This was it, the moment Megumi had been waiting for. She was kissing Ranma Saotome. From the moment she had met him as Niseko, Megumi had the strong urge to be around him. She didn't care that she was competing with four other women and at least one man. Even though it hurt a lot to lose them as friends when her identity was revealed, it had all been worth it simply for this moment. The world could have ended for all she cared now. Although at the rate she and Ranma were collecting negative energy, the end of the world would likely be coming soon.
However, something was wrong.
Ranma's lips were cold. No, not just his lips, his entire body was cold.
Megumi hesitated for just a second before breaking the kiss.
"Is there something wrong? I thought you liked me," said Ranma.
"No, nothing is wrong," said Megumi though she was lying.
"Then how about we continue," said Ranma as he went in for another kiss.
As he came closer, Megumi placed her hand on his chest to stop him, once again feeling cold. She instantly began reading his aura. It was dark. She didn't think about it before, attributing the dark aura to the mask of darkness that Ranma held. But the aura that surrounded Ranma was different in that Ranma didn't seem to be radiating it. She only knew of one person who radiated that particular aura
Megumi backed away from Ranma, "I'm going to see when our next mission is. Why don't you go and train on some of the warriors and I'll bring you dinner later."
"Don't take too long," said Ranma as he quickly moved around Megumi and planted a small kiss on her cheek.
Megumi smiled simply to not make Ranma suspicious of her. Then she jumped down from the roof of the phoenix castle and into the building.
The dark warrior didn't flinch when Megumi barged her way into the throne room.
"What did you do to him," shouted Megumi.
"Do to who," said Kage, feigning innocence.
"Don't pull that with me. I'm not one of your slaves you can just magic into following your every word."
"No but Ranma is. It has been so much fun controlling him like a puppet," laughed Kage.
"What are you talking about?" said Megumi.
"I control all of Ranma's thoughts. He hasn't had a single one of his own since he came here. That's what the mask does. It gives me complete control over the wearers mind, making Ranma my puppet and I his puppet master."
Megumi looked down, a single tear falling from her face. That's why kissing Ranma didn't feel right. It wasn't really him. It was just Kage's puppet. Ranma never willingly changed sides and all the feelings she though he had for her were a lie.
Her despair had not gone unnoticed by the dark warrior, "I thought you'd be happy. Ranma loves only you and would die for you simply if you commanded."
"Not by his choice. I wanted Ranma to love me by his choice not by your sick mind control," yelled Megumi.
The dark warrior was done with the conversation at this point, "While my sword has been devouring your heartbreak like candy, I will remind you to watch your tone. I can always send you back to that village where you're nothing but a hated outcast with no one who cares about you."
Megumi turned around, and was about to leave the room when Kage called, "Where are you going?"
"To tear that morpher away from Ranma and to purify it," said Megumi.
"It won't work. The only way Ranma will become normal again is if he rids himself of the mask. With him being under mind control, you can see why that won't happen."
Megumi then let her tears fall as she ran to her room.
Once she was in the safety of her room, Megumi began to go through her supplies.
"I know it's here somewhere," she said to herself.
Then she found a small tube of orange liquid. Quickly, she went to her books and flipped through them until she found the page she was looking for. It had a picture of the liquid and a description of the effects.
"Ok, drink two drops and you will briefly gain the ability of astral projection. With astral projection, you be able to project your consciousness outside of your body and if necessary into the world of dreams."
Megumi opened the lid of the tube and got into her bed. "I have a strong feeling I'm going to regret this." Then Megumi carefully poured two drops of the potion onto her tongue, resealed the tube and lied down in her bed.
"Why do all magic potions have to taste like feet", she wondered as she fell asleep.
After she ditched Tatewaki and dropped Ryoga off, Akane was glad to be home. She went to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of tea. Then she sat down at the empty table and unconsciously scooted over to make room for someone who wouldn't be showing up anytime soon.
"Still pinning for him I see," teased Nabiki as she sat down.
"I wasn't pinning for anyone. I'm actually enjoying the quite, he can stay gone for all I care," said Akane.
"Akane, you shouldn't say things like that," said Kasumi as she walked into the living room.
"Where have you been this evening, young lady?" asked Nabiki.
"Tofu asked if I would water the sunflowers outside his clinic," said Kasumi.
"Your favorite flower. I bet he planted them just for you," said Akane.
Kasumi blushed while Nabiki laughed.
"I bet Ranma would never do anything like that," said Nabiki.
"No, he wouldn't. He'd be romantic in his own way," said Akane as temporarily forgot who she was talking to. Then she blushed and retreated to her room once she remembered that Nabiki and Kasumi were in the room.
"What's with her?" asked Nabiki
"Isn't it obvious, she's in love," said Kasumi
A little while later, Akane heard a tapping at her window. She opened it to find a familiar face.
"Ranma," said Akane.
"Hey, I was able to break free of the mask," said Ranma as he climbed through Akane's window.
"Ranma, is it really you," said Akane.
"Who else would it be dummy," replied Ranma.
Then Akane ran toward Ranma and hugged him.
As soon as it felt like his rib cage would be crushed, Ranma pushed her away and in a feminine voice said, "That's enough of that."
Akane instantly recognized the voice, "Megumi, get out."
Then Ranma transformed and became Megumi who had a slight grin on her face.
"I didn't think you would let me in if I used my real face. After that, I couldn't help but have a little fun," said Megumi.
"Seriously, get out of my house," said Akane, raising her voice.
"We're not in your house. We're in your dream world, a place all people go when they dream. And I didn't come to fight. I just came to tell you that it's useless to fight Ranma."
"Why because you two are invincible together. As soon as we get that mask off him, Ranma will come back to us and ditch you."
"That's just it. Ranma has to remove the mask on his own. And the odds of that happening are absolutely zero."
"Why's that?"
"Ranma is being mind-controlled by the dark warrior. He's nothing but a puppet."
"Like I can believe you. Cologne had a book that said the mask brings out a person's inner evil."
"Believe what you want but my info comes straight from the dark warrior's mouth."
"Why are you even here?"
"Because Ranma isn't Ranma and it's not right. I don't know how to help him and I thought maybe you and your friends could think of something. I know I have no right to ask for your help and all of you hate me but I've got nowhere else to turn."
Akane looked into Megumi's eyes and for once, she could tell that Megumi was telling the truth.
"Thanks for the information," said Akane.
Then Megumi disappeared out the window.
A minute later, Akane woke up in her bed to a brand new day and Megumi was doing the same.
Akane was quick to get ready for the day. Sure she was just getting dressed and eating breakfast but to her, it was like getting ready for war. The next time the Ranma showed up, they were going to get him back. She didn't know how they would do it but one way or another it was going to happen.
Akane drifted through the day and eagerly awaited lunch when she could talk the rest of the team. Granted Tofu was still away on business, Ryoga was lost as usual, and Konatsu was busy working at Ucchans.
Akane found an empty table where she was soon joined by Shampoo, Mousse, Ukyo, and the Kuno siblings.
"Everyone here" asked Akane.
"Should we call role," asked Ukyo, her voice full of sarcasm.
Ryoga teleported next to them a second later.
"I was lost in the woods so I decided it would be easier if I came in person," said Ryoga.
"You mean those woods over there," said Mousse as he pointed to a slightly wooded area next to the school. Everyone noticed that Ryoga's tent and supplies were still there.
"Did the school move?" asked Ryoga.
"Don't worry about it. Hurry up and sit," said Shampoo.
As Ryoga sat down, Akane began to speak, "I've been able to find out a little more about what's happening to Ranma."
"What's to know, we separate Ranma from the mask and he's back to normal," said Ukyo.
"Won't work," said Akane.
"Why not," demanded Kodachi.
"Because Saotome isn't under any spell and is truly evil," said Tatewaki. Ukyo then proceeded to smack him in the face with her spatula, knocking him out.
"Thank's Ukyo," said Akane. "Anyway, the reason separating Ranma from the mask would work is because the mask and Ranma are controlled by the dark warrior himself. The only way to break the spell is for Ranma to remove it himself."
"How would that work if Ranma is under the dark warrior's control?" asked Ryoga
"I don't know and I doubt you'll like my plan," said Akane.
"You have a plan," inquired Mousse.
"We have to capture Ranma. Take his morpher, and seal him away until the dark warrior's gone," said Akane.
"What?" shouted Ukyo.
"As long as Ranma is under the dark warrior's control, he's a danger to us and everyone around him. I wish I could think of a better way. If we can get Ranma's morpher away from him, we can hopefully purify it and give it to someone who can replace him.
"You will not seal my Ranma away and replace him with some lowly peasant," shouted Kodachi.
"How do you even propose we capture him," said Mousse.
"I'm still working on that part," said Akane.
"Great Grandmother can help with that," said Shampoo, surprising everyone. "If it is the only way we can stop him without destroying him, then it's what we have to do.
"I'm for this plan as well. This strategy is truly brilliant," said Tatewaki who had just regained consciousness.
"Big shocker there," said Ukyo. "I hate to say it, but if it's the only way then I'm in."
"Good, I'll inform Tofu and Konatsu while the rest of you are in school," said Ryoga
"I still don't like it," said Kodachi.
"Please help us, we could really use your knowledge of sleep and paralysis potions," said Akane.
Kodach sighed, "Fine. But I still don't like this plan."
"Neither do I," said Akane.
With that, the rangers departed the lunch table to finish out the rest of the school day.
Little did they know that Megumi was watching and wishing them good luck.
"Your little girlfriend is quite the gossip," said Kage.
Ranma stared at Megumi through the magic mirror as she followed the rangers, "It doesn't matter. They can't stop me, especially when I haven't even begun to use my full power."
"Still, we can't let her get away with this," said Keima.
"I agree," said Taro.
"Don't worry, we'll deal with the traitorous witch when she returns," said Saffron.
Ranma's eye twitched.
"That doesn't bother you does it?" asked Kage.
Ranma shook his head as Kage's dark magic took a stronger hold, "No. I don't care about her. She betrayed us and deserves to pay for it."
"Good. Now get over there and show the rangers what it's like to be without hope."
Ranma grabbed his morpher, "Sheng Xiao, Power UP!"
As soon as the black suit appeared on him, Ranma leaped through magic mirror.
After school, Akane, Shampoo, Mousse and Ryoga went to the Cat Café for Colognes help. Once there, Shampoo told her grandmother about the new plan to stop Ranma.
"And that is plan," finished Shampoo.
"If that is the path you choose to follow then I do have some things that will help you," said Cologne. With that, she hopped up the stairs to her room.
"That went over surprisingly well," said Ryoga.
"The elder is well versed in no win situations," said Mousse.
"That I am," said Cologne as came down holding four silver chains and a small compact mirror. "A single one of these chains is strong enough to hold a bear. Four should be enough to at least slow Ranma down. And this mirror…"
"Will trap Ranma in a mirror world if he looks into it," said Akane.
"How did you know?" asked Cologne.
"Ranma and I had to use something like that once. It's kind of a long story," said Akane.
"Anyway, I wish you all the best of luck. I promise you that I will be trying to find any possible way of getting Ranma back to us."
At the Kuno mansion, Tatewaki found his sister sitting by the pond, throwing chunks of meat to her pet.
"Surely you're not still upset over that wretched Saotome," said Tatewaki.
"I would tread lightly if I were you brother dear," said Kodachi.
"Fear not, happy times are sure to come. Once Saotome is defeated, the pigtailed girl will be free and I will marry her right away."
Kodachi quickly snared Tatewaki's legs with her ribbon and pulled them out from under him. Tatewaki looked up at his sister who looked extremely angry.
"Haven't you figured it out yet? The pigtailed girl is my darling Ranma. She's the result of Chinese magic," yelled Kodachi.
"Surely you jest sister. If that is your idea of a joke then it is not funny," said Tatewaki.
"As much as I enjoy making a fool out of you, it is no joke," said Kodachi.
"Making a fool out of him isn't very hard to begin with"
Kodachi and Tatewaki looked over to the entrance gate to see Ranma standing casually.
"How dare you invade the Kuno house, traitor," yelled Tatewaki.
"Just shut up and morph. Beating you up won't be as fun if you don't," said Ranma.
"As you wish Saotome, but I'm afraid you will be the one to fall" said Tatewaki
"If I must fight you to get you back then so be it Ranma darling," said Kodachi.
With that, the Kuno siblings morphed into the Crimson and Navy rangers.
A bouquet of navy colored roses appeared in Kodachi's hands. She tossed them towards Ranma where they exploded into a cloud of sleep powder.
Ranma quickly leaped over the cloud while summoning his spear.
"Nice try but I know what you're trying to do," said Ranma.
Then Tatewaki summoned his katana and charged. He slashed wildly at Ranma.
With Ranma distracted, Kodachi ran into the house and back out again.
"Catch brother dear," she called before tossing a watermelon at Tatewaki.
Even with all is dark powers, Ranma couldn't entirely defend himself from the whirlwind of slashes triggered by Tatewaki's reflex. Ranma quickly raised his arms to defend himself, the force of the attack pushing him back.
Kodachi took the opening and tossed her chakram at Ranma.
"Nice Try," said Ranma as he quickly caught the chakram and tossed it aside. Then he ran towards Kodachi and kicked her into her brother who was just snapping out of his watermelon induced reflex.
Tatewaki and Kodachi slowly got up.
"We can still win this sister," said Tatewaki.
"We have too," said Kodachi.
Then, much to Tatewaki's shock, Ranma shifted into his female.
"It's been fun but I'm bored now," said Ranma. "MOKO TAKABISHA"
The effects of Ranmas ki blast left the Kuno siblings unconscious and de-morphed.
"Two down, seven to go," laughed Ranma as she leaped away from the Kuno mansion.
Ukyo felt like she was on pins and needles since lunch. After school, she told Konatsu the plan and the two were waiting for any kind of report that Ranma had shown up. Then Tofu walked into the restaurant.
"What are you doing here?" asked Ukyo.
"Don't get us wrong, it's a nice a surprise," said Konatsu.
"I got back early from the conference and felt like some okonomiyaki," said Tofu.
"Coming right up," said Konatsu.
"So, any news about Ranma?" asked Tofu as he sat down.
"We haven't had any luck getting him back. We're planning to seal him away when he eventually shows up," said Ukyo.
Tofu nodded as he watched Ukyo and Konatsu cook. He noticed a very somber look on Ukyo's face. And Konatsu seemed to be suffering just watching her.
"I can see this decision is troubling you," said Tofu.
"I'm fine. I just want this to be over with," said Ukyo.
Then Konatsu felt something coming.
"Hit the deck," yelled Konatsu as he pushed Ukyo down and shielded her with his body. Tofu also ran for cover under a table. Then a ki blast tore through the entrance of the restaurant, destroying several tables and giving the restaurant a new back door.
"Where did that come from," said Ukyo as she got up.
"Where do you think? Are you guys going to keep me waiting, I have others to beat up you know," laughed Ranma.
"We better morph," said Tofu.
Ranma was more than ready when the Green, White, and Violet rangers emerged from Ucchans. He quickly dodged Tofu's punches knowing full well that the violet ranger could paralyze him by hitting his pressure points.
"I knew you were good Ranma. But even you should not be able to dodge all my attacks," said Tofu.
Tofu attempted a roundhouse kick which Ranma easily jumped over. It was nothing but child's play to him.
"You wouldn't believe how much power I have. The more I fight the stronger I get," said Ranma.
As Tofu went in for another punch, Ranma quickly ducked under his fist and tripped Tofu with a sweep kick. Then Ranma kicked Tofu once more as the violet ranger was trying to get back up.
"Konatsu, try to pin him down," shouted Ukyo.
"On it," said Konatsu as he split into four clones.
Ranma held up one hand as the clones charged him. Then he fired several ki blasts at them, destroying the clones one by one.
"Now where did he go," said Ranma noticing that Konatsu wasn't among the clones.
Then Konatsu and another clone tackled the evil red ranger to the ground.
"I got him," said Tofu as he charged Ranma once more.
"I don't think so," said Ranma as he placed his hands on the ground. Ranma's hands began to glow. Once Tofu got within reach, Ranma launched himself into the air with a massive ki blast. The blast was strong enough to knock both Konatsu and Tofu away.
As soon as Ranma landed, he instantly had to duck to avoid a swing from Ukyo's spatula.
"I was wondering what was taking you so long to join the fight Ucchan," said Ranma.
"I didn't have to be this way," said Ukyo as she swung her spatula once more.
Ranma jumped over the spatula and turned towards the nearest wall. Ukyo swung her spatula once more only for Ranma to leap out of the way and jump off the wall over Ukyo.
Ukyo turned around to see Ranma on the other end of the street. After a brief moment of staring each other down, Ranma charged. With all her strength, Ukyo tossed her spatula at Ranma like a spear.
At the last moment, Ranma ducked and slid under the spatula. As soon as he recovered, Ukyo attacked him with an axe kick to the shoulder.
However, Ukyo couldn't move her leg away in time and Ranma grabbed hold of it. Then Ranma began to swing Ukyo around and finally tossed her back into her restaurant.
"Do yourself a favor and stay down Ucchan," said Ranma.
Then Tofu attempted to punch Ranma from behind only for Ranma to move, grab Tofu's arm and flip him to the ground.
Then Konatsu grabbed Ranma by the waist attempting a suplex. However, Ranma kneed the green ranger in the chest and kicked him away. As soon as Konatsu recovered, he regrouped with Tofu and both leaped into a jump kick.
Ranma laughed as he grabbed each of them in midair and proceeded to slam them into the ground. After three slams, Konatsu was out and Tofu was barley concourse.
"I'm bored with you now. Call her," demanded Ranma.
"Why should I do what you say," said Tofu.
"I plan on fighting the rest of them anyway. I just want to speed things up a little. Now call her. Or should I beat up this pathetic excuse for a ranger some more," said Ranma as he lifted the unconscious Konatsu up.
Tofu knew when he was beaten. He just hoped that the other rangers were prepared. Tofu held his morpher up to speak, "Guys, Ranma's here. Please hurry."
Mousse walked out of the Cat Café's kitchen having just hung up the phone.
"Hey guys, Kuno just called. He said Ranma attacked him and his sister at their house earlier," said Mousse.
"Tofu is fighting him right now. He just called, and he sounded exhausted," said Ryoga.
"Shampoo try and communicate with Konatsu and Ukyo. They no answer," said Shampoo.
"I don't think the Kuno's will be joining us either," said Mousse.
"It's Ranma, he must be trying to take us out in small groups so we can't all gang up on him," said Akane.
"So it's just the four of us and Tofu," asked Ryoga.
"Looks like it," said Shampoo.
"Well, no use crying over spilled milk," said Akane as she grabbed Colognes' compact mirror. The others grabbed the chains Cologne gave them and stood together.
"Sheng Xiao, Power UP!"
"This is your last chance to give up Ranma," shouted Akane.
The rangers had arrived to find Ranma waiting for them with Ukyo, Konatsu and Tofu tied together.
"I could say the same to you. What makes you think you can beat me?" laughed Ranma.
"Hope," muttered Akane
Ranma however heard her clearly, "What a coincidence. It's my job to destroy your hope."
Then time slowed down for a moment. It was as if the area had become void of sound as the rangers summoned their weapons charged Ranma.
As split second later, they each dodged as Ranma fired a Moko Takabisha towards them. Ryoga and Akane jumped into the air while Mousse and Shampoo dodged to the side.
As soon as Ryoga landed, he sent his umbrella spinning towards Ranma. Ranma laughed as the umbrella came towards him, purposely waiting till the last minute to dodge.
"Dodge this," shouted Shampoo as she tossed her chui at both Ranma's sides. If Ranma moved to either his left or right, he would get hit. This forced Ranma to move to the only possible direction, he jumped into the air.
Once Ranma was in the air, he found that Mousse's nunchucks were wrapped around him.
"Overconfident as always Ranma," said Mousse as he brought Ranma down.
Just before Ranma hit the ground, Akane used her hammer to create a fissure, burying Ranma up to his neck in pavement.
"We got him," said Mousse happily.
"That was surprisingly easy," said Ryoga
"You will all pay once I get out of here," shouted Ranma.
"Shampoo very sorry to do this to you Ranma," said Shampoo as Akane walked up with the compact.
"You'll have to stay in here until we can figure out how to help you," said Akane.
"I don't think so," said Ranma.
Suddenly, his hand shot out of the pavement. Akane looked down to see the mirror had been shredded into ribbons.
"Oh no," said Akane.
"Oh no is right Akane," laughed Ranma as he leaped out of the ground.
"Quick the chains," shouted Ryoga.
The rangers each produced one of the chains Cologne gave them and moved in on Ranma. However Ranma was too quick. In an instant, he moved between the rangers and slashed each of the chains to pieces.
"You don't get it. There is no beating me. The dark warriors' power has given me complete control over the cat fist. Save yourself the beating and surrender now," said Ranma.
"Enough talk," said Mousse as he attempted to punch Ranma. However in the instant the black ranger got close, Ranma vanished.
"Mousse," called Shampoo just as Ranma instantly reappeared behind Mousse and kicked him away.
Shampoo charged Ranma with Akane and Ryoga close behind her. The pink ranger reached behind her and grabbed Ryoga and Akane's hands. With all her strength, Shampoo tossed the blue and yellow rangers towards Ranma.
Akane and Ryoga both had their fists out and ready when Ranma simply plucked them out of midair and tossed them into Shampoo.
Ryoga was the first to get up. He looked at Akane and Shampoo who seemed like they were both knocked out.
"Do you have any idea how much you've hurt her, hurt all of us," said Ryoga.
"Do you have any idea of how little I care," said Ranma.
Ryoga and Ranma charged, their fists colliding with each other. Instantly, Ranma's other arm came around and slashed Ryoga. The blue ranger took the blow and used his other arm to grab hold of Ranma's wrist.
"Remember when I arrived in Nerima Ranma. I tethered us together with a bandanna. It kept you from running away like you're prone to do," said Ryoga.
"What I remember is it not working out like you wanted," said Ranma.
Ryoga quickly lifted Ranma off his feet and slammed him into the ground several times. Then Ryoga grabbed Ranma by the waist and began to squeeze. That however was a mistake. Both of Ranma's hands were loose and he used them to bring his ki claws down the blue ranger.
"Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken," shouted Ranma as he slashed Ryoga hundreds of times. Ranma was about to scratch Ryoga once more when Mousse's nunchucks wrapped around his arm and pulled him away.
Mousse managed to pull Ranma in close and punch him in the stomach. Ranma was about to counter when Shampoo ran up and slammed him in the back with her chui.
"We got this Shampoo," said Mousse.
"Stay focused," said Shampoo.
Ranma quickly leaped back and waited as Mousse and Shampoo charged him. They leaped into the air ready to come down with their weapons. Ranma quickly jumped into the air to meet them. He was too fast for Shampoo and Mousse. Ranma slashed both of them across the chest, sending them crashing to the ground.
As soon as Ranma landed he had to dodge once more as a hammer came flying towards his chest.
"Once again, it's just you and me," said Ranma.
"I'm not letting you get away again Ranma," said Akane.
"That's what makes this so much fun," laughed Ranma.
Akane swung her hammer at Ranma who countered with his claws, leaving huge scratch marks in the pavement. After a certain point Akane could only defend herself from Ranma's attacks. It was as if Ranma was pouring all his energy into every attack and he showed no sign of slowing down. She had to think of something.
"It's too bad that you have to rely completely on the dark warriors' power to beat us. I thought you weren't the type to take shortcuts," said Akane.
"Shut up," yelled Ranma.
Ranma charged Akane and left an opening that couldn't be missed. Akane easily swept his legs with her hammer, tripping him. Then as Ranma was on the ground, Akane hit him with an axe kick.
Akane was about to kick him once more when Ranma caught her leg. Ranma then got up and tossed Akane into the nearest wall. Before she could recover, Ranma's hand was around her neck.
"Pretty sneaky, taunting me so I'd attack you blindly," said Ranma.
"Learned from the best," said Akane.
"I'm done playing. I'm going to destroy you and any hope remaining that this world can be saved."
Ranma's free hand was charging with ki. Akane tried to get herself loose from his grip but his hand wouldn't budge no matter how hard she hit it. Akane had only one more move.
The yellow ranger reached up to the sides of her helmet and lifted it off. Ranma could see her face and there were tears in her eyes.
"This isn't you Ranma. You're more than this. You're our friend. You inspire us to be stronger. You're a martial artist. Isn't it your duty to protect," said Akane.
Ranma didn't say anything.
"If keep that mask on then your nothing but the dark warrior's slave. Fight his control and come back to us," said Akane.
"Destroy her. You will have unlimited power and be a slave to no one. You don't need them. They are holding you back from your full potential." The voice of the dark warrior in Ranma's head was yelling at him.
"I don't want any of that. I didn't want any of this. Get out of my head," said Ranma internally
"Come back to me," said Akane.
Suddenly, a light erupted from Akane's morpher. She reached out and grabbed Ranma's free hand.
"Fight it Ranma," shouted Akane.
"Akane," shouted Ranma.
The light then transferred from Akane's morpher to Ranma's.
"You can't fight it. I control you. You're my puppet," shouted the voice.
"No one controls me," said Ranma.
Ranma put Akane down and she instantly wrapped her arms around him.
"Get her away from you. If you don't I will destroy you and all that you love," said the voice.
"Just try it. As long as I have Akane and the rest my friends with me, I'll be stronger than anything you could ever create. Now for the last time, get out of my head," said Ranma.
The light of Ranma and Akane's morphers was now bright enough to blind someone. A dark ring appeared around Ranma's neck. With all of his strength, Ranma reached up, grabbed the ring and ripped it apart. Then he grabbed his helmet, tore it off, and tossed it away. His ranger suit reverted to its normal state for a brief second before Ranma powered down completely.
A blinding light erupted from the dark warrior's head as he screamed in pain. The light spread around his body and into his sword.
"My lord, what's wrong," asked Saffron.
"GET OUT," shouted Kage.
Saffron and the others didn't question further as they each scrambled for the door.
As the light died down, Kage looked at his sword.
"Empty. Looks like it's back to square one.
Then Megumi came in through the magic mirror, trying to hide a grin on her face. After all, Ranma was normal again. So he was currently in Akane's arms right now, she'd have her chance at him soon enough.
"I take it from that look on your face I should leave the room," said Megumi.
"Actually, I want you to stay for a second. I know you gave the rangers some helpful hints. I just wanted you know that your days here are numbered. And when that numbers up, nothing in this world can save you from my wrath. Now get out of my sight," said Kage.
Megumi's heart stopped for a moment. Then she quickly left and locked herself in her room.
That night, after escaping Ukyo, Shampoo, and Kodachi's rib cage crushing hugs, Ranma sat on the roof and calmed down as he looked into the night sky. Once he had escaped the girls, Mousse, Tatewaki, and Ryoga attempted to beat him for flirting with Shampoo, wondering who the pigtailed girl really was and making Akane cry. At least Tofu and Konatsu were nice enough to stay out of it.
Then Ranma heard a noise.
"Hey Tomboy," said Ranma knowing full well who had was climbing up and coming towards him.
"Hey Pervert," said Akane as she sat next to him. "How are you feeling?"
"Drained. The power, even though I didn't want it, was addicting. I'm also feeling very horrible for the things I did to all of you. I could see everything I was doing but couldn't stop myself, like I was trapped in my own body. At least when I use the cat fist, I don't remember afterwards," said Ranma.
"It wasn't your fault. You couldn't control yourself."
"I know. I just wish I knew how to make up for the things I did."
"Just take it one day at a time. Your other fiancés have already forgiven you. That's a start."
"What about you though? The darkness inside me knew you were the most special to me and always attacked you with the least restraint."
"I'm special to you?"
Ranma instantly blushed as he realized what he just admitted.
"What I meant to say was…."
But Akane cut him off, "its ok, you're special to me too."
There was a silence as they both turned redder than Ranma's ranger suit.
"Y-You know, we never did go out on that date. How about we try again tomorrow," said Ranma.
"I-I would like that," said Akane.
They both smiled as they silently continued to gaze at the stars. However, for a brief moment, Ranma's mind was elsewhere. He had to tell her about Megumi.
He looked at Akane and noticed that she was still smiling brightly at the night sky.
He would tell her later. For now though, he was content to let things be.
(Authors notes)
The evil ranger saga is finally done. I think it's finally time to introduce the final two rangers. Who will they be? What's going to happen to Megumi? Will Ranma admit that he and Megumi kissed to Akane? When will the next chapter be posted?
Who knows? I can only answer all but the last question. Seriously, school keeps me very busy. But trust me; I'm always thinking about this fic.
As always, thanks for reading and I hope you all enjoyed it and will continue to enjoy future chapters.