Ron 1/2
By Parareru
Disclaimer: Kim Possible and crew are owned by Disney. (Who had better keep producing the show until we have as many seasons as the Simpsons.) Ranma 1/2 and crew are owned by Rumiko Takahashi. SO to repeat I own neither of these.
{ } denotes Chinese speech [ ] denotes Japanese speech
Note: I'll refer to Ron's female form as Ron-chan, unless she's undercover as Rhonda.
Chapter 9: Intensive Training
[Such cute girls,] the street side vendor said with a broad smile. [Go ahead and take another pork bun each for free.]
[Golly gee, thanks,] Ranma-chan squealed in delight as she took the bag from the vendor and nudged the sheepish blonde girl standing next to her.
"D-domo arigatou," Ron-chan said as she bowed marginally and the two of them resumed their journey down the street.
"And this is training, how?" Ron-chan asked as she took the pork bun that Ranma offered her.
"Can't train on an empty stomach," Ranma-chan replied sagely as she rummaged in the sack for a snack for herself. "When cruising for eats, our girl bodies are definitely the way to go."
"Wonder if this'll work at Bueno Nacho," Ron-chan mused as she nibbled on the snack.
"You're right though," Ranma-chan sighed as he polished off another bun. "We should get on with your training."
"So what went wrong with my 'ki-blast?'" Ron-chan asked. "I get the feeling that it should have been a lot more than it was."
"Well, what were you feeling at the time?" Ranma-chan asked back.
"Let's see. That was right after you tossed me when I shouted 'flying kick now,' so I guess I was a feeling little miffed," Ron-chan answered.
"That fits, I suppose," Ranma-chan mused. "The Shi shi Hokodan is fueled offa depression, so it didn't really work that well for you since you weren't too depressed."
"So is there an attack that would work for me?" Ron-chan asked curiously.
"So how's your self-esteem?" Ranma-chan asked as she looked over at Ron-chan. "You could try to learn my Mouko Takabisha."
"Well, I don't get embarrassed," Ron-chan admitted as she nibbled on the bun. "I don't know how many times I've lost my pants on a mission."
"And you've been on lots of these 'mission' things?" Ranma-chan asked.
"Seems like every other day there's some nut trying to take over the world," Ron-chan replied. "Me and KP usually manage to handle it."
"So you were on a mission when you got cursed?" Ranma-chan asked.
"Yup," Ron-chan nodded. "We had to go to China again to stop Monkey Fist to get his hands on the Monkey Talisman. Monkey Fist tripped me up and I landed in the Drowned Girl Spring."
"Maybe the Mouko Takabisha would work for you," Ranma-chan suggested. "Unless there are any other emotions that come easily to you."
"Does hunger count?" Ron-chan asked with an arched brow.
"It looks like we have a lot of training to do," Ranma-chan sighed as the two of them headed back to the dojo.
***
Akane and Kim faced off in the dojo, dressed in yellow and white dogis respectively and bowed formally to each other.
"So what's the story between you and Ron?" Akane asked Kim as she aimed a high snap kick at the redheaded crime fighter.
"We've been best friends since pre-K," Kim answered as she ducked under the kick and retaliated with a sweep kick at Akane's standing leg. Kim's kick connected, but Akane moved with the blow and flipped over her outstretched leg.
"Just friends?" Akane pressed as she launched a flurry of punches that Kim either evaded or blocked.
"Couldn't freak fight without him," Kim replied glibly as she grabbed Akane's arm and tried for an arm bar. "He's always been there when I needed him."
"That sounds kind of like, Ranma. Though we've only been together for about a year," Akane said as she wriggled out of Kim's grasp and attempted to reverse the hold only to have Kim disengage and spring across the floor of the dojo. The two girls measured each other warily as they simultaneously broke into pleased grins. It felt good spar with nothing on the line except for their pride.
"You're pretty good," Akane said appreciatively as she began circling around Kim while keeping her guard up.
"Sixteen styles of Kung Fu," Kim replied as she matched Akane's movement. "You're pretty good too."
"Practicing just as soon as I could walk," Akane confessed. "This dojo has been in my family for years."
"I heard how expensive land is here in Japan," Kim remarked in an attempt to distract Akane. "This place must be worth a fortune."
"You sound like Nabiki," Akane snorted, not falling for the tactic. "Father would never sell though. It's his and Uncle Saotome's plan that Ranma and I take over the dojo once we get married."
"Married?" Kim asked, startled at the news. "But you're my age."
Akane nodded as she leapt forward with a knife hand attack. "Our fathers arranged the marriage back when they were training together," she informed the redhead.
"Isn't an arranged marriage sorta... outdated?" Kim asked as she ducked under the strike and tried to pull off an uppercut, but Akane leaned back, the blow passing harmlessly in front of her face. Swiftly Akane grabbed hold of Kim's outstretched arm and rolled onto her back, planting her feet in Kim's stomach and sent the redhead flying.
Kim tucked herself into a ball, spun and twisted to land gracefully on her feet. "Nearly had me there," Kim complimented.
"I'll have to do better then," Akane stated as she leapt forward with a flying kick. Kim ducked low under the kick as the shorthaired girl flew overhead, quickly grabbed hold of Akane's trailing leg and applied leverage. Akane squawked in alarm as her flight was cut short and she found herself pinned to the floor.
"Best two falls out of three?" Kim offered with a self-satisfied smile as she panted from the exertion of their match.
"Better not," Akane sighed regretfully as Kim helped her to her feet. "Kasumi will almost be ready with dinner by now."
"So how come you ended up engaged to Ranma?" Kim asked conversationally as the two of them walked out of the dojo.
"Well, Kasumi said that younger men bored her," Akane said as she rolled her eyes. "And Nabiki said I was a perfect match for Ranma since he was half girl and I hated boys at the time."
"That sounds like a sound basis for marriage," Kim quipped dryly.
"He really does love me though," Akane said as she smiled tolerantly at Kim's jibe. "Of course, he thought I was dead when he finally admitted it. We nearly got married too."
"What happened then?" Kim asked, curiously noting that there was no wedding ring on the other girl's finger.
"Ranma's other fiancés came in and spoiled it," Akane told Kim. "So we postponed the wedding until we can sort out all the engagements."
"Sounds complicated," Kim commiserated.
Akane gave Kim a speculative look as she slid aside the bathroom door. "Well, let's wash up before dinner," she offered. "It sounds like Ranma and Ron just came back."
***
"Hey, Kasumi, Mrs. Saotome," Ron-chan greeted the pair as she entered the kitchen. "Do you have any hot water available?"
"Of course," Kasumi answered as she pointed to a kettle sitting on a burner. "We always keep some ready since Ranma moved in."
"Thanks," Ron said as she snagged the kettle and poured the warm water on her head to change back into a boy. "That still feels so weird," he observed as he went to find Ranma.
"Thanks, man," Ranma-chan said as she took the kettle from Ron. "Maybe we should've asked Cologne how you learned my techniques."
"Weird how that happened," Ron agreed. "What's the 'Crouch of the Wild Tiger?'"
"A useful final technique if you piss off the girls," Ranma chuckled. "One more example of Pop's ridiculous training. Hard to believe he came up with the Yamasen-ken and Umisen-ken."
"Wait, I know this one," Ron said as he closed his eyes and concentrated on the words that Ranma just said. Moving instinctively he took on a hunched stance, standing lightly on the balls of his feet, his hands held before him limply. "The Umisen-ken is an art of softness," Ron said as he faded from sight. "The silent, sneaky thief."
At various locations within the Tendo home, Kim, Lo Shin and Yori paused in what they were doing and looked around in puzzlement at the vague feeling of something important missing from their respective lives. After a few seconds, the odd sense of discomfort passed and the three girls returned to their activities.
"Not bad," Ranma said once Ron returned to sight. "You managed to completely erase your presence."
"Does that work on cameras?" Ron asked curiously. "That would be so cool if it does!"
"Never tried that before," Ranma answered. "Just make sure that you don't get mad while you're using the Umisen-ken. If you do, your enemy will be able to spot you. It's the one weakness of the Umisen-ken.
"I'll keep that in mind," Ron said with a nod. "It'll come in handy during my fight with Mousse."
"You shouldn't use it unless your life is on the line," Ranma said quietly. "I sealed up the Umisen-ken and Yamasen-ken because they were evil arts. The techniques are just too violent to use."
"Okay. I won't use it in the match," Ron promised
"So you're going to go through with it," Ranma stated.
"I have to now," Ron replied. "I got this feeling in my gut that I absolutely have to get my hands on that Talisman."
"Sounds like someone's at the gate," Ranma commented at the sound of a buzzer.
"Could one of you get that?" Kasumi called into the yard.
"I'm on it!" Ron answered as he ran for the gate. He pulled the door open and beckoned to Ranma when he saw the deliveryman standing at the gate.
"Looks like a package for Yori," Ranma commented as he read the name on the parcel. "I'll take it to her."
Ron was about to shut the gate and follow Ranma into house when he say a boy about his age stagger by, weighed down by a massive backpack. The traveler paused and looked around in confusion and let loose a loud yell, nearly causing Ron to jump out of his skin.
[WHERE ON EARTH AM I NOW?!] Ryoga bellowed as he vented his frustrations into the darkening sky.
Ryoga breathed heavily and saw a blond-haired boy watching him from a gate. Deciding that it couldn't hurt to ask for directions he walked toward the boy staring at him incredulously. [Excuse me, but do you know where the Tendo Dojo is?] Ryoga asked.
The only words Ron understood were Tendo Dojo so he pointed to the sign beside the gate. Ryoga stared at the sign for a few seconds in mild embarrassment.
[Thank you,] Ryoga finally said as he shrugged off his pack and charged through the gate and into the Tendo home. "RANMA!" he bellowed.
[Hey, P-chan,] Ranma said congenially as he waved in greeting.
[Who are you calling, P-chan?!] Ryoga demanded as he launched himself at the pigtailed martial artist.
[Sloppy, Ryoga,] Ranma criticized as he dodged the strike. [Very sloppy.]
[Oh, hello, Ryoga,] Akane said as she stepped out the bathroom wrapped in nothing except a towel. [Back from your training journey?]
[A-A-A-Akane,] Ryoga stuttered as his mind overloaded at seeing so much of Akane's skin exposed. [I-I brought some-some manju for you,] he stammered as he thrust a box at the shorthaired girl.
[Thank you, Ryoga,] Akane said as she took the box while keeping her grip on her towel. [You're so sweet.]
[An-anything for you, Akane,] Ryoga laughed nervously.
[Same ol' Ryoga,] Ranma chuckled as he bopped his rival on the back of the head.
[How dare you humiliate me like that in front of Akane?] Ryoga growled as he turned his attention back on Ranma, firing off dozens of punches.
[Aren't you supposed to be with Akari?] Ranma asked as he dodged Ryoga's jabs.
"What's with all the shouting, Akane?" Kim asked as she stepped out of the bathroom in a puff of steam and a similar state of undress as Akane. "Who's this?"
Ron's eyes widened at the sight of Kim standing there wearing just a towel and he chivalrously averted his eyes to study his feet uncomfortably.
"This is Ranma's friend, Ryoga Hibiki," Akane introduced Kim to the bandanna-clad martial artist.
"Some friend," Ranma snorted as he spun Ryoga around and flung his rival into the yard. "Come on, Ron," Ranma beckoned as he leapt through the door.
"Normal day?" Kim asked as she and Akane walked back to her room.
"Oh yeah," Akane confirmed dryly.
***
Ron watched as Ranma and Ryoga continued to exchange blows, awed by the level of skill displayed by the two youths. Ranma definitely had the advantage in speed and agility, but Ryoga had raw power and endurance in his favor.
"Hey Ryoga, I got someone you should meet," Ranma said as he ducked a kick.
"You won't fool me with that trick," Ryoga growled as he swiped at his rival's head.
"No seriously," Ranma said as he slipped in past Ryoga's guard and twisted his head around to point his gaze at Ron. "He's gonna fight with Mousse in a coupla days."
"Hiya," Ron waved at Ryoga. "I'm Ron Stoppable."
"Ryoga Hibiki," Ryoga replied, pausing in mid swing. "You're fighting Mousse? Is this to marry Shampoo?"
"Hell, no," Ron protested. "I don't even really want to marry his sister."
"Mousse has a sister?" Ryoga asked in confusion.
"Came as a surprise to me too," Ranma said. "She ain't all that bad looking either. Anyhow, you can help me in training Ron for his fight."
"I don't think I like the sound of this," Ron said hesitantly.
"We'll just work on getting your dodging up to speed," Ranma said reassuringly. "And Mousse can't throw a ki-blast yet, so if you can pull one off you'll have an advantage."
"Ron! Ranma! Dinner!" Kasumi's gentle voice drifted into the yard as she slid aside the screen. "Oh, Ryoga. Are you staying for dinner as well?"
***
An hour later found Ron, Ranma and Ryoga standing on a small strip of land by the canal. Rocks of all shapes and sizes littered the ground.
"Yeah, this'll be perfect," Ranma commented as he hefted a rock the size of a basketball and tossed it to Ryoga.
"So what are we doing here?" Ron asked as he scanned the area. The sun was setting rapidly, casting long shadows on the ground.
"Dodge all the rock and you'll be able to avoid Mousse's weapons no problem," Ranma said as he poked at another rock.
"Wait. You're going to throw these rocks at me?" Ron asked incredulously. The smallest rocks were about the size of a fist. Ron quailed at the possibility of the two martial artists pelting him with those. "Couldn't we start with something softer, like tomatoes or something?" he asked plaintively. "I'm used to people tossing fruit at me."
"Don't worry," Ranma said as he gestured to Ryoga. "Ryoga."
"Bakusai Tenketsu!" Ryoga yelled as he stabbed his finger into the rock he held in his hand. Ron yelped in shock as the small boulder exploded in a shower of fragments that pelted the three boys. Moving his hands quickly, Ranma swept aside and gathered all the pieces coming for him.
"Now just dodge or block the pieces that come at you," Ranma instructed as he dropped the armload of rocks he had just collected.
"Got it," Ron said as he settled himself and brought his guard up.
Ryoga promptly shattered another rock as Ranma stood aside watching critically as Ron ducked and weaved among the flying shards of rock. "Faster Ryoga!" Ranma commanded as he watched Ron's frantic movements.
"Faster?!" Ron yelped as a piece of rock whizzed by his ear and Ryoga picked up the pace of the explosions. "What do ya mean faster?!" Ron's hands moved even quicker, on an almost instinctive level as he swept aside the salvoes of flying stone, panting heavily as the sweat poured off his brow. Finally, Ron's guard slipped and a piece of rock belted him square on the forehead, sending him crashing to the ground in a flurry of dust.
"Not bad for your first time," Ranma said as he crouched to help Ron to his feet. "Let's give that another coupla tries before we call it a day."
"Owie," Ron complained as he rubbed at the small bump on his forehead. "Well, let's finish this," he sighed valiantly as he grabbed Ranma's hand and rose to his feet.
"This time, do it in your girl body," Ranma said as he splashed Ron with some water from the canal. "You should be able to block faster than in your guy body."
"Okay," Ron-chan said hesitantly as Ryoga readied another rock.
***
"Maybe we overdid it a little," Ryoga commented as he regarded the body slung over his shoulder.
"I don't get it," Ranma said as he mulled over what went wrong with their training session. "He should've been faster in his girl body."
"S'okay," Ron-chan slurred weakly as she brought a hand up to brush at her chest. "These just kept getting in the way."
"He's got a point, Ranma" Ryoga chuckled. "I've wondered how you were ever able to fight as such a 'healthy' girl."
"Hey, you've gotta bigger water handicap than I do, P-chan," Ranma retorted.
"Ain't no way I'm wearing a bra," Ron-chan vowed. "No way in hell."
"Well, Dr. Tofu will be able to fix you up," Ranma said as he pulled aside the door to Tofu's clinic. "Let's just hope Kasumi doesn't pay a visit."
"Why?" Ron-chan asked as she lifted her head. "Kasumi's the sweetest person around."
"Just trust me on this," Ranma advised as he patted Ron on the shoulder. "You don't want to be anywhere near Dr. Tofu if Kasumi has been around."
"Hello, Ranma," Dr. Tofu said as he wiped his hands on a towel. "What can I do for you?"
"Got a patient for you," Ranma said as he pointed to Ron-chan. "We might have gone a little overboard with the training."
"It certainly looks like it," Tofu said as he gave Ron-chan a once over. "Just put her on the bed there and I'll treat her injuries. So why were you two were so rough on a girl?" Tofu asked in a slightly disapproving tone as he retrieved some medicinal salve from a cabinet.
"Hey, I'm a guy," Ron-chan declared as she tried to push herself up.
"Uh oh, looks like she's delirious," Tofu observed. "Her injuries must be more serious than I'd thought."
"Actually, he's right, doctor," Ranma said. "He's got the same curse as I do."
"Oh, I see," Tofu said as he adjusted his glasses and cracked his knuckles. Tofu grabbed hold of Ron and began adjusting her joints with loud pops and crack. "Ryoga could you fetch some hot water. And Ranma try not to overdo it with the training next time."
"Hey, that hurts!" Ron-chan protested indignantly as she suddenly sat up and slapped Tofu's hands away. "And quit copping a feel!"
"Oh, sorry about that," Tofu said as he poured the water on Ron. "What still hurts?"
"Actually," Ron said as he tentatively wriggled his shoulders and stretched out his back. "I feel great now. Thanks."
"My pleasure," Dr. Tofu said. "I've gotten quite used to all the weird injuries every since Ranma moved into the Tendo Dojo." Ranma had the grace to look sheepish at that last comment. "So what are you boys doing tonight?" Tofu asked as he began to apply some ointment on the bump on Ron's forehead.
"Well, training like that has really worked up my appetite," Ron said with a broad grin. "Maybe Kasumi will some snackage for us."
"No, you idiot!" Ranma shouted in terror.
"K-K-K-Kasumi," Tofu declared in a foolish voice, his glasses fogging up as he grabbed hold of Ron's head and twisted. Ranma and Ryoga cringed in sympathy at the loud crack that came from Ron's neck.
"Umm, ow," Ron squeaked feebly with his head canted at an odd angle. "Help," he begged.
"How lovely to see you, Kasumi," Dr. Tofu giggled as he danced across his office with his skeleton, Betty, in his arms. "You dance so well."
"Thanks, Dr. Tofu!" Ranma yelled as he grabbed Ron and quickly exited the office.
"Bye, Ranma," Tofu waved cheerfully at the wall. He grabbed the skeleton's hand and made it wave as well. "Say bye-bye, Betty."
"Wait!" Ron yelped as he pointed at his twisted neck. "He's gotta fix this!"
"Believe me," Ranma advised. "It's a lot safer to be far away from Dr. Tofu right now. You just had to go and mention Kasumi to him."
"What was up with that reaction?" Ron asked as he futilely tried to force his head back into the correct position.
"Dr. Tofu's in love with Kasumi," Ryoga supplied. "Even I'm scared to go near him after Kasumi visits."
"You and everybody in town," Ranma added. "Maybe we can get Dr. Tofu to fix it in the morning."
***
"Ron, what's wrong with your neck?" Kim asked as she cocked her head to the side. Rufus scurried up behind Kim and mimicked her action to stare at Ron curiously.
"Long story, KP," Ron sighed.
"Well, maybe if I..." Kim said as she grabbed Ron's head and tried forcing it back into position. Rufus jumped onto Ron's shoulder and tried to helped, pushing for all he was worth.
"Ow, ow, ow, OW!" Ron cried as Kim and Rufusapplied pressure. "Not working, Kim."
"Maybe Wade can help," Kim suggested as she pulled out her Kimmunicator. "Wade, I need a medical scan."
"Sure, Kim," Wade replied as he took a sip of his ever-present soda. "Who's hurt?"
"Have a look," Kim said as she turned the Kimmunicator so Wade could get a clear view of Ron. Wade did a double take and spurted his mouthful of soda out in surprise.
"RON! What kind of monster did that to you?!" Wade blurted.
"A lovesick chiropractor," Ron replied as the beam from the Kimmunicator played over Ron's neck and shoulders.
"Well, the good news is that there's no damage," Wade reported as his fingers dashed rapidly across his keyboard. "Your neck should return to normal in a few hours."
"Maybe, it'll get better faster if I have my V-8 in the morning," Ron joked as both Kim and Wade groaned.
Next: Hidden Weapons vs. Monkey Power
A/N: Thanks for Reading and Reviewing!
Had a severe case of writer's block while writing this chapter. I still need about 200 sticks of writer's dynamite to unblock my other fic. Problem is I got 10 and maybe a coupla road flares. ;-P
I was going to try to introduce the Cat Fist here, but I think it might need to wait for the sequel with some of the other villains. Drakken might go for a pit of starving cats. Or maybe Senor Senior Sr. Couple of sequences are running through my head for the sequel. Like and undercover op into the Senior compound and Junior has a thing for bosomy blondes. Lol.
Ron's training was adapted from the speed training that Ranma went through when he was training for his fight with Natsumi and Kurumi from the OAV 'The One to Carry On.'
I actually had no intention of writing Tofu into this fic, but I just obtained the entire Ranma ½ series on DVD and watched a couple of those 1st episodes with Tofu. I keep looking for some place to introduce Happosai. After all, there are some more girls under the Tendo roof. Maybe in another couple of chapters. Sigh.
Not sure how long it'll take for my next update, but hopefully it'll be within a week. Hopefully.
Glossary:
Bakusai Tenketsu – Breaking Point Technique – Amazon construction technique designed to shatter large rocks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Doesn't work on people. Training involves swinging a person into a boulder until they manage to find the breaking point. Benefit is that survivors of the training are incredibly tough.
Yamasen-ken – Mountain of 1000 Fists – Half of a fighting technique created by Genma Saotome that equates a body with a house. The Yamasen-ken focuses on frontal assaults and is incredibly powerful. The technique was sealed up when Ranma defeated Ryu Kumon in a duel.
Disclaimer: Kim Possible and crew are owned by Disney. (Who had better keep producing the show until we have as many seasons as the Simpsons.) Ranma 1/2 and crew are owned by Rumiko Takahashi. SO to repeat I own neither of these.
{ } denotes Chinese speech [ ] denotes Japanese speech
Note: I'll refer to Ron's female form as Ron-chan, unless she's undercover as Rhonda.
Chapter 9: Intensive Training
[Such cute girls,] the street side vendor said with a broad smile. [Go ahead and take another pork bun each for free.]
[Golly gee, thanks,] Ranma-chan squealed in delight as she took the bag from the vendor and nudged the sheepish blonde girl standing next to her.
"D-domo arigatou," Ron-chan said as she bowed marginally and the two of them resumed their journey down the street.
"And this is training, how?" Ron-chan asked as she took the pork bun that Ranma offered her.
"Can't train on an empty stomach," Ranma-chan replied sagely as she rummaged in the sack for a snack for herself. "When cruising for eats, our girl bodies are definitely the way to go."
"Wonder if this'll work at Bueno Nacho," Ron-chan mused as she nibbled on the snack.
"You're right though," Ranma-chan sighed as he polished off another bun. "We should get on with your training."
"So what went wrong with my 'ki-blast?'" Ron-chan asked. "I get the feeling that it should have been a lot more than it was."
"Well, what were you feeling at the time?" Ranma-chan asked back.
"Let's see. That was right after you tossed me when I shouted 'flying kick now,' so I guess I was a feeling little miffed," Ron-chan answered.
"That fits, I suppose," Ranma-chan mused. "The Shi shi Hokodan is fueled offa depression, so it didn't really work that well for you since you weren't too depressed."
"So is there an attack that would work for me?" Ron-chan asked curiously.
"So how's your self-esteem?" Ranma-chan asked as she looked over at Ron-chan. "You could try to learn my Mouko Takabisha."
"Well, I don't get embarrassed," Ron-chan admitted as she nibbled on the bun. "I don't know how many times I've lost my pants on a mission."
"And you've been on lots of these 'mission' things?" Ranma-chan asked.
"Seems like every other day there's some nut trying to take over the world," Ron-chan replied. "Me and KP usually manage to handle it."
"So you were on a mission when you got cursed?" Ranma-chan asked.
"Yup," Ron-chan nodded. "We had to go to China again to stop Monkey Fist to get his hands on the Monkey Talisman. Monkey Fist tripped me up and I landed in the Drowned Girl Spring."
"Maybe the Mouko Takabisha would work for you," Ranma-chan suggested. "Unless there are any other emotions that come easily to you."
"Does hunger count?" Ron-chan asked with an arched brow.
"It looks like we have a lot of training to do," Ranma-chan sighed as the two of them headed back to the dojo.
***
Akane and Kim faced off in the dojo, dressed in yellow and white dogis respectively and bowed formally to each other.
"So what's the story between you and Ron?" Akane asked Kim as she aimed a high snap kick at the redheaded crime fighter.
"We've been best friends since pre-K," Kim answered as she ducked under the kick and retaliated with a sweep kick at Akane's standing leg. Kim's kick connected, but Akane moved with the blow and flipped over her outstretched leg.
"Just friends?" Akane pressed as she launched a flurry of punches that Kim either evaded or blocked.
"Couldn't freak fight without him," Kim replied glibly as she grabbed Akane's arm and tried for an arm bar. "He's always been there when I needed him."
"That sounds kind of like, Ranma. Though we've only been together for about a year," Akane said as she wriggled out of Kim's grasp and attempted to reverse the hold only to have Kim disengage and spring across the floor of the dojo. The two girls measured each other warily as they simultaneously broke into pleased grins. It felt good spar with nothing on the line except for their pride.
"You're pretty good," Akane said appreciatively as she began circling around Kim while keeping her guard up.
"Sixteen styles of Kung Fu," Kim replied as she matched Akane's movement. "You're pretty good too."
"Practicing just as soon as I could walk," Akane confessed. "This dojo has been in my family for years."
"I heard how expensive land is here in Japan," Kim remarked in an attempt to distract Akane. "This place must be worth a fortune."
"You sound like Nabiki," Akane snorted, not falling for the tactic. "Father would never sell though. It's his and Uncle Saotome's plan that Ranma and I take over the dojo once we get married."
"Married?" Kim asked, startled at the news. "But you're my age."
Akane nodded as she leapt forward with a knife hand attack. "Our fathers arranged the marriage back when they were training together," she informed the redhead.
"Isn't an arranged marriage sorta... outdated?" Kim asked as she ducked under the strike and tried to pull off an uppercut, but Akane leaned back, the blow passing harmlessly in front of her face. Swiftly Akane grabbed hold of Kim's outstretched arm and rolled onto her back, planting her feet in Kim's stomach and sent the redhead flying.
Kim tucked herself into a ball, spun and twisted to land gracefully on her feet. "Nearly had me there," Kim complimented.
"I'll have to do better then," Akane stated as she leapt forward with a flying kick. Kim ducked low under the kick as the shorthaired girl flew overhead, quickly grabbed hold of Akane's trailing leg and applied leverage. Akane squawked in alarm as her flight was cut short and she found herself pinned to the floor.
"Best two falls out of three?" Kim offered with a self-satisfied smile as she panted from the exertion of their match.
"Better not," Akane sighed regretfully as Kim helped her to her feet. "Kasumi will almost be ready with dinner by now."
"So how come you ended up engaged to Ranma?" Kim asked conversationally as the two of them walked out of the dojo.
"Well, Kasumi said that younger men bored her," Akane said as she rolled her eyes. "And Nabiki said I was a perfect match for Ranma since he was half girl and I hated boys at the time."
"That sounds like a sound basis for marriage," Kim quipped dryly.
"He really does love me though," Akane said as she smiled tolerantly at Kim's jibe. "Of course, he thought I was dead when he finally admitted it. We nearly got married too."
"What happened then?" Kim asked, curiously noting that there was no wedding ring on the other girl's finger.
"Ranma's other fiancés came in and spoiled it," Akane told Kim. "So we postponed the wedding until we can sort out all the engagements."
"Sounds complicated," Kim commiserated.
Akane gave Kim a speculative look as she slid aside the bathroom door. "Well, let's wash up before dinner," she offered. "It sounds like Ranma and Ron just came back."
***
"Hey, Kasumi, Mrs. Saotome," Ron-chan greeted the pair as she entered the kitchen. "Do you have any hot water available?"
"Of course," Kasumi answered as she pointed to a kettle sitting on a burner. "We always keep some ready since Ranma moved in."
"Thanks," Ron said as she snagged the kettle and poured the warm water on her head to change back into a boy. "That still feels so weird," he observed as he went to find Ranma.
"Thanks, man," Ranma-chan said as she took the kettle from Ron. "Maybe we should've asked Cologne how you learned my techniques."
"Weird how that happened," Ron agreed. "What's the 'Crouch of the Wild Tiger?'"
"A useful final technique if you piss off the girls," Ranma chuckled. "One more example of Pop's ridiculous training. Hard to believe he came up with the Yamasen-ken and Umisen-ken."
"Wait, I know this one," Ron said as he closed his eyes and concentrated on the words that Ranma just said. Moving instinctively he took on a hunched stance, standing lightly on the balls of his feet, his hands held before him limply. "The Umisen-ken is an art of softness," Ron said as he faded from sight. "The silent, sneaky thief."
At various locations within the Tendo home, Kim, Lo Shin and Yori paused in what they were doing and looked around in puzzlement at the vague feeling of something important missing from their respective lives. After a few seconds, the odd sense of discomfort passed and the three girls returned to their activities.
"Not bad," Ranma said once Ron returned to sight. "You managed to completely erase your presence."
"Does that work on cameras?" Ron asked curiously. "That would be so cool if it does!"
"Never tried that before," Ranma answered. "Just make sure that you don't get mad while you're using the Umisen-ken. If you do, your enemy will be able to spot you. It's the one weakness of the Umisen-ken.
"I'll keep that in mind," Ron said with a nod. "It'll come in handy during my fight with Mousse."
"You shouldn't use it unless your life is on the line," Ranma said quietly. "I sealed up the Umisen-ken and Yamasen-ken because they were evil arts. The techniques are just too violent to use."
"Okay. I won't use it in the match," Ron promised
"So you're going to go through with it," Ranma stated.
"I have to now," Ron replied. "I got this feeling in my gut that I absolutely have to get my hands on that Talisman."
"Sounds like someone's at the gate," Ranma commented at the sound of a buzzer.
"Could one of you get that?" Kasumi called into the yard.
"I'm on it!" Ron answered as he ran for the gate. He pulled the door open and beckoned to Ranma when he saw the deliveryman standing at the gate.
"Looks like a package for Yori," Ranma commented as he read the name on the parcel. "I'll take it to her."
Ron was about to shut the gate and follow Ranma into house when he say a boy about his age stagger by, weighed down by a massive backpack. The traveler paused and looked around in confusion and let loose a loud yell, nearly causing Ron to jump out of his skin.
[WHERE ON EARTH AM I NOW?!] Ryoga bellowed as he vented his frustrations into the darkening sky.
Ryoga breathed heavily and saw a blond-haired boy watching him from a gate. Deciding that it couldn't hurt to ask for directions he walked toward the boy staring at him incredulously. [Excuse me, but do you know where the Tendo Dojo is?] Ryoga asked.
The only words Ron understood were Tendo Dojo so he pointed to the sign beside the gate. Ryoga stared at the sign for a few seconds in mild embarrassment.
[Thank you,] Ryoga finally said as he shrugged off his pack and charged through the gate and into the Tendo home. "RANMA!" he bellowed.
[Hey, P-chan,] Ranma said congenially as he waved in greeting.
[Who are you calling, P-chan?!] Ryoga demanded as he launched himself at the pigtailed martial artist.
[Sloppy, Ryoga,] Ranma criticized as he dodged the strike. [Very sloppy.]
[Oh, hello, Ryoga,] Akane said as she stepped out the bathroom wrapped in nothing except a towel. [Back from your training journey?]
[A-A-A-Akane,] Ryoga stuttered as his mind overloaded at seeing so much of Akane's skin exposed. [I-I brought some-some manju for you,] he stammered as he thrust a box at the shorthaired girl.
[Thank you, Ryoga,] Akane said as she took the box while keeping her grip on her towel. [You're so sweet.]
[An-anything for you, Akane,] Ryoga laughed nervously.
[Same ol' Ryoga,] Ranma chuckled as he bopped his rival on the back of the head.
[How dare you humiliate me like that in front of Akane?] Ryoga growled as he turned his attention back on Ranma, firing off dozens of punches.
[Aren't you supposed to be with Akari?] Ranma asked as he dodged Ryoga's jabs.
"What's with all the shouting, Akane?" Kim asked as she stepped out of the bathroom in a puff of steam and a similar state of undress as Akane. "Who's this?"
Ron's eyes widened at the sight of Kim standing there wearing just a towel and he chivalrously averted his eyes to study his feet uncomfortably.
"This is Ranma's friend, Ryoga Hibiki," Akane introduced Kim to the bandanna-clad martial artist.
"Some friend," Ranma snorted as he spun Ryoga around and flung his rival into the yard. "Come on, Ron," Ranma beckoned as he leapt through the door.
"Normal day?" Kim asked as she and Akane walked back to her room.
"Oh yeah," Akane confirmed dryly.
***
Ron watched as Ranma and Ryoga continued to exchange blows, awed by the level of skill displayed by the two youths. Ranma definitely had the advantage in speed and agility, but Ryoga had raw power and endurance in his favor.
"Hey Ryoga, I got someone you should meet," Ranma said as he ducked a kick.
"You won't fool me with that trick," Ryoga growled as he swiped at his rival's head.
"No seriously," Ranma said as he slipped in past Ryoga's guard and twisted his head around to point his gaze at Ron. "He's gonna fight with Mousse in a coupla days."
"Hiya," Ron waved at Ryoga. "I'm Ron Stoppable."
"Ryoga Hibiki," Ryoga replied, pausing in mid swing. "You're fighting Mousse? Is this to marry Shampoo?"
"Hell, no," Ron protested. "I don't even really want to marry his sister."
"Mousse has a sister?" Ryoga asked in confusion.
"Came as a surprise to me too," Ranma said. "She ain't all that bad looking either. Anyhow, you can help me in training Ron for his fight."
"I don't think I like the sound of this," Ron said hesitantly.
"We'll just work on getting your dodging up to speed," Ranma said reassuringly. "And Mousse can't throw a ki-blast yet, so if you can pull one off you'll have an advantage."
"Ron! Ranma! Dinner!" Kasumi's gentle voice drifted into the yard as she slid aside the screen. "Oh, Ryoga. Are you staying for dinner as well?"
***
An hour later found Ron, Ranma and Ryoga standing on a small strip of land by the canal. Rocks of all shapes and sizes littered the ground.
"Yeah, this'll be perfect," Ranma commented as he hefted a rock the size of a basketball and tossed it to Ryoga.
"So what are we doing here?" Ron asked as he scanned the area. The sun was setting rapidly, casting long shadows on the ground.
"Dodge all the rock and you'll be able to avoid Mousse's weapons no problem," Ranma said as he poked at another rock.
"Wait. You're going to throw these rocks at me?" Ron asked incredulously. The smallest rocks were about the size of a fist. Ron quailed at the possibility of the two martial artists pelting him with those. "Couldn't we start with something softer, like tomatoes or something?" he asked plaintively. "I'm used to people tossing fruit at me."
"Don't worry," Ranma said as he gestured to Ryoga. "Ryoga."
"Bakusai Tenketsu!" Ryoga yelled as he stabbed his finger into the rock he held in his hand. Ron yelped in shock as the small boulder exploded in a shower of fragments that pelted the three boys. Moving his hands quickly, Ranma swept aside and gathered all the pieces coming for him.
"Now just dodge or block the pieces that come at you," Ranma instructed as he dropped the armload of rocks he had just collected.
"Got it," Ron said as he settled himself and brought his guard up.
Ryoga promptly shattered another rock as Ranma stood aside watching critically as Ron ducked and weaved among the flying shards of rock. "Faster Ryoga!" Ranma commanded as he watched Ron's frantic movements.
"Faster?!" Ron yelped as a piece of rock whizzed by his ear and Ryoga picked up the pace of the explosions. "What do ya mean faster?!" Ron's hands moved even quicker, on an almost instinctive level as he swept aside the salvoes of flying stone, panting heavily as the sweat poured off his brow. Finally, Ron's guard slipped and a piece of rock belted him square on the forehead, sending him crashing to the ground in a flurry of dust.
"Not bad for your first time," Ranma said as he crouched to help Ron to his feet. "Let's give that another coupla tries before we call it a day."
"Owie," Ron complained as he rubbed at the small bump on his forehead. "Well, let's finish this," he sighed valiantly as he grabbed Ranma's hand and rose to his feet.
"This time, do it in your girl body," Ranma said as he splashed Ron with some water from the canal. "You should be able to block faster than in your guy body."
"Okay," Ron-chan said hesitantly as Ryoga readied another rock.
***
"Maybe we overdid it a little," Ryoga commented as he regarded the body slung over his shoulder.
"I don't get it," Ranma said as he mulled over what went wrong with their training session. "He should've been faster in his girl body."
"S'okay," Ron-chan slurred weakly as she brought a hand up to brush at her chest. "These just kept getting in the way."
"He's got a point, Ranma" Ryoga chuckled. "I've wondered how you were ever able to fight as such a 'healthy' girl."
"Hey, you've gotta bigger water handicap than I do, P-chan," Ranma retorted.
"Ain't no way I'm wearing a bra," Ron-chan vowed. "No way in hell."
"Well, Dr. Tofu will be able to fix you up," Ranma said as he pulled aside the door to Tofu's clinic. "Let's just hope Kasumi doesn't pay a visit."
"Why?" Ron-chan asked as she lifted her head. "Kasumi's the sweetest person around."
"Just trust me on this," Ranma advised as he patted Ron on the shoulder. "You don't want to be anywhere near Dr. Tofu if Kasumi has been around."
"Hello, Ranma," Dr. Tofu said as he wiped his hands on a towel. "What can I do for you?"
"Got a patient for you," Ranma said as he pointed to Ron-chan. "We might have gone a little overboard with the training."
"It certainly looks like it," Tofu said as he gave Ron-chan a once over. "Just put her on the bed there and I'll treat her injuries. So why were you two were so rough on a girl?" Tofu asked in a slightly disapproving tone as he retrieved some medicinal salve from a cabinet.
"Hey, I'm a guy," Ron-chan declared as she tried to push herself up.
"Uh oh, looks like she's delirious," Tofu observed. "Her injuries must be more serious than I'd thought."
"Actually, he's right, doctor," Ranma said. "He's got the same curse as I do."
"Oh, I see," Tofu said as he adjusted his glasses and cracked his knuckles. Tofu grabbed hold of Ron and began adjusting her joints with loud pops and crack. "Ryoga could you fetch some hot water. And Ranma try not to overdo it with the training next time."
"Hey, that hurts!" Ron-chan protested indignantly as she suddenly sat up and slapped Tofu's hands away. "And quit copping a feel!"
"Oh, sorry about that," Tofu said as he poured the water on Ron. "What still hurts?"
"Actually," Ron said as he tentatively wriggled his shoulders and stretched out his back. "I feel great now. Thanks."
"My pleasure," Dr. Tofu said. "I've gotten quite used to all the weird injuries every since Ranma moved into the Tendo Dojo." Ranma had the grace to look sheepish at that last comment. "So what are you boys doing tonight?" Tofu asked as he began to apply some ointment on the bump on Ron's forehead.
"Well, training like that has really worked up my appetite," Ron said with a broad grin. "Maybe Kasumi will some snackage for us."
"No, you idiot!" Ranma shouted in terror.
"K-K-K-Kasumi," Tofu declared in a foolish voice, his glasses fogging up as he grabbed hold of Ron's head and twisted. Ranma and Ryoga cringed in sympathy at the loud crack that came from Ron's neck.
"Umm, ow," Ron squeaked feebly with his head canted at an odd angle. "Help," he begged.
"How lovely to see you, Kasumi," Dr. Tofu giggled as he danced across his office with his skeleton, Betty, in his arms. "You dance so well."
"Thanks, Dr. Tofu!" Ranma yelled as he grabbed Ron and quickly exited the office.
"Bye, Ranma," Tofu waved cheerfully at the wall. He grabbed the skeleton's hand and made it wave as well. "Say bye-bye, Betty."
"Wait!" Ron yelped as he pointed at his twisted neck. "He's gotta fix this!"
"Believe me," Ranma advised. "It's a lot safer to be far away from Dr. Tofu right now. You just had to go and mention Kasumi to him."
"What was up with that reaction?" Ron asked as he futilely tried to force his head back into the correct position.
"Dr. Tofu's in love with Kasumi," Ryoga supplied. "Even I'm scared to go near him after Kasumi visits."
"You and everybody in town," Ranma added. "Maybe we can get Dr. Tofu to fix it in the morning."
***
"Ron, what's wrong with your neck?" Kim asked as she cocked her head to the side. Rufus scurried up behind Kim and mimicked her action to stare at Ron curiously.
"Long story, KP," Ron sighed.
"Well, maybe if I..." Kim said as she grabbed Ron's head and tried forcing it back into position. Rufus jumped onto Ron's shoulder and tried to helped, pushing for all he was worth.
"Ow, ow, ow, OW!" Ron cried as Kim and Rufusapplied pressure. "Not working, Kim."
"Maybe Wade can help," Kim suggested as she pulled out her Kimmunicator. "Wade, I need a medical scan."
"Sure, Kim," Wade replied as he took a sip of his ever-present soda. "Who's hurt?"
"Have a look," Kim said as she turned the Kimmunicator so Wade could get a clear view of Ron. Wade did a double take and spurted his mouthful of soda out in surprise.
"RON! What kind of monster did that to you?!" Wade blurted.
"A lovesick chiropractor," Ron replied as the beam from the Kimmunicator played over Ron's neck and shoulders.
"Well, the good news is that there's no damage," Wade reported as his fingers dashed rapidly across his keyboard. "Your neck should return to normal in a few hours."
"Maybe, it'll get better faster if I have my V-8 in the morning," Ron joked as both Kim and Wade groaned.
Next: Hidden Weapons vs. Monkey Power
A/N: Thanks for Reading and Reviewing!
Had a severe case of writer's block while writing this chapter. I still need about 200 sticks of writer's dynamite to unblock my other fic. Problem is I got 10 and maybe a coupla road flares. ;-P
I was going to try to introduce the Cat Fist here, but I think it might need to wait for the sequel with some of the other villains. Drakken might go for a pit of starving cats. Or maybe Senor Senior Sr. Couple of sequences are running through my head for the sequel. Like and undercover op into the Senior compound and Junior has a thing for bosomy blondes. Lol.
Ron's training was adapted from the speed training that Ranma went through when he was training for his fight with Natsumi and Kurumi from the OAV 'The One to Carry On.'
I actually had no intention of writing Tofu into this fic, but I just obtained the entire Ranma ½ series on DVD and watched a couple of those 1st episodes with Tofu. I keep looking for some place to introduce Happosai. After all, there are some more girls under the Tendo roof. Maybe in another couple of chapters. Sigh.
Not sure how long it'll take for my next update, but hopefully it'll be within a week. Hopefully.
Glossary:
Bakusai Tenketsu – Breaking Point Technique – Amazon construction technique designed to shatter large rocks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Doesn't work on people. Training involves swinging a person into a boulder until they manage to find the breaking point. Benefit is that survivors of the training are incredibly tough.
Yamasen-ken – Mountain of 1000 Fists – Half of a fighting technique created by Genma Saotome that equates a body with a house. The Yamasen-ken focuses on frontal assaults and is incredibly powerful. The technique was sealed up when Ranma defeated Ryu Kumon in a duel.