CHAPTER 23

-"THE WILD DATE OF THE ROSES! RYOGA MAKES A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL!"-

RED CATS' SECRET BASE:

The Cat Ghost King is looking for R; then he yells for Dr. Wily. 15 minutes later Wily arrives at the chamber of the Cat Ghost King. "You called, Cat Ghost King?"

"I did…Wily, just where is R meow? I haven't heard from him for a while."

"Not to worry, your highness, he's on a date."

"WHAT? A DATE? WE ARE ON A VERY IMPORTANT MISSION HERE! HE DOESN'T HAVE TIME FOR A STUPID DATE! HE'S VERY FAR BEHIND ON HIS OWN MISSION!"

"Don't worry, Cat, this date will help R destroy Ranma for good."

The Cat Statue blinks; how a STATUE can blink, this narrator has no idea. "And how exactly will this date help R beat Ranma, Wily?"

Then Dr. Wily explains all about what R's told him…in the end, he asks, "So what do you think?"

The Cat Ghost King ponders this idea. "Hmm…I suppose that COULD work…All right meow, but he'd better not waste more time…cause time is what we don't have…got it, Wily meow?"

"Got it."

We see R with Kodachi in his S2000, driving on the streets of the Shibuya Ward of Tokyo:

"So R, where are we going?" Kodachi asks.

R tells her, "I was thinking about a movie, then, later tonight we have dinner."

"Dinner? Uhh… where?"

R smirks. "Well, I've made reservations on this new restaurant that just opened back in Nerima, a French one I guess."

Kodachi giggles, "Sure sounds like we're going to have a great time."

"You said it, Kodachi-chan."

Kodachi thinks, Oh what a wonderful day, today is the first day that I've been on a date! R sure is handsome, polite, he likes roses, white, but he likes them…I always wished that I could do it with Ranma…but I'm afraid that's in the past… After I use R to crush Ranma, maybe I'll settle with R.

R's thinking, This Kodachi sure is a wonderful girl, she likes roses like me, black, but likes them, she always has a sense of humor…she's cunning, agile and tricky…after she gives me her secrets and beat Ranma…who knows…maybe…just maybe I might…asked her to –(blush)- um, be with me."

It appears that both people have the same idea.

Meanwhile, at the Shadowloo Base, M. Bison was studying some plans with Tron Bonne about new mecha construction, when an incoming message comes on screen. When they receive it, it's Erick on screen. "Hello Erick…," Bison greets his ally, "What is the purpose of your calling us?"

Erick smiles, "Hello to you too, Bison…the reason for this call is to inform you that I've located where the competition is."

"Really…do tell?"

"They were seen three miles south of your base…they're on their way to Nerima…why don't you go there and…'greet them' Bison."

"All right, I will."

"May I suggest that you take some of your fighters…cause these people can be quite powerful."

M. Bison smirks. "Is that so? Ha, I'd like to see that!"

Erick warns, "Seriously, Bison…don't be overconfident, always be on your guard, and never be too cautious."

"Very well…I'll do what you tell me…Well, if there's no other business to talk about, I must go and prepare to 'welcome' those people."

"Very well Bison…good luck"

When the transmission ends:

Tron Bonne!" Bison calls.

Tron snaps to attention. "Yes, Sir?"

"Call Sagat, Vega and Zangief…we're gonna go and 'welcome' those people who are trying to steal the Phoenix Stone."

"Right away, boss!"

R takes Kodachi to dance at a disco. R dances quite well, but Kodachi was kinda nervous. Later they head for the Juban District, cause R wanted to buy Kodachi a dress. Kodachi's very grateful to him. Next, R intends to take her to dinner, but in the meantime, they're enjoying a quiet evening in the park, they're sitting in a bench looking at the sunset:

Kodachi, leaning on R's shoulder, sighs, "Ah R, I'm having a wonderful time with you."

R's pleased. "Why thank you Kodachi, it WAS my intention in the first place after all."

"Say R, how did you get very good in Martial Arts?"

"Well, I guess since I was little, I think."

"But you are good. I mean, no one has ever fought against Ranma like that, and you hit him. You must be a pro."

R blushes, saying in an "aw-shucks" manner, "Oh come on Kodachi, I'm not that great. Well…. maybe a LITTLE, but not THAT much…So what about you? How did you become very good at Gymnastics?"

"I've always loved it. Every since I was little, I like doing Gymnastics. It's good for the body and mind."

R smirks, "Heh, heh… You got that right about the body part…you have a beautiful body."

Kodachi giggles, laughing, "No I don't…!"

"Yeah, you do…" Then, changing the subject, R takes a risk and decides to ask, "Say, I was wondering Kodachi…"

"About what R?"

"May I ask how do you do that thing with the roses…you know, those weird paralyzing powers? I'd like to know."

"Well, it's MY own secret technique."

"But surely you could at least SHOW me your secret technique…if you don't mind?"

Kodachi blinks. "Nani…? You want to know my secret technique…why?"

R explains, "Um…you see, I too love roses, and, if I knew how to make those powerful powers, I could be stronger…and, with those secrets…I could beat down all my enemies…among them, Ranma."

Kodachi thinks, This is getting more interesting…R wants to beat Ranma…and if I help him, he will! Maybe I'll teach him"

R says, observing, "You know…this is all cool and everything but, it wouldn't hurt if there was some action here."

Kodachi agrees, "Yes…but where do we get it? I mean, it's not like action's gonna appear in front of us."

Suddenly, from the bushes, a monster jumps out and lands in front of R and Kodachi…it had the shape of a bull, with claws and long tail…screaming…-"MINOTAUR!"-…

Kodachi blinks. "Who…or WHAT is that thing?"

R shrugs, but keeps his eyes on the monster, ready to attack it if tries anything. "Don't know…looks like a bull with legs or something."

Then the monster sees them. "I will take away your pure heart!" it roars.

Kodachi gasps, momentarily frightened by the creature. "Say what? My heart?"

R looks at the rather stupid-looking creature, which reminds him of something out of those ridiculous sentai shows. "You're not serious are you…take away MY heart?"

Then the monster launches himself toward them, when:

"Hold it right there evil youma!" a girl's voice yells.

R and Kodachi look up and saw 5 girls in the top of a building. They are dressed in Sailor-Fuku costumes… (This would be the part where the typical villain or bad guy would cry, "OH NO! Not THOSE guys!" – or girls, in this case!) One girl has short blue hair with a blue skirt, another has long black hair with a red skirt, one more girl has long blond hair with an orange-yellow skirt, the tallest one has brown hair with a green skirt…and their leader has blonde hair done up in two pigtails! Does this narrator need to tell you who THEY are?

R and Kodachi cannot believe what they are seeing. "What are those girls? Why are they dressed up like college students?"

Kodachi laughs, "Don't know…but they sure look funny."

Then the girls' leader addresses the Youma. "A park is place for peace and for loving couples to spend time with each other! I will not tolerate you disrupting it! I am Sailor Moon!"

Then each of the sailor-suited girls introduces herself, complete with her own unique background scenery.

"…I am Sailor Mercury…!"

"…Sailor Mars…!"

"…Sailor Jupiter…!"

"…Sailor Venus…!"

Sailor Moon finishes up, saying, "…so on behalf of the Moon…"

Then all of the girls strike a pose, declaring, "We shall punish you!!" An elaborate backdrop of roses and stars appears behind them. Hollywood's got nothing on fan-fiction writers with an active imagination, which is like an infinite budget when it comes to neato-keen special effects and stuff!

When they finish their introduction, the Youma's getting angry…R and Kodachi however…

Kodachi blinks. "Gracious… and I thought my brother had lousy speeches!"

R's annoyed. These sailor girls are stealing the spotlight. HIS spotlight. "Oh man…are these girls for real?"

Then Sailor Moon jumps and lands in front of R and Kodachi. "Alright folks, you don't have anything to worry about, cause we're here to save you!"

R, further annoyed, sweatdrops. "Say what? Save us…? Geez…you gotta be kidding me!"

Kodachi blinks again, wondering aloud, "What are you supposed to be? Some sort of Cheerleading Squad?"

Sailor Mars tells R and Kodachi, "Just stay away from this fight, or you might get hurt." She readies one of her talismans, setting it on fire.

R's insulted. "HEY! LISTEN HERE, YOU LITTLE GIRL…!"

R couldn't finish cause the Youma begins his attack on the Scouts…Sailor Mars launches her Mars Fire Soul against the Youma, but it didn't do any damage. Next Jupiter releases her Thunder Shock, but with no such luck. The Scouts were getting desperate:

Sailor Moon whimpers, "Scouts…none of our attacks are working against this Youma!"

R shakes his head, disappointed with their futile efforts. "Geez, these girls are pathetic!"

Kodachi nods. "Tell me about it…it appears that these girls can talk, but can't fight."

Suddenly, the Youma charges against Sailor Moon, but, outta nowhere, a rose strikes the ground in front of the Youma…then in the corner of a tree lies…

Sailor Moon happily squeals, "Tuxedo Mask!"

Tuxedo Mask breaks into his monologue. "Parks are places for peace and tranquility; I will not let an evil Youma such as you destroy them!"

Sailor Moon was impressed with him (when ISN'T she!?); R however is furious! "Why that Penguin guy…! How DARE he copy MY technique with the rose!"

Kodachi obverse, "What do you know…it looks like that guy uses roses for weapons…! I should sue him for copyrights!"

But, even with Tuxedo Mask aiding them, the Youma was too strong for them. When the Scouts were down…the Youma turns to face R and Kodachi. Of course R and Kodachi weren't intimidated by it. When the Youma charges against R, R delivers a fast and powerful punch to the Youma's midsection. The Youma cries out in a lot of pain as he falls to the ground, then he sees R with a deadly look, R, however, laughs, "Listen here bully…if you're thinking that you can defeat me like those girls with the short skirts, then you're out of your mind!"

The Youma, Minotauros, is angry! " WHAT…? YOU FILTHY HUMAN, I'LL KILL YOU!"

"That's so…? HA! Now get of here before I make barbeque out of you."

"NEVER! GYAAAAAH!"

"Have it your way then…Kodachi, you might want to step aside…," R says, while cracking his knuckles, "…cause things are about to get messy!"

R then begins to walk toward the Youma. Minotauros launches his claws, trying to decapitate him, but R dodges them all easily:

R laughs while dodging, "Ha hahaa…! Hey, hot head, is that the best you can do? You move like my grandma!"

Minotauros' steamed. "MISERABLE…. I'LL SKIN YOU ALIVE!"

Even angrier he launches more attacks…but like before, they fail:

R taunts, laughing, "No, my mistake… My grandmother moves even faster then you! Hahahaha!"

The Sailor Scouts were in awe of R. He moves even faster then them. And THEY had magical powers:

Sailor Moon remarks, "Wow, that guy moves even faster then us…how is that possible?"

Sailor Mars, worried, replies, "I…I don't know."

Sailor Venus wonders aloud, "You think he could be part of the Sailor Scouts?"

Tuxedo Mask silently fumes, thinking, Hmph…showoff.

The Youma begins to get tired from his futile efforts at attacking. R mocks his opponent. "Oh…don't tell me that you're already tired? What a pathetic creature. "

Minotauros screams, "SHUT UP…ITS TIME TO FINISH THIS!"

R gets serious. "You know what? You're right…time to finish this…so get ready! VIOLET OUTCAST!!"

R then proceeds to punish the Youma with a ferocious assault of punches and kicks. The Youma is being pummeled badly by R; then R begins to concentrate, creating a flaming purple-red aura around him. The Sailor Scouts are frightened by his power. Then R follows up with another of his signature special techniques!

"All right buster, time to say goodbye…ACTIVE RED PEARL!"

R then releases a big purple-and-red-tinted fireball at the Youma. Upon contact, it explodes, bathing the doomed creature in raging flames. When the flames die down, the Youma is gone, burnt to ashes…! Then R cools down, whistling, "Phew, what a weak-ass monster! It didn't even give me a workout! Oh well…" he turns to Kodachi, glad that she is safe, and smiles. "Shall we go Kodachi?"

Kodachi smiles back. "Let's shall."

The Sailor Scouts are another matter; they're still in awe of him. Sailor Mars says disbelievingly, "No way…! His fire attack was much stronger then mine!"

Sailor Jupiter's in awe. "And he fought that Youma single-handled, and destroyed it!"

"Just who is he?" Sailor Mercury wanted to know.

Before leaving, R looks over at the Scouts and smirks. "You girls are pathetic! You should all return to cheerleading where you belong."

Sailor Moon's steamed. "HEEEY!"

R glares at Tuxedo Mask. "And as for YOU, penguin boy…don't try to copy other people attacks. The rose strike is mine!"

Tuxedo Mask objects, "What! Listen here boy, it is MY attack!"

R's like, "Yeah right. In your hands, the way you use those roses to attack is SO pathetic."

"Oh yeah? I'll show you!"

Then Tuxedo Mask reaches into his pocket and throws three of his red roses at R. But to everyone's surprise, R reaches into his pocket and throws one (!) white rose very fast like a bullet. R's white rose deflects Tuxedo Mask's red roses and strikes him in his left shoulder, pinning him to a wall. Tuxedo Mask screams in pain, "GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!"

Sailor Moon's scared for him. "TUXEDO MASK!"

R laughs, " Now THAT's a 'real rose strike' cape boy! Well, we're off, remember our names, R of the 'White Rose'…"

Kodachi adds, "And I'm Kodachi Kuno "The Black Rose"!

Then R and Kodachi leave the park to enjoy the rest of their date…

Meanwhile, the Darkstalkers Demitri, Morrigan and Bishamon were still searching for clues to find the Phoenix Stone, they were now walking on a hill, and it was nighttime, with strong winds:

Frustrated, Demitri growls, "I can't believe we still haven't found no clues whatsoever to find the stone!"

"Well we can't give up now. I know we'll find it Dimitri; it's just a matter of time." Morrigan says.

"Hey, I feel something coming towards us," Bishamon says, alerting the others.

"What could it be?" Morrigan wonders.

Then, from the clouds a huge air ship descends upon them. It was Shadowloo's Air Ship, hovering in front of them:

"What in the seven hells is that thing!?" Demitri asks.

Morrigan remarks in awe, "It appears to be a giant ship or something…I don't know."

Then, the hatch doors open…and then someone emerges from them…It is the leader of Shadowloo himself, M. Bison. Bison glares at the Darkstalkers:

"Who is that mortal" Demitri wanted to know.

Morrigan replies, "Don't know…he looks like a General."

Bison greets his opponents. "Mwahahaha…Salutations… I am M. Bison, ruler of Shadowloo."

Morrigan remembers, "Shadowloo! Hey, that's the name that weird priest Erick told us a while ago…the one who wants the stone!"

"So it is." Demitri says grimly.

"You must be the Darkstalkers…the ones who are trying to find the Phoenix Stone, am I right?"

Demitri confirms, "You are correct…I am…"

M. Bison cuts Demitri off. "We know who you people are…so, to make this speech short…you can stop your quest to find the stone…cause we'll be the ones who will get it."

Demitri flares up. "WHAT! Listen here you pitiful mortal…it is WE who will get the stone…and if you or anybody tries to get in our way…will be destroyed!"

Bison laughs, "Then you're dumber than Erick told us…I suggest that you people leave…if you continue to bother us…we will fight you."

Demitri scolds, "Ha…and what could a miserable and weak human like yourself could ever do to us!? We are powerful beings!"

"Miserable and Weak is it…?" Then, in a blink of en eye, M. Bison teleports himself from his ship right in front of Demitri, Morrigan and Bishamon. They gasp and jump back a little.

Demitri gasps, "What the…"

Morrigan's in awe. "How…how did he do that?"

Bison laughs, "Well…what were you saying about being Weak and Miserable?"

Demitri recovers from his surprise. "Hmph…so you can do a few tricks…but I have powers like you've never seen!"

"Is that so…how would you like to prove your theory…? Let's see if you can prove it with actions and words, 'cause talk is easy."

"What…you want to fight me?" Now Demitri laughs. "…What makes you think you have ANY chance of surviving against me?"

"So…are you backing away? I should have figured it out…coward."

Demitri's offended. "WHAT…all right, you scum mortal…no one calls me a coward and lives…you just signed your death certificate…so get ready to be burned!"

Then both persons prepare for combat…Bison took off his cape, same with Demitri and assume their fighting positions.

Morrigan predicts, "Demitri will kill that fool human in no time at all, right Bishamon?"

Bishamon's not sure. "I don't know Morrigan…that Bison guy has a high energy power within him…a dark one."

"Oh, come now…what could that human do?'

Then it starts. "Any last words before I kill you?" Demitri asks his victim.

M. Bison replies, grinning evilly, "Yeah…duck."

Demitri blinks. "Duck?"

Then, Bison moves very fast and hits Demitri in his chest. Demitri goes flying away and lands hard on the ground. He gasps as he ACTUALLY feels pain from that hit.

Demitri gasps, clutching his chest, "What the…ugh…how can that be? That mortal not only hit me, but moved so fast I didn't see it!"

Bison laughs, "What's the matter Demitri…didn't see that coming?"

On the side lines, Morrigan is shocked. "No way! Did you see that Bishamon? That mortal moved so fast I didn't see it."

Bishamon nods. "Me either…that mortal has powers that I couldn't have foreseen…maybe Demitri will have trouble beating him."

On the battlefield…

Demitri says while rising, "Alright you pitiful… you only hit me because I was distracted, but that won't happen again. This time, you'll die!"

M. Bison's like, "Really? Then let's see it… or is it that you won't do it?"

"I'll show you…TAKE THIS! GRYAAAA!" Then Demitri releases a couple of Chaos Flares toward Bison. Bison just stands there; when they were about to hit him, he smiles wickedly, his eyes glow and the attack reverts back to Demitri. Demitri gets hit by his own attack. When he recovers, he is confused and shocked at Bison's ability. "No…! What happened here? Why did my attack fail to strike you and hit me…? WHY?"

Morrigan's equally shocked. "No way…! How did he do it…he just stood there and somehow reflected the attack right back to Demitri!"

"I…I don't know," is all Bishamon can utter.

"How did you do that?" Demitri asks of Bison. "There was no way you could have done that…impossible!"

Bison laughs, "Easy…you may have your dark powers…but I have within me the Psycho Power!"

"Psycho Power…? No matter, you're still gonna die…I haven't lost to anybody in a long time!"

M. Bison agrees, "Neither have I…so let's finish this!"

"Yes…let's shall!"

Then they fight for a couple of minutes. During the fight, Bison nails Demitri with his Knee Press Nightmare, Demitri then strikes Bison with his Bat Spin, and later Bison hits him back with a Psycho Shot. Both warriors were now facing each other and charging their powers:

Bison thinks, He is a great warrior…he could be a worthy opponent for me.

Demitri's thinking, This human is indeed very strong…never have I fought someone who could actually give ME trouble…especially a human…but I refuse to lose to a human!

"Ready, Demitri…you're about to feel my Psycho Power."

Demitri smirks at Bison, "Do your worst…cause you're about to feel my supreme power!"

Then Demitri unleashes his Demon Billon, transforming himself into a swarm of flaming bats at Bison. When they make contact they explode.

Morrigan grins, satisfied by the outcome. "Well…I guess that's over…Demitri won."

Bishamon nods in agreement. "Sure looks like it."

Then, having finished the Demon Billion attack, Demitri reverts back to his former self, snickering, "Ha…guess that takes care of him…like all those who dare to stand in my way."

A familiar voice laughs, "Mwahahaha…is that so?"

Demitri gasps, "What the…what was that?"

Then, they all look through the smoke as it clears; they see someone at the center. It was M. Bison, still standing:

Demitri yells, "WHAT THE…NO, IMPOSSIBLE!"

Morrigan's wide-eyed. "He's…he's alive…I don't believe it!"

Bishamon questions, "Just what is he?"

M. Bison flashes his fiendish grin. "Well now…I believe it is my turn now to show you my powers, right?"

"I don't know how you survived my attack…but you're still going to die!" Demitri declares.

Bison explains, "Simple…my Psycho Barrier stops your attack…now prepare to feel MY Special Power."

"NEVER! GYAAAAH!"

Once again, Demitri tries to launch another attack, but Bison vanishes. "Hey, where did he go?"

A voice says from behind Demitri, "Right behind you!"

When everyone turns around, they see Bison. He was covered from head to toe in blue flames. Then he launches himself toward Demitri, spinning around with his outstretched glowing hand; charging forward like a comet, he yells…-"PSYCHO CRUSHER!"-…

Demitri was hit by it like being hit by a speeding car. The sheer force of the impact sends him spinning through the air, covered in flames and he lands hard on the ground. It was over…M. Bison has won. Morrigan and Bishamon cannot believe what they've seen…Demitri lost to a human. They decide to help Demitri.

Bison, pleased with his victory, says coldly, "I guess I've won then…haven't I?"

Demitri weakly replies, "Shut up…you won only by luck…I didn't take you seriously."

"That was your mistake…never underestimate your opponents, or that will get you killed."

Demitri's mad now. "Why, I oughta…!"

"I must be going now…We still have lots of work to do if we're gonna find the Phoenix Stone…farewell…and don't try to get in our way…or the next time…," Bison laughs at Demitri, "I'll plunge a stake in your heart!"

Then Bison teleports himself back to his ship and flies away. Dimitri's now angry and humiliated.

Morrigan tries to calm him down. "There, there Demitri…don't strain yourself."

"I don't believe this…to have lost to a human! Well, next time I see him, I'll devour his body and crush his soul. Nobody beats me and gets away with it…!" Demitri snarls. "NOBODY!"

Belldandy and her sisters arrive at their hotel after talking with the MCD -(A.K.A Michael Angelus)-. Belldandy's happy and singing, for she has found her lost love once again. Her sisters notice this. "I see that SOMEONE's in a good mood today." Urd says, grinning.

Skuld asks, "You mean Belldandy-oneechan? I see."

Belldandy's singing happily, "O what a wonderful day it has been…He's back, my fiancée is back!"

Urd regards her sister. "I'm very happy for you, Belldandy. I'm proud of you."

Belldandy nods, giggling, "It is!"

Skuld's unsure. "Well, I'm happy for you Belldandy, really…but Belldandy?"

Belldandy now dancing around with joy, asks, "Yeah, Skuld?"

"What about Keiichi?"

This woke up Belldandy from her sweet dream and she gasps, covering her mouth, "Oh no…Keiichi! I forgot about him!"

Urd remembers, "Damn, that's right…!! Oh, man!"

Belldandy's now worried…she already found her past love when she forgot she had another love.

Meanwhile…

SHADOWLOO'S SECRET BASE:

M. Bison was ordering his scientists to work faster to build Tron Bonne's machines. Then he receives an incoming message from Erick:

Tron Bonne informs her boss, "Sir, we have an incoming message from Erick, should I put it on?"

"Yes," Bison tells her.

Tron clicks on one of the monitors, and Erick's face appears on the screen. "Hello M. Bison, how's everything with you guys?"

Bison replies, "Good, thanks for asking."

"So Bison…how do you find Tron Bonne?"

"She's one marvelous girl Erick, so full of energy, so hard-working and smart; she's indeed an asset to Shadowloo."

Tron blushes. "Ah geez… Thanks, boss!"

Erick goes on, asking, "Tell me Bison…how did your, how should I say it…'meeting' with the Darkstalkers went?"

Bison remarks, "Very fascinating. That vampire character Dimitri; he may be one worthy warrior to fight against."

"That's good, but don't let your guard down Bison…they'll be back."

"I know."

"So what are your new plans for today Bison?"

Bison smirks, "To confront this Ranma kid and ask him to join Shadowloo."

Erick cocks an eyebrow in mild surprise. "Really Bison?"

"Yes, he is indeed one very powerful warrior; imagine if he joins me, he could even be my second-in command!"

Erick hates to burst Bison's bubble, but… "Well, that's good and all, but I'm afraid that it won't happen."

"Huh! What do you mean?"

"Ranma won't ever join you, Bison"

"Oh really…and why is that?"

Erick explains, "You see Bison…Ranma is very honorable, and he's not so easy to seduce to the…'dark side'…greed, hate and vanity."

M. Bison laughs, ridiculing the idea of such a person. "Please…no man I've ever met in my life is without weaknesses. Everyone has a price…and if I reach his…"

"You're wasting your time Bison. Ranma's soul has remained intact. He has never, or ever, sold his honor for anything. Believe me…many have tried…but failed."

Bison considers this. "I see…" Frustrated, he says, "…too bad."

"However Bison…there's 'another one' who you might be able to persuade into joining you..."

"Who?" Bison wants to know.

Then Erick clicks on his computer and the image of Ryoga appears on Bison's screen:

"Who is that boy?"

"This, Bison, is Ryoga Hibiki…he's a rival of Ranma's, a very powerful martial artist"

Bison is interested. "Do tell."

"Ryoga has an ancient vendetta against Ranma. He always fights against him all the time. He has powerful moves like Ranma; although he always loses to Ranma, he always comes back for more."

Bison is impressed, but he's unsure. "But still…"

"Listen, why don't you use him to destroy Ranma."

"Why?"

"You see Bison, Ranma is a, how should I put it… a rightful warrior. He could pose a problem for you, for he could stop you."

"You don't say…Can he?"

"Oh yes, he has powers that could rival Ryu's, and even yours…why, he still has hidden power deep within…take my advice Bison, use that boy Ryoga to finish off Ranma."

M. Bison sighs, "Since there isn't another way… So how do I find this Ryoga boy?"

Erick, pleased, reveals, "It just so happens that I have his current whereabouts…you'll find him here."

Erick then sends the coordinates of Ryoga's whereabouts, M. Bison looks into them and says, "So be it…if what you say about this Ryoga is true Erick, then perhaps I could really use him."

"I know you will Bison. Well, I'd better get going. We'll keep in touch Bison, so long."

After Erick logs off, Bison orders, "Tron Bonne, prepare my transport. We'll go and find this Ryoga boy."

Tron salutes, "Aye aye Captain!"

Bison sweatdrops. "Aye aye Captain?"

Tron giggles, "I always wanted to say that! Tee hee!"

Bison chuckles, "Whatever, let's go."

Meanwhile, in the Tendo Dojo, Ranma is practicing with Akane. Ran's helping Kasumi and Nodoka in the kitchen preparing the meal. While practicing, Ranma is telling Akane about his encounter with Kodachi:

Akane blinks. "So Kodachi attacked you Ranma?"

Ranma nods, "Yep, seems that I'm no longer her 'Ranma-Darling'. She said that I used her love for my selfishness and my lust and that I lied to her."

"Boy, she sure doesn't like to face reality, doesn't she Ranma?"

"Yes, but, it's not like I didn't try to tell her - she just wouldn't let me. I feel like it's MY fault or something."

"Don't say that Ranma; it's not your fault. It's HER own fault for trying to live a fantasy that she created for herself."

"Thanks Akane, I needed that."

Akane smiles. "Hey, my pleasure."

Twenty minutes later, they stop practicing.

Ranma's worked up a good sweat. "Phew, that's enough for today Akane. How's about if we take a rest before we eat?"

Akane agrees, "Good idea!"

Just as they're heading inside, Ranma begins to think about R. Hmm…wonder what R's doing right now?

To answer Ranma's question…

R was driving in his hot car with Kodachi in the streets of Nerima, after having a little fun in Jubban. They were heading to eat at a new restaurant he saw…a French one…owned by a familiar character…They arrive at 7:00 pm. R is dressed in a black tuxedo with white shoes. Kodachi's dressed in a beautiful Black and White evening gown with some red roses on her body. The restaurant looked like a small palace, with cool lights, fountains and flowers of all kinds. Kodachi absolutely loves it:

R smiles. "Well Kodachi, we're here."

Kodachi's quite taken with the scenery. "Oh R, it's lovely! Look at all those roses, just marvelous!"

"So let's go inside. I've made reservations."

"You did? How cute! Let's go then."

Then they enter and are taken to their table. The place is finely decorated, with chandeliers, an orchestra playing classical music, like being in seventeenth-century France. When they were seated the waiters hand them the menu. Kodachi lookes at the dishes, and the prices. They were expensive; she begins to worry if R can afford it. "Um R, look at these prices, are you sure you can afford it? They look quite expensive."

R reassures her, "Don't worry, Kodachi-chan, I got it covered."

Then R orders their meals…R orders the sirloin steak, medium done with onions and cream; Kodachi orders a t-bone steak, and R orders himself some white wine.

When their order arrives, they begin to eat. Later, a man dressed in a white tuxedo, with short blonde hair, walks to the center and grabs a microphone and speaks to the audience. His name is Picolet Chardin II.

With an obvious French accent in his voice, Picolet makes his introduction. "Hello and good evening, my name is Picolet Chardin II, the owner of this new restaurant; I welcome you all to it…" He takes in the applause. "…and to celebrate this restaurant's opening, I am challenging anyone to a "Eating-Contest"!"

The audience is confused by this. Picolet explains, "… it is very simple, he who can eat a lot and beat me will win big prizes, and if he loses…well, why tell it. So, is there's anyone out there who has the courage to face me?"

R just heard those magic words, a challenge! He stands up from his chair and…

"I will do it."

Kodachi gasps, "R…what do you think you're doing?"

"What it looks like…that guy wants a challenge, and a challenge I want!"

Then R walks toward Picolet with a cocky smile. Picolet notices his challenger. "My my, what have we here? So you want to challenge the Great Picolet to an eating contest?"

"Yeah, you did ask for someone didn't you? So let's get it over with."

"Very well. I must say that either you're very brave, or very stupid for accepting my challenge."

R stops him. "Lets just get this challenge started would you, before I lose my appetite!"

"Fine, follow me to the Arena." Picolet says coolly.

Then, he leads R to the center of the stage. Minutes later two tables appear on stage…-(as seen in Ranma 1/2 Season 5 Episode 18 –"Dinner at Ringside" and volume 15 of the manga); THIS time however, they were inside of a glass cube. Once the combatants are inside, a girl emerges and announces the fight. "Hello and welcome to the second annual "Battle Dining", where two people will have a eating contest to see who can eat the most… She pauses, taking in the cheers of the restaurant's patrons. "…now, in this corner, the Prince of Pâté and owner of this restaurant, say hello to Picolet Chardin II!!" A loud cheer erupts from the crowd. "And in this corner, the challenger, R!" The crowd cheers again, only R doesn't get as many cheers as the reigning champ Picolet does.

Kodachi, after hearing that name tries to remember where she heard it; then she snaps and calls R. When R goes to her… "Say Kodachi, what do you want?"

"R Darling, you must be very careful with this guy."

R blinks. "Of this guy? Why do you say that?"

"I've heard from my friends in High Society that Picolet is a very cunning and special person in this 'kind' of battle. For he, like his family, possesses a unique style."

"A unique style, huh? Hmm…what's that?"

"You'll never believe me, but, he can eat a lot in his mouth, please be very careful!"

R reassures her, "Hey, don't worry Kodachi-chan. There isn't any fight that I can't lose!"

Then he returns to the ring. Picolet waits for him. "I would advise, Monsieur R, that you back away. This is a contest in which you cannot win."

"Oh put a sock in it boy, and let's get it on!"

"Okay…here are the stakes…if you win against me, which I doubt, you will eat free in this restaurant for a year…however, if you lose, you will pay 10 times what you were eating, and it IS rather expensive!"

Kodachi gasps loudly, and almost faints. R just stands ready; Picolet continues. "Tell me something R…" he asks, grabbing a watermelon, "…you think you can swallow this watermelon?"

R laughs, "Are you kidding me? Nobody can do that!"

"Is that so…" Picolet swallows it – WHOLE, I might add! – in ONE gulp. "…glup…how's that?"

R is shocked and his eyes go wide after what he sees. That Picolet guy just swallowed an entire watermelon! No way! R sees that Picolet's mouth was EXTREMELY wide open, like a Pelican's. Jeez, talk about having a big mouth, but this is insane!

Then, a woman, around in her 40's enters the ring. She's wearing a long dark-blue dress (Uh…are those cloves of garlic (!) around the skirt of that dress?), glasses, and her brown hair is done up in an unusual hairstyle – is that a roast turkey or is that actually her hair!? (She's also appeared in Season 5, episode 18 and volume 15, too). It's Picolet's right-hand woman, the loyal long-time supporter of the Chardin family, Madame St. Paul.

Madame St. Paul takes the mike from the announcer girl and speaks to everyone assembled, her voice giving away her heavy French accent. "I will now explain the rules, the winner is the one who can eat the most and fastest…however, if that eating can be seen…," she says, pointing at R, "Then you get this penalty…first we get to call you a pig; also you get an extra plate…now that the rules are told…READY…

R's thinking, worried, I'd better think of something fast, or else I might be washing dishes for a while…but how to do it?"

Picolet thinks, laughing, Ha ha haa, this guy is done for! He will fail!

Madame St. Paul thinks, smiling, He has no chance; only one –(Ranma)– was able to do it, but unless this guy knows the –"Parlay du foie gras"- he's a goner!

Kodachi's thinking, worried for R, R-darling, good luck!

"GOOOO!" yells Madame St. Paul.

Then the match starts… Picolet's eating faster that R cause of his big mouth; R can't. Unlike Ranma's battle with Picolet, R couldn't use the Parley Du Foie Gras even he knew HOW to do it, because they were inside that glass cube, so he couldn't throw the food at the audience like Ranma did, nor at Picolet, cause there was a glass barrier in front of them. R is getting far behind. There's gotta be a way to do this, but I can't eat as much as –"Big Mouth"- here! How, how to do it?

Madame St. Paul laughs, thinking, Hahaha…he's done for! Monsieur Picolet will win this match in no time at all!

Kodachi gasps. Oh no, R…! That Picolet guy is almost at the finish, while R is far behind…he's going to lose!"

R could see that he still had many dishes left, while Picolet had little dishes. But he refuses to give up. He thinks, Damn…if I don't think of something, I'll lose, and I NEVER lose! Wait a minute…if I can't throw the food out, maybe I can… R gets an idea, and he brightens up. THAT'S IT, I KNOW WHAT TO DO!"

Picolet laughs at R, "So monsieur, are you ready to lose and wash dishes?"

"Not on your life pal! This match ain't over!"

Madame St. Paul sneers, "Fool, the match will be over!"

Then R's raging battle aura comes to life! Alright, time to do it! R thinks, then his hands become a furious blur of purple…What happens next astonishes everyone.

All the food on R's dishes is disappearing from sight at very fast speeds, like Ranma's did before. Picolet and Madame St. Paul are both shocked at this display.

Madame St. Paul, wide-eyed, her jaw dropping ALL the way to the floor – literally! – exclaims, "NO! ALL HIS FOOD IS DISSAPEARING! BUT HOW…!" She looks everywhere. "HE CAN'T THROW IT OUTSIDE BECAUSE THEY'RE INSIDE THE DOME, NOR AT PICOLET…HOW?"

Kodachi cheers, "YES, R DARLING! GO FOR IT! YOU CAN DO IT!"

Picolet, shocked, wonders aloud, secretly in awe of R's skill, "How he's doing it? I thought that only that boy Ranma could do it cause of the Parlay Du Foie Gras! But I won't lose again…I WONT!"

Then they speed up the pace. Both of them are at the finish. Everyone's waiting to see who would win. Then, it happens. Picolet was only one dish away from winning… Ha! This is it, and once I eat this one I'll win the match! Picolet thinks happily, confident of his victory. Just when his mouth is inches away from the last plate…

"Le battle c'est fini. I'm finished," a satisfied R says, wiping his mouth with a napkin. He'd just knocked off his last plate of food and consequently seized victory from Picolet.

Everyone is silent for a couple of seconds…then the crowd breaks into a wild cheer. Picolet and Madame St. Paul both have their mouths wide open and shocked expressions on their faces.

Picolet's thinking, NOOOOOO...! HE WON! BUT HOW? HOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!?"

Madame St. Paul is stunned by this. In it's four-hundred year history, the La Belle France School of Martial Arts Dining had experienced only two defeats. First, from the man who practically created the Parlay Du Foie Gras technique, "Le Petit Bouche" (The Little Mouth). Then, years later, from Ranma Saotome, who'd used the Parlay in his battle with Picolet. And now, with R's victory over Picolet tonight, yet another loss would mar the school's otherwise impressive win record. Poor Madame St. Paul, with equal parts shame and shock going through her mind, can only think, GRYAAAAAAA...! NO, THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE! HOW COULD HE HAVE DONE IT? NOOOO!!

Kodachi happily runs toward R, hugging him, and congratulates him. She's cheering, "YEAAH, R, YOU DID IT! I KNEW YOU COULD!"

R grins. "Heh, thanks Kodachi!"

Later, R is being presented a Year Certificate by Picolet who, gracious in defeat, humbly says, "I congratulate you monsieur R. You've won the battle dining, and for your victory I present you this Year Certificate for you, with which you'll be able to eat here free for a year."

R accepts the prize. "Thanks…maybe next time I'll come back for more!"

Later, when R and Kodachi are heading for R's car. "Kodachi praises her date. "You were awesome R, I'm very impressed with you."

"Aw… It was nothing, really."

"Say R…how did you do it? I mean, you don't have a large mouth for all that food that you put inside."

R honestly tells Kodachi, "Well…it was like this…"

Then R takes out a piece of meat, then he ignites his hands with purple fire and in one fast motion, he uses his speed (in the style of Ranma's Amaguriken), to burn away the meat, not leaving a single trace of it. "…and that's how I did it…Pretty impressive isn't it Kodachi?"

Kodachi's in awe. "WOW…R that was really something!"

Then R and Kodachi hop into R's car and head back home.

MEANWHILE...

Somewhere in the Sahara desert is Ryoga Hibiki. He's walking slowly, heading for nowhere (no surprise there!), just walking and crying, cursing all the while, "Damn that Ranma…sniff…it's his fault for everything! He…he stole Akane away from me…sniff…sniff…it's all his fault…my curse, my disasters, my…sniff…HELL!"

Then Ryoga hears some noises coming toward him, almost like a plane. When he looks up, he sees a large flying machine hovering above him in the sky. It is Shadowloo's Air Ship. Then, M. Bison appears in front of him via his teleportation technique, the Bison Warp.

M. Bison smiles his trademark wide grin, teeth and all, at the Eternal Lost Boy. "Greetings, Mr. Ryoga Hibiki."

Ryoga jumps back, startled by Bison's sudden appearance (Apparently, Erick's habit of sneaking up on people and appearing out of nowhere is contagious – having experienced it himself with his own dealings with Erick, Bison's been taking notes). "Who…who the heck are you?"

"My name is Bison, master of Shadowloo, and I've come here to make a deal with you."

"Look, Captain Bison, I'm not interested right now, so if I could continue with my…"

"Oh, but you'll love it. It involves Ranma."

This part takes Ryoga by the leg. "RANMA…! How?"

Bison explains, "You see Ryoga, you're not the only one who wants Ranma dead…if you accept my deal, I can guarantee your victory over him."

Ryoga's interested. "Really…? Do tell me more."

M. Bison tells Ryoga all about his deal. At the end, he says, "So that's my deal…do you accept Ryoga?"

"Yes…yes! I'll take it!"

M. Bison laughs, "Hahahaha…I knew you would boy! Together, we will crush Ranma Saotome for good!"

Ryoga laughs, "Yes…yes, he will be crushed! HAHAHHAAAA!!'

TO BE CONTINUED...