A/N:
OK, I'm back, I'm sorry for those people who are confused, I sort of didn't mean for that to happen, I say sort of because the confusion is actually part of the story, you see most of the books that I've read in my seventeen years of life have had a character who's sort of on the outside looking in, but also in the middle of things. What I mean to say is that someone who is seeing and experiencing things but not really knowing how or why things are happening.
For example.
Ever read the 'Sword of Truth' series, with Richard Cypher, Kahlan Amnell, Zedd and so on?. Well, in those stories, most obviously the first book 'Wizard's First Rule', we see the world through Richard's eyes seeing what he sees and thinking what he thinks and not understanding things around him, but always with him.
Ukyo is my Richard Cypher, in that she will see things that she won't understand, and not know where the source of some of the things that Ranma can do stem from.
The problem is with my story that I don't think that I'm doing the whole 'character accompaniment' thing very well. I'm sorry about this, I sort of can't help it, you see I'm a reader not really a writer. In my lifetime I've read several books, but only really tried to write two stories. Including this one.
Yes, I know that schools and general places of academia always tell you to write stories, but I was never really enthused enough, far more interested in foreign languages and how they worked then actually trying to write stories.
OK, now on with the story.
Questions? Same E-mail address as earlier. Damian_triste@hotmail.com
Thank you for the reviews. It's really nice to know that there are people out there who like my writing.
THANKYOU !!!!!
Worth: Chapter 3
Disclaimer: Over 5300, I ain't adding more.
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
'What the hell is going on here'
Was the prevailing thought throughout the journey through the third world that Ukyo visited. Ranma had once again used the third revision of the Bakusei Tenkhetsu technique, and ripped apart the air itself revealing deep green foliage. And then she watched as the air closed itself again, a vacuum filling the empty space.
Ukyo tried to remember the number of questions that she would ask Ranma as soon as she was out of his head.
Hosting bothered her to no end not only because in this state she was intangible (no one could touch her) but also the fact that Ranma didn't seem to be able to hear her while she was hosting.
That didn't necessarily mean that she was alone, far from it in fact.
She had recently met three; yes she reminded herself, count them, one Brawny, rippling, and well-mannered Body. Two, smaller and less muscular but far more intelligent, well-dressed and gentlemanly Mind. And of course who could forget, the gigantic, friendly but emotional Heart.
Yes she assured herself THREE Ranmas.
And not one of them was willing to explain what she had seen the real Ranma do. How Ranma had turned towards the figure who looked identical to Akane, Ukyo's heart had rejoiced, finally they would be happy.
But when she saw Ranma place his hand on Akane's and then twist the whole arm to an unnatural angle, she was horrified. Watching Akane change into that big red scaly thing that her mind classified as a demon was not a pretty sight. And then it's death.
'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE' Ukyo thought-roared in total confusion.
"Write them down, you might not remember all the questions you have for him" a voice behind her said evenly "organise your thoughts, you'll feel better afterwards". Ukyo turned to see Body handing a pen and a notepad.
"Thank you", she said as she took them "but why can't you just tell me what happened to Ranma. What could he have done in twelve weeks, to let him know when there was someone masquerading as Akane, and then be able to harm the image of Akane like that? This is totally weird!"
Body smiled, a mixture of understanding, sympathy and apology rolled into one stretching of facial muscles.
Ukyo's anger was diffused but it was replaced with determination to get the information that she hoped would make sense.
And so she began writing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ranma was on the outside. Looking for his friend, he just hopes that she hadn't been visited by any new nuisances, and thus had to move her location of residence again.
He ran through the greenery at a fast pace, in the blink of an eye he would travel a hundred metres, but even this speed was too slow if he was to rescue Ak-Her and bring her home today. So he leapt and sent his Chi behind him creating propulsion, a jet of blue flames, now this was the way to travel. Surely, he mused to himself humans should have been born with wings if only to experience the sheer pleasure of flying, watching the ground pass underneath you.
Yes indeed long, gracious, snow-white…
Delirium's 'Silence' was suddenly bouncing along the insides of his ear-drums, his earlier musings about humans and how they should have been born with wings had sparked off a memory that he wished hadn't. One word was immediately bitter, almost acidic on his tongue, Ranma wished he could spit the taste of word and its affect on him away, but it didn't only reside on his tongue but it weighed heavily on his mind, like a ten ton block of lead balanced upon the point of a needle.
Saffron.
Ranma knew that he had still not yet earned the privilidge to speak Her name, he would let Ukyo, if only because Ukyo had never betrayed Her, at least never really. The contest for Ranma's affections was really just that- a contest. There was never any malice between Ukyo and Her. Shampoo may have been a different case, however her reason for the various potions, poisons, schemes and plotting was simply that as far as she was concerned she was fighting for Ranma. To keep him for her self. Yes, it was selfish, but it was the truth.
He would often slip into these anguish filled musings, from time to time they would hurt him to the point where he would voluntarily Bleed, if only to relieve the pain and being in a comatose state for a few hours was a very effective way in which to forget pain.
He would make himself worthy of Her again, he swore to himself that he would save her, a thousand times over if it was necessary, but he would. He would gladly have died for her if necessary. These weren't the manic ravings of a depraved mind, he recognised the signs of insanity and there were no traces of the black, velvety, fluid substance in any part of his body.
Ranma noticed the mountain approaching and also noticed that the music had changed, it was rising to a crescendo that was causing his heart rate to increase, a grin lit up his face, this was what he lived for. So thinking Ranma raised his body upwards and poured more energy into the jet of blue light emitting from his feet, he flew upwards but at a slight angle so that he would reach the friend soon enough. Sensing the air thinning around him, the lower temperature and the slight difficulty he had in breathing, he stopped his ascent and stood motionless in the air. Ranma looked downwards and noticed the speck of a mountain below him. He had guessed right. Suddenly the jet of energy ceased, and Ranma sped downwards at a alarming velocity. Or rather the velocity was alarming to Ukyo, who had finished the list and was now watching Ranma's movements. She had watched from the apex of his ascent and was now watching as his seemingly limp body plummeted to the ground, air ripping past him causing his braided hair to slap violently around his head, his open shirt was pressed against his back and he just waited. Finally, not a hundred metres from the ground he moved his body in the air again, feet facing the ground he dumped more raw energy downwards slowing his descent considerably. He landed on the ground in short order, the grass bent away from the aura that surrounded him, standing up straight again, his aura flickering out of existence he yelled.
"Where are you Witch?"
A few minutes passed until finally a woman entered the clearing. She was hidden quite well from Ukyo's view by the traveller's cloak she was wearing. Ukyo noticed that only her face was showing. As the traveller's cloak was removed she gawked at the disarmingly beautiful woman standing in front of her, she had curves that could have made even Shampoo green with envy! How dare Ranma associate himself with her when he loved Akane? How could he? She turned to confront the Trio about Ranma's unfaithfulness, when Mind interrupted her saying that she wouldn't want to miss what was about to happen, and to see if she recognised anything. Curious as to what the boy meant she turned around and continued watching the scene unfold before her.
"What do you want whelp?" the woman replied. Her hands placed on her voluptuous waist.
"I want some information, I don't know any other witches around these parts so I thought to come to you, don't know why, not like your any good with Information and such" Ranma remarked casually a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Ooh, you're going to pay for that boy!" she said eyes narrowing to fine lines.
"I challenge you Ranma Saotome" the woman glid into a ready stance that Ukyo would have gambled her mega spatula that she recognised. It was the same as Ranma's!
"Have you been practicing Witch?" Ranma inquired.
The Woman looked indignant. "Of course!"
"Come on then. Come at me, and we'll see how well you've been practicing" Ranma said, but no motion to provide a guard against any impending attack, but the woman stood still.
"Not this time Boy, this time you attack first I'm not going to be embarrassed again!" she said defiantly.
"Fine here I come lady ready or not" he said a slight smile on his face.
Before the woman could blink, Ranma was already behind her twirling something around his fingers.
"Give me back my broach Ranma, okay fine I admit I haven't practiced alright? Happy now? It's really difficult when that childish fool is bothering me!"
The woman replied after turning around, her hands returning to her waist. Then she extended her hand and crooked one finger inwards as if motioning to Ranma to come closer.
Ranma felt the tug and tried to resist it but found his will buffeted by her's.
"Fine, yes you have a huge advantage over me, as far as Magic is concerned I admit it" he said a wide smile on his face.
The woman drew her face closer and kissed Ranma on the forehead. Ranma instantly became rigid, his back straight, arms by his side, but his eyes turned skywards in concession to any deities watching him.
"You remember that when you call me a Witch next time, Ranma" she smirked, a beautiful smile lit up her already gorgeous features.
"Yes Ms Shota" he drawled in an impudent-student-talking-to-a-scolding-teacher-voice.
(A/N: No I don't own any of the cast from the 'Sword of Truth' series, they are solely the property of The Mighty Terry Goodkind, I didn't want to add the disclaimer earlier because it would have ruined the surprise, I think I might do the same with others as well. No this is not really a cross-over fanfic, because the additional characters will only really be around for about a chapter, if that. So don't fret).
Shota gave Ranma a withering look but Ranma just stuck out his tongue and then braced his arms against the invisible forces holding him.
Shota watched this with mild interest, her arms crossed over her stomach.
In a matter of moment Ranma was no longer constricted by the invisible bonds, he shook his arms to regain feeling in them and walked towards Shota, pride shining through in his aura, a light, golden hue.
"My, My, are you getting better or have you built up an immunity to my kisses Ranma?" Shota asked cheekily.
"Haven't had time to build up an immunity, what with the two times you have ever kissed me Shota, including this one, so I guess it's the former. I've been practicing unlike a certain someone I know, and don't call Richard a childish fool, he's only looking out for you" Ranma replied.
Shota waved away the explanation and the bait and instead became aware of a great amount of anger directed at her. Trying to sense what the source was, praying that it wasn't some rogue Sister of the Dark, it wouldn't do to have to kill someone upon the first few minutes of Ranma's arrival.
Still looking around Shota realised with some confusion that the anger was being emitted from Ranma himself.
"Ranma, why are you angry with me? Have I done something to offend you?"
However before Ranma could answer Shota realised what she was sensing here and was amazed at the possibility of learning a new magic.
"Who do we have here? Ranma, you didn't tell me I was to be entertaining a guest" she said.
"Guest? Who do you see Shota" Ranma asked surely she couldn't sense Ucchan.
"I sense a girl. Is it Her Ranma? The girl you were looking for?" Shota asked excited that he had found his love.
"No, not her it is someone whom I hold dear to me, a valuable friend" Raanma sent a thought directly to Ukyo.
'Erm Ucchan? Firstly please don't be angry, Shota is just a friend, you know like a female friend. Secondly would you mind coming out, totally your choice of course but its just that Shota's wanted to meet the gang for a while, and now that you're here I was wondering if I could introduce you to her and vice versa. What do you say Ucchan?" He asked almost pleading.
Ukyo couldn't bring herself to not want to meet one of Ranma's friends and possible masters. So she accepted and felt herself being tugged out of Ranma, out into the world around her.
"Incredible!" this from Shota. "How do you do Miss?" Shota asked bowing slightly. Ukyo bowed in reply, stood up and extended her hand in greeting.
"Fine thank you Shota, My name is Ukyo Kuonji by the way." Ukyo felt herself trusting Shota almost explicitely, yes Ukyo had never in her life seen someone like Shota, but if she was a friend of Ranma's then surely there was no need to worry.
"Welcome Ukyo, to Midland." Shota replied grasping the hand lightly, only for her hand to pass straight through Ukyo's intangible form.
Ukyo flushed in embarrassement at having forgotten she was still ethereal.
So she started talking to fill the awkwardness of the situation.
"Erm…I don't mean to be rude at all Shota but I was wondering how you knew Ranma, were you one of his teachers?" Ukyo asked ignoring Ranma for the moment. This was part of one of the questions that she wanted answered by Ranma herself.
"Not quite Ukyo, I met with Ranma quite by accident, although I think I would prefer to think of it as fate" she smiled towards Ranma and then indicated for the boy and the girl to follow her in to her home.
As they sat down and Shota served only Ranma tea, after he told her about Ukyo not being tangible, to which she grumbled something about overprotective jackasses.
"Anyway, on with the story, when Ranma came to our world he first met with Richard who thought that Ranma was a dark wizard what with suddenly appearing out of thin air, and so he attacked him, but Ranma was obviously quite distressed and he put Richard down quite promptly, fortunately he didn't kill Richard or there would have been a lot of trouble for him, the Council of Wizards is too new to have to deal with something as big as the death of their Lord and chairman"
Ukyo gaped at the story, ignoring the question of how Ranma managed to get to the Midlands in the first place.
Ranma waved away the disapproving stare from Ukyo.
"You don't know the story Ucchan, please don't assume anything yet, and anyway I was in total control, I would never have killed Richard, I'm far too nice for that" Ranma received withering glances from the two women sitting near him.
Just then there was a knock at the door to Shota's home. Followed by the sound of the door opening and footsteps.
Any apprehension Ranma may have felt was immediately dispersed as the figure let themself be known.
"Hello? Shota are you there? I just dropped by to see if you noticed the sky today" Ukyo heard the voice and knew that the male voice was by no means threatening, and was pleasant.
"In here Old man!" replied Shota.
Ranma stood up to greet the figure. As the man entered, Ukyo's first impressions were of a very old man, seemingly very weak of body and mind, but this was exactly the impression she was intended to have.
"Ranma! You're back, how have things been going for you m'boy?" the old man walked towards Ranma extending his hand, which Ranma held in his own.
"Things are good Zedd, how about you?"
"Good, very good" Zedd looked over towards Ukyo and bowed expansively. And while still at the lowest point, motioned towards Ranma to introduce them.
"Tut, Ucchan this is the Great First Wizard Zeddicus Zu'l Zorrander, he's my master, known to those who don't like his actual name and to his friends as Zedd" motioning to the now upright Old.
"Pleased to be of your acquaintance" Ukyo bowed.
But before Zedd could reply Ranma interrupted.
"Alright just stop now, we're wasting time, if we want to find Her before I grow old and keep over we have to get things done quicker, Zedd I need to speak to you and Shota concerning the return of the Demon-lord, we all know and love"
Zedd was initially abashed. He realised that this girl in front of him was not the girl Ranma had trained so hard to release from death's grip, so he shrugged his shoulders and idly scratched his chin wondering about any demons that he had encountered during Ranma's month with him.
Then it came to him.
"Dementus? But you got rid of him didn't you Ranma? Blasted his body to ashes I seem to recall"
"Of course I did, I know and remember that as well, but it looks like he might be back, you have to tell Richard, give him time to prepare for his reappearance, alright that's all I wanted to tell you, we're leaving now come on Ucchan"
Ranma promptly got up and made for the door.
"Still haven't found her yet have you Ranma?" Zedd inquired, his voice tinged with sadness, since the return of his own wife, he couldn't have been happier, he owed a lot to the braided boy for rescuing his wife.
"No" Ranma stated, his earlier happy tone became more sombre.
"I had to kill another image of Her, you probably have no idea what that's like Zedd, having to rip apart a loved one, who you know isn't really a loved one, you know it only looks like it but that doesn't change the truth of the matter." He sighed. "Good bye Zedd, Shota, it was great to see you again, give my best to Richard, Kahlan and the boys"
Ranma shook his head in defeat. And started walking again, Ukyo saw a sorrowful look pass between the Witch and the First Wizard, and she promptly left the house.
A million questions buzzing in her head. When she had reached Ranma, she walked silently alongside him.
"Ukyo, we have to get back to looking for Her, do you want to host again or would you prefer to stay outside?" Ranma asked breaking the silence.
"Outside" she replied.
They continued walking in silence until Ukyo asked the questions she had wondered about earlier.
"Ranma, I want to know what happened" Ukyo asked tentively, but with a tone that wouldn't brook any argument. "I want to know what happened after Akane's death, and your leaving Nerima."
Ranma turned and faced her and looked at her with eyes that seemed to dare that she demand the knowledge from him.
He was in fact wondering whether or not she actually wanted to know or if Ukyo was just trying to break the silence by being talkative.
He saw the sincerity and sighed as he turned around again thinking about where he should start.
"Ok. Where do you want me to start?"
"Start at the beginning, when you first decided to leave Nerima"
"Fine…"
End of Chapter 3
Ok that's Chapter 3.
Remember people that this is, will be and always has been a Ranma/Akane fanfic.
Yes I would like to admit that I'm a bit heart broken with the lack of reviews. Please DON'T anyone do an Akane and misunderstand or jump to conclusion. To the ladies and gents who HAVE reviewed I'm very thankful. NO REALLY I AM….don't look at me like that it ain't nice.
Seriously though, Thank you.
Chapter 4 is on the way I've actually already written a bit of it, I promise not to make the flashbacks their own mini-stories, I plan on going through some of the REALLY important masters that he's trained with…we even know one of them *DUN DUN DUUUUUN*
Although there will be some masters that are TOTALLY UNCONVENTIONAL, and not really martial artists, but this is my story and I'm gonna write it the way I want to.
The Chapters will not be uploaded thick and fast, as much as I'd like to it isn't happening. Sorry! But my teachers are setting more and more work.
Don't forget to Review
OK, I'm back, I'm sorry for those people who are confused, I sort of didn't mean for that to happen, I say sort of because the confusion is actually part of the story, you see most of the books that I've read in my seventeen years of life have had a character who's sort of on the outside looking in, but also in the middle of things. What I mean to say is that someone who is seeing and experiencing things but not really knowing how or why things are happening.
For example.
Ever read the 'Sword of Truth' series, with Richard Cypher, Kahlan Amnell, Zedd and so on?. Well, in those stories, most obviously the first book 'Wizard's First Rule', we see the world through Richard's eyes seeing what he sees and thinking what he thinks and not understanding things around him, but always with him.
Ukyo is my Richard Cypher, in that she will see things that she won't understand, and not know where the source of some of the things that Ranma can do stem from.
The problem is with my story that I don't think that I'm doing the whole 'character accompaniment' thing very well. I'm sorry about this, I sort of can't help it, you see I'm a reader not really a writer. In my lifetime I've read several books, but only really tried to write two stories. Including this one.
Yes, I know that schools and general places of academia always tell you to write stories, but I was never really enthused enough, far more interested in foreign languages and how they worked then actually trying to write stories.
OK, now on with the story.
Questions? Same E-mail address as earlier. Damian_triste@hotmail.com
Thank you for the reviews. It's really nice to know that there are people out there who like my writing.
THANKYOU !!!!!
Worth: Chapter 3
Disclaimer: Over 5300, I ain't adding more.
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
'What the hell is going on here'
Was the prevailing thought throughout the journey through the third world that Ukyo visited. Ranma had once again used the third revision of the Bakusei Tenkhetsu technique, and ripped apart the air itself revealing deep green foliage. And then she watched as the air closed itself again, a vacuum filling the empty space.
Ukyo tried to remember the number of questions that she would ask Ranma as soon as she was out of his head.
Hosting bothered her to no end not only because in this state she was intangible (no one could touch her) but also the fact that Ranma didn't seem to be able to hear her while she was hosting.
That didn't necessarily mean that she was alone, far from it in fact.
She had recently met three; yes she reminded herself, count them, one Brawny, rippling, and well-mannered Body. Two, smaller and less muscular but far more intelligent, well-dressed and gentlemanly Mind. And of course who could forget, the gigantic, friendly but emotional Heart.
Yes she assured herself THREE Ranmas.
And not one of them was willing to explain what she had seen the real Ranma do. How Ranma had turned towards the figure who looked identical to Akane, Ukyo's heart had rejoiced, finally they would be happy.
But when she saw Ranma place his hand on Akane's and then twist the whole arm to an unnatural angle, she was horrified. Watching Akane change into that big red scaly thing that her mind classified as a demon was not a pretty sight. And then it's death.
'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE' Ukyo thought-roared in total confusion.
"Write them down, you might not remember all the questions you have for him" a voice behind her said evenly "organise your thoughts, you'll feel better afterwards". Ukyo turned to see Body handing a pen and a notepad.
"Thank you", she said as she took them "but why can't you just tell me what happened to Ranma. What could he have done in twelve weeks, to let him know when there was someone masquerading as Akane, and then be able to harm the image of Akane like that? This is totally weird!"
Body smiled, a mixture of understanding, sympathy and apology rolled into one stretching of facial muscles.
Ukyo's anger was diffused but it was replaced with determination to get the information that she hoped would make sense.
And so she began writing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ranma was on the outside. Looking for his friend, he just hopes that she hadn't been visited by any new nuisances, and thus had to move her location of residence again.
He ran through the greenery at a fast pace, in the blink of an eye he would travel a hundred metres, but even this speed was too slow if he was to rescue Ak-Her and bring her home today. So he leapt and sent his Chi behind him creating propulsion, a jet of blue flames, now this was the way to travel. Surely, he mused to himself humans should have been born with wings if only to experience the sheer pleasure of flying, watching the ground pass underneath you.
Yes indeed long, gracious, snow-white…
Delirium's 'Silence' was suddenly bouncing along the insides of his ear-drums, his earlier musings about humans and how they should have been born with wings had sparked off a memory that he wished hadn't. One word was immediately bitter, almost acidic on his tongue, Ranma wished he could spit the taste of word and its affect on him away, but it didn't only reside on his tongue but it weighed heavily on his mind, like a ten ton block of lead balanced upon the point of a needle.
Saffron.
Ranma knew that he had still not yet earned the privilidge to speak Her name, he would let Ukyo, if only because Ukyo had never betrayed Her, at least never really. The contest for Ranma's affections was really just that- a contest. There was never any malice between Ukyo and Her. Shampoo may have been a different case, however her reason for the various potions, poisons, schemes and plotting was simply that as far as she was concerned she was fighting for Ranma. To keep him for her self. Yes, it was selfish, but it was the truth.
He would often slip into these anguish filled musings, from time to time they would hurt him to the point where he would voluntarily Bleed, if only to relieve the pain and being in a comatose state for a few hours was a very effective way in which to forget pain.
He would make himself worthy of Her again, he swore to himself that he would save her, a thousand times over if it was necessary, but he would. He would gladly have died for her if necessary. These weren't the manic ravings of a depraved mind, he recognised the signs of insanity and there were no traces of the black, velvety, fluid substance in any part of his body.
Ranma noticed the mountain approaching and also noticed that the music had changed, it was rising to a crescendo that was causing his heart rate to increase, a grin lit up his face, this was what he lived for. So thinking Ranma raised his body upwards and poured more energy into the jet of blue light emitting from his feet, he flew upwards but at a slight angle so that he would reach the friend soon enough. Sensing the air thinning around him, the lower temperature and the slight difficulty he had in breathing, he stopped his ascent and stood motionless in the air. Ranma looked downwards and noticed the speck of a mountain below him. He had guessed right. Suddenly the jet of energy ceased, and Ranma sped downwards at a alarming velocity. Or rather the velocity was alarming to Ukyo, who had finished the list and was now watching Ranma's movements. She had watched from the apex of his ascent and was now watching as his seemingly limp body plummeted to the ground, air ripping past him causing his braided hair to slap violently around his head, his open shirt was pressed against his back and he just waited. Finally, not a hundred metres from the ground he moved his body in the air again, feet facing the ground he dumped more raw energy downwards slowing his descent considerably. He landed on the ground in short order, the grass bent away from the aura that surrounded him, standing up straight again, his aura flickering out of existence he yelled.
"Where are you Witch?"
A few minutes passed until finally a woman entered the clearing. She was hidden quite well from Ukyo's view by the traveller's cloak she was wearing. Ukyo noticed that only her face was showing. As the traveller's cloak was removed she gawked at the disarmingly beautiful woman standing in front of her, she had curves that could have made even Shampoo green with envy! How dare Ranma associate himself with her when he loved Akane? How could he? She turned to confront the Trio about Ranma's unfaithfulness, when Mind interrupted her saying that she wouldn't want to miss what was about to happen, and to see if she recognised anything. Curious as to what the boy meant she turned around and continued watching the scene unfold before her.
"What do you want whelp?" the woman replied. Her hands placed on her voluptuous waist.
"I want some information, I don't know any other witches around these parts so I thought to come to you, don't know why, not like your any good with Information and such" Ranma remarked casually a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Ooh, you're going to pay for that boy!" she said eyes narrowing to fine lines.
"I challenge you Ranma Saotome" the woman glid into a ready stance that Ukyo would have gambled her mega spatula that she recognised. It was the same as Ranma's!
"Have you been practicing Witch?" Ranma inquired.
The Woman looked indignant. "Of course!"
"Come on then. Come at me, and we'll see how well you've been practicing" Ranma said, but no motion to provide a guard against any impending attack, but the woman stood still.
"Not this time Boy, this time you attack first I'm not going to be embarrassed again!" she said defiantly.
"Fine here I come lady ready or not" he said a slight smile on his face.
Before the woman could blink, Ranma was already behind her twirling something around his fingers.
"Give me back my broach Ranma, okay fine I admit I haven't practiced alright? Happy now? It's really difficult when that childish fool is bothering me!"
The woman replied after turning around, her hands returning to her waist. Then she extended her hand and crooked one finger inwards as if motioning to Ranma to come closer.
Ranma felt the tug and tried to resist it but found his will buffeted by her's.
"Fine, yes you have a huge advantage over me, as far as Magic is concerned I admit it" he said a wide smile on his face.
The woman drew her face closer and kissed Ranma on the forehead. Ranma instantly became rigid, his back straight, arms by his side, but his eyes turned skywards in concession to any deities watching him.
"You remember that when you call me a Witch next time, Ranma" she smirked, a beautiful smile lit up her already gorgeous features.
"Yes Ms Shota" he drawled in an impudent-student-talking-to-a-scolding-teacher-voice.
(A/N: No I don't own any of the cast from the 'Sword of Truth' series, they are solely the property of The Mighty Terry Goodkind, I didn't want to add the disclaimer earlier because it would have ruined the surprise, I think I might do the same with others as well. No this is not really a cross-over fanfic, because the additional characters will only really be around for about a chapter, if that. So don't fret).
Shota gave Ranma a withering look but Ranma just stuck out his tongue and then braced his arms against the invisible forces holding him.
Shota watched this with mild interest, her arms crossed over her stomach.
In a matter of moment Ranma was no longer constricted by the invisible bonds, he shook his arms to regain feeling in them and walked towards Shota, pride shining through in his aura, a light, golden hue.
"My, My, are you getting better or have you built up an immunity to my kisses Ranma?" Shota asked cheekily.
"Haven't had time to build up an immunity, what with the two times you have ever kissed me Shota, including this one, so I guess it's the former. I've been practicing unlike a certain someone I know, and don't call Richard a childish fool, he's only looking out for you" Ranma replied.
Shota waved away the explanation and the bait and instead became aware of a great amount of anger directed at her. Trying to sense what the source was, praying that it wasn't some rogue Sister of the Dark, it wouldn't do to have to kill someone upon the first few minutes of Ranma's arrival.
Still looking around Shota realised with some confusion that the anger was being emitted from Ranma himself.
"Ranma, why are you angry with me? Have I done something to offend you?"
However before Ranma could answer Shota realised what she was sensing here and was amazed at the possibility of learning a new magic.
"Who do we have here? Ranma, you didn't tell me I was to be entertaining a guest" she said.
"Guest? Who do you see Shota" Ranma asked surely she couldn't sense Ucchan.
"I sense a girl. Is it Her Ranma? The girl you were looking for?" Shota asked excited that he had found his love.
"No, not her it is someone whom I hold dear to me, a valuable friend" Raanma sent a thought directly to Ukyo.
'Erm Ucchan? Firstly please don't be angry, Shota is just a friend, you know like a female friend. Secondly would you mind coming out, totally your choice of course but its just that Shota's wanted to meet the gang for a while, and now that you're here I was wondering if I could introduce you to her and vice versa. What do you say Ucchan?" He asked almost pleading.
Ukyo couldn't bring herself to not want to meet one of Ranma's friends and possible masters. So she accepted and felt herself being tugged out of Ranma, out into the world around her.
"Incredible!" this from Shota. "How do you do Miss?" Shota asked bowing slightly. Ukyo bowed in reply, stood up and extended her hand in greeting.
"Fine thank you Shota, My name is Ukyo Kuonji by the way." Ukyo felt herself trusting Shota almost explicitely, yes Ukyo had never in her life seen someone like Shota, but if she was a friend of Ranma's then surely there was no need to worry.
"Welcome Ukyo, to Midland." Shota replied grasping the hand lightly, only for her hand to pass straight through Ukyo's intangible form.
Ukyo flushed in embarrassement at having forgotten she was still ethereal.
So she started talking to fill the awkwardness of the situation.
"Erm…I don't mean to be rude at all Shota but I was wondering how you knew Ranma, were you one of his teachers?" Ukyo asked ignoring Ranma for the moment. This was part of one of the questions that she wanted answered by Ranma herself.
"Not quite Ukyo, I met with Ranma quite by accident, although I think I would prefer to think of it as fate" she smiled towards Ranma and then indicated for the boy and the girl to follow her in to her home.
As they sat down and Shota served only Ranma tea, after he told her about Ukyo not being tangible, to which she grumbled something about overprotective jackasses.
"Anyway, on with the story, when Ranma came to our world he first met with Richard who thought that Ranma was a dark wizard what with suddenly appearing out of thin air, and so he attacked him, but Ranma was obviously quite distressed and he put Richard down quite promptly, fortunately he didn't kill Richard or there would have been a lot of trouble for him, the Council of Wizards is too new to have to deal with something as big as the death of their Lord and chairman"
Ukyo gaped at the story, ignoring the question of how Ranma managed to get to the Midlands in the first place.
Ranma waved away the disapproving stare from Ukyo.
"You don't know the story Ucchan, please don't assume anything yet, and anyway I was in total control, I would never have killed Richard, I'm far too nice for that" Ranma received withering glances from the two women sitting near him.
Just then there was a knock at the door to Shota's home. Followed by the sound of the door opening and footsteps.
Any apprehension Ranma may have felt was immediately dispersed as the figure let themself be known.
"Hello? Shota are you there? I just dropped by to see if you noticed the sky today" Ukyo heard the voice and knew that the male voice was by no means threatening, and was pleasant.
"In here Old man!" replied Shota.
Ranma stood up to greet the figure. As the man entered, Ukyo's first impressions were of a very old man, seemingly very weak of body and mind, but this was exactly the impression she was intended to have.
"Ranma! You're back, how have things been going for you m'boy?" the old man walked towards Ranma extending his hand, which Ranma held in his own.
"Things are good Zedd, how about you?"
"Good, very good" Zedd looked over towards Ukyo and bowed expansively. And while still at the lowest point, motioned towards Ranma to introduce them.
"Tut, Ucchan this is the Great First Wizard Zeddicus Zu'l Zorrander, he's my master, known to those who don't like his actual name and to his friends as Zedd" motioning to the now upright Old.
"Pleased to be of your acquaintance" Ukyo bowed.
But before Zedd could reply Ranma interrupted.
"Alright just stop now, we're wasting time, if we want to find Her before I grow old and keep over we have to get things done quicker, Zedd I need to speak to you and Shota concerning the return of the Demon-lord, we all know and love"
Zedd was initially abashed. He realised that this girl in front of him was not the girl Ranma had trained so hard to release from death's grip, so he shrugged his shoulders and idly scratched his chin wondering about any demons that he had encountered during Ranma's month with him.
Then it came to him.
"Dementus? But you got rid of him didn't you Ranma? Blasted his body to ashes I seem to recall"
"Of course I did, I know and remember that as well, but it looks like he might be back, you have to tell Richard, give him time to prepare for his reappearance, alright that's all I wanted to tell you, we're leaving now come on Ucchan"
Ranma promptly got up and made for the door.
"Still haven't found her yet have you Ranma?" Zedd inquired, his voice tinged with sadness, since the return of his own wife, he couldn't have been happier, he owed a lot to the braided boy for rescuing his wife.
"No" Ranma stated, his earlier happy tone became more sombre.
"I had to kill another image of Her, you probably have no idea what that's like Zedd, having to rip apart a loved one, who you know isn't really a loved one, you know it only looks like it but that doesn't change the truth of the matter." He sighed. "Good bye Zedd, Shota, it was great to see you again, give my best to Richard, Kahlan and the boys"
Ranma shook his head in defeat. And started walking again, Ukyo saw a sorrowful look pass between the Witch and the First Wizard, and she promptly left the house.
A million questions buzzing in her head. When she had reached Ranma, she walked silently alongside him.
"Ukyo, we have to get back to looking for Her, do you want to host again or would you prefer to stay outside?" Ranma asked breaking the silence.
"Outside" she replied.
They continued walking in silence until Ukyo asked the questions she had wondered about earlier.
"Ranma, I want to know what happened" Ukyo asked tentively, but with a tone that wouldn't brook any argument. "I want to know what happened after Akane's death, and your leaving Nerima."
Ranma turned and faced her and looked at her with eyes that seemed to dare that she demand the knowledge from him.
He was in fact wondering whether or not she actually wanted to know or if Ukyo was just trying to break the silence by being talkative.
He saw the sincerity and sighed as he turned around again thinking about where he should start.
"Ok. Where do you want me to start?"
"Start at the beginning, when you first decided to leave Nerima"
"Fine…"
End of Chapter 3
Ok that's Chapter 3.
Remember people that this is, will be and always has been a Ranma/Akane fanfic.
Yes I would like to admit that I'm a bit heart broken with the lack of reviews. Please DON'T anyone do an Akane and misunderstand or jump to conclusion. To the ladies and gents who HAVE reviewed I'm very thankful. NO REALLY I AM….don't look at me like that it ain't nice.
Seriously though, Thank you.
Chapter 4 is on the way I've actually already written a bit of it, I promise not to make the flashbacks their own mini-stories, I plan on going through some of the REALLY important masters that he's trained with…we even know one of them *DUN DUN DUUUUUN*
Although there will be some masters that are TOTALLY UNCONVENTIONAL, and not really martial artists, but this is my story and I'm gonna write it the way I want to.
The Chapters will not be uploaded thick and fast, as much as I'd like to it isn't happening. Sorry! But my teachers are setting more and more work.
Don't forget to Review