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 41: Tournament of Arms: "Separating the Men from the Boys "
Once again, we see Britanny and Sheila standing outside of a stadium for the Tournament of Arms. As before there are many crowds of people swarming around the outside of the arena, waiting to get in. The only difference is, there are now different banners up, in colors of green, purple, and yellow. All have different languages sown into them, mostly Old English and Elven Tongue. The banners represent the colors of Jade's Armsmaster.
Sheila (Looks around): Hey Brit, any idea what's taking Kitzia so long?
Britanny: (Sits under a tree, looks around): No clue. Maybe we should go inside and get ready to watch the fights.
Sheila: We can't go in yet. Kitzia said she had something special for us, and Gar still isn't here with Luan, Carla, and Thropan yet.
Britanny: What do you mean? I saw Thropan by the main gate.
Sheila: You did?
Britanny: Yeah. He was once again keeping watch and letting people in.
Sheila: Oh Makes sense.
Britanny: Hey Sheila, is it just me, or is Thropan the only person in your Edge Guard group that gets any work done?
Sheila: Hey, when I was a more 'active member' of the group, I did stuff. And I'm sure my brother Gar does stuff too.
Britanny: And what do you mean by, "stuff"?
Sheila: You know, making sure that bandits are locked up, helping people in need during times of crises; basically keeping the peace.
Britanny: Oh.
Brit and Sheila then continue looking around the area. Brit stands up from where she was sitting and points in a direction.
Britanny: There she is Sheila!
Sheila turns to see the weretigress and princess of the Secret Empire of the Sun; Kitzia, trying to move her way through a large group of people, while her four-werelion bodyguards surround her. Kitzia stops walking when she makes it to the two other werecats.
Kitzia: Hello Britanny. Hello Sheila.
Sheila: It's good to see you made it here Kitzia.
Kitzia: Of course I made it! I wouldn't miss this tournament for anything!
Werelion #1: Really? The other day, you were saying that you never wanted to come her again because you were defeated and the warrior never gave you a chance to fight and~WHAM!
Britanny, Sheila, and the three other werelion bodyguards wince in sympathy as Kitzia, who is glaring at him and blushing a bright red, elbows the one-werelion bodyguard that was talking, in the stomach.
Kitzia: WILL YOU KEEP QUIET!?
Britanny: Oooooooh That's gotta hurt
Werelion #1: This hurts more than you can imagine
Kitzia removes her elbow from the werelion's gut. The werelion stands there for a few moments then falls face-first to the ground. All blink in shock.
Kitzia (Wipes hand of 'dust'): That'll teach ya'!
Britanny (Blinks): Are you guys sure she needs bodyguards in the first place?
Sheila: Yeah It looks like she can take care of herself pretty well
Kitzia: Of course I can! But daddy wanted to make sure I was absolutely safe.
Britanny: Okay
Sheila: So, now that you're here, let's go in.
Kitzia: SURE! I want to get my seats!
And so, Britanny, Sheila, Kitzia, and her four bodyguards get in line to enter the stadium.
We see a dark forested area. The trees are so high up, and full of branches that barely any light. There is no sign of life in the entire area except for the vegetation. Then, without warning, a low tremble goes through the area. A small pond of water begins to reverberate with rings on the surface water. Then it happens. A huge explosion from the ground, causing an explosion of dirt, rock, and debris. We see Hanzo and Rook fly p into the air with that explosion, and then fall to the ground. A huge purple colored Wyrm then comes out of the hole.
Hanzo (Looks at the Wyrm): Ugh Thanks for the save
Rook (Burnt, laying on the ground): We didn't need your help!
The Wyrm then gives Rook a cross look. The Wyrm then gets the rest of its snake-like body out of the ground. With that done, the Wyrm glows brightly for a few seconds, and then takes the form of Number Thirty-Eight. Number Thirty-Eight then crosses her arms and glares at Rook.
Number Thirty-Eight: Anything to say; oh Undead Jackass?
Rook then gets back onto his feet and glares right back at Number Thirty-Eight.
Rook: HEY! I am NOT A JACKASS!
Number Thirty-Eight: COULD'VE FOOLED ME!
Rook: WYRM BITCH!
Number Thirty-Eight: UNDEAD FOOL!
Hanzo (Shakes his head): Sigh At least they're not bothering with me.
Number Thirty-Eight (Looks over at Hanzo, ignores Rook): So, did you manage to get any of the Arks?
Rook: HEY! PAY ATTENTION TO ME!
Number Thirty-Eight (Looks back at Rook): Shut up "worm food"
Hanzo: Er No You see we tried But they were actually pretty good against Ghost Knights And there were so many of them So
Number Thirty-Eight (Interrupts): So basically, you didn't manage to get the two Arks that are there for the taking, correct? Hanzo: Pretty much
Number Thirty-Eight (Sighs): Oh well Better tell master what happened
Number Thirty-Eight then pulls her attention away from her hired goons and takes out the small compact mirror out of her pocket again. When she opens it and once again we can see an image of Fauntleroy's head in the mirror.
Fauntleroy-Image (Stares): Ah Number Thirty-Eight How goes the task of getting the Arks?
Number Thirty-Eight: Not so good Master Fauntleroy
Fauntleroy-Image: Oh? What is wrong?
Number Thirty-Eight: Rook and Hanzo were unsuccessful in their attempt to take the Arks from the werecheetah and jagwere.
Fauntleroy-Image (Eyes widen in anger): WHAAAAAAAT!? I TOLD YOU TO USE ANY MEANS NECESSARY, AND YOU STILL FAIL!?
Number Thirty-Eight (Shakes her head): They ran into some problems. Their timing of attack was impeccable
Fauntleroy-Image: What do you mean?
Number Thirty-Eight: They attacked when the twp werecats were within the midst of a majority of fighters from the tournament
Fauntleroy-Image (Slaps his face): ROOK!
Rook (Looks at mirror): Yes boss?
Fauntleroy-Image: HOW COULD YOU THINK TO ATTACK HER WHEN FIGHTERS SURROUNDED HER!?
Rook: Oh, quite simple I wanted to get the Arks and my revenge as soon as possible.
Fauntleroy-Image (Raises an eyebrow): Revenge?
Rook: Yes The werecheetah that has one of the Arks is
Fauntleroy-Image (Interrupts): I know, I know Is the daughter of Armsmaster Julia AND the same werecheetah who humiliated you in front of your men and your former superior
Hanzo: Yeah That was interesting seeing a mad-as-all-nine-hells-werecheetah crash through the ceiling
Rook (Eye twitches): Who asked you!?
Fauntleroy-Image: You are forgetting your task at hand Rook. This is NOT just about your revenge This is about my chance for total rule, my chance to gain back my former glory And remember, you WILL have your chance for vengeance Rook, but NOT UNTIL I GET MY POWER BACK! DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?
Rook: Sigh Yes sir
Fauntleroy-Image: GOOD! Now, Number Thirty-Eight!
Number Thirty-Eight: Yes my liege?
Fauntleroy-Image: I want you, Hanzo, and Rook to keep a close eye on those two werecats for now, stop trying to take the Arks from them for the moment.
Number Thirty-Eight: But sir, why shouldn't we try to take what is yours?
Fauntleroy-Image: Because I have a feeling if they have two Arks, then they know where the third one is And why not have them reveal to us where it is first, before attacking them, and taking back what is mine?
Number Thirty-Eight: Duly noted sir!
Fauntleroy-Image: Good! That is all!
The image of Fauntleroy in the mirror disappears. Number Thirty-Eight sighs slightly, then closes her compact mirror. She glares slightly at her two 'helpers' as she puts the compact mirror back into her pocket. She then turns around fully to face her two lackeys; Rook and Hanzo.
Number Thirty-Eight: All right, you heard Master Fauntleroy!
Hanzo (Nods his head): Yes.
Rook: Yeah, yeah Go and watch the two werecats and wait for them to show us where the third Ark is See you in a bit
Before Number Thirty-Eight can ask what Rook not to leave by his 'usual means', he and Hanzo disappear in a puff of black smoke again.
Number Thirty-Eight: COUGH! COUGH! Sniff I really, REALLY wish he'd stop doing that
We see people filling up the seating are of the stadium. The inside is still 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 time however, there is a twin set of armor at either side of the seat in the balcony.
The strangest sight is there as well The first four rows circling all around the coliseum are empty with the exception of a few seats, which are occupied by Britanny, Sheila, Gar, Thropan, Carla, Luan, Kitzia, and her four bodyguards. Britanny looks down to where Kitzia is sitting and calls to her.
Britanny: Hey Kitzia!
Kitzia: Yes?
Britanny: How did you manage to pay for all these seats!?
Sheila: Yeah. It must have cost a small fortune!
Kitzia (Smiles): It did, but not to worry. I am a princess after all And I know daddy wouldn't mind paying for it.
Britanny (Sweat-drops): That's some daddy.
Kitzia: I know! (Smiles in a cute fashion). I LOVE MY DADDY!
Werelion #1: Sigh When his majesty sees your bill this time Princess Kitzia, he's going to flip!
Kitzia: Oh come on! It's not that bad!
Gar: Quiet! It's starting!
With that, trumpets start playing for a few minutes, as if pronouncing the arrival of someone great, (which they are). One of the gates down in the arena then lifts up, and out of it steps Armsmaster Julia Brigand-Diggers. She wears a tight dark green leather one-piece outfit, triangular-shaped steel shoulder guards that has the tips protrude out and away from spinal alignment, with a symbol of an sword engraved on the left and right shoulder guards, a dense black leather weapons belt with sheathed sword, and dark brown colored boots that reach past he knees, and a dark red cloak with swords printed along the bottom to finish off the ensemble. Everyone in the audience stands and applauds their current Armsmaster.
Julia scans the audience for a bit. She blinks in surprise as she sees Britanny, Gar, Sheila, Thropan, Luan, Carla, and a weretigress and four werelions sitting in the middle of a huge opening of seats.
Julia (Thinks): That's odd I was so sure that there'd be a greater turnout of people
Julia then smiles and waves in the direction of her daughter and her friends. Julia, staying to tradition, 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. 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: We are now into the second day of the Tournament of Arms. The warriors have fought long and hard And now, when we shall see who is the worthiest of fighters; who shall then face off against the Weaponsmasters and then myself, today!
The crowd cheers. Julia stands a few more moments then moves towards the throne set up for her and she sits. Then the same referee from yesterday; with silver hair, slightly red eyes, and wearing 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 then lift up.
Referee: I introduce the champion of the Elf Clan! A practitioner of the Anything Goes Yin Sect and Shoko no Ken Shi Hanna!
Britanny recognizes the Half Elf that enters the arena easily. She is a student of Anything Goes Yin Sect under Master Leep at the same time Britanny and Ranma were. Shi stands at 5'9" in height. She wears green lose pants, tied with orange cord around the ankles and shins, a white Chinese-styled robe, tied at the waist with a brown leather weapons belt, and a dark brown wrap-around hooded cloak with light-green leaf pattern designs. She has short swords to either sides of her. She throws her cloak off to the side to get better movement.
Britanny: Hi Shi!
Shi (Looks at Britanny, smirks): Hey Brit!
Julia looks at the Half Elf with a bit of curiosity
Julia (Thinks): Hmm So, the Half Elf fights today Should be interesting since she is a fighter of the Anything Goes Yin Sect And Shoko no Ken Hmm Been awhile since I've seen anyone use that kickboxing style
Referee: And now, 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 waves to the people in the audience, the people cheering him on.
Britanny (Cheering): YEAH! YOU GO RANCHAN!
Sheila (Cheering): MAKE US PROUD RANCHAN!
Gar (Cheering): SHOW US WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF!
Kitzia (Cheering): SHOW THEM THAT YOU'RE THE GREATEST!
Julia blinks as she hears the weretigress cheering for Ranma. Then she remembers that the weretigress is a princess of some sort, and that she wants to learn from Ranma.
Julia (Mutters): Hmm It seems Ranma attracts werecats to him like a honey does with bees Still, he's going to be my son-in-law, so I'm happy for him
Julia then smiles wickedly, as one dominant thought goes through her head.
Julia (Thinks, smiles): Going to be a grandmother, going to have grandchildren! Going to be a grandmother, going to have grandchildren! Going to be a grandmother, going to have grandchildren
The referee then steps off of the platform, as Ranma and Shi stand at either side of it. The two study each other a bit, taking in strengths and weaknesses.
Ranma: Hey, how've you been doing Shi?
Shi: Pretty good. You?
Ranma: Same. Can't complain much.
Shi: Okay Well, may the best warrior win!
Ranma (Smiles): Agreed.
Referee: Now, rules are simple and are as they were before. 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: Yep!
Shi: Yes.
Referee: Ready BEGIN!
Ranma and Shi take a few moments to study each other as they charge at one another. As the two get closer, they unsheathe their respective weapons. Ranma with his titanium katana and Shi with her pair of short swords. Ranma holds his katana high and brings it down, only to have it blocked by shi, who makes an 'X' formation with her two swords.
Ranma (Struggles to bring his katana down): Hmm Not bad
Shi (Struggles to keep Ranma from bringing katana down): You're Quite good
Ranma: Hey, I beat Master Leep, didn't I?
Shi: True
Then, without warning, Shi does a snap-kick, her knee snapping forward, and hitting Ranma in the chest, sending him sailing backwards for a few feet. Ranma manages to place his feet apart to keep from, falling down as he moves away from Shi. When Ranma stops moving, he sees Shi running towards him.
Ranma: Uh oh
Ranma holds his katana out in a defensive position; ready to try to block or parry whatever attacks that Shi might try. He narrows his eyes, as he recognizes the way she way she holds her sword.
Ranma (Thinks): Underhanded strike then meant to stab forward
Ranma then flashes his katana down, to block the attack. He manages to bloke the first sword strike, however, Shi then takes a slash near his head with her other short sword, which Ranma narrowly avoids.
Ranma (Thinks): CRAP!
Ranma then starts to move back as Shi presses on an offensive strike. Ranma frowns. This just isn't good for him. Ranma doesn't like this, but he know if he wants to get an edge, he's going to have to give a little
Ranma: Okay Time to get serious!
Ranma then stands his ground. He starts moving towards Shi, as she takes strikes at him. Shi manages to get two cuts at Ranma with her short swords.
Britanny Sheila (In audience): RANMA!
Gar (Narrows eyes, in audience): Ah So that's his game
Shi smiles as she managed to hurt Ranma But Now here weapons are in her hands and her arms are extended forward Leaving her totally open
Ranma (Smiles): Got cha'!
Ranma then pulls back his fist and punches Shi in the face, HARD! Shi's weapons go flying into the air as Shi herself goes flying back for a few feet, landing near the edge of the platform. Before she can get up, Ranma has his sword to her neck.
Ranma: Checkmate!
Shi: Damn it
The Referee then walks back to the fighting platform and steps near Ranma and immobilized Shi Hanna.
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 made a sacrifice when necessary, and it worked well for you. Well done.
Shi: Wait! LOOK UP!
Ranma blinks, and then looks up. He sees one of Shi's short swords coming down towards him. Ranma goes to raise his katana up, but the referee throws a chakram at it, and sends it flying off to the side. The chakram moves through the fighting platform, and lands back in the referee's hand.
Ranma (Blinks): Wow That was impressive for a referee
Shi: Yeah
Referee: What do you expect? I am a Silver Dragon after all
Ranma (Wide-eyed): YOU!?
Referee: Yeah. The name's T. Dragon.
Ranma: But You look so human!
T. Dragon: Yeah, well We dragons can take human form
Ranma: Okay
With that, Ranma helps Shi off the ground. Both Ranma and Shi 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
T. Dragon: And now, we shall begin!
Back in the Earth Realm, we see Raphiel and Ryoga walking around as usual
Raphiel: Um Ryoga Where are we now?
Ryoga: What do you mean, "where are we now?"
Raphiel: Well I've been noticing We've been going through a lot of places lately And then they suddenly change
Ryoga: So?
Raphiel: So, how did we go from walking along the "It's a Small World" ride to the inside of a bank vault!?
Ryoga: Yeah That is strange
Raphiel: Ryoga Any idea how much air is inside a bank vault?
Ryoga: No clue I usually end up getting out of them though
With that said, Ryoga walks up to the huge steel door that prevents Raphiel and him from walking out. Ryoga feels the depression of being trapped sweep over him. It gathers in his hands as green ki of depression. He then strikes his hands at the bank vault door.
Ryoga: SHI SHI HOKODAN!
Ryoga's ki blast sends the door of the vault flying off its hinges and into the center of the bank. Everyone hits the floor, afraid for his or her lives.
Bank Teller #1: HELP! WE'RE BEING ROBBED!
Customer #1: DON'T HURT ME!
Bank Teller #2: DON'T HURT US MISTER, PLEASE!
Customer #2: TAKE MY MONEY, BUT DON'T HURT ME!
Ryoga and Raphiel blink as they look around. Apparently, the people think they're trying to rob the bank.
Raphiel: NO, NO! We're not here to rob anything, HONEST! We just got stuck in the vault! Really!
Ryoga: DAMN IT PEOPLE ALWAYS THINK THE WORST! SHI SHI HOKODAN!
Ryoga unleashes another blast, this time at the ceiling, in an effort to get the people to stop screaming. Instead, they panic more, and one of the bank staff members hits the silent alarm.
Ryoga: DAMN IT! STOP SCREAMING!
Raphiel: Please people! We're not here to harm you or anything, really we aren't!
The people continue to scream in utmost terror.
Raphiel: Oh, why won't they believe me?
Ryoga: Because they're idiots! Let's just go.
Raphiel: Okay
Female voice: HOLD!
Ryoga and Raphiel turn around. They see two women. The first is a blonde haired girl, about 5'7" in height, wearing a pink Zorro outfit and handling some sort of weird pole-
arm with a curved steel wedge on the tip. The other is a woman that is at least 9' tall! She is very muscular, about 5' wide, shoulder to shoulder, and she has wild red hair, and some sort of leopard-printed caveman-like outfit.
Ryoga (Blinks): Who are they.
Bank Tellers Customers (Cheering): YAY! IT'S THE PINK AVENGER AND CRUSH! WE'RE SAVED! YAAAAAAAAAAAY!
Raphiel (Blinks): "Pink Avenger and Crush"?
Ryoga: Never heard of them
Pink Avenger then levels her pole-arm at Ryoga and Raphiel and speaks.
Pink Avenger: You two, who would dare destroy the peace of the day for normal people, and would dare to steal money from the bank, I will punish you!
Crush (Smashes fist into her other hand): You got that right! Now everyone, GET OUT OF HERE!
All the bank tellers and customers run out of the bank. Raphiel then walks up to Pink Avenger and Crush and tries to apologize.
Raphiel: Listen, I am very, very sorry. My friend here has a tendency to get lost
Ryoga (Interrupts): I DO NOT!
Raphiel: Well, he gets us lost, and somehow we ended up in that bank vault. Then he did a ki move to free us We are so sorry for any inconvenience.
Crush (Folds her arms): A likely story! What do you think Pink?
Pink Avenger doesn't say anything. She just stares at Raphiel.
Crush: Uh Pink?
Pink Avenger doesn't answer her. Crush starts to get worried, as Pink isn't reacting, and there are two criminals here.
Crush: Answer me, are you okay Pink?
Pink Avenger (Mutters): A werecheetah
Crush: Huh?
Raphiel nods his head in an affirmative fashion; as being a werecheetah, his hearing is slightly enhanced so he could understand her.
Raphiel: Yes I am a werecheetah Or, I think I am Well, I'm pretty sure I am at least How did you know?
Pink Avenger: How is that possible? There was only one left
Raphiel: Only one?
Crush: Uh Pink Shouldn't we be kicking their butts or something?
Pink Avenger: No This is very important There aren't supposed to be any other werecheetahs besides my pal Brit
Raphiel's eyes widen. Could it be possible that this woman in Pink knows Britanny? Raphiel opens his mouth to answer, but he is interrupted
Ryoga: SHI SHI HOKODAN!
Raphiel, Pink Avenger, and Crush turn to see a large green-colored ki blast heading towards them. The three jump out of the way as it hits. Ryoga runs, grabs Raphiel, and then runs again Right back into the vault
Crush: They're getting away!
Pink Avenger: Don't worry; it's the vault! They won't escape.
Pink Avenger and Crush run towards the vault, only to find that Ryoga and Raphiel aren't there. Crush blinks her eyes in surprise.
Crush: Huh? Where'd they go Dani? Pink Avenger: I don't know Barb I don't know
Crush: Well, what should we do now?
Pink Avenger: I can think of two things to do First, check the bank's records to make sure nothing's been stolen
Crush: And then what?
Pink Avenger: We call the Diggers I think they'll want to know about the strong possibility that there's another werecheetah
T. Dragon: And now, we shall begin!
Two gates on either side of the arena open when the gates to then lift up.
T. Dragon: I introduce the champion of the Chaos Wind School! A practitioner of the Chaos Wind Style Ashaton Chaos!
Julia takes notice of the wererat that steps into the arena. He has a bit of an odd appearance for a wererat but he is definitely one. He is 5'7" in height, a lithe frame, light-gray fur, short brown hair, blue eyes, wears a dark blue body suit with black-tinted chest-plate armor and shoulder-guards, and he has a broadsword made of solid emerald strapped to his back.
Julia (Thinks): Hmm A wererat That's interesting I didn't think any of them made it to Jade And Chaos Wind Style? I've never heard of that before
Britanny (Shouting): STUPID WERERAT!
Ashaton (Mutters): Sigh There's that werecheetah again
T. Dragon: And now, I once again 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 once again. He smiles and waves to the people in the audience, the people cheering him on.
Britanny (Cheering): KICK THAT WERERAT'S RANCHAN!
Sheila (Cheering): YOU GO TO IT RANCHAN!
Gar (Cheering): WE HAVE FAITH IN YOU RANMA!
Kitzia (Cheering): GO RANMA-SENSEI!
Julia blinks as she hears the weretigress cheering for Ranma. Then she remembers that the weretigress is a princess of some sort, and that she wants to learn from Ranma.
Julia (Mutters): What? Has Ranma taken the weretigress on as a student as well? Hmm Could be interesting
The referee then steps off of the platform, as Ranma and Ashaton stand at either side of it. The two study each other a bit, taking in strengths and weaknesses.
Ranma: Hey, how've you been doing Ash?
Ashaton: Please call me, "Ashaton", NOT "Ash" .
Ranma: Okay, okay Sorry
Ashaton: No problem Now, shall we fight?
Ranma: Sure
T. Dragon: Now, rules are simple and are as they were before. 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.
Ashaton: Sure thing.
T. Dragon: Ready BEGIN!
Ranma moves to the ready for anything the wererat might do. And Ashaton does indeed try to fight. He un-straps his broadsword and holds it up high.
Ashaton: GONNA KICK YOUR ASS!
With that, Ashaton then starts charging at Ranma at high speeds, his broadsword held out like a lance.
Ranma (Blinks): That could be painful
Wanting to avoid more pain, Ranma then jumps up high in the air and then comes down with his feet aimed for Ashaton's head. Ashaton sees this, and uses his broadsword like a shield to block Ranma's attacks.
Ashaton: Tricky little guy But that WON'T STOP ME!
Ashaton then manages to swing is sword, and sends Ranma flying a few feet away from him. Ranma manages to land on his feet. Ranma then sees Ashaton charging at him once again.
Ranma (Thinks): Damn! How the heck am I suppose to defeat this guy? His weapon gives him a superior reach compared to me .
Ranma's eyes then widen as he realizes something He's up against a LITHE wererat with a HUGE broadsword
Ranma (Smiles, mutters): That's it That sword probably weighs more than him!
Ranma sheathes his sword and starts running towards Ashaton. Ashaton's eyes widen as he sees a weaponless Ranma running towards his sword.
Ashaton (Thinks): IS HE TRYING TO GET HIMSELF KILLED!
Ranma then does what he did to Britanny that one time. He dives towards Ashaton's legs, however, Ranma doesn't grab them, but just allows the momentum of his 'pounce' to send him past Ashaton; literally knocking Ashaton off his feet.
Ashaton: CRAP!
Ashaton falls face first, as the weight of his broadsword brings him down onto the ground. Ashaton tries to get up, but he feels Ranma's katana at the back of his neck.
Ranma (Holds sword to Ashaton's back): Checkmate!
Ashaton: Damn it! I LOST!
T. Dragon then walks back to the fighting platform and steps near Ranma and immobilized Ashaton.
T. Dragon: Ranma Saotome WINS!
Once again the crowds break out into cheering for the pig-tailed martial artist.
Britanny (Cheering): YOU'RE THE BEST RANCHAN!
Sheila (Cheering): KEEP GOING RANCHAN! YOU CAN DO IT!
Julia (Thinks, applauds): Ah I see you're learning Ranma You recognized a former weakness of yours and used it to your advantage. Very nice
With that, Ranma helps Ashaton off the ground. Ashaton puts his broadsword back onto his back and Ranma resheathes his katana. Both Ranma and Ashaton 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
T. Dragon: And now, we shall begin!
Some time passes, as more fights have happened Finally, it is down to the last two fighters Or, in this case Three
T. Dragon: And now, we shall begin the semi-final! The winner of this round will then go onto the Finals tomorrow!
Two gates on either side of the arena open when the gates then lift up.
T. Dragon: I introduce the champions of Mako Dale! The practitioners of the Symbiar Style Zel Hroth and his wife, Di Hroth!
Julia's eyes widen as she sees Zel walk into the arena with his wife Di strapped with her front onto his back The couple that fights as Symbiar Zel is a giant, about 10 ft in height with short black hair and dark blue eyes. He wears a green loincloth, green and gold anklets, and a gold circlet with a green gem on his head. Di is a small woman, only 5'5" with short blonde hair, light blue eyes, a green one-piece outfit, and some plain cloth tied around her ankles. She carries a long-sword that is 6' in length with an emerald in the hilt.
And, to top it off, Zel and Di Hroth are connected by a series of dense brown leather straps that are connected so that Zel's arms are crossed in front of him with Di's legs folded atop those arms. However, you cannot see Zel's arms and Di's legs through the straps, that's how dense they are.
Julia (Thinks): Hmm A Symbiar is two warriors that fight using one another's arms or legs in favor of their own. A pretty rare fighting style The advantages for a Symbiar pair that mastered the training are tremendous! One concentrates on balance and speed, while the other only has to concentrate on sword use. So they completely master their specialty beyond a balance, since the other fighter helps make the balance by mastering another part of what makes a balanced fighter Overall, Ranma is going to have some problems
T. Dragon: And now, I once again 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 once again. He smiles and waves to the people in the audience, the people cheering him on.
Britanny (Cheering): COME ON RANCHAN, YOU CAN DO IT!
Sheila (Cheering): GO TO IT RANCHAN! THEY'RE THE LAST ONES!
Gar (Cheering): GO AND WIN RANMA!
Kitzia (Cheering): GO FOR THE WIN RANMA-SENSEI!
Carla: YOU CAN DO IT RANMA!
Luan: SHOW THEM YOU'RE GREAT!
The referee then steps off of the platform, as Ranma and Zel and Di stand at either side of it. The three study each other a bit, taking in strengths and weaknesses.
Ranma: Hey, isn't holding your wife on your back difficult after awhile?
Zel: Not too bad
Di: We have trained for this
Ranma: Okay That makes sense
Di: Now You going to give us a challenge, or are my husband and I going to easily smash you into the ground?
Ranma: Sorry I won't go down easily.
Di (Smiles): Good
T. Dragon: Now, rules are simple and are as they were before. 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!
Zel: Yes I do.
Di: Yes.
T. Dragon: Okay Ready BEGIN!
As soon as T. Dragon give them the go, the whole arena turns into a pseudo-storm as there's a blur of light reflecting off metal and loud crashing sounds as swords collide.
Julia (Blinks): Very impressive.
Sheila (Blinks): What's going on!?
Gar: I can't follow it
Kitzia: I hope Ranma-sensei is all right
Britanny (Eyes follow action): He seems to be
Carla: You can actually follow that? Britanny (Eyes follow action): Yes I am a werecheetah, and speed is in my domain after all!
Luan: Well, what's happening?
Britanny (Eyes follow action): Hmm Basically, this husband and wife duo is giving Ranchan a run for his money
Sheila: What?
Britanny (Eyes follow action): Yeah With Di using a long-sword, and Zel concentrating on the speed and strength of the kicks, Ranchan is taking a fair share of damage
Sheila: Poor Ranma .
Back on the battlefield, deep down, Ranma is really impressed.
Ranma (Thinks, parries, blocks, and tries to attack): It must take a great understanding to be able to fight like that There's only thing I have in my corner And that is I can depend on his own body, not another If I can manage to get rid of Di's long-sword
Following that line of thought, Ranma runs into the range of attack of Di's sword.
Zel (Thinks): What's he doing!?
Di (Poises sword to strike): I GOT HIM!
Ranma then holds his sword up, to block Di's sword. Ranma then puts all his strength into pushing upwards on his blade and he manages an incredible technique of balance, and grace, when he jumps up into the air and manages to get rid of the long-sword, knocking it out of Di's hands Which, since the straps they use have her positioned behind her husband's body She can't really reach him with punches, so they can only depend on Zel's kicks
Di: Zel! GET HIM!
Zel: Right!
Ranma lands and sees Zel running towards him. Zel is pretty fast with the quick kicks he manages to attack with But the kicks aren't much good since Ranma is one slippery guy, and a lot faster than Zel is. After managing to hit Zel a number of times with punches and kicks, Ranma manages to take down the Hroths, as Zell falls backwards, pinning his wife under him.
Di (Struggling with Zel atop her): DAMN IT!
T. Dragon then walks back to the fighting platform and steps near Ranma and immobilized Di, and unconscious Zel.
T. Dragon: Ranma Saotome WINS!
Once again the crowds break out into cheering for the pig-tailed martial artist.
Britanny (Cheering): YOU DID IT RANCHAN!
Sheila (Cheering): YEAH! YOU'RE GOING TO THE FINALS!
Julia (Thinks, applauds): Wonderful! Excellent! You've succeeded in reaching my expectations of you
With that, a few men come and take Di and Zel. Ranma resheathes his katana and bows towards Julia to show his gratitude in being allowed to fight and move back towards his gates However, Julia stands and calls out.
Julia: RANMA!
Ranma stops and turns around to look at Julia.
Ranma: Yes Armsmaster Julia? Julia: Ranma! I expect you here tomorrow morning, the break of dawn! The Finals shall begin then! You will go through your 'test' and then if you've passed, we shall fight!
Ranma (Smiles): Don't worry! I'm ready for it!
Julia (Smiles): Good
We see Prince Herb standing atop a cliff outside of the Amazon Village. He thinks about what Cologne asked of him
Herb (Thinks): I do indeed owe the Amazons a life-debt now They saved me from certain death Yet Can I do this? Can I really bring myself to fight Ranma?
Herb sighs He has come to think of Ranma as a legend-in-the-making, even as a possible ally Ranma saved his life when he didn't have to
Herb: I don't want to do this I should be helping my people first But I cannot go against the Amazons They are 'cashing in' their life-debt I must fulfill that first
Ranma then looks at the sun, which is beginning to set. He closes his eyes and speaks softly
Herb: Ranma Wherever you are I have to find you I have to find you and bring you back to the Amazons! I'm sorry
And thus, Herb walks off with a paper in his hand; a paper that holds the information the Amazons gave him about Ranma's last known location
The Diggers Mansion in Decatur, Atlanta, Georgia
As Herb walks, we see a bunch of Amazon warriors begin to follow him as well And of these warriors, Cologne and Shampoo are included
Herb (To Cologne): Are all these warriors necessary? You will need them to fight for your village.
Cologne: Do not worry Ranma is more of a threat than that dragon is And he will be able to save us
Herb: What makes you think he'll help?
Cologne: He will Either he'll help us out of the "goodness of his heart", or
Herb (Raises an eyebrow): Or what?
Cologne: Or we shall bring him here by FORCE!
And, so the Amazon Warriors, and Prince of the Musk continue walking, making their way towards the direction of the ocean
Cologne (Thinks, walks): Soon Very soon Son-in-law shall be part of the tribe He is a very valuable asset One I cannot let go of
From a ledge higher-up on the mountain, above the area where the Amazons and Herb are walking, we see a VERY familiar glasses and robes wearing fighter
Mousse: Curse you Ranma Saotome Shampoo should have given up on you by now! We don't need you! We never needed you! And I shall prove it to them
Mousse holds up his hand The sleeve droops, revealing mousse holds six swords in one hand; the rest of the arm is covered in chains
Mousse: And I shall prove it to them by getting rid of you! Then Shampoo will be mine!
End Chapter 41
Next Time: The Second day of fighting begins! More fights! YAY!
Author's note: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! NOW FOR THE MAIN EVENT! RANMA SAOTOME VS JULIA BRIGAND-DIGGERS! Will Ranma be able to face off against his former teacher, or is he going to be left in the dust? It's Ranma's toughest battle to date! Be there!
And, I would like to share a little information. This chapter and the next chapter 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.
Kitzia 'Mussette' Felinia = Kitty. She's a good fan of "Broken Hearts Combined", a lover of cats, and a member of a Gold Digger RP group. She deserved a spot in this.
Shi Hanna = Cory D. Rose. He is fellow author, whom I like to consider a good friend. He's the writer of the "Uncles" idea proposed by Nighthawk sometime ago, the Ranma and Sailor Moon fic, "Replacement", and another great Ranma and Gold Digger fic, which is a personal favorite of mine, "Golden Opportunity".
T. Dragon = Ben. A great fan of Broken Hearts Combined, a man well versed in mythology, and a pretty darn good friend.
Ashaton Chaos = Teamrocket251. A great fan of Broken Hearts Combined, and a great person to RP Gold Digger and Ranma stories. Guy acts as a good source of inspiration from time to time.
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!
-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