Ranma ½ belongs To Rumiko Takahashi, Viz video and others. Any other works belong to their respective people as well. I don't own any of this so just sit back and enjoy the tale, oh and don't sue me please that would be bad.

Chapter 5: Darkness

Author's Beginning Note: In this chapter the Ranma that has been running around will often be called Ranko or Hibiki-san. This distinguished him/her from the other Ranma running around. Also this chapter is a bit more violent than previous chapters. Reader discretion is advised.

Ranma Hibiki was still confused as she sat in the office of one Dr. Tofu. Not to mention extremely concerned for her neo brother Ryouga Hibiki. This hadn't happened yet and she wasn't sure how to deal with it. They had previously been together and she had been relatively sure they would stay that way. While she was meditating on her current predicament she was also assisting the good doctor in his duties.

"That's quite good Ranko. You must have trained under some very good teachers to notice that Mr. Tanaka's chi flow was off. I barely noticed it."

The elven eared red head nodded and said, "Yes, I have had some fairly extensive training." While thinking to himself (Yeah, from you, the old ghoul, and even Happosai, but I guess I can't mention that now can I.)

Tanaka left the office and the bell to the office rang. Tofu said, "Well I think that's probably the person who I said could help you out."

Nabiki Tendo entered the office as Tofu and Ranko came out. Dr. Tofu said, "Ranko Hibiki, may I present to you Nabiki Tendo. Information source par excellance. She's come over willing to help you answer almost any question you might have." Then the doctor pressed some bills into Ranma's hands, smiled and said, "Well I must get back to work. You two have fun now okay?"

Nabiki Tendo sized up this new girl in front of her she was a little taller than 1.8 meters, had blazing red hair and pointed elven ears. Definitely not something normal for Nerima Japan and to add more it seemed like she had that air of a martial artist around her and she had the same last name as Ryouga. Nabiki doubted that was a coincidence especially not around Nerima. "Hi, Ranko I hear you'd like some information. Why don't we go to the nearby café and discuss it. Your treat?"

Ranko looked at the meager amount in her hands and said, "Uh I guess so maybe we could just go to a park or something?"

Nabiki noticed the hesitation and nodded saying, "Okay Hibiki san I'll lead the way."

Nabiki led them to a quiet bench and started the conversation, "So Ranko are you by any chance related to Ryouga Hibiki?"

Ranma said, "Uhm yeah we're kinda related."

Nabiki said, "Mhmm I see and what is it that you'd like to know about then?"

Ranko though about it a bit and said, "Well I'd like to know more about Ryouga and his friends here in Nerima my auntie Kiana tells me that he's been having such an interesting time here, but some of the things in Ryouga's letters are just a bit hard to believe."

Nabiki was still suspicious of the red headed girl, but figured that it couldn't hurt to relay the basic situation to the girl. Still that name was very odd. Anyway Nabiki relayed quite a bit of information to Ranko and ended the tale by relaying the most recent history that had happened with Ryouga learning the Baksei Tenkets technique and losing yet another match to Ranma.

Ranko thought to herself (So that means I'm definitely not on my world at the moment) then said, "So tell me Ms. Tendo do you know why my cousin Ryouga hates this Ranma so much?"

Nabiki said, "Please call me Nabiki and I'm not really sure Ranko there's some sort of bread duel, but it seems like more still I haven't heard any specifics from Ryouga just that because of Ranma he's seen hell."

Ranko nodded and said, "I don't suppose you know where Ryouga is Nabiki?"

Nabiki replied, "Can't say that I do with his direction sense he could be anywhere, but I'll introduce you to Ranma and Akane if you like. Oh and Ranko that'll be fifty yen please."

Ranko said, "Fifty yen? For what?"

Nabiki said innocently, "The information and my leading you to Ranma of course."

Ranko peeled off fifty yen from her days earnings handed it to Nabiki and said, "Lead the way."

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Meanwhile on a Dark planet seething with dark emotions, a Silver haired Sith lord was training his new apprentice. "Feel your depression boy. Your friend is not looking for you and you are here all alone. Don't give up yet young one I know you have depression rooted in your souls and I will help ignite a burning hatred for the Jedi Order and the so called 'Republic' that they represent. They are responsible for all of this suffering and darkness. Trust your feelings of depression know it deep inside you."

Ryouga tried to tune the man out he tried to, but he couldn't and his thoughts were turning darker with every passing moment. He wondered how he had stayed confident and happy for so long what was the reason and then he remembered a kindled friendship of two young men, himself and Ranma. That was a great part of it and by concentrating on that he was able to make the darkness go away at least for awhile. "Ranma," he said painfully, "please help me you've got to help me soon Ranma." Then young Ryouga lapsed into unconsciousness, only to be healed by Dooku and brought back into the room of darkness….

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Ranko arrived at the Tendo residence somewhat prepared for the scene that awaited her. She was introduced to the young couple of Ranma and Akane who proceeded into an argument leaving off with young Ranma Saotome saying something that Akane disagreed with and Akane belting him causing the young Ranma to create a new hole in the Tendo yard. It was at that point that she laughed. It was side splitting laughter and neither of the two youths was very appreciative. An angry Akane stomped up to Ranko and said, "Exactly what are you laughing at Ranko?"

Still being famous for foot in mouth Ranko said with a titter, "Two little children having a fight over childish things."

As Akane fumed Nabiki said, "Uhm Ranko I think I forgot to mention that my sister has a bit of a temper. Perhaps you meant something else?"

Ranko saw that Nabiki was trying to defuse the situation, but she couldn't help herself she had to do this one thing, so she said, "Oh isn't control one of the main precepts of the art. A precept I intend to speak with my young cousin about and apparently one that this young girl knows nothing about either. All real martial artists should have control"

Akane fumed some more and said heatedly to Ranko, "What was that are you saying that I'm not a real martial artist?"

Ranko gazed at the girl with disdain and said, "Perhaps I was, but more likely I was suggesting that you needed training."

Akane was about to burst and said, "Says you lady, I'm a martial artist too and I'll prove it right here and right now!"

Ranma was getting out of his hole when he heard Akane yelling. He looked at the girl called Ranko again and said, "Akane, don't do it. Look at her stance you're no match for her."

Akane glared at Ranma and said, "Stay out of this if you know what's good for you." Then she looked at Ranko and said, "So you want to do this or not lady."

Ranko smiled and said, "Very well." She then pointed at the Dojo and said, "That Dojo over there looks like a good spot. I'll give you ten minutes to prepare okay?" She then sauntered over to the Dojo.

Ranma followed after her and Akane started to stomp after her, but Nabiki stopped her with a hand and said, "Sis, look sis I hate to agree with Ranma on anything, but that girl is Ryouga Hibiki's cousin. I may not know much about martial arts, but if she is even half as good or strong as Ryouga, then you might want to reconsider okay?"

Akane said, "No way Nabiki she insulted me as a martial artist. I have to defend my honor."

Nabiki replied, "Look Akane all she said was that you need training. Is there something wrong with that?"

Akane thought for one second and said, "I can beat her Nabiki no one gets away with saying I'm not a real martial artist. I'll show her." Then she finished stomping after Ranko right to the Dojo.

While waiting for Akane at the Dojo Ranma said, "I don't suppose I could ask you to go easy on her huh?"

Ranko answered, "Afraid for your girl?"

"She's not my girlfriend!"

"Oh that's right your fiancée then. Are you afraid I'll beat her up?"

"Look lady I don't know who you are or what your exact relationship to Ryouga is, but if you hurt her you're going to answer to me." Ranma threatened.

Ranko laughed and said, "Well here she is. Don't worry tough guy I'll try not to hurt your princess too much." Then she looked at Akane and said, "You ready princess?"

Akane howled in frustration and ran right towards Ranko. Half a second later she was flying toward the ground on the other side of the Dojo. "Left yourself wide open girl."

Akane got up and attacked again with similar results. "No fair I wasn't ready."

"I gave you ten minutes Princess you need more time?" Said Ranko haughtily.

Akane growled again and attacked one last time. This time she was hit numerous times and knocked unconscious. Ranma started towards Ranko who said, "Whoa ease up lover boy your princess will be fine."

Ranma wasn't sure what he should do so he checked on Akane and noted that she had not been terribly injured in fact it just looked like she had been hit in a number of pressure points at once. Then he looked at Ranko and said, "That technique you just used I couldn't even see your hands move it's the Amaguriken isn't it?"

Ranko wondered if she should lie or not and then decided to be vague, "Amaguriken hmm? Well I don't yell out my attacks as much any more something in my past makes me dislike doing so." Then she glanced at the floor and saw a small black piglet with a yellow bandanna enter the room and proceed to nudge the unconscious Akane. Ranko looked at the piglet and then looked to Ranma and said, "So Ranma have you seen my little cousin Ryouga around here anywhere?"

Ranma glanced at P-chan and said, "I'm sure he's around he's always gettin' lost and finding his way around here. He might be upset with you for Akane though."

Ranko said, "Ahh I see Nabiki neglected to mention why you were rivals, but it's for her affections isn't it?"

Ranma stammered, "That uncute chick? P-chan can have her if he wants her."

"P-Chan?" Ranko said then looked at Ranma with faux confusion and said, "Who is P-chan?"

Ranma realized his error and pointed at the black pig still nudging Akane. Uhm she named her pig P-chan and I uhm tease Ryouga by calling him the same name."

"Really, how interesting."

"Yeah uhm so how long until she wakes up?"

"Not that long Ranma she should be stirring about…Now."

Akane sat up and cradled P-chan in her lap. She was still angry, but a realization dawned on her that she wouldn't get the satisfaction of beating this girl without some more training. Then the inexplicable happened and Ranko said something she had never said in her life, "Akane I'm glad you are awake, I'd like to apologize for my unintended insult to you."

Akane was flabbergasted by the apology, but did accept it. Then Ranko said, "I hear that this pet pig of your is called P-chan. Is that right?"

Akane wondered why this girl was suddenly being so polite, but answered, "Why yes P for pig and Chan meaning cute. Isn't that the best name?"

Ranko smiled and said, "Why yes I guess it is. Anyway, I originally came here looking for my younger cousin Ryouga. Ranma here says that he comes by quite often. You haven't seen him here recently have you?"

Akane said, "No I guess not, but if you stay in the area I'm sure he'll come by sooner or later. He gets lost so easily and Ranma here is always picking on him. They have some sort of grudge, but neither one will explain it to me"

Ranko said, "Oh, well I guess I can tell you what I think."

Akane said, "Please do."

Ranko said, "It seems to me that you are part of their grudge, I think they both like you."

Akane blushed and said, "It can't be that Ranma here is a jerk and Ryouga well he's just Ryouga."

Ranko said, "If you say so." Her stomach growled and she said, "I don't suppose either of you know of a good place to eat Chinese do you?"

Ranma immediately said, "The Nekohanten has some great food." He was hit on the head a moment later by an Akane who said, "You just want to see Shampoo. Maybe Ryouga's cousin doesn't want to see all the insanity in Nerima you idiot."

Ranko said, "Why not I'd like to get a feel for the place that Ryouga is in most often."

Akane said, "Well follow us." While Ranma continued, "Yeah and try not to get lost or nothin." He was then hit once again by Akane who said, "Ranma! That's not nice she may not even have the same problem that poor Ryouga does."

Ranko replied, "Nah, that's okay lots of people think all Hibiki's are lost, but it isn't true. In fact I always know exactly where I am. Anyway, let's go on to this Nekohanten place and maybe after that you can show me any other places of interest around here."

Ranma and Akane showed her the way.

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Meanwhile at Furinkan High School prey was being hunted. The creature watched from its hiding place as Kunou Tatewaki was outside practicing his forms on the school grounds and he sensed something off. "Surely it is the Sorcerer Saotome who is using black magics to espy my preparations for our next battle." Kunou continued practicing and then his wooden sword was cut in half by an invisible blade. Kunou dodged out of the way of another attack pulled out another blade and said, "Cowardly knave! Show yourself Saotome and be defeated like the black sorcerer that you are."

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Silence greeted Kunou's statement and then movement quick, powerful and ultimately lethal. Kunou was slowly dying on three now bloody metal claws. His last words as he saw the creature that killed him were, "So, Saotome at last you reveal that you truly are a demon from hell. Be warned that I shall hunt you down from the heavens themselves. My righteous vengeance shall not…" His head was removed before he was able to finish his statement and the alien Predator looked for other prey. Prey that would perhaps put up a better fight, prey that would bring honor and respect to the hunter especially when he fought them without the advanced weapons.

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Ranko was sitting at her table in the Nekohanten enjoying her excellent Beef Lo Mein and the spectacle in front of her. It was a mish mash of fighting and malleting and general chaos as Mousse attacked Ranma, Shampoo tried to stop Mousse and glomp Ranma, and Akane tried to hit Ranma with her mallet. The fact that Ranko wasn't a part of it was really what was bringing her greet joy indeed. Then shrunken old lady with white hair sidled up to the girl looked at the scene which proceeded out the door and said, "Ah the joys of youth." Then Cologne said, "I am Cologne matriarch of the Jokestuzoku Amazons and I don't believe we have met yet Ms Hibiki."

Ranko looked at Cologne and said, "No we haven't Cologne-san and please call me Ranko, everyone else does."

"Yes. Ranko what and interesting name. May I ask does it mean 'Wild Child' or "Orchid'?"

Ranko blanched and said, "Wild child ma'm I'm not really the Orchid type."

Cologne looked at her again and said, "Sensing your powerful chi I would say not." Then Cologne looked at her seriously and said, "Now, tell me truthfully son-in-law what is happening here?"

Ranko was startled and said, "How did you know?"

Cologne replied, "I didn't. At least not until you reacted like that. Oh, I sensed that you had somewhat similar chi-patterns, but it could have been dismissed had you not reacted that way." Then cologne gestured up stairs and said, "Come while the others are away let us retire in privacy and we can discuss what has happened to you, yes?"

Ranko replied, "Yeah sure Cologne sensei, let's do that."

Cologne remarked as they were heading up the stairs, "Sensei? Whatever happened to old ghoul?"

They entered the room and Ranko said, "I think I've learned something recently. One of them is some respect for people who might be able to help me."

"Well then child. Let us speak and if what you tell me is important enough, then perhaps I will take on that title of sensei and teach you a thing or two?"

Ranko said, "I'd like that. I think I could really use all the techniques and help that I can get. It all started when…."

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Mousse had gotten separated from the girls and Ranma somewhere along the way. He was in an abandoned lot when his danger sense kicked in and he dogged out of the way of a spinning metal disk. The disk returned and Mousse shouted, "Hey! Show yourself Ranma!"

Silence greeted Mousse's shout and he tried to survey the area he thought the disk had come from. He was about to try finding Ranma and Shampoo again when he barely blocked an invisible blow with one of his swords. He continued on the defensive against a number of swipes that he could not see. Even Mousse who was half blind could not easily fight a foe that was invisible though and he was being pressed toward an alley wall by the furious assault from the invisible creature. Still he continued to defend himself when he suddenly felt pain from his side.

Blood poured out of the wound and Mousse was even harder pressed to defend himself. He tried and tried, but it was a losing endeavor. Then he realized that his salvation might be at hand if he could just get the water out he could turn into a duck and fly away. He grabbed for a flask in his robes and was stabbed again as the transformation overcame him. His last thought as consciousness left him was of Shampoo.

The Predator examined the creature on the ground it was an animal a beast. The young fighter had turned into something unworthy of the hunt. The alien creature felt some shame because it had almost killed something unworthy of being prey. He did not know how you prey had escaped and left this beast behind, but he would hunt again and regain lost honor by fighting without technology he would find the best prey here and his battles would bring him glory in the eyes of the elders. It was either that or death he could not accept being serving class, never.

Ryouga stumbled into the alley where Mousse was just as the now visible Predator was trying to heal a dying duck. He yelled, "Hey you! What are you doing with Mousse?"

The Predator cloaked himself again and fled the area. Noting that the creature that had just yelled at him was in some type of battle stance. The Predator felt a sense of joy at that because a new prey had been found and the hunt could continue.

Ryouga clasped the duck in his hands and yelled out, "Hey! Anybody, somebody please!" Finding no one who would answer him the Hibiki boy tried to find healing for Mousse.

Luck was with Ryouga that day and he barged right into the closed Nekohanten yelling, "Hello is any one here? I need some help with Mousse he's been injured.

Cologne who had finished hearing Ranko's tale had a sense of foreboding, "Child you said you were brought to places you need to be?"

"Yes that's right."

Cologne said, "Then come with me and hear what young Ryouga has to say, perhaps Mousse can be helped."

Ranko leaped down the stairs and almost knocked Ryouga over saying, "Ah geez Ryouga. What happened?"

Ryouga said, "He's been hurt. I think some strange creature attacked him in an alley and then disappeared when I arrived."

Cologne looked at Mousse and said, "We must get hot water and call an ambulance quickly. Mousse will die of his wounds in that form and he will not last long in his regular form either."

Ranko dialed the phone and Cologne placed the duck on a clear table and then poured water on him. After transforming the Chinese boy looked in less danger of dying, but still in bad condition. Ranko moved next to Cologne and said, "Is there anything we can do?"

Cologne said, "Yes, child come next to me and focus your chi. Yes, that's it, now place your hand on his chest and concentrate on making him well. That's right let your chi flow into him."

Mousse looked a little better and Cologne said, "That is enough Ranko. Then stared at the girl. You aren't even drained are you?"

Ranko replied, "A little bit. Why sensei was I doing something wrong?'

Cologne shook her head and said, "No, that was fine, but I was just a bit surprised by how vast your chi reserves were young one. Oh to be so young once again. To have youth and vigor and not depend on your reserves just to move an old carcass around. Really dear it's just a bit of envy." (That she thought and a new determination to get Son-In-Law in the tribe. It's really too bad Ranko can't stay…Hmmm perhaps I have an idea.)

Ranko was going to reply to the old woman when the ambulance crew arrived and took Mousse to the hospital. Cologne demanded to come with them and somehow brought Ranko along as well. The only person left behind was young Ryouga Hibiki who was ordered to stay put until Shampoo or one of the others came to the Nekohanten.

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Pantyhose Taro was chasing after a perverted freak. He wanted his name changed and he wanted it now. He chased Happosai onto the Furinkan High School grounds and that was when he came upon the scene, the carnage was almost indescribable and not all of the young Tatewaki was still there. The two would be combatants stopped their fight for a moment and then Happosai said, "The poor boy, I haven't seen this in some time, no siree and I don't intend to stick around here for the inevitable end, so I'll be going."

Taro grabbed Happosai and said, "Look old man I may not care for that Kunou idiot, but there are two points I need to make. One, you still need to change my name. Two, you know something you old fossil and I want to know what it is."

Happosai said, "Ah young Pantyhose you know me well. I'll tell you what happened here, but first I need to tell you to. Look Out!"

Taro dodged out of the way of a spinning disk and in the process let go of Happosai who yelled out, "I do hope you survive the Yautja young Taro, but if not well be happy to die with the best name in the world."

Taro said, "Get back here you! I need to change my name. He started to chase after Happosai, but was prevented from doing so by a large alien creature in front of him. It was humanoid, and a bit more than two meters tall, it was wearing some type of face mask and had greenish and brown skin. Finally, the creature had some type of course bristly "hair" twisted into dreadlocks. It stood in front of Taro and pulled out a weapon that looked much like a naginata except that the metal on the blade had a strange quality to it. Taro looked at the creature and said, "Whatever you are get out of my way, or you're going to regret it."

The creature just looked at Taro and said in an eerie recorded voice that sounded much like Kunou's, "I shall hunt you down."

Taro looked at the creature and said, "Let's do this thing then. I'll get you out of my way and then find that old freak." Then Taro attacked. He punched and kicked at his alien nemesis, but was often blocked or avoided entirely. Then the Naginata would strike out and he would be hard pressed to avoid the gleaming blade.

The fight continued on and Taro was losing. He knew however that he could gain an advantage over his foe and maneuvered towards the sprinkler system. As he tried to avoid being skewered Taro kicked a sprinkler head and broke the water pipe spraying him with water and transforming himself into his cursed minotaur like state.

The predator witnessed this transformation and understood what had happened to his previous prey. Its anger was kindled and it decided to use a new tactic on this bull creature. It leaped back and fired a net at its prey. Taro felt the net descend on him and decided to use his strength to get out. He pulled on the net and lost one of his fingers to its sharpness. He tried rolling away, but it was to no avail. The last thing the large minotaur saw in life was the alien above him with an upraised Naginata.

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Meanwhile Ryouga was trying to escape his captivity. He was running down hallways and destroying attack droids trying to find some type of escape from this planet and from the man he had started to call master. He had tried attacking Dooku, but doing so would inevitably lead to his defeat by the old man and he wasn't too keen on getting any more burns by the man's lightsaber either. So here he was heading as fast as he could towards a spaceship landing pad he had seen. As Ryouga arrived at the landing pad he saw a ship starting to take off. Then he heard a voice from nearby said, "Come now my apprentice that was the only ship at the landing pad."

When Ryouga heard the voice he actually wished for one moment that his curse would work again. At least that way he could have hidden or pretended that he was some harmless animal. At least as a boar he might have a chance at escape, but it was not to be. Something was preventing his curse from working and for the first time in his life he regretted it. Finally deigning to acknowledge Dooku he turned towards the voice and said, "Master Dooku, prepare to die!"

Dooku smiled as Ryouga attacked and said, "That's right boy use your anger and hatred, feel your depression grow within you. Use it all and try to defeat me." Then as Ryouga attacked, Dooku pummeled him with flying debris. The debris slowed Ryouga down, but it did not stop him. He continued towards Dooku and attacked him with vicious punches and kicks and then he felt the searing pain of a lightsaber along his flank. That brought him down and as unconsciousness claimed him he heard Dooku say, "Well my apprentice it seems you are progressing well. Soon your training will be complete and I will have a true Sith apprentice of my own. Then we shall defeat the republic, the Jedi council, and my master. Then we shall rule the galaxy."

Authors End note: Well I changed my mind and trying to do both Ryouga and Ranma together. In case you are wondering they will indeed be meeting up again, but not until Ranma finishes doing what needs to be done and is no longer needed.