Akane followed her escort through the village, being careful not to meet anyone's eyes as she moved through the market. She followed her guide Xian Pu as they worked their way down the muddy streets of the village. Xian Pu was nice enough, or at least not openly hostile to Akane. After her interrogation at the front gate, Ku Lon had ordered Xian Pu to escort Akane and Ryoga to the Elder's house. She could see why the Ku Lon had been reluctant to leave, and the wisdom in Ku Lon's warnings. Do not make eye contact. Do not speak if spoken too. Above all, do not get into any fights.
The first one was hard, but she would manage. The second warning was pretty easy to follow, really, considering the only Chinese she knew were the dirty words Ranma had taught her. Unfortunately, they seemed to be the only words spoken in her direction. Most of that tension was handled by her guide, who would simply say a few curt words to the name callers before moving on. The third part of the warning, however...
Akane grimaced again as yet another piece of rotten food struck her in the back. It landed with a sickening squelch before falling to the ground. As much as she wanted too, Akane didn't whirl around and glare at her antagonist. How had Ranma put up with years of this? Xian Pu kept a measured pace through the streets, neither speeding up nor slowing down as some Amazon children threw more food. Of course, she did nothing to stop the barrage of rotten foods, either.
Surprisingly, Ryoga got very little of the harassment she received. He did receive a number of calculating looks however. He nervously rubbed the back of his head the entire trip, occasionally being tugged along by the rope tied around his waist. Xian Pu held the other end, not really interested in the boy much, but intent on delivering him unharmed to Ku Lon's house.
"Is it much further, Xian Pu?" Akane asked.
"Not too too far now. We arrive at Elder house soon." Akane nodded, gritting her teeth as a she ducked a rotten tomato that whizzed by her head.
"Will I be able to take a bath when we arrive?"
"No know. Maybe. You ask Elder Ku Lon."
"Why do they hate me so much?"
Xian Pu just shrugged. "Is not you, just outsiders they hate. You get good good reception with me leading. Very tamer."
"How is this tame?"
"Many year ago last outsider who visit drawn and quartered." Xian Pu mimed the very gruesome death. Akane blanched and decided she could live with some rotten food.
When the finally arrived at the house, Xian Pu showed them in, and admonished them not to leave for any reason. She tied the end of Ryoga's rope to a piece of furniture before heading into a bedroom and closing the door.
Ryoga sighed as he took off his pack and set it on the floor. "Now what?"
Akane didn't answer because she was, busy trying to pick bits of food out of her hair.
In the War Room, Konatsu, Herb, and Ranma were comparing notes with the Musk King. Ranma's diagrams were immediately sent out to be copied by hand while Konatsu's list of weak points and traps were quickly being incorporated into the map. The number figures were adjusted upwards as a result of Herb's efforts. If things had looked grim before, they were even more so now.
The design of Mt. Phoenix was brilliant, to say the least. Any force that was earthbound had little chance of breaching the defenses even if they outnumbered the defenders ten to one. The pathways were carved out of solid rock, designed in concentric curving spirals that narrowed as they approached the summit of the mountain, with choke points strategically placed at every blind curve. Three or four men could hold off hundreds, safe from arrow fire because of the curved nature of the pathways. A thousand men could hold the fort indefinitely.
Siege wasn't an option – for one, the Phoenix could come and go as the pleased, and second, the mountain had an internal source of water and an ingenious water delivery system that assured access to clean water at every major defensible place in the mountain. The water supply in question was a small snow-fed lake in the mountain's crater. As the water seeped down, it was channeled into various pipes and tunnels in the rock to feed the mountain, and eventually ended in the Jusenkyou Valley.
The only access point large enough to fit an army was almost three quarters of the way up, thousands of feet above the valley floor. It was no easy climb – while a few men could make it in relative safety, and army would be torn apart before they even reached the half-way point. The mountain was extremely steep, and was a challenge for even the hardiest of climbers.
On top of the formidable natural defenses, the Phoenix had designed a lethal system of traps as a first and last line defense against invaders. The variety and location were all cleverly hidden, but in the end, it all spelled one thing. The mountain would not be taken.
The one spot of hope in the whole affair was that Saffron had been identified. The information about his transformation, while puzzling, was at least useful for timing. Ranma and Konatsu were quickly able to compare photographs and notes to determine that the strange room with the statues was vital to the process somehow.
"That's it then. We strike there." Herb pointed at the drawing of the room. "While the army attacks the front, we slip a small team in through the back entrance, and strike while he's vulnerable."
Ranma frowned as he fingered his drawings. "I don't know if a team is a good idea. One or two people, three tops." Ranma looked up, and glanced at his companions.
The King nodded. Rubbing his chin, he asked, "Who would you send, then?"
"Me." Herb, Konatsu, and Ranma spoke as one.
"You can't go!" Yet again they had spoken in unison. It degenerated into a shouting match for a few minutes, before the King held his hands up to silence them.
Konatsu spoke out of turn first, "I'm the best assassin here and you know it! Plus, I've been inside, and I know my way around the mountain."
The king nodded in ascent, then motioned for Herb to speak. "But we don't know how strong Saffron might be. If the attempt fails, I can bring the mountain down on our heads, ending this menace once and for all!"
Ranma was quite for a moment before he spoke. "I'm going."
Herb snorted. "And why is that?"
"Because, I'm my reasons are just as valid as Konatsu's, and I can bring that rock down too, if I have too. This is a suicide mission." Ranma took Konatsu's hands and placed them in Herbs. "You two have a reason to live."
Ranma could tell the pair was about to protest. He held up his hands, forestalling any arguments. He glanced at the map. There was something about the lake... His eyes whipped up to look at the Musk King. "Are the springs completely dry?"
The king frowned. "Not yet, but soon. What does this have to do with who we send after Saffron?"
"I just thought of a way we might come out of this alive. It's risky, but if it works, it may just even the odds a little bit..."
Ranma spread the map out before him and began to explain. The assembled people frowned, and began asking questions. There was no reason it wouldn't work, but it all hinged on a few important details. They had one week to figure out the kinks, and they were going to need help. The next thing they needed to do was to contact the Amazons.
Ranma morphed into his female form as he neared the palisade. She had made it unmolested, even though she had observed figures flying high above in the clouds, monitoring movements below. Hopefully, a lone messenger between the two kingdoms wouldn't trip any alarm bells. At this point, secrecy was their greatest ally.
While she was known in both forms, it was simply a matter of decorum to be female while in the Amazon settlement. The guards issued the traditional challenge to identify herself, and Ranma responded with the appropriate response. She hadn't really understood why it was necessary before, but with war approaching, spies had to be caught. She waved back in response to the warm greetings by the guards at the gates, calling out as she passed, "Do you know where the Elders are?"
The guards pointed to the center of town. With a nod of her head, Ranma turned and jogged lightly down the street. Even if they had been happy to see her, the mood was still very tense. The town seemed subdued. Children weren't running through the streets, and livestock were carefully penned and tethered. The Amazons were ready.
"None of what you are about to read can leave this room." Ranma handed over a scroll detailing the plans that the Musk had assembled, and their requests from the Amazons. The intelligence that Herb, Konatsu, and Ranma had assembled was also provided, although in a condensed form. Ranma then told them about his idea, and if they thought it might work.
Ku Lon surveyed the assembled plans before her, trying to pick apart any flaws in the logic. When she finished, she passed it to the other two Elders present. The Elders were skeptical at first, asking questions about the logistics of Ranma's ideas.
Ranma had answers for most questions, but acknowledged that the idea was risky and not guaranteed to work. Ranma finally broke it down, saying, "As far as I can see Elders, it may just be the best chance we have. Half of winning a battle is to utilize your resources to the best possible extent. I think we'd be silly not too."
Ku Lon merely stroked her chin, not answering. It had a considerable amount of appeal. Considering the size of the force the Phoenix could muster, anything that could even the playing field was welcomed. "Ranma," she said, "how much of a window do you figure we have before this chance passes us by?"
Ranma shrugged. "I'm unsure. I stopped by on my way here, and at the current rates, we might have three, maybe four days, tops."
"How long do we have before the strike?"
"One week, Elder."
"Hmmm... It's very risky, child."
"I know, Elder. But it may be our only chance. Do you think it can be done? The Musk are waiting for night fall to start." Ranma pointed to a particular section of the parchment. "The only way it will work is with Amazon assistance. We are being watched. There were patrols in the sky on my way here."
"I have seen them, child."
"Then you know how little time we have."
At this point, the other Elders had finished reading the information. They passed it back to Ranma, who asked if they had committed the details to memory. They confirmed, and with a brief burst of ki Ranma incinerated the scroll. "Will the Musk have your assistance?"
All three nodded. Ku Lon spoke for the group, being the most senior. "Little did we imagine that our new found friendship with the Musk would be tested so soon. We will aide you."
"Thank you. If any of us survive, we will look back on this as a crowning moment for our tribes." That somber statement reminded them of how dismal their chances were. They talked a little more of plans, working out the details of how to accomplish what needed to be done and keep it secret. With that, everyone departed, with Ranma and Ku Lon heading to her house, and the other Elders rousing up the necessary woman power to start the first part of the plan.
"Ranma, must you leave right now? Wouldn't it be better to wait for the night fall, when your movements can not be tracked? That way you can swing by and say hello to Xian Pu as well. She'd love to see you, I'm sure." Ku Lon was bouncing along on her stick next to Ranma, who was strolling casually towards the palisade.
"I'd like that, Elder. Did she win this year's tournament?"
"In deed she did. The second placed challenger looked like a baby compared to her prowess."
"You must be quite proud of her."
"Besides you and Konatsu, she is the best student I've ever had. A little obstinate, perhaps, but she will learn." They turned down the path to Ku Lon's house, idly chatting about village events during Ranma's absence.
Konatsu rolled over and threw her leg over Herb's as he flopped back on the bed, exhausted. They quietly held each other for a while, waiting for their breathing to return to normal. Their love making had been unusually fierce, with all the need, stress, and emotion of the coming battle playing itself out in the lovers' embrace, leaving them both utterly drained.
"Konatsu?"
"Yes, love?"
"Will you reconsider the assault? There are others who can take your place. I can't stand the thought of you involved in something so dangerous."
"I can't do that Herb. Would you allow someone else to do your job, even if you could?"
Herb sighed. "But if you perish, then so shall I."
Konatsu gently reached up to stroke Herb's face. "One of us will survive. Besides, I have to be there with my troops, just as you have to be there to lead the Musk to battle."
"I accept it, but I don't have to like it."
"You're going to be in just as much danger as I will. As the General of the Musk, you will be targeted. Cut off the head and..."
The conversation trailed off as Herb cut her off with a kiss. It didn't resume for a long time as the embrace deepened and the need returned.
Ranma reached towards the door handle, only to have it ripped from his grasp as the door was opened suddenly. Xian Pu stood facing him, Bombori clenched in one hand as she stared at the boy defiantly. She quickly shifted one of the maces to her free hand and took up a ready stance.
She grinned. Ranma grinned back, right before she unleashed a punishing blow aimed at Ranma's head. The boy simply leaned back, allowing the blow to pass by harmlessly, concentrating on dodging the follow up attacks as well. Ranma leapt clear of the door. Xian Pu moved to follow before Ku Lon's throat clearing caused both fighters to pause.
"I know you're happy to see him Xian Pu, but perhaps we could tend to the other business first?" Xian Pu blushed before quickly hiding her bombori. Xian Pu moved aside to allow Ranma to enter, but not before she inundated Ranma with questions about his trip. He laughed at the deluge until her last question registered.
"What was that about a fiancée?"
Ranma groaned as he saw Akane sitting in the main room. She stood up when she say him, and resolutely walked in his direction. Ranma gulped as he watched her cross the floor. He had seen her pissed before, but this was a whole new level of anger. Had he been thinking a little more critically, he would have genuinely impressed by the battle aura that was radiating from the woman.
Ku Lon was smirking as she and Xian Pu traded bets about how long Ranma would last before Akane's wrath. They winced as the slap connected, resounding throughout the small cabin, followed by a few solid thuds as the two 'discussed' a few issues.
"I think Xian Pu could learn to like Ranma's fiancée. She certainly seems to know how to handle her man."
Ku Lon nodded sagely. "Umm... I think that last blow was a little excessive."
"Aiya... If she keeps that up, she won't have to worry about children..."
Akane changed the cold compress on Ranma's forehead as he continued to glare at her.
"What?" Akane ignored the stare, placing the old compress into the bucket of cold water at the bedside.
Ranma mumbled something unintelligible, but that was because his lips were swollen and his jaw was sore.
"What was that? I can't understand you."
He tried again, but the words were still unclear. She knew what he was trying to say, though. "I'm not apologizing, Ranma. You left me, remember?" She watched in fascination as he knit his brows in frustration before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He started to glow briefly, and as she watched the wounds she had inflicted began to close up before her eyes. The wounds didn't close completely, but the swelling was reduced noticeably and the color returned to normal.
"How'd you do that?"
"Ki." Ranma tore the compress off his forehead and sat up. "What are you doing here, Akane?"
"Oh, you abandon me, and demand to know what I'm doing trying to track you down?"
"You knew I couldn't stay in Japan. I was always clear about that from the beginning. You can't stay here, Akane."
"Why not?"
"Well, in case my letter didn't make it clear, I'm about to get involved in a war." Ranma swung his legs over the side of the bed so the two were sitting side by side. He gently reached over and rested his hand on top of her closest knee. "You can't stay here, Akane. I need you to go home. Please."
"You don't have to fight, Ranma. There must be
some other way. You said yourself that the Amazons had stopped them
before. Why not just let them do it this time, too?"
Ranma shook
his head. "Last time they stopped the Phoenix, there were a lot more
Amazons, Akane. They were nearly ten thousand Amazons involved in that
battle."
"What happened?"
"The Phoenix gave up because their leader was killed. Ten thousand Amazons sent to kill one man, and only three hundred returned. All the fighters in the village were wiped out in one fell swoop. Countless techniques and weapons were lost, and the Amazons never really recovered their strength. Those silly laws about marrying outsiders were a result of that battle – so many died that the survivors resorted to conscriptions and forced marriages to try and recuperate from the loses."
Ranma removed his hand. "I've seen their armies, Akane. The Amazons aren't as strong as they used to be. The Phoenix easily have thirty thousand troops ready for battle. Between the Musk and the Amazon, we can field maybe thirty-five hundred. Plus, they have long memories. They remember how we beat them last time, and might strike us before we can attack."
"It sounds hopeless." Akane bit her thumbnail, trying not to let her nervousness show.
Ranma snorted. "It is hopeless. We can't win, but we have to try."
"If it is so hopeless, why do it? Surely one person won't make a huge difference. Come back to Japan with me, and forget about this war."
"And leave all my friends to die? We won't be safe in Japan, either. The Phoenix invaded Japan back in the 13th century too, and if it hadn't been for the Divine Wind, they would have won."
Akane looked Ranma in the eyes. He raised a hand to gently touch the side of her face. "I can't stand the thought of you getting hurt. Please. I need you to go back, so that I can do what I must here."
"I don't want to. If you're going to fight, I want to be near you, Ranma."
"Let me ask you a question, Akane. What did your father tell you about the duty of a martial artist?"
Akane frowned. She could see where this was going, and she didn't like it. "The duty of a marital artist is to protect those who can't protect themselves."
"Then you know why I have to do this. If sacrificing myself prevents the deaths of tens of thousands of innocents, it's my duty."
"Can't someone else take your place?"
"There is no one else. You understand why you have to go?" Ranma watched Akane nod as tears slowly began to run down Akane's face. He stood only to have Akane grab his hand and pull him back to the bed.
"Please, Ranma. Let me stay."
"So you can watch me die?
"No... I just..."
"I can't do that. I'm sorry." Ranma held her as she clung to him desperately, sobs wracking her body. Her tears continued unabated for a few minutes until she finally calmed down enough to regain a modicum of composure. Ranma reached over to gently wipe a few tears away.
He smiled. "Better?"
"No. What do you expect?" She grinned though, a wry grin that held more than a touch of bitterness. Akane began to pick imaginary pieces of lint off Ranma's clothing. "When do you expect everything to happen?"
Ranma ran his hands through his hair. "Soon." The finality of his answer killed any other questions she had at that moment. Ranma glanced at Akane sideways as she started to smooth his shirt across his shoulders. Something he forgot to ask had just occurred to him.
"Hey, how did you get here, anyway?"
Ryoga looked up as Ranma entered the room. Ryoga was sitting on the only piece of furniture in the room, a twin bed with a canopy to hold mosquito netting. Ranma leaned against the door frame, smirking as he took in the sight of Ryoga tethered to the bedpost to keep him from wandering.
"Looks like Xian Pu found a new pet." Ranma walked forward and extended his arm. Ryoga grabbed it and the two exchanged a firm shake.
"Was that her name? She was quite pretty. She seemed to enjoy having me tied up a little too much, though." He shuddered. "Not that I liked that, or anything."
Ranma smirked again. "Sure you don't." He became serious as Akane walked in the door behind him. "Ryoga, I need you to get Akane out of here. I heard how you got here. I need you to do the same thing again, and get her as far away from here as possible. Can you do it?"
Akane frowned as Ryoga and Ranma's fell to conversing, catching up on what had happened since they last saw each other. Ryoga's imprisonment with the Phoenix turned out to be a great surprise for Ranma, but unfortunately Ryoga had little useful information. She quietly slipped out of the room. Ranma noticed her departure, of course, but didn't say anything.
Ryoga noticed as well. "Ranma?"
"Yeah, what?"
"What are your chances?"
He shook his head. "Promise me one thing, Ryoga?"
"If I can, sure."
"Take care of her, okay? If you don't, I'll come back and haunt you."
"Ah... Ku Lon, was it?" Akane approached the old woman carefully, not quite sure what to make of her.
"Yes, child?"
"I have a favor to ask of you..."
"Oh? Well, you can tell me about it on the way to help with tonight's labors. You look like a strong girl, and we are going to need all the help we can get. Did Ranma give you that necklace?"
"Yes... Why?"
"You might find it handy tonight."
Far above the Amazon village, the circling sentry glanced at the horizon. The sun was going to set soon, so he would have to return or risk a crash in the dark. He had only been out here a couple hours, so he was still fresh. But to fly at night was a death sentence for the Phoenix, because as a race they suffered from night blindness. Completing a wide sweeping turn, he caught the flash from beacon high atop Mt. Pheonix, showing the patrols the way home. The partrols would be out again in first light, monitoring the valley below.
As the sun set, a massive exodus of people left both the Amazon village and the Musk territories, marching down the valley to converge at a point right before the cursed grounds of Jusenkyo. The Musk set up the giant iron caldrons as the Amazons began clearing trees.
Akane staggered into the village as the false dawn lit the horizon. She wasn't the last person in, that honor having been reserved for the Elders. Ku Lon was right about the necklace, though. It was good for summoning up more than just the occasional mallet. That hadn't saved her hands, though. They were a total wreck because it had been a while since she had swung any sort of tool for hours on end, let alone an axe. But if she couldn't help Ranma fight, at least she could help with the efforts to keep everyone alive.
Ranma put the last steel band on the barrel before tossing it to Konatsu. The ninja caught the 55 gallon barrel with ease, stacking it next to the fifteen others they had assembled. The sky was brightening rapidly. They threw some camouflage over the barrels and separated. Even though the work was done for the night, they were still far short of what was necessary.
The first patrol in the sky headed out over the valley, the cool morning air helping to wake up the sentries as the scanned the area below them. A slight haze and the smell of wood smoke lingered in the air over the springs. The patrol wasn't particularly surprised – the valley could be cold in the mornings as the heavy mountain air flowed into it. The haze would clear soon enough.
Ranma climbed into the bath slowly, enjoying the warmth as it sucked the tiredness out of his body. He'd been thirty-six hours without sleep, and channeling ki for the last six hours straight. He could go another thirty-six hours without sleep using his ki to sustain him and prevent normal weariness from wearing him down Still, it didn't mean he would pass the chance to relax and meditate. As he closed his eyes and slipped into a trance, he felt the light touch of the neko on his mind.
"She comes..." Ranma opened his eyes to see Akane enter the bathroom. She didn't say anything as she began scrubbing down. When she had finished soaping, she quickly rinsed and joined Ranma in the tub. He scooted over, making more room for her. While the tub wasn't as big as the Tendo's, it was still capable of handling two people.
Ranma's eyes narrowed as he noticed how tired Akane was. "I thought I asked you to go home."
"You did. But I'm not leaving yet. I want to help. Ku Lon said I could."
"Akane!"
"Ranma, listen. I'll go home, but I want two things from you first."
He glared at her. "Fine, what are they?"
"One – you let me stay and help in the preparations for as long as I can. You need every hand you can get, and I'm strong. You know I can pull my own weight."
"And the second item?"
"Well, I already spoke to Ku Lon about it, and she agrees. She thinks it would be a good idea and..."
"Akane, your rambling. Just spit it out."
"... I want you to marry me."
Ku Lon smoked her pipe as she listened to the quarreling couple inside. This Akane girl certainly seemed to have the strength of will to deal with Ranma. She would have made a good Amazon. If anybody survived this confrontation, Ku Lon would have to invite the girl back at some point.
The arguments began to die down inside the bathhouse. Ku Lon smiled. She wasn't surprised, but hadn't expected Ranma to acquiesce this easily. She tapped her pipe embers out on the bottom of her shoe, grinding them into the dirt to make sure no fires started. She always loved weddings, even if they were of the shotgun variety.
The ceremony was short. Since Akane wasn't an Amazon, it was a simple matter of the two answering a few questions from the Elder Ku Lon. A pair of rings was exchanged, and a ribbon was wrapped around their crossed hands. Shampoo attended as Ranma's family, and Ryoga stood in for Akane's. He tried his best to look happy. When everything was finished, Akane dragged Ranma to a house they had been given by the village as a wedding present. When the news was announced to the village people cheered. Good news was always welcome during times of trouble.
And so six days passed quickly. For Akane, the day was spent on her honeymoon with Ranma, training with the Amazons, and spending the nights with the Amazon work crews. Sleep was in short supply for all involved. Ranma spent his nights working as well, and when not busy with Akane, helping to equip the Amazon warriors as best he could. There would be one day of rest before the battle began so that everyone could catch up on sleep. Ryoga packed his bags, preparing to get lost. Akane tried her best not to cry as Ranma left the next morning.
The Musk did a final check of armaments. Konatsu assembled his forces and left as soon as the sun set that day. Herb prepared the soldiers. Ranma meditated. The Amazons checked bowstrings and sharpened spears. Everyone prayed. As the dawn broke on the seventh day, the Amazon and the Musk marched to war.
The Phoenix saw the armies approaching from the south, sun glistening off the spears and siege engines from miles away. Attention diverted by the force in front of them, the failed to see a lone figure approaching from the west, and they failed to see a small force of about one hundred climbing the mountain on the east.
Quick comments – the final chapters are coming up. Thanks to all who read and review, and if you like this story, by all means keep reading! Reviews, questions, comments always welcome. Quick historical note – the Mongols did indeed invade China, Korea, and attempted to conquer Japan in the 13th century. The conquered all of China, and went on to invade the Middle East and parts of Europe, bringing the Black Death to Europe when they arrived. They established the largest empire in human history in an extremely short period of time, stretching from the Sea of Japan and the Pacific to the Mediterreanian. They would have succeeded in conquering Japan if a Typhoon hadn't wrecked a good deal of the invading forces as they attempted to land in Kyushu. At any rate, it was an extremely hard fought battle, and in the end the hordes were driven back to the see, albeit after inflicting massive casualties on the Japanese forces. That is the origins of the word "Kamikaze," or "Divine Wind." The word Kamikaze was made famous for the suicide attacks on U.S. forces during World War II.
Now, to answer some reviews:
Chaotic-Lord
"Hmm, I think that's a bit lot or lots of to many Phoenix. I mean, that got to be only about 50 mim and 150 max because the mountain is not big enough to hold such huge number. With even magic, surly people would notice it soonl..."
not necessarily. fourty thousand people living underground is does not take up as much space as you would think. Some college campuses house 100,000, and do it in an area much smaller geograhically than the footprint of a mountain. And, using creative liscense, i needed the numbers to make the threat seem plauseable... :)
Jerry Unipeg
"I LOVE THIS CHAPTER! Ranma going to have a big surprise."
Holy S&tballs! I must be doing something right to get Jerry to change from his norm to add some extra! WoW!!! Sorry to poke fun, but thanks for the review. I really am impressed that I got more than the norm on this one. I take that as real encouragement. So again, thank you and keep reading!
Karibanu
"A few spelling errors I noticed ( angle -
angel, rouge - rogue ), but the biggest problem I have with this
chapter is introducing some of the frivolous Ranma elements into what's
turned out to be a pretty serious chapter. Basically, a) the mallet
thing, and b) Ryouga's sense of direction as a plot device.
Things
appear from nowhere quite often in the Ranma-verse: Ranma pulls clothes
out of nowhere, Kuno has unlimited bokkens, Kodachi has a ribbon,
Nabiki's camera, Ryouga has bandannas and not least himself: these work
in a comedy series because you're not supposed to take it seriously
enough to think about mechanics. Ryouga just appears when the plot
demands, and conveniently vanishes when he's not needed, and the whole
mallet thing ( it's not just Akane ) is a purely visual gag.
Unfortunately if you place the elements in something more serious they
jar horribly ( you might note Ryouga shows no signs of getting lost in
one of the more serious arcs ), and a mallet-shaped ki attack shows a
level of control no-one, not even Herb, demonstrates in the series.
Really though the mallet gag has no place in anything serious.
I
was expecting Akane to show up in China - although I'd rather she
didn't for reasons of stifling Ranma's growth - but under her own
power; that would have been somewhat more dramatic too, imo.
Anyway, nice to see some bigger politics happening again."