Chapter Twenty Two: The Deciding Fight: Victory or Annihilation!
Mousse with Ryoga, recapping on old adventures as he and Shampoo sat in the hospital room, chatted pleasantly. Ryoga had been in the hospital for three days and the stiffness in his muscles was growing very annoying. Still, he could feel his side healing nicely so he wasn't complaining too much. It was the lack of doing anything, the lack of training that was driving him stir crazy. He was used to being active and lying in a cramped room was nothing short of torture.
"How is Ryoga doing?" Shampoo asked.
"Pretty good. I get to get out today!" He couldn't keep the eagerness from his voice. He had never been one for hospitals or Doctors to being with.
"Is good news! Shampoo bring you Ramen to eat after Shampoo hear how bad hospital food is." She handed him a bowl and a pair of chop sticks.
"Thanks Shampoo! Yeah, the food here is terrible. Sometimes I think they make it from toxic garbage." He slurped up some of the noodles. "Mmmmmm! This is delicious Shampoo. Thank you."
"Is welcome." Shampoo smiled an incredibly cute smile and Ryoga could tell why Mousse had the hots for her. Her exotic features were simply intoxicating.
"I'm glad to see that you two have finally fallen in love with each other, Mousse. I know we haven't been the best of friends but I hope we can all start over."
Mousse nodded. "We've always worked better as a team, haven't we? Remember that time we teamed up against Ranma? We did pretty well then."
Ryoga grimaced. "I wouldn't go so far as to say that. We fumbled that up pretty bad."
"Shampoo sorry she called Ryoga pig boy all the time. Shampoo know living with curse isn't easy."
"Yeah, sometimes its hell," Mousse agreed. "Cursed people should stick together!"
A nurse came into the room, knocking softly on the door's frame. "Good morning, Mr. Hibiki. Ready to go home?" She smiled down at him. "Everything is in order if you're ready."
"I sure am!" Ryoga jumped to his feet to his feet and instantly felt a stab of pain that nearly brought him to his knee's, sapping his enthusiasm straight out from his core. A burning sensation gripped his wound with the fury of hell itself, and bile rose up in the back of his throat. He gritted his teeth to keep from screaming.
The nurse gave him a pitying look. "Let's have a look at that wound." She pulled up his shirt and inspected the source of his torment. "It's healing slowly," she said. "You should be good as new in a few weeks. Now listen, the reason we're releasing you early is because we've done all we could do with the treatment and stitching. I want you take it easy and relax for a while. Absolutely no martial arts practice for at least a few months! Otherwise your wound will just open up and get infected."
"Yes ma'am..." Ryoga grumbled.
She shot him a knowing look. "I understand how you feel about the matter but please stick to my instructions. It's for your own good."
Shampoo and Mousse could sympathize with their wounded friend, both being martial artist themselves. Not being able to practice martial arts was like not being able to breath. But they also knew that the doctor's words were right. If Ryoga's wound opened up again due to a serious blow, it could damage his internal organs and put his very life at stake.
"Ranma and Akane already in school. Shampoo and Mousse take Ryoga home so he no get lost," Shampoo offered, rising to her feet, hand-in-hand with Mousse.
"Thanks you two. Could you go wait in the waiting room? I'll be out in a minute. "He turned back to the nurse. "Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Nako." He bowed his head.
"You are most welcome, Mr. Hibiki. Take care of yourself." She bowed back with a little smile on her face. She shut the door behind her giving him the privacy he needed.
He pulled out a sleeveless yellow shirt and slid it on over his head, then put on his black pants and shoes, feeling the cool fabric against his skin. Finally and with great care, he retied his bandanna around his head. When the knot had tightened snugly around his head, he once again felt like his old self. Ryoga Hibiki was back in action! It was so good to be getting out that he almost forgot he was injured and was rewarded with another jolt of pain.
Damn it. Gotta remember to take it easy.
Opening the door, he walked out into the lobby, trying to drive the pain his wound was causing from his mind. Shampoo and Mousse sat in the main waiting lounge whispering little words of love in Chinese in each other's ear and failed to notice his arrival. Both of them giggled and placed their hands over each other's. Ryoga blushed and cleared his throat, adverting his eyes. "You guys ready?" he asked, adjusting his shirt.
The Chinese couple nodded and rose. Shampoo adjusted her hair, pushing her long locks off of her shoulder. "We be going now."
Ryoga spread his arms out wide when they signed out and left the hospital. "Its so wonderful to be moving around again!" He threw a couple of practice punches in the air with an expression of total joy written on his face. Then realization hit him like a ton of bricks, smashing his happy mood. "Today's the day of the fight! I completely forgot! You idiot, Ryoga! There's no way Ranma will win on his own… and I'm too weak to help him! What am I going to do?!"
He smelled the scent of doom approaching in the wind and paled visibly. The Shadow Warrior was coming to finish what he had started, and Ranma didn't stand a chance of winning! He tensed up and his wound screamed at him as spikes of pain protested the action.
"What wrong Ryoga? You look upset." Shampoo jogged up to him and put her hand on his shoulder in concern.
"Uh... nothing my side hurts that's all."
"Hiya! We get you home soon then you rest, ok?"
Ryoga nodded absentmindedly. I've got to think of something! There must be a solution! There always is!
They made it to the Tendo residence sooner than Ryoga expected. Kasumi was there to greet him. "Welcome home Ryoga," she said letting them in through the front door. "How are you feeling?" Though cheerful as always, it felt a bit more forced, a bit too heavy to suit her.
"Much better thanks. Uh, where is Mr. Tendo and Mr. Saotome?"
"Oh, they left to go watch Ranma's fight at school. They looked very worried. Poor father is under so much tension and stress. Its not good for his health."
"You had better go rest. You need to get your strength back," Mousse said. "Ranma's gonna be fine, I'm sure of it."
"I can't rest when Ranma's going to fight a battle he's sure to lose! This isn't an enemy he can defeat on his own! I fought the Shadow Warrior before, I know!"
"Then maybe Kuno help him or perhaps Akane," Shampoo suggested.
"No! Ranma's honor bound to fight this with only one other person. Me. And that's only because I involved myself in the first fight. Besides, no one else is strong enough to do any good and they'd only be getting themselves killed. I've got to help him!"
"No way, Ryoga!" Mousse said, grabbing hold of his arm. "Absolutely not! You're still hurt! You'd only injure yourself further by getting involved!"
"My mind is made up! Please take me to the high school. I'll take full responsibility for myself. You two are martial artists too! You have no right to take this fight from me, no matter what shape I'm in! Please! Help me!"
"Oh my!" Kasumi said. A worried expression crossed her face. She watched the younger teen's reactions, not knowing what to do or say in such a situation. Deep inside she was very proud of Ryoga and his bravery against such horrible odds. If the other two wouldn't help him she decided then that she would. He was helping his new found friend to survive against a terrible crisis. A small, proud smile worked its way on her face.
Mousse sighed, knowing the lost boy was right. "Ok, Ryoga. Even though we don't like it, we'll take you. You do realize that in your present condition you might not survive a second battle with the Shadow Warrior."
"For a martial artist there is no greater honor than to die in combat," Ryoga stated simply. "But the good news is that I have no intention of dying… or letting Ranma lose his fool head, either."
Shampoo smiled grimly. "You should have been born Chinese Amazon, Ryoga. You very brave." She kissed his forehead. "Everything changing now and all we can do is hold on for ride. No matter what happen now, nothing is ever being the same again."
"Gone are the days of simple youth," Mousse lamented, sighing.
"Are you coming, Kasumi?" Ryoga asked, turning to face her, gripping the doorframe frantically.
"Yes. The others will need someone to look after them, especially father. I'm sure he's a nervous wreck right now."
Ryoga looked up at the clock. It read 4:00. The time of reckoning was at hand. "Let's go before it's too late!"
Sitting with the ever annoying Mr. Sagisu, the Warrior finished the glass of sake he had been using to ward off a headache and looked at his watch. Abruptly, a small, wicked smile creased his otherwise neutral facial features. 4:00. At last…
Mr. Sagisu tipped back another beer which only caused him to rant on even more about whatever ridiculous matter he had been speaking of. "And so, the museum owner simply refused to accept that I was right about that detail concerning the armor worn by knights in the first crusade! Can you believe that?"
He laughed for a moment before his slowed mind registered that his companion wasn't even paying attention to his ramblings. "Um... are you alright?"
The Warrior rose to his feet, grinning wildly. "I have pressing matters of grave importance to deal with. I'll be going now."
More than a little drunk, Mr. Sagisu merely shrugged and raised his bottle in a salute. "Best of luck then."
His smiled widened to almost devilish proportions. "Luck will not be necessary."
Rushing to his room, he laid his armor out on the bed and stroked it in an almost loving fashion, viewing his reflection in the breastplate. With almost ceremonial grace, he attached his rebuilt armor piece by piece, strapping each part snuggly to his fit body, pulling and adjusting the straps that bound the pieces to his body. Slowly, he donned his helmet and took a deep breath, feeling complete again. Flexing his gauntlet covered fist, he laughed loudly, teleporting away from the hotel with speed beyond recognition. The blast radius resulting from his departure tore the room to shreds, crushing his bed and hurling chairs through the walls, startling the guests in the room's on either side of his own.
It is time! I'm coming for you, Ranma!
Ranma hadn't been able to concentrate on his work all day. He just sat at his desk with a worried expression on his face, rolling his pencil back and forth. Akane and Ukyo had tried to ease his nerves by teasing him and talking to him playfully but they failed to cheer him up. He was so tense that he had even refused to eat at lunch time. He just sat with them silently, staring off into space. His face clearly showed he was reflecting on the issues of life and death, and wondering which would be his fate at the end of the battle.
This might be his last few hours on Earth. This fact had terrified him all week, more so as each day drew to a close. He tried to compose himself as he went through his afternoon classes, but it was no use. Time seemed to speed up, mocking him. The hours flew by like seconds. All day long teachers and students had bathed him with looks of pity and that had only angered him further. His homeroom teacher had offered to call the police and have the man arrested but Ranma knew that any person who interfered would only end up maimed or dead. No conventional power or weapon could stop the Shadow Warrior.
He wisely refused the teacher's offer. This was his battle. He had started it, had agreed to the Warrior's terms, and who was honor bound to see the fight to the finish no matter what the cost. Though he was indeed terrified, there was no way out. He would not go down like a coward that much was certain.
When school was over Ranma, Akane, and Ukyo went out to the soccer field that would once again serve as the battleground. The entire school, both teachers and students alike, followed, none uttering their usual enthusiastic cheers like they usually did at Ranma's other fights. They all knew what to expect now. A battle for one's life was no cause for celebration or cheer. Ranma saw Kuno and Kodachi at the sidelines and they waved to him. To his relief they gazed at him not with looks of pity but with admiration. Kodachi had tears in her eyes but even she appreciated his bravery and determination enough to keep her distance
Soun and Genma were already there and they rushed forward to meet him. Soun wished him luck trying unsuccessfully to hold back a geyser of tears. "I believe in you son. All of us are here for you. Trust in the Anything Goes art, it will not fail you."
Genma hugged Ranma, putting as much fatherly love into his embrace as he could. The affection was something he hadn't done in a great many years. "Don't you dare lose boy!" he told his son fiercely. "Remember that I love you and no matter what."
Ranma's jaw tightened. "I won't lose."
He turned and gave Ukyo a hug. He noted that she was crying and he poked her in the forehead. "Don't cry Ucchan, I won't lose."
"I know Ran-chan, I have faith. Go to Akane." She wiped her eyes and closed her mouth, but her bottom lip still trembled. "She needs you more than we do right now…"
Ranma turned and walked up to Akane who looked up at him, struggling not to cry. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her square in the eyes, liquid gray's that knew nothing but love and fear for the steel blue eyes they gazed back into.
Ranma took a deep breath. "After I fought Saffron in Phoenix Mountain, I held you in my arms, scared that I was going to lose you. In my mind I told myself how I cared for you, though no words came from my mouth. I was too scared to say those words out loud. Well, I'm smarter now, or perhaps I'm just so scared that I don't care about later repercussions. Either way, I understand the truth now."
"Ranma…" She said as tears trickled down her face. His lips found hers inviting and they embraced for what could possibly be the last time. They clung to each other tightly, hearts joining as one, sharing all the love in their hearts with one another.
He placed his mouth near her ear and cried a single tear which trickle down his cheeks to impact against her neck. "I care for you so very much, Akane. Whatever happens, please don't forget me."
He felt the air behind him become heavy with evil power and he gently pushed away from his fiancée, stepping forward onto the field of battle to fight for his very life.
Akane put her hands to her mouth and called out to his back. "I'll wait for you, no matter what! A hundred years if that's what it takes! But I know you will win. You can do this, Ranma! I believe in you!" Then she did start to cry, and did so until her very form shook. Ukyo wrapped her arms around Akane's shoulders and held her friend tightly, giving what small comfort she could.
Ranma marveled at one positive effect that had occurred as a result of the last week and a half. The Warrior had brought them all closer together. Where the two girls had been arguing and fighting a week ago, now they had found a newly forged friendship. This fact was lost to all of them, and they probably didn't notice how much things had changed, but it was one small ray of light that the Shadow Warrior's dark ambition had carried with it on his trip to Tokyo.
An invisible shockwave tore through the short grass and pummeled Ranma's senses with a fearsome barrage as the Shadow Warrior materializing before him, emerging from energy streams that parted around him like water. He rose from a kneeling position like a majestic titan, energy playing off of his armor as it sparkled in the afternoon sun. Ranma motioned for the onlookers to step back to a safe distance as he steadied his resolve.
"So you showed up after all. Pity, I think it would have been more fun hunting you down. It would surely have been more entertaining than witnessing your upcoming feeble attempt to stave off death."
Ranma just looked at him, offering no reply.
He folded his arms across his chest, grunting almost begrudgingly. "I do have to commend you for not getting the authorities involved. You've saved a lot of lives by being smart. I suppose there's also something to be said for your bravery in showing up at all. I award you a token of respect, Ranma."
"Was there ever any doubt that I'd come?" Ranma asked. Containing his fear, he tried to look as calm as possible. His body trembled and yet his eyes still held a look of fierce confidence and power. With these eyes he sized the Shadow Warrior up, pushing the hatred he felt from his heart. There was no place for hate or anger, only concentration and determination.
"You've shown plenty of cowardice in the past."
Apparently his foe had fixed his armor because there wasn't a dent or scratch to be found. Besides that, the Warrior looked the same as before and not a fraction weaker. Ranma suppressed a slight shudder and planted his legs, preparing for battle. Taking a series of clensing breaths, he looked up at the clear blue sky and tried to find a sense of peace.
The Warrior was silent for a movement before he shook his covered head, clearly realizing that Ranma wouldn't be riled up so easily this time. "No. I suppose not. You've never run away from a fight before. I knew you wouldn't do so now. However, with your partner out of commission you must know that whatever small chance you had for success died the second he entered the hospital."
"With or without Ryoga, I won't let you win! I will take you down here and now!" Ranma said evenly, flexing his hands. "I showed up as promised, so after this fight is over, no matter who wins, you keep away from Akane. Got that?"
The Warrior snorted arrogantly. "Your fiancée was never my intended target. I couldn't care less about her. You have nothing to fear in that regard. She's far too weak. So weak that it negates any fun that breaking her in battle would yield."
"Akane weak?" Ranma smiled slightly without humor. "You're dead wrong. She's stronger than you think. I think she might surprise you."
The time was at hand. There could be no mistakes, no mercy, no letting up. Ranma knew he'd have to fight with all the power and strength of a demon just to survive. He was prepared and he knew what he had to do. His adrenaline kicked into overtime, pulsing like magma throughout his body. He knew there was no time left to worry about success or not, only to make it happen or die. The fear of death was there, hovering over his shoulder like an unwanted specter. Ignoring it, Ranma dropped into a stance that would easily allow him to shift between offense and defense.
He set his jaw. "It's time to fight."
"I admire your bravery. It won't save your life though. Any time you are ready, we can begin the final round of our little game." The monster in armor took up combat position, his figure shining brilliantly as the metal caught the sun's reflection.
Ranma grit his teeth together. Let it begin, there was no sense in waiting any longer. Standing around a second longer might be chalked up as cowardice. "Let's do it."
"Stop right there!" A voice called from a loud speaker.
From around the school came over half a dozen police cars with sirens blaring. Alarmed the students present backed up as the cars raced into the field and formed a perimeter, blocking the Shadow Warrior from Ranma and the others. Doors opened and officers with pistols in hand took aim. The sirens turned off though the flashing lights remained.
One officer addressed the armored man directly. "Remain right where you are. You are under arrest."
His voice droned on, reading off a list of charges but the words did not reach the warrior's ears as his brain was seized in anger. No doubt one of the faculty members had tipped off the police. He made a mental note to kill all the teachers present for the grievous offence of standing in the way of his final revenge.
"You dare interupt?"
The Shadow warrior summoned his power and the police opened fire. A dark shadow of pure energy not only absorbed the shots but also swept amongst the police and their cars like a visible strand of wind. Raising his hand, the warrior clenched it into a fist. Detonations rang out as the line of police cars exploded and caught fire. Some of the men died instantly while others were merely wounded and sent flying. Brave students came forward to try to save as many of the officers as they could, leaving the bent husks of metal and several unfortunate souls who could not save to die in a hellish blaze.
The shock and anger on Ranma's face was as clear as day.
Striding forward, the Shadow Warrior gestured with his hand as if to say "where were we?".
Ranma dropped into a combat stance, gritting his teeth. "That was your last mistake. I'm going to take you down! Come at me!"
The Warrior's initial burst of speed was like unchecked lightning. In an instant he was hovering over his prey and raining down punches against Ranma's blocking forearms. Swinging his arm just a fraction too high, the Warrior snarled and struck. The boy noticed this mistake and ducked under the incoming attack, countering by throwing his leg upwards. He was more than a little surprised when his foot connected with the Warrior's torso and threw the man back a few steps. Jumping forward, he became determined to capitalize on this golden opportunity by landing an early, crushing blow.
The valiant boy moved up against the Warrior and lashed out with his fist. He put all his momentum in the attack and the Warrior saw this, laughing with genuine amusement. Stepping to the side at the last minute, he hooked two fingers around Ranma's shirt collar and pulled forward, yanking the boy off balance before he could regain his momentum. He fell onto his hands and knees, glaring up. His face burned with total humiliation as the Warrior took a step back, his shoulders shaking in a silent chuckle.
"You're not taking this seriously!" Ranma shouted, standing up.
The Warrior shrugged. "I'm just having a bit of fun while we warm up. What's wrong with that?"
Ranma raised his fist. "Don't insult me, damn it!"
The Warrior nodded, his posture growing rigid. "Very well. For real this time."
The two martial artists clashed as the crowd cried out in terror. As their bodies met in real combat at last, their fists cracked, creating a shockwave that nearly knocked the front row of onlookers clear off their feet. Ranma instantly let loose a volley of kick and punch combinations while the Shadow Warrior stuck to a defensive position, blocking Ranma's strikes with fluid precision. His efforts were not completely successful though, and he grunted as one of Ranma's kicks got past his defense and hit him soundly in his protected side. The force of the blow actually knocked him sideways a step, ever so slightly denting his armor.
A mild sting nipped at the Warrior's senses and even he couldn't deny that the move hurt just a little bit more than it should have. Lowering his stance even further, he looked at Ranma again, reevaluating his foe before he made a foolish mistake that could further prolong the match.
"You must have been training harder than I thought over these last three days. You seem slightly stronger and faster than last time. I didn't think such improvements could be made in such a short time. It won't be enough to save your life, but at least I won't be disappointed over a boring fight."
Ranma wiped a bead of sweat off of his forehead. "I have no intention of letting this drag on a second longer than necessary."
The Shadow Warrior chuckled and shook his head as if he were berating a small child. "Breaking you all over again is going to be so much fun!"
He teleported in front of Ranma and swung his gloved hand, connecting squarely with the side of Ranma's jaw. The powerful blow snapped Ranma's head to the side and bruised the bones beneath. The light in his eyes dimmed, but he struggled and held onto his consciousness like a drowning man clings to a piece of timber. Gritting his teeth, he willed the blaze of determination within himself to flare up stronger than ever. It was the only thing that could fuel his body and lead it to victory.
The Warrior sighed with mock frustration. "You always did leave an opening there. I would think you'd have realized that by now. As much as you've improved, your skills are still sadly lacking when compared to my own."
"Quit boasting and let's continue," Ranma growled, wiping his jaw.
"My, aren't you eager to rush to the grave today! Very well!" Diving forward, he called upon greater speed, faster than Ranma had ever seen him use before.
What th-!? Ranma recoiled, attempting to buy himself some time and space but it was too late..
The monster pummeled his body like a boxing bag, staggering him with powerful punches that could surely smash concrete into fine powder. He tried to back away and block, but the Warrior's punches struck faster and faster. Thrown off balance yet again, another powerful attack disorientated the flailing boy and he saw stars flash before his field of vision. Switching tactics with a grunt of irritation, Ranma let his body roll with the Warrior's blows, instead of resisting them. It minimized the damage he took and saved his jaw and ribs from cracking over the course of the next few attacks. This strategy was only partially effective. The pain was still there, snapping at him with its hateful dark maw.
I can't stop him! What am I going to do!? Ranma reeled as the Warrior landed multiple punches to his face, each blow pushing his body backwards towards the edge of the football field. It was obvious he was making sport of Ranma, enjoying the chance to pulverize his enemy one step at a time.
Ranma purposely fell backwards, hoping to buy himself some time but the Warrior reached out and grabbed a handful of his shirt, snapping some of the wooden buttons off as he yanked the surprised teenager back forward into his immediate range.
"Oh no you don't Ranma! We're just getting started! You were so eager to start this! Don't tell me you're having a change of heart already!" An iron grip held Ranma close as he delivered a withering volley of punches.
The Warrior didn't intend to let the fight last long either, Ranma realized. There would be no interference this time around but despite his overconfidence, the Shadow Warrior feared another distraction. Short and sweet was his intent and that left Ranma with very little time to save his own life. His mind worked harder than it ever had as he tried to come up with a plan.
"The power is in your fists, that is where you'll find an edge."
Ranma pulled free of the Warrior's grasp, tearing his shirt in the process. Taking an additional step backwards, a wave of desperation stoked his frenzied brain and a miracle occurred. He suddenly felt an idea filtered into his mind. It felt natural and inviting, an open door and a warm embrace during a visit with an old relative. Happosai's words made perfect sense and just as Ranma realized the meaning of the old man's words, he felt a well of power open up from within his soul. Energy rushed through him, begging to be channeled and released.
He grinned as everything clicked into place. Yes, he understood what Happosai had been hinting at now. The idea for a new attack filtered into his mind, something special that would catch his enemy completely by surprise! He couldn't understand how all this happened so quickly, he could only act on instinct and let his survival instincts do the work for him. The energy blanketed his body, gaining strength.
I understand now! I do! I just gained a point of respect for you, old freak!
His body began to glow blinding red as additional power filtered down into his arms, collecting into his hands. His right hand erupted with power that burned blue. Ranma cried out with resolve, swinging the energy-bathed fist with all his might. The blow was backed with every ounce of speed the boy could muster. It connected with the Warrior's armored mask.
"Argh!" He groaned as his head took the blow full force and snapped backwards under the strain. He felt the plastic lens that covered one of his eyes shatter under the pressure, revealing a piercing green eye that stared at Ranma in hateful surprise. A small stream of blood fell from where the shattered lens had cut his cheek and it dribbled from underneath his mask onto the grass below.
Ranma fixed his enemy with a hard, determined look that radiated confidence and rage at the same time. "My life is not yours to take! Do you hear me!? No one has that right!"
The technique continued to evolve. His other hand flexed and energy extended up his arm in the form of a fiery gauntlet that covered him from forearm to knuckle. He slammed this new weapon into his opponents armored chest plate, throwing the Warrior backwards a considerable distance and burning the armor under his skin until it glowed red. He took no pleasure in the pain he caused and he didn't enjoy fighting like this but he did gain some satisfaction in pausing the Warrior's murderous plan dead in its tracks.
"Damn you!" The Warrior recovered his balance and grunted, clawing hopelessly at his overheated armor plate, helplessly groaning as it burnt his skin. Shards of heat bit at his nerves. Spying a concrete water fountain nearby, he rushed to it and kicked as hard as he could. The concrete shattered and the pipes inside burst, spraying water in all directions. Using it to cool his armor, the Warrior looked at Ranma who waited at the other end of the field. He growled and recovered himself, walking back towards the center of the field and his waiting enemy.
Ranma watched with angry eyes, relaxing his stance slightly and allowing himself a slight sigh. "We don't have to fight like this. This kind of battle doesn't hold any honor. Can't you let go of your hatred and go home in peace?"
"When did you learn that move?"
The Warrior teleported before Ranma again and swung his fist, catching the surprised boy in the stomach. He doubled over, spewing stomach fluid from his mouth that burned his throat as it came up. The Warrior's armored knee slammed into his chin a second later. The move snapped Ranma's body backwards until his back plowed into the ground. The next sight that greeted his eyes was the peaceful looking blue sky above.
The Warrior leveled a finger in his direction. "It will take more than one new move to topple me, you fool! You must already know that you are doomed. This fight was over before it even began."
Ranma wiped his mouth angrily, flipping to his feet. "Like hell…"
The Warrior lowered his open hand towards Ranma's chest. "My thoughts exactly. Since you like playing with fire, try mine. Hellfire blast!"
"Shit!" Ranma was knocked backwards and singed by the intense column of flame as it burst from the Warrior's hand like a flame thrower. His shirt caught fire and he rolled across the ground to extinguish the flames before they could burn his skin.
Rising to his feet, and adjusting what remained of his shirt, he recovered instantly with a powerful fury gleaming in his eyes. His aura felt stronger than ever and he set himself to counterattack. He lashed out, pushing himself right up against the Warrior and grabbing onto his armor with his left hand as both his arms once again glowed crimson. Striking out with his Katchu Tenshin Amaguriken attack with his other hand, he reigned down hundreds of punches across his foe's body. The final punch of the attack series was so strong that it knocked the Warrior backwards, completely off balance.
"What in the hell?!" For the first time the Warrior fell over dazed, forcing Ranma to let go or fall with him. One visible green eye blinked in bewilderment as Ranma fell back nimbly. Aided by gravity, the Warrior's body struck the ground with a solid thump, forming a small impact crater.
Panting, Ranma used the respite to gather strength and combat exertion brought on from using his full speed ability. However, he learned from his last mistake and didn't relax his stance.
"I won't be easy to beat this time!"
The armored menace lumbered back onto his feet. "Hmm. Yes, so it seems. No one I have ever faced has given me this much trouble.. Quite admirable to be sure. I see that I was wrong to think that you wouldn't be able to give me a decent fight. Sadly though, it's about time to put you down for good."
The Warrior dashed forward, closing the distance between himself and Ranma as his heavy steps clanking against the ground. He delivered a snap kick to Ranma's face and followed up with a corkscrew punch aimed at the boy's already aching stomach. Ranma set his teeth and weathered the blows, waiting for another mistake to be made so he could reverse the tide of the battle once and for all. His rival was more careful this time and his stomach suffered several more punches as the Warrior singled out that section of his body to punish.
He's still too fast for me to properly read his moves, Ranma thought as he staggered backwards, clutching his burning torso.
The advantage of the armor worn by the enemy was once again proving to be Ranma's downfall, even with the new move at his disposal. Bruises took shape on his face and chest and his muscles screamed at him from every damaged part of his body. A quick counterstrike landed a sound uppercut. The Warrior was relentless in his assault however, and would not be slowed down again.
This guy is as strong as Saffron was! The complexity of his attacks, the calculation of his strikes, he's just too good! I gotta outsmart him!
Ranma hunched over with mock exhaustion, panting hard, drawing his opponent's attention. Waiting patiently, he allowed his head and posture to slouch forward until he almost looked defeated.
"Tired are we?" Laughing, the armored nightmare strode forward, stepping before Ranma and looking down at him. "So, in the end this was all you could do? I suppose you still deserve a modcrum of resp-"
"Moko Takabisha!" Raising his arms, Ranma rose up straight and fired a point black shot into the Warrior's chest, enveloping his body in a field of golden energy. Howling, the Warrior's body disappeared into the brilliant glow of the attack, only to step out of the beam a moment later, singed but otherwise none the worse for wear as that spent attack soared out, cutting into the trees that lay beyond the sports field.
Ranma grit his teeth. "No way! You took that dead on!"
"Do you think this armor is just for show? Catch! Matrix Orb!"
The sphere of death was hurled with a pitchers precision and speed. Ranma ducked at the last second and the ball struck the ground at the edge of the field, dissipating several feet of soil. It was as if the energy were made of the vilest of acidic compounds. If that had hit him head on he would have been dead for sure.
Ranma frowned at his slower reaction speed and realized he had to change his tactics. It was necessary to take the fight to the Shadow Warrior and stay on the offensive. With luck it would force Warrior to tire out and slow down, as he and Ryoga had done before. If he stayed on the defensive, the Warrior's special abilities would quickly come back to haunt him.
"I'm growing tired of playing this game," the Warrior growled. "I've wasted more than enough time on you! I know what you're planning on doing and I won't allow you to delay your death a second longer!"
He began to gather energy to a greater degree, flexing his hands until they shook violently under the strain of the energy he was summoning. Snapping his hands out straight, he fired two strong beams of energy from each palm, simultaneously hitting Ranma's arms. The energy seemed to wrap around his biceps like ribbons, entangling his limbs before fading away.
To the valiant boy's horror, he instantly felt his arms go numb and fall limp at his sides. Backing up several paces, he racked his brain furiously for a solution to his newest dilemma, but without the use of his arms he was next to helpless. No, worse that that, he was trapped. Blue eyes widened in horror and he looked at Akane with mournful eyes. Panic captured his brain and froze it, preventing him from properly thinking. All he could think about was trying to free himself. He hadn't noticed that the Warrior had purposely kept him at bay, purposely neutralizing the speed he could generate at close range until he found the right time to unleash that attack.
Laughing, the Warrior's form started to glow with an even darker energy that promised Ranma's death, whispering with torment and malice. Laces of energy flickered from finger-to-finger as distorted power convulsed to life in his right hand. The end was coming and it would be as easy as a spider finishing off prey trapped in the web.
"Nice trick, eh? I was saving it for just such a moment. What you've just had the honor of experiencing was a paralyzing move specialy created in my village. If you'd only trained harder you'd have learned that ki can be manipulated and used in many interesting ways. A master of ki would have already freed himself."
"You coward! Afraid to fight a real battle?" Ranma screamed.
"Hardly. I know how well you adapt to attacks after they are used against you. You memorize them and find countermeasures even after a single demonstration. That's why I had to save it specifically for you. Be honored and let that little bit of information fill you with pride as I send you to the gates of hell!"
Ranma clenched his eyes shut and summoned his will, striking out against the power that held him, trying to break the invisible chains and regain the use of his arms. His struggles were useless. Energy clung to him, hideously refusing to let go. He howled mentally, fixating Akane with his eyes, eyes that he knew shown with desperation and fear.
The Warrior approached and Ranma instinctively kicked, somehow finding the strength to resist his invisible bonds. However the hold on him was too strong asn the kick was rendered too slow. His leg was stopped in mid-motion by an armored forearm and a backhand to the face knocked him to the ground.
The Warrior chuckled from behind his mask. "Die quietly, would you? You've given your best and it just wasn't enough."
Another stream of energy concentrated into his hand and he lowered his fist at Ranma's head, gently planting his knuckles on the stricken boy's forehead. "This time, it really is over." Goodbye."
"Bakusai Tenketsu revised: Ground Quake!"
With a blur of motion, Ryoga landed and lightly pressed his finger into the soil, the ground around them shook violently as if Mother Nature herself were the cause. The tremor broke the Warrior's concentration and he stumbled backwards, flailing his arms, trying to remain upright. Titanic waves of energy pulsed and rolled across the open ground, rocking it with the power of an earthquake. Black energy cracks tore at the ground, pulling and pushing at its frame, propelling Ranma away from his enemy.
"Who...?" The Warrior's visible green eye flashed red.
Ryoga, umbrella in hand, stepped up beside Ranma, wincing slightly and running his hand absentmindedly over his wounded side.
"What the hell are you doing here? You're still hurt!" Ranma snapped, trying to work sensation back into his arms. "This is my fight!"
Ryoga gave him a look that an older brother would give his sibling during a lecture. "Shut up! Hurt or not there's no way I'm going to let you fight by yourself. If we're going to die then we will die together! Besides, it looks like you can't fight, at least for now. Rest up a minute and let me take some of the heat off of you."
"Ryoga, you are too weak to fight! You'll get yourself killed! Please don't fight!"
Ukyo screamed and begged for him to retreat from the sidelines, struggling to reach his side as some of the other high school students held her back. She knew as he did that the wound on his side would only hinder his movements, making his effort to defend Ranma all the more futile.
The Warrior snorted, steadying himself as irritation rolled off his body in waves. "Begging a warrior to retreat from the field of battle? This coming from the woman who hurt you to begin with? Ridiculous."
"I'm sorry, Ukyo," Ryoga said, ignoring the Shadow Warrior. This is something I just have to do. I owe Ranma. Akane, please look after her for me, would you?"
Akane swallowed visibly but nodded.
He waved in thanks before setting his mind on the task at hand. There was no longer any room to regret or fear anything else save action. Battle lay before him, and as a martial artist, he had to answer the call one more time. If he fell here today at least he could say he died a warrior, a man's man. He couldn't have possibly have asked for anything more.
Ukyo fell to her knees in despair as her heart fell into her stomach. "Ryoga...no…please…"
The Shadow Warrior chuckled, brushing himself off. "Another interested and unexpected turn of events. What are you doing here? My quarrel was never with you to begin with and I have no time for the injured. Get off this field right now and I'll let you live."
"Not on your life, bastard!" Ryoga leveled a finger at him "And while you're at it, drop the stupid evil comic book villain impersonation. Your lines are getting too cheesy to take seriously."
"So be it! You will regret your stubbornness. Poor Ukyo! Think how sad she'll be after she watches you die at my hands! You've involved yourself in a hopeless battle fool. This time no act of interference will stop me from having my revenge. Ranma will die, and now, so will you!"
A haze of crimson surrounded the Warrior's form as his anger fueled his energy output. This was the third time his quest to destroy Ranma had met with interference and he was quite beside himself with frustration. It remained to be seen how long the wall that was Ryoga Hibiki could hold back the raging typhoon that was the Shadow Warrior.
Ryoga held himself back, advancing at just three quarters of his normal speed. Just under three feet away from the Shadow Warrior, he suddenly released that last burst of strength and closed in fast, hammering the Warrior's mask and chest with dual punches, physically skidding him back across the field. The Lost Boy advanced, striking again with the same level of ferocity. With his match in physical strength met, the Warrior teleported away, resulting in a short game of tag, Ryoga's fist repeatedly struck the ground just a fraction of a second after the Warrior teleported away over and over again.
"Fool." The Shadow Warrior gracefully teleported in a circular movement around his prey. The multiude of after images that moved through the air following his rapid busrst of speed left no indication as to where he would end up. Once the younger warrior was sufficiently confused he stopped in front of Ryoga to bash his fist into the boy's jaw line, hurling him backwards.
"Damn it…" Ryoga snarled and rubbed a trail of blood off of his chin, backflipping and landing in a crouch several meters away.
"I think I can fight," Ranma said, rising from his crouch and raising his arms experimentally. "His paralyzing attack didn't last long. Thanks for covering for me."
Ryoga nodded and turned to whisper with his comrade. "While I distract him, you get in close and hit away as best you can. With your speed at close range, he'll have a hard time blocking."
Plan finalized, Ryoga reached up and removed several of his bandannas from his head then spun himself around, flinging them along with his umbrella. The Shadow Warrior knocked the projectiles away with well placed swats of his arms but doing so left him wide open to Ranma as the boy appeared before him, punishing fists aimed at his plated chest and stomach. He got several good punches in then flipped backwards, evading the Warrior's iron grasp as he sought to catch him in a bear hug.
"Now I'm really pissed off!" The Warrior raised his hand and teleported.
"Watch out!" Ranma warned, looking around franfically. "He could reappear anywhere."
"Tell me something I don't know!"
He reappeared behind Ryoga faster than the Lost Boy could react and, with one fluid motion, kicked Ranma in the chest. The blow knocked the wind out of his lungs and sent him crashing to the ground. Next, he grabbed both of Ryoga's hands and held them skyward within the grasp of one of his bone-crushing gauntlets.
"I just want you to know that I'm really going to enjoy this."
He brought his free arm up and slammed his fist into Ryoga's injured side with the force of a battering ram. Ryoga howled in pain as the stitches ripped free and the wound bled freely again. His armored knuckles stuck into the meat of Ryoga's flailing body, drenching his hand in crimson blood and irritating the wound on his side to an unbearable level of agony.
"I'll shatter your body! I warned you about crossing me again! You could have lived happily with your little girlfriend! Instead you're going to die and she'll be watching the entire time!"
He punched Ryoga again and again and again. The sickening sound of tenderized flesh filled the air, rising above even Ryoga's heart-wrenching screams of agony. Blood flowed like a river down his torso as the metal struck his tender, damaged skin over and over. As the severity of the wound intensified, a series of sickening wet sounds echoed from the screaming boy's mouth as he convulsed painfully, struggling against his captor as his face set with agony.
Ukyo screamed from the sidelines as tears flowed down her pretty face. Genma and Soun were forced to hold her back, whispering words of comfort to her. It was too painful a sight to watch and yet no one seemed to be able to tear their eyes from the massacre. She watched with pain-filled eyes as Ryoga's body was pummeled under the Warrior's powerful hits. He inflicted such pain so gladly, punching, jabbing, and taking the very life from Ryoga's body.
"Ryoga no! Stop it, your killing him!" Ukyo screamed.
The Warrior turned his head to face her. "Yes I am. I'm really having a good time doing it too. Sit back and enjoy the show."
Head slumping forward, Ryoga's pupils shrunk as darkness took him. Still faintly feeling his body rocking against the blows being delivered but feeing no pain, he fell, diving deep into a darkness that rushed up to embrace him. It enveloped him within its limitless boarders like a long cast shadow. Thoughts and fears ceased to be. His body was forgotten, left behind as he continued to fall…
Sunlight fell across Ryoga's face and he slowly opened his eyes, raising one arm to shield his eyes until they adjusted to the light. He smelled something sweet on the wind and turning his head, he saw that he was lying in a field of beautiful, sweet smelling flowers. Slowly rising to his feet he stretched, feeling strangely refreshed. Looking around he saw a forest of vast, beautiful green to his left, and birds sang overhead with a chorus telling of gentle spring. It felt like a fresh day and a slight breeze brushed past him, rustling his unruly bangs.
"Is this heaven?" His hand automatically fell to his side and he felt no pain. Startled, he lifted his shirt and felt only smooth uninjured skin. His wound had vanished completely.
"I'm not hurt anymore," he looked at his hands in bewilderment.
Dazed, he inspected his clothing for even the slightest trace of blood but there was none to be found. The clothes he wore seemed to have been freshly pressed and he took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air invigorate his lungs. Everything about this place resounded with a feeling of paradise. He knew he had never been here before and yet, a part of him found this place familiar all the same. He felt bonded to this land, as if it were a part of him somehow.
Butterflies hovered above flowers and the soft petals beneath them fluttered gently in the wind. It was so beautiful that Ryoga almost found himself moved to tears. But he also felt isolated and that unnerved him. There was no Ranma or Akane or Ukyo in this place. He was alone, left to view this beautiful place by himself. It didn't seem right somehow. Nothing, no matter how beautiful, should be viewed by one man alone.
"What's going on here? Am I dead?"
"No, not yet at least," A soft and very familiar voice called to him. It was gentle as a spring breeze to his senses. "However, that path is open to you if you still wish to take it."
Turning around, Ryoga saw Ukyo standing before him, clad in a pretty light blue sun dress and straw hat, smiling softly at him. Her gentle brown eyes appeared to be deeper than the deepest blue ocean. Bending down to pluck a large purple flower, she closed her eyes and brought it to her nose, inhaling its fragrance. Her soft smile broadened slightly, a slight chuckle following on its heels. "What a wonderful smell. Here, your turn."
He blinked in surprise. What was she doing in this place? Taking a step forward, he raised a hand as if to touch her. "Ukyo?"
She opened her eyes and raised the flower in front of him her gentle demenour commanding that he smell the flower. Ryoga took a sniff, smelling the exotic pollen as it tickled his nose, sensations of life overwhelming him. He didn't even try to deny to himself that it smelt good. Or perhaps it was simply that he felt good being here with the cool breeze and the warm sun overhead. Ukyo gave him a knowing smile, running a hand through her long brown hair then moved down to adjust her dress, smoothing out a small wrinkle.
"Are you really Ukyo?" He asked.
The girl shook her head, throwing her rich brown hair from side to side before it came to rest neatly behind her again. Each piece of hair fell precisely as it should. It almost seemed as if she controlled each individual strand on direct command. Her movements were graceful and beautiful, almost inhumanly so. She was beautiful and majestic but her perfection was unnerving.
"No. I am you. Or to be more specific, I am a part of you. I am your thoughts, your dreams, you joy and aspirations. I know your fears and weaknesses, your pains and your doubts as intimidate as any lover. We are as one, you and I."
Ryoga blinked again. "If you are me, then why do you look like Ukyo?"
The girl smiled and opened her hands at waist level. "I am what you wanted to see the most at this place and time. You made me. I am but an illusion within your mind's eye."
Ryoga shook his head and sat back down on the soft grass, leaning his forearms against his knees. "I don't get it. I remember fighting the Shadow Warrior and then he…"
Ukyo's bright demeanor drooped slightly and her eyes glossed over, becoming portals that showed pain and the slightest trace of distress. "He has hurt you. He continues to do so even now, away from this place. He is a powerful opponent filled with such intense anger and hate. It isn't natural. I wonder how he became as he is now…"
She crossed her arms and turned away from the wind as if chilled her skin. Her face grew even more distressed.
"Yeah, well, he's going go down one way or another." Ryoga rubbed his jaw line. "Everyone has a past. A painful one doesn't give them the right to mess with people's lives."
The illusion of Ukyo stopped hugging herself, her eyes widening a moment. Silently she padded over to him and draped her arms around his shoulders, that cheerful smile returning to her beautiful face. "You are as serious as always. So much in you has changed and yet so much has not. You've grown and matured vastly in such a short time and yet, you valiantly maintain your innocence even as you yourself attempt to strip it away. Injured as you were, you still jumped in to save Ranma. That is commendable. Many people wouldn't risk themselves to save others."
"Ranma is strong. I think he can beat this guy," Ryoga replied.
"You say that as if you would not be there to witness it when it's all said and done," she replied. "Is that what you meant by your tone?"
Ryoga poked her in the forehead lightly. "You're me, right? Why don't you tell me the answer to that question?"
She chuckled again. It was a pleasant sound like soft music or the sounds of playing children. The illusion was just like Ukyo, from her looks to her mannerisms. He turned to look up at the clear blue sky and felt a wonderful warmth sink into him as the sun bathed his skin. Off in the distance a clear blue lake lay peacefully undisturbed, glistening merrily as the sunlight danced across its waters.
"This place seems so peaceful, and it looks like we're all alone."
Ukyo giggled. "I would hope you like it here! After all, this is a land you've created in your dreams.
"My mind created this?"
"Yes! As such, it can only be as you wish it to be. So of course it's beautiful! Everyone has their ideal place of self within their mind, each just as beautiful and varied as another. Perhaps your inner peace does shine a bit more so than others. Half of you harbors such a dark depressive energy. Perhaps this place of utter peace is the counter weight, a balance."
"I like it here." He took another deep breath, reaching down to brush at the grass with his fingertips. If felt so appealing to just stay here under the warm sun and soft grass. If he left there would only be pain. Why couldn't he just stay here and rest his weary heart? He suddenly felt very ancient and tired. He realized he didn't want to fight anymore. He wanted to rest and let fate steer his course. It felt like such an easy choice to make.
The illusion of the lovely girl moved around his left side, bare feet padding gently across the grass. She knelt in front of him and placed her hand under his chin, making him look at her. "This is not the place for you to stay, there is a battle going on and you have to fight on. You are a master of your art and you must defeat this great evil. It is not time to rest yet; it is too soon for that. This is one opponent Ranma cannot possibly beat alone. He needs you."
Ryoga snorted. "I'd never thought I'd see the day when I'd be giving myself a pep talk."
Ukyo's gaze hardened slightly. "You must go back!"
Ryoga cast his gaze downward again. "I don't want to fight. The pain is too great. Wounded as I am, I would only get in Ranma's way. I'd be better off staying here."
"But you cannot do so. That is your real home, where the real Ukyo is. She needs you more than ever and you must go to her. The Shadow Warrior is standing in your way of being with her, stopping you from enjoying a happy future with her at your side. You must defeat him and create your own paradise within the realms of reality."
Ryoga shook his head. "I've already lost. My body wasn't healed enough to fight him in the first place. I knew it was a suicide mission from the beginning."
"You're body is being crushed more and more each moment that you linger here. You have the will and the power to help defeat this opponent, I know it. If you cannot defeat him, then Ukyo may never be safe. He could try and hurt her as well. With you and Ranma gone, nothing could prevent him from doing as he wishes. That is what you fear the most, is it not?"
Ryoga inhaled sharply as the words sunk in and he ground his teeth together. Fighting ruthlessly in combat against a foe was one thing, but to hurt Ukyo who had nothing to do with the duel was another entirely. "He wouldn't dare…."
Ukyo gazed at him sadly. "But he would. He would do it without remorse, sympathy, or even second thoughts. The anger that has festered inside of him has corrupted his heart. Without you, Ranma will fall and then no one will be left to protect your friends. Ukyo is in great danger. You must go back to her before it is too late."
She gestured around. "This only serves as a reminder of what you stand to lose. Brave your pain and go back. You are far stronger than even you yourself know. Only you can help Ranma tip the scales of the battle."
She stood up and stepped backwards with a dancer's elegance. "Trust me, I know." Her small gentle smile returned, brightening her features. "Go save her, the woman you love. Defeat the Shadow Warrior."
Ryoga nodded, tightening his hands into tight fists. "Yes, I understand."
Giggling again, Ukyo placed her fingertips over his eyelids, closing them. "Protect her. It is what you must do, what you've always meant to do. Survive. Find peace and happiness that matches this vision within your mind. Remember the serenity and peace of this place and bring it to fruition in your reality."
Ryoga took a deep breath. "Yes…."
"You can do it. Believe in yourself and your abilities."
Silently, she padded away across the soft lush grass, disappearing down the small hill he was standing on. Waving back at him, she dissolved from his sight as the world around him went dark as the ground gave way beneath him again. As he fell, he merged with the darkness, becoming nothingness.
"Farewell…"
The haunting voice of Ukyo disappeared above him and the blackness of his dormant mind took him within its folds once more. But this time, as he fell he found himself heading towards a light of such brilliance that it hurt his eyes even with them closed. Stretching out with his hand as if to reach for it, Ryoga charged back to complete his destiny. The memory of Ukyo fueled his determination and he plunged into the light, losing himself amongst its brilliance.
Blood and fluids dripping down his gauntlet-ed hand, the Warrior laughed, holding Ryoga's mangled body higher in the air for the crowd to see. "So much for this one. Those who risk their lives for others are fools!"
"Stop it! You're killing him! Stop it!" Ukyo screamed at him, hatred and fear burning in her eyes. Ryoga looked far too still and his eyes hadn't opened for several minutes now. It was all Ranma and Akane's fathers could do to hold her back.
"I already told you girl, that's the point! Anyone who challenges me will die as a lesson to others. This isn't a game or a gentleman's sparring match. This is real combat! I have no problems taking a life under such circumstances."
His fist slammed into Ryoga's side again and he opened his hand, shoving his fingertips into the opening of the wound. With a scream of rage, Ukyo finally broke free and ran towards the Shadow Warrior, howling with rage.
"No!" Screaming more from rage than from pain as he awakened abruptly, Ryoga's eye's opened wide and he focused on Ukyo, feeling rejuvenation streak through him. A burst of energy exploded around him, pushing Ukyo back towards the relative safety of the crowd. Setting his full attention on the Shadow Warrior, he set his muscles and began to struggle, shocking everyone around him. His scream of hatred gave pause to the Warrior who looked up at his formerly comatose opponent in bewilderment.
"What th-"
"This ends now!" Ryoga hissed between clenched teeth, using his thoughts of Ukyo to fuel his determination. Driving the burning pain of his side from his mind, he broke the Warrior's grasp on his hands by twirling in mid air. Using his remaining strength, he spun around to face his foe. For a second the two stared at one another, connected via their hatred of one another, eyes locked as if they could peer into each other's souls.
"How are you still alive?!"
"Suck on this! Bakusai Tenketsu!"
His finger connected with the Warrior's mask, triggering an initial explosion that formed a series of small cracks that slowly grew larger as the seconds passed. The energy Ryoga put into the attack seeped deeper into the reinforced armor, cracking it from the center on outward. The fact that the metal didn't explode during the first second of contact with Ryoga's finger was a miracle in itself and spoke well of the armor's quality.
The Warrior grabbed Ryoga by his wounded side, fingers clamping down on either side of his wound, and lifted him in the air as his rage doubled in ferocity.
"Your stupid fool! I'll kill you!" He flung the helpless boy across the field where he fell to the ground in a bloody heap, convulsing in silent agony.
The Warrior growled and clenched his blood-covered gauntlet, preparing to square off with Ranma as the boy slowly rose to his feet, moving to shield Ryoga from further harm. "This nightmare is my masterpiece! The unmasking of my identity will change absolutely nothing!"
Ranma kept his gaze steady, watching as the cracks in the Warrior's mask spread and intercepted one another. It might have been the perfect moment to attack but raw curiosity as to the identity of this enemy stayed Ranma's feet and he stood at the ready, watching and waiting to finally set eyes on his vindictive foe.
Chucking, the Warrior's distorted voice started to break as well. "Gaze now at your destroyer, Ranma Saotome!"
A sound of tearing metal filled the air as the incredibly sturdy armor finally relented against Ryoga's attack. The Shadow Warrior's metal mask finally shattered and fell to the ground in pieces. A great silence spread across the crowd as the Shadow Warrior smirked, facing them with an even greater sense of determination. He looked even fiercer unmasked, with his cold, unflinching eyes facing the crowd. His face held a look of utter disgust and hatred, and it was a look that completely suited the scene of this current nightmare.
"He was the first to ever unmask me. He should feel honored," he said, motioning towards the downed fighter.
Ranma looked at his unmasked opponent and gasped as he caught his first good look at his enemy. He had, over the course of the week since he had first met his opponent, attempted to guess who the man really was. Countless time he'd tryed to piece various clues together and had come up with nothing. He couldn't think of anyone in his life who was capable of becoming something as evil as the Shadow Warrior. But at that moment, as the unmasked enemy stared at him, he realized how wrong he had been. Ranma would never have guessed this person was capable of such an atrocious act, as devilish as the boy normally was. Something wasn't right. Something didn't make sense at all.
Something was very, very wrong.
Almost laughing with disbelief, Ranma shook his head over and over. "Impossible!"
Suddenly, it occurred to him that it might have been better if he had not learned the identity of his enemy…