before he placed his hands on the table in between Akane's. Before she noticed Ranma's hands, he swung them out sweeping Akane's support from under her, then slamming her head onto the table. He pushed her into her chair and threw an envelope at her as she cleared her head.
"You son of a... what's this?" Akane blinked at the envelope.
"An invitation." Ranma smirked. "The upcoming tounament is a two on two battle. One individual from most of the King of Fighters teams will be entering along with some of the more well known underground fighters."
"I have to have a partner?" Akane asked as she started to open the invitation.
"Akane and Ranma will be partners!" Cried the now woke duo of Genma and Soun.
"Sorry that's not possible, I'm already signed up as his partner." Smiled Rose.
"You are?" Everyone blinked when Ranma asked that question.
"Of course, unless you wanted to ask either..." Rose smirked as she trailed off.
"That was low. But you're right I don't want to partner up with either of them." Ranma quickly stated before Rose could name any names.
"Them? them who?" Ranko asked.
"Just some ladi... er, fighters I know. No one important." Ranma tried not to sound to suspicious. The fact that everyone, including Ranko, raised an eyebrow at him shot that down.
"Anyway it's getting kind of late, so..." Ranma said apologetically to Ranko.
"Awww." Ranko whined "I'm not sleepy. I want to know what happened after you left Nerima with the nice man Gen."
"Nice? Gen is an assassin." Ranma chuckled.
The others, with the exception of Rose, blanched at that.
"What's an assassin?" Ranko asked.
Ranma began to open his mouth when Rose interrupted him, seeing as how no one else was going to try to. "Ranma we have a lot of planning ahead of us... we can talk to Ranko tomorrow."
Ranma blinked at the face Rose was giving him. "Right... um, I guess I'll see you tom..."
"I can't let you do that boy." Genma spoke up.
"Oh?" Ranma looked at the man. "And just why is that?"
"You already interrupted Ranko's... dammit, Keiko's training enough as it is." Genma crossed his arms.
Ranma's face hardened as he turned to Nodoka. "And what is your opinion on this?"
Nodoka cleared her voice "Well she does want to be a great martial artist so she needs to train with a good teacher..."
"A good teacher? Do you remeber what I warned you about last time I saw you?" Ranma pressed on.
"Yes, you told me if Genma tried any crazy martial arts training on Ranko you would step in. But Genma hasn't done anything drastic yet." Nodoka hoped Genma wouldn't let her down... again.
"How can you not call the Neko-ken training drastic?" Ranma almost shouted.
The gasp of several other individuals in the building warned Nodoka that she wasn't going to like whatever the Neko-ken was. But still for the sake of her daughter she had to know. "What exactly is the Neko-ken?"
Ranma opened his mouth then closed it back up and turned to everyone else in the room. "No one told her about the Neko-ken in all these years?"
The silence was more than answer enough for him. "I don't believe this." Ranma muttered to himself. "Nodoka..." Both Ranma and Nodoka flinched at that, even though Ranma did a very good job of hiding it, "The Neko-ken is a martial arts technique that requires a child, maybe... I'm not sure if the age is required or if Genma is just a moron. Anyway you take the student and you wrap him or her in fish sausages or some other type of food that will appeal to starving cats... actually it might not even matter what food you use..." Ranma let out a breath to pull himself together, he kept veering off topic, he guessed it was because he really didn't want to explain this. "It's like this, you take the trainee wrap them in food and toss them into a pit with starving cats. As the cats claw for the food the trainee obviously receives scratches and scrapes from the famished cats. Once the pain becomes to much the victim... or trainee if you will, becomes scared of the cats. As the trainee is thrown in again and again the fear becomes too great turning into a full blown phobia of the creatures. Finally when the situation is at it's most desperate the trainee basically retreats into their mind. This allow the body to use simple survival instincts as well as extreme adrenaline to protect itself. With only the cats as examples, the mind uses them as the foundation for it's basic logic."
"What exactly does that mean?" Asked a shaky Nodoka.
"The trainee... or Keiko would have been thrown into a pit of starving cats until the pain and fear drove her to black out and act like a wild animal... a cat to be precise." Ranma declared.
"M-my God!" Nodoka looked at Ranko until she turned back to Ranma "Wait all those years ago you said Genma put you through some kind of training that took away some of your sanity... it was the Neko-ken wasn't it?"
"Exactly."
"B-but... Genma wouldn't do something to hurt you that badly on purpose... he... he's your father!" Nodoka's face was covered in tears.
Genma began to look back and forth between his wife and... Ranma. "Boy stop exaggerating!" Nodoka looked at Genma with hope in her eyes "The only reason you went insane was because you were to weak. Keiko will be fine." 'Right after I used that memory altering shampoo thing.'
Ranma stared at Genma as if he was seeing him for the first time. "You... you still plan on teaching it to her."
Everyone looked at Genma in shock. "Of course I'm going to teach it to her. She will be the best ever. You just don't want her to reach her potential and become better than even you." Genma smirked.
Ranma spoke with ice in his veins "You're correct I don't want her to become better than me. Do you know what I've been through to get to this level. I've come inches from death twice now. Do YOU want her to go through that?"
"Ha! You're just trying to scare her. You seem perfectly fine to me." Genma countered.
"Why don't we ask Ranko then?" Ranma offered.
Genma quickly ran over to the girl who was trying to comfort her mother. "Keiko you want to be the greatest right?"
Ranko began to answer until Ranma cut her off. "That's not the question you should be asking her Genma. The question is does she want to be put back in the dark pit with the cats again."
"Now Keiko..." Genma began.
"Stop!" Nodoka screamed. "Keiko dear, do you want to learn the Neko-ken?"
"Um..." The little girl bit her bottom lip and dragged her foot on the floor in a circle pattern. "Do you use the Neko-ken Ranma?"
Ranma smiled at the girl. "No Ranko I don't use the Neko-ken. You're not really the best if you aren't the one fighting."
Genma snorted "But it is your body that's fighting."
"There is a difference between your body fighting and you fighting. The Neko-ken is almost like being possessed." Ranma spoke to Genma like one would speak to child.
"Ranko?" Nodoka asked.
Ranma clenched his fist, Genma looked at Keiko hopefully, And everyone else just held their breath. "I don't know" Ranko began to cry. "I don't want to upset daddy or Ranma." Keiko began to sniffle.
"Ranko... I'll be honest with you; I really don't want you to try to learn the technique... but if you decide too I won't be mad at you. I promise." Ranma put as much sincerity in his voice as he could.
"That's a good girl Keiko. See you can learn the Neko-ken and keep everybody happy." Genma cheered.
Ranma's eyes grew wide 'Damn that bastard!' As Ranma began to walk towards Genma, small lines appeared on his back. No one looking could make it out as anything, in fact it seemed incomplete. Rose however understand the significance of it. "Ranma!"
Nodoka, Genma, and Ranko turned towards him. "Genma..." Ranma had to restrain himself from attacking the man right then and there. "Show Nodoka the training manual for the Neko-ken."
Genma began to sweat profusely "I... don't have it on me at this moment."
"Rose?"
"It's in his gi on his left side." She helpfully supplied.
Ranma reached for it quicker than Genma expected and grabbed it. As he passed Genma to give it to Nodoka, he was attacked from behind. As Ranma flew through the window to the outside he actually was rather pleased. 'Foolish Genma, I guess I can't let him attack me without retaliating.'
Genma leaped over the broken window and landed on the suspiciously deserted street. For some reason everyone hightailed it out of the area when they saw who was sitting in the restaurant that day. "Boy I don't know what you're trying to pull by planting that book on me, but I won't allow you to trick Nodoka like this."
Ranma began laughing as he stood. "Genma. I let you off easy last time." Ranma slowly turned towards Genma. "But I'm not in a hurry today. So I'll take my time with you."
"Is Ranma going to Hellfire daddy again?" Ranko asked.
"Hopefully that will be all he does... I really don't think we want to see him use 'Death's Embrace' on Genma." Rose answered.
"Death's Embrace?" Nodoka yelped.
"It's what he used to become the 'Master of the Fist'. It's not very nice."
Everyone just nodded in understanding.
Genma charged, throwing combinations that would have left the old Ranma shell shocked. His only reward was a series of dodges by the smirking 'boy' that let the present Genma speechless. 'Ranma didn't even have to block a single punch.' That was a much as Genma was willing to admit, the fact that the whole time Ranma stared him straight in the eyes and held his hands behind his back was not something he wanted to acknowledge.
After taking a moment to contemplate the last exchange, Genma pressed on with a flurry of kicks and punches that even Happosai would have found impressive. Unfortunately, Ranma wasn't Happosai, well that was unfortunate in this situation. Instead Ranma actually had to use his hands to block, even it there were lazy ones. Pouring more and more energy into the attack, Genma fought the urge to scream in frustration, after all he wasn't Akane... At least that was what the old Akane would have done. If Genma what have taken a few more moments to think that through he would have realized that even though Akane no longer acted like that usually, she had been once Ranma returned.
Retreating from the close contact with Ranma, the heaving martial artist took to the air hoping that Ranma had become lax in his mid-air training. Later Genma would look back and realize that this day was probably one of his worst. However it was not later, it still was today, and Genma instead thought today WAS his worst day ever.
Ranma watched the poor excuse for a father leap into the air and decided to humor him. As the two traded attacks Ranma called to the man "If you're going to hold back, then I might as well finish this fight quickly anyway." And as if to bring the point home Ranma allowed Genma's haymaker, thrown in retaliation to Ranma's words, to land and send him flying into the second story wall of 'Ucchans'. Twisting moments before impact and rebounding off the wall, Ranma propelled himself directly over Genma before using his ki to perform the revised version of Gen's 'Oga' technique. Instead of bouncing off the wall and onto the ceiling before shooting down onto your opponent, Ranma thanks to his battles with Akuma and Herb, had figured a way to launch downwards without the use of a ceiling to ricochet from.
Genma flipped to look up expecting to see Ranma soar overhead towards the building across the street and then come back at him. He was caught completely flatfooted, well the airborne equivalent of it, at the sight of Ranma shooting straight down into his stomach with Ranma's lower half enshrouded with that aggravating black aura.
Arms clasped behind his back like during their first skirmish, Ranma drove Genma into the ground. As Genma fought off the pain of the attack, a combination of pavement, surprise, and that damn black aura, seemed to increase the ache more than Genma anticipated, Ranma addressed him for a second time. "It's time for you to give it everything you got Genma." Purposefully walking away from Genma and standing opposite of the onlookers from him, Ranma turned to wait for Genma's answer to his challenge.
Genma slowly stood up and gave Ranma a stare that sent chills down everyone else's spine, particularly Nodoka and Soun. "Ranma, don't ever forget that I'm a master of the Anything Goes style."
Nodoka flinched at the chill in his voice. 'This is just like that time 7 years ago.'
Soun was even more worried "The look he's giving Ranma... It's the same look he had when he decided to lock away the master."
Ranma smiled "I've never forgotten. I think you're the one who needed to be reminded. But it seems you're ready to go at it for real now, don't disappoint me."
Genma disappeared from view and Ranma's body was covered in black shadows. Genma reappeared with a kick meeting the black form of Ranma's head. Everyone gasped when Genma's foot sliced clean through "An after-image!" he bellowed before again leaving everyone's sight.
*Wham*
Everyone looked to the outside wall of the Ucchan's where Genma had slammed against it with his arms crossed over his face and an arm from a black figure constantly attacking his defense. With amazing timing Genma threw his arms out from their crossed position and blasted Ranma with an vacuum blade before Ranma's speed punches connected with his face too many times. The black shadows enshrouding Ranma seemed to vaporize away when he was attacked. Rolling backwards and onto his feet, Ranma gave Genma a wide grin. "Better!"
Angered by Ranma's impudence Genma threw several vacuum blades in rapid succession before vanishing again. Ranma paused a moment at the sight before dodging the blades. As the last two came at both high and low positions Ranma actually jumped onto the higher blade before quickly flipping off.
Genma's invisibility died a painful death at Ranma's move. "Impossible!"
Ranma snorted. "Did you really think your old techniques would be that much of a threat to me? Come on let's finish this like we used to do when you trained me. I'll let you punch or kick me once then I'll do the same, you remember don't you." Ranma almost spit out the last sentence.
"What is he talking about.?" Nodoka asked.
Soun gulped 'If that lady's a psychic it'll probably be pointless to try to stay silent.' "Well, one of our training exercises when we were with the master was to trade punches with each other. It improved our threshold for pain. As well as Genma improving his endurance and me learning the more vulnerable spots on a body. I imagine one of the reasons Ranma was always so good at recovering from injuries was because of similar training with Genma. I honestly don't know when the two of them began that kind of exercise... I'm sure Ranma wasn't very young." Soun amended quickly.
Genma growled "I'll make you regret your arrogance. KIYAH!" Genma practically flew across the space between him and Ranma. The watchers could feel the wind blow as he passed them. Genma's whole body was glowing with power as he neared ever closer to Ranma.
Ranma began to laugh as Genma closed in on him. "Oh before I forget, I hit a pressure point on you." Ranma chuckled.
Genma's aura blinked out of existence when he was only inches away from Ranma. Genma grabbed his hand in pain when he connected with Ranma's unmoving face. "My turn." Ranma cocked his arm back began to swing at Genma, only to stop halfway. Everyone blinked when Genma jumped away before Ranma even began his attack.
"Going for your secret technique eh?" Ranma smiled as Genma continued to jump back from him. "It won't work tonight." Ranma covered his body in black shadows again.
Genma stopped moving and tried to sense Ranma. He was pretty sure the black figure standing where Ranma originally was was an after-image. He gasped as he felt Ranma right behind him, breathing down his neck. "What now Genma?"
Genma tried to jump to the rooftops to escape but was given an rude reminder of his lack of power when he barely made it to the second floor of the buildings. Ranma flipped onto his hands and sprung up into the air. As he reached Genma he threw hundreds of kicks into Genma's back while staying upside down and rising into the air.
"Rising lightning kick!" Was the last thing Genma heard before passing out.
Ranma laid a final kick into Genma back, allowing the kick to send himself flying back to the ground where landed on his hands. Flipping back onto his feet Ranma watched Genma fly a few more feet into the air before plummeting back to earth.
Turning to Nodoka, Ranma picked up the Neko-ken manual and tossed it to her. "Read it. I'll see you tomorrow to hear your decision on Ranko and her training with Genma. Rose if you don't mind, I think we have things to discuss."
Rose nodded to him before giving everyone a smile "It was interesting meeting you all. I hope to see some of you at the 'Masters of the Fist tournament'. I believe there will be a few surprises you don't want to miss." Rose smirked before joining Ranma as he walked towards Ranko.
"I'll see you again tomorrow." Ranma smiled at the little redhead.
"Okay, you promise to tell me some more about what happened when you went with Gen to China?"
"I promise." Ranma nodded. He then faced the others "I'll stop by tomorrow before I leave Ucchan. Until next time Tendo's." Ranma waved as he stepped beside Rose and strolled away.
"Hmm... It will be difficult to get him engaged to one of my daughters..." Soun scratched his chin. He gulped when he felt several piercing glares being sent his way. "But for now I should see to Genma." Soun wasted no time in putting some distance between him and his girls.
Nodoka looked down at the book in her hands. "I have a feeling I won't like what's in here..."
Nabiki spoke up next "Believe me you won't." She then walked over to the unresponsive Genma and kicked him in the belly.
"Nabiki!" Soun cried.
"Come on, you heard he tried to teach the neko-ken to Keiko. He deserves it."
Soun declined to comment.
__________
"You know Bison is coming." Rose mentioned to Ranma.
"I figured he would. Who's he teaming with?"
"Geese."
"Interesting." was all Ranma said.
"Are you sure about Iori and Chizuru teaming up? You do remember what happen to his last partners." Rose glanced at him.
"I believe she can help him." Ranma gave Rose a mysterious smile that suited her better than him.
"Because she's from one of the clans?" Rose raised an eyebrow. 'Kyo's from one of them as well and he sure isn't much of a help to Iori...'
"Heh. I had forgotten about that." Ranma smiled.
Rose stopped walking "It that isn't why..."
"Don't worry about it, you weren't there for all of Yagami's training."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"What about some of the other teams?" Ranma changed the subject.
"Well... Kyo has his teammate." Rose smiled at Ranma's twitch. 'He's still upset at Kyo for trying that move on Iori and Orochi.'
"Well who is it." Ranma pressed on.
Rose gave Ranma a heart stopping smile. "Terry Bogard."
Ranma paused in his walk. "Really. Very Interesting." His smile was almost ear to ear. "This tournament is going to be fun..."
To Be Continued.
Next time: Travels- Ranma's journey from Japan to China with Gen is full of challenges, and not all physical. Also what will Nodoka decide after reading the Neko-ken manual. And what other teams will be announced?
quail12001@yahoo.com
