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 39: Tournament of Arms: "Gonna Burn Some Muscle."
We see Britanny and Sheila standing outside of a stadium that somewhat resembles the Roman Coliseum of Earth, only this is larger, more intricately detailed, and it is built specifically for the for the Tournament of Arms to take place in. There are many crowds of people swarming around the outside of the arena. Britanny and Sheila seem to be looking for someone
Britanny: Do you see him yet?
Sheila: No I don't know where the heck my brother is!
Britanny: Damn it! Ranma's inside already! Can't we just go and get out seats now?
Sheila: No. Mom gave the passes to out seating to Gar, so we can't go in unless he's with us, or we spend the money on tickets.
Suddenly we see Gar managing to move his way through the crowd. It is difficult moving through a very congested area, but he manages. He stops in front of Britanny and Sheila. A few minutes, Carla and Luan manage to get to Gar to stand beside him.
Sheila (Tapping her foot): Where were you Gar!?
Britanny: Yeah! We wanted to go inside the stadium already!
Gar: Hey, it's not my fault! Sheila didn't sign in with the Edge Guard office to take this day off, so I had to go back and sign Sheila out for her!
Sheila: Oh. Well, thanks Gar.
Gar: It's okay On the bright side, I was able to get assigned to keep peace during the Tournament of Arms with Thropan, so I could be here to watch.
Sheila: Um Gar If you're supposed to be security with Thropan, than shouldn't you be watching the gates or something?
Gar: No worries, Thropan has got it covered.
The front gate, we see Thropan playing a wooden guitar. Many women of all different types are flocking around Thropan to hear his awe-inspiring talent.
Female Elf: Oh wow, he's so good!
Woman: I've never heard anything so beautiful in my life
Werelioness: Oh handsome werepanther please take me!
As Thropan plays, he can only think of one thing
Thropan (Thinks): Now, this is how you keep the peace It's like my mom always said, "The sword tears people apart But song unites people together " Thropan continues playing for the women, and other people waiting outside the front gate.
Near the stadium for the Tournament of Arms, one can see a grassy field in the distance, and some woods a bit past it. Life continues on as it always does Until the animals of that forest lift their heads up. They can feel a gathering of power Soon, there is a flash of light within the forest. One that starts off as a ball of orange light that expands and bursts. When the brightness of the light is gone, we see three figures standing side by side.
We see the woman that was with Fauntleroy before. The woman known as "Number Thirty-Eight". She has long dark blue hair, violet eyes, pale skin, and wearing a light violet dress-shirt, dark violet bow tie, light violet loose pants, dark violet shoes, and dark violet gloves with light violet hearts on the back of the gloves.
The man standing to the right of Number Thirty-Eight is somewhat 'dark' in his appearance. After all, he is an Undead Knight He looks like a combination of a samurai of Feudal Japan, a knight of Medieval Europe, and a Ninja. He is completely covered in black armor, with a dark grayish-gold lining at seems and edges of the armor. He carries a pair of swords, which are slightly odd. They are katanas, yet the hilts they are on are that of rapiers, and they glow with an unearthly blue light. The only part of his being which is visible is his eyes, which glow with a white light.
The other man that stands to the left of Number Thirty-Eight is at least human He wears dark drown robes, dark brown leather boots and one-piece, which fit skintight on him, showing the contour of his muscles. To compliment his clothing, he wears gold-
colored bracers on his wrists, a mask of silver with glass to cover their eyes to hide his identity, and he carries a huge broadsword on his back.
The man with the broadsword and mask looks around and takes a deep breathe of the air.
Masked Man: Ah Home again
Number Thirty-Eight: Yes Jade
Undead Knight: So, what are we doing here?
Number Thirty-Eight: I explained before, the Tournament of Arms is going on, and master Fauntleroy commands us to check it out for him.
Undead Knight: Humph! I just don't see what the point is. We should be back on Earth making sure those people of the Musk dig those mines.
Masked Man (Looks towards the Undead Knight): I agree with you on that one Rook.
Number Thirty-Eight (Glares): Rook Hanzo Are you two forgetting whom you're working for now? You don't have the right to question him. After all He's done so much for the both of you ungrateful slobs Hanzo, weren't you given that nice stack of gold pieces and gems by my master
Hanzo: Hells yeah! Best paying job I ever had So much better than the minimum wage I was getting paid when working under Rook here
Rook (Glares): Hey, it's not my fault! That cheapskate Lich King would screw me over when it would come to giving out funding!
Number Thirty-Eight: Speaking of which Rook And wasn't it my master that freed you from that stonewall that you had gotten yourself trapped in?
Rook: HEY! THAT WAS NOT MY FAULT EITHER! The Armsmaster had used my armor's enchantment against me
Hanzo: You got stuck in wall? Heh
Rook: Shut up
Hanzo: Heh heh! You were stucco!
Rook (Glares): Grr
Number Thirty-Eight: Okay children; let's get to the point. You two owe my master BIG TIME! You can do whatever the hell you want afterwards, but right now, you have jobs to do.
Rook: Sure, whatever After all, this IS the Tournament of Arms The one who defeated me will bee here
Number Thirty-Eight: Julia Brigand you mean?
Rook nods his head. He then looks towards Hanzo.
Rook: Well Hanzo, lets get a move on! The sooner we go and check that tournament out, the sooner we can have revenge on Julia!
Hanzo: You mean the sooner you have YOUR revenge. I want nothing to do with the Armsmaster
Number Thirty-Eight: Will you two stop bickering and LEAVE ALREADY!? You're wasting valuable time!
Rook nods his head. He places his hand on Hanzo's shoulder, and the two disappear in a puff of black smoke.
Number Thirty-Eight: Sigh I still don't understand why Master Fauntleroy wanted to get the assistance of those two for help They're just a duo of bungling, incompetent fools Sure, they're good for keeping the Musk people in line, but they shouldn't be used for scouting missions
Number Thirty-Eight sighs again. She then goes to the nearest large rock she finds and sits down on it, to wait for Rook and Hanzo's return.
Finally, we see people filling up the seating are of the stadium. The inside is done up with a Roman coliseum-like area, raised above the ground by a foot and made with polished black marble slate floor and circular shape all around the fighting arena, with ten large gates leading into the fighting area. There is a large set of steps in one part of the arena, covered with a red rug, and leads up to a balcony. This spot is meant for the Armsmaster to sit.
Up in the front row of the coliseum, right across from the platform sits Britanny, Sheila, Gar, Thropan, Carla, and Luan. The six look around the area in excitement.
Thropan: Damn These are some great seats! How did you manage to get them!?
Sheila: Yeah Gar, I'm impressed How'd you do it?
Britanny: Yeah, this I want to hear
Carla: Yes, please tell us Gar.
Luan: Yeah Gar.
Gar: Okay Well, there are actually many reasons. First, Ranma is participating and so, is given two free seats to give out. Second, Sheila and I are the children of Weaponsmaster Aeila, so that gives us some special privilege with seating. Third, Thropan and I are working here today, so we can give out seating as we please And Fourth, since I am Or rather was a student of Julia Brigand; that kind of gave me the privilege to take the front row seats.
Sheila (Blinks): WOW! My brother used his brain for once!
Thropan: I know what you mean. This is an historic event!
Gar (Sweat-drops): I'm not THAT bad
Luan (Hugs Gar): Don't worry jagwere-muffin. I think you're a decent guy.
Carla (Hugs Gar): I think you're good too.
Britanny (Smirks): I guess I'm something if it took two women for you to get over me, eh Gar?
Gar chuckles nervously.
Suddenly trumpets start blaring, filling the stadium with sound.
Sheila: Yes! It's starting!
One of the gates down in the arena lifts up, and out of it steps a very familiar woman. She wears a tight dark blue leather one-piece outfit, rounded steel shoulder guards with a symbol of a diamond engraved on the left shoulder guard, a dense dark brown leather weapons belt with sheathed sword, and blue colored boots that reach past he knees, and a dark brown cloak to finish off the ensemble. Everyone recognizes her as the Armsmaster of Jade, Julia Brigand.
Britanny (Smiles): Mom!
Julia scans the audience for a bit. She sees her daughter Britanny, her student Gar, Sheila, Thropan, and two others she doesn't recognize. (Luan and Carla). She smiles and waves in their direction. Julia then moves towards the staircase, taking each step one at a time. When she reaches the top, she then turns around to look all around the stadium.
Silence follows for a few minutes as she waits for the people to quiet down so she can speak. When she has everyone's attention she clears her voice and begins.
Julia: Ahem... For years, ever since the defeat of the shadows there has been a Tournament of Arms. We do it in memory of the past, when Jade's first Armsmaster appeared, and saved us all. He was a warrior who defeated the shadows and caused them to retreat from Jade! For the Shadows came from beyond the sky, and conquered all the clans of Jade, for nothing known could affect them, and all our ancestors became their slaves. He was a warrior who surpassed all others and encompassed within him all the aspects that make a true warrior. And to keep his honor, we fight For only the strongest deserves the title of Armsmaster Now (Unsheathes her sword, holds it high and points towards the shy). Let us begin!
The crowd cheers Julia. Julia stands a few more moments then sheathes her sword back into its scabbard. Julia then moves towards the throne set up for her and she sits. Then a man in iron armor steps into the arena through the same gate that Julia had entered the arena through. He steps into the center of the Stadium and calls out.
Referee: And now, we shall begin!
Two gates on either side of the arena open when the gates to them lift up.
Referee: I introduce the champion of the Forest Elf Clan! A practitioner of the School of Wind Style Nightwalker!
Julia takes notice of the Elf that steps out into the arena through his gate, waving at the audience. He has pale skin, and contrary to usual Forest Elves, has long green hair that reaches down to mid-back. (Forest Elves usually have blonde or brown hair). His eyes are 'normal', and they are blue in coloring. He wears the clothes of a wanderer, dark brown pants with black cord tied around the ankles, brown leather boots, a green cloth shirt, and a red cloak with a gold clasp with the symbol of a tree imprinted onto it. To his side is a sheathed katana.
Julia (Thinks): Hmm School of the Wind Very few practitioners, since it is a very difficult style to master. He must truly be skilled and aerobatic to have attained usage of that style
Referee: I introduce the champion of the Ninja Clan! A practitioner of the Yin and Yang Sects of the Anything Goes School, Amazon Wu Shu, and Neko-Ken Ranma Saotome!
Ranma runs into the arena through his gate, smiling and waving at his friends. Ranma has never felt so confident in his life.
Ranma (Thinks): I can do this!
Britanny (Cheering): GO RANCHAN!
Sheila (Cheering): YOU CAN DO IT RANCHAN!
Gar (Cheering): MAKE US PROUD!
Julia blinks a few times as she looks at Ranma. It's definitely him, but He's so different now Ranma's frame is no longer lithe like the last time she has seen him. His muscles have now become more defined, truly filled out into that of a man, and he has grown in height. He still wears black Chinese silk kung-fu pants with the Yin-yang embroidered on the knees, a black muscle shirt, and surprising to Julia, a white gi top with the yin-yang printed on the back, which symbolizes the authority of the Grandmaster of 'True' Anything Goes School. To his side is a sheathed katana.
Julia (Thinks): Did he reach the level of Grandmaster? And of the 'true' Anything Goes School that Leep would go on about? Hmm I'll have to ask him afterwards Looks like Nightwalker is in for a surprise
The referee then steps off of the platform, as Ranma and Nightwalker stand at either side of it. The two study each other a bit, taking in strengths and weaknesses.
Ranma: Hey, may the best man win.
Nightwalker: How about best Elf?
Ranma: Um The best fighter wins then?
Nightwalker: Okay
Referee: Now, rules are simple. No killing. No maiming. You win by knocking your opponent out, disarming your opponent, your opponent forfeits, or you work your opponent into a situation where they cannot win; a "checkmate"! Understand?
Ranma: Yes.
Nightwalker: Absolutely.
Referee: Ready BEGIN!
Ranma and Nightwalker waste no time as they charge at each other. As the two get closer, they unsheathe their respective katanas. Ranma's is made from titanium, while Nightwalkers appears to be made of glass.
Ranma (Thinks): Glass? Something like that isn't going to last long
Ranma takes a swing with his katana at Nightwalker, but the Forest Elf blocks it with his own katana.
Ranma (Blinks): Wow I didn't think glass was powerful enough to block titanium
Nightwalker: Don't mock me! This blade is made from solid diamond!
Ranma (Whistles): Damn That must have cost a fortune
Ranma then pulls his katana away from the block and thrusts at nightwalker. Nightwalker manages to parry the thrust with his own blade, and he elbows Ranma in the chest, making Ranma fly back a few feet. As Ranma falls back, he falls into a roll, and gets back onto his feet. Ranma then lets out a wordless roar as he once again charges towards Nightwalker. Nightwalker jumps into the air. Ranma smiles
Ranma (Thinks): Aerial combat is one of my specialties
Nightwalker blinks in surprise as he sees Ranma jump up into the air with him.
Nightwalker (Thinks): Is he a fool!? Aerial combat is the specialty of the School of Wind
Ranma manages to reach the height in the air that Nightwalker is. Both start to trade a rapid succession of kicks, punches, and clashes of swords as they descend back to the ground. Nightwalker then unlatches his cloak and throws it at Ranma, managing to land a hit on him, while Ranma manages to retaliate and hit Nightwalker. The two land a few feet from each other. Ranma has a bit of blood flowing from the right side of his mouth when Nightwalker got a good punch in on his abdomen while they were up high. Nightwalker has bit of blood flowing from his nose when Ranma managed to land a punch on his face while they fought in the air.
Nightwalker (Wipes nose): Not bad You have what it takes to become a fighter of the School of Wind
Ranma (Wipes jaw): Heh That was nothing Aerial fighting is my specialty!
The two then jump into the air once again. And as before, their attacks are a blur. However, Ranma does something totally unexpected. He takes his katana firmly, and throws it to the ground, where it imbeds itself into the floor. As Nightwalker, tries to make a quick stab to Ranma's shoulder, Ranma manages to parry Nightwalkers sword off to the side, and he grabs his shoulders. He then forces the Forest Elf beneath him as they descend back to the ground. Nightwalker lands on his back and right next to Ranma's sword with a loud thud, and Ranma lands on top of him, smashing his knees into Nightwalker's chest. Ranma then grabs his katana and firmly holds it towards Nightwalkers' throat.
Ranma: So Give up?
Nightwalker: Yes I give
The Referee then walks back to the arena for the fighting and steps near Ranma and Nightwalker.
Referee: Ranma Saotome WINS!
The crowds break out into cheering.
Sheila (Cheering): YEAH! YOU GO RANCHAN!
Britanny (Cheering): YOU THE MAN RANCHAN!
Julia (Thinks, applauds): Very good! Absolutely splendid! That was some great fighting on his part.
With that, both Ranma and Nightwalker bow towards Julia to show their gratitude and move back to their gates. Their gates close behind them, and another two open up, to allow the next two fighters to compete
Referee: And now, we shall begin!
We see Rook hanging around outside the stadium, almost completely hidden within a cluster of shadows. The only thing that betrays his presence there is his eyes, which shine brightly. We see Hanzo step out of the main gates of the tournament and look around. He spots Rook's eyes, and moves over to the Undead Knight.
Hanzo: Okay, I'm back
Rook: And, what have you found out?
Hanzo: Well, for one thing Armsmaster Julia Brigand is in there, somewhat 'hosting' the Tournament of Arms
Rook: And bored out of her mind, right?
Hanzo: No She took great interest in the first fight But Rook, you won't believe what I saw
Rook: Oh? And what did you see? Hanzo: In the audience was the Armsmaster's adopted daughter The werecheetah that the Lich King had wanted us to hold for him in your old castle a little over a year ago
Rook (Narrows eyes): Britanny I still can't believe she had made a fool of me in front of Natasha I was telling her how I had everything under control, and then that damned werecheetah had to crash through the ceiling of the room Was there anyone with her?
Hanzo: Well, she's in there with three of the Edge Guard members: the two jagweres and a werepanther, and there are two ninja girls also.
Rook: The Edge Guard are no problem, and neither are a couple of ninjas Is this all you saw of importance?
Hanzo: No Now, you aren't going to believe this, but I saw two of the Arks!
Rook (Raises an eyebrow): You're right I don't believe it.
Hanzo: It's true! I saw the blue one on the werecheetah's wrist, and the green one on the jagwere's wrist!
Rook: Are you positive?
Hanzo: YES!
Though we cannot see it, Rook smiles underneath his mask.
Rook: Excellent Let us tell this to "Number Thirty-Eight" That way, she gets what she wants for her master, and I can have my revenge
Hanzo (Blinks): Revenge?
Rook: The werecheetah is no match for me However If what you say is true that she has one of the Arks, we have to go after her And, one of the best ways a person can hurt someone is by hurting someone close to that person And I sure wouldn't mind killing Julia's adopted daughter to get my point across to her
Hanzo: You are one sick puppy, you know that?
Rook (Nods his head): I know Now, get over here. We need to get back to that Wyrm-bitch, Number Thirty-Eight and tell her what's going on. That way, I can get my job done, and have my revenge at the same time!
With that, the two once again disappear in Rook's teleportation spell, which works as a puff of black smoke
A few fights have come and gone in the tournament. Finally, it is Ranma's turn again. The Referee moves to the center of the platform
Referee: And now, we shall begin!
Two gates on either side of the arena open when the gates to them lift up.
Referee: I introduce a warrior of the Shadow Elf Clan! A practitioner of Geladas Pole-
arm Style Ashura Ryu!
Julia takes notice of the Shadow Elf that steps out into the arena through his gate. His skin is brown and tanned, yet at the same time it seems to lack a certain 'tone' to it, which shows that he is actually pale for what he is. Ashura has long white hair that reaches down to the back of his legs, almost like the mane of a lion and dark violet eyes. He wears the clothes similar to a priest; baggy white pants, strips of white cloth tied around his feet and hands, a white cloth shirt, a red bandana in his hair, but it is only visible on his forehead, rings of gold around his ankles, and a gold necklace with three eagle feathers on it. He carries a large pole with a three-foot long Western-styled swords sticking out of each end.
Julia (Thinks): Hmm Geladas Pole-arm Style Also a very rare style to see fighters using, since it takes a great deal of concentration, strength, and control to use that style effectively, or the person can end up doing more damage to himself than his other opponent Looks like Ranma may have a challenge with this one.
Referee: I introduce once again, the champion of the Ninja Clan! A practitioner of the Yin and Yang Sects of the Anything Goes School, Amazon Wu Shu, and Neko-Ken Ranma Saotome!
Ranma runs into the arena through his gate once again. He smiles and gives the thumbs-
up signal to his friends.
Ranma: I gonna win this one too!
Julia (Thinks, smiles): Heh Confident as always
The referee then steps off of the platform, as Ranma and Ashura stand at either side of it. The two study each other a bit, taking in strengths and weaknesses.
Ranma: Hey, interesting weapon you got there
Ashura: Thank you You katana is Decent
Ranma: Well, it may be a little 'plain', but it's definitely useful.
Ashura (Nods his head): True
Referee: Now as stated before, rules are simple. No killing. No maiming. You win by knocking your opponent out, disarming your opponent, your opponent forfeits, or you work your opponent into a situation where they cannot win; a "checkmate"! Understand?
Ranma: Yes.
Ashura: Of course
Referee: Ready BEGIN!
Ranma and Ashura stand there. Ranma can see from Ashura's calm nature that he is clear of mind and a strategist
Ranma (Thinks): Hmm like a game of chess And I guess this is my move.
Ranma then moves slowly over to Ashura as the Shadow Elf gets into a more defensive stance, holding the pole close to his body. Ranma then uses a burst of speed to go more onto the offensive, unsheathing the sword and striking multiple times at Ashura than the human eye can pick up on. However, Ashura isn't human. He can see all the strikes coming at him clear as day, and manages to deflect each thrust of Ranma's katana with his pole, and then using one of the bladed ends to take a swipe at Ranma. Ranma however, manages to jump back in time, as one of the blades of the pole-arm almost goes through his neck.
Ranma: Whatever happened to no killing!?
Ashura: I wasn't going to kill you I would have stopped once I had you in checkmate.
Ranma nods his head. That is checkmate, getting your opponent into a position where you could kill them Just like Rhaoton had said when Ranma fought him When Rhaoton hade the blade of his glaive at Ranma's neck
Ranma: Well If that's the way to play it
Ranma then charges forward again, but this time, just slashing randomly. Ashura blinks in surprise
Ashura (Thinks): What is with such a reckless tactic?
Ashura then just holds his pole and pushes it forward like a spear at Ranma. Ranma jumps on top of the extended pole, and jumps forwards off the pole. More than one person stares at such a tactic in shock.
Ashura (Thinks): He jumped off my pole?
Britanny (Watches): What's Ranchan doing?
Julia (Thinks): Hmm Interesting tactic A bit reckless, but in this tournament, you need to think fast and try to pull off new techniques and untested maneuvers at times.
As Ranma descends from his jump, he maneuvers his body, so he lands on his hand. Once he has his hands firmly on the ground he brings his legs forward into his body then kicks them back, smashing Ashura in the back at the same time. Ashura goes flying forward, unprepared to take the attack. Ashura lands on his front, and tries to get back onto his feet. Ranma, seeing that Ashura is trying to get up, starts running towards him, and places his katana to the back of Ashura's neck.
Ranma: So Checkmate?
Ashura (Nods his head): Yes Checkmate
The Referee then walks back to the fighting platform and steps near Ranma and immobilized Ashura Ryu.
Referee: Ranma Saotome WINS!
Once again the crowds break out into cheering for the pig-tailed martial artist.
Sheila (Cheering): YEAH! I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT RANCHAN!
Britanny (Cheering): NO ONE'S GOING TO TAKE YOU DOWN RANCHAN!
Julia (Thinks, applauds): As before Ranma, that was quite good. You took a risk, and it gave you a good pay-off. Quite interesting.
With that, Ranma lets Ashura off the ground. Both Ranma and Ashura bow towards Julia to show their gratitude in being allowed to fight and move back to into their gates. Their gates close behind them, and another two open up, to allow the next two fighters to compete
Referee: And now, we shall begin!
We see Number Thirty-Eight waiting patiently in a grove in the woods near the tournament. She is reading a book to pass the time. Then, a puff of smoke explodes a few feet in front of her, and Rook and Hanzo appear.
Number Thirty-Eight: You're late I expected you two to get your butts back here a good twenty minutes ago
Hanzo: Number Thirty-Eight, we have some important news for you!
Number Thirty-Eight: Oh? This had better be good.
Rook: Well, how does the Arks of Jade sound to you?
Number Thirty-Eight's eyes widen, and she stares at the two.
Number Thirty-Eight: What?
Rook: Yes. Hanzo here saw two of the Arks.
Number Thirty-Eight: TWO!?
Hanzo (Nods his head): Yes They were in the possession of two werecats. One is a werecheetah who is the adopted daughter of the Armsmaster, and the other is a little jagwere who is a member of the Northern Edge Guard in Seer's Hamlet.
Number Thirty-Eight: Are you most certain?
Hanzo: Of course!
Number Thirty-Eight then pulls a small compact mirror out of her pocket. When she opens it, we can see an image of Fauntleroy in the mirror.
Number Thirty-Eight: Master, I have some urgent news!
Fauntleroy-Image-: What is it?
Number Thirty-Eight: We have found a possible source of power for you while here.
Fauntleroy-Image: Really? What is it?
Number Thirty-Eight: The Arks.
Fauntleroy-Image (Wide-eyed): What!? You found the Arks!?
Number Thirty-Eight (Nods her head): Hanzo has found two of them. They are in the possession of two werecats, one who happens to be the adopted daughter of the Armsmaster.
Fauntleroy-Image (Smiles): Yes I knew having you three check on the tournament would prove worthwhile
Number Thirty-Eight (Smiles): I am always ready so serve you my lord.
Fauntleroy-Image: That is good to hear. Now, get me those Arks! I do not care how or by what means you do it, JUST GET THEM!
Number Thirty-Eight: Of course my master.
Rook: You can leave it to me Fauntleroy. I'll do it personally!
Fauntleroy-Image: Good. That is all for now!
The image of Fauntleroy disappears. Number Thirty-Eight then closes her compact mirror, and puts it back into her pocket. She then turns to face Rook and Hanzo.
Number Thirty-Eight: Well, what are you waiting for? Go and get those Arks!
Rook: Excuse me, but Fauntleroy did say to get the Arks any way possible, right?
Number Thirty-Eight (Nods her head): Of course
Rook (Smiles): Excellent Come on Hanzo, we're making a stop!
Hanzo: A stop?
Rook: Yes A cemetery
Before Number Thirty-Eight can ask what Rook meant by that, the Undead Knight and mercenary disappear in a puff of lack smoke once again.
Number Thirty-Eight: I wish he'd stop doing that. That smoke is hell on my asthma.
A few fights have come and gone in the tournament. Finally, it is Ranma's turn again. The Referee moves to the center of the platform
Referee: And now, we shall begin!
Two gates on either side of the arena open when the gates to them lift up.
Referee: I introduce a warrior of Unknown regions! A warrior of his own self-taught style Rippen Drakuzz!
Julia takes notice of the armored man that steps out into the arena through his gate. The sword in his right hand is what grabs Julia's attention first. It is a big double-edged Western style with a midnight black blade and silver runes on the flat of the blade. His skin is pale, and he has long dark brown hair that falls to his shoulders and cold sapphire eyes. He wears armor that is black as like his sword with spikes on the shoulders, complimented cape that is black in coloring with a silver shape of a crushed skull on it. He also wields a shield on his left arm that has the same logo as the cape.
Julia (Thinks): Hmm I don't like this He looks human, but there's an overall feeling to him that screams of anger That screams of power That screams of darkness and a dark soul Looks like Ranma is going have trouble with this one.
Referee: And I once again introduce once again, the champion of the Ninja Clan! A practitioner of the Yin and Yang Sects of the Anything Goes School, Amazon Wu Shu, and Neko-Ken Ranma Saotome!
Ranma runs into the arena through his gate once again. He smiles, laughs, and just waves at his friends sitting in the audience.
Ranma: Hey girls! Watch me win this one!
Julia (Thinks, frowns): You better be careful Ranma This opponent isn't a normal warrior
The referee then steps off of the platform, as Ranma and Rippen stand at either side of it. The Ranma studies Rippen a bit, taking in strengths and weaknesses
Ranma (Thinks): Hmm There's something 'alien' about his stance He's just standing there, but his guard is up And seems to be focusing at all parts of the body at specific moments, at random.
Rippen on the other hand studies his surroundings.
Rippen (Thinks, smirks): Hmm So THIS is Jade It might make a possible conquest So much life, and different species around me It's very tempting
Rippen then looks at Ranma and his eyes widen then relax.
Rippen (Smiles): Ah Thank you for this honor I've always wanted to have a battle with you Ranma Saotome On equal terms that is
Ranma (Blinks): What are you talking about?
Rippen (Smiles): You'll see
Referee: Now as stated before, rules are simple. No killing. No maiming. You win by knocking your opponent out, disarming your opponent, your opponent forfeits, or you work your opponent into a situation where they cannot win; a "checkmate"! Understand?
Ranma: Yeah.
Rippen: Yes, yes; we've heard it enough times!
Referee: Okay then. Ready BEGIN!
Ranma wastes no time and charges at Rippen. The dark knight smiles at Ranma's foolish, but courageous actions
Rippen: And there he goes running into the Lion's Den
Ranma continues to charge at Rippen, but then jumps high into the air. Rippen sees him doing this, and in a burst of speed, put his sword back into it's black leather scabbard, and takes hold of his cape with his free hand, and manages to use it like a whip around Ranma's ankle. Ranma's eyes widen in surprise, as Rippen uses the cape to smash Ranma's body down onto the ground. Rippen then lifts his foot up, and brings it down to smash upon Ranma, but Ranma manages to roll away, as Rippen's foot break into the floor of the platform. Ranma manages to get back onto his feet, as Rippen takes his time to dislodge his foot from the ground.
Rippen (Mutters as he frees his foot): Heh Like they say You are fast (Whispers). If we met on better terms, you would have made an excellent general
Ranma: Huh?
Rippen, with his foot free, unsheathes his sword and charges at Ranma. Ranma sees this happening, and manages to deflect Rippen's sword with his own katana. However, Rippen manages to use the momentum of the deflection to his advantage. Rippen keeps turning a full 360 degrees and smashes Ranma with his shield at full force, sending Ranma flying to the ground. Ranma manages to once again get back to his feet, as he sees Rippen coming right towards him.
Ranma: Crap!
Ranma works on instinct and does a flip-kick, which manages to connect with Rippen's jaw. Rippen stumbles back from the unexpected attack, and Ranma continues his onslaught. He presses on with the Katchu Tenshin Amaguriken, smashing him many times in the chest, and denting the armor. Rippen manages to then take a swipe at Ranma's head with his sword, but misses as Ranma ducks, and does one heck of a fierce punch to Rippen's abdomen. Rippen coughs up a bit of blood and stumbles back. Ranma stands there, breathing heavily, and ready for anything that the dark knight might try in retaliation to what he's done. Rippen that looks at Ranma and smiles
Rippen: You are good
Ranma: Um Thanks
Rippen then sheathes his sword and looks at Ranma seriously.
Rippen: I give I admit you to be the better fighter in these surroundings
Ranma (Wide-eyed): Huh?
Rippen turns around to leave, heading towards his gate. However, the way to the gate, he stops and turns his head around to look back at Ranma.
Rippen: However Ranma, if it were possible to use magic in this arena The fight would have been mine
And with that, Rippen leaves the arena, leaving a dumb-founded Ranma there. The Referee then walks back to the platform and stands near Ranma.
Referee: Ranma Saotome WINS!
The crowds break out into cheering.
Sheila (Cheering): YEAH! YOU SCARED HIM OFF RANCHAN!
Britanny (Cheering): YOU CAN KICK ALL BUTT RANCHAN!
Julia (Thinks, applauds): Very good Ranma You were indeed superior with skill But, if that were a fight where magic wasn't cut off, I can tell he would have been a better challenge.
With that, both Ranma bows towards Julia to show his gratitude and move back to his gate. His gate closes behind him, as well as Rippen's, and another two gates open up, to allow the next two fighters to compete
It is now dusk. The sun is starting to set. We see many people coming out of the stadium. Underneath a tree, we see Gar, Thropan, Carla, and Luan talking. Britanny and Sheila are looking all around for two people.
Britanny (Looks around): Do you see Mom or Ranma anywhere Sheila?
Sheila (Looks around): No Not yet.
After a few more minutes, they see Ranma step out of the set of main gates to the stadium.
Ranma (Waves): Hey guys!
Britanny Sheila: RANMA!
Britanny and Sheila run towards Ranma and pounce him to the ground.
Britanny: Ranma, that was so cool!
Sheila: Yeah, you got so far today!
Gar: Yeah Ranma, you got more than half-way your first day Now you only have to go through three more fights, you can skip the Weaponsmasters I think, and then you would be able to face Master Julia.
Julia (Voice): Did someone mention me?
Everyone's attention turns from Ranma and looks to the side. They see Julia Brigand standing there before them.
Ranma Gar: MASTER JULIA!
Ranma manages to get Britanny and Sheila off his, by placing them to both sides of him. He then gets off the ground and stands next two Gar. Ranma and Gar then start bowing to Julia. Luan and Carla's eyes go wide. They get on their hands and knees and bow low before Julia.
Ranma (Bows): Master Julia, it is so good to see you again!
Gar (Bows): Master Julia!
Carla Luan (Bowing): Julia-sama, Julia-sama, Julia-sama, Julia-sama, Julia-sama, Julia-sama, Julia-sama, Julia-sama, Julia-sama, Julia-sama, Julia-sama
Julia (Blinks): Uh Can you all stop doing that? Ranma, Gar, Carla, and Luan stop bowing. Britanny runs up to her mother and hugs her.
Britanny (Hugs Julia): MOM! I missed you so much!
Julia (Hugs back): I missed you too sweat-heart. Has Ranma been training you as I asked.
Britanny: Oh yes he has! He's also been teaching Sheila too. (Smiles like a cat that ate the mouse). And he's been helping us in all sorts of areas for fighting, especially a lot of endurance training
Sheila (Smiles): Oh yes he has!
Ranma starts blushing a deep crimson. Julia can't help but notice that.
Julia (Thinks): Hmm I wonder why he's blushing (Out loud). Well, I was very impressed with how well you fought today Ranma.
Ranma: Thank you very much Master Julia.
Britanny: Hey mom, how's the family been doing?
Julia: So much has happened since you've been gone. Gina and Brianna were on an expedition a while back. They went to Nevada and found the ruins and tools of an ancient race called the Saurians.
Ranma (Blinks): "Saurians"? What's that? Julia: I don't know much myself. I haven't asked them much about it. From what I can tell, the whole project was a flop, Ace's plane was stolen by some of Gina's rivals, and when they were flying home some woman named "Darkbird" attacked them Oh, and a doctor thought Charlotte was pregnant, but it turns out she just ate too many packages of peanuts whole
Britanny (Blinks): Wow Sounds like quite a bit
Julia: Yes, there's more to tell, but I cannot say it here. I wanted to ask if you all wanted to meet for dinner later tonight. There, we can catch up on what's been going on with each other.
Ranma: I would be honored Master Julia.
Britanny: Sure mom!
Carla Luan (Sparkly-eyed): DO YOU REALLY MEAN THAT!?
Julia: I do.
Carla Luan smile, and start singing and dancing about how they're going to eat with Julia tonight.
Julia (Sweat-drops): What's with them?
Ranma: Master Julia, Luan is the president, and Carla is the vice-president of the Julia Brigand Fan Club. They're your biggest fans.
Julia: Oh Well, I will meet you all later tonight for dinner at the Gemstone Dragon Tavern and Inn. Right now, I have to go back to the stadium and check on a few papers and other documentation to make sure everything's in order.
Britanny: Okay mom, we'll see you later then.
With that, Ranma, Britanny, Sheila, Gar, Thropan, Carla, and Luan begin to walk away. Julia keeps watching until their forms fade away into the distance
Julia: Well, off to work now I'll look over that sigh ups and forms for the fighters, and then check that letter mom had written me I wonder what could be so urgent that she'd write, "Open and read ASAP. Giant Clan Law #356B" on the envelope I mean, I'm already married
Lord help Ranma
It is late Dusk, and the sun has almost completely set. The setting is one of an old cemetery. Hanzo sits on top of a tombstone, while Rook is making what looks like a shoddily built, wooden doorway in the middle of the cemetery. Rook hammers in another nail, and stands back.
Rook: It's done!
Hanzo: And what is THAT?
Rook: Don't you know a Lost-Souls Gate when you see one?
Hanzo: That's a Lost-Souls Gate? Dude, that's not much of a gate. Hells, I could have done a better job building one!
Rook: It may not be much, but one gets one's invincible army of armored ghosts any way one can! And that time is now
Within a few seconds of saying that, the sun completely sets, and the gate begins to glow with a greenish blue light. Rook begins chanting, and his hand glows a dark green color. The gate then changes to match that same green color. Soon, ghosts begin to fly out from the gate, and fly all around the cemetery. Hanzo falls off the tombstone he was sitting on and looks around, bewildered.
Hanzo: WHAT THE F*CK!?
Hanzo's eyes begin to glow red, as well as the magic surrounding his hand. The Lost-
Souls Gate turns red in response to it. Rook then smashes his hand to the ground, and all the souls move into the ground as well. And all is quite for a few moments.
Hanzo: What the nine hells did you do!?
Rook: It's not done yet
With that, the ground begins to shake. Corpses begin to arise from their graves, and float into the air.
Hanzo: ZOMBIES!? Rook: No Something better
With that, a few bodies start to press into each other, making greater forms. Bits if earth, tombstone, and coffin float up from the ground as well and mold into the corpses. Soon, the forms become green-colored and gelatinous in substance and fall to the ground. There are fifty blobs all around the cemetery.
Hanzo: What the heck is that?
Rook: Will you just shut up and let me finish!?
Soon, all the blobs harden, and go from looking gelatinous, to looking almost like green eggs These eggs have the chess symbol of a tower appear on them
Hanzo: The tower symbol?
Rook: Yes Or, to be more precise The symbol of a 'rook'
And like eggs, there's something about to hatch Soon, weapons of all types pop out from these eggs, and from the shatters, stand warriors, clad in black armor, with the symbol of the rook on either their shields, their chest plates, or shoulder guards. They stand tall at nine feet in height and look with glowing red eyes. Then it dawns on Hanzo.
Hanzo: Ghost Knights
Rook: Yes
The Ghost Knights then turn to their creator. They kneel before him.
Ghost Knight #1: What is your wish of us, oh master?
Rook: Well boys; pack up! We're going to hit the town tonight, and find us the Arks!
All the Ghost Knights raise their weapons and cheer. Rook starts walking out of the cemetery and the Ghost Knights march along. Hanzo stands there for a few moments blinking his eyes.
Hanzo: Damn I almost feel sorry for the werecheetah and jagwere Almost
With that, Hanzo then takes off to follow Rook and the small army of Ghost Knights.
End Chapter 39
Next Time: The First day of fighting is done Now, to unwind and try to relax at the local pub However, Rook decides to crash it, which will result in UTTER CHAOS! (I mean, what else do you expect to happen when Ranma's in the room with a bunch of fighters?)
Author's note: Yes! The Tournament is now in action!
And, I would like to share a little information. This chapter and the next two chapters will have authors and fans that are friends of mine in it, as a way to say, "Thanks for all of your support." Here is which characters are who was in this chapter.
Nightwalker = Mike. He is the author of many a Ranma fanfics. Such as "Digidestined of Chaos", "Total Chaos", and "King of Chaos". (Anyone notice a theme in titles forming here?) Anyway, I consider him to be a great friend, and he was the first major fan of my writings.
Ashura Ryu = Ashura Ryu. A man that is the Webmaster of his own fanfiction site, a man that looks for some of the greatest Ranma fanfiction and posts it. A man that made a cover for my fanfic "Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu". Am I grateful? Heck yeah!
Rippen Drakuzz = Rippen Drakuzz. He is the Author of such great Ranma 1/2 fics as "Dark Present, No Regrets", "The Warrior that Returned", "The New Order", and "Life After Battle". This man was the person who inspired me to write fanfiction in the first place. God bless Rippen and all his works!
And you can expect a whole lot more people to appear in the next chapter, I promise you that!
-This is RedPriest17, signing off.
Send your questions and comments to Ryutsurugi
Note: Flames will be read and then used as lining for Charlotte's birdcage./pre