A common problem. Where and how am I going to end this? I have an idea… but not now!

Taro followed Ranma into the park and waited for Ranma to make the first move. Ranma turned and faced Taro. The instant Minotaur waited for Ranma to make a move. Ranma removed his shades and coat. His lifeless eyes held no emotion. Ranma smiled, "Here is a new one for you Taro,"

Energy flowed through out Ranma's body. Its normal course was changed as it was forced to the right arm. It pooled in and around the clenched fist. Ranma started what seemed like a chestnut fist, but the energy was being released with each punch. Turning Ranma's arm into a Vulcan cannon. The blasts struck Taro with precision. Stray blasts struck the ground around Taro and detonated. The shots soon stopped when Taro fell to the ground. Ranma waited for Taro to stand. When he did, they soon began the barrage of kicks and punches. Taro put up a valiant fight but was soon in a corner. Ranma was fighting more brutally than he remembered. Ranma jumped back when Taro made a sweep kick.

Ranma smiled, "What is the matter Taro? Didn't expect me to hammer you this hard?"

Taro produced a thermos; he poured the contents on his head. Ranma watched as the form of Taro change. His aura told him that taro had changed. However, his 'sight' still saw the human Taro. Ranma took his all familiar stance as he charged his Omni cannon. Taro rushed in, hoping to stop Ranma in time. Ranma smiled slightly, "Omni Cannon!"

The stream of destructive energy slammed into the torso of Taro's cursed form. It let out a shriek as it faded and Taro took its place. The stream ended and Taro slumped to the ground. Ranma approached the unconscious form of Taro, "That was fun,"

Ranma pulled the limp body into the back of the club. The blind man set the young man on the couch in the rehearsal room. Ozzy looked at the unconscious form of Taro, "Looks like he had fun, hate to have been in his shoes,"

Ranma laughed as he pulled a soda from his mini fridge. He sat down on the other couch and opened the soda. Himeno came in and sat with him. The whole band crowded around, "Well, who is this guy?" asked Himeno.

Ranma slouched in his seat, "His name was Pantyhose Taro, its Hiten now. He also use to have a curse like I did, but he changed into something like a minotaur. He came to Nerima to beat down Happosai and get his name changed. His village laws stated only the person who gave the child could change it. We were rivals of sorts, but we always insulted each other,"

Himeno looked at Ranma in wonder, "How many challengers did you have?"

Ranma thought for a moment, "I lost count after the first ten,"

"Who was the last new challenger you had?" shag asked.

Ranma looked away, painful memories of China floated to the surface. "That, was almost the single most difficult fight I ever fought. The guy was named Saffron, the Phoenix King. He kidnapped Akane, my former fiancée, and nearly killed her. I fought with everything had. I was pulling tricks and moves out of thin air, and I still almost lost. He was like a phoenix; he regenerated quickly. I accepted the fact that I might die that day, but I was going to take that bastard with me. After all was said and done, I slew the Phoenix King and he was reborn. I brought Akane back from the dead, and proved that I was probably the strongest on the planet,"

Himeno raised an eyebrow, "What was the most difficult?"

Ranma pulled off the sunglasses, "The fight against the darkness in me. I have stared at the void for so long; it had started to stare back. I wanted to walk into it, oh how tempting it was. But I think you guy are what kept me from walking into that alluring void,"

Everyone turned at the sound of a forced laugh, "Good story Ranma, can I get another bedtime story Femboy?"

Taro was breathing heavy as he sat up. The band helped him to his feet, "Most people don't get up after Ranma beats them,"

"I am nor have I ever been like most people. Saotome, I'll be dropping in now and again to check on you,"

Ranma laughed as Hiten Taro walked out the door, "No problem, I'll pay for the drinks afterwards,"

Taro looked over his shoulder, "I'll hold you to that,"