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Dragon's Destiny
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The girl followed the wide path leading up to the cave entrance. She muttered to herself as she walked, not really paying attention to where she was stepping. The girl was obviously a warrior despite her youth and one with some skill to judge from her equipment. She wore a gold washed breastplate, bracers, and grieves, each piece artfully trimmed in azure blue enamels, the helmet she wore closely resembled those of the Athenian army, with the stripe of horsehair trailing like a mane down her back. Her own black hair was cut close enough to be hidden under the helm. A long blue silken cape fell from her shoulders to sway in the mild breeze as she walked. On her hip, fastened by a special harness, was a rather large silvery metal cross. It was shaped like the letter 'T' and hung from the handle to bang against her leg every now and then. The cross was unadorned as it had no decoration or design other than a simple leather grip.
"Damn Aristonephes and his brother," She cursed, "'you can't be a warrior Endrea.' 'Girls are only good for making babies.' I'll show those bastards. My mother was a warrior, I can be too."
Endrea Steelweaver, daughter of Atlantis, had come all the way from her island continent home to this remote mountain range by means of her father's flying chariot. She knew she'd be in trouble for taking it without permission just as her mother would give her that 'I'm disappointed in you' look for having taken her sword. But the never-ending argument with the Brewer brothers had gotten out of hand when they challenged her to prove herself a warrior. She had claimed that she could do anything her mother had done. Aristonephes had laughed at that and said if that were true then she had to slay a dragon like her mother had done nearly twenty years previous. When Endrea faltered, the two boys teased her about being a coward. Enraged by his mocking words, Endrea said she'd do it and stormed out of the house and to her father's chariot.
Even now, three hours later, she was still angry and planned to vent some of her frustrations on the beast in the cavern before her. She Stomped up to the entrance. Marble columns flanked both sides of the cavern entrance supporting an arch carved from the living rock. The stone inside was smooth and polished. This was the dragon's lair, it was not at all what Endrea had expected. She hesitated, unsure what to do next. Should she charge into the dragon's lair? It was somewhat dark in there. The size of the entrance didn't do much for her confidence either. She could line twelve horses nose to tail across the entrance. There was no way the dragon could be that big.
Remembering her anger, she summoned her courage and called out.
"Dragon of the West! I challenge you to a duel to the death. Come forth and face me!"
There was silence. Endrea began to wonder if there was anything in there. She prepared to call out again when she heard the reply.
"Go away!" the voice rumbled deeply tinged with impatience or annoyance, she couldn't really tell for sure.
Endrea's face turned red with rage. She hadn't journeyed this far to be turned back now.
"Come out and fight me! Are you a coward to face a true warrior?"
"I'm busy. Go away." The voice said again.
Endrea screamed in frustration. "Come out here or I'm coming in after you!"
There was a pause. "All right, if it'll shut you up, here I come."
It was quiet again for a while, then Endrea heard soft footsteps echo in the dark passageway. Several long, agonizing moments later she finally saw movement in the darkness as a figure stepped into the light. It was a boy, maybe nineteen or twenty years old. He had long copper red hair reaching mid-back and wore simple brown trousers and a dark green shirt. His emerald eyes pierced her with his gaze. Overall, he was a very handsome guy and if she didn't have other things to do she may have been taken by his looks.
"So what can I do for you?" He said, breaking her out of her trance.
Endrea shook her head to clear it. There was some guy in front of her. Where's the dragon? What was this guy doing here? Did he already kill the dragon? Is he a slave? There were too many possibilities for her to know anything with certainty. Given the situation she decided to be polite until she knew more about his place here.
"Um, I've come to slay the dragon." She said after a moment.
The boy cracked a smile. It was actually more of a smirk. "You're what, fifteen? Go home, live your life."
"I'm Sixteen!" Endrea shouted. Just because her mother's side of the family were late bloomers was no reason to be rude. "I have to defeat the dragon to prove I'm a great warrior!"
The boy leaned against one of the pillars at the entrance. "Why do you want to be a warrior? There is nothing great about war."
Endrea fingered her mother's hilt. "I want to be a great hero like my mother was. She fought to protect many people before she retired."
"It's very noble to want to protect others who cannot protect themselves, but let me tell you about heroes. A hero is just a person who is in the wrong place at the wrong time and somehow manages to survive. Go home."
"I can't. I made a vow to slay the dragon in that cave. If he won't come to me then I shall have to in after him. Let me pass."
The boy stood up straight. "Are you sure I can't talk you out of it?"
Endrea nodded angrily.
"Fine, we'll fight out here then. I have an experiment going on in my lab and don't want it disturbed."
Endrea was confused. She didn't want to fight this boy. Then she noticed the boy walking away from the entrance only to stop about twenty feet away. He closed his eyes and seemed to concentrate. His body started to shift and shimmer. He dropped to his hands and knees as his clothes ripped and his body began to grow. After stretching to over sixty horse lengths and towering over three stories the form solidified into a towering reptilian copper colored dragon. It stretched and spread its wings.
Endrea was beginning to rethink the whole dragon slaying thing as the dragon lowered its massive head to be level with her face.
"Shall we begin?" His deep voice rumbled through the mountain valley.
The young Atlantean fumbled for her mother's weapon without taking her eyes off the DaiRyuujin no Nishi. The dragon chuckled to itself upon seeing her reaction. Each laugh rumbling like boulders rushing down a cliff.
"I'm impressed, most humans would have soiled themselves and run by now. Quickly now, take your weapon and face me human."
Endrea cursed herself for getting into this mess but knew there was no backing out. She had challenged the monster to a duel and after much cajoling, he accepted. It was possible but highly unlikely he would just allow her to walk away now. Steeling herself, she gripped the hilt of her mother's sword and willed the blade to life. With the smell of ozone and the sound of static, the blade sprung into existence. It glowed a magical translucent blue and seemed to hum as it moved through the air. The blade was over six feet long, eight inches wide, and looked like a slab of steel sharpened on one side yet it weighed nothing at all. She moved it through the air testing its balance before taking a combat stance.
"Very good, you can activate your mother's weapon, but can you use it?" The dragon challenged before lunging at the girl.
Somersaulting backwards through the air, Endrea barely avoided the first blow. The countless drills with her mother paid off, as she was able to counter attack immediately. The dragon however, was faster than she had expected and parried her slash with his claws. This only caused her worry to increase since she knew the sword could cut through almost anything. She pressed her attack anyway hoping to keep the dragon on the defensive. A narrow miss clipped a few hairs from the great beast's mane of wiry hair.
Endrea grinned, so the monster wasn't completely immune to her blade. Screaming a charge, she ran at the dragon planning to tumble between its front legs and slice along its unprotected stomach. She dove forward underneath the snapping jaws, twisted and thrust her sword up into...nothing?
The dragon had leapt straight into the air towards the mountainside. It sprang off with its powerful leg muscles to the side of a nearby cliff. From there it sprang again to the other side and back, each time picking up momentum. How could something so large be so fast!? Endrea panicked when she momentarily lost sight of the bouncing dragon. She turned left and right, anxiety building when she felt something tap the back of her head. She turned and screamed upon seeing the dragon behind her with a single claw up where her head had been.
"I believe I win." The creature laughed.
"Bu-bu-but it was supposed to be to the death." Endrea said, trying to find her voice.
"Oh heavens no. Your mother would have my hide for a new pair of boots if anything happened to you because of me," The huge head came down to face level before breaking out in a toothy grin, "besides, who do you think made that sword for your mother?"
Endrea was struck speechless.
"Come, I'm sure your mother is worried about where you're at," the dragon motioned toward the cave's entrance.
After some pushing and prodding, the DaiRyuujin managed to get the stunned girl to follow him down the tunnel to his lair. They reached the main chamber after about a hundred feet. The room was huge. Endrea had seen coliseums smaller than this. There were a few pieces of human sized furniture but mostly the room was occupied by huge pillows many time the size of her bed at home. She realized this was where the dragon sat or laid when entertaining guests, there was a large mirror against the far wall that the dragon went to. He began to chant in the language of magic, she'd heard similar words before as her father was a spellweaver as well. The mirror glowed and resolved into a familiar picture to Endrea.
"Good day to you Lady Steelweaver." The dragon greeted.
"My Lord Derakon! It is a surprise to receive your call. What can I do for you?"
"You seem to have misplaced your heir and your sword. I found both skulking around outside my lair trying to commit suicide by dragon."
"Endrea!" The matriarch shouted. Endrea winced at the tone. She knew she was in deep trouble. She'd be lucky to see daylight again before the next winter.
"I apologize my Lord. I take full responsibility for this. I'll see that she's properly punished for bothering you." Lady Steelweaver promised.
Endrea could see her freedom disappearing completely until she reached 'coming of age' day. She should never have listened to the Brewer brothers. Or maybe she should have picked a different dragon. But how was she to know the dragon she'd come to slay was an old friend of mom's?
"Actually, I have an idea," Derakon, the Great Dragon of the West said, "I seem to find myself in need of a lab assistant."
Endrea groaned.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki groaned.
"How do you feel?" she heard a voice ask. After a second, she realized it was Ranma's.
"Ugh, like I was hit by a truck. What happened?"
"As far as I can tell, you grabbed a sword you shouldn't have and blacked out, which is odd because that sword is supposed to shock anyone who touches it except the rightful owner or immediate family. I should be treating you for electrical burns, not fainting."
"Sorry to disappoint you."
"Ah, that's not what I meant. I'm just glad you're ok." Ranma said.
"I had the weirdest dream though... I can't remember." Nabiki rubbed her forehead, or she tried to. She seemed to be holding the hilt of a bladeless sword.
Ranma noticed the look of confusion on her face. "You wouldn't let go of it and it didn't seem to be hurting you..."
The two sat in silence for a few moments.
"That sword belonged..." Ranma began.
"...to the previous dragon's wife." Nabiki finished.
"How did you know?"
"I'm not sure. So how come I can hold it?" She asked.
*I am yours to wield. After so long, you have returned.*
"What was that?" Nabiki asked while looking for the source of the voice.
"What was what?" Ranma asked.
*I am Cutter my lady. I was made for your mother and was passed on to you. Your body has changed but I recognize your spirit.*
"The sword hilt is talking to me. It says it was made for my mother."
"It thinks you are my, the previous dragon's, wife. He made that sword but I can't really remember anything about it."
"What should I do with it? I don't know anything about wielding a sword," Nabiki sighed.
*I can teach you my lady.*
"Just when I don't think my life can get any stranger. How long was I out?" She asked.
"Only a few minutes. Do you feel all right?"
"I'm fine. We should get out of here before someone comes looking for us. Um, can I keep this? It's telling me I'm its owner," Nabiki asked, referring to the silver hilt.
"If it accepts you then I don't see a problem."
Ranma helped Nabiki up. She rested her head against his shoulder and the two teens walked back towards the entrance to the treasury.
* * * * * * * * * *
Heaven looked over the Tendo compound and shook her head. Kiima had placed her two underlings on guard duty on the roof. Getting past them hadn't even strained her skills. While she appreciated their effort on Ranma's and by association, her family's, behalf, if there was a dedicated assassination attempt, the Phoenix people wouldn't even know someone was there until after the job was accomplished.
Leaving the Dojo behind she quickly moved from roof to roof, staying in the shadows as much as possible. She moved so swift and quietly that even the roosting pigeons never noticed her presence. She was in a hurry, as she wanted to take care of some business before she met with her contact.
She had seen the ad in the singles section of the newspaper, the one that said, "Rising Star seeks Heavenly Knight for moonlit walks and deep conversation. A taste for French cuisine a must." There was little else in the message other than the reply number of the singles service. She had inquired once how many replies were received on the messages to her and was shocked at the high number. The message was clear however and she had to hurry her other task before moonrise.
Arriving on the border wall of a large mansion, Heaven tossed a few pebbles in a consistent pattern near the house. After a moment of waiting, a figure appeared out of the shadows at the base of the wall. It immediately bowed to one knee once it realized who was standing on the wall.
"Heaven-sempai, what are you doing here? If Thorn sees you..." the darkly dressed figure began.
"Thorn is who I wish to discuss with you. She has been stepping up her attacks on me and has shown improvement from recent training. I thought we agreed that you would no longer train her. The farther she is away from her family's insane past the better." Heaven said.
The short ninja on the ground hung its head. "She has found another trainer I'm afraid. I don't know who for sure, but it is definitely one of the other ninja clans opposed to the Emperor."
Heaven shook her head sadly. "That is unfortunate. It would sadden me greatly to end her life. Try to talk some sense into her, let her know the consequences of her chosen path. I must go, it will be moonrise soon."
"I will do my utmost to sway her Heaven-sempai." The man said.
"See that you do. Be well Sasuke."
Heaven faded into the shadows and vanished from sight. She quickly made her way to the edge of Nerima and an old condemned French Restaurant. Settling on the roof, she pressed a hidden latch and opened the roof access door. Going downstairs, she headed straight for the Manager's office. She slid a photo on the wall aside after disarming the trap, revealing a panel of numbered buttons. Inputting a long series of digits, a little red light turned green and one of the wooden panels that made up the walls slid to the side revealing a staircase. Heaven quickly made her way down the stairs, avoiding the trapped steps placed at seemingly at random down the stairwell.
At the bottom of the stairs was a small foyer with a clear area for removing shoes. A sliding rice paper door stood on the other side. Quickly removing her soft-toed slippers, Heaven went to the sliding door and knelt down. Opening the door, she bowed low, touching her forehead to the floor. She slowly moved into the room still in a kneeling position. Inside was a regal looking man who was dressed in a fine silk kimono. Gold and silver threads were sown into the fabric. His headpiece denoted someone from a noble house. He was sitting quietly on some plush cushions alone in the room.
Heaven wasn't fooled however, as she could sense at least ten others hiding behind the false panels throughout the room. She kept her movements slow and deliberate, showing no hostile action. Finally positioned before the man, she bowed low once again touching her head to the floor and staying that was until recognized.
After a moment, the man spoke, "Rise Heaven. What do you have to report?"
Heaven rose but kept her head bowed. "I have observed the DaiRyuujin no Nishi, or Saotome Ranma as he is now called, for two days now and consider him to be a just and honorable person. He has developed an attraction to Tendo Nabiki and has allied himself with both the Phoenix people of Jusendo as well as the Musk warriors in the valley below."
The man nodded as if he already knew this. "And what of the Amazon warriors sent to capture him?"
"They failed to do much more than bruise him. Kuno Tatewaki caused a more lasting wound with his family's sword than the Amazons in their first encounter."
The man gave no outward expression but Heaven felt him frown at the mention of Kuno.
"Saotome Ranma has in his possession the treasury key of the original DaiRyuujin. He has taken Tendo Nabiki into his confidence as to the contents of the treasury. I was able to observe the interior of the vault briefly without being discovered and can verify that there is monetary wealth almost without measure as well as books and scrolls of magical nature." Heaven continued listing the various things she had observed over the past two days.
Finally finishing her report, Heaven bowed lower awaiting acknowledgement. The robed man sat silently for a few minutes.
"Do you know if the DaiRyuujin no Nishi has detected your presence?"
She was somewhat surprised by his question. "I do not believe so. His senses are sharper than most, especially with his martial arts training. In a straight fight, I would lose. I believe it is only a matter of time before I am discovered." Heaven replied.
"Then you may have to bring him into your confidence. But first, you will invite him to have tea at the palace. I would very much like to meet with this Saotome Ranma who has become the Great Dragon of the West."
"As you wish my lord. It shall be arranged."
"Go now. It is late and there is much to be done."
Heaven bowed once more and moved in her kneeling position towards the door. It was only after the door slid shut behind her did she stand and put her slippers back on. She quickly went back the way she came, resetting all the traps and secret doors on her way out. Once she was outside, she quickly disappeared into the shadows and into the night.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki sat in the dojo staring at the hilt in her hands. Ranma was going through his morning katas with Kiima watching with barely hidden lust. She tried tuning them out and focused on the ancient weapon in her grip.
As an art piece, it left a lot to be desired. It was a plain gray metal with a dull smooth finish. There were no decorations or markings of any sort. Most swords Nabiki had seen in fantasy paintings were covered in gems, gold, or at least runes of some sort. One thing was for sure, no one would mistake the hilt for a powerful weapon at first glance.
"So how do I go about learning to use a sword?" Nabiki felt silly talking to the hilt but she was positive it was intelligent and could communicate.
The response was immediate. *You must first learn to harness your inner strength,* the voice from the hilt said before images and instructions began bombarding Nabiki's consciousness.
Nabiki nearly dropped the hilt in surprise when the information flood suddenly stopped. She sorted through and ordered her new memories, surprised at the simple steps needed to access the sword's power.
"You want me to practice breathing exercises?" Nabiki yelled, "How is that supposed to help me learn?"
The hilt was silent.
Ranma stopped his workout and walked over to Nabiki, much to Kiima's irritation.
"It sounds like it wants you to access your ki," he said.
"So it's a martial arts thing?" She asked. Ranma nodded. "Oh well, I was going to ask you to start training me anyway, just in case those Amazon bimbos show up again."
Ranma grinned. "Just practice your breathing for now. We'll do something together tonight after we finish dinner."
Nabiki gave Ranma an evil smile. "I'll hold you to that."
Breakfast went quickly and three teenagers quickly prepared for school. As they headed out the door Kiima stopped them.
"I cannot let you go to school unguarded Ranma-san."
"I'll be fine Kiima," Ranma protested.
"You are still wounded and therefore susceptible to attack. I will go with you today," Kiima asserted.
Akane's eyes gleamed. Her plan was working. She had told the bird woman that Ranma seemed attracted to assertive independent women. That was what Nabiki was after all. So rather than follow him like a sick puppy dog, she had to be more demanding and aggressive.
Kiima was beginning to sweat however. Her façade was beginning to crack under Ranma's scrutiny. It was a valid reason to be with him she told herself. After what seemed like an eternity, Ranma finally spoke.
"Oh, all right. If it means that much to you, you can come. I don't know what we're going to do about your wings though," he said while giving Nabiki a glance. She just shrugged.
"I have discovered the perfect disguise Ranma-san. Akane-san was showing me something on television called cosplay. I will simply tell everyone I am practicing for a role in a new stage production."
Nabiki considered that. There were some very strange people who came to Furinkan who dressed in all manners of clothing that violated the school's dress code. Adding one more would hardly be noticed as long as she didn't fly.
With everything settled, the four proceeded to walk to school. Kiima attempted to stay as close to Ranma as possible without actually touching him. The envy was evident in her eyes as she watched Nabiki holding his arm while the two talked about inconsequential things.
As they arrived at the gates Akane prepared for her daily battle only to realize there was no horde of boys rushing her. Instead, the kendo team had gathered with Kuno standing before them. He had one arm in a sling and they could see he had a cast on. He also moved stiffly showing further evidence of the beating he had received the previous day. Off to the sides of the kendo team were an assortment of Shinto and Buddhist priests equipped with spirit wards and prayer wands.
"I know not how you bested me Demon for I have no peer in combat, but I do know your evil ends here, today!" Kuno proclaimed.
Ranma shook his head while pinching the bridge of his nose. "Is it going to be like this every day? I can't believe it should be this hard to get a high school education." He motioned for Nabiki to stand back and she went and stood off to the side with her sister. Ranma stepped forwards a couple of feet before speaking again.
"Look, I don't know what fantasy world you're living in but I really don't have the time or desire to play samurai with you. If you want to fight me then deliver a challenge letter to the dojo like an honorable martial artist."
There were various nods of agreement to that from the spectators who had gathered to watch. Kuno's eye began to twitch. There was no way he'd be shown up by this abomination from the deepest pits of hell! If only his arm hadn't been fractured by the demon in an obvious ploy to escape the justice of heaven!
"A monster such as yourself deserves no such courtesy! Attack!"
The kendo team charged and Ranma went into a defensive posture to protect his wound from re-opening. Fortunately, these guys were amateurs and Ranma could have defeated them when he was five. After a few kicks and punches, they were all laid out cold on the ground around Ranma. That was when the priests sprang into action. One charged a spirit ward and threw it at Ranma. It never hit.
The ward was intercepted and pinned to the ground by a pure white feather.
With the morning sun at her back, Kiima's aura flared like the fire her people were known for. Her eyes were twin suns of red light as her wings flared to their full spread.
"You will not harm my Ranma-Sama!" she screamed.
Everyone cringed at the sound of her voice, even Ranma. Many students ran for the school just like they had the day Ranma had come. Of the priests, a few ran away, a couple fainted, and one converted to Christianity on the spot.
Kuno looked at Kiima and came to the most likely scenario for his self- deluded reality. "An angel! Surely heaven has sent this creature of divine beauty as a sign of my sacred, nay, holy mission to destroy this foul evil."
That was enough to shock Kiima out of her attack mode. She gave a look to Ranma and the others. "Is this guy for real?"
Nabiki stepped forward a bit, she was a bit perturbed by Kiima's declaration but answered anyway, "Unfortunately. Be careful though, if you hit him, he'll obsess over you forever."
Kiima looked sick at the thought.
Kuno however wasn't paying attention to the conversation. He stepped forward and went to one knee in front of Kiima. "Oh, heavenly messenger! Tell me how to stop the evil that has stolen my love, Tendo Akane. Command me!"
Nabiki saw this as an opportunity and quickly whispered something in Kiima's ear. Kiima grinned and nodded.
"Kuno Tatewaki, you are not yet ready for the trials ahead of you. First, you must go to the sacred hot springs resort and karaoke bar near the northern tip of Hokkaido and spend every day praying under the waterfalls for two weeks. Return then and receive your first test."
Kuno bowed his head. "It shall be done as you ask my lady!" He immediately rose to his feet and ran towards his home screaming, "I shall return Saotome, you will feel the wrath of heaven soon enough. Enjoy your temporary reprieve!"
Everyone watched Kuno leave. Kiima then turned to Nabiki. "What a nut. That was a good idea. Perhaps I have misjudged you slightly."
Nabiki gave her a slight smirk. "Perhaps. At any rate, Kuno is out of our hair for two weeks at least. And you can always send him out to do something else later."
"Come on, we'll be late for class!" Akane yelled as she ran for the steps.
* * * * * * * * * *
Author's Rants:
Well, another chapter done. Don't ask me where this is going as I'm not sure. Some of what I had been planning originally seemed a little too close to 'Comes a Cold Dragon' when I recently re-read it so I'm rethinking my initial plot ideas and trying to come up with something original. Ideas are appreciated but not expected as well as no guarantee that I'll use them.
Anyway, Ryouga will probably show up next time and maybe the Musk as well. The Amazons will definitely make a re-appearance and I might reveal a little more about the DaiRyuujin No Nishii's past.
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Dragon's Destiny
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The girl followed the wide path leading up to the cave entrance. She muttered to herself as she walked, not really paying attention to where she was stepping. The girl was obviously a warrior despite her youth and one with some skill to judge from her equipment. She wore a gold washed breastplate, bracers, and grieves, each piece artfully trimmed in azure blue enamels, the helmet she wore closely resembled those of the Athenian army, with the stripe of horsehair trailing like a mane down her back. Her own black hair was cut close enough to be hidden under the helm. A long blue silken cape fell from her shoulders to sway in the mild breeze as she walked. On her hip, fastened by a special harness, was a rather large silvery metal cross. It was shaped like the letter 'T' and hung from the handle to bang against her leg every now and then. The cross was unadorned as it had no decoration or design other than a simple leather grip.
"Damn Aristonephes and his brother," She cursed, "'you can't be a warrior Endrea.' 'Girls are only good for making babies.' I'll show those bastards. My mother was a warrior, I can be too."
Endrea Steelweaver, daughter of Atlantis, had come all the way from her island continent home to this remote mountain range by means of her father's flying chariot. She knew she'd be in trouble for taking it without permission just as her mother would give her that 'I'm disappointed in you' look for having taken her sword. But the never-ending argument with the Brewer brothers had gotten out of hand when they challenged her to prove herself a warrior. She had claimed that she could do anything her mother had done. Aristonephes had laughed at that and said if that were true then she had to slay a dragon like her mother had done nearly twenty years previous. When Endrea faltered, the two boys teased her about being a coward. Enraged by his mocking words, Endrea said she'd do it and stormed out of the house and to her father's chariot.
Even now, three hours later, she was still angry and planned to vent some of her frustrations on the beast in the cavern before her. She Stomped up to the entrance. Marble columns flanked both sides of the cavern entrance supporting an arch carved from the living rock. The stone inside was smooth and polished. This was the dragon's lair, it was not at all what Endrea had expected. She hesitated, unsure what to do next. Should she charge into the dragon's lair? It was somewhat dark in there. The size of the entrance didn't do much for her confidence either. She could line twelve horses nose to tail across the entrance. There was no way the dragon could be that big.
Remembering her anger, she summoned her courage and called out.
"Dragon of the West! I challenge you to a duel to the death. Come forth and face me!"
There was silence. Endrea began to wonder if there was anything in there. She prepared to call out again when she heard the reply.
"Go away!" the voice rumbled deeply tinged with impatience or annoyance, she couldn't really tell for sure.
Endrea's face turned red with rage. She hadn't journeyed this far to be turned back now.
"Come out and fight me! Are you a coward to face a true warrior?"
"I'm busy. Go away." The voice said again.
Endrea screamed in frustration. "Come out here or I'm coming in after you!"
There was a pause. "All right, if it'll shut you up, here I come."
It was quiet again for a while, then Endrea heard soft footsteps echo in the dark passageway. Several long, agonizing moments later she finally saw movement in the darkness as a figure stepped into the light. It was a boy, maybe nineteen or twenty years old. He had long copper red hair reaching mid-back and wore simple brown trousers and a dark green shirt. His emerald eyes pierced her with his gaze. Overall, he was a very handsome guy and if she didn't have other things to do she may have been taken by his looks.
"So what can I do for you?" He said, breaking her out of her trance.
Endrea shook her head to clear it. There was some guy in front of her. Where's the dragon? What was this guy doing here? Did he already kill the dragon? Is he a slave? There were too many possibilities for her to know anything with certainty. Given the situation she decided to be polite until she knew more about his place here.
"Um, I've come to slay the dragon." She said after a moment.
The boy cracked a smile. It was actually more of a smirk. "You're what, fifteen? Go home, live your life."
"I'm Sixteen!" Endrea shouted. Just because her mother's side of the family were late bloomers was no reason to be rude. "I have to defeat the dragon to prove I'm a great warrior!"
The boy leaned against one of the pillars at the entrance. "Why do you want to be a warrior? There is nothing great about war."
Endrea fingered her mother's hilt. "I want to be a great hero like my mother was. She fought to protect many people before she retired."
"It's very noble to want to protect others who cannot protect themselves, but let me tell you about heroes. A hero is just a person who is in the wrong place at the wrong time and somehow manages to survive. Go home."
"I can't. I made a vow to slay the dragon in that cave. If he won't come to me then I shall have to in after him. Let me pass."
The boy stood up straight. "Are you sure I can't talk you out of it?"
Endrea nodded angrily.
"Fine, we'll fight out here then. I have an experiment going on in my lab and don't want it disturbed."
Endrea was confused. She didn't want to fight this boy. Then she noticed the boy walking away from the entrance only to stop about twenty feet away. He closed his eyes and seemed to concentrate. His body started to shift and shimmer. He dropped to his hands and knees as his clothes ripped and his body began to grow. After stretching to over sixty horse lengths and towering over three stories the form solidified into a towering reptilian copper colored dragon. It stretched and spread its wings.
Endrea was beginning to rethink the whole dragon slaying thing as the dragon lowered its massive head to be level with her face.
"Shall we begin?" His deep voice rumbled through the mountain valley.
The young Atlantean fumbled for her mother's weapon without taking her eyes off the DaiRyuujin no Nishi. The dragon chuckled to itself upon seeing her reaction. Each laugh rumbling like boulders rushing down a cliff.
"I'm impressed, most humans would have soiled themselves and run by now. Quickly now, take your weapon and face me human."
Endrea cursed herself for getting into this mess but knew there was no backing out. She had challenged the monster to a duel and after much cajoling, he accepted. It was possible but highly unlikely he would just allow her to walk away now. Steeling herself, she gripped the hilt of her mother's sword and willed the blade to life. With the smell of ozone and the sound of static, the blade sprung into existence. It glowed a magical translucent blue and seemed to hum as it moved through the air. The blade was over six feet long, eight inches wide, and looked like a slab of steel sharpened on one side yet it weighed nothing at all. She moved it through the air testing its balance before taking a combat stance.
"Very good, you can activate your mother's weapon, but can you use it?" The dragon challenged before lunging at the girl.
Somersaulting backwards through the air, Endrea barely avoided the first blow. The countless drills with her mother paid off, as she was able to counter attack immediately. The dragon however, was faster than she had expected and parried her slash with his claws. This only caused her worry to increase since she knew the sword could cut through almost anything. She pressed her attack anyway hoping to keep the dragon on the defensive. A narrow miss clipped a few hairs from the great beast's mane of wiry hair.
Endrea grinned, so the monster wasn't completely immune to her blade. Screaming a charge, she ran at the dragon planning to tumble between its front legs and slice along its unprotected stomach. She dove forward underneath the snapping jaws, twisted and thrust her sword up into...nothing?
The dragon had leapt straight into the air towards the mountainside. It sprang off with its powerful leg muscles to the side of a nearby cliff. From there it sprang again to the other side and back, each time picking up momentum. How could something so large be so fast!? Endrea panicked when she momentarily lost sight of the bouncing dragon. She turned left and right, anxiety building when she felt something tap the back of her head. She turned and screamed upon seeing the dragon behind her with a single claw up where her head had been.
"I believe I win." The creature laughed.
"Bu-bu-but it was supposed to be to the death." Endrea said, trying to find her voice.
"Oh heavens no. Your mother would have my hide for a new pair of boots if anything happened to you because of me," The huge head came down to face level before breaking out in a toothy grin, "besides, who do you think made that sword for your mother?"
Endrea was struck speechless.
"Come, I'm sure your mother is worried about where you're at," the dragon motioned toward the cave's entrance.
After some pushing and prodding, the DaiRyuujin managed to get the stunned girl to follow him down the tunnel to his lair. They reached the main chamber after about a hundred feet. The room was huge. Endrea had seen coliseums smaller than this. There were a few pieces of human sized furniture but mostly the room was occupied by huge pillows many time the size of her bed at home. She realized this was where the dragon sat or laid when entertaining guests, there was a large mirror against the far wall that the dragon went to. He began to chant in the language of magic, she'd heard similar words before as her father was a spellweaver as well. The mirror glowed and resolved into a familiar picture to Endrea.
"Good day to you Lady Steelweaver." The dragon greeted.
"My Lord Derakon! It is a surprise to receive your call. What can I do for you?"
"You seem to have misplaced your heir and your sword. I found both skulking around outside my lair trying to commit suicide by dragon."
"Endrea!" The matriarch shouted. Endrea winced at the tone. She knew she was in deep trouble. She'd be lucky to see daylight again before the next winter.
"I apologize my Lord. I take full responsibility for this. I'll see that she's properly punished for bothering you." Lady Steelweaver promised.
Endrea could see her freedom disappearing completely until she reached 'coming of age' day. She should never have listened to the Brewer brothers. Or maybe she should have picked a different dragon. But how was she to know the dragon she'd come to slay was an old friend of mom's?
"Actually, I have an idea," Derakon, the Great Dragon of the West said, "I seem to find myself in need of a lab assistant."
Endrea groaned.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki groaned.
"How do you feel?" she heard a voice ask. After a second, she realized it was Ranma's.
"Ugh, like I was hit by a truck. What happened?"
"As far as I can tell, you grabbed a sword you shouldn't have and blacked out, which is odd because that sword is supposed to shock anyone who touches it except the rightful owner or immediate family. I should be treating you for electrical burns, not fainting."
"Sorry to disappoint you."
"Ah, that's not what I meant. I'm just glad you're ok." Ranma said.
"I had the weirdest dream though... I can't remember." Nabiki rubbed her forehead, or she tried to. She seemed to be holding the hilt of a bladeless sword.
Ranma noticed the look of confusion on her face. "You wouldn't let go of it and it didn't seem to be hurting you..."
The two sat in silence for a few moments.
"That sword belonged..." Ranma began.
"...to the previous dragon's wife." Nabiki finished.
"How did you know?"
"I'm not sure. So how come I can hold it?" She asked.
*I am yours to wield. After so long, you have returned.*
"What was that?" Nabiki asked while looking for the source of the voice.
"What was what?" Ranma asked.
*I am Cutter my lady. I was made for your mother and was passed on to you. Your body has changed but I recognize your spirit.*
"The sword hilt is talking to me. It says it was made for my mother."
"It thinks you are my, the previous dragon's, wife. He made that sword but I can't really remember anything about it."
"What should I do with it? I don't know anything about wielding a sword," Nabiki sighed.
*I can teach you my lady.*
"Just when I don't think my life can get any stranger. How long was I out?" She asked.
"Only a few minutes. Do you feel all right?"
"I'm fine. We should get out of here before someone comes looking for us. Um, can I keep this? It's telling me I'm its owner," Nabiki asked, referring to the silver hilt.
"If it accepts you then I don't see a problem."
Ranma helped Nabiki up. She rested her head against his shoulder and the two teens walked back towards the entrance to the treasury.
* * * * * * * * * *
Heaven looked over the Tendo compound and shook her head. Kiima had placed her two underlings on guard duty on the roof. Getting past them hadn't even strained her skills. While she appreciated their effort on Ranma's and by association, her family's, behalf, if there was a dedicated assassination attempt, the Phoenix people wouldn't even know someone was there until after the job was accomplished.
Leaving the Dojo behind she quickly moved from roof to roof, staying in the shadows as much as possible. She moved so swift and quietly that even the roosting pigeons never noticed her presence. She was in a hurry, as she wanted to take care of some business before she met with her contact.
She had seen the ad in the singles section of the newspaper, the one that said, "Rising Star seeks Heavenly Knight for moonlit walks and deep conversation. A taste for French cuisine a must." There was little else in the message other than the reply number of the singles service. She had inquired once how many replies were received on the messages to her and was shocked at the high number. The message was clear however and she had to hurry her other task before moonrise.
Arriving on the border wall of a large mansion, Heaven tossed a few pebbles in a consistent pattern near the house. After a moment of waiting, a figure appeared out of the shadows at the base of the wall. It immediately bowed to one knee once it realized who was standing on the wall.
"Heaven-sempai, what are you doing here? If Thorn sees you..." the darkly dressed figure began.
"Thorn is who I wish to discuss with you. She has been stepping up her attacks on me and has shown improvement from recent training. I thought we agreed that you would no longer train her. The farther she is away from her family's insane past the better." Heaven said.
The short ninja on the ground hung its head. "She has found another trainer I'm afraid. I don't know who for sure, but it is definitely one of the other ninja clans opposed to the Emperor."
Heaven shook her head sadly. "That is unfortunate. It would sadden me greatly to end her life. Try to talk some sense into her, let her know the consequences of her chosen path. I must go, it will be moonrise soon."
"I will do my utmost to sway her Heaven-sempai." The man said.
"See that you do. Be well Sasuke."
Heaven faded into the shadows and vanished from sight. She quickly made her way to the edge of Nerima and an old condemned French Restaurant. Settling on the roof, she pressed a hidden latch and opened the roof access door. Going downstairs, she headed straight for the Manager's office. She slid a photo on the wall aside after disarming the trap, revealing a panel of numbered buttons. Inputting a long series of digits, a little red light turned green and one of the wooden panels that made up the walls slid to the side revealing a staircase. Heaven quickly made her way down the stairs, avoiding the trapped steps placed at seemingly at random down the stairwell.
At the bottom of the stairs was a small foyer with a clear area for removing shoes. A sliding rice paper door stood on the other side. Quickly removing her soft-toed slippers, Heaven went to the sliding door and knelt down. Opening the door, she bowed low, touching her forehead to the floor. She slowly moved into the room still in a kneeling position. Inside was a regal looking man who was dressed in a fine silk kimono. Gold and silver threads were sown into the fabric. His headpiece denoted someone from a noble house. He was sitting quietly on some plush cushions alone in the room.
Heaven wasn't fooled however, as she could sense at least ten others hiding behind the false panels throughout the room. She kept her movements slow and deliberate, showing no hostile action. Finally positioned before the man, she bowed low once again touching her head to the floor and staying that was until recognized.
After a moment, the man spoke, "Rise Heaven. What do you have to report?"
Heaven rose but kept her head bowed. "I have observed the DaiRyuujin no Nishi, or Saotome Ranma as he is now called, for two days now and consider him to be a just and honorable person. He has developed an attraction to Tendo Nabiki and has allied himself with both the Phoenix people of Jusendo as well as the Musk warriors in the valley below."
The man nodded as if he already knew this. "And what of the Amazon warriors sent to capture him?"
"They failed to do much more than bruise him. Kuno Tatewaki caused a more lasting wound with his family's sword than the Amazons in their first encounter."
The man gave no outward expression but Heaven felt him frown at the mention of Kuno.
"Saotome Ranma has in his possession the treasury key of the original DaiRyuujin. He has taken Tendo Nabiki into his confidence as to the contents of the treasury. I was able to observe the interior of the vault briefly without being discovered and can verify that there is monetary wealth almost without measure as well as books and scrolls of magical nature." Heaven continued listing the various things she had observed over the past two days.
Finally finishing her report, Heaven bowed lower awaiting acknowledgement. The robed man sat silently for a few minutes.
"Do you know if the DaiRyuujin no Nishi has detected your presence?"
She was somewhat surprised by his question. "I do not believe so. His senses are sharper than most, especially with his martial arts training. In a straight fight, I would lose. I believe it is only a matter of time before I am discovered." Heaven replied.
"Then you may have to bring him into your confidence. But first, you will invite him to have tea at the palace. I would very much like to meet with this Saotome Ranma who has become the Great Dragon of the West."
"As you wish my lord. It shall be arranged."
"Go now. It is late and there is much to be done."
Heaven bowed once more and moved in her kneeling position towards the door. It was only after the door slid shut behind her did she stand and put her slippers back on. She quickly went back the way she came, resetting all the traps and secret doors on her way out. Once she was outside, she quickly disappeared into the shadows and into the night.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki sat in the dojo staring at the hilt in her hands. Ranma was going through his morning katas with Kiima watching with barely hidden lust. She tried tuning them out and focused on the ancient weapon in her grip.
As an art piece, it left a lot to be desired. It was a plain gray metal with a dull smooth finish. There were no decorations or markings of any sort. Most swords Nabiki had seen in fantasy paintings were covered in gems, gold, or at least runes of some sort. One thing was for sure, no one would mistake the hilt for a powerful weapon at first glance.
"So how do I go about learning to use a sword?" Nabiki felt silly talking to the hilt but she was positive it was intelligent and could communicate.
The response was immediate. *You must first learn to harness your inner strength,* the voice from the hilt said before images and instructions began bombarding Nabiki's consciousness.
Nabiki nearly dropped the hilt in surprise when the information flood suddenly stopped. She sorted through and ordered her new memories, surprised at the simple steps needed to access the sword's power.
"You want me to practice breathing exercises?" Nabiki yelled, "How is that supposed to help me learn?"
The hilt was silent.
Ranma stopped his workout and walked over to Nabiki, much to Kiima's irritation.
"It sounds like it wants you to access your ki," he said.
"So it's a martial arts thing?" She asked. Ranma nodded. "Oh well, I was going to ask you to start training me anyway, just in case those Amazon bimbos show up again."
Ranma grinned. "Just practice your breathing for now. We'll do something together tonight after we finish dinner."
Nabiki gave Ranma an evil smile. "I'll hold you to that."
Breakfast went quickly and three teenagers quickly prepared for school. As they headed out the door Kiima stopped them.
"I cannot let you go to school unguarded Ranma-san."
"I'll be fine Kiima," Ranma protested.
"You are still wounded and therefore susceptible to attack. I will go with you today," Kiima asserted.
Akane's eyes gleamed. Her plan was working. She had told the bird woman that Ranma seemed attracted to assertive independent women. That was what Nabiki was after all. So rather than follow him like a sick puppy dog, she had to be more demanding and aggressive.
Kiima was beginning to sweat however. Her façade was beginning to crack under Ranma's scrutiny. It was a valid reason to be with him she told herself. After what seemed like an eternity, Ranma finally spoke.
"Oh, all right. If it means that much to you, you can come. I don't know what we're going to do about your wings though," he said while giving Nabiki a glance. She just shrugged.
"I have discovered the perfect disguise Ranma-san. Akane-san was showing me something on television called cosplay. I will simply tell everyone I am practicing for a role in a new stage production."
Nabiki considered that. There were some very strange people who came to Furinkan who dressed in all manners of clothing that violated the school's dress code. Adding one more would hardly be noticed as long as she didn't fly.
With everything settled, the four proceeded to walk to school. Kiima attempted to stay as close to Ranma as possible without actually touching him. The envy was evident in her eyes as she watched Nabiki holding his arm while the two talked about inconsequential things.
As they arrived at the gates Akane prepared for her daily battle only to realize there was no horde of boys rushing her. Instead, the kendo team had gathered with Kuno standing before them. He had one arm in a sling and they could see he had a cast on. He also moved stiffly showing further evidence of the beating he had received the previous day. Off to the sides of the kendo team were an assortment of Shinto and Buddhist priests equipped with spirit wards and prayer wands.
"I know not how you bested me Demon for I have no peer in combat, but I do know your evil ends here, today!" Kuno proclaimed.
Ranma shook his head while pinching the bridge of his nose. "Is it going to be like this every day? I can't believe it should be this hard to get a high school education." He motioned for Nabiki to stand back and she went and stood off to the side with her sister. Ranma stepped forwards a couple of feet before speaking again.
"Look, I don't know what fantasy world you're living in but I really don't have the time or desire to play samurai with you. If you want to fight me then deliver a challenge letter to the dojo like an honorable martial artist."
There were various nods of agreement to that from the spectators who had gathered to watch. Kuno's eye began to twitch. There was no way he'd be shown up by this abomination from the deepest pits of hell! If only his arm hadn't been fractured by the demon in an obvious ploy to escape the justice of heaven!
"A monster such as yourself deserves no such courtesy! Attack!"
The kendo team charged and Ranma went into a defensive posture to protect his wound from re-opening. Fortunately, these guys were amateurs and Ranma could have defeated them when he was five. After a few kicks and punches, they were all laid out cold on the ground around Ranma. That was when the priests sprang into action. One charged a spirit ward and threw it at Ranma. It never hit.
The ward was intercepted and pinned to the ground by a pure white feather.
With the morning sun at her back, Kiima's aura flared like the fire her people were known for. Her eyes were twin suns of red light as her wings flared to their full spread.
"You will not harm my Ranma-Sama!" she screamed.
Everyone cringed at the sound of her voice, even Ranma. Many students ran for the school just like they had the day Ranma had come. Of the priests, a few ran away, a couple fainted, and one converted to Christianity on the spot.
Kuno looked at Kiima and came to the most likely scenario for his self- deluded reality. "An angel! Surely heaven has sent this creature of divine beauty as a sign of my sacred, nay, holy mission to destroy this foul evil."
That was enough to shock Kiima out of her attack mode. She gave a look to Ranma and the others. "Is this guy for real?"
Nabiki stepped forward a bit, she was a bit perturbed by Kiima's declaration but answered anyway, "Unfortunately. Be careful though, if you hit him, he'll obsess over you forever."
Kiima looked sick at the thought.
Kuno however wasn't paying attention to the conversation. He stepped forward and went to one knee in front of Kiima. "Oh, heavenly messenger! Tell me how to stop the evil that has stolen my love, Tendo Akane. Command me!"
Nabiki saw this as an opportunity and quickly whispered something in Kiima's ear. Kiima grinned and nodded.
"Kuno Tatewaki, you are not yet ready for the trials ahead of you. First, you must go to the sacred hot springs resort and karaoke bar near the northern tip of Hokkaido and spend every day praying under the waterfalls for two weeks. Return then and receive your first test."
Kuno bowed his head. "It shall be done as you ask my lady!" He immediately rose to his feet and ran towards his home screaming, "I shall return Saotome, you will feel the wrath of heaven soon enough. Enjoy your temporary reprieve!"
Everyone watched Kuno leave. Kiima then turned to Nabiki. "What a nut. That was a good idea. Perhaps I have misjudged you slightly."
Nabiki gave her a slight smirk. "Perhaps. At any rate, Kuno is out of our hair for two weeks at least. And you can always send him out to do something else later."
"Come on, we'll be late for class!" Akane yelled as she ran for the steps.
* * * * * * * * * *
Author's Rants:
Well, another chapter done. Don't ask me where this is going as I'm not sure. Some of what I had been planning originally seemed a little too close to 'Comes a Cold Dragon' when I recently re-read it so I'm rethinking my initial plot ideas and trying to come up with something original. Ideas are appreciated but not expected as well as no guarantee that I'll use them.
Anyway, Ryouga will probably show up next time and maybe the Musk as well. The Amazons will definitely make a re-appearance and I might reveal a little more about the DaiRyuujin No Nishii's past.