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Summary: Last chapter, Ryouga found himself in a new world. Fushinji sent someone or something to "help train" Ryouga. And what is the actual relationship between Bajin and Fushinji.

Chapter 8: Battle With a Shadow

Ryouga stared at the environment. He hasnt been in a serene environment in quite a while so this was a unique experience for him.

"Being here makes me forget all about Ranma...almost."

Ryouga looked around and found a tree with plenty of shade. He sat down in the shade and relaxed for a bit. He looked at his clothing and watched it turn from blue to green.

"Not even Fushinji can mess this up."

He started to daydream while looking into the sky. He watched the clouds go by. He stared at the clouds and saw something strange.

"Why is there a hole in the sky?"

A dark circle drew nearer and nearer towards him. Ryouga jumped and moved out of the way as the object plummeted to the ground. Dust flew into the air. Ryouga stood there and waited for the dust to clear. When it did he gasped.

"This is the statue outside of Fushinji's shrine. This is Siabias. But why?"

He heard a flute start playing behind him. He turned around but no one was there. Yet the melody continued. Ryouga stared at the statue. The statue began to shake. Ryouga sighed.

"And the dragon pops out..."

The statue began shaking faster and faster. It started to crumble. Then, as Ryouga predicted, a dragon popped out.

His wings were seen first. Ryouga prepared himself for battle. The emerald green eyes were next. It flew up into the air in an instant. All Ryouga could see was a red blur.

"Hes fast. So this is my final training. Well im ready for anything."

Then the blur hit the ground very hard. Again dust blew into the air. When the dust cleared Ryouga saw the beast that was within.

"It's...a...baby...dragon... FUSHINJI WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!"

It was a baby red dragon with emerald green eyes. Its wings were the same color as its body and its under belly was black.

"It's your test." A voice from behind Ryouga said. "It is a symbol of your mental stability."

Ryouga turned around to see who was talking but no one was there.

"The dragon you see before you will grow to full size in 2 days. Feeding off your natural instincts and following you loyally. he will do as you say and as you want. When the two days are up, depending on if you are worthy, the dragon will either leave you or fight you. You leave here when that decision is made. Your test is complete if you live."

"Who are you?"

"That isn't important."

"Why are you here?"

"Fushinji sent me here to watch after you."

"So you are the messenger of death I suppose."

"You could say that."

"Well I can say one thing. YOURE VERY GOOD AT HIDING IN THE SHADOWS!"

Ryouga dashed backwards and kicked wildly. He destroys a tree stump and the tree begins to fall towards the dragon. Ryouga then runs to the dragon, picks it up, and runs away before the tree falls.

"WHEREVER YOU ARE COME OUT! I GOT A MESSAGE FOR YOUR BOSS."

Ryouga heard no response. He set the dragon down and began to walk.

"Come on. I have a score to settle."

The dragon started to follow Ryouga as they continued to walk through the forest.

"Humph off to a good start. I hope he doesnt screw up like Bajin did. I dont want to have to rescue him as well." said the figure as he watched from afar.