Chapter 15
Ranma dodged once again, Akane's attacks getting fiercer. He just couldn't hit Akane, but he had to do something or she would hit him. And he knew that if she got in a good hit, there would be no stopping the shell from finishing him off. He managed to leap over Akane and get off a quick hit to DN. The ninja winced and growled, but made no move to break his hold over Akane. Ranma started rubbing his hands together. The dust was starting to come off. He didn't have long left before he would have to grab another sac. Ranma flew at the ninja, aiming for one more good blow.
"Give me back AKANE!" He cried, his fist connecting with DN's chest. The ninja cried out in pain, and there was a brief flash. Ranma had to look away, temporary blinded. The ninja lay still for now, but he was surely not defeated yet.
"R-ranma?" Came a soft female voice. Ranma blinked a few times for his eyes to focus, then saw Akane running towards him.
"Akane! You're okay?!" He cried, grabbing her in his arms. They held each other tightly, tears threatening to spring forth from each of them.
"I heard you calling for me, and suddenly I was looking at you from my own eyes." She said, not letting him go. She gasped, and he released her. Behind him, DN was getting back to his feet.
"I will make you pay with your lives for this." He said coldly.
* * *
The ninja flew at them with amazing speed. It took all of their power for Ranma and Akane to dodge his flurry of punches and kicks. Ranma leapt up and grabbed one of the rafters in the dojo, grabbing a sac that he had hid their earlier. He had to make this one count. He only had one more left after this one. He attached it to his belt, looking for more opportune moment. He placed his hands on the rafters and swung down, delivering a swift kick to DN's jaw. The ninja stumbled backwards, then countered with a roundhouse that sent Ranma flying. All three were growing weary. The Phoenix powder was continuing to do damage to DN, even without him knowing. As far as he knew, it was Ranma's power that had weakened him. DN brought out a handful of throwing stars, and let them fly. Most of them missed, but a few managed to cut the edges of Ranma's arms and legs. He ignored the pain and the blood that had started to trickle out.
"Ranma are you okay?" Akane called from the other side of the room.
"I'm fine, don't worry about it. Let's deal with him first." Ranma replied, letting loose another punch-kick combo. DN managed to dodge, but found himself once again surrounded by the two fighters. Akane was weaker, but Ranma had somehow managed to keep him from attacking her directly. As for taking out Ranma, the boy's strength had seemed to increase now that Akane was back. DN's eyes grew even blacker as his hatred grew. He leapt at Akane, his sword drawn, but someone managed to grab him by the ankles. He swung backwards, but Ranma ducked the blade and elbowed DN in the stomach. He noticed less pain this time. It had been Ranma's fist that caused him agony. Then he noticed a slight aura on Ranma's knuckles.
"Where did you get THAT?!" He roared, driving his fist deep into Ranma's stomach, sending him reeling.
"So you've... finally... clued in... have you?" Ranma asked, gasping for breath.
"You think that will save you?" DN asked. Ranma only smiled.
"Look at yourself. You're weak. A few more hits and you'll be finished!" Ranma beamed.
"Fool! Already the essence of life is weakening. Soon you will have lost that power and I will destroy you!" He growled. Ranma blinked.
"What makes you think this is my only supply?" He asked. DN grew furious. He drew all his strength inward. Then he clenched his fist and drove it straight into the floor of the dojo. A shockwave of energy flowed outwards, knocking Ranma and Akane from their feet. DN turned on Ranma.
"Enough of this foolishness. I will not be denied!" He roared as he locked eyes with Ranma. Ranma felt the chill of death run up and down his spine as he looked into that blackness. He could see his body being destroyed, he could feel his soul being taken. He couldn't break free of that horrible gaze.
"Ranma!" Akane cried, rushing to his aide. DN struck out at her as she approached, but she easily dodged since he had to remain focused on Ranma. She knelt beside him and tried to shake him from his trance.
"Ranma, snap out of it. Please!" She cried, but he couldn't break away. The saw the room darken and knew what had just happened. She turned to see the Death Blade he had summoned earlier. He pulled his arm back, ready to strike out and end the battle. Akane's eyes started to tear up, and she found she had no other choice. She took a step back and charged. She knocked Ranma out of the path of the sword, only to have it pierce through her skin and drive straight through her heart. She felt her skin grow on fire before her entire world fell into the darkness.