CHAPTER 2 – KIN
"So that's basically how your mother and I shook free of the Orochi-induced blood-feud and ended up together. We decided to use our respective maternal names since "Kusanagi" and "Iagami" would be dead giveaways. There were many from our families scattered throughout the country and the last thing we'd need would be assassins from both clans chasing us all over Japan," continued Genma.
"We relocated here in Juuban after eluding our clans for a few years. We found it difficult at first but one thing we noticed was it became easier as time went by. It seemed that our presence no longer registered to them as we were free from the feud. In truth, our decision not to use our real family names had a deeper effect than both of us thought," Nodoka added.
"What do you mean by that, mother?" Ranma asked.
"It turns out that our very life-essences were tied into our clan-names which explains why a member of one clan could easily tell if a kinsman or one from the enemy-clan was near. A sort of badge or beacon that only members from both clans could detect, so to speak," Nodoka continued.
"But our flames did not disappear though, and detection was still possible if your mother or I ever used it. We found out quite painfully after our first-year anniversary as Mr. & Mrs. Saotome," Genma related.
Genma continued his tale further. Ranma found out that when his parents were vacationing in Okinawa, an assassin came after Nodoka started a campfire. As it was winter and they forgot to buy matches, she decided to start a fire with her own flames. Genma proceeded to relate the past incident.
"You see Ranma, small flames do not register as they're too small and do not burn long enough to begin with so this simple act of heating our tea goes by unnoticed. But when you're trying to start a reasonably sized campfire, you'll have to create a big burst and that's what your mother did. Not only that but even the very blaze that comes from the initial flame carries traces of the flame-signature of the one who made it. It seems then that only immediate detection was removed by our not using our real family names," Genma stated. Ranma was about to let his father go on with his tale but he noticed the slight shift of his mother's face.
"Err...who was it then that came to kill you guys?" Ranma asked.
His parents were caught off-guard by Ranma's question. It seemed that there was still pain that both felt when recalling the incident. Nodoka then elected to be the one to tell the story even as Genma let out a huge sigh.
"It was my favorite cousin, Usako Iagami," Nodoka replied even as she stifled a small sob which prompted Genma to take his wife in to his arms and comfort her.
Genma continued for his wife. Usako had come to their lodge during the night as a chilling gale was blowing. At first, Nodoka was so happy to see her cousin but after Usako found out about Nodoka's marriage to a Kusanagi, she went livid with anger and would hear nothing of it. It was at this time that Genma returned after getting more firewood. What he found was an irate Usako whose hands were aflame by then. She and Genma fought but she was no match for him. As she lay in the corner, Nodoka was begging her to stop but Usako was already consumed by the blood-rage. She rose up once more and was soon batlling Genma again. Genma had no choice but to go all out as Usako was more powerful this time and soon, Usako was once again defeated. Usako however, was already way past reason and seeing as she couldn't defeat Genma, decided to commit suicide by gathering all her flame-power and exploding herself, hoping to kill Genma and her cousin as well.
Genma saw what Usako initiated but could do nothing as he was still weak from their battle. Nodoka had no choice so in order to prevent Usako's self- explosion, she walked up to her cousin and killed her with her own flames.
"Your mother was so distraught for a couple of days as we left the lodge after I buried Usako's remains. We really tried to reason with Usako before the fight but her intense hatred for all Kusanagis was all consuming. It's because of this same reason that I knew I couldn't trust the members of my clan either as they all bore the same hatred for all Iagamis," Genma added.
Nodoka had calmed down somewhat and picked up where Genma had left off.
"That was the last time your father and I had contact with any clan member whether Kusanagi or Iagami. We then moved here to Juuban where thankfully, our lives haven't been disturbed by any more attacks. I guess our lack of using our flames really eliminated any possibility of getting detected by our families," Nodoka added.
Ranma had been listening intently to his parents' tale. His gaze shifted from his father to his mother as both had refilled their cups with tea and were heating them with their flames as he noted the difference in their color. He then refilled his own cup but chose to heat his tea with his left hand this time, thus producing the same purple flame his mother had. Ranma then held the cup with his right then flared a red flame this time. Nodoka was startled a bit then smiled, amazed at Ranma's apparent ease at manipulating both of his flames. Ranma smiled back at his mother but was surprised when she seemed greatly sad as well.
"Why the long face, mom?" Ranma asked.
"While I am proud of you Ranma, I cannot but feel anxious at what your having both flames mean," Nodoka replied, to which Genma nodded in assent. Ranma could feel the dread in his father's voice as he spoke up.
"Having both flames is very rare for a person even if he be a Kusanagi or a Iagami especially since it has been a long time that there were people from both clans who would marry. Remember Ranma, they were feuding clans despite their common heritage. What's worse is that the Iagami clan's blood pact with the Orochi heightened that hatred for the Kusanagi's. Remember Ranma, a flame-master with BOTH flames defeated it once and the two clans defeated it again, STILL with both flames," Genma added to which Ranma nodded in realization.
"So you see Ranma, having both the red flame of the Kusanagi and the purple flame of the Iagami means you are in one way or another, destined to face the power of the Orochi and put a stop to it. I suspect that the Orochi's influence has been growing over the years even as it remains sealed," Genma declared.
"How am I to do that then, pop?" Ranma asked.
Genma went on to explain how he and Nodoka would start training Ranma in using his flames with his attacks. Ranma had a slew of martial arts already so there would be no need to instruct him in any additional style.
"I see. I just have to incorporate these flames into The Art," Ranma replied even as he flared both flames at once. He was thinking of the various ways to go about doing so when a sudden thought hithim: both his parents hadn't practiced or used their flames for a long time so their skill in the art would be questionable by now.
"Err...you guys haven't used your flames in a long time say, in almost twenty years. Please don't get me wrong but you think you still know how to show me what I should know?" Ranma asked.
Genma and his wife looked at each other then both sighed resignedly. Ranma was right. Though they still could ignite their flames, they didn't have the same skill as they used to when they were younger. More so, the potency of their flames would've also been lessened.
"Well, I think we should call it a night for now. The two most important men in my life have just returned and I do not want to lessen the joy of this reunion with such grave matters," Nodoka declared.
She then got up and started to put away the tea service as she instructed Genma nd her son to get two new futons from storage. A few minutes later, Ranma said goodnight to his parents as he went into his old room to retire fro the night. Genma and Nodoka found it difficult to sleep however as Ranma's last observation was a serious one.
"Genma, are you asleep?" Nodoka asked as she nudged him a bit.
"You think I could sleep after all that?" Genma replied.
"Your son was right, you know. You and I can't be the ones to train him. Even if we could, I couldn't do so as I have the Iagami blood and you know what that means," Nodoka stated. "I know dear, I know," Genma replied.
"The Orochi's power seems to be seeping out. You think the Yata Clan descendants have failed in their duties to guard the seal?" Nodoka asked.
"No, I don't think so, dear. Chizuru alone is enough though I would've preferred that her sister were still alive just for security. You can never be too careful when it comes to the Orochi. But as it stands, Kagura-san may be finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the seal," Genma replied.
"But Ranma's power may just be the key to this dilemma. I wager she'll be happy to know that someone like him exists as it's almost impossible to have a Kusanagi cooperate with a Iagami nowadays," Nodoka stated.
"Indeed. But this is one Kusanagi who'll never let go of his Iagami," Genma replied slyly as he turned off the lights and took his wife into his arms. When they both finally settled to sleep, the same question as to who would train Ranma still lingered in their minds.
The next morning found Ranma and his father in the yard, sparring. Nodoka saw that Ranma was just toying with his father as he actually outclassed Genma now. But all the skill in the world would not matter if Ranma failed to incorporate his flames into his moves and master them. The morning sparring-session concluded with Ranma scoring a hit on his father: a slight poke into the chest. Genma was about to belittle the strike Ranma made when he saw that his gi had a finger-sized hole burned into it.
"Good, Ranma. A stealthy strike though I bet this isn't the first time you've actually used your flames," Genma declared.
Ranma nodded in assent. He wasn't ready to tell anyone about it but seeing his father's questioning look made him realize that he wouldn't be able to hide it anymore.
"I'll tell you all about it over breakfast, dad," Ranma replied.
They settled into the meal and Ranma began to recount the incident at the park when he rescued Nabiki from Hiro and his gang.
"I actually did not remember what happened after Nabiki got cut but I only found out from her journals," Ranma added.
"You looked into her diary?" Nodoka asked.
"No! No! No! Nothing like that, mom! I accidentally saw it on her computer screen when she was helping me out with my homework. She went out to take a phone call and took quite long. I didn't want to but I saw what she'd written there. It was a blow by blow account of what I did that day, from the time she learned I had followed her up to the time I ran away after she thanked me," Ranma added.
Genma and Nodoka were amazed at Ranma's revelation. Ranma was already more adept at using his flames than he let on.
"Nabiki even kept the melted knife from that day. It's in a drawer below the computer monitor. I didn't take it as that would've confirmed that I looked," Ranma stated.
"I see. You melted the knife even as it was in Hiro's grip. That's quite amazing but not unheard of as there were Iagami and Kusanagi that could do some incredible feats with their flames as well. But you do realize by now that your using your flames that day sent a clear signal to Iagami and Kusanagi alike. Not only them but to the Orochi and its minions as well, not to mention your practicing your father's second art with it," Nodoka declared
"Drat! I knew there was something not right that day," Ranma berated himself.
"What do you mean, son?" Genma and Nodoka asked in unison.
"I was executing one of the more advanced katas of Anything Goes which I mixed with the Chestnut Fist speed and Amazon Forms that day in an abandoned warehouse. As I went through the moves, I decided to try using the flames with them," Ranma explained. "Were you successful, son?" Nodoka asked to which Ranma nodded in assent.
"I felt myself flowing through the moves and I felt the flames adding power to my every move. But as I finished, I felt an unexplained feeling of dread coming over me. I thought I was only hungry or dizzy but I felt that it was something more than that. I was about to be overwhelmed by the sensation when I suddenly felt the flames in me flare up immensely and the feeling dissipated. I'd forgotten about it until today," Ranma related.
"It just goes to show how you should be careful with your power, Ranma. I commend you for your own creativity but it stands that you still need training from an actual flame-master so your mother and I have decided to call upon a highly trusted member from each of our clan to show you," Genma stated.
"What? I thought you cut off all ties with them?" Ranma asked.
"Not all of them, Ranma. I maintained contact with a nephew of mine through correspondence at least. Your father did the same, too. These two are somewhat free from the Orochi's influence as they were the ones who helped seal it away just recently, "Nodoka replied.
"I see. They'll train me, huh? That sounds interesting especially since that makes them my cousins. You got names for these guys, mom?" Ranma asked.
"My nephew is called Iori while your father's nephew is called Kyo," Nodoka stated.
"Iori and Kyo: I see. What?!!! Iori Iagami and Kyo Kusanagi?!! The King Of Fighters champions?!!!" Ranma blurted out.
"Yes. And they'll be arriving right about now," Genma replied as he and Nodoka stood up.
Ranma was still dumbfounded when he felt two powerful essences just outside the doors. He then heard two voices that were already starting an argument.
(Outside)
"What are you doing here?" Iori asked.
"I could ask the same of you," Kyo replied.
"I told you that the next time I see you I'll kill you," Iori menaced.
"Let's see you try then. Bring it on," Kyo replied as he saw there was no reasoning out of the situation anymore.
The two were about to fight and their flames were flared up big-time. After gathering power, the two rushed forward almost at the same time in order to attack. They were surprised however when something blocked their attacks just as they were about to collide with each other. Iori and Kyo jumped backwards and they saw Ranma standing in the spot where they were supposed to have collided. They were already astounded by having someone blocking their attacks but what amazed them even more was the fact that this fighter standing before them had both red and purple flames. As they looked to the side Kyo saw Genma walking up to him while Iori saw Nodoka walking towards him as well.
"Uncle Genma?" Kyo asked.
"Aunt Nodoka?" Iori asked as well.
"Iori: Kyo: welcome! Come inside the house. We have much to talk about.
The two complied as they were still dumbstruck by the fact that someone blocked their attacks, had both flames, and to top it all off, they were reunited with kin whom they had long thought dead.
"You two must be tired from the trip so have some juice," Nodoka offered.
"Uncle Genma, if you don't mind me asking, where have you been and who are these people?" Kyo asked.
"I've been hiding from our clan, Kyo," Genma replied.
"Heh. Exactly what cowardly Kusanagis do," Iori muttered.
"Really, Iori? Then what does that make me? I too, am hiding from our Iagami brethren," Nodoka added.
Iori was about to retort but found no words to say so he just decided to shut up.
"Hiding? Why?" Kyo asked further.
Genma and Nodoka proceeded to tell both men about the situation. In the end, Iori and Kyo were shocked to know that Genma and Nodoka were married.
"It can't be! You're married to him?" Iori asked Nodoka and she nodded in assent.
"Yes, we're married but that shouldn't be your concern anymore. I want you both to meet our son, your cousin Ranma. Ranma, this is my nephew Kyo and your mother's nephew Iori," Genma began.
"I'm Ranma Saotome. Sorry about this," said Ranma.
Kyo shook his hand tentatively while Iori just gave a slight nod.
"I guess you're both wondering if what you saw a while ago was real, eh? Okay; show them, Ranma," Genma declared. Ranma complied and flared up both his hands. Kyo and Iori were amazed even more when they saw two flames of different colors emanating form Ranma's hands.
"It can't be....." Iori muttered loudly.
"But it is Iori-kun. Our son Ranma is just like the two of you but he has BOTH the Kusanagi and Iagami flames," Nodoka stated.
"So he must've been the one I sensed a few days ago," Kyo declared.
"Yep. That only means one thing: that thrice-damned stone is awake again," Iori muttered.
"And in a very bad way, I think," Kyo added.
"So you need us to train the kid, auntie?" Iori asked.
Nodoka nodded in assent.
"So that's basically how your mother and I shook free of the Orochi-induced blood-feud and ended up together. We decided to use our respective maternal names since "Kusanagi" and "Iagami" would be dead giveaways. There were many from our families scattered throughout the country and the last thing we'd need would be assassins from both clans chasing us all over Japan," continued Genma.
"We relocated here in Juuban after eluding our clans for a few years. We found it difficult at first but one thing we noticed was it became easier as time went by. It seemed that our presence no longer registered to them as we were free from the feud. In truth, our decision not to use our real family names had a deeper effect than both of us thought," Nodoka added.
"What do you mean by that, mother?" Ranma asked.
"It turns out that our very life-essences were tied into our clan-names which explains why a member of one clan could easily tell if a kinsman or one from the enemy-clan was near. A sort of badge or beacon that only members from both clans could detect, so to speak," Nodoka continued.
"But our flames did not disappear though, and detection was still possible if your mother or I ever used it. We found out quite painfully after our first-year anniversary as Mr. & Mrs. Saotome," Genma related.
Genma continued his tale further. Ranma found out that when his parents were vacationing in Okinawa, an assassin came after Nodoka started a campfire. As it was winter and they forgot to buy matches, she decided to start a fire with her own flames. Genma proceeded to relate the past incident.
"You see Ranma, small flames do not register as they're too small and do not burn long enough to begin with so this simple act of heating our tea goes by unnoticed. But when you're trying to start a reasonably sized campfire, you'll have to create a big burst and that's what your mother did. Not only that but even the very blaze that comes from the initial flame carries traces of the flame-signature of the one who made it. It seems then that only immediate detection was removed by our not using our real family names," Genma stated. Ranma was about to let his father go on with his tale but he noticed the slight shift of his mother's face.
"Err...who was it then that came to kill you guys?" Ranma asked.
His parents were caught off-guard by Ranma's question. It seemed that there was still pain that both felt when recalling the incident. Nodoka then elected to be the one to tell the story even as Genma let out a huge sigh.
"It was my favorite cousin, Usako Iagami," Nodoka replied even as she stifled a small sob which prompted Genma to take his wife in to his arms and comfort her.
Genma continued for his wife. Usako had come to their lodge during the night as a chilling gale was blowing. At first, Nodoka was so happy to see her cousin but after Usako found out about Nodoka's marriage to a Kusanagi, she went livid with anger and would hear nothing of it. It was at this time that Genma returned after getting more firewood. What he found was an irate Usako whose hands were aflame by then. She and Genma fought but she was no match for him. As she lay in the corner, Nodoka was begging her to stop but Usako was already consumed by the blood-rage. She rose up once more and was soon batlling Genma again. Genma had no choice but to go all out as Usako was more powerful this time and soon, Usako was once again defeated. Usako however, was already way past reason and seeing as she couldn't defeat Genma, decided to commit suicide by gathering all her flame-power and exploding herself, hoping to kill Genma and her cousin as well.
Genma saw what Usako initiated but could do nothing as he was still weak from their battle. Nodoka had no choice so in order to prevent Usako's self- explosion, she walked up to her cousin and killed her with her own flames.
"Your mother was so distraught for a couple of days as we left the lodge after I buried Usako's remains. We really tried to reason with Usako before the fight but her intense hatred for all Kusanagis was all consuming. It's because of this same reason that I knew I couldn't trust the members of my clan either as they all bore the same hatred for all Iagamis," Genma added.
Nodoka had calmed down somewhat and picked up where Genma had left off.
"That was the last time your father and I had contact with any clan member whether Kusanagi or Iagami. We then moved here to Juuban where thankfully, our lives haven't been disturbed by any more attacks. I guess our lack of using our flames really eliminated any possibility of getting detected by our families," Nodoka added.
Ranma had been listening intently to his parents' tale. His gaze shifted from his father to his mother as both had refilled their cups with tea and were heating them with their flames as he noted the difference in their color. He then refilled his own cup but chose to heat his tea with his left hand this time, thus producing the same purple flame his mother had. Ranma then held the cup with his right then flared a red flame this time. Nodoka was startled a bit then smiled, amazed at Ranma's apparent ease at manipulating both of his flames. Ranma smiled back at his mother but was surprised when she seemed greatly sad as well.
"Why the long face, mom?" Ranma asked.
"While I am proud of you Ranma, I cannot but feel anxious at what your having both flames mean," Nodoka replied, to which Genma nodded in assent. Ranma could feel the dread in his father's voice as he spoke up.
"Having both flames is very rare for a person even if he be a Kusanagi or a Iagami especially since it has been a long time that there were people from both clans who would marry. Remember Ranma, they were feuding clans despite their common heritage. What's worse is that the Iagami clan's blood pact with the Orochi heightened that hatred for the Kusanagi's. Remember Ranma, a flame-master with BOTH flames defeated it once and the two clans defeated it again, STILL with both flames," Genma added to which Ranma nodded in realization.
"So you see Ranma, having both the red flame of the Kusanagi and the purple flame of the Iagami means you are in one way or another, destined to face the power of the Orochi and put a stop to it. I suspect that the Orochi's influence has been growing over the years even as it remains sealed," Genma declared.
"How am I to do that then, pop?" Ranma asked.
Genma went on to explain how he and Nodoka would start training Ranma in using his flames with his attacks. Ranma had a slew of martial arts already so there would be no need to instruct him in any additional style.
"I see. I just have to incorporate these flames into The Art," Ranma replied even as he flared both flames at once. He was thinking of the various ways to go about doing so when a sudden thought hithim: both his parents hadn't practiced or used their flames for a long time so their skill in the art would be questionable by now.
"Err...you guys haven't used your flames in a long time say, in almost twenty years. Please don't get me wrong but you think you still know how to show me what I should know?" Ranma asked.
Genma and his wife looked at each other then both sighed resignedly. Ranma was right. Though they still could ignite their flames, they didn't have the same skill as they used to when they were younger. More so, the potency of their flames would've also been lessened.
"Well, I think we should call it a night for now. The two most important men in my life have just returned and I do not want to lessen the joy of this reunion with such grave matters," Nodoka declared.
She then got up and started to put away the tea service as she instructed Genma nd her son to get two new futons from storage. A few minutes later, Ranma said goodnight to his parents as he went into his old room to retire fro the night. Genma and Nodoka found it difficult to sleep however as Ranma's last observation was a serious one.
"Genma, are you asleep?" Nodoka asked as she nudged him a bit.
"You think I could sleep after all that?" Genma replied.
"Your son was right, you know. You and I can't be the ones to train him. Even if we could, I couldn't do so as I have the Iagami blood and you know what that means," Nodoka stated. "I know dear, I know," Genma replied.
"The Orochi's power seems to be seeping out. You think the Yata Clan descendants have failed in their duties to guard the seal?" Nodoka asked.
"No, I don't think so, dear. Chizuru alone is enough though I would've preferred that her sister were still alive just for security. You can never be too careful when it comes to the Orochi. But as it stands, Kagura-san may be finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the seal," Genma replied.
"But Ranma's power may just be the key to this dilemma. I wager she'll be happy to know that someone like him exists as it's almost impossible to have a Kusanagi cooperate with a Iagami nowadays," Nodoka stated.
"Indeed. But this is one Kusanagi who'll never let go of his Iagami," Genma replied slyly as he turned off the lights and took his wife into his arms. When they both finally settled to sleep, the same question as to who would train Ranma still lingered in their minds.
The next morning found Ranma and his father in the yard, sparring. Nodoka saw that Ranma was just toying with his father as he actually outclassed Genma now. But all the skill in the world would not matter if Ranma failed to incorporate his flames into his moves and master them. The morning sparring-session concluded with Ranma scoring a hit on his father: a slight poke into the chest. Genma was about to belittle the strike Ranma made when he saw that his gi had a finger-sized hole burned into it.
"Good, Ranma. A stealthy strike though I bet this isn't the first time you've actually used your flames," Genma declared.
Ranma nodded in assent. He wasn't ready to tell anyone about it but seeing his father's questioning look made him realize that he wouldn't be able to hide it anymore.
"I'll tell you all about it over breakfast, dad," Ranma replied.
They settled into the meal and Ranma began to recount the incident at the park when he rescued Nabiki from Hiro and his gang.
"I actually did not remember what happened after Nabiki got cut but I only found out from her journals," Ranma added.
"You looked into her diary?" Nodoka asked.
"No! No! No! Nothing like that, mom! I accidentally saw it on her computer screen when she was helping me out with my homework. She went out to take a phone call and took quite long. I didn't want to but I saw what she'd written there. It was a blow by blow account of what I did that day, from the time she learned I had followed her up to the time I ran away after she thanked me," Ranma added.
Genma and Nodoka were amazed at Ranma's revelation. Ranma was already more adept at using his flames than he let on.
"Nabiki even kept the melted knife from that day. It's in a drawer below the computer monitor. I didn't take it as that would've confirmed that I looked," Ranma stated.
"I see. You melted the knife even as it was in Hiro's grip. That's quite amazing but not unheard of as there were Iagami and Kusanagi that could do some incredible feats with their flames as well. But you do realize by now that your using your flames that day sent a clear signal to Iagami and Kusanagi alike. Not only them but to the Orochi and its minions as well, not to mention your practicing your father's second art with it," Nodoka declared
"Drat! I knew there was something not right that day," Ranma berated himself.
"What do you mean, son?" Genma and Nodoka asked in unison.
"I was executing one of the more advanced katas of Anything Goes which I mixed with the Chestnut Fist speed and Amazon Forms that day in an abandoned warehouse. As I went through the moves, I decided to try using the flames with them," Ranma explained. "Were you successful, son?" Nodoka asked to which Ranma nodded in assent.
"I felt myself flowing through the moves and I felt the flames adding power to my every move. But as I finished, I felt an unexplained feeling of dread coming over me. I thought I was only hungry or dizzy but I felt that it was something more than that. I was about to be overwhelmed by the sensation when I suddenly felt the flames in me flare up immensely and the feeling dissipated. I'd forgotten about it until today," Ranma related.
"It just goes to show how you should be careful with your power, Ranma. I commend you for your own creativity but it stands that you still need training from an actual flame-master so your mother and I have decided to call upon a highly trusted member from each of our clan to show you," Genma stated.
"What? I thought you cut off all ties with them?" Ranma asked.
"Not all of them, Ranma. I maintained contact with a nephew of mine through correspondence at least. Your father did the same, too. These two are somewhat free from the Orochi's influence as they were the ones who helped seal it away just recently, "Nodoka replied.
"I see. They'll train me, huh? That sounds interesting especially since that makes them my cousins. You got names for these guys, mom?" Ranma asked.
"My nephew is called Iori while your father's nephew is called Kyo," Nodoka stated.
"Iori and Kyo: I see. What?!!! Iori Iagami and Kyo Kusanagi?!! The King Of Fighters champions?!!!" Ranma blurted out.
"Yes. And they'll be arriving right about now," Genma replied as he and Nodoka stood up.
Ranma was still dumbfounded when he felt two powerful essences just outside the doors. He then heard two voices that were already starting an argument.
(Outside)
"What are you doing here?" Iori asked.
"I could ask the same of you," Kyo replied.
"I told you that the next time I see you I'll kill you," Iori menaced.
"Let's see you try then. Bring it on," Kyo replied as he saw there was no reasoning out of the situation anymore.
The two were about to fight and their flames were flared up big-time. After gathering power, the two rushed forward almost at the same time in order to attack. They were surprised however when something blocked their attacks just as they were about to collide with each other. Iori and Kyo jumped backwards and they saw Ranma standing in the spot where they were supposed to have collided. They were already astounded by having someone blocking their attacks but what amazed them even more was the fact that this fighter standing before them had both red and purple flames. As they looked to the side Kyo saw Genma walking up to him while Iori saw Nodoka walking towards him as well.
"Uncle Genma?" Kyo asked.
"Aunt Nodoka?" Iori asked as well.
"Iori: Kyo: welcome! Come inside the house. We have much to talk about.
The two complied as they were still dumbstruck by the fact that someone blocked their attacks, had both flames, and to top it all off, they were reunited with kin whom they had long thought dead.
"You two must be tired from the trip so have some juice," Nodoka offered.
"Uncle Genma, if you don't mind me asking, where have you been and who are these people?" Kyo asked.
"I've been hiding from our clan, Kyo," Genma replied.
"Heh. Exactly what cowardly Kusanagis do," Iori muttered.
"Really, Iori? Then what does that make me? I too, am hiding from our Iagami brethren," Nodoka added.
Iori was about to retort but found no words to say so he just decided to shut up.
"Hiding? Why?" Kyo asked further.
Genma and Nodoka proceeded to tell both men about the situation. In the end, Iori and Kyo were shocked to know that Genma and Nodoka were married.
"It can't be! You're married to him?" Iori asked Nodoka and she nodded in assent.
"Yes, we're married but that shouldn't be your concern anymore. I want you both to meet our son, your cousin Ranma. Ranma, this is my nephew Kyo and your mother's nephew Iori," Genma began.
"I'm Ranma Saotome. Sorry about this," said Ranma.
Kyo shook his hand tentatively while Iori just gave a slight nod.
"I guess you're both wondering if what you saw a while ago was real, eh? Okay; show them, Ranma," Genma declared. Ranma complied and flared up both his hands. Kyo and Iori were amazed even more when they saw two flames of different colors emanating form Ranma's hands.
"It can't be....." Iori muttered loudly.
"But it is Iori-kun. Our son Ranma is just like the two of you but he has BOTH the Kusanagi and Iagami flames," Nodoka stated.
"So he must've been the one I sensed a few days ago," Kyo declared.
"Yep. That only means one thing: that thrice-damned stone is awake again," Iori muttered.
"And in a very bad way, I think," Kyo added.
"So you need us to train the kid, auntie?" Iori asked.
Nodoka nodded in assent.
