Last time we learned about the curses that afflict both Ranma and Shampoo. We also found out how Ranma and Tenchi know each other. Just then Kodatchi got a call from an old enemy who is holding her brother hostage. Must then teleported our heroes to Kodatchi's house. On with the show!

Chapter 17: Face 2 Face

A few minutes ago…

Tatewaki sat helpless, tied up in a chair while Icy, Darcy and Stormy ransacked his house. "It's got to be here somewhere," said Darcy as she smashed several Ming vases, "Malaketh sensed that the stone was in this house. "I did," said Malaketh as he and Toro glared at Tatewaki, "But I lost the signal before we entered the residence. So, young human, be so kind as to inform us as to the location of the black stone."

"I know not what you foul cretins speak of," said Tatewaki just before being socked in the jaw by Toro. "Keep spewing nonsense," said Toro, "And you'll get even worse." "I had no idea thou would sinketh so low as to be a hired bruiser, Pantyhose Toro," said Tatewaki.

"I'm called Toro the Destroyer now," said Toro as he delivered a hard jab to Tatewaki's stomach, "Remember it." "Well whatever thy name is," said Tatewaki, "'Thou art a villain!'" "That's probably the nicest thing I've ever been called by my enemies," said Toro as he socked Tatewaki in the nose, "But flattery will get you nowhere fast."

"It's not here," said Icy as she, Darcy and Stormy finished wrecking the house, "We've searched every room, the attic, the basement, the walls, even the septic tank. The stone isn't here." "I'll bet he hid the stone elsewhere," said Darcy, "He just needs some persuasion."

"Where's your sister, Kuno?" asked Toro. "I have not a sister," said Tatewaki, "And don't bother trying threatening my parents; my mother has been dead for many years and my father cares not a red yen about me."

"Oh he has a sister," said Stormy, "I saw her room before destroying it." "I don't appreciate being lied to, boy," said Malaketh, "Tell me where your sister is, or your suffering shall be legendary, even in Hell."

Tatewaki, however, wasn't concerned with his own well-being; "You went into Kodatchi's room?" he said to Stormy rather than asking, "She will not enjoy that fact, that she won't."

"I don't think we're gonna get anywhere with this idiot," said Toro, "If what you seek isn't here, than it must be with Kodatchi." "And if the sister has the stone," said Darcy, "Instead of looking for her, why not bring her here?" "My thoughts exactly," said Toro as he picked up a nearby phone and an address book. He found the number he wanted and dialed.

"Hello, Kodatchi," said Toto when the other end picked up, "I doubt you'd recognize my voice, so I'll get to the point. Myself, three lady friends and my new master have your brother. Tatewaki's life is in our hands, so you'd do well to do as I say."

"What!" exclaimed Kodatchi on the other end, "Toro you son of a bitch! If you hurt my brother I'll rip you to shreds!" "I'd assume as much," said Toro, "So it would be wise for you to return to your place of residence within the next fifteen minutes, if you wish to ever see your brother alive." "Oh don't worry," said Kodatchi on the other end of the line, "I'll be there." With that the phone disconnected.

"That takes care of that," said Toro, "Master Malaketh, the stone you seek should be within your possession in less than fifteen minutes." "What if this Kodatchi doesn't have the stone with her?" asked Stormy. "If she doesn't have it with her," said Icy, "We make her tell us where the stone is."

Just then there was a teleportation flash from the outside. Five seconds later Kodatchi came bursting into the room. "Where's my brother, Toro!" exclaimed Kodatchi, her deadly ribbon ready for action. "He's right here," said Toro as he pointed out the restrained form of Tatewaki.

"You shouldn't have come, sister," said Tatewaki, "Now they have both of us." "I assure you, young lady," said Malaketh, "Neither you or your brother shall be harmed in any further way if you cooperate."

Just then Bloom and Ranma came running in after Kodatchi. "Icy!" exclaimed Bloom as she saw the witches, "I should have known you were involved with this." "At last!" said Malaketh gleefully, "Bloom of Sparkx, we finally meet," he raised his hand at Bloom and powered up a dark energy sphere, "Now Die!" he shot the energy sphere at Bloom…

Meanwhile…

Once again, Ryoga Hibiky wandered the streets of Tokyo without a clue of where he was. Ryoga, a tall boy of about Ranma's age with short black hair, wore a yellow shirt and brown pants. Around his forehead was a yellow bandanna with black spots. Secured to the top of his backpack was a large bamboo umbrella.

"Excuse me sir," said Ryoga to a passing pedestrian, "I seem to be lost, could you point out to me where I am on this map?" he held out to the passerby a map of a city. The pedestrian looked at the map and laughed like this was some sort of joke. Ryoga then took another look at the map and realized that instead of a map of Tokyo, it was a map of the London Underground.

The gods must really hate me today, thought Ryoga, yet somehow this is all Ranma's fault. "Someday, Ranma Saotome!" exclaimed Ryoga to the heavens, "Someday I shall be avenged!"

"Ryoga!" exclaimed a familiar female voice. He turned around to see a girl of about 18 years with long brown hair and brown eyes running up to him. She wore a blue shirt and jeans. Strapped to her back was a huge spatula. "Oh, Miss Ukyo," said Ryoga, "How goes the Okonomiyaki business?" "Same old, same old," said Ukyo Kuonji, "I have good days and bad days."

(Okonomiyaki is a Japanese dish that's like a pizza that's been cooked and served as an omelet).

"So what brings you back to Tokyo?" asked Ukyo. "I'm in Tokyo?" asked Ryoga, "I thought I was in Kyoto. At least this time I'm in the right country."

Just then there was an explosion from a few blocks away. "That sounded like it came from the Kuno residence," said a shocked Ukyo. She grabbed hold of Ryoga by the shirt and they both ran towards the explosion. "Why are you dragging me like this?" asked Ryoga. "No offense, Ryoga," said Ukyo, "But you couldn't make it across the street without getting lost. Besides, I feel that Ranma is involved in this"

Meanwhile…

Bloom barely dodged the energy blast. Where she was standing was now a gaping hole in the floor. "You missed," said Bloom. "Not surprising," said Malaketh, "I would have been if my attack had destroyed you." "Who are you and why are you doing this?" asked Bloom.

"I am Malaketh of The Shadow Riders," he said, "And you, Bloom of Sparkx, are a threat to my mission, a threat I shall eliminate." "She's the one you're so anxious to destroy?" asked Toro to Darcy. "She is," answered Darcy, "Don't underestimate her, especially when she's with her stupid friends."

Toro then noticed that Ranma was standing with Bloom. "So you brought the transvestite with you," said Toro, "Good, I can destroy him as well." "I'm no transvestite, Pantyhose Toro," said Ranma, "I'm cursed, just like you."

"First of all," said Toro, "I no longer answer to that name. It's not official yet, but I have a better name now; I am Toro the Destroyer, you'd best remember it as I send you to Hell. Second, what has afflicted you and everyone else who has experienced the wonders of Jusenkyo; you might call it a curse. I call it a gift from the gods."

"What are you talking about?" asked Stormy. "I should have told you this earlier," said Toro, "But whenever I come in contact with cold water I turn into a monster, a beast of immense power. Hot water returns me to my human state." "Now that I've got to see," said Darcy. "Indeed," said Malaketh, "I am most anxious to see this gift of yours."

"Before thou decides to destroy any further of my house," said Tatewaki as he stood up and removed the ropes binding him, "Thou should deal with me first." "What the f#ck?" said a surprised Icy, "You just sat there and took the beating?" "I have suffered worse injuries at the hands of others," said Tatewaki, "Especially at the hands of Miss Akane Tendo, the Pig-Tailed Girl and especially Saotome there."

"Nice to see you to, Kuno," said Ranma. At that time Stella, Sky, Brandon, Akane, Shampoo and co. found their way to the room. "This place is a lot bigger than I remember," said Akane. "Akane Tendo!" exclaimed Tatewaki, "I knew thou loved me so!"

"Remind me to bash your head in later, Kuno," said Akane, "Now, since it's getting rather crowded in here, I suggest we take this outside." "That's not a bad suggestion," said Toro, "I prefer to have more room in to work with." They all went to the backyard where they had plenty of room to move about with.

"Alright then," said Ranma, "Let's get started." "I've a better suggestion," said Stormy. She raised her left arm and produced a bright flash of lightning. The sudden dark light stunned everyone for a few seconds. When Bloom could see again she was shocked to see Stormy standing behind Ranma, her nails pressed against his neck. "Here's the deal," said Stormy to Kodatchi, "I saw you looking at this pretty boy, I guess you feel for him."

"If you hurt my beloved Ranma," said Kodatchi, "There'll be no place on this world that you'll be able to hide from my wrath." "Oh I'm not going to hurt your precious Ranma," said Stormy, "I'm just going to kill him."

"You just got lucky," said Ranma, "If you didn't have the element of surprise, you would have never gotten me like this. Besides, if you plan to kill me by ripping my throat out, I'll break free in a heartbeat." "Just try to move," said Stormy as she pressed her nails a little harder into his neck, "One little scratch is all it takes for your blood to be poisoned. My special nail polish is highly toxic to human blood."

"Let him go!" said Akane, a huge mallet in her hands ready to bash Stormy's head in. "One more step," said Stormy, "And he dies." Just then something metal clanged into the back of Stormy's head, something that turned out to be a large spatula. "Nobody threatens my Ranma and gets away with it," said Ukyo as Stormy collapsed from the force of the blow. "Besides," said Ryoga, "The honor of destroying Ranma belongs to me alone."

"Where you've been, Ryoga?" asked Ranma as she rubbed his neck, making sure he didn't get scratched, "We've missed you around here." "I've been around," said Ryoga, "No thanks to you of course."

It was at that time that two others showed up: Cologne and Mousse. "Shampoo!" exclaimed Mousse, "We heard the explosion, I was so worried!" "I'm touched by your concerned," said Stella, "But I'm not Shampoo." "Shampoo is thankful for Mousse worrying," said the real Shampoo, "Though he is still idiot."

Meanwhile, Cologne and Malaketh were glaring at each other. "So," said Cologne, "You dare to return to this world." "It's been nearly a century, old woman," said Malaketh, "But I'm back to take what's mine." "What scary alien man speak of, Great-Grandmother?" asked Shampoo.

"Malaketh is after a Stone of Power," said Cologne, "One of thirteen items that have the power to control the universe if used for dark purposes." Just then Kodatchi had a look of clarity on her face. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a large black stone that looked to be an ordinary piece of rock.

"Is this what you want?" asked Kodatchi, "My good luck charm?" "Yes!" exclaimed Malaketh, "That's exactly what I desire. Hand it over if you know what's good for you!" "If a creep like you wants it," said Kodatchi, "Then I'd be even crazier than normal to hand it over to you," she then tossed the stone to Ranma, "Don't let them get it, Ranma darling!" exclaimed Kodatchi.

"This is bull sh$t," said Toro, "I'll get that stone in no time. I just need some cold water first." "No problem," said Darcy. She conjured up a glass of cold water and handed it to Toro. "Thanks," he said, "Prepare to be appalled and amazed at the same time!" He splashed himself with the cold water and was instantly transformed into a twenty-foot tall creature that was a cross between a yeti, a bull, an eel, a crane and an octopus.

"Holy sh$t!" exclaimed both Stormy and Icy. "Magnificent," said Darcy, she does have a taste for monsters after all.

"That is one ugly mother-f#ck#r!" said Riven. "You think he's ugly now," said Ranma, "Wait until he attacks." "You just had to say that, Ranma," said an annoyed Akane as the transformed Toro charged at our heroes.

Bloom, Stella and Musa had already transformed and were already airborne when the Toro-monster attacked. Ranma, Akane, Shampoo and Kodatchi barely dodged, as the creature lashed out with its multiple octopus tentacles. Sky, Riven and Brandon, along with Ryoga, Ukyo and Mousse were nearly crushed beneath the monster's hoofed feet.

"Superb!" exclaimed Darcy who had stars in her eyes. "I'm worried about her," said Stormy, "If this keeps up, she'll start acting like she's in love or something." "We may already be too late for that," said Icy.

Meanwhile, Akane was grabbed by one of Toro's tentacles and began to crush her. Both Ranma and Tatewaki tried to reach her but were knocked back by the flailing eel-like tail of the monster. Ryoga then pulled out from behind his head several yellow bandannas and threw them at the monster as if they were boomerangs. The bandannas sliced through the tentacle, releasing Akane, who was caught by Ranma.

Much to the shock of Bloom and co. the severed tentacle regenerated and was restored to new within seconds. "He can regenerate!" exclaimed Darcy in a giddy, schoolgirl like tone. "No doubt about it," said Stormy to Icy, "Darcy is in love." "I know," said Icy, "It's sickening."

The Toro monster then started up a gale-force wind from its huge crane-like wings, forcing Bloom, Stella and Musa out of the air. Just then Tenchi appeared, a bright blue energy sword in his hands. He used the sword to slice off one of the crane wings off Toro's back.

"Cool sword," said Riven. "Indeed," said Tatewaki, "Thy swordsmanship is most impressive. If thou has the time later, perhaps we can have a proper rematch to determine which of us is the better swordsman."

"Later," said Tenchi, "Right now we've got bigger things to worry about." Toro had already regenerated his severed wing and was about to attack when Ryoko appeared behind him and splashed him with a bucket of hot water. Instantly Toro the monster was turned back into Toro the human.

"You bitch!" exclaimed Toro, "You'll pay for that!" "Please," said Ryoko, "Put it on my tab." "You won't be in such a good mood when I destroy you!" raged Toro as he rushed at Ryoko. Ranma stood in his path and delivered a swift kick to the torso, sending Toro skidding to a halt.

"Of course," said Toro, "I'll deal with you first, Saotome!" "Deal with this!" exclaimed Ranma, "Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!" Ranma's right arm became a blur as he delivered more punches to Toro's body than Bloom could count. "What was that?" asked Sky as Toro fell to the ground from the force of so many blows.

"That," said Ranma "Was a special martial arts technique. The Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken is a speed technique that allows the user to deliver several hundred punches per second." "Wow!" said Stella, "That's fast." "I'll say," said Akane, "It's fast enough to grab a chestnut out of an open fire without burning your hand."

Meanwhile, Malaketh and Cologne were still bantering back and fourth. "It was a mistake to let me live the last time I was here," said Malaketh, "Old woman!" "True," said Cologne, "I should have killed you then. Now I'm paying for my act of compassion." "You'll be paying a lot more than for compassion," said Malaketh, "As I send you to Hell!" He then shot an energy sphere at Cologne, who deflected it with her walking stick.

"So," said Malaketh, "Your body may have shriveled up like a raisin, but your warrior spirit is just as strong as it was before, stronger even. I won't underestimate you again," he began to channel energy into his hands, "Prepare to die!"

Just then Ranma realized something shocking, "Where's the stone?" he said out loud as he checked his pockets, for a hole had formed in the pocket he was keeping the stone in, "Time out!" he shouted, "Time out! I can't find the stone!"

Everyone, both goodies and baddies began to search the ground for the stone. It was Mousse, as he finished cleaning his glasses that found the black stone. "I've got it!" he shouted as he held the stone up.

"If you know what's good for you, Earth boy," said Icy, "You'd hand over that stone." "Come and get it if you dare!" exclaimed Mouse. He then placed the stone in his mouth and swallowed it. "Why you dirty son of a bitch!" exclaimed Stormy, "I'll rip your guts open and strangle you with them!"

Just then Malaketh's watch began to beep, for the watch also served as a two-way communication device. "What is it, Parker?" asked Malaketh into his watch, "We're in the middle of something here."

"Sir," said Parker on the other end, "We've detected a Galaxy Police patrol ship entering orbit around the planet you and the young misses are currently located on. I humbly suggest you complete your business before you are detected."

"Thanks for the warning," said Malaketh into his watch. "Now what?" asked Icy. "We take our leave for the time being," said Malaketh, "Until later. Enjoy this small victory," he said to Ranma, Tenchi and Bloom, "You may not have many more like it. We'll deal with you later, Bloom of Sparkx, and you," he glared at Mousse, "I'll be back for that stone."

"Toro," said Darcy, "We got to go now!" "Just a minute," said Toro, "If we can't have the stone, we'll settle for a small consolation prize instead." Before Bloom or anyone else could react, Toro had socked Kodatchi in the gut, flipped her onto his shoulder and took hold of Darcy's hand. With a flash Malaketh, Icy, Darcy, Stormy and Toro were gone with Kodatchi. "No!" exclaimed Tatewaki, "Sister!…"

The end of chapter 17. Next chapter we learn of what Malaketh has in store for Kodatchi. Reviews will be rewarded with Mango Ice cream. See you next time!