I do not own Gold Digger and its associated characters. They belong to that marvelous fellow Fred Perry. I do not own Ranma and its associated characters. They belong to the wonderful lady Rumiko Takahashi. This production is strictly for entertainment, and I am not making any money off of the writings. I am just a poor student, so please Don't sue me Please?
Author's special notes: ~ ~ = Speaking through telepathy.
Broken Hearts Combined Chapter 38: Signing up for the Tournament: Things are Heating Up
It is early morning in Seer's Hamlet. We see Sabbo standing on a grassy hill. The slight wind would make his hair wave about if he had any of it to begin with
Sabbo eyes wander about the area. He is getting tired of waiting for a certain Weaponsmaster and Ninja Master to appear.
Sabbo (Mutters): Where the hell is Tsunami!?
Male voice: ~Here ~
Sabbo looks around. Then, a burst of wind rises from rushing along the ground, and takes the form of Tsunami Who looks dead-tired
Sabbo (Blinks): Tsunami? What happened to you?
Tsunami: ~I'll put it this way You know I haven't been with my wife in twelve years, correct?~
Sabbo: Correct So?
Tsunami: ~She wanted to catch up on all the years we weren't together ~
Sabbo: So? Talking is healthy for a relationship!
Tsunami: ~Who said anything about talking!? She wanted to catch up on all the years we weren't together in another fashion ~
Sabbo (Nods his head in understanding): I see Well, at least she still loves you, after all that time you had been gone
Tsunami: ~True ~
Sabbo: So Tsunami Did you do as I ask?
Tsunami: ~Yes I worked the registry a bit over at the Sign-up arena for the Tournament of Arms ~
Sabbo: And you listed him as a member of your clan?
Tsunami (Nods his head): ~Yes I did Ranma Saotome is now listed as a member of Jade's Ninja Clan ~
Sabbo: Excellent Ranma cannot participate in the Tournament of Arms unless he is a member of one of Jade's clans And since, the Ninja Clan never sends someone to fight on their behalf in the tournament, it's easy to place Ranma as their 'champion'.
Tsunami: ~That is true But you know Sabbo If we're caught, we could be put into some very serious trouble ~
Sabbo: I'm not worried I have faith in your skill. You probably did such a great job, that the Edge Guard of Main Guard would have an easier time getting Leep to stop harassing his students, than identifying those records you set up as false
Tsunami: ~Indeed ~
Sabbo: And besides It's about time your clan had someone fighting for them. I mean, last time your clan had someone fight in the Tournament of Arms was over a good four hundred years ago!
Tsunami: ~Four hundred and forty-two years, for your information ~
Sabbo (Shrugs shoulders): Whatever Point is, we have his records set up for him Now, all we have to do is make sure he's chosen to participate
Tsunami: ~Oh?~
Sabbo: Don't you remember!? Just because each clan sends their best warrior, does NOT mean they still get to participate. They are tested first in many ways before the tournament begins!
Tsunami: ~Correct. But what can we do? It would be all up to Ranma's own skill to make sure he gets to participate ~
Sabbo: Yes And while I am sure he can very well make it into the Tournament of Arms I'd prefer to give him an 'edge' over the competition
Tsunami: ~What kind of 'edge' are we talking about?~
Sabbo: Tsunami We're going to 'thin out' the competition for entries beforehand, if you know what I mean
Tsunami: ~You do realize if we're caught, we're as-good-as-dead!~
Sabbo: Then we won't get caught. Meet me at the sign up building in a half hour!
With that, Sabbo walks over to the nearest patch of shadow and disappears, leaving Tsunami alone. The ninja sighs.
Tsunami: ~I just know that this is going to come back to bite me on the ass, I just know it ~
Tsunami then flicks his scarf, and he disappears with a gust of wind.
It is early morning in the Retreat. The first rays of sunlight bring about the break of dawn. This is a time when most would awaken Especially a certain pig-tailed martial artist
Ranma wakes up slowly, as sunlight peeks through the window of the room and hits him in the face. His head is somewhat swimming with pain. He was up late last night, taking in some last-minute training And then Britanny and Sheila wanted some last-minute 'training' with him as well He is bone-tired.
Ranma (Thinks): Sigh I need more sleep
Ranma moves his head back onto the pillow, trying to get back to sleep, at least for a few more minutes.
Ranma (Thinks): Hmm Good
Ranma's eyes flutter open as he feels someone hug onto him. Ranma looks and sees Britanny lying on top of him, with her head on his chest. She is still asleep. Ranma looks to his right and sees Sheila sleeping peacefully as well, but she is hugging onto his left arm. Ranma sighs
Ranma (Mutters): Heh This happens every time They try to stay up all night, and then they can't wake up on time in the morning
Ranma looks at the door to the room. It creaks open slightly and Gar sticks his head in.
Gar: Hey Ranma You better get up and dressed! The sigh-up for the tournament is being held today, so you had better get ready.
Ranma (Nods his head): Okay Gar. Give me a few minutes
Gar: And Ranma
Ranma: Yes?
Gar: You better be treating both of them well, or I will kick your butt
Ranma: Don't worry, I am
Gar: Good.
With that, Gar closes the door. Ranma looks back and forth between Britanny and Sheila. He gives them each a kiss on the cheek to wake them up. After a few moments, both werecats awaken, stretching their bodies while still in the bed. The first one to awaken fully is Britanny, who smiles at Ranma.
Britanny: Yawn Good morning Ranchan Sleep well?
Ranma: Yeah I just wish I got more of it
Britanny: Hey! You got at least a good four hours of sleep. So what's your complaint?
Ranma: Sigh Nothing Britchan
Sheila then awakens fully, yawning quite loudly. She rubs her eyes with the back of her hand to get the tired-feeling out of them.
Sheila: Hmm Good morning Ranchan
Ranma: Good morning Shechan. I have a question for both of you.
Sheila: Oh? What is it?
Britanny: Ask away Ranma.
Ranma: Well, can you two please get off of me? I need to get up and dressed.
Suddenly, both werecats' eyes widen in realization.
Britanny: That's right! Today is the sign up for participation in the tournament!
Sheila: Shoot. We better get dressed and eat quickly, or we won't get there on time!
And so the three fighters dress incredibly fast, and run downstairs into the kitchen. They see Gar eating from a bowl of oatmeal, while his girlfriends Luan and Carla are eating some pieces of toast.
Ranma (Waves): Good morning.
Gar: Good morning.
Luan: Good morning Ranma!
Carla: So From the noises I could tell you three slept well (Winks).
Ranma blushes with Carla's wink. His blush deepens when he sees Sheila and Britanny smirk triumphantly. Ranma sits down at the table as Aeila carries over a huge pot of oatmeal with one hand, and a few bowls and spoons with the other hand.
Ranma: Oatmeal? Aeila: Yes. It's my own special blend. Trust me, you'll like it.
And, so Ranma, Britanny, and Sheila sit down to eat breakfast breakfast.
Back in the Earth Realm, there is a meeting going on in a certain Amazon Village in Bayankala Mountain Range of China. Elder Cologne talks to the other matriarchs about her current predicament.
Matriarch 1: So Ku-long. How long has it been since the Bridegroom has disappeared?
Cologne: Sigh 'Son-in-law' has been gone for far too long It's been almost a year since he disappeared, going on one of his 'training trips'
Matriarch 2: Oh? A training trip?
Cologne: I should have seen it for what it was The fight that son-in-law had with all the idiots before he left He had broken himself off from his past life.
Matriarch 3: Hmm This Ranma He is no good. A male with too much free-will needs to have it broken And if his spirit cannot be broken, then (Smiles wickedly). The body an always be
Matriarch 4: So, how goes the search for the Bridegroom of warrior Xian-Pu currently?
Cologne (Shakes her head): That is the worse part I wouldn't have been as angry as I am now, but Ranma actually escaped me
Matriarch 1: What do you mean Ku-long?
Cologne: I haven't found ANYTHING of him. No reports from the scouts we have all over this world or anything! I've have even been paying the Tendo mercenary, Nabiki to keep me updated on Nerima And not much is going on there now that Ranma has disappeared.
Matriarch 2: Okay. Anything out of the ordinary with that place? Any good male specimens?
Cologne: Out of the ordinary, Akane is now the 'greatest martial artist' in Nerima, Ukyo closed up shop and left
Matriarch 3: Funny I thought you told us she was currently trying to keep the title of "greatest martial artist" for Ranma when he got back
Cologne (Shakes her head): I don't know She couldn't handle it anymore I guess Too many people kept attacking her as they would attack Ranma. I remember her exact words too, when she left "If I ever see that jackass again, I am going to pulverize him with my spatula!"
Matriarch 4: Well Ku-Long, at least that is one less obstacle in the way to getting the bridegroom for Xian-Pu
Cologne: True To continue, Tofu actually got the nerve to ask Kasumi for her hand in marriage. They've been fianc es for four months now. And then there's Ryoga who still shows up now and again in Nerima, claiming he has to fight Ranma, to regain his honor He hasn't stepped foot in Nerima for a good four months, but he has been sighted And, it's odd what the scouts say.
Matriarch 1: And what do they say?
Cologne: They say the Lost Boy is traveling with some sort of cheetah-man
Matriarch 2: You mean a werecheetah!?
Cologne: I do not know I could have sworn that when we had forced that vision upon the wererat's Seer, that the Werecheetah clan would have been destroyed But, if there's one left
Matriarch 3: We cannot allow that thing to live! The werecheetahs were the ones that had destroyed the original Chinese Amazon homeland! They forced us from the mainlands of China and into this God-forsaken mountain range when their master Iceron wanted our lands and wealth!
Cologne: Stop acting foolish! We don't even know id that is a werecheetah with the fool! After all, we had received thorough reports of the werecheetah clan's demise from the wererats. There should be none left!
Matriarch 4: True that there shouldn't be any werecheetahs left But that doesn't mean that one couldn't have survived
Cologne: So? If it is a survivor, our warriors will destroy it!
Matriarch 1: True Do you know anything else on the Bridegroom, this Hibiki boy, or possible werecheetah?
Cologne: Well, that Hibiki boy proved to be useful to me, as he had found out something about Ranma
Matriarch 2: Like what?
Cologne: He found out that 'son-in-law' had gone to the United States of America and is staying with an old friend But even with that info, the trail went cold. He was there, but it seems he picked up and left for somewhere else
Matriarch 3: True Well Ku-Long, it seems your great-granddaughter is failing in being an Amazon Warrior So how about we send your great-granddaughter to enter the Tournament, to test her worth?
Cologne: What tournament?
The other elders give Cologne a message. A proclamation from Jade that their spies in the Giant clan village had received. The new Tournament of Arms is being held.
Cologne's eyes widen. Her great-granddaughter is nowhere near the league of the skill levels the warriors in that tournament would have.
Cologne: Are you NUTS!? Xian-Pu is nowhere near ready to even try participating in this! She'd be lucky to get through the first fight in one piece!
Matriarch 4: Well Ku-long It's either that, or we strip Xian-Pu of her warrior rank. She has lost to too many people, and failed in too many missions. She is a disgrace to us, a smear of tarnish on out great history.
Cologne seethes with anger. How dare they even thing to do this to Xian-Pu!? After all, they may be dealing with three thousand years of Chinese Amazon history and they did not break off from the Giant clan just to be pushed aside again But She knows deep down that the Tournament of Arms would be a suicide mission Even though the Amazons have become proud warriors They still do not have the skill to face even the weakest warriors of that tournament
Before Cologne gets to answer, all around them suddenly goes all white A huge ball of energy rips through the Amazon village, tearing most of the buildings and Amazons to pieces. Cologne survives the initial blast unscathed, while most everyone else is hurt and she gets to see whom the would-be destroyer is She is shocked by what she sees.
Cologne (Thinks): No! That energy could not have come from such a man But He is the source I feel power radiating off him in waves!
The warrior is a gaijin man He has slightly short blonde hair, fair skin, tinted glasses, and an outfit of rich taste that is made from the finest of Persian black silks. He lowers his tinted glasses slightly to reveal gold colored reptilian eyes. The matriarchs that are still alive first think to attack, until the man throws a dead body at their feet Cologne's eyes widen in shock, awe, and sheer horror.
Cologne (Horrified): It It is Prince Herb of the Musk Dynasty! How can this be! Herb has the blood of the dragon within him!
The man gives a menacing glare and walks up to them, letting a bit of his aura leech out from him. The Amazons are afraid. This 'man' has power, and a lot, and it's obvious to them now that he isn't human The man begins speaking.
Man: You will all share Prince Herb's fate if you choose to get in my way I gave the Musk Prince a chance to join me in my quest After all, we are both of dragon blood But he stood against me So I killed him and all of his people I could manage to find. After all, I have no use for those that won't help me. Now Are you going to help, or are you going to die?
The Amazons begin to shake. They are prideful, but they realize that in this scenario, their pride will get them killed by this 'man'. And that is the one thing the Amazon matriarchs fear. They have lived for so long because they cheat death by improving their ki reserves, as they do not want to leave the mortal coil. However, Cologne shows a bit off backbone to the man, daring to look him in the eyes as she speaks.
Cologne: Who are you?
The man eyes Cologne for a moment in amusement. He then smirks menacingly.
Man: I am known by many a title But you may call me 'Fauntleroy'
As Fauntleroy stares at Cologne's direction, he catches sight of a paper by her feet. His eyes widen as he recognizes the writing on the paper as that of the Elven language on Jade And he recognizes the meaning of that paper all too well
Fauntleroy: What is that? Show it to me!
Cologne is overpowered by Fauntleroy's anger. She picks up the paper with a trembling hand and gives it to him. Fauntleroy reads it carefully, a smile breaking upon his face.
Fauntleroy: Yes The new Tournament of Arms is taking place Excellent This is my chance
Fauntleroy then looks from the paper, and back to Cologne. He does a 'mock' courteous bow to her.
Fauntleroy: Well old-crone, I must thank you You have grabbed my attention with this paper So, I shall give you all one week to decide When I return, you will give me your answer. And I had better like it, or else your Chinese Amazons will face the same fate as those of the Musk Dynasty!
Cologne watches as Fauntleroy then steps to the center of the ruined village. In the center waits a good-sized yellow-orange-colored Drake, one that is big enough to carry up to at least six people without problems. As Fauntleroy gets on the yellow-orange drake's back he then calls out to it.
Fauntleroy: Number Six; take me back to my current 'home'. There is much to reconsider and plan before putting my grander designs into motion.
The Drake nods it's head and flies off. Cologne can only think of one thing as the Drake takes off with its master.
Cologne (Thinks): A dragon That 'man' could only have been a dragon But, what is one doing here And why is it after those of the Bayankala Mountain Range?
Cologne loses herself in contemplation The Amazons will be in for one heck of a fight with Fauntleroy
Back in Jade, we see Ranma, Britanny, and Sheila running through Seer's Hamlet. There is a building set up on the edge of it The sign-up area for the Tournament of Arms. When they reach it, Ranma looks over it a bit in awe
Ranma: Wow I don't remember seeing this mansion here before.
Britanny: Yeah Me neither
Sheila: That's because it's magic
Ranma: Huh?
Sheila: This place is one that the Conclave of Mages sets up every year It isn't a permanent establishment.
Ranma: Oh That makes sense.
Britanny: Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go in so Ranchan can sign up.
And so wasting no more time, Ranma, Britanny, and Sheila run to the front gates of the building. Pushing it open, they walk up to the house and knock on the door. They are greeted by a male Giant, one that is thirteen ft. tall with gray hair, a long beard, his hair done in a topknot, and wearing a set of plain-looking armor.
Giant: What do you want?
Ranma: I'm here to sign up for the Tournament of Arms
Giant (Blinks): You? You don't look like much.
Sheila: Hey! Ranma is here to sign up, so let him in!
Giant (Blinks): Huh? An Edge Guard? What is one of you doing here?
Sheila: Just going to be here to see my friend sign-up.
Giant: So, the boy is serious about signing up?
Sheila: DUH!
Giant: Okay But he has to wait in line like the rest of them
The Giant steps out of the way. Past him, Ranma, Britanny, and Sheila can see a long line of people of different types, obviously fighters. Ranma then walks to the end of the line; followed shortly by Britanny and Sheila. Ranma turns back to the Giant to ask him a question.
Ranma: Sir? How long is the line?
Giant: You've got about an hour's time of wait from this point.
Ranma: Okay
Sheila: Looks like we'll be waiting her awhile
Britanny (Pouts slightly): Shoot. I hate waiting
Time passes with them waiting in line. Another seven people have lined up behind Ranma, Britanny, and Sheila. More time passes and they get to see more of the place. The interior of the mansion is done up like a Spanish Galleon, the wood and curvature of the Ceiling suggests that there was far more used to make the place than just used pieces of timber wood.
Finally, they reach the head of the line. They enter some sort of study, that is done up like an amalgamation of a captain's quarters of a ship and a library. There is a man sitting at and hunched over onto a wooden desk covered with all sorts of scrolls and papers and an intricately carved wooden chair that has red leather cushions attached. The man is human, and appears to be in his late fifties. He is bald, but still has his hair at the temples, done into a ponytail, and it has a bright red coloring. A pair of spectacles hangs onto his nose. He wears an expensive looking blue silk suit, a white stuffed shirt, and a blue bolo tie And in place of a right hand, he has a hook. Sheila recognizes the man
Sheila: So You're the "Commodore", correct?
The Commodore looks up at Sheila.
Commodore: That is a name I haven't heard in almost thirty years How did you know litle werejaguar?
Sheila (Smirks): My mom was the "Maestra".
Commodore (Raises an eyebrow): Oh? Interesting Are you here to sign up for the tournament?
Sheila (Shakes her head): No. My friend here is.
Ranma takes a step forward.
Commodore: Name?
Ranma: Ranma. Ranma Saotome.
The Commodore then looks under his desk, looking for some scrolls.
Commodore (Mutters as he searches): Saotome Saotome
Sheila: Um You won't find one He's not.
Commodore: Ah. Found it!
Ranma (Blinks): Found what?
Commodore: Your file.
Ranma (Blinks): I have a file?
Commodore (Reads): "Name, Ranma Saotome Born eighteen summers ago Masters of Martial Arts, Julia Brigand, Leep, Genma Saotome, Ku-Long, and self-
taught Fighting Style Anything Goes Yin and Yang Sects, Amazon Wu Shu, and Neko-Ken Represent Warrior of the Ninja Clan " (Blinks). Wait You're of the Ninja Clan!?
Ranma (Blinks): I am?
Commodore: It says so right here in your file?
Commodore hands the scroll over to Ranma to read. Britanny and Sheila read over his shoulder. Britanny's eyes widen when she sees the bottom signature.
Britanny: Tsunami signed this!? That's my grandpa!
Sheila: Hmm Tsunami did this? Ranma: Maybe he was impressed and made me a part of his clan?
Sheila: Could be Still I wonder
Britanny: Oh well At least now Ranma doesn't have to spend so much time filling forms out
Sheila: True
After reading, Ranma hands the scroll back to the Commodore, who then rolls it back up with his one hand. He then points to a door behind a desk.
Commodore: You may enter the waiting area
Ranma goes to the door and holds it open for Britanny and Sheila. However, Commodore frowns.
Commodore: What are you doing!?
Ranma: Um Holding the door open for my friends Is something wrong?
Commodore: Yes! Only warriors may enter. Your friends will have to wait outside the building
Sheila: WHAT!?
Britanny: What a gyp!
Ranma: Um I don't think they want to
Commodore: That's too bad! They'll have to wait outside for you to come out.
Ranma sighs, and then turns to face Britanny and Sheila.
Ranma: Um, girls
Britanny (Glares at Commodore): We heard the old vulture
Sheila: We'll wait for you outside Ranma
Britanny and Sheila then kiss Ranma on his cheeks for good luck. They leave the building, and Ranma walks into the room behind the Commodore's desk.
(-) Tsunami and Sabbo are sitting in a tree near the mansion that acts as the sign-up area. They see Britanny and Sheila walk out of thee mansion, and sit down on a patch of grass out front.
Tsunami: ~Hmm It looks like Ranma is not with them ~
Sabbo: Good. That means he was chosen and taken into the back area.
Tsunami: ~Great. He is allowed to try-out for the Tournament of Arms now. So, let us leave it at that, and allow him to show the 'judge' his skill so that he may enter ~
Sabbo: Sorry Tsunami But I want to make SURE Ranma is chosen
Tsunami: ~Sigh If you get caught, I know nothing about this, and I don't know you, got that?~
Sabbo: You are such a worrywart!
Sabbo and Tsunami, using their skill of stealth move into the mansion without being noticed
Sabbo (Voice): "Time to make the donuts "
Tsunami (Voice): ~Oh shut up!~
Sheila looks up to the bare tree that Sabbo and Tsunami were sitting in. Britanny looks over to her.
Britanny: What's wrong Sheila? Sheila: Nothing I guess I could have sworn I heard voices
Britanny (Blinks): What? I didn't hear anything
Sheila: Whatever Sigh I hope Ranma is chosen
Britanny: Yeah He's been training almost a full year for this So, I'm sure he'll get chosen At least, I think he will
Ranma looks around the room they are in. The door seemed like nothing, but the room it lead into is the size of a small arena, like the one the Edge Guard have over at their base to train in. The room is filled with warriors of all sorts of different types such as samurai, monks, knights, barbarians, martial artists, and what look like a few Amazons, (not Chinese) and many diverse races as well, including Elves, Dwarves, Giants, Trolls, Ogres, Werecats of different types, and of course, humans.
Ranma (Thinks): Incredible It's like a martial artists' convention here I wonder if I'll get to fight all of them
The door that Ranma entered the arena through opens again, and the Commodore steps through. The Commodore lets his eyes wander around the arena, taking in the sight of all the 'warriors' here, gauging their abilities For the Commodore has a special ability to 'read' a person's aura He goes up to each person one-by-one, telling them to either leave, if they have sufficient strength, or to go, if they are insufficient in more than a few ways
Commodore (Thinks): Blah! Weaklings! In my day, we had some real challenges, going against entire armies, or fighting dragons, or
The Commodore stops as he gets to Ranma He can't believe what he's seeing He can see Ranma's aura for what it is He sees a huge cat of black, ready to pounce.
Commodore (Mutters): By the Gods of Jaden
Ranma: Um Sir Are you okay?
The Commodore nods his head. He then asks Ranma a question.
Commodore: Ranma Would you follow me? There's something I want to ask you
Seeing that Ranma nods his head, the Commodore then opens the door and motions for Ranma to walk through. Before walking through the door and into the study himself, Commodore turns back to face the other fighters.
Commodore: I'll be back! SO DON'T CAUSE ME ANY TROUBLE, YOU HEAR?
Seeing that the fighters there aren't going to answer, the Commodore just slams the door behind him.
We then see two men in the top rows of the seating for the arena Each has a pair of ladies' pantyhose on their heads. Upon closer inspection, we can see that it is Tsunami and Sabbo.
Tsunami: ~Sabbo ~
Sabbo: What is it? Tsunami: ~Just why in the nine hells are we wearing women's undergarments on our heads!? I FEEL LIKE AN IDIOT!~
Sabbo: Don't worry Spies on Earth do this all the time
Tsunami (Stares): ~And why is it I do NOT believe you?~
Sabbo: Don't worry yourself Tsunami We're going to put my master plan into action You see how Commodore and Ranma have left, right?
Tsunami: ~Yes. Your point?~
Sabbo: We have to get rid of all these scrubs!
Tsunami: ~And you plan to do that by what exactly?~
Sabbo: Simple The old-fashioned way Violence!
Sabbo then pulls an aluminum baseball bat from out of nowhere, it has the logo of the Hawaiian baseball team; the Maui Pineapples Tsunami stares at Sabbo in disbelief.
Tsunami: ~Just out of curiosity, which level of hell are you from!?~
Sabbo: No time Now Be ready
Sabbo then jumps off from the top of the stands, and heads towards the other fighters, letting off a tremendous war cry.
Sabbo: BIKITI-BIKITI-BAM!
Tsunami (Sweat-drops): ~"Bikiti-bikiti-bam?"~
The whole arena is covered in a cloud of dust, as the pantyhose-mask wearing Sabbo attacks the one hundred-plus warriors there.
We see Ranma standing in front of the Commodore's desk. The Commodore seems to be in thought for a few moments The Commodore then asks Ranma a question.
Commodore: Tell me Ranma What is it with you aura? Ranma: My aura? Commodore: Yes I could see it for myself It is huge, black, and very cat-like Now tell me What are you?
Ranma: Human.
Commodore: Don't give me that bullshit I've seen countless warriors before And I've never seen human fighters with an aura like THAT!
Ranma: You don't believe me, do you? Commodore: Damn right I don't!
The Commodore then reaches under his desk and pulls out a bottle of whisky. He uses the hook on his right hand to take the cork out. He holds the bottle towards Ranma.
Commodore: You want some?
Ranma: No thanks I don't drink
The Commodore shrugs his shoulders. He then takes a long swig directly from the bottle, downing half the contents of it in one gulp.
Ranma: Wow Do you drink a lot? Commodore: Yeah Been doing it for years Heck, I've been doing it for so long that I feel sick if I drink anything BESIDES whisky
Ranma: Oh Sorry.
Commodore: Don't be But Ranma What is it with your aura? I have never, in all my years seen anything like it! Ranma: It's because of the Neko-Ken
Commodore: Neko-what?
Ranma: Neko-Ken Look, I'm not really in the mood to talk about it, in fact, I hate talking about that part of my life So, I'll just say this now My father put me through the Neko-Ken, in short, that made me cat-like in ways, and gave me an incredibly strong connection to felines.
Commodore (Nods his head): Hmm Makes sense I will have to look more into this Neko-Ken later
Ranma (Shrugs his shoulders): Sure
Commodore: Well, let us return, for we must begin testing.
Commodore opens the door, and what they get is a scene reminiscent to the opening of the movie "Saving Private Ryan". All the warriors are a mess. They are bloodied, bruised, covered in lacerations; they are thoroughly beaten up.
Ranma and the Commodore stare at the sight before them. Ranma blinks a few times in shock, while the Commodore has a look of absolute horror on his face.
Commodore: WHAT HAPPENED!?
Ranma: Are they going to be all right?
Commodore: They are down This can't be We NEED warriors for the tournament!
Ranma: Does this mean the Tournament of Arms will be cancelled?
Commodore: No. If we can get at least a few of them back onto their feet, we'll be all right Ranma, you're okay, correct?
Ranma: I feel fine.
Commodore: Good. Since you are actually in a perfect bill of health, I must ask you participate in the tournament. Otherwise, we may not have that great a showing
Ranma (Smiles): Sure! I'll enter! That's what I wanted to do!
We see the outside of the mansion. Britanny keeps looking back and forth between the door of the mansion and Sheila.
Britanny: How much longer is Ranchan supposed to be in there?
Sheila: The testing shouldn't be too long Only a couple of hours at most
Britanny: A "couple of hours"?
Sheila: Yes. They do have the person go through many tests; choosing only the best of the best of THE best to participate.
Britanny: Damn I hope Ranma is accepted
Sheila: We won't find out until he comes out
With that, the doors open up, and Ranma walks out of the building with a smile on his face and a scroll in his hand.
Britanny (Smiles): RANMA!
Britanny tackles Ranma to the ground, as soon as he makes it to the bottom of the steps in front of the mansion.
Britanny: Puuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Ranma: Hi Britanny Hope you didn't wait to long.
Sheila: We didn't. So Ranma, how did it go?
Ranma smiles. He holds up the scroll he was given. Sheila bends down closer to the ground to grab it, since Ranma is still on the ground and underneath Britanny from when she had pounced him. Sheila's eyes widen as she looks at what's printed on the scroll.
Sheila: Ranma, this is an invitation! You made it!
Britanny: Great! Now Ranma can enter the Tournament of Arms!
Sheila: Ranma, I'm so proud of you!
Britanny (Smiles): Yep! This means Ranchan is one of the best of the best of THE best! Puuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Ranma: Actually I don't know
Sheila: Huh?
Britanny: Explain please.
Ranma: They let me in because everyone else was in such horrible condition
Britanny and Sheila stare at Ranma for a few moments.
Britanny: What?
Sheila: What happened!?
Ranma: I don't know. I left the room with the Commodore to talk about my aura, and when we went back in, everyone was down and looking like something you'd find on the floor of a slaughterhouse
Britanny: Eww That's gross
Sheila: Hmm I wonder what could have done that to so many warriors
On a nearby hill, we see a battle-ravaged Sabbo laughing to himself about his victory. He is covered in cuts, bruises, and half of his baseball bat.
Sabbo (Singing): "We are the champions, we are the champions, no time for losers, yes we are the champions Of the WOOOOOOOOOOOOORLD!"
Tsunami looks over to Sabbo and shakes his head.
Tsunami: ~You are insane You do realize that, right?~
Sabbo: But of course!
Tsunami: ~Well, aren't you embarrassed!?~
Sabbo: Of course not!
Tsunami: ~Fine Whatever But just take the pantyhose off of your head It makes you look like an idiot!~
Sabbo: NO! I will NOT forgo the pantyhose!
Suddenly, a nearby puddle begins to glow, and the Norn of the Future Skuld, floats out. She looks around, her sights stopping when she spots Sabbo.
Skuld: YOU! YOU'RE THE ONE THAT STOL BELL-CHAN'S PANTYHOSE!
Skuld holds up her Debugger Mallet, with a sense of authority.
Skuld: I WILL PUNISH YOU!
Tsunami and Sabbo then turn away from Skuld and start running. All the while, we can hear Tsunami cursing Sabbo out for stealing from a Goddess
Back in the Earth Realm, specifically, China it is now nightfall. We see Fauntleroy, descending to the ground on his yellow-orange Drake. The drake soon lands in what looks like the ruins of the Musk Village. The place is filled with burnt wood, destroyed stone building, and overall carnage. Fauntleroy gets off of the Drake and looks around.
Fauntleroy: Ah Now this is paradise So, what do you think of it Number Six?
With Fauntleroy off the Drake's back, the Drake then changes its form. In changes to one of a human girl with short brown hair, blue eyes, dark skin, and wearing a yellow dress-shirt, red bow tie, red loose pants, red shoes, and red gloves with yellow hearts on the back of the gloves. The woman then looks at Fauntleroy.
Number Six: It looks stunning; most fitting to your tastes and rule my lord
Fauntleroy (Smiles): Ah Quite true Now Where is Number Thirty-Eight?
Female voice: You call my lord?
Fauntleroy looks towards the way the voice came. Over the rubble comes walking another woman. She has long dark blue hair, violet eyes, pale skin, and the same outfit as the other woman that was the Drake, but in different shades of violet.
Fauntleroy: Sp, how goes it here Number Thirty-Eight?
Number Thirty-Eight: Master, the remaining members of the Musk have been captured except for a few
Fauntleroy: WHAT!? But I had you bring in those two rogues from jade to help!
Number Thirty-Eight: True master, but they are busy helping me keep the captives in order. And, I do have them digging in the mine underneath the Musk Citadel just as you asked.
Fauntleroy: Who was it that had gotten away?
Number Thirty-Eight: From what I can see, the Princess Spice, and a few others
Fauntleroy: And who were these others?
Number Thirty-Eight: Just some warriors.
Fauntleroy: Hmm No problems The Princess may be of Dragon blood, but it is too diluted with filthy human blood to contain enough power to harm me Now, Number Thirty-Eight, I have a mission for you.
Number Thirty-Eight: What is it my lord?
Fauntleroy hands Number Thirty-Eight the proclamation from Jade that he had taken from the Amazons, the one that speaks of the new Tournament of Arms
Number Thirty-Eight: And what is it you wish of me master?
Fauntleroy: Take the two 'hired-hands' with you to Jade. I want to know what is happening there.
Number Thirty-Eight: Consider it done.
Number Thirty-Eight bows to Fauntleroy and leaves for the mines. Fauntleroy then walks inside the ruins of the palace. He comes to a stop, and sits down in the decrepit throne of the Musk ruler. Fauntleroy is deep in thought
Fauntleroy (Mutters): Soon Soon I shall have m power again My true form And I will make them all pay And when I have the Arks
Fauntleroy smiles. His mirth is clear as he begins to chuckle to himself lightly. In the dim-lighting of the Musk palace, we can see Fauntleroy's eyes shine with a red light.
End Chapter 38
Next Time: Finally! The Tournament of Arms begins! Ranma faces his first three opponents! And what's this? The woman with dark purple clothing and her two lackeys, which are a certain Undead Knight and Mercenary is roaming around the arena? Why is that? What could they be up to?
Author's note: Finally! Onto the Tournament!
And, I wasn't going to show Fauntleroy until much later in the story But It seemed that this was the best spot to have put it. I hope you enjoyed.
-This is RedPriest17, signing off.
Send your questions and comments to Ryutsurugi
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