CHAPTER 61

-"RAN'S SECRET ADMIRER!"-
(PART III – RESCUE RAN!)

RED CATS' SECRET BASE:

Grenademan arrives in a happy mood.

"Why?" you ask?

Because he's just captured Ran and has her hidden away somewhere, while he returns to the base to pick up his secret project to eliminate Ranma for good.

Upon heading to his workshop...he's intercepted by High Priest Erick Genryusai, who appears from the shadows. "Well well, looks like SOMEONE's in a good mood. Care to explain why?"

Grenademan jumps, greatly startled by Erick's sudden appearance. "GACK...! Geez, Erick, you gotta tell me how the hell you do that trick! Anyway... it's 'cause I've got the one thing that will lure Ranma Saotome to my trap...and BAM! OUT HE'LL GO GUAHAHAHAHA!"

Erick cocks an eyebrow, curious as to what the Blast King's up to now. "Oh really? And what might THAT be?"

"Oh, as you would put it, "THAT's a secret!" Ehehehehe!"

Erick hmph's, "Is that so? For YOUR sake, you'd better not fail. Or else, you will not see the light of the next day."

Grenademan gets the message. "*Gulp*...got it got it, no problem. Say Erick, can ya help me out with something?"

"Help? With what?"

Grenademan proceeds to explain, "It's like this...*ahem*...I want to lure Ranma out, but I want to do it by leaving him a riddle. You know...something to make him think hard about where my secret place is."

Erick's initially confused. "By riddles? I don't see why not. Okay, I believe I can help you in that. Are you sure you want to do that?"

Grenademan eagerly shakes his head. "Yeah, yeah, yeah!"

"So be it. I'll see you later with your request."

NERIMA WARD OF TOKYO, JAPAN - TENDO RESIDENCE:

As time is going by, with no word from Ran, the family is getting kind of worried for her. Kasumi's looking at the clock. "Oh dear. Ran is sure taking her time. It's been five hours now, and we haven't heard from her since."

Soun's trying to ease her worries. "Don't worry Kasumi, I'm sure that she's getting to know her secret admirer. Isn't that right Saotome?"

Genma grins at his friend. "Of course. Bet you that they're having a great time. Hahahahha!"

Ranma on the other hand, is outside the dojo, looking up at the moon. Akane comes out to join him. "Hey Ranma, dinner's about to be served, wanna come with me?"

Without turning around, Ranma replies, "Uh! Oh… no Akane, thanks."

Akane's concerned. "Are you alright Ranma?"

Ranma then reveals what's on his mind; he asks his fiancée a question. "Akane, am I the only one who's worried about Ran?"

"What are you talking about?"

"It's just that...I got a bad feeling that something's happened to her. It's like I can feel it. I don't know why, but I know she's in trouble."

"Now that you mention it, you're right. I'm also worried too. And like you, I know that something happen to her. Why...I don't know."

A worried Ranma thinks, Weird. Why is it that I KNOW that she needs my help? It's like...we're connected or something. What's up with that feeling?"

Unaware that...they're not the only ones with that bad premonition.

REAL BOUT MARTIAL ARTS BAR & GRILL:

As THE MCD (a.k.a Michael Angelus) is working on some paperwork on his office...a ping of fear rushes through him. It's not HIS fear that he feels, but rather someone else's. And his "Angel Sense" has gone off in response to it.

"This is bad," he says aloud to himself. "Something BAD has happened to Ran. I'd better go out and check it out."

In that moment, Yukime walks in and sees her boss changing clothes to go out. "Hey, D…. um...where are you going?"

"ACK!" Angelus is startled by her appearance; he wasn't expecting anyone to enter his office. He quickly covers up the reason for leaving early. "Oh! I...need to deliver some papers. Yeah. I won't take long, and...I'll be back soon, okay?"

Yukime nods, "Yeah… okay, boss."

Once she leaves, he breathes a sigh of relief. "Whew. THAT was close." Getting serious now, he says, "Very well...I must find Ran. And hurry. But first...a change of clothes is in order, I think."

He goes over to his walk-in closet, which coincidentally, is the same one where he keeps his hidden stash of weapons (see chapter 52!). Normally used for storing things like spare uniforms for the employees and miscellaneous office supplies, it comes in handy should danger threaten while he's on the clock.

Pushing a secret button, the stationary shelves on his right-hand side slide out of the way, revealing another hidden door. Angelus opens this door, and inside is his "other" suit… a VERY special white one.

He's smiling as he removes it from storage. "It's been a while since I wore this. Today is a great day as any to wear it."

RED CATS' SECRET BASE:

Erick has just summoned Grenademan to his Dark Chamber. Delia in turn brings him over to meet with Erick. Once there, Erick gives him the news. "Grenademan, regarding the help you've requested for your riddle – I've brought you a solution."

Eager to hear it, Grenademan shouts for joy, "You're gonna help me! OH YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"Not quite."

"HUH! Not quite...then what?"

"You see, I'm not much into riddles. HOWEVER...I've brought you someone who knows a LOT about riddles, who loves riddles. In fact...Riddle is his second name hehehee…." Erick then clears his throat and says, introducing, "Grenademan, I want you to meet...Edward Nigma...also known as THE RIDDLER."

From the shadows, a person walks into the room. He's dress in a weird green jumpsuit, had green lines on his face, and long dark hair, green lips, and carrying a golden staff with a question mark on top of the cane.

[Special Note: Apparently, THIS take on the Riddler is the one seen in The Batman]

The Riddler dramatically bows. "Good evenings, folks."

Erick makes the introductions quick. "Riddler, this is Grenademan, the one I talked to you about. Could you assist him in his...um...effort to create a riddle?"

"Hmph. Sure. Why not."

Grenademan's confused, thinking, THIS person's gonna help me? Ah well, if Erick thinks he's cool, then I can't complain.

Riddler gets his pupil's attention. "Come along my robotic friend, we have work to do."

Grenademan wakes up from his thinking. "HUH! Oh yeah, sure." Then he follows the Riddle out from Erick's chamber.

Once they're gone...an incoming message beeps on one of his floating screens. When Erick answers it, Brightman's face appears on screen. "Ah Brightman. What's the reason for this call? And it'd better be important."

Intimidated by Erick's veiled threat, Brightman reports, "ACK...! Yes. Umm… I've been working on a device that might lead us to the Phoenix Stone."

Erick's like, "Oh? Do tell?" In reality, he's thinking, Ha! I seriously doubt that, but let's hear it anyway.

"I have assembled a machine that will pick up high energy waves. Like a scanner, or a metal detector. The point is...ahem...by tapping into the Phoenix Stone's energy source, my machine will lead us right to it. Well, do you like it? What do you think?"

Erick sweatdrops, sighing and shaking his head. Brightman's considered the smartest of Dr. Wily's robots – which is probably the reason Wily made him his assistant – but when he does things like THIS, it proves he's about as smart as his master.

Does this narrator need to elaborate further on this? No? Okay then.

"Err... it sounds good and all. But...there's just a little problem with your invention."

Brightman can't believe it. He'd theorized and done the research, ran the possible scenarios, so HOW could there be a problem? "HUH! A problem? What? WHAT!"

Erick then spells it out for the genius robot. "In order to even GET a lick on the Phoenix Stone's whereabouts, YOU must have the Phoenix Stone's source energy. And since we DON'T have THAT, your little device would be, well… practically useless. Don't you think so, Bright-Boy?"

Poor Brightman. That was something even HE did not foresee. 'D'oh'-ing it like Homer Simpson, he smacks his head. "D'OH! I forgot!" Now humiliated, he shrinks away, saying "Back to the drawing board."

That was a given, my genius idiot colleague. Erick thinks; aloud, he says, "Yes. Back to the drawing board. But DO keep up the good work."

Brightman logs off after that. Too bad he'd hung up before Delia said, "Oh well, at least he's trying, wouldn't you agree, my love?"

Erick nods, "That he is, sweetie, that he is."

IN GRNADEMAN'S WORKSHOP:

The Riddler has just heard Grenademan's idea of using riddles to lure his prey (Ranma!) into a trap. "So my metallic friend," he asks. "What kind of Riddle would you like to use?"

Grenademan explains, "Well…um… I was thinking of using this kind that's confusing, y'know, where he's really gotta think hard what the solution is. Those kind."

"My, my, IT can think. Hu hu hu hu...Ggg…ACK!" Riddler's chuckling at Grendeman's expense was stopped as Grenademan lifts him up, clutching his throat with his giant metal hand and begins to choke him. He's suffocating, gasping for air, as his face changes several shades of blue.

In a pissed-off voice, Grenademan threathens, "Yeah, well this "thing" can also crack your head like a walnut IF YOU KEEP INSULTING IT! UNDERSTAND! HUH!"

The Riddler's just seconds away from unconsciousness, or worse, getting his head squished into a pulpy mess. "Yea…" he can barely squeak.

"Good." Grenademan then releases him and the resume working. Riddler massages his throat and recovers the breath to his lungs, making a mental note not to insult this robot's intelligence; after all, he likes living too much.

After 10 minutes...Grenademan explain to him the riddles he would like to use. Riddler heard him out (this time!); analyzing his problem, and then concludes, "It comes to my attention that you need some kind of plan to make this riddle. After all, you'll need lots of knowledge to come up with interesting riddles."

Grenademan rolls his eyes, responding back, "Geez…I KNOW that...but I wanted your help. I need them to lure my Arch-Foe Ranma into my trap and destroy him. Come on man, lend me a hand here!"

For some strange reason, Riddler's touched by the robot's stubbornness and dedication. It was the same dedication he once had to destroy his hated enemy the Batman. So...he decides to help him. "Ah, such a fire of dedication you have. Even though you're a robot, you possess what every human has..."

"Oh! And what's that?"

"The dedication to pursue your goal. And most of all...the dedication to get rid of your foe." The Riddler sadly sighs, "As I had against Batman."

Grenademan blinks, confused by what he's just heard. "HAD! What do you mean HAD! You mean you no longer hate this Batman...?" Then he laughs, "BATMAN!GYAHAHAHAHAHA...THAT'S A FUNNY NAME FOR A GUY! WHAT'S NEXT...CATMAN, DOGMAN...COWMAN...BIIIIIIIIIIIIIRDMAN! BWAHAHAAAA!"

Riddler finds himself laughing too. "Yes, I too thought the same thing. But enough humor...let's get to work on your riddle. Okay?"

"OH YEAAAAH!"

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

Erick is delivering his reports on the quest for the Phoenix Stone. The Cat Statue inquires of his right-hand man, "Meow...I hope that you have good news regarding the Phoenix Stone Erick!"

Erick replies, "Indeed. We are now using some of my Zero-Bots to locate it. Do not worry Cat Ghost King, the Stone will be found. It's just a matter of time."

"See that they do, meow. I can't wait to hold its tremendous power. Then...I WILL BE SUPREME MEOW! I WILL RULE THIS WORLD NYAHAHAHAHAA!"

Erick laughs, thinking, Ha! That's what you think furball! "I know you will your highness."

"Oooooh, things are going so smooth so far. And I have you to thank, Erick. You have been a great help."

"Oh, you give me too much credit, your Excellency. Well...I must be going. There's still many things I must do. Adieu."

Once outside the Shrine...Erick heads for the Control Room, when he sees The Riddler and Grenademan walking toward him. "You guys. So...how did things work out with Grenademan, Riddler? Did you help him?"

The Riddler tells him, "Indeed. We've just finish the riddles that he wanted. And I must say...for being a robot, he sure has quite an imagination. A little dull, perhaps, but good enough."

"That's nice. So Grenademan...now that you have what you wanted...I suggest that you get a move on in destroying Ranma...FAST."

Grenademan's full of all-out 100% confidence now. "Oh yeah!...Now that I've got my riddles...ITS TIME TO LET 'EM LOOSE! AND RANMA WILL DIEEEE! GYAHAHAHAHA OH YEAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Erick stops him, commanding, "ENOUGH. Just go now."

"Whoops! Sorry! See you!"

Then Grenademan runs off for his destination. Erick turns around and talks with Riddler. "Thank you so much for your help Edward."

The Riddler bows, pleased at hearing that. "Oh, it's the least I could do. After all, I owe you a lot for the second opportunity you gave me. And for that, I'll be forever in your debt."

"No problem, hehehehe….," Erick chuckles. "So... Are you enjoying your new job and life?"

"Yes. It is the best job that I ever dreamed of. I love it. It's the job that I was born to be in. And all thanks to you and your gorgeous fiancée Delia."

Dr. Wily walks in to deliver a message to Erick. "Hey Erick, M. Bison is calling for you. He says that..." When he spots The Riddler, he snickers, "Like… hehehe, who's the Goth guy in green?"

Erick tells him, "This Wily, is Edward Nigma, also known as The Riddler."

"Riddler? That's a weird name." Then Wily gasps, remembering, "Wait a minute. I think I've heard that name before." He rubs his chin as he's thinking. "Riddler, Riddler...wait! Isn't he that villain from that city called...um...yeah...Gotham?"

The Riddler chuckles – he's impressed that Wily recognizes him. "Why yes. I do have a reputation. So I guess it's true about you Wily, "Wisdom comes with Age"-"

Dr. Wily sweatdrops, confused. "Huh? What's THAT supposed to mean!"

"Or… maybe not."

TOKYO TOWER:

Grenademan arrives at the Tokyo Tower, carrying Ran on his shoulder (she's still passed out) as well as carrying many electronic gadgets and explosives.

"Yeah. This is the place. Once I set up all this stuff, I'll lure Ranma here...GYAHAHAHAHA...HE WONT KNOW WHATS WAITING FOR HIM!. HE'LL GO BOOM, AND I'LL GO OH YEAAAAAAAAH! AND RAN WILL BE MINE! OH YEAAAAAAAAAH! BUAHAHAHAHA!"

Just as he's about to proceed...he hears some music coming his way. When he looks up, he sees a van coming his way. It's a rather weird van, like a commercial one. It was white, had weird beer logos on it, as well as beer inside, with the words –"DUFF BEER"- painted on either side.

"What the heck is that?"

When the Van stops...the doors open up and many cute girls step out of the vehicle, dressed like cheerleaders, carrying pom-poms, and cheering for Duff Beer.

Next, a guy steps out.

When Grenademan gets a look at him, he laughs.

The man's dressed in a peculiar, yet hilarious, costume. He has blue and white tights, a red cape, blonde hair, dark glasses, and a red cap, following by many beers around his waist, and on his chest is the Logo of Duff Beer.

Grenademan chuckles at this caped loony, "Like, who's he? A Superman-wanna-be, with Beer?"

The person was none other then the goofy hero of beer from the Simpsons...

"Hello there. I'm DUFFMAN! And I've come all the way from Springfield to face you, you Metal Fiend!"

Grenademan blinks. "Um...to face me? TO FACE ME! HAHAHAHAAAA! What for!"

"Duffman has found out that you yell -"OH YEAH!"-. That is MY line, and my company phrase. And I cannot allow you to use it. So I'm suing YOU for copyrights!"

"Suing me! You nuts!"

"So, Duffman gives you this choice...Either you stop using my line -"OH YEA"-. Or Duffman will drag your Metallic Butt to Court. What do you think of that baby! OH YEAAAAH!" he says, and then strikes a pose, flexing his muscles.

The Duff-Cheerleaders cheer him on. "YEAH, YOU'RE THE MAN, DUFFMAN!"

Duffman hmph's, grinning, "Dont I know it."

Grenademan's seen enough. "Here's MY choice...CATCH!"

Next...he takes out a Flash Bomb, and then tosses it at Duffman. Duffman grabs it, panicking as the Bomb begins to glow. "OH NOOOOO...! mommy…"

KABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The blast sends a burnt and charbroiled Duffman flying high in the friendly skies. He cries out as he goes airborne, "DUFFMAN WILL BE baaaaaaaaaaaaaack…!"

Concerned for him, the Duff-Cheerleaders shriek, "OH NO! DUFFMAN!" Then they get in the van and drive off after Duffman.

Grenademan's pretty pleased with himself afterwards. "Heheheh... guess I showed that jerk not to mess with me...OH YEAH! Now to leave Ran here, set up my trap and head to the TV Station for phase two of my plan."

TENDO RESIDENCE - 9:00 PM:

It was getting very late, and the Tendo and Saotomes haven't heard a word from Ran since she went to meet up with her secret admirer. Now Ranma's more than worried. Their families are also worried by that time.

With concern in his voice, Soun tells Genma, "I'm getting very worried Saotome. It's getting very late, and Ran hasn't shown up, nor called us."

Genma agrees, "Tell me about it Tendo. It's not like her to be this late. I know she wants to have fun, but at this hour? It is not right for her."

Kasumi worries, "Oh dear. I hope that she's alright. She's been gone since this morning. Do you think she's okay?"

Nabiki shrugs in her sister's direction, "I really don't know now. But, I'm also getting worried too. Maybe I should go out and look for her."

Soun agrees, "Yes, that's a great idea Nabiki. We will ALL go out and search for her."

At that moment, the evening news was on the TV. The newscaster is on screen giving coverage on the usual news and upcoming events. He's about to remind the viewers at home about the latest weather forecast ...when something big was gonna happen...

"...and in the weather, we have reports of a possible rain storm coming tonight. So people, we..." The newscaster's eyes go wide for some strange reason, a look of surprise on his face. "Hey! Who are you! What are you doing here!"

Ranma and company see what's happening on the news station... as they see and hear noises in the background, of someone entering the studio. They see a robot appear on the TV. Not just any robot...but someone they knew too well...especially Ranma, Genma and Soun.

It was Grenademan, who's entered the TV Station and interrupted the broadcast.

The newscaster demands of this unexpected (and unwanted!) guest, "HEY! WHO ARE YOU! GET OUT OF HERE BEFOR...UCK!" But he couldn't finish his sentence, for Grenademan's just grabbed him by the throat and lifts him up...

Grenademan brings the man face-to-face with him. "Listen, is this the News Station?"

"..Y-yeah...," the poor newsman can barely utter."

"Oh, uh, right." Grenademan releases him, and then says, "Ahem... Listen buster. I came to deliver a message. Can you tell me when we'll be on the Air?"

Everybody in the TV studio sweatdrops at his stupid question. Even Ranma.

The newscaster tells him, "...um...we ARE on the Air."

"We are...?" Grenademan blushes, realizing his mistake. "Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh...so we are. Silly me! Hee hee hee hee!"

Scientists at the National Geological Survey had reported a small earthquake in Tokyo and the surrounding wards. Later, they would realize it wasn't an earthquake, but rather the sounds of millions of people facefaulting simultaneously.

And all the while, the cameras are still rolling as this is being broadcast LIVE on national TV. Many people see Grenademan, including….

AT THE RED CATS' SECRET BASE:

The Cat Statue, Erick and Delia, as well as everybody else see him on the big screen TV at the Cat Ghost King's shrine.

Dr. Wily is furious. "What in the world does that MORON think he's doing!"

Bubbleman guesses, "Um...maybe he's trying to get a job there?"

Bass has his arms crossed as he stands behind and to the left of Erick. Watching the Blast King's antics on screen, he just shakes his head, saying, "Oh yeah, Grenademan's FINALLY gone off the deep end. Maybe he's lost it. Hahahaha!" Then he realizes, "Oh, wait, what am I saying? This is GRENADEMAN we're talking about here. That bot's lost his sanity a LONG time ago. Sheesh!"

Erick, surprisingly, is quiet as all this is happening. But the look on his face clearly says he is NOT pleased with the way Grenademan's handling things right now. He's thinking, Just what IS Grenademan up to? Appearing on national television could jeopardize our mission! For his sake, his little plan MUST NOT fail!

AT DR. LIGHT'S HOUSE:

The scientist Dr. Light, along with his children and Lan Hikari, is watching the news that evening.

Megaman gasps when he spots the Wily bot. "Hey, that's Grenademan! What's he's doing at the TV Station?"

It's hard to tell since he's always wearing his shades, but Protoman's equally surprised. "Good question, bro. We must wait and see."

Already Roll doesn't like what's going on. "Whatever he's doing there, it can't be good."

Dr. Light nods, agreeing with Roll. "Roll's right. I wonder what Wily sent him there for?"

AND BACK AT THE TENDOS':

Soun's the first to recognize their old enemy from before. "Saotome! Isnt that the Robot we fought a while ago?"

Looking closer, Genma realizes, "It is Tendo! It's the same one!"

Ranma, upon looking at Grenademan, begin to have a terrible feeling. A feeling of danger.

Oh man. It's that robot that tried to blow me up! What's he doing there? I got a bad feeling about this…

At the TV Station, Grenademan has knocked out all the security guards in the building with some of his Stun Bombs. A few brave fools thought they could take him on, but he'd had to 'enlighten' them by smacking them silly. Next thing...he's in front of the camera, but also looking for something on him.

"Where is it? Where is it? I know it's around here somewhere...!" he's whispering as he searches the compartments in his body armor. Finding it, he takes out a piece of paper. "Alright, here it is!" Out loud to the viewers, he announces, "ALRIGHT...*AHEM*...IS THIS THING ON? COOL. OK. NOW...I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR RANMA SAOTOME! I, THE MIGHTY GRENADEMAN, HAVE SOMETHING THAT BELONGS TO YOU. "WHAT IS THAT?" YOU MIGHT SAY?...THIS...!"

He then takes out a remote control, clicks it, and a video shows up of Ran tied up to a machine.

Ranma gasps, anger and shock on his face. "NO! THAT'S RAN! THAT BASTARD'S GOT HER!"

Akane's wearing a horrified expression. "RANMA! THAT'S RAN. WHAT'S THAT MONSTER DONE TO HER!"

Soun's in full hysterics, wailing away, crying, "THIS IS TERRIBLE. THAT CRAZY ROBOT'S KIDNAPPED RAN!"

At the Light compound, Megaman can't believe how low Grenademan's stooped this time. "I don't believe it. Grenademan's kidnapped that young girl!"

Roll is saddened by this. "No way! Why would he do that? That's cruel!"

Protoman just says, "Tell me about it. But then again, this IS Wily's Bots we're talking about."

Back to Grenademan at the TV Studio...

"AS YOU CAN SEE RANMA, I GRENADEMAN, HAVE TAKEN YOUR FRIEND RAN AS MY P.O.W. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN...AND ALIVE..COME AND RESCUE HER! IF YOU CAN THAT IS...GYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Oh yeah, Ranma's angry now. He clenches his fists as he mutters, "Oh you bet I will you jerk. And you'll be sorry for that."

Grenademan continues, "IF YOU WANT TO FIND HER, YOU'LL HAVE TO SOLVE THIS RIDDLE OF MINE. LISTEN CLOSELY...

-" I AM TALL, FOR I REACH THE SKY...

I AM STRONG FOR I'M HARD AS STEEL..

I AM LOVED BY ALL AND VISITED BY ALL, YET I DON'T MOVE...

I AM OLD, YET I DO NOT SHOW IT...

FOR I AM AS TALL...AS MY FRENCH SISTER IS"-

"And that's the Riddle Ranma...solve it and you'll find Ran. And me. So hurry up. You have 3 hours to do it. Fail to show up...and Ran will be sorry. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"And that's a wrap people! OH YEAH!"

Grenademan ends the evening news with a bang - literally! – by tossing a Flash Bomb into the camera. The explosion takes out the cameras, leaving viewers watching static on their TV screen for about five seconds, and then a sign appears:

EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES. PLEASE STAND BY

AT THE TENDOS':

Seeing that, the Saotome and Tendo families are now in a state of unrest. The reactions of everyone in the room vary from shock to panic to worry and anger. Grenademan has just laid down an ultimatum!

Akane holds on to Ranma for support; she's distraught over what's happening to her best friend Ran. "OH NO! RANMA! THAT METAL ROBOT HAS RAN. WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING! WE HAVE TO SAVE HER!"

Ranma hugs her back for comfort. "I know Akane. But we gotta solve that riddle. It's the only way to know where he's hiding her."

Kasumi poses the question, "But...what does that riddle mean?"

Soun considers it. "Hmm…. Good question, Kasumi. Tall to reach the sky…."

Genma adds, "…And hard as steel?"

Nabiki might be on to something. "Hey guys. I think it's a building. Maybe that whacko has Ran inside a building."

Akane catches on. "She's right. Now if we could find it, we..."

Ranma snorts, "Hate to break it to you...but Tokyo has many buildings. Ain't no way we'll be able to search them all in time."

Nabiki sadly sighs, "Oh yeah, you're right"

Kasumi encourages, "Everyone, we cant give up now. Ran needs us. We have to think harder."

And so the whole family works to figure out the Blast King's riddle. It's a hard time they're going right now, for attempting to solve it was driving them all nuts. When they were about to throw in the towel...something happens...as Ranma's thought about it long and hard...

What could it be as tall and made of metal? Who's known to all…. and as tall as its French sister is? He gasps. Unless it's... Aloud he tells everyone, "THAT'S IT!"

Akane wonders, "What's it Ranma?'

"I've solved the riddle. I know where Grenademan is keeping Ran."

Soun brightens up on hearing that. "You do? Well tell us, son! Hurry!"

"What's the name of that famous tower in France, where it's visited by all the tourists?"

Nabiki's response is, "Well, it's the Eiffel Tower, of course. But what's your point Ranma?"

Ranma explains, "Because Japan's got a building like that, too. Can any of you guys guess?"

After some thinking...it hits them all.

Akane gasps, "Ranma...you don't mean...?"

Ranma nods affirmatively, "Oh yeah, Akane. Grenademan has Ran and is hidden in Tokyo Tower. That's where she is."

Nabiki's speechless about Ranma's logic. "My god. I don't believe it. Ranma thought of something and solved it. Miracles CAN happen I guess."

"Hey! I can think too, y'know! But that's not important right now. I gotta go and rescue Ran before that metal moron hurts her."

Worried for her fiancée, Akane pleads, "Ranma, you can't go alone to face him! It's too dangerous!"

"I know that Akane. But would you rather abandon Ran to her fate? I gotta do it...for her sake."

Soun supports his son-in law. "Ranma's right Akane. We can't leave Ran at the mercy of that whacko. You have to have faith in him."

Nabiki adds, "He's right you know. Ranma is more then capable of doing it."

Akane nods, remembering the rivals Ranma's faced as well as the times he's saved her life. "You're right. Please Ranma. Save her. I know you'll do it."

Ranma smiles genuinely at her. "Thanks Akane..."

From the Tendo Compound...Ranma runs out the house and dashing fast...when he's out, Akane comes out after him and yelling out to him, "PLEASE RANMA, SAVE RAN! YOU ARE HER ONLY HOPE!"

TOKYO TOWER:

On the top level of the tower, we see Grenademan fiddling around with some electronic parts as he walks about the room, while Ran is still unconscious.

As he's assembling the trap he's set for Ranma. he's singing, "Blowing up by daylight! Making out in the moonlight! Killing everything in sight! I am the one called... Sailor BOOM! OH YEAH!"

It was around the time he'd finished with that horrible off-key singing that Ran begins to stir. She has a big headache and everything's all foggy from her perspective, so much so that she doesn't recognize where she is. When she tries to clear her sights...

Ran weakly groans, "Man...What happened?" Slowly coming to, she realizes, "Oh yeah, that robot got me."

"You're awake I see. That's good," a familiar voice says.

She then sees Grenademan in front of her. But she's not happy to see him. "YOU! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING! WHERE AM I!"

Grenademan covers his ears from the shouting. "Hey hey, no need to yell. I'm not deaf you know. So cool down," he tells her calmly.

"Cool down? COOL DOWN! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME! WHERE AM I! WHAT IS THIS PLACE!"

"Easy. You're on the top floor of Tokyo Tower. As for why I brought you here, and doing this...Heh…heh…heh...simple...Ranma."

Ran's heart skips a beat. "Ranma? What about him?"

Grenademan spells it out for her. "Ranma beat me. AND I DONT LIKE TO LOSE TO ANYBODY, ESPECIALLY TO A HUMAN! So...you're gonna be the bait."

Ran warns him, "YOU'LL BE SORRY. RANMA WILL FIND ME. YOU'LL SEE!"

"Oh I know that. In fact...I'M COUNTING ON IT!. CAUSE WHEN HE GETS HERE...THIS WILL BE WAITING FOR HIM! MWAHAHAHAHA!"

When Ran sees Grenademan's work...she sees something that makes her skin pale...

And it frightens her so much that she can only whisper, "No. You can't….!"

Grenademan's already gloating, "Can't? OH YES I CAN! THIS BABY WILL ELIMINATE RANMA FOR GOOD! GYAHAHAHAHA! Whaddya think of THAT, girlie!"

A worried Ran thinks, Ranma...please. Save me. I need you. You're my only hope!

- (Insert Music...

***** HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO ***** by Bonnie Tylor.

Ranma is running fast as lightning through Nerima. He's worried and angry...

Worried for Ran's safety. And angry with Grenademan for kidnapping her.

Ranma says while running, "Ran, please, just hang on. I'm coming. That robot bastard...I'LL MAKE HIM PAY DEARLY FOR WHAT HE'S DOING TO YOU!"

Where have all good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where is the street-wise Hercules
To fight the rising odds?

Is not there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night I toss & turn & I dream of what I need

(A scene where Ran has her eyes close, sad, with a tear running down her face.)

Change where Ranma is running toward Tokyo Tower.

#chorus#
I need a hero
I am holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He has have got to be strong
And he has have got to be fast
And he has have got to be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I am holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He has have got to be sure
And it is have got to be soon
And he has have got to be larger than life (larger than life)

Images were flashing inside Ranma's mind as he's running. Images of Ran smiling at him. Images of him with her, in sparring or having an ice cream with her and Akane.

He was determined to save her, no matter what.

Somewhere after midnight
In my wildest fantasy
Somewhere just beyond my reach
There's someone reaching back for me

Racing on the thunder & rising with the heat
It is going to take a superman to sweep me off my feet

Up in the skies, Megaman's flying on Rush-Jet. Then he looks down and spots Ranma running fast. "Hey, that looks like Ranma. Yeah! It IS him. Where he's running to? Rush, let's go down."

Ranma's still running, when...

-"Hey Ranma!" -

Whoever it is makes Ranma stops in his tracks. "HUH! Who's there!"

Next, he sees what looks like a kid in blue armor, hovering on some sort of jet-board with the looks of a robot canine, landing in front of him. "What the? Who are you?"

The Blue Bomber quickly introduces himself. "Hey there. My name's Megaman, and this is my companion Rush."
Ranma blinks. "Uhh...Hi. How do you know me anyway?"
"Easy. I'm a friend of Ran's. She told me about you."
Now THAT gets Ranma's attention. "Ran…." He whispers. Then, raising his voice in excitement, "YOU KNOW HER!"
"Yeah. Met her a while ago. Say...where are you going?"
"I'm going to save her. She was kidnapped by that crazy robot Grenademan!"
Megaman gasps, "That's right. Do you know where she is?"
"Yeah. He's got her hostage in Tokyo Tower. I gotta get down there."
"Wait! I'll come with you. You're gonna need my help, since I know how Grenademan fights. And, believe me; I've tangled with him before many times."

Things are really looking up for Ranma now, folks. Now he's got a partner to help him take down Grenademan and save Ran. He puts out his hand to Megaman, and they shake hands, confirming the team-up. "Okay then. And thanks!"

#chorus#

Up where the mountains meet the heavens above
Out where the lightning splits the sea
I'd swear that there's someone somewhere
Watching me
Through the wind & the chill & the rain
And the storm & the flood
I can feel his approach
Like a fire in my blood

#chorus#

Our duo of heroes, Ranma and Megaman have reached Tokyo Tower. Thanks to Megaman's canine pal Rush (in Rush-Jet form) they made it there with time to spare. Ranma looks up at the tower. "Well, this is it. Tokyo Tower."
Megaman nods. "Sure is. And that girl Ran is in the top floor. We'd better get a move on."
"Yeah. I'm gonna make that robot pay big time for what he's doing. LET'S GO!"

Just as they're about to make their move...

-"Hold it right there Ranma Saotome!"- A voice from above commands.

Ranma looks around. "HUH! Who said that? Show yourself!"
Megaman points upward. "Ranma! Look up there."

The team looks up and sees someone. Standing atop a street lamp, is a ninja dressed in white, with his arms crossed across his chest. His face is covered by a mask, and a long shinobigatana (Ninja sword) is strapped to his back. He's striking a cool pose, as the wind blows his long blue scarf around him.

Ranma's got no time for this. Glaring angrily at the newcomer, he demands, "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?"

"Do not be afraid of me Ranma," the stranger quickly deflects. "I'm not an enemy, but an ally and friend. As for who I am, let's just say I'm a shadow that serves the light. You may call me "Gekka no Hakuryuu" or simply, "Gekka". It will have to do for now."

Megaman, having some understanding of Japanese, figures out the meaning of the name. "The White Dragon of the Moonlight?"

"Correct," the ninja confirms. "The two of you are on your way to rescue Ran, am I right?"

Ranma tells him, "That's right. And standing around here won't help her. So if you'll excuse me "Gekka", or whoever you really are, I must be off."
Gekka warns, "Do not rush into a fight in which you do not have knowledge of your enemy."
"What are you talking about!"
"Simple. Don't go into a battle without having a plan. Otherwise, you'll be walking in there blind and clumsy, and your enemy WILL kill you. So please listen to me. We must work together. Only then, we can rescue Ran. So, what do you say?"

Ranma, for some strange reason, trusts this ninja...as for why...he doesn't know. Why is it that I can trust him, even though I've only just met him? Weird.
When Ranma doesn't respond right away, "Gekka" solemnly assures him, leaving no room for doubt. "Believe me when I say this: I will allow NO harm to come to the girl. You have my word."
The ninja's honorable words melt away Ranma's reluctance. "Oh… very well. So what do we do now?"
"Thank you. Now...the first thing we do is this..."

On the top of Tokyo Tower, Grenademan's standing there, waiting for Ranma to show up. Behind him, is Ran, chained up to a fiendish device, struggling to free herself, but with no luck.

With impatience obvious in his voice, Grenademan urges, "Come on come on Ranma. Show yourself! Man, this whole waiting routine is SO NOT my style. But, he'll show up...He'd BETTER show up!"

"Why are you doing this?" Ran wanted to know.
"Why? WHY! I'LL TELL YOU WHY! It's because I loved you...and you rejected me! REJECTED ME! WHY...! JUST BECAUSE I WAS A ROBOT?"
"You're still going on about that! I told you it could never work out. We're just too different."
Grenademan won't stand for that. He yells at her, "SHUT UP. JUST SHUT UP. YOU DONT KNOW NOTHING AND..."

-"Alright you hunk of metal! Let Ran go!"-

"HUH!"

They both see Ranma standing in a battle pose, ready to fight.

Ran happy rejoices, "RANMA! YOU CAME!"

Grenademan evilly chuckles, "Well well well. Look who's here. Looks like you made it after all, huh? I thought that you were gonna take longer. Guess I was wrong."

Ranma's not even trying to hear that. "Enough with the flattery; release Ran NOW."

Grenademan's sarcastically mocks, "Oh sure, no problem. And I'll surrender and kiss your fleshy butt too! NOT! You want Ran...! I WON'T LET YOU HAVE HER! SHE'S MINE! AND AS FOR YOU...I'LL DESTROY YOU RIGHT HERE AND NOW! OH YEAH!"

Ranma cracks his knuckles, ready to clean Grenademan's clock. "Bring it on. I kicked your metallic butt once...AND I'LL DO IT AGAIN!"

Uh oh...this part makes Grenademan pissed off. "I'LL KILL YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU…!"

Round 2 between Ranma and Grenademan starts. Grenademan makes the first attack. "TAKE THIS...FLASH BOMBS!" As before...Grenademan began to toss severa Flash Bombs toward Ranma, who runs and/or evades them.

Ranma mutters, "Man...not this again. He sure ain't very creative. But I won't give up."

During one dodge...Ranma jumps up and kicks one Flash Bomb, like a professional Soccer Player, and sends it toward Grenademan. Grenademan catches it... "HUH!" His eyes go wide, when he realizes, "HEY! WAIT A MINUTE...!"

BOOOOOOOOOM!

After the explosion...Grenademan's black and smoking. "HEY...YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO GO BOOM, NOT ME! YOU CHEATER!"

Ranma's sarcastic reply to that, "Oh, I'm sorry, how clumsy of me. My bad!"

Grenademan growls, "OH, YOU WILL BE...TAKE THIS!" Next he jumps and points his weapon arm, firing a Bazooka-like Bomb at Ranma…

Only to be stopped as a laser blast comes out and destroys the Bomb. Next...Megaman lands right beside Ranma, and now the battle's 2-on-1.

Grenademan briefly has a surprised look on his face. "HUH!" Then, he laughs, "Gwhahaha...well well...what have we here?... Ranma AND Megaman? This must be my lucky night. I'll get rid of TWO enemies! HAHAHAHA!"

Megaman's pointing his Mega-Buster, aiming right at the loony Wily bot. "Don't count on it, Grenademan. Now, surrender, or face us."

Grenademan's rubbing his metal chin, pretending to decide. "Gee...what to chose. Tough choice. Oooh! I know! How ABOUT THIS! A NEW WEAPON OF MINE...ZX FLASH BOMB!"

He launches three more Flash Bombs. But these ones are different...instead of a single orb with four smaller spheres attached to it, the spheres are replaced with sharp pointy spikes, making them resemble stars.

Upon seeing them...Ranma and Megaman jump away.

Megaman puts down Grenadman's so-called new weapons. "Huh! Oh come on. They look like your old Flash Bombs, but with spikes! What's so new about them?"

Ranma laughs, "Perhaps he's losing his mind. They look the same to me. Dude has NO originality whatsoever."

With an evil laugh, Grenademan hints, "That what you guys think! heheheheh!"

"Huh!" Megaman & Ranma utter simultaneously. To their surprise...the ZX Flash Bombs suddenly TURN AROUND and glide toward them...

BOOM!

Ranma and Megaman both felt the pain from that explosion, and that's if the spikes didn't get 'em. On the ground...

Ranma moans in pain, "Man...what...what happened? How did he do that?"

Grenademan does a little pre-victory dance as he gloats, "Like my little surprise guys? Hahaha. Let me explain...those bombs aren't ordinary Flash Bombs...they're HOMING bombs!"

Megaman can't believe it. "WHAT! But you don't have those!"

"Yeah...WELL I DO NOW! AHAHAHAHA...AND THE BEST PART OF ALL. THEY'RE HEAT SEEKERS FOR YOU RANMA, AND TUNED TO YOUR ELECTRONIC SIGNAL MEGAMAN!"

With widened eyes, Ranma realizes, "Wait...you mean..."

"THAT'S RIGHT...NO MATTER WHERE YOU RUN, THESE BABIES WILL FOLLOW YOU TWO AND GO BOOOOOOOOOOM!"

Now the duo is worried. For those Bombs could follow them everywhere, making it hard to evade them. Ranma's cursing this turn of events. "Damn...now it's gonna be hard. But I can't let him get to me. I gotta save Ran at all costs!"

Ran's yelling her encouragement from high up. "RANMA! DON'T GIVE UP. I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!"

"And now...It's TIME TO GO BOOM! HAHAHA!" And Grenademan tosses three more ZX Flash Bombs. Ranma and Megaman are ready to face them...but...3 Kunai blades zoom into and deflect the bombs, sending them elsewhere and where they detonate.

Grenademan's like, "HUH? That wasn't supposed to happen! WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!"

-"The true warrior relies on his skills. Not on trickery or weapons."- A mysterious voice echoes throughout the tower.

"WHO SAID THAT!" Grenademan angrily demands. "SHOW YOURSELF!"

Appearing out of nowhere, the white ninja "Gekka no Hakuryuu" (who's really THE MCD / Michael Angelus) lands in front of him.

"Like...who or WHAT are YOU supposed to be. Answer me!"

As befitting a hero-type who practices the art of stealth, Gekka quietly intones, "A blade of justice that will cut evil down. I am..." he then strikes a heroic pose as he finishes… "Musabetsu Seikyoukuken*... Gekka no Hakuryuu."

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: * Musabetsu Seikyoukuken = Anything-Goes Holy Fist]

Ranma's ears go up on hearing the name of Gekka's style. Did he just say "Anything-Goes"?

Grenademan blinks, utterly confused. "White Dragon?" Then, he belly-laughs, "Hohohoo… Bwhahahaha!...That's a funny name for someone who's dressed in his pajamas!"

Gekka ignores Grenademan's pathetic attempt to insult him – 'cause he's just that cool. He rallies his comrades. "Ranma, Megaman. We must work together and make a plan to defeat this enemy and save Ran."

Ranma agrees, but… "Easier said then done. How?"

"One of us must reach Ran and free her. Megaman, you know how Grenademan fights, so the two of us will handle him. Ranma, you must go and save Ran. Now hurry."

Ranma nods, understanding the plan. "You got it!"

Grenademan interrupts, "HEY, LADIES, IF YOU'RE DONE GIRL-TALKING, LETS GET BACK TO WHERE I'M ABOUT TO FINISH YOU OFF!"

Gekka snorts in Grenademan's direction, "Do not let overconfidence rule you, or it will lead you to your defeat."

"Whatever...NOW DIE! ZX FLASH BOMBS!"

Tossing many ZX Flash Bombs, Gekka, Megaman and Ranma trytheir best to dodge them. But the bombs track them and continue their deadly course toward them. Grenademan believes he's got them on the ropes. Ran's worried for her rescuers.

In the heat of the fight, while evading the bombs...

Ranma is frustrated, snapping, "Damn it. We can't keep dodging these bombs forever. We need to stop them."

While dodging, Gekka says, "Ranma's right. The question is how? No matter how we evade them, they'll keep on following us."

"Hey...I've have a crazy idea. If those bombs follow us...then how about if we take them to him?"

As Megaman's jumping up to evade another bomb, he asks, "What do you mean by that Ranma?"

"Just follow my lead guys." Next...Ranma begins to run around, with the bomb on his back. Gekka's confused at this strange plan...but soon catches on to Ranma's idea and follows his lead. Megaman took a little time to figure it out and soon, he too went along.

Now Grenademan's confused...why where they running around in circles. It didn't make any sense at all. Still, he taunts, "RUN ALL YOU LIKE...BUT MY BABIES WILL FOLLOW YOU WHEREVER YOU GO!"

Ranma says while running, a smirk of confidence on his face, "Yeah. We know."

OK, Grenademan's mega-confused here. "HUH? Has that freak lost it or something?"

For the next and final phase...all three change course, running toward Grenademan full force...

Grenademan's laughing at them, "WHAT! ARE YOU GONNA TAKE ME ON? GO AHEAD! I'LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!"

"Oh, we're not gonna take you on." Gekka says.

"HUH!"

At the very last possible second...Ranma, Megaman and Gekka jump up inches away from Grenademan, who sees the Bombs heading for HIM... Bracing himself, he says, "This...is gonna hurt."

Right on!

KABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

After the smoke clears...Grenademan was, once again, charbroiled and smoking like a piece of barbecued chicken. He's dizzy and instead of seeing stars...grenades are circling around his head. Coming to his senses (not that he had any to begin with!), Grenademan declares, "You know what!...this...means...WAR!"

Gekka seizes the moment, and commands, "Now Ranma, while he's distracted! Go get Ran!"

"You got it." As fast as he can...Ranma reaches Ran.

She, of course, is happy to see him... "Ranma. Thank goodness you're here."

Ranma smiles at her. "No problem. Now let's get you out of this."

But a problem occurs. Grenademan had Ran bound to the Big Flash Bomb with magnetic handcuffs, so Ranma couldn't break her loose. He's struggling hard, doing his best to free her but… "Damn...I can't get them loose. Just what they are made off?"

"Please Ranma...don't give up. There's got to be a way to release this locks."

"I know. But how?"

Grenademan spots Ranma trying to free Ran... "HEY, GET AWAY FROM HER YOU FREAK, SHE'S MINE."

Ranma groans at having to deal with this idiot again. "Great."

"I WON'T LET YOU HAVE HER. NEVEEEEEEEER! GRYAAAAAAAAA!"

Madly, he begins to charge at them, throwing many punches. Megaman and Gekka are evading his wild fists...but they had to stop him from getting to Ranma and Ran. Ranma then decides to rejoin the fight. Gathering all his Ki...he releases one of his special moves. "Oh cool down will ya...KATCHU-TENSHIN-AMAGURIKEEEEEN!"

Releasing 789 punches, he hits Grenademan iron body. He feels those blows...but he doesn't budge. "You're wasting your time freakazoid. It'll take more than that to stop me! HAHAHAHAHA!"

Jumping back...Ranma charge his Ki into his hands...cups them together and goes, "Then how about this, bolts for brains...!"

Then Megaman walks right up to Ranma, charges up his Mega-Buster and points it at Grenademan. Both heroes aim their attacks at the same time.

Grenademan's in for it now. "*Gulp*… Me and my BIG mouth... Uh oh...this will hurt a little…"

Ranma and Megaman both unleash their signature attacks
"MOUKO-TAKABISHAAAAA!"
"MEGA-BUSTER!"

FLASH!

BAMB!

Two blasts hit Grenademan hard and send him flying away, and crashing into one of the iron supports. But still, he gets up...he's in pain, but he's up. And he's mad, too. "That...REALLY HURT!"

Suddenly...Gekka appears in front of him, freaking Grenademan out:

"ACK! HUH! How did you…!"

"Now...behold! Seikyokuken-ryu Ninpou (Holy Ultimate Fist-Style Ninja Arts) Final Attack!" Gekka grabs Grenademan...then...

He breaks his right arm…

-The X-Ray of a broken arm bone is shown.-

He then flips to the left side and breaks his left arm…

-The X-Ray of the left arm bone is broken.-

Then he kicks him in his lower left leg….

-The X-Ray of the Broken Bone of the left leg is view-

He then grabs him and jump high into the air, taking him with him, and with incredible strength, cracks his metal ribcage!

-The X-Ray of Grenademan's broken ribs is seen-

Finishing with a powerful slam...they land hard on the ground, making an explosion upon contact….

-The X-Ray of a broken skull is shown-

Leaving Grenademan upside down, half buried into the floor...Gekka jumps away afterwards, landing in a crouching position.

Ranma whistle, impressed by Gekka's technique. "Wow! That was a powerful move man. I like it!"

Megaman nods, agreeing with Ranma. "You said it. You think he's down?" then he stops, realizing, "Nah...Grenademan's too stupid to surrender."

Gekka accepts the complement, "Thank you Ranma. It was a move used by the famous Ninja Hattori Hanzo. Now let's free Ran."

Before they made their move...a small rumble occurs...next...Grenademan gets up. His head was half buried in his body...he shakes it up and pops it back into position. Now that just SOUNDS painful, doesn't it?

Megaman sighs, confirming what he'd said earlier, "Yep. Too stupid to quit."

A still-defiant Grenademan croaks, "I...I...I am...not...beaten...yet...ugn...I can...still...fight you...all!"

Gekka advises, "It is better that you quit. There is no shame in admitting defeat."

Megaman adds, "That's right. You can't go on."

Grenademan silences them both. "Shut up...I won't...allow any...of you...to take...Ran from me!"

Ranma demands to know, "Just what is it with Ran that you want her anyway? You wanted me...not her!"

Ran blushes as she explains, "Um...Ranma...remember the secret admirer I talked about?"

"Yeah I did, but why are you asking that right..."

For some weird reason... the answer hits him hard. And when it does, his eyes go wide in shock. "WAIT A MINUTE RAN! DON'T TRY TO TELL ME THAT...HE'S YOUR SECRET ADMIRER!"

An embarrassed Ran laughs, "Yeah… how about that?"

Gekka's shocked, thinking, "WHAT! That robot likes Ran? This is most...unexpected."

Megaman's trying to wrap his brain around he's just heard – he can't believe it. "WHAT! Grenademan likes Ran! But...GRENADEMAN LIKES SOMEONE! HOW CAN IT BE! This must be a trick of his. Since when do ANY of Wily's robots like people!"

Despite the reactions of his foes, Grenademan says, "*Cough cough*...I won't...give up, until I destroy you Ranma and you too Megaman...same as you pajama boy..."

Gekka sweatdrop's, correcting him, "These are the garments of a Ninja, not pajamas."

"Whatever...bottom line...cough cough...once you're all gone...Ran will love me. I know she will!"

He sure is stubborn, they all think. So Ran decides to talk some sense into him for the last time... "You're still going on about that!. I told you before...I can't love you...you're too different. And beside...anyone who'd kidnap me and threaten my friends, well, that's definitely not a good way to earn someone's love."

"She's right..." Gekka adds. "You must give up this crazed obsession of yours."

Grenademan refuses to hear otherwise. "No...please say it isn't so Ran. I love you."

With the heaviest of hearts, Ran tells him, "I'm sorry. But it would never work out. Just let it go."

Now Grenademan's stunned silent...the girl that he loved(?) with all his heart rejected him. He lowers his head and starts...SOBBING. Megaman cannot believe what he's seeing or hearing...

The Crazy Happy Bomber Grenademan, sobbing.

"Okay...it's official," Megaman says. "I need to get my program checked, because I think I'm starting to lose it. Grenademan sobbing...? I would have never expected to see that from him."

Ranma says likewise, "Tell me about it. A while ago he was all crazy and dangerous, and now, he's like a little boy."

However...Gekka had a terrible feeling that something bad was going to happen. Why do I have the feeling that this is NOT good? It's like the eye of the storm. A terrible danger awaits us.

What happened next confirms his prediction...

Grenademan stops sobbing...then raise his head and glares at our heroes. No longer with tears...but with hatred burning in his eyes. "So that's how is it gonna be! I gave my love to you Ran and you crushed it up and tossed it away like a soda can. WHY...'CAUSE I'M A ROBOT HUH! WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE THINGS YOU TOLD ME WHEN I WAS G-MAN 123! ALL LIES!"

Ran admits, "No, it wasn't...but...face it. You're a robot..."

"What you're asking for is the impossible," Gekka says, reasoning with Grenademan. "You are what you are."

"And YOU…!" Grenademan glares at Ranma. "YOU WON'T DIE...! AND YOU DEFEATED ME, NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE!...AND YOU COST ME MY LOVELY RAN!"

Ranma tells him, "That's right. And I'll beat you a third time if needed to save Ran from you."

And that's when things really get worse. Grenademan declares, "So be it..*sniff*...If I can't have Ran. THEN NO ONE WILL. AND YOU...TODAY YOU'LL DIE, SAME WITH YOU MEGAJERK, AND YOU TOO SAMURAI BOY!"

Next...opening a panel in his left arm, he punches some buttons on a keypad...

Suddenly...a force field surrounds the area, trapping everyone inside.

Megaman figures out what happened, "It's an electric force field. We're trapped inside!"

With a sadistic grin on his metal face, Grenademan says, "Hey Ranma...get load of this present I made just for you Hahahaha!"

CLICK!

Many lights turn on...and what they see scares them. They are many bombs mounted all around the inside of the tower...and the Big Flash Bomb is mounted in the center, where Ran is pinned to it.

With widened eyes Ranma exclaims, "MY GOD. THERE'S BOMBS ALL AROUND US! THIS IS BAD!"

"IT GETS WORSE...THAT ONE…," Megaman points at the big one where Ran's trapped, "IS A SMALL THERMONUCLEAR CHARGE!"

"What? Is he crazy or something?" Gekka asks.

"This is Grenademan we're talking about...so I say, yeah he is. 100% certified LOONY."

And Grenademan's back to his lunatic destructive self. Laughing maniacally, he says with dramatic finality, "WE WILL ALL GO BOOM! THERE'S NO ESCAPE THIS TIME RANMA, MEGAMAN, KUNG FU MAN! WE WILL ALL DIE! MWHAHAHAHAHAHAA!"

A timer is displayed on a nearby computer terminal, In big red letters and numbers it indicates...10:00 minutes and counting before the Big Flash Bomb goes off.

Ran panics, begging, "NO...! Please Grenademan, don't do this! We don't want to die...you don't want to die!"

Grenademan snorts, turning his back to her, "Hmph...And why do YOU care huh? You don't love me."

"Please...I know that you're mad with me for not returning your feelings but...you can't force anyone to love you."

"HUH! What do you mean?"

"Listen..." Gekka explains it to him. "Forcing someone into loving you is wrong. It is the same as pointing a gun at her and demanding her. That is not true love."

Time remaining...6:00 minutes.

"But...I wanted to love Ran. She's all to me."

"Listen...what you have for her is obsession. You don't truly love her...you just want her. To truly love someone is to know her/him, to know her/his feelings. Like an wise man once said...-"I need you cause I love you is not the same as I love you cause i need you"

Time remaining...3:00 minutes.

Ran then says, "Look, I know that we can't be lovers. However...we can be friends."

Grenademan looks up. "Friends?"

Ran cheerfully goes on to say, "Yes. Friends see each other, hang out and have fun, and help each other out. We can do that, if you'll let me."

Grenademan...for some strange reason... likes the sound of that. Friends! Friends with Ran! Can it be true! "Do you mean it Ran?"

"I do, Grenademan. So please...life does not end...it can be a new beginning for you...for us...as friends, that is."

Ranma's hoping Ran's got a plan here. If she doesn't, then he's got one. As soon as that loony robot drops his guard… it's payback time, BIG time. So he's playing along, saying, "Yeah...so come on man...you don't really wanna blow us up do you?"

Gekka, being a consummate master of the Art, notices Ranma's posture as he's talking to Grenademan. Sensing the boy's intent to attack, he firmly places a hand on Ranma's shoulder, whispering, "Not so fast, boy. The girl's on to something here. It you attack now, this could blow up in all our faces (no pun intended)." Aloud, he says to Grenademan, "Indeed. As friends...we can help you."

Grenademan processes what he's heard, and makes a decision. "Yeah...friends...I...like that. YES...FRIENDS! WAHAHAHAHA!"

The impossible has just happened folks...Grenademan's convinced to change his ways; and Ran has turned him into her friend.

Ran offers, "Soooo...how's about if you let me go and stop this bomb, please...my friend?"
Grenademan's like, "Huh? Oh yeah sure, no problem friend Ran."

-Click-

After pressing the buttons, Ran's magnetic handcuffs were loosed, the force field shuts down, and the bomb stops its deadly countdown, with 1:00 remaining on the timer. Everybody breathes a sigh of relief.

"Thank you so much Grenademan," Ran genuinely says. "That was a noble thing you did."

Grenademan puts a hand behind his head in an "aw-shucks" gesture. "Weeell, that's what friends are for right? GYAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Yeah, tee hee hee!"

Megaman risks asking, "So, uh, Grenademan, does that means that, you're gonna be friends with…" He shudders at the thought "…me?"

Grenademan's unsure how to respond to his former enemy. "Don't know...maybe...perhaps…"

"You'll be Ran's friend?"

"I...sure...sure I am."

"So that means you'll also stop being a jerk and blowing things up?"

Grenademan angrily warns, "Don't push your luck Blue-boy!"

Megaman's waving his arms fast to avert another explosive situation. "Alright, alright!"

Now calm and friendly again, Grenademan says to his new friend, "Soooo...Ran. Do you promise to be my friend?"

Ran nods, "Sure, I promise."

"Pinky Swear?"

He extends his hard, and points out his little metal finger...Ran then, using her little finger too, hooks up with him. "You bet. Pinky Swear."

Watching them interact with one another, Ranma breathes a prayer of thanks, silently grateful, glad that things turned out like this. But he has a question. "Now that you're friends with Ran - (which I still can't believe) - will you continue to work for that Dr. Wily, doing evil stuff?"

Grenademan replies, "Nah...I'm thinking of quitting. It's getting a pain in the butt working for that old bat. It's always -"Grenademan blow this up, Grenademan blow that up"-, it's tiring. Maybe I'll go and find a job that fits my skills."

Gekka nods his approval. "Well said. It's never too late to change. If you fall down off your bike, you can always rise up and try again."

Grenademan just looks at this well-meaning fool in the fancy getup. "You're really WEIRD, you know that?"

Everyone laughs...it seems that it was all over now...

Or is it?

Just then, the computer went back online, and the force field again rise up...and the Big Flash Bomb's countdown started once again.

Ran yells at him, "GRENADEMAN...WHAT DID YOU DO? WHY DID YOU DO THAT!"

Grenademan blinks, equally as surprised. "I..I didn't do it, honestly. I'll shut it down."

He process to tap the buttons to shut it off...but...it didn't respond. Megaman asks him, "Grenademan, why haven't you turned it off?"

Grenademan, now worried, answers, "I...I CANT. IT WON'T RESPOND!"

"What do you mean? Why not?" Ranma angrily wants to know. Up until now, he'd though Grenademan had actually changed, but…

"IT'S BEEN OVERWRITTEN! SOMEONE SOMEHOW TOOK CONTROL OF IT! I'M LOCKED OUT!"

"But who?" Ran asks.

As if in response to that, a holographic image materializes in thin air...it's none other than Erick!

Gekka glares at his long-time adversary, thinking, It's Erick! I should have known HE'd be behind this!

"YOU!" Grenademan shouts at Erick.

Erick, with a serious look, addresses Grenademan to deliver the message. "We don't tolerate traitors, weaklings, or fools Grenademan. You've failed in your mission, and now you must pay the price for your incompetence."

"Hey, where have I seen him before…?" Ranma muses. Then he realizes, Wait a minute! I remember that guy! He was there when I fought Ryoga a while back! What's he up to now?

"HEY! WAIT UP!" Grenademan objects. "LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS!"

Erick continues, "The mission will carry on. You will die, along with Ran, Ranma and their friends." Looking over in Megaman and Gekka's direction, he flashes a knowing wink at "Gekka" (Michael Angelus), who's fuming with anger at the scheming priest. "So...goodbye Grenademan..and don't bother shutting it down...I've taken the liberty of overwriting your code. May death welcome you all... HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

With that, the hologram fades out as the countdown resumes.

1:00

0:59

0:58

0:57

Ran panics, "OH NO...IF GRENADEMAN CAN'T SHUT IT OFF, THAT MEANS WE'RE DOOMED!"

Ranma shakes his head defiantly, "NOOO... AIN'T NO WAY I'M GOING OUT LIKE THAT! THERE'S GOTTA BE AWAY."

But no matter how hard they try...the barrier would not open. Megaman fires many Mega Busters shot, Ranma launches his Fierce Tiger Balls, and Gekka's striking the barrier with many Kunais and using his sword.

Ran, paralyzed by fear, whimpers, "No...I..I don't want to die guys."

But it's Grenademan who says at that moment, "Wait...there might be a way." Next...he's opening a panel in his chest and taking out some wires, plugging them into the computer...then he taps on the keyboard like a madman. He succeeds...but only in slowing down the countdown, and opening a small hole in the barrier.

Ranma lets out a whoop of victory. "He did it guys...there's an opening!"

Grenademan orders them, "GO, NOW! I CAN ONLY SLOW DOWN THE COUNTDOWN, BUT YOU MUST LEAVE!"
Ran asks, "But...what about you Grenademan. I can't leave you here!"
"THERE'S NO OTHER CHOICE RAN! LEAVE ME, SAVE YOURSELF!"
Ran's crying, "NOOO. I CAN'T DO THAT. I CAN HELP!"
"NO YOU CAN'T! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!"
Ran eyes are wet as she pleads, "NO, GRENADEMAN…!"
"It's the only way Ran. It's like you said...I'm a robot. If I'm destroyed, I can always be put back together and brought back online. But you're not a robot, you're a human being. If you're destroyed, you won't be able to come back."
"No, Grenademan, I want to help you!"

For the first time since his creation...Grenademan actually smiles at Ran. Not a wicked grin, but a warm and genuine smile. Seeing him smile like this in spite of the fact he's going to die breaks Ran's heart. He quietly says to her, "You already have Ran. You helped me to understand love...and showed me what friendship is all about. But most of all, you made me your friend. And for that...I thank you. Now please go...I can't slow it down much longer!"

With a sad heart...Ran nods and kisses his face. "Thank you so much Grenademan...my friend."

Gekka urges everyone to beat it – the clock's ticking and time's almost up. "LET'S GO PEOPLE, THE HOLE'S CLOSING!"

0:10

0:09

0:08

0:07

0:06

Running like crazy...they escape through the hole...outside...Megaman whistles for his companion Rush. Then Rush morphs into Rush Jet and takes off, carrying Ranma. White Dragon unfolds a device that looks like a cross between a kite, parachute, and hang gilder and took off after them, Ran holding on tightly to him.

Watching them escape, Grenademan sees that they made it and he's glad...

0:05

0:04

0:03

His last thought before going away is... Heh… now that I think about it, this is how I always wanted to go… with a bang!

Grenademan closes his eyes as he happily whispers, "Goodbye Ran...My friend."

0:02

0:01

0:00

!

The Small Thermonuclear Bomb went off. Grenademan sees a light shining as he's enveloped by the blast

The whole upper half of Tokyo Tower goes off in a big blast. Covering the surrounding area, its light illuminates the night.

Meanwhile in the sky…

Ran cries, affected by Grenademan's noble sacrifice. She whispers sadly, "Grenademan...*sniff*..."

But it's not over yet...for the resulting explosion releases a shock wave that shakes them all up. Rush yelps as he, Megaman, and Ranma are shaken like crazy. But Gekka and Ran don't get off so easily...the force of the shock wave is so strong that it literally knocks the wind out the ninja's gilding device; even worse, Ran loses her grip and falls. "Eek! …..!"

Ranma sees Ran taking yet another fatal plunge, but he and Megaman are too far away to come to her rescue; that powerful shockwave had really knocked them off course. All he can do is scream, "RAN! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Under his mask "Gekka" (Angelus), shouts, "NO! Ran!"

They all see Ran plummeting to her death as she's falling fast toward the ground.

Ranma's about to jump after her. Now, he's a pretty skilled fighter but he's not Superman. "RAN! NO! I'VE GOTTA SAVE HER!"

Megaman holds him back. "NO WAY! YOU'LL DIE AS WELL!"

"I DONT CARE. I GOTTA SAVE HER, LET ME GO!"

"Do not fear, Ranma. I'll go and save her." Gekka unhooks himself from his glider (! At that height? YIKES!) and goes into a screaming power dive after the falling form of Ran.

Ran sees that she's falling fast...and was scared of dying. It seems that I'm gonna die... she thinks. Her last conscious thought is of Ranma and her friends. I wanted to see more of life. Ranma, Akane, everyone, I'm sorry.

Meanwhile...Gekka's almost reached Ran, but he needs to get to her FAST... He's saying to himself through clenched teeth, "I need to save her. I need to save Ran. Hurry...NOW!"

Then he begins to shine with a golden aura…

And Ran, before passing away, sees a beautiful light...then... an angel reaching out to her...then... darkness.

Upon landing, Ranma begins searching like crazy for Ran... "RAN! RAN! RAAAAAAAAAAN! WHERE COULD SHE BE! I PRAY TO KAMI THAT SHE'S ALIVE…!"

Megaman tries to comfort his ally. "I'm sure that she's okay. We just gotta look for her."

-"Ran is fine Ranma."-

They see Gekka walking towards them, carrying Ran in his arms. Quickly, they approach him.

A greatly relived Ranma sighs, "Ran…! Thank God she's alive! Oh man, thank you for rescuing her."

They can't see it, but Gekka's smiling under his mask. "I was happy to do it," he simply says.

"So, how is she?" Megaman asks.
"She just fainted, but she's okay. All she needs is to rest. She's all yours Ranma." The ninja gently hands her over to Ranma, after that...
Ranma thanks him again. "Thanks once again for helping us. That was really cool of you. Don't know how to pay you, but I'll do it."

"No need Ranma. To save her is all the reward I need. Well, I must go...take good care of her. We shall meet again. Farewell, my friends." With that, Gekka vanishes in a whirlwind of leaves.

Megaman remarks, "Don't know who that guy was, but he was a real help."
"He sure was," Ranma says. "Now let's take Ran home. I'm famished, and I could really use a rest."

LATER THAT EVENING, AT THE TENDOS':

Both the Tendo and Saotome families are worried sick - they haven't heard a word from Ranma since he'd gone to battle Grenademan.

Just when Soun was about to tell Nabiki to call to Police, there was a knock on the door. When Kasumi went to open it...to her surprise, she sees Ranma at the doorstep carrying a sleeping Ran in his arms, accompanied by Megaman.

Kasumi eyes go wide at the sight. "Oh my...Ranma...!" She happily yells out to everyone else in the house, "EVERYONE! IT'S RANMA! IT'S RANMA!"

In less than a second the whole family comes rushing into the hallway and sees him with Ran.

With tears of joy, Akane cries, "RANMA! RANMA, YOU'RE ALL RIGHT! AND YOU SAVED RAN! I… I knew you could do it."

Soun busts out with the waterworks; he's so happy. "OH RANMA. YOU'VE SAVED RAN ONCE AGAIN. LIKE A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR, WAAAAAH!"

Nodoka couldn't be more proud of her son than she is right now. "My son...I'm so happy for you. Once again, you've shown what a great and caring warrior you are. A man amount men."

Genma laughs, "HA HAAA! I HAD NO DOUBT THAT RANMA WOULD RESCUE HER! HAHA!"

Ranma quietly tells everyone, "Thanks. But I couldn't have done it without the help of some friends I'd met along the way, like Megaman here."

Soun directs his attention on Megaman as he says with gratitude, "We want to thank you from our bottom of our hearts for helping Ranma save Ran."

Megaman smiles. "No need to thank me. Happy to do it."

Akane comes close to Ranma and Ran. "So how's Ran? Is she alright?"

Ranma assures his fiancée, "She's fine Akane. She's just sleeping from all that excitement. She'll be okay in the morning. Right now, she needs to rest."

Nabiki agrees, "Right. Let's take her to her room."

Later..Ranma puts Ran in her bed. Watching her now, Ranma sees how peacefully she sleeps, as if nothing happened to her. After that, he shuts the light off and closes the door. When he comes down, he's embraced by Akane. "Oh Ranma. I was so worried for you and Ran. But...somehow, in my heart, I knew that you would win."

Ranma just says to her, accepting her praise. "Thanks, Akane, That's real nice of you." He admits, "It was a tough battle...but in the end, we won."

In the living room, Ranma sees the family having a little chat with Megaman about the battle. It lasts for a while...until Megaman has to leave. "Well, its been fun, but I gotta leave. Dr. Light's probably worried about me. But it's nice meeting you all. Right Rush?"

Rush nods enthusiastically, "Ruff, ruff! Yeah, yeah!"

Kasumi's smiling as she bids him leave. "Do come and visit us again Megaman. You'll always be welcome here."

"Thanks. I'll do that." Hopping onto Rush-Jet, Megaman flies off into the evening skies, leaving Ranma and Akane.

Watching him go, Akane says, "He was a nice guy. I like him."

Ranma feels the same way at that moment. "You're right. He is. Now let's go inside. I want to take a shower and head to bed...Man, I'm soooo tired."

The Akane approaches Ranma from behind, and in a seductive voice, asks, "Want me to come with you to wash your back Ranma!"

Ranma eeps, an extreme blush appearing on his face –his cheeks are bright red. "Ummmmmmmm...su...sure...if you don't mind!"

"Not at all Ranma. It will be my pleasure. Now let's go to the bath together."

Akane giggles when she grabs Ranma's hand and sees his shyness. Then they head inside.

TOKYO TOWER – 5:00 AM:

The destruction of Tokyo Tower had not gone unnoticed by the authorities. The police and fire departments were called in to investigate, with emergency crews on standby in case anyone needed medical attention.

Later, construction crews were on hand to clean-up the area and begin repairs to the tower. As they work, hidden among them, we see many Cat Soldiers with metal detectors scanning the area. Why...?

They were picking up many electronics parts from the ground...They were the remains of Grenademan after the explosion. So now the Cat Soldiers were looking for all his parts and upon finding them, to bring them to the base, by orders from High Priest Erick Genryusai himself.

As for why...nobody but Erick knows.

TO BE CONTINUED…