Legal: The characters of Ranma ½ were created by the great Rumiko Takahashi.
I am using them without permission, hopefully for the purpose of entertaining someone. If anyone who has a right to sue me has that desire, I have almost no money.
C&C is appreciated, you can contact me at brendan@wiltonnewyork.com. And if you want to see the earlier parts of this and my other stories, you can find them at http://www.wiltonnewyork.com/Brendan
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Ranma Saotome: Master of the Mystic Arts
By Brendan O'Donnell
Chapter 4
A ragged figure shrouded in a brown cloak stood by the wall surrounding Furinkan High School. He looked at the name, then pivoted and sat, resting against the wall. "I wonder if I'll ever find him?" He closed his eyes.
From inside behind the walls came the cry, "Ranma!"
His eyes snapped open as he shot to his feet, pivoted and jumped over the wall, throwing his cloak aside as he leaped.
"Your foul magics shall not hold me back this time sorcerer!" Kuno proclaimed as he strode forward, garlic bulbs draped around his neck and strung along his arms and legs. "Today I shall vanquish you and rescue. . ." His speech ended as Ranma stepped through his defenses and kicked him in the head. "That didn't hurt," Kuno commented before falling back unconscious.
"Idiot," Ranma commented as he turned and walked away from the Kendoist. A shadow fell across him, and every sense screamed danger. Looking up he saw a figure outlined against the sun, a large Chinese style umbrella raised over his head.
"Ranma Saotome, prepare to die!" The figure screamed as he dropped to earth, smashing the umbrella into the spot Ranma had jumped away from. The force of the blow tore a crater into the earth out to ten feet from the umbrella strike. "Heh, it's been a while, but you're as good at dodging as I remember."
Ranma looked. His challenger was about the same age as him, similar height though with a somewhat broader frame. He was wearing a yellow and brown outfit, a large dusty backpack and a yellow and black headband. Ranma looked at him. He raised his hand to stroke his chin. "HMM."
"What, do you actually have the gall to pretend you don't remember me?!"
"Just a second, I know I didn't meet you in Tibet, and I've really had a lot on my mind." Ranma responded. He raised his hand, touching two fingers to his forehead, and began gathering his magic energy.
"A whim, a thought, and more is sought
Awake my mind..."
With a snarl his opponent strode forward a pace and screamed, "Just tell me why you didn't show for our fight!"
Ranma halted his chant and let the magic dissipate. "Of course, Ryouga Hibiki!" he proclaimed, tapping the side of his fist into his palm. "I haven't seen you since Dad pulled me out of St. Jude's. How've you been?"
Ryouga blinked at the sight of Ranma's suddenly cheerful face, then bared his fangs in a snarl. "Because of you I've seen hell!" With a snap of his wrist he opened his red umbrella and tossed it at Ranma.
Ranma casually leaned out of the way of the projectile, then leaned to the other side as it reversed direction and flew past him to Ryouga's waiting hand. "What did I do to you?"
"Have you forgotten how you ran from our last duel like the coward you are?!"
The left side of Ranma's face twitched. "I stood there waiting for three days!"
"But when I arrived on the fourth day you had fled to China!"
Ranma shook his head. "This all happened over a year and a half ago. Besides our duel was in that vacant lot 100 feet down the street from your house."
"Honor doesn't have time limits! I'm going to follow you to the ends of the earth and destroy your every happiness, even if it takes the rest of my life!"
Ranma shifted his eyes to look behind his opponent. From the ground had risen an astral form resembling a man shrouded from head to toe, except for the eyes. The white on white eyes could never have belonged on any human face. Another flew down from the sky and the two looked at each other before flying away in opposing directions.
"Don't you dare ignore me!" Ryouga screamed, raising his umbrella to charge at Ranma.
Ranma's focus snapped back to Ryouga, and he raised his hands and deepened his stance. The perfect posture to take an attack like Ryouga's.
Ryouga drew back his right arm, tightening his grip on his umbrella.
Ranma suddenly moved forward, just to the left of Ryouga's path.
Snarling Ryouga twisted his upper body as he slowed his advance. Ranma's suddenly extended leg tapped his own, knocking him to the ground in a rolling sprawl.
Ryouga threw himself off the ground and dropped into a defensive stance of his own. He scowled as he saw Ranma glancing at the sky. "I'm not going to let you get away with it!"
Ryouga jumped into a flying kick, which Ranma pivoted to avoid. Ryouga turned as he landed and lashed out with a fast umbrella slash that Ranma ducked under. Ryouga advanced, alternating kicks and punches. Ranma avoided them while backing away. Ryouga smiled as he saw the school building loom just behind Ranma. With a scream he sped his advance, striking with his umbrella.
Ranma suddenly dropped, and with a low kick and simultaneous rising punch threw Ryouga through the window into the classroom behind him.
Ryouga came to his feet and charged forward, jumping through the windows before him. He looked for Ranma, but saw only the school hallway. "Damn!" he proclaimed as he began running down the corridor. "I'm not letting it end like this! I'm going to find my way out of here and finish it Ranma!"
Ranma looked into the broken school window and waited, listening to the fading crashing sounds. "So much for that," He commented, shrugging his shoulders and turning away from the school building.
Akane walked up to him. "Ranma, who was that? I can't believe he'd just decide to leave like that."
"He got lost. He has the worst sense of direction of anyone I know." He glanced at the sky with a pensive frown. "I gotta go." One running jump and he bounced off the top of the school wall and began to leap from rooftop to rooftop.
Akane scowled. "What is wrong with him?" Out of the corner of her eye she saw something moving by her. Pivoting her head she looked. For an instant she thought there was a transparent ninja floating next to her, but it was gone as she focused on it. "What's wrong with me?" she said, shaking her head momentarily.
Two of the spectral forms floated around him, gazing, then they turned and floated away. "Not looking for me it seems," Ranma commented as he strengthened his levitation and looked more carefully. "But they're definitely looking for someone. And someone with magic considering how they reacted to my levitation spell." He considered the motions of the wraiths a moment, then floated to the street.
"If I'm right . . ." Ranma began to run through the street.
An hour later, Ranma paused and looked at a tall gaijin in a blue suit. The figure shifted his hat and ducked into an alleyway. Ranma followed his gaze and spotted a pair of the searching wraiths. *Yes, looks like we both read that search pattern the same way.* A quick sprint brought him into the alley behind the mysterious foreigner, who was staring down a group of five ragged looking locals.
One of the toughs started casually spinning a chain, another dramatically unfolded a butterfly knife. Ranma felt the echoes of power that went with the beginning of channeling the power of an artifact beneath the stranger's coat. He stepped past him and raised a hand. "Allow me."
The knife-wielding tough stepped forward gesturing with his weapon. "You'd better stay out of this if you don't want to get hurt."
Ranma looked at him. His eyes drifted to the rest of the gang, casually appraising each. He took a step forward, his hand shot out in a palm strike to the knife wielders chest, throwing him into the back of the alley. He jumped a short distance further, pivoting at the end to smash the chain wielder and another thug into the wall with a single circular kick. He paused to clench his fists and look at the remaining would be attackers. They turned and ran.
Ranma nodded his head and turned to look at the man he had saved. He blinked as he looked. "Dr. Strange?"
"Yes, Ranma was it not?"
"Ranma Saotome. Why are you in Tokyo, what are those . . ."
"They are the servants of Baron Mordo. A few hours ago he attacked the Ancient One and me, and the Ancient One is still recovering. Somehow Mordo has gained incredible powers, and unless I can find a way to defeat him, he could well succeed in usurping the position of Sorcerer Supreme." He tugged down the rim of his hat and hunched over as a wraith passed through the walls over them. "Come." He gestured and started down the alley, Ranma followed, remembering his first meeting with Dr. Strange.
Flashback:
Ranma sat in a classic Lotus position before the Ancient Ones throne. Raising his hands before his body he closed his eyes and centered his breathing. He could feel the magic flowing around him and through him, feel it flowing to fill the patterns formed through his own will.
"Do not loose your concentration." The Ancient One said quietly.
Ranma let the comment pass over his mind. He let everything fade except for himself and the magic. He opened his eyes and rose a foot into the air with a thought.
Suddenly there was a surge of Magic between him and the throne, a storm erupting from a hole torn open in Astral Space.
As Ranma landed on the cushion and fell onto his side, an astral form emerged from the rift. It was the size of his father's Panda body, and covered entirely by an ornate looking armor.*
ANCIENT ONE, I AM THE MESSANGER OF THE DREAD DORMAMMU. DORMAMU SHALL SOON ENTER THIS WORLD AND CLAIM IT AS HIS OWN.
Ranma pulled himself to his feet, and circled the astral form contemplating what he had been told about such beings.
"Sit and continue your lesson Ranma."
Ranma dropped his hands and stared at the throne. "But Ancient One?"
"This is a messenger. He offers no threat beyond the calamity of his message. And it is a calamity far beyond the scope of your understanding and ability; all you can do is continue to train while summon one who can accomplish this task." The Ancient One closed his eyes and raised his hands concentrating.
Ranma looked at the Ancient One. For a second his focus was lost and there was only an old looking man before him. Then he restored his concentration and opened his perceptions beyond once again.
Power swirled around the Ancient one rising like a storm. He gathered this power, then raising his hand released it, casually weaving the strands into a pattern of fantastic complexity. A twisting circle rose in the air, and from it fell a man, his long dark blue cloak unfurled behind him.
He was taller than Ranma's father and slimmer, with a full head of black hair, streaked with pure white at the sides. His eyes instantly sought the Ancient One's throne. "I knew it!
"But why did you summon me . . ." Turning his head he looked at the astral messenger. "What is this?"
"A messenger. From by the Dread Dormammu!"
"Dormammu! The most powerful of the dwellers of the realms of darkness! What does he . . ." the stranger's eyes shifted to focus on Ranma.
Ranma blinked a moment, then bowed slightly. "Ranma Saotome. You must be Stephan Strange."
"I am. I wish there was time to say more."
"I fear there is not." The Ancient One said, breathing a quiet sigh resonating with all his long years. "The Dread Dormammu threatens to leave the Dark Realm and enter our world. But this must not be!
"His powers are to great! His ways are to alien! Yet I am too aged, too weary to stop him."
"Say no more Master! I will confront the Dread Dormammu!"
"Remember my son, he is like no foe you have ever fought before! It is truly said that in all the universe there is none so to compare to the Dread Dormammu! Even I at the height of my power was unable to defeat him! If you should fail, there can be no help for you."
"There is too much at stake! I dare not fail!"
The Ancient One looked at Stephan Strange and smiled slightly. "So be it then." He raised his hand and gathered his energy once again.
"By the Shades of the Seraphim
In the name of the All Seeing Agamotto
I dispatch thee to the Domain of the Dread Dormammu!"
End Flashback.
*And we didn't have that much time to talk after he made it back. Why am I even here? If he can't beat Mordo I can't possibly be strong enough to do anything about it. Not yet. Still, there has to be something other than strength I can offer. Some way . . .* "Strange."
"You have an idea?"
"Maybe, Teleportation's beyond me and too draining and conspicuous for you, but can you control a sub-pocket rift?"
Dr. Strange raised an eyebrow. "Interesting, with the Eye of Agamotto I can indeed, but such rifts are not easy to bring forth."
"Not normally, but a resonance between Ragadore and my curse . . ."
"Could kill you if you make one mistake. I can avoid the wraiths and reach America on an airplane."
"You can't be sure of that. This is faster and you have to finish this! We've both sworn the same oaths. To this world and all who live on her."
Dr Strange looked at Ranma for a moment, then sighed. "Very well. I cannot refuse your offer."
"Good. I'll need a few things at my sanctum, then. . . Hmm, there's a vacant lot I can see from the roof, you can wait there and that's where I'll project the rift."
"Just give me the directions." Dr. Strange responded.
Ranma pulled a scroll from its alcove, and opened it, looking at the contents. "Thrrstrmh, wxytzz, yes." Turning to another shelf he opened a box and pulled out a large amethyst gemstone. "This should work as a focus." Turning his head, he walked to one blank wall and rested his hand against it a moment. Then he pushed and a section of the wall split and swung open. He stepped through onto the roof of the Tendo House.
Dr. Strange leaned against the wall on the street just outside the vacant lot Ranma had directed him to. He carefully kept his aura hidden as two wraiths met four feet above the street in front of him. The wraiths heads suddenly snapped to look down the street, drawn by the power Ranma was invoking. The pair turned to fly to the disturbance they felt. Dr. Strange turned to walk into the lot, deliberately ignoring the wraiths that were suddenly flying over his head on their way toward Ranma.
"...By the Rings of Ragadore!" Ranma was floating a foot above the Tendo Roof, the amethyst gemstone floating before him, it's pale facets glowing with the power it was now the focus of.
Ranma extended both arms straight to the sides.
"Thrrstrmh!"
He shifted his hands so that the thumb touched the middle two fingers leaving the outer pair outstretched.
"Dyvryha!" Winds began to rise around him, stirring his hair.
"Nyanichuan!"
Ranma's body suddenly shrank, flowing into the female form it had first assumed almost a year ago.
"Wxytzz!"
Energy began to crackle in an aura surrounding her, a mix of red and blue arcing about her body. The gem also began to glow brighter, small motes of purple and black surrounding it.
"Jusenkyo!" Ranma swung her arms to the front. The red and blue power around Ranma began to gather between her now open palms, arcing toward the gem who's aura was beginning to move toward Ranma's own Aura.
"AAAAAAAHHH!!" Ranma unleashed her gathered aura at the gem. The gem's aura contracted as the red and blue began to wrap it, then the power burst forth in every shade of purple. From this storm of colors shot a beam of energy, red blue and purple braided together. The beam struck in the center of the vacant lot. For a moment the colors arced around the impact site, then everything was drawn back to that point. Streaks of white and black crackled around the spot, then reality cracked.
Dr. Strange looked at the power swirling in the center of the vacant lot, a maelstrom of color sinking to a single point and streaming from that point at once. Then the swirling power suddenly imploded, Ragged streaks of gray and rainbow cracking in the space where the vortex had raged. *There* He gathered his power and opened the Eye of Agamatto which hung around his neck.
All the wraiths in the area had swarmed around the Tendo Dojo, looking at Ranma feeling her magic, deciding that she wasn't their quarry. Then as one they stiffened and pivoted toward the lot. Like a swarm they flew toward the light of Dr. Strange's amulet.
The light from his amulet struck into the rift squarely. With a motion of his hands and a precise shifting of mystical energy, Dr. Strange transformed the center of the rift into a portal to his destination. He jumped. Beneath his jacket, the folded Cloak of Levitation accelerated him through the portal like a bullet.
Ranma saw Dr. Strange leave seconds before the wraiths arrived. "Yes!" She quietly proclaimed in a ragged voice.
The wraiths circled around the vacant lot where their true quarry had stood moments ago. Unsure of what to do they contacted their master.
Ranma levitated the crystal into her hands. Every facet of the gemstone was covered with cracks. As it touched her hand it crumbled into a pile of dust. "So much for that."
Her danger sense screamed a warning. Responding she looked at the wraiths milling about the empty lot. Suddenly they turned, gazing at her with their inhuman eyes. As one they rose and flew at her. "Uh Oh." *Damn there's no way I can handle so many right after opening that rift! There has to be something. . .* Her eyes drifted to the seven shaded dusts in her hands.
"By Hogoths hand all white with hoar
Another power I summon forth"
With a quick gesture, Ranma released the gem dust in her hands, and spread her arms to the sides.
"In this my hour of rising need
I craft the Rings of Ragadore!"
The sparkling cloud of dust began to swirl around Ranma, the seven shades of dust coalescing. Ranma shifted her hands once again, her thumbs touching the two middle fingers, her outer fingers outspread. Before both hands two spirals of dust glowed, bringing forth an indigo ring before her right hand and a midnight black ring before her left.
Ranma moved her arms, the small rings remaining before them, then she gestured toward the onrushing wraiths. The rest of the dust coalesced into five irregular rings orbiting her form. "Haa!" Two of the rings surrounding her lined up before the black ring, the three forming a cone. A distortion formed within the cone and moved at the incoming wraiths. The six leading the group were knocked back. The wraiths paused a moment, then began circling Ranma.
*Ok, I have a weapon, but it's not strong enough to do more than slow them.* The wraiths circled her, coming closer with every pass. She gestured and the circling rings expanded, knocking back three wraiths that had advanced to arms length. Suddenly the wraiths floated back away from her, coming to a halt in a wide semicircle.
*Uh-Oh* Ranma thought as she looked at the Astral form now floating leisurely toward him. This was the projection of a human sorcerer. A human sorcerer who's incredible power Ranma could easily sense. He was a few inches shorter than Dr. Strange had been, and a little older looking, the lines in his face offsetting the pure black of his cleanly trimmed beard.
"I am Baron Mordo. You have aided my enemy. But if you tell me where he has gone I will be merciful and leave you in peace."
Ranma looked over her opponent. Options began circulating through her mind. "I only opened the rift, I didn't ask where he was going to shift it too."
Her adversary's face hardened. "You need to learn how to properly address your betters."
"I didn't call you a senile old lard-belly did I?"
With a scowl the sorcerer extended a hand, and casually launched a Bolt of Bedevilment at Ranma.
Using two rings to focus a shield, Ranma dodged as fast as she could. The bolt punched through the shield, clipping her left arm. She glanced down at the blood that was slowly seeping from the shallow gash just below her shoulder. *Not good.*
"You have delayed the Fourth Baron of Mordo for long enough." He floated in toward Ranma.
Ranma gathered her strength, then when Mordo was a foot beyond arms length, Ranma gestured. The seven rings came together, and resonated with power Ranma fed to them. A second later they surged at Baron Mordo like a wall.
Mordo floated on unconcerned and let the wall shatter against his personal defenses. Then he frowned as he saw a dozen Ranma's flying away from him in different directions. He raised his right hand.
*Let this work, let this work . . .* Ranma thought as she speed away with as much speed as she could muster. Then a mystic binding snapped into place on all four limbs, pulling her to a stop.
"Well played child." Mordo commented as he pivoted Ranma in midair. "But ultimately futile. Now are you prepared to give up your folly? Or must I take what I want by force."
"I'll bet your used to that considering what an ugly face you have attached to that flabby body AAAAARRRRRRRRR!!!" Ranma was cut of as dark power began to circulate from the bonds, awakening every pain receptor in her body.
"You will tell me where Stephan Strange is."
"D-drop d-dead!"
Mordo paused, and glanced slightly aside.
Ranma suddenly felt something, like she was in the presence of a power beyond any of her dreams.
Mordo looked Ranma in the eyes, then brought up his spectral hands to grasp the sides of her head.
"GGRRRRRHHHHH!!!!" Ranma screamed as she felt a thousand ice cold needles stab into her mind. Deeper and deeper they dug, tearing from memory to memory. Suddenly they withdrew. Ranma let her head slump foreword because she couldn't focus the will or strength to prevent it. She saw Mordo scowling before her as though through a fog. His voice echoed into her ears.
"Waste my time like this." Mordo raised a hand, power dancing across his fingers. He paused, then made a dismissive gesture, dissolving the restraining force holding Ranma in the air.
Ranma began to tumble. She saw the ground slowly moving up at her, felt the wind grasp at her with ever increasing strength. *Very High,* She thought, trying to force aside the numbness gripping her mind. Concentrating she channeled what little magic she could to slow her descent. A moment later she realized that she was actually falling faster from her efforts. *Mordo. Damn.* The ground was close and moving toward her at an incredible pace. Focusing her Chi as she had learned since she was five, Ranma braced herself for the impact. *This'll hurt.*
She was right.
Spikes of red agony shot through her eyes as Ranma forced them open. She gazed up at the multicolored ceiling, then as her vision cleared, she realized that it was actually white. Ignoring the protests of her neck, she raised her head enough to glance down at her sheet covered body.
"Ranma?"
Turning her eyes to follow the voice, Ranma looked at its source. "Akane, Where am I?" She tried to force herself into a siting position, then gave up and let herself lie down.
"Don't try to move. This clinic belongs to Kasumi's boyfriend." She sighed.
"Boyfriend?"
"Well their practically engaged; when Dr. Tofu works up the nerve to ask Dad it'll definitely become official." Akane looked down at her lap. "I mean he was so in love with her that till a few months ago he went nuts anytime he saw her. And of course then he calmed down enough to actually ask her on a date, and now he doesn't go nuts as often, just when she holds his hand, or . . ."
"Akane,"
She looked at Ranma.
"You like him don't you."
Akane looked at Ranma, then looked down, griping her skirt. "I don't know. You know, Kuno cast that spell a week or two after Tofu and Kasumi started going out, and I've been too busy being mad about that to think of them.
"Except when I see Kasumi going out and I know she's going on a date with Dr. Tofu; or now that I don't have the distractions."
"I know a few things you might find distracting, if that'll help."
"Wait. There's something you need to know. When I brought you in, I told Dr. Tofu about your curse, after all it might have had an effect on his treatment of you since you could sometimes change shape. . ."
"You poured hot water on me and nothing happened, right?"
"How did you know?"
"I tapped the curse's magic to work a spell. Jusenkyo's extremely resilient, but it'll be a little out of whack for a time. Do you have any string?"
"Well, just a second." She rose to her feet. "I know where Dr. Tofu keeps some."
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you Ranma," said a tall man in a brown Gi. He smiled cheerfully at Ranma.
Ranma glanced up from her examination of the tightly wrapped bandage and splint immobilizing her left leg. "You must be Dr. Tofu. It's nice to meet you."
"Here's your string, Oh, Dr. Tofu!" Akane glanced at the small ball of twine in her hand. "Oh, Ranma needed some string for something, I assumed you'd let him have some if he asked. . ."
"Of course Akane, anything for your new Fiancee!"
"We're not, I mean Dad. . ."
"Don't worry, Kasumi told me about it. I've heard about sorcery but I thought everything was exaggeration."
"Really," Ranma commented as he snapped a small length of string off the spool. He griped one end with both hands, then separated his hands, pulling the entire length of string taught between them. Then he brought his hands together, concentrated a moment and released, holding an unbroken circle of string with two fingers.
"Oh yes, one of my instructors in college was good friends with an American doctor who became fairly well known as a sorcerer.
Ranma paused and glanced at Dr. Tofu. "A doctor."
"Oh yes, Sensei said he was the greatest neurosurgeon who ever lived until an accident left him unable to operate. Then four years ago he simply appeared in New York, claiming to have magical powers."
*Ok, he's heard of Dr. Strange. Something to ponder later.* Ranma quickly doubled began looping the string on her fingers. Working by feel she formed a fast cats cradle. With a frown she altered the weave, and considered the threads.
"Ranma?"
She glanced at Akane. "Oh, it looks like I'll be stuck as a girl for about three days." Shaking her head she sighed.
"Well you seem to be taking it very well." Dr. Tofu commented.
Ranma glanced at him. "It's hard to stay mad about anything for a whole year. Besides I've studied this curse for a while so I'm real familiar with just how much it resists being changed." She scowled. "If I didn't know how hard it would be to lock me as a girl I'd be a lot less calm."
I am using them without permission, hopefully for the purpose of entertaining someone. If anyone who has a right to sue me has that desire, I have almost no money.
C&C is appreciated, you can contact me at brendan@wiltonnewyork.com. And if you want to see the earlier parts of this and my other stories, you can find them at http://www.wiltonnewyork.com/Brendan
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Ranma Saotome: Master of the Mystic Arts
By Brendan O'Donnell
Chapter 4
A ragged figure shrouded in a brown cloak stood by the wall surrounding Furinkan High School. He looked at the name, then pivoted and sat, resting against the wall. "I wonder if I'll ever find him?" He closed his eyes.
From inside behind the walls came the cry, "Ranma!"
His eyes snapped open as he shot to his feet, pivoted and jumped over the wall, throwing his cloak aside as he leaped.
"Your foul magics shall not hold me back this time sorcerer!" Kuno proclaimed as he strode forward, garlic bulbs draped around his neck and strung along his arms and legs. "Today I shall vanquish you and rescue. . ." His speech ended as Ranma stepped through his defenses and kicked him in the head. "That didn't hurt," Kuno commented before falling back unconscious.
"Idiot," Ranma commented as he turned and walked away from the Kendoist. A shadow fell across him, and every sense screamed danger. Looking up he saw a figure outlined against the sun, a large Chinese style umbrella raised over his head.
"Ranma Saotome, prepare to die!" The figure screamed as he dropped to earth, smashing the umbrella into the spot Ranma had jumped away from. The force of the blow tore a crater into the earth out to ten feet from the umbrella strike. "Heh, it's been a while, but you're as good at dodging as I remember."
Ranma looked. His challenger was about the same age as him, similar height though with a somewhat broader frame. He was wearing a yellow and brown outfit, a large dusty backpack and a yellow and black headband. Ranma looked at him. He raised his hand to stroke his chin. "HMM."
"What, do you actually have the gall to pretend you don't remember me?!"
"Just a second, I know I didn't meet you in Tibet, and I've really had a lot on my mind." Ranma responded. He raised his hand, touching two fingers to his forehead, and began gathering his magic energy.
"A whim, a thought, and more is sought
Awake my mind..."
With a snarl his opponent strode forward a pace and screamed, "Just tell me why you didn't show for our fight!"
Ranma halted his chant and let the magic dissipate. "Of course, Ryouga Hibiki!" he proclaimed, tapping the side of his fist into his palm. "I haven't seen you since Dad pulled me out of St. Jude's. How've you been?"
Ryouga blinked at the sight of Ranma's suddenly cheerful face, then bared his fangs in a snarl. "Because of you I've seen hell!" With a snap of his wrist he opened his red umbrella and tossed it at Ranma.
Ranma casually leaned out of the way of the projectile, then leaned to the other side as it reversed direction and flew past him to Ryouga's waiting hand. "What did I do to you?"
"Have you forgotten how you ran from our last duel like the coward you are?!"
The left side of Ranma's face twitched. "I stood there waiting for three days!"
"But when I arrived on the fourth day you had fled to China!"
Ranma shook his head. "This all happened over a year and a half ago. Besides our duel was in that vacant lot 100 feet down the street from your house."
"Honor doesn't have time limits! I'm going to follow you to the ends of the earth and destroy your every happiness, even if it takes the rest of my life!"
Ranma shifted his eyes to look behind his opponent. From the ground had risen an astral form resembling a man shrouded from head to toe, except for the eyes. The white on white eyes could never have belonged on any human face. Another flew down from the sky and the two looked at each other before flying away in opposing directions.
"Don't you dare ignore me!" Ryouga screamed, raising his umbrella to charge at Ranma.
Ranma's focus snapped back to Ryouga, and he raised his hands and deepened his stance. The perfect posture to take an attack like Ryouga's.
Ryouga drew back his right arm, tightening his grip on his umbrella.
Ranma suddenly moved forward, just to the left of Ryouga's path.
Snarling Ryouga twisted his upper body as he slowed his advance. Ranma's suddenly extended leg tapped his own, knocking him to the ground in a rolling sprawl.
Ryouga threw himself off the ground and dropped into a defensive stance of his own. He scowled as he saw Ranma glancing at the sky. "I'm not going to let you get away with it!"
Ryouga jumped into a flying kick, which Ranma pivoted to avoid. Ryouga turned as he landed and lashed out with a fast umbrella slash that Ranma ducked under. Ryouga advanced, alternating kicks and punches. Ranma avoided them while backing away. Ryouga smiled as he saw the school building loom just behind Ranma. With a scream he sped his advance, striking with his umbrella.
Ranma suddenly dropped, and with a low kick and simultaneous rising punch threw Ryouga through the window into the classroom behind him.
Ryouga came to his feet and charged forward, jumping through the windows before him. He looked for Ranma, but saw only the school hallway. "Damn!" he proclaimed as he began running down the corridor. "I'm not letting it end like this! I'm going to find my way out of here and finish it Ranma!"
Ranma looked into the broken school window and waited, listening to the fading crashing sounds. "So much for that," He commented, shrugging his shoulders and turning away from the school building.
Akane walked up to him. "Ranma, who was that? I can't believe he'd just decide to leave like that."
"He got lost. He has the worst sense of direction of anyone I know." He glanced at the sky with a pensive frown. "I gotta go." One running jump and he bounced off the top of the school wall and began to leap from rooftop to rooftop.
Akane scowled. "What is wrong with him?" Out of the corner of her eye she saw something moving by her. Pivoting her head she looked. For an instant she thought there was a transparent ninja floating next to her, but it was gone as she focused on it. "What's wrong with me?" she said, shaking her head momentarily.
Two of the spectral forms floated around him, gazing, then they turned and floated away. "Not looking for me it seems," Ranma commented as he strengthened his levitation and looked more carefully. "But they're definitely looking for someone. And someone with magic considering how they reacted to my levitation spell." He considered the motions of the wraiths a moment, then floated to the street.
"If I'm right . . ." Ranma began to run through the street.
An hour later, Ranma paused and looked at a tall gaijin in a blue suit. The figure shifted his hat and ducked into an alleyway. Ranma followed his gaze and spotted a pair of the searching wraiths. *Yes, looks like we both read that search pattern the same way.* A quick sprint brought him into the alley behind the mysterious foreigner, who was staring down a group of five ragged looking locals.
One of the toughs started casually spinning a chain, another dramatically unfolded a butterfly knife. Ranma felt the echoes of power that went with the beginning of channeling the power of an artifact beneath the stranger's coat. He stepped past him and raised a hand. "Allow me."
The knife-wielding tough stepped forward gesturing with his weapon. "You'd better stay out of this if you don't want to get hurt."
Ranma looked at him. His eyes drifted to the rest of the gang, casually appraising each. He took a step forward, his hand shot out in a palm strike to the knife wielders chest, throwing him into the back of the alley. He jumped a short distance further, pivoting at the end to smash the chain wielder and another thug into the wall with a single circular kick. He paused to clench his fists and look at the remaining would be attackers. They turned and ran.
Ranma nodded his head and turned to look at the man he had saved. He blinked as he looked. "Dr. Strange?"
"Yes, Ranma was it not?"
"Ranma Saotome. Why are you in Tokyo, what are those . . ."
"They are the servants of Baron Mordo. A few hours ago he attacked the Ancient One and me, and the Ancient One is still recovering. Somehow Mordo has gained incredible powers, and unless I can find a way to defeat him, he could well succeed in usurping the position of Sorcerer Supreme." He tugged down the rim of his hat and hunched over as a wraith passed through the walls over them. "Come." He gestured and started down the alley, Ranma followed, remembering his first meeting with Dr. Strange.
Flashback:
Ranma sat in a classic Lotus position before the Ancient Ones throne. Raising his hands before his body he closed his eyes and centered his breathing. He could feel the magic flowing around him and through him, feel it flowing to fill the patterns formed through his own will.
"Do not loose your concentration." The Ancient One said quietly.
Ranma let the comment pass over his mind. He let everything fade except for himself and the magic. He opened his eyes and rose a foot into the air with a thought.
Suddenly there was a surge of Magic between him and the throne, a storm erupting from a hole torn open in Astral Space.
As Ranma landed on the cushion and fell onto his side, an astral form emerged from the rift. It was the size of his father's Panda body, and covered entirely by an ornate looking armor.*
ANCIENT ONE, I AM THE MESSANGER OF THE DREAD DORMAMMU. DORMAMU SHALL SOON ENTER THIS WORLD AND CLAIM IT AS HIS OWN.
Ranma pulled himself to his feet, and circled the astral form contemplating what he had been told about such beings.
"Sit and continue your lesson Ranma."
Ranma dropped his hands and stared at the throne. "But Ancient One?"
"This is a messenger. He offers no threat beyond the calamity of his message. And it is a calamity far beyond the scope of your understanding and ability; all you can do is continue to train while summon one who can accomplish this task." The Ancient One closed his eyes and raised his hands concentrating.
Ranma looked at the Ancient One. For a second his focus was lost and there was only an old looking man before him. Then he restored his concentration and opened his perceptions beyond once again.
Power swirled around the Ancient one rising like a storm. He gathered this power, then raising his hand released it, casually weaving the strands into a pattern of fantastic complexity. A twisting circle rose in the air, and from it fell a man, his long dark blue cloak unfurled behind him.
He was taller than Ranma's father and slimmer, with a full head of black hair, streaked with pure white at the sides. His eyes instantly sought the Ancient One's throne. "I knew it!
"But why did you summon me . . ." Turning his head he looked at the astral messenger. "What is this?"
"A messenger. From by the Dread Dormammu!"
"Dormammu! The most powerful of the dwellers of the realms of darkness! What does he . . ." the stranger's eyes shifted to focus on Ranma.
Ranma blinked a moment, then bowed slightly. "Ranma Saotome. You must be Stephan Strange."
"I am. I wish there was time to say more."
"I fear there is not." The Ancient One said, breathing a quiet sigh resonating with all his long years. "The Dread Dormammu threatens to leave the Dark Realm and enter our world. But this must not be!
"His powers are to great! His ways are to alien! Yet I am too aged, too weary to stop him."
"Say no more Master! I will confront the Dread Dormammu!"
"Remember my son, he is like no foe you have ever fought before! It is truly said that in all the universe there is none so to compare to the Dread Dormammu! Even I at the height of my power was unable to defeat him! If you should fail, there can be no help for you."
"There is too much at stake! I dare not fail!"
The Ancient One looked at Stephan Strange and smiled slightly. "So be it then." He raised his hand and gathered his energy once again.
"By the Shades of the Seraphim
In the name of the All Seeing Agamotto
I dispatch thee to the Domain of the Dread Dormammu!"
End Flashback.
*And we didn't have that much time to talk after he made it back. Why am I even here? If he can't beat Mordo I can't possibly be strong enough to do anything about it. Not yet. Still, there has to be something other than strength I can offer. Some way . . .* "Strange."
"You have an idea?"
"Maybe, Teleportation's beyond me and too draining and conspicuous for you, but can you control a sub-pocket rift?"
Dr. Strange raised an eyebrow. "Interesting, with the Eye of Agamotto I can indeed, but such rifts are not easy to bring forth."
"Not normally, but a resonance between Ragadore and my curse . . ."
"Could kill you if you make one mistake. I can avoid the wraiths and reach America on an airplane."
"You can't be sure of that. This is faster and you have to finish this! We've both sworn the same oaths. To this world and all who live on her."
Dr Strange looked at Ranma for a moment, then sighed. "Very well. I cannot refuse your offer."
"Good. I'll need a few things at my sanctum, then. . . Hmm, there's a vacant lot I can see from the roof, you can wait there and that's where I'll project the rift."
"Just give me the directions." Dr. Strange responded.
Ranma pulled a scroll from its alcove, and opened it, looking at the contents. "Thrrstrmh, wxytzz, yes." Turning to another shelf he opened a box and pulled out a large amethyst gemstone. "This should work as a focus." Turning his head, he walked to one blank wall and rested his hand against it a moment. Then he pushed and a section of the wall split and swung open. He stepped through onto the roof of the Tendo House.
Dr. Strange leaned against the wall on the street just outside the vacant lot Ranma had directed him to. He carefully kept his aura hidden as two wraiths met four feet above the street in front of him. The wraiths heads suddenly snapped to look down the street, drawn by the power Ranma was invoking. The pair turned to fly to the disturbance they felt. Dr. Strange turned to walk into the lot, deliberately ignoring the wraiths that were suddenly flying over his head on their way toward Ranma.
"...By the Rings of Ragadore!" Ranma was floating a foot above the Tendo Roof, the amethyst gemstone floating before him, it's pale facets glowing with the power it was now the focus of.
Ranma extended both arms straight to the sides.
"Thrrstrmh!"
He shifted his hands so that the thumb touched the middle two fingers leaving the outer pair outstretched.
"Dyvryha!" Winds began to rise around him, stirring his hair.
"Nyanichuan!"
Ranma's body suddenly shrank, flowing into the female form it had first assumed almost a year ago.
"Wxytzz!"
Energy began to crackle in an aura surrounding her, a mix of red and blue arcing about her body. The gem also began to glow brighter, small motes of purple and black surrounding it.
"Jusenkyo!" Ranma swung her arms to the front. The red and blue power around Ranma began to gather between her now open palms, arcing toward the gem who's aura was beginning to move toward Ranma's own Aura.
"AAAAAAAHHH!!" Ranma unleashed her gathered aura at the gem. The gem's aura contracted as the red and blue began to wrap it, then the power burst forth in every shade of purple. From this storm of colors shot a beam of energy, red blue and purple braided together. The beam struck in the center of the vacant lot. For a moment the colors arced around the impact site, then everything was drawn back to that point. Streaks of white and black crackled around the spot, then reality cracked.
Dr. Strange looked at the power swirling in the center of the vacant lot, a maelstrom of color sinking to a single point and streaming from that point at once. Then the swirling power suddenly imploded, Ragged streaks of gray and rainbow cracking in the space where the vortex had raged. *There* He gathered his power and opened the Eye of Agamatto which hung around his neck.
All the wraiths in the area had swarmed around the Tendo Dojo, looking at Ranma feeling her magic, deciding that she wasn't their quarry. Then as one they stiffened and pivoted toward the lot. Like a swarm they flew toward the light of Dr. Strange's amulet.
The light from his amulet struck into the rift squarely. With a motion of his hands and a precise shifting of mystical energy, Dr. Strange transformed the center of the rift into a portal to his destination. He jumped. Beneath his jacket, the folded Cloak of Levitation accelerated him through the portal like a bullet.
Ranma saw Dr. Strange leave seconds before the wraiths arrived. "Yes!" She quietly proclaimed in a ragged voice.
The wraiths circled around the vacant lot where their true quarry had stood moments ago. Unsure of what to do they contacted their master.
Ranma levitated the crystal into her hands. Every facet of the gemstone was covered with cracks. As it touched her hand it crumbled into a pile of dust. "So much for that."
Her danger sense screamed a warning. Responding she looked at the wraiths milling about the empty lot. Suddenly they turned, gazing at her with their inhuman eyes. As one they rose and flew at her. "Uh Oh." *Damn there's no way I can handle so many right after opening that rift! There has to be something. . .* Her eyes drifted to the seven shaded dusts in her hands.
"By Hogoths hand all white with hoar
Another power I summon forth"
With a quick gesture, Ranma released the gem dust in her hands, and spread her arms to the sides.
"In this my hour of rising need
I craft the Rings of Ragadore!"
The sparkling cloud of dust began to swirl around Ranma, the seven shades of dust coalescing. Ranma shifted her hands once again, her thumbs touching the two middle fingers, her outer fingers outspread. Before both hands two spirals of dust glowed, bringing forth an indigo ring before her right hand and a midnight black ring before her left.
Ranma moved her arms, the small rings remaining before them, then she gestured toward the onrushing wraiths. The rest of the dust coalesced into five irregular rings orbiting her form. "Haa!" Two of the rings surrounding her lined up before the black ring, the three forming a cone. A distortion formed within the cone and moved at the incoming wraiths. The six leading the group were knocked back. The wraiths paused a moment, then began circling Ranma.
*Ok, I have a weapon, but it's not strong enough to do more than slow them.* The wraiths circled her, coming closer with every pass. She gestured and the circling rings expanded, knocking back three wraiths that had advanced to arms length. Suddenly the wraiths floated back away from her, coming to a halt in a wide semicircle.
*Uh-Oh* Ranma thought as she looked at the Astral form now floating leisurely toward him. This was the projection of a human sorcerer. A human sorcerer who's incredible power Ranma could easily sense. He was a few inches shorter than Dr. Strange had been, and a little older looking, the lines in his face offsetting the pure black of his cleanly trimmed beard.
"I am Baron Mordo. You have aided my enemy. But if you tell me where he has gone I will be merciful and leave you in peace."
Ranma looked over her opponent. Options began circulating through her mind. "I only opened the rift, I didn't ask where he was going to shift it too."
Her adversary's face hardened. "You need to learn how to properly address your betters."
"I didn't call you a senile old lard-belly did I?"
With a scowl the sorcerer extended a hand, and casually launched a Bolt of Bedevilment at Ranma.
Using two rings to focus a shield, Ranma dodged as fast as she could. The bolt punched through the shield, clipping her left arm. She glanced down at the blood that was slowly seeping from the shallow gash just below her shoulder. *Not good.*
"You have delayed the Fourth Baron of Mordo for long enough." He floated in toward Ranma.
Ranma gathered her strength, then when Mordo was a foot beyond arms length, Ranma gestured. The seven rings came together, and resonated with power Ranma fed to them. A second later they surged at Baron Mordo like a wall.
Mordo floated on unconcerned and let the wall shatter against his personal defenses. Then he frowned as he saw a dozen Ranma's flying away from him in different directions. He raised his right hand.
*Let this work, let this work . . .* Ranma thought as she speed away with as much speed as she could muster. Then a mystic binding snapped into place on all four limbs, pulling her to a stop.
"Well played child." Mordo commented as he pivoted Ranma in midair. "But ultimately futile. Now are you prepared to give up your folly? Or must I take what I want by force."
"I'll bet your used to that considering what an ugly face you have attached to that flabby body AAAAARRRRRRRRR!!!" Ranma was cut of as dark power began to circulate from the bonds, awakening every pain receptor in her body.
"You will tell me where Stephan Strange is."
"D-drop d-dead!"
Mordo paused, and glanced slightly aside.
Ranma suddenly felt something, like she was in the presence of a power beyond any of her dreams.
Mordo looked Ranma in the eyes, then brought up his spectral hands to grasp the sides of her head.
"GGRRRRRHHHHH!!!!" Ranma screamed as she felt a thousand ice cold needles stab into her mind. Deeper and deeper they dug, tearing from memory to memory. Suddenly they withdrew. Ranma let her head slump foreword because she couldn't focus the will or strength to prevent it. She saw Mordo scowling before her as though through a fog. His voice echoed into her ears.
"Waste my time like this." Mordo raised a hand, power dancing across his fingers. He paused, then made a dismissive gesture, dissolving the restraining force holding Ranma in the air.
Ranma began to tumble. She saw the ground slowly moving up at her, felt the wind grasp at her with ever increasing strength. *Very High,* She thought, trying to force aside the numbness gripping her mind. Concentrating she channeled what little magic she could to slow her descent. A moment later she realized that she was actually falling faster from her efforts. *Mordo. Damn.* The ground was close and moving toward her at an incredible pace. Focusing her Chi as she had learned since she was five, Ranma braced herself for the impact. *This'll hurt.*
She was right.
Spikes of red agony shot through her eyes as Ranma forced them open. She gazed up at the multicolored ceiling, then as her vision cleared, she realized that it was actually white. Ignoring the protests of her neck, she raised her head enough to glance down at her sheet covered body.
"Ranma?"
Turning her eyes to follow the voice, Ranma looked at its source. "Akane, Where am I?" She tried to force herself into a siting position, then gave up and let herself lie down.
"Don't try to move. This clinic belongs to Kasumi's boyfriend." She sighed.
"Boyfriend?"
"Well their practically engaged; when Dr. Tofu works up the nerve to ask Dad it'll definitely become official." Akane looked down at her lap. "I mean he was so in love with her that till a few months ago he went nuts anytime he saw her. And of course then he calmed down enough to actually ask her on a date, and now he doesn't go nuts as often, just when she holds his hand, or . . ."
"Akane,"
She looked at Ranma.
"You like him don't you."
Akane looked at Ranma, then looked down, griping her skirt. "I don't know. You know, Kuno cast that spell a week or two after Tofu and Kasumi started going out, and I've been too busy being mad about that to think of them.
"Except when I see Kasumi going out and I know she's going on a date with Dr. Tofu; or now that I don't have the distractions."
"I know a few things you might find distracting, if that'll help."
"Wait. There's something you need to know. When I brought you in, I told Dr. Tofu about your curse, after all it might have had an effect on his treatment of you since you could sometimes change shape. . ."
"You poured hot water on me and nothing happened, right?"
"How did you know?"
"I tapped the curse's magic to work a spell. Jusenkyo's extremely resilient, but it'll be a little out of whack for a time. Do you have any string?"
"Well, just a second." She rose to her feet. "I know where Dr. Tofu keeps some."
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you Ranma," said a tall man in a brown Gi. He smiled cheerfully at Ranma.
Ranma glanced up from her examination of the tightly wrapped bandage and splint immobilizing her left leg. "You must be Dr. Tofu. It's nice to meet you."
"Here's your string, Oh, Dr. Tofu!" Akane glanced at the small ball of twine in her hand. "Oh, Ranma needed some string for something, I assumed you'd let him have some if he asked. . ."
"Of course Akane, anything for your new Fiancee!"
"We're not, I mean Dad. . ."
"Don't worry, Kasumi told me about it. I've heard about sorcery but I thought everything was exaggeration."
"Really," Ranma commented as he snapped a small length of string off the spool. He griped one end with both hands, then separated his hands, pulling the entire length of string taught between them. Then he brought his hands together, concentrated a moment and released, holding an unbroken circle of string with two fingers.
"Oh yes, one of my instructors in college was good friends with an American doctor who became fairly well known as a sorcerer.
Ranma paused and glanced at Dr. Tofu. "A doctor."
"Oh yes, Sensei said he was the greatest neurosurgeon who ever lived until an accident left him unable to operate. Then four years ago he simply appeared in New York, claiming to have magical powers."
*Ok, he's heard of Dr. Strange. Something to ponder later.* Ranma quickly doubled began looping the string on her fingers. Working by feel she formed a fast cats cradle. With a frown she altered the weave, and considered the threads.
"Ranma?"
She glanced at Akane. "Oh, it looks like I'll be stuck as a girl for about three days." Shaking her head she sighed.
"Well you seem to be taking it very well." Dr. Tofu commented.
Ranma glanced at him. "It's hard to stay mad about anything for a whole year. Besides I've studied this curse for a while so I'm real familiar with just how much it resists being changed." She scowled. "If I didn't know how hard it would be to lock me as a girl I'd be a lot less calm."