CHAPTER 30

-"A LEGEND RETURNS! IT'S RANMA VS. RYU!"-

(AND, BUBBLEMAN FINDS THE PHOENIX STONE! WELL…MAYBE NOT.)

The outskirts of Nerima:

A lone man is standing outside the hills of Nerima. He was dressed in a white, sleeveless Karate Gi, wore a red headband on his head, and he was carrying a white duffel bag on his shoulder…-"(Thinking)- So, I'm finally here. This has to be the place where I sensed that strong energy."-…the man was thinking. He begins to walk toward Nerima. A young girl was walking behind him…-" Hey, wait for me!"-…the girl yells at him as he continues walking toward Nerima.

RED CAT GANG's SECRET BASE – INSIDE ERICK'S DARK CHAMBER:

Erick was reading a book in his room. Delia was with him, also reading a book, when Bass enters his room… "Hey, Erick! You here…?" He then spots Erick reading a book. "There you are. Um, what're you reading?"

"A good book called –"Don Quixote de la Mancha"-

Bass is confused. "The WHO?"

"Don Quixote de la Mancha, by Miguel Cervantes Savedra."

Still confused, Bass asks Erick, "Oooookay…what is it?"

"Don Quixote de la Mancha is one of the greatest books ever written in the Spanish language."

Bass is STILL confused. "Okay…" Looking over in Delia's direction, he asks, "And what are you reading?"

"–"Hamlet"-. By William Shakespeare. Also one of the greatest books written in literature."

Erick wants Bass to get to the point. "Bass…is there a reason for your presence here?"

Bass remembers, "Oh right! I came here to tell you that Bison will arrive shortly for the meeting of the demonstration of your Cells"

"Right… I'll be ready then."

Once Bass leaves:

"So, today is the day of your presentation Erick." Delia says.

"Yep…I'm very sure that they'll be in awe at what they will see."

"You're right."

A STREET IN NERIMA:

Ranma, Akane and Ran are just out of school and now heading home:

"Oh man…I thought that the teacher wasn't gonna finish that class," Ranma complains.

"Tell me about it Ranma, if it weren't for the bell, we would still be in that class" Akane says.

Ran adds, "Yeah, talk about 'saved by the bell'."

"You're right…hey Ranma, where's Kuno? I didn't see him today."

"Me too." Ran recalls.

Ranma remembers, "Oh, he told me that he was gonna go on a small training trip in the mountains to practice his skills"

Akane blinks. "He did?" She smiles. "Well, good for him."

RED CAT GANG's SECRET BASE – CAT GHOST KING'S SHRINE:

The ruler of Shadowloo M. Bison arrives, along with his assistant Tron Bonne, and the rest of his followers to the meeting. Once Dr. Wily, Bass and the rest of his robots were there, Erick comes in, with his beloved Delia. The meeting is about to start…

"Gentlemen, I thank you for coming to this meeting on such short notice."

M. Bison says to Erick, "Right. Now that we're here, can you tell us why you called me?"

Dr. Wily adds, "Yes, what is the reason for this meeting, and, it had better be important! I was working on an important project."

The Cat Statue says, "Yes, Erick, it better be important meow."

Erick chuckles, "Oh, and it will be my friends, I assure you all…okay…I have been working on a project that will revolutionize the world, and, create a new age."

M. Bison is curious. "What is it?"

Erick beams up. "THIS!"

And, as before, Erick shows them a test tube containing the DVL Cells inside…the reaction was:

M. Bison's annoyed "A test tube?… is that all you show us?"
Dr. Wily's mad. "THIS is what you wanted to show us? What a waste of time! I'm outta here!"

The Cat Statue's glowing yellow. "Is this a joke, Erick?"

Erick tells the trio, "Not at all, guys, I think you're not looking deeply. Here, let me show you all what this thing is. Look."

The Erick brings up a wide-screen…then, on that screen, a close-up view appears of the Nano-machines, as before with Bass and Onekomaru:

"What are those things?" M. Bison wants to know.

Erick explains, "These, Bison, are my greatest creation, my Cells know as DVL…they're Nano-Machines, microscopic mechanical organisms… "

Dr. Wily blinks. "Um, DVL!?"

"Yes Wily, as in Diabolic Variable Life Forms."

Tron Bonne comments offhand, "DVL! Sounds to me like, Devil or something."

Erick smiles. "Smart as always, Miss. Bonne. That's what I decided to call them."

Dr. Wily's not convinced. "So what! THAT's your greatest discovery? HELLO! Nano-technology's already been done!"

"Maybe, but…" At this point, Erick flashes a wicked smile. "MY Nano-machines are very different from the rest and special from those you've known and heard of."

M. Bison inquires, ":How so? what's so special about them?"

"Well, my Cells are a combination of both 'Science and Sorcery"

Dr. Wily's confused. "Science and Sorcery? What the heck do you mean?"

Erick's REALLY trying not to smack Wily upside the head at this point. He briefly grits his teeth in frustration, then calmly says, "Instead of telling you, I'll show you all, follow me please and you'll see why."

Then Erick takes the group to the same room where he shows his creation to Bass and Onekomaru –(See chapter 20)-;they were in front of the large control panel…

"Alright guys, I'm about to show you what my Cells are all about…observe…" He grabs the microphone. "Bring it in boys."

Then, some of Wily's bots carry in an old German tank from 1945. The tank is old, rusty, and decayed, a total pile of junk.

Erick begins his presentation "You're seeing an old tank right guys? Do you think that it can be repaired?"

M. Bison laughs, "Ha, that old, worthless tank? I don't think so."

Dr. Wily likewise laughs, "Yes hahaha! It will take a miracle to make it go!"

"Alright…now, observe what will happen when I do this."

Erick then presses the button and releases his mist into the room, in much the same manners as in chapter 20. When the mist touches the tank, the group is in awe. The Cells begin to change the tank…from an old, rusty vehicle, to a shiny, brand new, powerful Tank.

Bison's shocked response is, "NO WAY…IMPOSSIBLE!"

Wide-eyed, Dr. Wily is flabbergasted. "WHA…WHAT HAPPENED? HOW DID IT HAPPEN?"

The Cat Statue exclaims, "MEOW! THAT'S AMAZING!"

Erick smiles, pleased at their awe. "It is, isn't it guys? As you all saw it, my Cells have the ability to infiltrate any machine and make wonders, like repairs, modifications and other stuff. You saw it for yourselves guys…and, best of all, take it over. If you don't believe me, then watch this… "

Erick then clicks some buttons…next thing, the tank explodes…when the smoke clears, only the pieces remain…however, just like with the bike in Erick previous demonstration…it repairs itself to be new again.

"Marvelous, isn't it guys? Think about it, with these babies, war machines that are crushed or destroyed, will be able to put themselves back together, to fix themselves up. They'll be invincible!"

M. Bison and Dr. Wily are very impressed with the demonstration, so much that they began to have ideas of their own for it:

M. Bison, with a wicked smile, thinks, If I have these Nano-Machines in my power, my armies will be totally powerful and incredibly strong…I must know their secrets!

Likewise, Dr. Wily thinks, while giggling crazy mad-scientist style, Those things are very powerful. If I obtain them, I'll be able to use them in my special robot –(ZERO)- and make him invincible, but most of all…I'll use them in my Special Battle Suit. Oh yes…I'll be unstoppable! Mwahahaha! Megaman won't be a challenge for me."

Erick continues, "And…the other part of my Cells can do is…control humans."

M. Bison lifts an eyebrow. "Humans! How is that?"

"Simple…when a human is infected, so to speak, by my Cells, the Nano-Machines take over the human mind and make him like a living puppet."

Dr. Wily's intrigued. "Really? Interesting…"

"Here, I'll show you…" Erick grabs the microphone again. "Step into the room now."

Then, the door opens and the captured spy (also, from chapter 20) walks in, like a zombie.

"Who is he?" Dr. Wily asks regarding the man standing before them.

Erick reveals, "That is a spy that I caught during my trip to Hellfire Island…he works for Interpol…"

When M. Bison took a close look at the spy, something came up in his head:

Bison glares at him. "That man, he looks very familiar…" Then, he realizes, "Wait a minute! I think I know that man."

On hearing this, Erick's interest is piqued. "You do, Bison? Do tell."

"Yes, his name is Liu Khai. He used to be partners with Dorai Xiang."

"Really…hmmm, Xiang, sounds familiar?"

"It is…he was the father of that Interpol Agent…Chun-Li Xiang."

The Cat Statue muses, "How interesting meow."

Saving that VERY useful piece of info Bison's given him for later, Erick continues with his presentation. "Well, as you can see, I've 'infected him' with my DVL Cells…now he's under its influence, under my control hahahaha… Observe."

Same as in chapter 20, Erick gave orders to him and he did them all with no questions asked. They were all impressed with the results.

Erick concludes his demonstration. "So how did you find the results?"

M. Bison stands back, impressed. "Amazing…simply amazing."

Dr Wily excitedly admits, "WOW…that's the most incredible thing I have ever seen in my life!"

The Cat Statue is pleased with his High Priest's latest work. "Meowwww…Erick, that is one awesome work you did."

Erick bows. "Thank you all."

With the demonstration over, M. Bison takes the opportunity to ask, "So you say that he'll obey any command you give him?"

Erick replies, "Yes, Bison, like I said before…he's like a living puppet, waiting for an order."

Bison and Dr. Wily are both thinking, I definitely must have that creation in my hands!

Erick's quick to add, "However, I still need to make more tests on it, because I want to make them flawless, without any mistake or secondary effects. But, we must focus on our primary mission, and that is to obtain the Phoenix Stone."

The Cat Statue agrees with that. "Very well, Erick, these Cells of yours are one fine creation."

Bison nods, "Indeed it is. I found it most fascinating."

Dr. Wily likewise says, "I agree…I've never seen anything like that."

Erick basks in their appreciation of his genius. "Why thank you all…now let's get back to work all right guys, because time will catch up on us."

All of them nod (yes, the Cat Statue, too – though HOW he can do that…ah, forget it!), "Agreed."

NERIMA, JAPAN:

Akane is going to the mall to buy a notebook and some stuff for school; on her way home she is intercepted by a couple of thugs that block her way. "Hey, what's going on?"

The leader of that bunch of thugs says, "Well, well, what have we here, boys?"

Thug 2 says, "Looks to me like we got some fresh meat hahaha!"

Akane's annoyed. "What do you want jerks!"

The Thug Leader explains, "You just happened to cross in our turf little girl, and you must pay us"

Akane's irritated now. "WHAT?"

Thug 2 says, "You heard our leader girly! You must pay us, if you want to cross!"

"Are you insane? Look I don't have time for this, now move it!"

The Thug Leader comes toward her menacingly. "Listen girl, now hand over your money if you know what's good for you."

Akane gets into her battle stance. "I'm warning you jerks…back off or…"

In response to her threat, the Thug Leader bellows an insane laugh. "HAHAHAHA…! Hey guys, the little baby's threatening us…and what you're gonna do to us girl, slap us, grab our hair, scream…!"

"No this…KYAAAAAAAAA!" And with a spin kick to the jaw, Akane knocks the Thug Leader down hard. The other thugs are in awe and surprised.

The leader rises up, angry and hurt. "Arrrgh! YOU LITTLE BITCH!! That's it girly; you just made your last mistake…GET HER BOYS!"

Then, six more thugs surround her; Akane's a little worried if she could take them on. She felt like she wasn't ready and like she was outnumbered. One of the thugs charges against her, but she strikes him with a left hook in his face, another one with a high kick to the face. Okay, two thugs went down. But, a third one grabs her from behind and applies a full nelson hold on her. Unable to move, Akane's in trouble.

With a cocky smile the Thug Leader says, "Now girly, you're gonna pay for what you did to me..!" He raises his fist back. "So be prepared, cause I'm about to put your lights out!"

"Why don't you release that girl and fight fair!" a man's voice says out of nowhere.

When they all turned around, they see a man, dressed in a white Karate Gi, wearing a red headband around his head and carrying a duffel bag:

The Thug Leader angrily demands, "Who the hell are you, and how dare you interfere with us?"

Then, four of the thugs charge against the man. But much to their surprise, the man moves fast and punches two of them with a couple of hard blows, and uses a tornado kick to knock the other two down. The Thug Leader, angry with the stranger pulls out a knife and charges toward him, swinging his knife to cut him, but failing miserably. The stranger moves fast.

Akane, in awe, thinks, Wow…he moves fast, just like Ranma! Who is he?"

Then, with a hard hook in the stomach, the Thug Leader goes down. After that he picks Akane up from the ground. "You okay girl?"

"Uh, yeah, I'm okay, thanks to you."

The man smiles. "No problem, glad to be of help"
"Who are you anyway?"

"Oh sorry…my name is Ryu, Ryu Hoshi."

"AKANEEEE!" a boy's voice cries.

Akane and the man turn around and see Ranma and Ran running toward them.

A concerned Ranma asks, "AKANE! Are you alright, we heard from Sayuri and Yuka that you were bothered by some local thugs!"

Ran wants to know if her friend's okay. "Did they hurt you Akane?"

Akane reassures them, "No, no guys, I'm fine, this man helped me."

Ran politely bows. "Thanks a lot sir."

Akane then introduces her friends, "Oh, by the way sir, this is my friend Ran, and this is Ranma, my fiancé. You guys, this man's name is…"

Ranma blinks, then recognizes Akane's rescuer immediately. "Ryu…Ryu Hoshi!!" He smiles. "Hey man, how are you doing?"

"Ranma Saotome, right?" Ryu laughs. "I'm doing fine; it's nice to see you again."

Akane blinks, surprised. "You KNOW him, Ranma?"

"Ryu, of course I know him, I met him a year ago during…"

"RYUUUUUUU!" a girl's voice echoes.

The gang looks to a street corner, and sees Sakura Kasugano running toward Ryu. When she arrives, she stops in her tracks to catch her breath.

Sakura's panting, mad at Ryu. "Ryu…why did you…huff huff…leave me in the store?"

Ryu nervously laughs, "Sorry Sakura, but I had to help this young girl in trouble."

When Sakura sees Ran, she's delighted; but when she sees Akane… "YOU!"

Akane, nervous, waves, "Um… Hi, Sakura."

Sakura warns, "Ryu, you better watch out for this girl! She's got a wild temper and…"

"Sakura, please listen, I know that I was what you called me, but I've changed."

"You have?"

Ran smiles. "She did Sakura. It took a little while, but she did."

Sakura considers that. "Well…if you say so Ran, I'll trust you."

Akane, relieved, says, "Thanks Sakura, and I'm sorry for my wild temper that time –(chapter 4)-, I hope that we can become friends…what do you say?" She extends a hand to her.

Sakura's unsure, but… "Okay, if you really mean it," she smiles. "I think so." And with that both girls shake hands.

Ranma wants to know, "So Ryu, what brings you to Nerima?"

Ryu tells him, "I was called by a friend of mine to come here and meet with her."

"Really? For what?"

"I don't know, that's why I want to find her."

"Say Ryu, why don't you come to our place? You look like you could use a good rest and a good meal."

Sakura looks at her idol. "Oh Ryu, can we? I am a little tired, and hungry."

Ryu considers the idea. "Hmmm…sure, why not? I am a little tired and hungry from my journey."

Akane says, "Then come on, we'll take you to our place."

MEANWHILE…

In a not so far place in Japan, we see Bubbleman walking on the street. Earlier he decided to look for and tries to find the Phoenix Stone, so he can get his dream vacation. He had the will, the ambition; everything…except for one little thing…a map…Bubbleman's lost…

"Oh man…NOW WHERE ON EARTH AM I…?" He whines, "How am I gonna find that Stone, if I don't even know where I am…?" He sighs. "Guess I'll have to ask for directions on how to get to Nerima"

He begins to walk and walk…until he sees a girl. She was wearing a brown school uniform, has long, blonde hair, and, like, two weird metal "ears" on her head or something…-(It's Chii, from CHOBITS)-

Bubbleman lights up. "Hot diggity! I'll ask that girl…maybe she can help me with directions."

He runs to the girl and stops her in her tracks. "Hey girl, I was wondering if you could help me with a little trouble that I'm having?"

The blonde girl just stares at him and says… "Chii?"

"Huh? Ahem…hey girl, do you know how can I get to Nerima?"

"Chii?"

"No…not to China, to Nerima."

"Chii"

"Are you deaf? I said…can you give me directions on how can I get to Nerima?"
"Chii"

Bubbleman sweatdrops. "Um…do you speak English or something girl?"

Chii happily nods, "Chii"

"Can you say something else?"

"…something else."

"ACK!" Bubbleman facefaults, then gets up. "THAT'S NOT FUNNY!" He calms down, then asks, "Can you pleeeeease tell me how to get to Nerima?"

"You want Chii help?" Chii smiles. "Okay, Chii help you."

Bubbleman eyes' are glistening and wet with tears. "Y-you will? Oh…*sniff*…thank you! Now…do you know how can I get to Nerima?"

"Nerima…hmmm…Weird Bot take Bus 23, then change to Bus 33, Bus 33 take you to Nerima…about 23 minutes."

"Really? Oh thank you Miss…say, what's your name girly?"

"Chii"

"No, not your nickname, your name?"

"Chii"

"ACK! No, no, no! Tell me your name, name, name!"

Chii, thinking it's a game, happily plays along. "Chii, Chii, Chii!"

"D'OH! Why bother…well, thanks for the info….CHII!"

Chii smiles genuinely, waving, "No problem…Chii is glad that she help Weird Bot."

"My name is Bubbleman."

"Weird Bot Bubbleman."

Then Bubbleman runs off toward his destiny… but not before he trips, falls down, and lands in the garbage…followed by hitting himself running into a large poster… Chii giggles at him, then Hideki walks up to her. "Hey Chii, there you are. Where were you?"
"Chii help Weird Bot Bubbleman get to Nerima."

"You did? You did good Chii…Nerima?" Hideki gasps, then seriously tells the girl Persocom, "Chii, promise me you'll never go to Nerima."

Chii blinks. "Why, Hideki?"

"I heard tales that Nerima is run by powerful martial artists that cause major destruction…so I don't want you going there okay, Chii?"

"Okay Hideki, Chii promise."

NERIMA, JAPAN – TENDO RESIDENCE:

Ranma, Ryu and friends arrive at the house. Akane calls out, "TADAIMA! (We're home!)"

Kasumi's the first to see them. "Akane, Ranma, you're here."

"Yep, sorry if I took a little long."

"Oh, that's okay, Akane…" Kasumi notices Ryu and Sakura. "Oh my! You've brought guests."

Ranma introduces them to Kasumi. "Kasumi, this is Ryu Hoshi, and this girl is Sakura Kasunago"

Ryu and Sakura both bow. "Nice to meet you."

Kasumi bows is response. "The pleasure is all mine, please, why don't you come inside and have lunch with us?"

Ryu politely says, "We thank you for your hospitality."

Sakura does likewise. "Ditto!"

Kasumi smiles. "You're welcome…now follow me."

When they arrive to the living room, they saw Soun and Genma playing their usual game of Shogi, Nabiki reading a Manga, and Nodoka –(she's there visiting)- having Tea…

Ranma greets everyone. "Hey Pops, Mom."

Nodoka looks up. "Ranma, you're here! Where were you?"

"Nothing to worry about, Mom," he tells her.

Akane explains to Nodoka, "He's right, I just had a little problem, but it's all right…Oh! Yes…Dad, I want you to meet Sakura Kasunago…the girl who I fought a while ago…and defeated me. And Dad, don't go into your Oni Head on her, she's one of the persons, next to Ran who helped me to open my eyes and showed me about real fighting."

Soun frowns a bit at what Akane's told him, but seeing that Sakura is partly responsible for the change in his youngest daughter, he decides to welcome her as one of Akane's friends. "Well…glad to meet you Sakura-chan, and thanks for helping my baby girl to fight."

Sakura bows respectfully, "No problem, sir."

Ranma introduces Ryu to everyone else. "And this is Ryu Hoshi, a warrior who I know…"

When Genma, Soun and Nodoka hear that name, they gasp big-time:

Soun is shocked! "Saotome…it's HIM!"

Genma's wide-eyed. "You're right Tendo…I don't believe it!"

Ranma blinks. "Um, Mr. Tendo, Dad, what's going on?"

Nodoka says in awe, "Ranma…do you know 'WHO' this person is?"

"Well, yeah…Ryu Hoshi," is Ranma's response to his mother's question.

Genma states the obvious, pointing to Ryu for emphasis, "THAT Ranma is Ryu Hoshi. The Living Street Fighter Legend…oh man, I can't believe that RYU is here, Tendo!"

Soun shares Genma's excitement. "Tell me about it Saotome…it's like a dream!"

Nodoka asks, "My son, please tell me…how is it that you know Ryu?"

Ranma easily tells her, "Oh that's easy…I fought against him in the…"

"YOU FOUGHT AGAINST RYU RANMA!?" Genma, Nodoka, and Soun exclaim.

Ranma's covering his ears from the volume of their combined shouting. "Ouch…yeah…it was about some time ago…why all this commotion anyway?"

Nodoka speaks up, "Well my son…Ryu is a great warrior, he's a Street Fighter Legend, one of the best. I was always praying that you would be as good as him."

"You have?"

Nodoka sighs in admiration, "Yes…Ryu is a man-among-men…"

Genma hmph's, saying, "You oughta take lessons from him boy, he's an extraordinary warrior."

Ryu, being modest, humbly tells Genma and Nodoka, "Oh come on…I wouldn't say that. After all, your son is also one great fighter."

Genma blinks in surprise at Ryu's complimenting Ranma. "He is?"

Nodoka asks, "Are you sure Mr. Hoshi?"

"Yes…like he said, we've fought against each other in a tournament."

Soun, with tears in his eyes, asks, "You have?"

Ryu then gives his opinion of Ranma, "All I can say about Ranma is that, he's as good as I am, almost my equal."

When they hear that from Ryu, Genma and Nodoka are filled with joy over their son, and so they both hug him tight:

Nodoka's extremely happy, crying, "Oh my son, you've made me happy!"

Genma bear-hugs Ranma, wailing joyously, "Waaaaaah! I can't believe MY son has fought against Ryu and is as good as him!"

The reaction of the others were different:

Ryu sweatdrops. "Um…are they always like 'that'?"

Kasumi cheerfully says, "Yes."

Sakura's like, "Oooookay…"

Nabiki already knew who Ryu was, and about all his fame, and began to make plans to take some pictures and sell them. See the famous Street Fighter Legend Ryu Hoshi…is the idea that Nabiki's forming when she will sell her pictures.

Once Ranma was able to get free from his parents…

"Hey Ryu, how's about a little sparring in the backyard?"

Ryu replies, "Well…sure, why not? Let's go."

Genma, wide-eyed, is excited. "My son is gonna have a match against THE Ryu…oh man, this I gotta see Tendo!"

Soun agrees. "Tell me about it Saotome!"

Nodoka happily cries, "Oh! My son is going to fight against Ryu! I must see it!"

Akane's like, "WOW, Ranma is gonna go a round against him. Hey Ran, let's go and see it!"

Ran's response is, "You said it, Akane!"

Nabiki's thinking, I must take some pictures of that match; I'll be able to get lots of money! Aloud, she says, " Hey, wait for me guys!"

Somewhere in Japan, a vehicle comes crashing into the woods from out of nowhere. Not just any car…a mean Delorian sports car …it's the car that came from the future…along with its passengers…Megaman X and Zero.

When the car stops, they got out and see the environment:

X looks around. "Hey Zero, you think we made it, I mean to the past?"

"I hope so, otherwise, I don't know where we've landed."

"Luckily for us that no one knows about us or that we've arrived here."

Zero's nodding, "Right, X, we'll have the advantage of the element of surprise over them."

Unfortunately, for them…

RED CAT GANG's SECRET BASE – ERICK'S DARK CHAMBER:

Erick looks at his window to the outside and with an evil chuckle…. "Hm hm hm hmmm…well, well, well, they're here."

Delia asks, "Who, Erick my darling?"

"Who else, De-Chan, but our 'friends' from the future."

Delia's wide-eyed. "You mean…'them'?"

Erick nods. "Yes my love…X and Zero."

"I see."

Erick laughs his evil laugh. "Ha ha hahaaaa…two more pieces have been added to my game, and once 'all' the players are assembled, the game will begin! Hahaha…HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

TENDO DOJO:

The family is gathered in the backyard, for Ryu and Ranma are gonna have a friendly match. Nodoka, Genma and Soun are eager to watch Ranma go up against the Legendary Street Fighter Ryu Hoshi…

Soun's excited. "Oh Saotome, it's like a dream come true. Ranma is gonna fight against 'The' Ryu. Oh, I can't believe it!"

Genma nods, sharing his friend's excitement, "Tell me about it, Tendo. My son against Ryu! This will be a match worth seeing."

Nodoka's happy. "My son, my son not only knows Ryu, but Ryu also knows him, and they're gonna go in a match. I'm so happy!"

Beside them are Kasumi, Nabiki, Akane, Ran and Sakura, also eager to watch the match:

Akane asks, "This fight will be awesome, won't it, Ran?"

Ran nods, "Yep."

Sakura muses, "I wonder who will win…my bets are on Ryu. He always wins the fights against anyone who challenges him."

Akane says, "So does Ranma."

Sakura teases, "Maybe. But Ryu has had many fights and has a lot of experience and…"

Ran stops them. "Okay girls, knock it off. I got it! Why don't you make a bet…If Ryu wins, Akane will buy you a gift Sakura. If Ranma wins, you will buy Akane a gift. Sounds fair, girls?"

Sakura and Akane happily agree, "All right!"

Back on the field. Ryu and Ranma were just finishing their warm ups. Then both assume their fighting stances. The match is about to begin. Ryu offers, "So Ranma…how would you like the fight?"

"All out, Ryu…serious."

Ryu smirks. "My thoughts exactly…so let's begin."

"Let's!"

Nabiki acts as the referee. Fighters ready…set…GOOOOOOOOO!"

Then Ryu and Ranma dash at each other fast, then begin to fight. They're throwing punches and kicks at each other and both of them are blocking them as well. The crowd's astonished with the match:

Sakura's in awe. "Wow, Ryu wasn't kidding when he said that Ranma was almost his equal!"

Akane confidently nods, "Yeah, both of them are fighting at a level that it's almost unbelievable."

Soun's impressed. "Look at them go Saotome! Ranma is actually matching Ryu. I don't believe it!"

Genma shares his friend's sentiment , "I know what you mean Tendo. I never though that Ranma was so good."

Nodoka's beaming. "My son is almost as good as Ryu himself…I've never been so proud of my son!"

Kasumi cheerfully observes, stating the obvious, "Ranma is indeed a good fighter."

Nabiki corrects, "You mean a GREAT fighter Kasumi. He's actually on the same level with Ryu."

In the fight, Ryu and Ranma break apart and get into defensive positions:

Ryu slowly pants, "So Ranma…I noticed that you've been training a lot more then the last time we fought."

Ranma's also panting, "You bet I did. And so did you, if I'm not mistaken."

"You're right…so Ranma, why don't we take this match to the next level, what do you say…shall we use specials?"

Ranma nods, "You're on Ryu!"

Then they resume their fight. Ryu jumps to the air and yells…-TATSUMAKI-SENPUU-KYAKU"-…then he spins around, throwing lots of spinning kicks at Ranma. It strikes Ranma, but it doesn't stop him. Next, Ranma unleashed one of his own techniques at Ryu…-"KATCHU-TENSHIN AMAGURIKEN"-…Throwing a rain of punches at Ryu. Ryu sees it coming and tries to block them all, some of them hit him…after that…

Ranma rubs his chin. "Wow Ryu, that sure was one powerful spinning kick, and you were able to block almost all of my Amagurikens."

Ryu rubs his stomach, repliying, "Thanks, you've got one major move Ranma, but, I've been training with Chun-Li against her –"Lightning Legs"- technique to be able to block it, although some of them hit me hard. Guess I'll have to train harder."

"Okay…let's finish it Ryu!"

"You're on!"

On the side lines:

Soun's in awe. "Wow, Saotome! Ryu is indeed a great fighter! Almost no warrior was able to defend against Ranma's Amaguriken."

Genma agrees, "You're right Tendo. Same with Ranma against Ryu's Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku; all the warriors who had received it were knocked down instantly, but Ranma was able to stand it!"

Nodoka gushes, "Oh oh, I just wish that I had brought a camera to tape this marvelous fight between my son and Ryu, cause it's a fight from heaven!"

Kasumi's caught up in thrill of watching the battle, "Oh my! Ranma is as good as Ryu, just like you said Nabiki."

Nabiki's taking pictures. "You said it Kasumi." Oh man, with these pictures, I'll be able to get lots of money!

Akane cheers, "Go Ranma, you can do it!"

Sakura, of course, is cheering for her idol. "Go for it Ryu!"

On the battlefield…

Ranma and Ryu begin to concentrate a lot, gather all their Ki into their bodies. Soun, Genma, Nodoka, Akane, Ran, and Sakura know what they were about to do…

Akane gasps, "Oh wow…Ranma will unleash his Mouko Takabisha"

Sakura, knowing Ryu as well as she does, says, "And Ryu will unleash his Hadouken."

Ran's excited, too. "This is gonna be one Kodak moment!"

Soun wails, "WAAAAAAAAAAAH…!! GENMA, WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN?"

Genma wails back, "I DON'T KNOW TENDO!!"

Both fighters are glowing bright…then, it happens…

"MOUKOOOO…TAKABISHAAAAAAA!!"

"HADOUUUUUKEEEEEEEEEN!!"

Both fighters release their special attacks…both energy balls were released from each one. Ranma's was a big yellow ball, while Ryu was a big blue ball. When the two Ki-blasts crash against each other, they detonate. The explosion is like a small nuclear blast. The wind from the force pushes both fighters back, along with the crew. When the smoke clears, a small hole was in the center of the patio of the Dojo. The public was in awe…

Soun, teary-eyed, summarizes, "Saotome. This fight was one of the most awesome I have ever seen."

Genma nods, "Tell me about it Tendo. My son went a round against Ryu."

Nodoka beams with pride. "I shall never forget this fight…" Then she squeals, "Ooooh, my son fought against Ryu himself…my friends will be sooooo jealous"

Akane's excitedly asking, "That was some match, wasn't it?"

Sakura:" You can say that again Akane…both of them were great."

Ran thoughtfully comments, "Ranma and Ryu fought like masters…but I have a question, girls…who won?"

Sakura and Akane both ask, "Yeah…who won?"

It's Kasumi who makes that judgment. "Well…since neither of them were knocked down, I'd say it's a tie."

On the battle field…

Ryu and Ranma get up, and walk towards each other…and shake hands and congratulate each other for the fight:

Ryu's the first to say, "You put up a great fight, Ranma. You're as good as I am."

Ranma humbly replies, "Thanks Ryu, and let me tell you that you're one of the greatest opponents I have ever fought against."

"Thank you, it was an honor to fight with you again."

"You too, Ryu."

The crew head over to them and congratulates them:

Soun's got tears in his eyes. "Ranma, Ryu, that was an awesome fight!"

Impressed, Genma remarks, "Yes, I still can't believe that I had the privilege of watching my son fight you, Mr. Hoshi."

Nodoka's crying tears of joy. "My son fought against Ryu…Oh, my son, you are a true warrior! You've made your mother proud!"

Ranma sweatdrops, with a nervous laugh. "Um…thanks, mom…I guess…"

AT A BUS STATION IN NERIMA, JAPAN:

Bubbleman steps out from the bus…he didn't have anything with him, but his will, and dedication to find the Phoenix Stone. Once he gets out of the Bus Station, he begins his quest in Nerima.

"Nerima! At last, I'm finally here! Now, to find the Phoenix Stone and get my dream vacation! Mwahahahahaaa!"

Bubbleman next takes out a credit card… an American Express Gold. "I'm sure that Doc. Wily won't miss his Credit Card. I mean, I couldn't have paid for the bus and all that other stuff, hee hee!"

RED CAT GANG's SECRET BASE – DR. WILY'S LAB:

Bass walks by, when he hears some crying and desperate pleas…when he picks at the door, he sees Dr. Wily searching like a madman in all the drawers… "Doc! What the heck are you looking for?"

Dr. Wily's desperate, crying, "I CANT FIND MY GOLD CREDIT CARD, BASS! WHERE COULD IT BEEEE!? WAAAAHH…AND I JUST PAID IT OFFFFFFFF!!"

Bass shrugs, "Whatever. I'm outta here."

THE STREETS OF NERIMA:

Ran is coming from the mall. She bought a Red Jewel for herself. The Jewel is Red, in the shape of a Star. She's heading for home.

TWO BLOCKS NEARBY:

Bubbleman's walking down the street, drinking a can of soda, and pondering how was he gonna find Ran. "I must find Lady Ran, I must find the Phoenix Stone…so many things to do, so little time! Oh man, where am I gonna find her? It's not like she's gonna walk in front of me and…"

And, as if by fate…Ran walks in front of him…! Bubbleman cannot believe his luck…

Bubbleman blinks. "Well I'll be…I don't believe this…there's Lady Ran!" He glares at the jewel Ran has on her neck. "Hey…what's that? Could it be? Let's see, it's Red, glowing, shaped like a star…and Lady Ran has it on her…YES! I FOUND HER! I FOUND THE PHOENIX STONE! Now to take it away from her!"

Ran's walking happily, when her danger senses pick up and she begins to scan the area for possible enemies, and what she finds makes her blink…Bubbleman is dressed as a…get ready for this… a tree…only covered by some bushes…

"Um…who are you? Why are you dressed like that?"

Bubbleman realizes he's been discovered. "What the…!? How did you see through my disguise girl?"

Ran snorts, "Oh please…that has to be one of the lamest disguises I have ever seen. A TREE? Come on!"

Bubbleman mutters, "Darn it…I knew I had to choose the rock!"

"But…who are you?"

"Now that you mention it girl…" Bubbleman strikes a sentai pose. "Prepare for trouble girl, 'cause now YOU're in trouble! I will steal something that belongs to you, so that I can make my dreams come true! I am Bubbleman! Yeah, that's right!"

Ran blinks. "Say what!?"
Bubbleman, triumphant, thinks, Man…that was a cool speech… I wonder if I'm the only one who ever came up with this cool speech?"

Ran sweatdrops. "Um…nice speech and all…what do you want from me?

"I want that necklace you have!"

"Say what? Why do you want it?"

"Silence! You will give it to me or else!"

"Ha! I choose 'or else'! Are you more of those robots who are after me and Ranma?"

"Uh…yeah, yeah that's it! Hand over that stone now!"

"Sorry, but I don't think so."

"Then I'll have to take it from you by force!"

Then Bubbleman dashes toward Ran, trying to steal the jewel away from her. But unfortunately, Bubbleman wasn't skilled at anything…Ran sees his so-called "attacks" and evades them with ease. Ran sees that this robot, unlike the ones she and Ranma fought before…was kinda, well…clumsy, slow, and not too skilled…

Ran's thinking, Man…just what's with this robot? I thought that he was gonna be trouble like the other ones, but…he's slow and dumb!

Bubbleman screams, "MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE!!"

Bubbleman jumps toward Ran, but Ran just moves away and Bubbleman crashes into a wall, and he repeats it again, and again, and again… Ran was beginning to feel sorry for the robot. Man, poor robot. I don't know whether to kick his butt…or to help him, Ran thinks, pitying Bubbleman's clumsiness…

15 minutes later, Bubbleman gets up, all dizzy, almost broken, from all his failures…and addresses Ran. "So…had enough girly!? Do you want some more?"

Ran feels sorry for him now. "Look, why don't you stop doing this?"

"Why? Are you afraid of me? Ha ha Ha!"

"Well…I'm afraid for your safety… If you keep this up, you'll be headed for a one way ticket to the junkyard."

"Not until I get that jewel outta you!"

"Look, if you want it so bad, here!" Ran takes her necklace off. "…You want it? Here, take it! Just go, okay?"

She tosses her jewel to him. When Bubbleman catches it, he can't believe it. He ACTUALLY thinks he has obtained the Phoenix Stone (or so he thinks!).

"ALL RIGHT, I GOT IT! I GOT IIIIIIIT! WOO-HOO!!" Then Bubbleman runs away, laughing like a maniac, but happy –(Homer Simpson style)-…Ran was left there:

Ran blinks. "What a weird robot… oh well, guess I'll have to go and buy that Jewel again from the mall…good thing they're having a 50% sale!"

MAKAI – WITHIN THE DARK CASTLE OF DEMITRI MAXIMOV:

Demitri is with Morrigan, Bishamon and B.B. Hood in his throne room, preparing for his counter attack on M. Bison for humiliating him last time…along with him are the reprogrammed Huitzil Robots.

Dimitri declares, "The time has come, for we'll attack that cursed M. Bison and all of his followers, and we will crush them all! And with the help of the Huitzils and the Bounty Hunter B.B. Hood, our victory will be assured!"

Morrigan, still unsure about Demitri's latest half-baked plan, thinks, I don't know… Something tells me that it will not be as easy as he thinks it is… Aloud, she warns, "Don't get TOO confident, Dimitri. You know what happened the last time you fought against him, do you?"

Dimitri whirls on the succubus in a rage. "DON'T YOU EVER REMIND ME OF THAT INCIDENT MORRIGAN! EVER! HE JUST GOT LUCKY, THAT'S ALL…!! NO HUMAN CAN POSSIBLY MATCH ME!"

Bishamon advises, "Dimitri, don't be filled with vanity, because vanity's always followed by defeat. It is better to be cautious."

Dimitri snorts, "Whatever…soon, I will have my revenge against 'him'. And once I crush him, I'll devour his flesh and destroy his soul. I'll show him that no one messes with me and lives…" Now serious, he turns to B.B. Hood. "B.B. Hood, I expect that you'll be ready for this and do a great job for the money I've paid you."

"Don't worry, I'll be ready! Besides…," B.B. Hood chuckles, "I'm heavily armed! What could those morons have that I don't?"

Dimitri is pleased. "Good!"

That poor girl… won't SHE get a big surprise!

RED CAT GANG'S SECRET BASE – CAT GHOST KING'S SHRINE:

Everyone is in that room… The Statue of the Cat Ghost King –(naturally)-, Erick, his beloved Delia, Dr. Wily, Bass, R, and some Red Cat Soldiers and Wily Bots…they are in the middle of a discussion…when Erick receives an incoming message…-(he has a radio headset in his ear)-

Erick's talking to someone. "Yeah…" Now confused, he replies, "Say what!? You don't say? Hmmm, interesting…"

The Cat Statue speaks, "What is it Erick meow?"

Erick reports, "One of our guards has informed me that Bubbleman is coming this way."

Dr. Wily wonders, "So why were you so surprised?"

"Because he says that Bubbleman claims that he has found the Phoenix Stone."

All those assembled scream in disbelief, "SAY WHAAAAAAAAAAT!?"

Erick covers his ears from the sheer volume of everybody's screaming, then says, "What you all heard…he said that he's coming with the Phoenix Stone."

This takes them by surprise…Dr. Wily and the Cat Ghost King can't believe what they have just heard…R and Bass are shocked to hear that the clumsy robot Bubbleman has found the Stone before they could…

Shocked, R thinks, No, I don't believe this! That robot baboon found the Stone before I did! That's unacceptable! How!?"

A look of anger crosses Bass's face as he thinks, This has to be a joke! How is it that that buffoon managed to find that Stone before ME! That dumb robot couldn't even catch a cold, yet HE found it! What am I gonna do? My Kingdom is in jeopardy 'cause of him!"

Surprisingly, R and Bass are both thinking the same thing: I must take it away from him!

20 minutes later…Bubbleman enters the large room. When he walks by, he gets lots of angry glares from R and Bass as he pass by them, then, he stands before the Cat Statue and Erick, with Delia by his side:

Erick decides to humor the robot, asking, "So Bubbleman, you say that have the Phoenix Stone? Right?"

Bubbleman happily replies, "Yes!"

R and Bass mutter angrily, growling under their breath. "Grrr……….!!"

"Well, show it to us." Erick orders Bubbleman.

"Okay…here it is…TA-DAAAAAAAAAA!!" Bubbleman shows the jewel that he stole from Ran. Erick, as well as the rest of group, sees the jewel. Erick looks at the Jewel and blinks. He notices that it was a…regular jewel.

"Bubbleman, what the heck is that?"

"Why…the Phoenix Stone of course!"

A LONG moment of silence passes.

Erick sighs, then says, "…………You know, Bubbleman, if I had the I.Q. of a peanut, like YOU do, I would agree that this would be the Phoenix Stone. But since I don't, I will disagree with this being the Phoenix Stone."

R and Bass are astonished when they hear this.

Bubbleman gasps, "Are you trying to tell me that…that it's not the Phoenix Stone?"

Erick replies, "In a word…YES!"

Desperate, Bubbleman tries to prove it to Erick otherwise. "No…no you're wrong! This HAS to be the Phoenix Stone! Why do you say that it's not? I stole it from that Ran girl!"

"Well, Bubbleman, for two reasons…the first is that I do not detect any magic coming from it…" He turns to the Cat Statue. "…or, do you feel any magic from this, your highness?"

"No, I do not meow," the Cat Statue intones.

"There you go…and second and most important…I seriously doubt that the Phoenix Stone was ever…" Erick then laughs, "-"Made in China"-, like it says on the back of this Jewel."

Bubbleman can't believe it. "Wh-what!?"

Erick chuckles, "That's right…and, like your brain, this Jewel is a fake, nothing more."

Then, everyone laughs hard at Bubbleman's mistake. Bass and R are laughing like hyenas. Bubbleman's feeling down and sad from the laughs he was getting. He then runs out from the room, for he's sad and very hurt.

Bass's laughing, "What a dumb ass he was! Hahahaha!"

R laughs, nodding, "Yeah! Hahaha…! He sure made a fool outta himself!"

Erick addresses the two. "I see that this 'incident' is making you laugh guys!"

"Why not…it's very funny!"

"For once, I agree with him!" Bass says. "Hahaha…that Bubbleman sure made a fool of himself!"

Erick warns, "If I were you guys, I wouldn't be laughing too much."

Bass:" Oh! And why not?"

"Guys…What if Bubbleman had indeed brought the Phoenix Stone…what would you guys have done?"

This sentence makes Bass and R stop laughing and start thinking.

R snorts, "Oh come on, Erick, that's silly. Bubbleman is a fool!"

"Maybe…but…a fool he is, ambitious he is too."

Bass:" What the heck do you mean?"

"Simple…Bubbleman went on his own to try to find the Phoenix Stone…although he didn't exactly find it, he had the initiative to pursue his goal…" Erick then turns his gaze on R and Bass scolding them. "Something YOU two haven't done lately."

Neither R nor Bass can object, for what Erick has said is true. "……..…"

Erick continues, "I suggest that you all find the Phoenix Stone…imagine if someone else finds it before you do…what could happen to your 'plans'?"

Bass thinks, Man…I'd better step up my plans to find that stone…I will not allow anyone to find it, or else I won't get my Kingdom!

R likewise thinks, Nobody will get that stone before me! That's MY mission!"

Erick ends the meeting. "Okay everyone, dismissed."

And then everyone leaves the shrine. Later in Erick's inner sanctum, Erick was having a drink with Delia by his side:

Delia remarks, "It sure was interesting what happened today."

"You mean with Bubbleman's mistake?" Erick asks his beloved.

"Yes…poor robot, he thought he found the Stone by taking it away from Lady Ran, but he didn't. Then all his fellow robots started laughing at him. He was hurt."

"That he was Delia…but, Bubbleman wasn't exactly wrong about it."

"You're right."

"Yep…let's just say that Bubbleman didn't exactly 'look deep' into the matter. Hehehehe…!"

TO BE CONTINUED…