An Adventure of a Lifetime
Disclaimer: I own neither Ranma1/2 or DBZ
Chapter 4: Tournament cont'd
"Ladies and Gentleman, your champion and savior Hercule will be fighting next," the announcer said. The crowd surged and roared. In anticipation of the champion, they clapped and yelled for a full 5 minutes. "The announcer waited until they were down to finish. "He will be facing a newcomer to the tournament, Ryouga Hibiki!" The crowd booed and hissed.
"Don't let it get you down P-Chan," Ranma said as he tried to encourage the stricken Ryouga. Ryouga shook it off.
"I'm not the same person you knew Ranma. I grew up a lot these past 9 months," he said and walked away towards the ring where Hercule was posing. He stood right in front of Hercule and said with a little disgust, "You are no hero, you don't even have the Ki of a good martial artist. I will expose you. " Hercule blinked and then rose up to his full height.
"Why you little punk. I'm gonna teach you to respect the man who saved you from Cell! Yeah!" he exclaimed as he once again posed to the crowd. Dumb kid calling me a fake. I might not of beat Cell but I can beat some snot nosed kid though.' Both fighters leveled in their stances. Hercule attacked first with a punch. To Ryouga, Hercule was pitifully slow; in almost slow motion Ryouga stepped inside his guard and delivered an elbow to the man's sternum. The impact knocked Hercule back a few feet. Clutching his chest, he looked wide eye at the boy. What the hell! I hope he doesn't turn into one of those gold fighters.' He launched himself in an all out attack of kicks and punches. Almost lazily Ryouga swatted and blocked them.
Wow all that training has really paid off. I wonder if this is what Ranma saw in the past when I attacked him,' he thought as he caught the champ's hand and pulled him into his knee. Blood flew out Hercules' mouth. A cry of "Dad!" momentarily distracted Ryouga. He looked over and dropped Hercule, who kneeled, on the floor gasping. The announcer started the ten-count, while Videl looked on. As the announcer reached 7 Hercule jumped to his feet.
"Yeah! I fight on," he said much to the delight of the stunned crowd. They were beginning to think Hercule wouldn't win.
"So your still up huh? Well try this on, Bandana grenades!" Ryouga shouted. Whipping of 3 bandanas he charged them up and threw them at Hercule. They were just to fast as they impacted his chest and exploded blasting him out the ring. The announcer said to a stunned crow, "And Ryouga has defeated Hercule by ring out and knock out! We will indeed have a new champion this year folks!" Videl and the paramedics carted Hercule to the infirmary. Ryouga merely walked away ignoring boos and cries of the audience.
He plays rough. Good, he'll need that,' thought Vegetta. Up next were Goku and Piccolo. Vegetta leaned against a wall and got a better view. Lets hope this is entertaining.'
Piccolo walked out first followed by Goku. They took their places in the center of the ring. No words were exchanged. It was understood that was the past reliving its self in the present. Images of past battles against each flickered in each of the fighter's head. With a grin from Goku and a smirk from Piccolo, the battle was joined. Each had on weighted clothes, but that made no difference to them. The fight, though toned down so the audience could see, was intense. Each fighter held nothing back. The Namek's claws scratched the proud warrior face and arms. Every blow landed sent waves of power through the arena. Taking the fight to the air to avoid ring damage wowed the crowd further. Throughout out o tournament they have seen aerial battle, but not on this scale. Ki blasts were overpowered by bigger blasts only to be sent into orbit. Blows were countered and exchanged.
The parts not to fast for Ranma, Ryouga, and Malik to see, showed that while they had much power, their techniquewas flawed.
"Hey Ranma, notice anything?" Ryouga asked while Goku was slammed to the ground only to leap in the air again. Ranma studied the fight carefully; he went 3 minutes without answering.
"As a matter of I do, Ryouga," he replied. "They are not that goodjust really strong and fast. I mean don't get me wrong they are good, but not as skilled as I thought they would be." Ryouga nodded. Piccolo and Goku flashed out of sight for a minute, then reappeared in the ring 5 feet from each other. Their clothing was ripped and blood leaked from various wounds. Piccolo had the upper hand throughout the fight. But it was not yet over. With a yell Goku transformed in a Super Sayain. Every fighter that could sense ki went numb at the explosion of power. He did not stop there though. He went to the next level. Piccolo powered to his maximum and took off his weighted clothes. Upon hitting the ground they made a crater two feet deep. Malik shook his head at this display of strength and power. They blasted towards each other again. For a full 5 minutes they could not be seen. Sounds of flesh hitting flesh and the occasional thunder wave were heard. Then Piccolo crashed into a wall slid down landing on the ground. The announcer yelled, "Goku is the winner by ring out. What an amazing battle folks, give them both a hand." The crowd sat stunned for a minute, and then erupted into a loud applause. Goku smiled and put his hand behind his head, laughed and walked to help Piccolo up. After getting to his feet Piccolo shook Goku's hand and then gave him a look as to say this isn't over. The next three fights were uneventful and unimportant. Vegetta, Gohan and #18 all advanced to the quarterfinals.
Seeing the ring being so damaged from the incredible power (namely Vegetta making a crater by powering up), an intermission was called for. The fighters took this time to rest and recuperate. In the Nerima and Z fighters' case, devour food in impossible amounts. Even Malik came down to eat. It was an odd affair. With the Z fighters and Malik on one side and Ranma and his friends on the other, it was a bit strained. Opponents sat side by side or across from each other. Ryouga and Malik stared down each other. Everyone noticed that. Krillan nudged Gohan, "Hey, what do you think is up with those two," he whispered to the Sayian after he was done eating.
"I don't know. Maybe they are like dad and Vegetta," he whispered back. Krillan laughed at that and shook his head. Meanwhile Ryouga and Malik finally spoke.
"I will have my victory today Ryouga Hibiki. I had hoped to see you again soon, after you defeated me. The fates smiled when the good doctor you left me with told me your name and where you where headed. I'm so glad I was headed to the same placetracking you down would not have been fun," he said with a little sneer.
Ryouga snarled and said, " Sorry to disappoint you, but will not beat me today. You will not keep me from give Ranma the beating he deserves." A large spatula found its way on Ryouga's head.
"Don't talk that way about Ranchan!" yelled Ukyo. The meal turned into a typical meal in Nerima, except even the Z fighters got into it with each other. 30 minutes later the ring was fixed and Ranma and Ryouga recovered from their beatings (Ranma pissed Akane off again). The announcer pumped the crowd up again.
"Well folks it is time for the quarter finals. If you thought the opening round was action packed, just you wait. The next fight is between Tien, who defeated Krillin, and Ranma! Give them a hand," he said. The crowd responded by clapping. Ranma went out first followed by Tien. In the audience he heard all his friends rooting him on. He felt his confidence soar to new heights. I will beat this guy. I can beat anybody.' He blazed his battle aura and put forth his normal stance. Tien just lowered into a defensive stance. Ok this guy is stronger than Saffron, not to mention way faster. So I can't just rush in. But if he lands the first hit I'm done for. I gotta take it to him.'
Making up his mind Ranma rushed at his opponent. Starting off simple, he punched and kicked at a speed that would get Tien to lower his guard a bit. Even though when Tien blocked Ranma's limbs felt numb, he still pressed on until he found his opening. Tien took to long to raise his guard and Ranma burst forth, using his ki to boost his speed just enough to slip in, he performed his burning fists attack. The first 20 hit Tien full force, but he recovered and blocked the rest.
"Pretty good, Tien said as he blocked another burning fists attack. The two danced around the ring. To Tien this was walk in the park, but Ranma was straining. Leaping backward he thrust out his hands and yelled "Moko Takabisha!" A ball of energy flew out toward the other fighter. It was swatted back to Ranma. However the ball was a distraction. Using a version of the forbidden techniques, he slipped behind Tien and tapped a pressure point that would knock him out.
To his horror all it did was stumble him a bit. He was too shocked to move as Tien turned and punched him in the gut. He felt his insides moved around in unnatural ways. The air rushed out of him. The second punch to the back of his head nearly knocked him out. Looks like fighting Ryouga paid off in the pain tolerance department. Rolling on the ground, he put some distance between each other to clear his head. Instinct alone made him jump into the air. 3 streaming balls of ki flew under his feet. Landing on his feet, Ranma realized Tien was playing with him. He decided to make him pay.
Moving around into a spiral he kept his aura under control. Using all his speed he dodged Tien's attacks and taunted him. He knew Tien would not attack him to end the fight. This fight reminded him of fighting the old ghoul when she was trying to test his abilities. The older warrior took offence to the boy's comments about his eye and his best friend. His aura hit the breaking point. That was the signal he waited for.
Throwing his fist in the air he shouted, "Hiyruu Shoten Ha revised- dragon assault!" A large tornado sprung up and engulfed Tien tossing him in the air. Just as he began to recover, Ranma pumped his aura of cold into it and forced the swirling mass to become dull blades. Simultaneously the tornado turned upside down and slammed Tien into the ring. When it cleared Tien was very badly bruised. Various cuts were on his body and his pants were ripped. Getting up he spat out blood and shook his head. Ranma was stunned.
"There is no fucking way he could be standing. That used his own ki to do the damage. Un-unless he has even more ki that I imagined," Ranma said to himself. Ryouga and Malik looked on with disbelief. Gathering himself, Ranma went into a fighting stance. Tien looked at this boy with new respect.
"You actually manage to hurt me. That shouldn't have been possible. You are a great fighter Ranma," he said with respect. Powering up he blurred out and reappeared with his knee in Ranma's stomach. Akane looked away as the air was driven from his lungs. Ranma slumped down and did not stir. Tien got impatient with the ten-count and picked Ranma up and gently put him out the ring. Akane and the wrecking crew ran to his side. They whisked him away to the infirmary.
Piccolo went up to Tien and congratulated him on a job well done. Ryouga and Malik went to the ring. Both stared at each other for the longest time. They tuned out the crowd and the announcer. With an unknown signal, both fighters leaped at each other. They met in the air throwing punches and kicks. Landing on the ground, they bounced away from each other and fired ki blasts at each other. Shouts of "Shi shi hadoken" and "Flash attack" were heard. The two blasts connected and a loud explosion was heard. Smoke filled the ring. Each fighter searched for the others ki. Malik being a better ki user locked on to Ryouga first. He grinned evilly, "got you," he said under his breath.
Forming two large balls of fire and ki, he threw his hands out and said "Homing fireballs!" The balls of fire tore through the smoke nearly hitting Ryouga. He dodged just in time. Thinking he was safe, he ran toward Malik, but his danger sense kicked in and he rolls to the right. The fireballs hovered right in front of Malik. Ryouga stands up and looks at them. Malik grins and says, "Do you like them. The element fire is so hard to deal with, but I find that this is very effective. See, by pumping more ki in it, I can make them stronger and faster. I suggest you run." The fireballs took off after Ryouga, who dodged and jumped all around the ring. He finally stopped and crossed his arms in front of his face. His clothes glows green as the balls neared. He was hit full force, but it only moved him back a few steps. Lowering his arms he smirked at Malik.
"Iron Cloth training, wonderful for situations like that." Ranma shouted out words of encouragement from the sidelines having recovered enough to be present. Malik simply got into his stance and waited. "Directional breaking point," he shouted. The debris hit Malik and stunned him. As he recovered Ryouga threw some bandana grenades at him. One hit him in the ribs and he dodged the other two. Pressing his advantage, Ryouga rushed at him and connected only to have his fist pass through his opponent. Even the Z warriors were shocked.
"What the hell! There is no way that kid is that fast," Vegetta shouted.
"You're right Vegetta he isn't. He used his ki to create an image of himself and hid the real him. Quite impressive," Piccolo clarified. The rest of the fighters nodded and return to watch the fight, where in the ring Malik has just landed a kick to the side of Ryouga's head. Warping backwards to avoid being grabbed he thrust his arms out and says, "Wind blades." Tiny distortions of air are all the warning Ryouga receives as cuts sprang up on his body and his clothing. He fell to his knees.
"It's over Ryouga you will not win this time."
"Oh yeah, well try thisShin Breaking point," Ryouga yelled. Learning his lesson from before Malik jumped high in the air and shouted out, "Pressure barrage!" Punching the air in a chestnut fist way, he distorted the air and it crashed down on Ryouga. Each distortion hit a vital spot on the lost boy's body. Already weakened from the wind blades he was no match for the nerve strikes. He was knocked unconscious and temporary paralyzed for the ten-count. Malik raised his hand in triumph. He then walked off the ring to the back. Goku came up to the young man before he went out to fight Vegetta. Malik was sitting on the floor meditating.
"Hey that was some great stuff out there. You are really strong, and so are your friends." Malik made a face at that.
"They are not my friends, but thank you for the compliment. I realize that I am not up to your level of power," he paused," or you're friends for that matter. But I would like to train with you sometime."
"Sure that would be great, after the tournament we can work something out," he said as he walked out to face Vegetta, who was already in the ring. 2 hrs later and a wrecked ring, Vegetta was the victor. The tournament was wrapped up Gohan defeating Vegetta and Tien defeating Malik. In the end Gohan was the new worlds strongest.
After the Tournament:
The Z warriors and the Nerima crew stood around each other. Malik put some distance between him and the rest. Plans were being made to welcome the new warriors.
"Ranma why do you have to go train with them?" asked all his fiancées. Akari asked Ryouga the same thing. The boys had a little trouble convincing them. However in the end they relented and let them train, as long as they stayed in touch. Bulma and Chi-chi decided whom they would keep. Ranma would go with Bulma; Malik would go with Chi-chi. Just as they were about to decide who would keep Ryouga, Piccolo spoke up.
"I want the boy, he needs discipline and direction. Besides his speed is horrendous." Ryouga started to become angry with that. Akari held his hand and he calmed. "We will be needing gravity belts," he said to Bulma. "Plus weighted clothes," he addressed to Chi-chi. Both women stared at him but agreed. Goku then spoke up.
"Yeah, we want to get them up to our level as quick as possible." Bulma nodded.
"Ok Goku we will do that for you." His wife also nodded. During all this Malik was thinking about his master.
I hope I have made proud.' All arrangements made Ranma and Ryouga said their good-byes. They left to embark on the most difficult training of their lives.
Wow what a long chapterI decided to end the tournament early. Now the training begins. Oh and a villain should appear shortly. What till you see him. Heh heh. Until then please read and review.
